Perodua Tweckbot resumes with extensive health and safety measures

                RAWANG: Perodua has announced that its Tweckbot complimentary vehicle inspection service has resumed operations and this time certain health and safety measures have been implemented.

One of the measures includes all Twekbot customers having to undergo temperature checks and will need to comply with contact tracing protocols as mandated by the government.

This also includes a more spaced-out layout for the Tweckbot stations with demarcated areas for waiting, consultation and vehicle inspection to minimise movement.

Also, Tweckbot technicians will wear face shields at all times and every vehicle will be thoroughly sanitised before and after inspection.

Physical distancing and the wearing of face masks by everyone will apply at all times.

Furthermore, the entire station will be evacuated and sanitised twice each day for the safety of its staff and valued customers.

Zainal added that for the sake of public health, the number of vehicles inspected has to be limited to a first-come, first-served basis and that such measures will be the new normal operating procedures for Tweckbot from now on.

Tweckbot provides a complimentary 50-point inspection for a Perodua vehicle that includes the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, power steering, clutch, tyres, suspension and electricals.

The team's standard operating hours are from 9.00am to 5.00pm and will be at Tesco Extra Bukit Tinggi Klang (Sept 12 to 13) as well as Tesco Puncak Alam (Sept 19 to 20) and Tesco Extra Ampang (Sept 26 to 27).

Customers who inspect their vehicles with Tweckbot will receive a 20% discount voucher redeemable for the purchase of selected parts and accessories at any authorised Perodua service centre.

“As Malaysia Day nears, we foresee many Malaysians taking vacations or returning to their hometowns. For their safety and peace of mind, it is crucial that their Perodua vehicles are in good working order. Perodua wishes all Malaysians a Happy Malaysia Day as we band together as a nation to continue fighting Covid-19. The battle is not yet won, but we are all in this together and as long as we continue to prioritise safety, we will get through this,” said Zainal.


Life and death decisions: the ethics dilemma behind autonomous cars

People looking towards an autonomous self-driving vehicle, as it is tested in a pedestrianised zone near London, on Tuesday. - AFP
MUNICH: An obstacle suddenly appears before a car. The car needs to swerve to avoid it, but to the left of the obstacle there’s a woman pushing a pram, and to the right there’s an old man.

Someone - or something - must decide whether to slam on the brakes or to steer to safety, potentially killing a pedestrian.

It’s an old ethical thought experiment, but it’s one that is increasingly becoming a practical decision for manufacturers of driverless cars.

Automobile executives like to talk about these kinds of scenarios, which bring up a sensitive question: Which decisions can computer-controlled vehicles take and which ones would we rather they don’t?

In Germany, where the major car industry is increasingly looking towards driverless cars, politicians are hoping to set ethical rules for just this issue.

In the end, there can be no easy answers – and this will be made clear at the first meeting of an expert commission set up by Germany’s Minister of Transport, Alexander Dobrindt.

A key question will be just how much automation a society actually wants, says ex-constitutional judge Udo Di Fabio, who heads the panel, as well as the extent to which the possibilities for “human intervention” will be maintained.

The minister has set two central principles for scientists and association representatives: property damage takes precedence over personal injury, and there is to be no “classification” of people.

In doing so, the German government is already working on a legal framework for robot cars, which would allow drivers to turn away from the wheel to read newspapers, write e-mails or watch movies.

However, drivers should still remain “perceptive” in order to intervene whenever the system requests or requires it. Liability regulations must also be clarified as cars themselves increasingly take control.

Particularly in tricky or delicate situations, Di Fabio expects major moral dilemmas could arise. For example, what ethical priorities could be programmed into computer software “if you only have the choice between different kinds of accidents?”

As a constitutional lawyer, Di Fabio makes no secret of the fact that some debates are, considering the central principle of human dignity, simply “outlandish.”

Would a vehicle decide to crash into a homeless person rather than someone else. Would a car evaluate people according to their social utility? “I do not believe the ethics commission will seriously be able to discuss this,” he says.

Germany’s Constitutional Court had come to a similar decision at the beginning of the year, when the discussion centred around the possibility of shooting airplanes out of the air if they had been hijacked by terrorists for the purposes of an attack. This led to the conclusion that life should not be weighed against life.

Manufacturers are also bracing themselves for potentially fatal situations.

“The dilemma will come,” says Daimler Board of Management member Thomas Weber, on the sidelines of the Paris Motor Show. “That’s why it’s good to deal with these questions as early as possible.”

Companies still express mixed opinions when it comes to the question of who decides in matters of life and death – the only point of agreement is that autonomous driving systems can indeed avoid accidents.

In a white paper drafted last year, Daimler tried to find answers to these questions, but no clear statements resulted. “I am nevertheless sure that we can find solutions,” says Weber.

For his part, BMW Chief of Sales Ian Robertson appears keen to shelve the issue for the time being: “We believe that the driver’s responsibility will remain the fundamental principle for a long time yet,” he says in Paris.

“We also believe that the technology is still somewhat immature for any next steps to be taken.”

Even so, within the industry, the question of who assumes responsibility for the new technology is not up for discussion: from manufacturers’ point of view, it is clear that this can not be delegated to a separate supplier, says Gilles Le Borgne, Vice President of Research and Development for Groupe PSA.

As the German transport minister explains, this discussion is about ethical guidelines for systems that may start to be used in five years or later.

Another factor to be taken into account is that there could be fewer deaths on the streets if human error can be avoided. “This is a great opportunity,” says commission head Di Fabio, but the personal rights of every human being remain a key consideration.

And for especially delicate situations, the overarching question might be even more straightforward: “Should a technology that leads toward such a dilemma be allowed at all?”


Hisses, purrs and roars: how good car sounds are made

                MUNICH: V8s bubble lushly and turbo-engines chirp when exhaust-gas pressure is released.

BMW uses specially tuned exhaust-gas systems for every vehicle type in order to generate particular acoustic effects. “The interpretation should sound comfortable in the lower speed range, and energetic, dynamic and sporty in the middle and upper speed ranges,” says Christian Stempel, the head of sound design and aeroacoustics at BMW.

The co-ordination of the combustion engine in combination with this creates the basis for the sound of the exhaust. “A good engine sound stands out by balancing all sounds sources, including the intake and exhaust openings as well as engine mechanics,” says Michael Pfadenhauser, the head of vibrations and acoustics at Porsche.

Sound engineers set their own focus for every model, including one characteristic that’s typical of the manufacturer. “The engine sounds deliver acoustic feedback on the vehicle’s performance capabilities — and at an emotional level to boot.”

Sound development already starts in the the initial phases with simulations, long before the first prototypes are available. “With the help of simulations, the sound of the intake and exhaust openings can be calculated and made audible,” says Pfadenhauer. “The first prototypes of the exhaust and intake systems are built off the basis of this and their sound assessed with real vehicles.”

Characteristics and intensity matter here depending on the driving situation. “A comfortable ride should be possible with low loads and speeds,” he says. Intensive feedback on this sound allows for the performance of this vehicle to be experienced for more dynamic rides with higher loads and speeds.

In order so that occupants can experience the motor and exhaust sounds without annoying other drivers, so-called “sound symposers” transmit the sound of the intake noises inside. An artificial sound is generated by stimulating the body structure via an electric converter or with the support of the audio system.

For older cars, a sports exhaust system is the easiest way to change these tones. A sports muffler, or alternatively an exhaust system silencer, is an inexpensive way to retro-fit these vehicles, said Harald Schmidtke, the head of Germany’s Association of Automobile Tuners. The complete system is the variant with more sound possibilities.

The subsequent installation of so-called “sound actuators” likewise changes the tone. These active sound boosters contain a control unit and sound actuators in which special loudspeakers generate a certain exhaust sound.

Vincenzo Luca of leading technical inspection association Tuv recommends vehicle owners also pay attention to a correct installation. Special attention must be paid to low-lying vehicles, as these parts can easily scrape off the ground.


June 9-15: RON97 petrol up 2 sen, rest unchanged

                KUALA LUMPUR: The retail price of RON97 petrol will go up by two sen to RM4.72 per litre from June 2 to 8.

In a statement today, the Finance Ministry said the prices of RON95 petrol and diesel will remain unchanged at RM2.05 and RM2.15 per litre respectively.

It said the prices of RON95 petrol and diesel were maintained at their ceiling prices even though market prices have risen above this.

According to the ministry, the new price is based on the weekly retail price of petroleum products in accordance with the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.


Ineos reveals Grenadier interior

                LONDON: The interior of the Ineos Grenadier has been revealed, showing off the space, practicality and versatility owners need from a hard-working 4X4.

Starting from a clean sheet, the design incorporates the modern technology and comfort expected of a modern vehicle.

Toggle switches and dials on the centre and overhead consoles are widely spaced and labelled. Auxiliary switches have been built in, pre-wired to support the addition of winches, work lights and other accessories.

Advanced technology is included only where it benefits functionality and usability.

"The layout is functional and logical, designed with ease of use in mind. It has everything you need and nothing you don't," said design head Toby Ecuyer,

The infotainment system is accessed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen, or by using a rotary dial. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration means users can rely on smartphone navigation which will always be up to date.

And the off-road pathfinder navigation system allows drivers to programme, follow and record their route via waypoints, when roads and tracks are left behind.

With hard-wearing surface materials throughout, the Grenadier is designed to endure. Drain plugs in the rubber flooring and wipe-down upholstery mean the interior can be hosed out. Water-resistant anti-stain Recaro seats provide ergonomic support and comfort on or off the road. Carpets and leather upholstery will be available for those aiming to leave the mud and sand outside.

Stowage space has been maximised, with a dry storage box under the rear seat, a lockable central console cubby box, and secure side-mounted storage in the rear load area. There is also scope for individualisation, with a wide range of interior options and accessories to help each owner customise the Grenadier to best perform its role.

"Inside and out, the Grenadier has been designed to do a job - to get people and their kit where they want to go in comfort, in control and with no fuss. It just works," said Ineos Automotive CEO Dirk Heilmann.

A total of 130 second-phase Grenadier prototypes are currently half-way through their target of 1.8 million kilometres of gruelling testing around the world. They would tackle the dunes of Morocco at the stage of testing.

Reservations will open from October 2021 and deliveries will start from July 2022.


Bond actress shows off topless Evoque

                LOS ANGELES: Spectre actress Naomie Harris was one of the first to view the newest member of the Range Rover family, the Evoque Convertible, as it was revealed for the first time ahead of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Following the recent global release of the 24th James Bond adventure, which features vehicles produced by the Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations division, Harris joined the brand to receive an exclusive first look at the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible as it debuted in the US.

Marrying luxury with an elegant four-seat convertible design, versatile storage and unrivalled capability both on and off-road, the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible combines the bold design and refinement of the Range Rover Evoque with a sophisticated folding roof to create a versatile, all-season convertible SUV.

Harris, who in her role as Moneypenny has been paired with Land Rover vehicles including the iconic Defender (Skyfall) and more recently the Discovery Sport (Spectre) said,

“I was so impressed by the design of this car; it’s like nothing I’ve seen on the road before and is so sleek! I love the fact that it is just as much at home driving down the Pacific Coast Highway in LA, as it is off-road in the British Countryside”.

In celebration of the world debut of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, full-size wireframe sculptures of the newest Range Rover model will be on display in West Hollywood at Le Zinque from Nov 16-17 and on the Santa Monica Pier from Nov 18-20.

More than 450,000 Range Rover Evoques have been produced globally since its introduction in 2011 making the premium compact SUV the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time. This sales success has been accompanied by critical acclaim, as the Range Rover Evoque has also won more than 165 international awards since launch.


BMW beats Mercedes by just 34 cars in tight US sales race

                NEW YORK: BMW AG’s namesake brand was neck-and-neck with its German rival in the US last month, edging Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz by a mere 34 cars and keeping the race for sales bragging rights close into the final stretch.

BMW posted a 6% gain in September, delivering to 27,467 cars and sport utility vehicles. The 3 Series sedan was up 19% and the X5 SUV more than doubled sales from a year ago.

Mercedes deliveries rose 4.8% to 27,433, paced by deliveries of its GLC and GLE SUVs, which jumped 13% and 28%, respectively.

BMW has a lead of more than 8,200 vehicles in year-to-date. But Mercedes is regaining some momentum after supplier bottlenecks at its assembly plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, left dealers with inventory shortages earlier this year.

Toyota Motor Corp.’s Lexus, which outsold the German luxury leaders in both July and August, reported a 17% plunge in US deliveries last month. Sales of the ES, the brand’s top sedan, tumbled 36%, while the RX SUV, its most popular light truck, fell 12%.

Volkswagen AG’s Audi division also slumped in September, with a 17% slide. Deliveries of its best-selling SUV, the Q5, fell 41%.


Citroen DS turns 60!

                PARIS: A series of ‘1955’ limited editions for Citroen’s DS-range will soon be released to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first DS.

The limited editions will be revealed during DS Week, which is dedicated to celebrate the DS range’s anniversary and will run from May 19 to 24.

To celebrate the occasion, the limited edition of the whole DS product line-up will be built in limited quantities and subsequently launched during DS Week

Such models include the DS 3 and Cabrio (1,995 units), DS 4 (955 units) and the new DS 5 (955 units) for all markets.

These limited editions will be put on display during DS Week at the Tuileries Garden in Paris and the cars will go on sale in the UK before the end of June.

“To build today's DS brand we draw inspiration from the exceptional heritage of this legendary car, and take up the values it conveyed, of innovation, excellence and avant-garde design,” said DS CEO Yves Bonnefont


GM digs in with LG Corp to speed a fix for Bolt battery fires

                DETROIT: General Motors Co is taking a more direct role with South Korea's LG Corp, its longtime electric vehicle partner, in tracking down and fixing problems linked to battery fires in Chevrolet Bolts that threaten the strategic plans of both companies.

At an investor conference on Friday, GM Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson said LG is working with GM engineers to "clean up the manufacturing process" at LG battery plants and implement some "GM quality metrics."

Battery plants in South Korea and Michigan operated by LG Energy Solution (LGES) have been identified by GM as the source of defects behind a rash of battery-related fires in the Bolt that have triggered three recalls and US$1.8 billion in warranty set-asides by GM since last November - recalls for which GM still has not implemented a hardware fix.

LGES and sister company LG Electronics on Friday reiterated their "close relationship" with GM and said the three companies are "actively cooperating to come up with a final recall plan" to "wisely resolve" battery issues in more than 140,000 Bolts - the entire production run since late 2016.

“Experts from GM and LG continue to work around the clock on the issues," GM spokesman Dan Flores said on Thursday. "We are determined to do the right thing for our customers and resolve the problem once and for all. Once we are confident LG can provide us with good battery modules, we will begin repairs as quickly as we can.”

GM has said early Bolt models will have their entire battery pack replaced, while newer models will have only defective modules within the pack replaced. Those new parts may not be available until after November.

In the meantime, Bolt owners and prospective EV buyers have unleashed a torrent of complaints and concerns on social media aimed at both GM and LG. It is unclear how much permanent damage either company may sustain from the battery fires.

"Not even Tesla has been slowed by fires," said Tyson Jominy, JD Power vice president of automotive data & analytics. "I don’t expect this to slow down the EV transition much."

With resolution of the costly recall debacle still up in the air, relations between GM and LG have soured, people familiar with the situation said. The partners are stuck in what one Korean analyst deemed a "show window marriage," one in which a divorce is unlikely as few immediate alternatives are available.

For now, GM's Michigan factory that assembles the Bolt is shut down and its 1,000 workers idled until late September.

The automaker said it has bought back some Bolts from owners and is reviewing such requests on a case-by-case basis. GM also has said it expects LG to help shoulder the $1.8 billion expense to replace Bolt battery packs.

On Friday, GM's Jacobson said the two companies are having "high level conversations" about costs, and that GM expects reimbursement.

But the ultimate cost to GM and LG could be even greater. GM is ramping up a US$35 billion campaign to launch a new generation of electric and automated vehicles powered by its proprietary Ultium battery technology.

The Ultium batteries GM plans to use in key electric models such as the GMC Hummer EV and electric Chevrolet Silverado are scheduled to be made with LGES in joint-venture factories in Ohio and Tennessee as part of a US$4.6-billion investment program.

But following the latest Bolt recall in late August, chief executive Mary Barra left open the possibility that GM could find new partners for future battery plants.

GM's Ultium cells have a different design, size and chemistry than the LG cells in the Bolt and are packaged into modules and packs in a different way.

GM executives also stress that the automaker, not LG, will control manufacturing and quality control for Ultium batteries.

LG and its affiliates have as much at stake as GM, if not more.

The Bolt recalls are not the only ones involving LG batteries. South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co earlier this year recalled nearly 76,000 Kona Electric cars worldwide to replace defective battery modules after reports of fires linked to LG batteries made in China.

LG's signature battery technology, a thin and flexible rectangular format called pouch cells, is one of three different battery types used in electric vehicles.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk took a jab at the GM-LG pouch cell technology in a recent tweet, writing that "probability of thermal runaway is dangerously high with large pouch cells. Tesla strongly recommends against their use." Tesla mainly uses cylindrical cells from several sources, including some made in China by LG.

It is not clear what type of cells LGES expects to produce as part of its plan to invest another US$4.5 billion in two additional US battery plants. Switching battery cell technology and formats could slow the investment timetable.

On Friday, LGES told Reuters: "We will continue to win orders and proceed (with) our investment in global markets, including the United States, as planned."


Honda City arrives as a hatchback, priced from RM75,700

                KUALA LUMPUR: After more than a month of teasers, Honda Malaysia finally launched the all-new Honda City Hatchback.

Featuring a sporty design, the new compact model comes with an array of convenience and safety equipment, and is aimed at a younger audience.

The City Hatchback is offered in four variants of S, E, V and RS e:HEV hybrid.

While bookings for the City Hatchback can be made at all Honda outlets, the model would only be available in showrooms next year.

The S, E and V variants are available immediately and priced at RM75,670, RM83,080 and RM87,860 respectively.

Prices are on-the-road without insurance but include sales tax exemption.

The RS e:HEV is only available early next year with the price to be announced closer to delivery period.

The City Hatchback is the hatchback bodystyle version of the fifth-generation City sedan which was introduced in October last year.

Compared with the City sedan which the City Hatchback shares underpinnings and key equipment with, the City Hatchback costs RM1,300 to RM1,500 more depending on the variant.

Both models have the same wheelbase and width which translate to a similar level of interior spaciousness.

The City Hatchback S, E and V variants are equipped with a 1.5-litre dual camshaft i-VTEC engine that delivers 121PS and 145Nm of torque mated to a continuous variable transmission.

Meanwhile the RS e:HEV hybrid comes with a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle dual camshaft i-VTEC engine coupled to an e-CVT transmission and an electric motor.

The engine delivers 98PS and 127Nm of torque while the electric motor pumps out 109PS and 253Nm of torque.

The hybrid powertrain delivers a new level of driving experience with a seamless and smooth acceleration as well as excellent fuel efficiency.

The RS e:HEV starts on electric power until it reaches high speeds where the petrol engine takes over.

A main draw of the City Hatchback is the 4-Modes versatile Ultra Seats that can be configured into Utility, Long, Tall or Refresh modes.

The Ultra Seats, which were popularised by the Honda Jazz model, allow owners to use various modes to maximise luggage carrying capacity.

The car also comes with sound absorbing materials to reduce interior noise and has a luggage space of 289 litres which can be increased to 841 litres with rear seats folded down.

The flagship RS e:HEV comes with a gloss black front grille, solid wing and door mirrors for a two-toned body colour expression.

Both the RS e:HEV and V variants also feature LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED front fog lights, tailgate spoiler, LED rear combination lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The RS e:HEV is fitted with red-stitched Ultrasuede seats, the V variant gets leather seats while the S and E come with fabric seats.

The RS e:HEV, V and E variants are also equipped with an 8-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity, automatic air-conditioning, two USB ports and remote engine start feature that allows owners to remotely turn on the engine and air-conditioning before entering the car.

In addition, the RS e:HEV and V variants also get Honda LaneWatch, a first in its segment for safety, that uses camera-based safety technology to monitor the rear leftside of the vehicle for oncoming vehicles.

Aside from rear air conditioner ventilation and electric parking brake, the RS e:HEV also comes with Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance safety system that includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High Beam (AHB).

The RS e:HEV is also the second model in Honda Malaysia’s line-up, after the City sedan RS e:HEV, to feature the Honda Connect telematics which allows owners to access vehicle diagnostics, remote applications, security applications, vehicle tracking and support services through a smartphone application.

Other standard safety features for all variants are Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), rear seat ISOFIX i-size type and rear seatbelt reminder.

Available colours for the RS e:HEV are Platinum White Pearl and the new Ignite Red Metallic and new Meteoroid Gray Metallic.

Buyers of the S, E and V can choose from the three colours as well as Lunar Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Madoka Chujo said the company had secured more than 2,000 bookings for the five-door hatchback before the launch.

“This new model will be the trend setter with its first-in-segment advanced technology, premium features, versatility with Ultra Seats configurations and most importantly, it will be absolutely fun to drive,” she said.

Chujo said over 380,000 units of the City had been sold in Malaysia since the introduction of the second generation City in 2002.

“Today, Honda Malaysia is set to create another key milestone, offering the popular City model in a hatchback body type. Over the years and generations, the City has evolved into one of Malaysia’s most favourite B-segment sedan,” she said.

The City Hatchback is covered by a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty with free service up to five times within 100,000km or five years.

The lithium-ion hybrid battery gets an eight-year/unlimited mileage warranty.


Range Rover Sport PHEV first SUV to climb Heaven's Gate

                SHANGHAI: A dizzying 99 turns and 999 daunting steps didn’t stop the new Range Rover Sport PHEV from completing a world-first at one of China’s most famous landmarks.

The petrol-electric performance SUV has become the first vehicle to climb the stairs to the natural rock arch of Heaven’s Gate, about 1,000km south-west of here.

The challenge began at the bottom of the legendary 11.3km Tianmen Mountain Road (known as the Dragon Road). The showroom standard Range Rover Sport P400e took on the demanding course, with Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s Ho-Pin Tung behind the wheel and the Terrain Response 2 system in Dynamic mode.

At the summit of the road, the Formula E driver optimised Terrain Response for the second part of the challenge, conquering the towering 45-degree staircase of 999 steps leading to China’s legendary Heaven’s Gate using a combination of Ingenium petrol and electric battery power.

The Dragon Challenge is the latest in a series of adventures completed by the Range Rover Sport after the PHEV model made its debut in a race against two-time open-water swimming world champion Keri-anne Payne and endurance athlete Ross Edgley in Devon, UK.

Previous exploits include a record-setting hill-climb at Pikes Peak, USA, a record crossing of the ‘Empty Quarter’ desert in the Arabian Peninsula and a 2,170m descent of the legendary Inferno downhill course in Mürren, Switzerland.


BMW World Malaysia opens, i8 among new models announced on sale

 The BMW i8.

KUALA LUMPUR: You can now buy the i8 plug-in hybrid for around RM1.2mil. BMW Group Malaysia said this at the opening of the first BMW World Malaysia exhibition here as it also announced that it has cut prices for all vehicles following the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from April 1.

Prices for BMW and MINI cars are now 1.9% lower and the BMW Motorrad motorcycles are up to 18% lower.

The announcement was made by managing director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Alan Harris during the opening ceremony of BMW World Malaysia at Bukit Kiara Indoor Arena, which will be held from April 17-19, 2015.

“In the first three months of 2015, we at BMW Group Malaysia delivered a total of 1,729 BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles. This performance is in tandem with what we have observed in the Malaysian auto industry due to over speculation on pricing post GST. As we now progress further into 2015, we hope that car buyers have amuch clearer conscience when deciding on their new BMW, MINI or Motorrad,” said Harris.

 Managing director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia, Alan Harris.

Even though the first quarter figures for 2015 is slightly lower compared to last year’s first quarter’s performance, Harris maintains a positive outlook for 2015.

“We’ve been enjoying double-digit growth for the last couple of years and we’re confident we will be able to do the same for 2015,” said Harris.

 BMW X6 xDrive35i.

The BMW World Malaysia is the first and largest ever display of premium vehicles in Malaysia.

It also saw the launch of a series of all-new cars and motorcycles such as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, BMW X6 xDrive35i, BMW i8, the new MINI John Cooper Works and bikes such as the BMW S 1000 RR and BMW R 1200 R.

 BMW S 1000 RR.

Also featured was the new MINI Cooper 5-Door and the now locally-assembled MINI Cooper Countryman.

Prices of the new vehicles are as follows:
BMW 218i Active Tourer (RM218,800); BMW 218i Active Tourer Luxury Line (RM248,800); BMW X6 xDrive35i (RM718,800) and BMW i8 including BMWi wallbox (RM1,188,800).
MINI John Cooper Works (RM288,888); MINI Cooper 5-Door (RM188,888) and MINI Cooper Countryman (RM198,888).
And finally the bikes: BMW S 1000 RR (RM108,900) and BMW R 1200 R (RM91,900).
All prices are on-the-road without insurance.

 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

It also showcased the premiere of the BMW 328 Hommage, the first in Asia, as well as the Malaysian premiere of the BMW Concept Roadster motorcycle.

 MINI John Cooper Works.

“We at BMW have always believed in creating an all-round unforgettable experience for our customers, and we wanted to do so through a space which communicates the heart of the brands we carry. We hope that with the BMW World Malaysia, our valued customers will enjoy a brand experience unlike any other,” said Harris.

 BMW 328 Hommage

For more information on BMW World Malaysia, visit www.bmwworld.com.my.

 BMW R 1200 R.


Finance Ministry will decide if Malaysian F1 race stays after 2015

                SEPANG: The Finance Ministry will have the final say whether the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix will continue beyond 2015.

It’s unlikely that this year’s Malaysian GP will be the last as the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) have submitted a three-year deal to continue hosting the prestigious race.

But, as SIC chairman Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir said, the final decision on the contract extension lies with the Finance Ministry.

“They’re the stakeholders and what we’re looking for is a win-win situation between the two parties – Formula One Management (FOM) and our side,” he said.

“There are some finer details we’re going through to make sure we get value for our money in the new contract extension.

“Formula One has certainly changed a lot compared to when we first hosted it in 1999.

“We’re also looking at the involvement of Petronas with the AMG Mercedes team and it’s important for us to continue making our Formula One race interesting every year and not operate within restrictions.

“A Formula One race has to interact with ticket holders as a sign of the times.”

Mohkzani said that they will make an announcement by this weekend.

The indications are that SIC want the Malaysian GP to continue if the investments in high-definition broadcast systems for race control are of any indication.

“These are the biggest upgrades which the public don’t see. We have changed all the closed-circuit cameras and broadcasting feed to high-definition television,” said Mokhzani.

“The final inspection was made yesterday and we have handed over the circuit to the FOM for this weekend’s event.”

SIC are also optimistic they will get the targeted attendance of at least 70,000 for this weekend.

“Ticket sales are slightly better compared to the corresponding period last year.

“We expect sales to increase by 40% two or three days before the race.”


Apad's new online commercial vehicle licensing system touted as more user-friendly

                PETALING JAYA: The online commercial vehicle licensing system (ISPKP) that will be rolled out by the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) this year will lead to a better customer experience, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

He said that the new system, which will replace the existing licensing system, which is 20 years old, will make it easier for the public to deal with Apad in the future, he said in a statement on Facebook after visiting the APAD southern region office at Menara Cyberport Johor Baru on Saturday.

During his visit, he was briefed by the senior assistant director of the commercial licensing division Mohd Lutfi Ahmad on the operation of Apad southern region which also includes the states of Johor and Melaka.

"The Apad southern region office receives about 2,800 visitors and around 3,000 permit and license applications every month.

"I also had the opportunity to meet some visitors at this office and I found that on average, they are satisfied with the services provided."

He also reminded Apad to continue providing the best service to the public, especially to public transport operators as they are facing difficult times due to the Covid-19 pandemic and are in need of support and assistance.


BMW boss not afraid of tech rivals: 'Cars aren't iPhones on wheels'

                LAS VEGAS: Big tech may seem to be muscling into the car business, but that is not bothering BMW boss Oliver Zipse, who says his business is not threatened by such rivals.

"We are not afraid of tech players at all because we work with all of them," Zipse said amid a flurry of high-tech automotive unveilings in early January at the just-ended CES tech

He says the future of the car industry lies in the task of combining hardware and software. Companies need to maintain sovereignty over the data, Zipse says.

Vehicles are complicated and that complexity is a hurdle for tech rivals, he says. "The car is not an iPhone on wheels."

His comments come as the tech sector has gained influence in the car industry over the past few years. Google and Apple offer smartphone users the option of having their phones take over the cars' infotainment displays, for example.

Google is also developing the Android operating system that car manufacturers are increasingly using as a software base in cockpits. Google's sister company Waymo is meanwhile building robotaxi services and Apple is also working on autonomous driving technology.

At the Jan 5-8 CES, Sony showed the prototype of a car developed with Honda that is to be launched in 2026 under the brand name Afeela.

All that comes as the car business is undergoing a profound transformation. The transition to electromobility is leading to the creation of new vehicle architectures, while car makers want to earn more money through digital services, beyond vehicle sales.

But customers are only willing to a certain extent to pay for vehicle functions as part of a subscription, in Zipse's opinion. If they pay US$50,000 for a car they are not going to want to say it is not fully equipped, he says.

Those who do not subscribe to built-in technology "have installed it for free," he added.

Zipse was also sceptical about the market prospects for autonomous driving systems, where cars can take over control of the vehicle in some situations. At those times, the liability lies with the manufacturer.

Under common classification, that is Level 3 of autonomous driving. At level 4, a car also only drives itself under predefined conditions, but should not need human intervention.

BMW competitor Mercedes started selling some models with a Level 3 system last year. The system takes over the steering and liability on motorways at speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour until a person takes back control when requested.

Zipse says the current technical standards are not sufficiently advanced to work as a business model. "A Level 3 system, regardless of whether it is operating at 60, 80 or 120kph, that constantly switches off in a tunnel, switches off in the rain, switches off in the dark, switches off in fog - what's the point? No customer will buy it."

Also, nobody wants to be in the shoes of a car maker in the liability phase, for example, if the car misinterprets a traffic situation when handing control back to the driver. "We are not taking that risk."


Yamaha MT-09 Tracer debuts, priced from RM60K

                PETALING JAYA: Hong Leong Yamaha Motor today launched the Yamaha MT-09 Tracer, a light touring bike priced at RM 59,900.

The introduction of the latest motorcycle marks the fifth major model in the local Yamaha big bike product line-up, and stands out as its new flagship model. It will complement the current model range of XJ6, MT07, MT-09 and XV950R.

The fully imported MT-09 Tracer is touted as an ideal weekend tourer. At 190kg (dry weight) and equipped with a 847cc 3-cylinder fuel-injected engine, the Tracer comes with traction control and anti-lock braking as standard.

The price excludes road tax, insurance and number plate. The motorcycle will be available at selected authorised Yamaha dealerships nationwide from mid-July. It comes only in RACE BLU colour.


Founder of J.D. Power dies at 89

                LOS ANGELES: James David Power III, the founder of the influential car quality survey company, J.D. Power, died on Saturday. He was 89.

Power set up the company with his wife, Julie, in 1968, and it initially focused on the automotive industry. It has since expanded and influenced the everyday lives of consumers and industries worldwide by tracking consumers' experience and offering insights to drive improvement in clients' products and services.

Its first auto client was Toyota in 1969.
In the 1980s, the US Automotive Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Study, US Automotive Initial Quality Study (IQS) and US Automotive Media Study were launched, serving as the cornerstone of the 52-year-old firm's plan to expand to include independently funded syndicated studies.

In 1992, Power was a recipient of the Automotive Hall of Fame’s Distinguished Service Citation, awarded each year to seven of the industry’s most accomplished leader.

Power retired from the company in 2005 and sold it to S&P Global. He continued to contribute to the company he created until 2009.

Following his retirement, Power was made a member of several boards of directors and also focused on his family’s philanthropic interests.

Over the next 15 years, the company changed ownership, being sold to XIO Group and then to private equity firm Thomas Bravo, which also owns Autodata Solutions.

Dave Habiger is the current president and CEO of J.D. Power. J.D. Power is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.


Nissan to close global HQ, other Japan sites through May 10

                TOKYO: Nissan Motor Co said today it will shut its global headquarters in Japan for 16 days through early May to contain the spread of the coronavirus, even though the government has permitted keeping workplaces open to get the economy running.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has allowed factories to keep operating under a state of emergency that was declared this month and broadened last week, but Nissan and its rivals had already suspended output at many of their plants due to plummeting global demand.

Nissan is the latest Japanese company to shutter its global headquarters to reduce the number of staff commuting, as the Covid-19 infections in the country increased to around 11,000 this week.

Canon Inc and Toshiba also announced similar measures earlier this month.

Nissan said that 15,000 employees at its headquarters in Yokohama and main R&D centre in nearby Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, would be required to take leave for 16 days from next Monday through Japan’s “Golden Week” holiday that starts on May 4.

Its headquarters would be closed to all but essential workers, a Nissan spokesman said, adding that those affected would receive “the majority” of their full salaries during the period.

She said the measures were aimed at keeping more than 90% of its employees away from its offices, up from 80% at the moment.

Like many of its global rivals, Nissan has also shuttered most of its global production facilities in compliance with “shelter at home” directives to contain the spread of the virus.

Nissan stopped production at its Tochigi vehicle plant, which produces the Skyline sedan and Infiniti models, for much of this month, and plans to keep it closed for most of May.

Its plant in Kyushu, southern Japan, will operate only the day shift during April and May and shut down completely for four days during that period.

Nissan’s bigger rival Toyota Motor Corp has said it expects to cut its domestic production by around 40% as it significantly reduced output at its Japanese plants starting earlier month.

Honda Motor Co also said it would stop production at some of its domestic plants next week, citing disruptions in its global supply chain.

Most automakers are bracing for a big financial hit from the virus, as lockdowns in the United States and Europe have kept buyers out of dealerships.

But Nissan’s sales and profits had been slumping even before the outbreak, forcing it to roll back on an aggressive expansion plan pursued by ousted leader Carlos Ghosn.

The pandemic has only piled on urgency and pressure to renew efforts to downsize. Nissan is due to announce a new recovery plan next month.


Why are BMW and Daimler being sued over climate change?

                BERLIN: German activists have filed a lawsuit against automakers BMW and Daimler for refusing to tighten carbon emissions goals, the first time German citizens have sued private companies for exacerbating climate change.

The lawsuit from the heads of Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), is similar to one being lined up for Volkswagen by the heads of Greenpeace's Germany division in collaboration with Fridays for Future activist Clara Mayer and an unidentified landowner.

However, this group has given Volkswagen until Oct 29 to respond.

DUH also challenged energy firm Wintershall to restrict its emissions targets, but no suit has been filed against the company as of yet.

Here's what the cases mean, and why they matter.

Where has this come from?

In May last year, Germany's top court ruled the country's climate law was not doing enough to protect future generations. It set carbon emissions budgets for major economic sectors, increased the percentage by which emissions must be reduced from 1990 levels by 2030 to 65% from 55%, and stated that Germany as a country must be carbon-neutral by 2045. read more

While meeting these demands implies some restrictions to current generations' lifestyles, not meeting them would force future generations to make significantly more drastic sacrifices in order to both survive in a warmer world, and prevent the problem from getting worse, the court argued at the time.

In the same month, environmental groups in the Netherlands won a case against oil company Shell for not doing enough to mitigate its impact on the climate – the first private firm to be ordered by a court to reduce its emissions.

On the back of those two rulings, the German activists are making their case.

Why does it matter?

This case is important on two levels.

Firstly, because of the legal precedent it could set - namely, that companies are directly responsible for the effect on people's lives of the emissions their products create.

If the defendants win, citizens could be emboldened to sue other companies – from airlines to retailers to energy firms – for not doing enough to mitigate their impact on the planet.

Secondly, because companies will be forced to prove in court that their emissions targets are as watertight as they say they are – stress-testing their claims that they are taking climate change seriously.

Why these companies?

Daimler and BMW have set a number of climate-related targets.

Daimler aims to produce purely electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, and provide an electric alternative for all models by 2025.

BMW wants at least half of global sales to be EVs by 2030, and reduce CO2 emissions per vehicle by 40% in the same timeframe. Volkswagen has said it will stop producing fossil fuel-emitting cars by 2035.

All three firms have stated that their targets are in line with the international Paris Agreement on tackling global warming.

But the defendants argue that the companies' goals aren't enough to adhere to the German climate ruling and carbon emissions budgets set by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC).

By prolonging carbon-emitting activities, the companies are directly responsible for the constraints on individual rights that will have to endured in future if carbon budgets aren't stuck to, the case argues.

These are by no means the only firms to which such an argument could apply - and if DUH wins, more lawsuits could follow.

What do they want?

DUH wants both autos firms to legally commit to ending production of fossil fuel-emitting cars by 2030, and to ensure the CO2 emitted by their activities before those deadlines does not go beyond their fair share.

What do they mean by their fair share? It's a complex calculation – but put simply, the NGO has calculated a personal "carbon budget" for each company, based on a figure put together by the IPCC of how much carbon we can still emit globally without warming the Earth beyond 1.7 degrees Celsius, and how much carbon the companies emitted in 2019.

According to its calculations, the companies' current climate goals aren't enough to keep them within their allocated budget – meaning that even if everyone else sticks to their budgets, these companies' activities would push emissions over the limit.

What have the companies said?

Daimler said on Monday it did not see any grounds for the case. "We have long provided a clear statement for the path to climate neutrality: it is our aim to be fully electric by the end of the decade - wherever market conditions allow," it said in a statement.

BMW said its climate targets were already at the forefront of the industry, and its goals were in line with the ambition of keeping global warming under 1.5 degrees.

Volkswagen said it would consider the case, but that it "does not view suing individual firms as a suitable method to tackle societal challenges."

What happens next?

It's now up to Germany's district court to decide whether the case should be taken forward. If it thinks so, the companies will be asked to present evidence to defend themselves against the charges, and a written debate between the two sides will ensue.

A ruling could be years away. But the longer it takes, the higher the risk to the companies if they lose - as they could be left with very little time left to meet any court demands by 2030.


Tesla's Cybertruck to start mass production at end of 2023

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla aims to start mass production of its Cybertruck at the end of 2023, two years after the initial target for the long-awaited pickup truck Chief Executive Elon Musk unveiled in 2019, two people with knowledge of the plans told Reuters.

Tesla said last month it was working on readying its Austin, Texas, plant to build the new model with “early production” set to start in the middle of 2023. “We’re in the final lap for Cybertruck,” Musk told a conference call with financial analysts.

A gradual ramp in the second half of next year to full output for the sharp-angled electric truck would mean that Tesla would not be recording revenue until early 2024 for a full-quarter of production on a new model expected as key to its growth.

It would also mean a wait of another year for the estimated hundreds of thousands of potential buyers who have paid $100 to reserve a Cybertruck in one of the most highly anticipated and closely tracked electric vehicle launches ever.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request to comment. Tesla shares were up 0.4% after rising as much as 4.3% earlier on Tuesday.

It has not announced final pricing on the Cybertruck, showed the production version of the vehicle or specified how it will manage the battery supply for the new model.

In 2019, Tesla had projected an initial price of under US$40,000, but prices for new vehicles have shot higher since then and Tesla has raised prices across its lineup.

Another source said Cybertruck was designed to use Tesla's much-touted 4680 batteries. But Guidehouse Insights analyst Sam Abuelsamid said Tesla has not been able to significantly scale up production of the in-house batteries, which could lead to further delays of Cybertrucks beyond the end of 2023.

Tesla may have to significantly redesign the Cybertruck batteries to switch to conventional 2170 batteries, he added.

Musk said last month the 4680 batteries are not expected to be "any limiting factor for Cybertruck or anything else." He said the battery output was growing exponentially, without giving details about the production volume.

Cracked windows

Musk introduced Cybertruck in a 2019 reveal where the vehicle’s designer cracked the vehicle’s supposedly unbreakable “armour glass” windows. The company has pushed back production timing three times since: from late 2021 to late 2022, then to early 2023 and most recently to the mid-2023 target for initial production.

The Cybertruck launch will give Tesla an EV entrant in one of the most profitable segments of the US market and a competitor to electric pickups from the likes of Ford Motor Co (F.N) and Rivian Automotive, both of which have launched models in still-limited numbers.

In January, Musk had cited shortages in sourcing components as the reason for pushing the launch of Cybertruck into 2023.

In May, Tesla stopped taking orders for the Cybertruck outside North America. Musk said then the company had "more orders of the first Cybertrucks than we could possibly fulfill for three years after the start of production."

Automakers often ramp production slowly for an all-new model like the Cybertruck.

Analysts have also cautioned that a weakening global economy will start to weigh on sales for Tesla, which has so far been able to sell every car it makes. Musk has said he expected a coming recession would last “probably until Spring of ’24.”

IDRA Group, the Italian company making the Giga Press that will be used for die casting parts for the Cybertruck, said in a LinkedIn post last week that the 9,000-ton machine for truck part production was packed and ready to be shipped.

The post did not name Tesla. Tesla has been using the Giga Press to cut the cost and complexity of production of its Model Y, an innovation other automakers, including Toyota, have studied.


Continental CEO says jobs will be lost in shift to electric cars

                HANOVER: The shift to electric vehicles will cost jobs at German automotive supplier Continental, its chief executive told a newspaper, but he said many of those jobs would be offset by new positions related to electro-mobility.

"Due to the low added value, production jobs will be lost," German weekly paper Welt am Sonntag quoted Elmar Degenhart as saying in a summary of an article to be published on Sunday.

He said it was too soon to say whether the number of jobs that would be lost would be bigger of smaller than the number of new positions created.

"There is enough time to design the process such that the blow is softened and major pain can be avoided," he said.

Some 30,000 of 218,000 jobs at Continental are dependent on combustion engines, the paper said.

Continental said last month it would increase spending on electric-car components in coming years but expects to avert any major impact on its earnings through additional sales from new R&D projects.


Fuel up with Shell and help underprivileged children

PETALING JAYA: Shell is inviting Malaysians to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children through its Shell Raya Charity Campaign 2018.Now in its fourth year, this initiative has been expanded to take place over 9 days, with an increased donation of up to 2 sen (RM0.02) for every litre of fuel pumped with the participation of Mastercard.On May 19, 26, June 2 and 9 until June 14, 2018, Shell will donate 1 Sen (RM0.01) for every litre of fuel pumped at any Shell station nationwide. An additional donation of 1 Sen (RM0.01) per litre will be made by Mastercard when motorists pay using their Mastercard.“Shell’s mission is to make life’s journeys better for all Malaysians, by offering high quality fuels and making a positive impact in the communities where we operate. Children are the future of our nation, and we believe in supporting those in need to help them achieve their full potential. Through the generous support of Malaysians over the past 3 years, we have made a difference in the lives of over 5,200 underprivileged children,” said Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, Shairan Huzani Husain.The Shell Raya Charity Campaign focuses on capacity building for underprivileged children since its inception in 2015. Thanks to the generosity and support of Malaysian motorists, donations have allowed charitable organisations to fund educational programmes, renovate facilities, and upgrade office equipment.This year, the funds will be donated to seven selected charitable organisations across the country; The Kalsom Movement (Nationwide), Yayasan Chow Kit (Klang Valley), Majlis Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Malaysia (East Coast, North, South), Project T.R.Y (Transforming Rural Youth, Sabah), Pertubuhan Ibu Bapa Kanak-Kanak Keperluan Istimewa Sarawak, Montfort Youth Training Centre (Sabah), and HAUS (Sarawak).Every contribution matters, and motorists are invited to take part in this initiative beginning Saturday, May 19, 2018 by simply fuelling up at any Shell station nationwide.Be sure to mark the remaining dates – May 26, June 2 and 9 until June 14, 2018 – in your calendar.For more information and details on the campaign, please visit www.shell.com.my/CSR


Carpooling: Malaysia is worst in the world, survey finds

                PETALING JAYA: Most Malaysians who drive to work in Kuala Lumpur commute by themselves, a survey has found.

The survey by the Centre for Governance and Political Studies (Cent-GPS) found that 87.3% of Malaysians in the Klang Valley are alone in their vehicles, one of the highest single driver commuter rates in the world.

The survey found that around 11.6% travel with one passenger on board whilst only 0.9% travel with two other passengers on board.

It said that e-hailing drivers and their passengers were excluded from the survey.

Close to 5,000 vehicles were surveyed from Oct 23 to Oct 25 across different parts of the Klang Valley, between 8am and 9.10am.

The sample respondents were drivers who were driving towards the Central Business District (CBD) on a highway that was tolled.

Cent-GPS said this was to ensure they were financially committed to driving to work and signified that they would rather pay toll and the cost of fuel than the charges for public transport.

The researchers were stationed in Ampang, Seri Kembangan, Sungai Buloh and Petaling Jaya, at locations near a toll, and linked residential areas and places of work.

“In our qualitative studies, it is clear from our respondents that many prefer to drive alone because of comfort.

“They would rather spend the morning drive alone to gather their thoughts, listen to their favourite podcasts or even favourite music.

“They would prefer to do this without having to layan (interact) with a colleague passenger, ” Cent-GPS said in a press release Monday (Nov 4).

The other reason given by these drivers was that public transport still remained difficult, with some complaining that the cost of parking at an LRT or MRT station was the same as parking at work.

A few others complained that when they did arrange for carpooling arrangements, their colleagues would often wake up late, making the driver late for work as well.

According to Cent-GPS, in 2018 the United States was found to have a nationwide average single driver commuter rate of 66% whilst the other 34% carpooled.

In Spain, around 56% of workers commute alone by driving whilst the other 44% carpooled or took public transport.

In Belgium, the number of single driver commuters has been declining at a rate of 5% a year to what is now believed to be only around 30% of single driver commuters.

“From our literature review, however, the biggest correlation we find with high levels of single driver commuters is the cost of fuel and toll.

“Frankly, the fairly affordable cost of fuel and toll in Malaysia is not a big enough incentive to urge people to seek a carpooling or public transportation option.

“The cost of fuel and sitting through traffic is just not as big as the cost of having to sit and listen to your colleague complain about the boss.

“Yet, if the government were to increase the cost of toll and fuel, the most affected would be the B40 group, making driving to work alone a luxury afforded by the rich, ” said Cent-GPS.

The group, however, urged policy-makers not to pursue the plight of eradicating tolls or continuing fuel subsidies.

“Even the rhetoric of reducing tolls implies that tolls serve a back-stepping function in our society. This is not true. Tolls need to be seen as a function in a developing country that can begin to regulate and reduce the number of cars on the road.

“As we head into a decade where climate change will determine our livelihoods, these measures, albeit painful and unpopular, need to be taken for the greater good, for the cleanliness of our children’s future.

"Traffic accidents have also been on the rise since 2008, ” it said.

The government is aiming to achieve 40% of public transportation usage by 2030, with only 20% of Malaysians using public transport currently.

According to market research agency Nielsen, 93% of Malaysian households in 2014 owned a car, the third highest rate of car ownership in the world.


Renault rift with Nissan widens over governance, casts shadow on alliance

A Renault car company logo is seen outside a dealership in Nice. — Reuters
TOKYO/PARIS: The two-decade-old partnership of Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co was plunged into fresh crisis today, as the French automaker’s demand for a greater say in Nissan’s new governance system drew rare public censure by the Japanese firm.

Renault, which owns 43.4% of the Japanese firm, signalled it would block Nissan from formally adopting an overhauled governance structure at a June 25 shareholder meeting - unless Renault received representation on new Nissan committees.

The demand, conveyed in a letter from Renault Chairman Jean-Dominique Senard just weeks before the meeting, could scuttle the new structure, created after months of deliberation by an outside committee and previously supported by Senard. Nissan responded in some of its frankest language yet against its top shareholder, calling the demand “most regrettable”.

“Nissan has received a letter from Renault indicating intention to abstain from voting,” Nissan said in a statement.

“Nissan finds Renault’s new stance on this matter most regrettable, as such a stance runs counter to the company’s efforts to improve its corporate governance.”

The rift lays bare the deep strain between the two automakers, whose alliance has been under pressure since the arrest of former Chairman Carlos Ghosn in November. What’s at stake now may be even bigger than their vast alliance, which includes Mitsubishi Motors.

Renault and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) are looking for ways to resuscitate their collapsed merger plan and secure Nissan’s approval for that deal, Reuters reported on Monday. Nissan is, therefore, poised to urge Renault to significantly cut the 43.4% stake, two people told Reuters.

By abstaining from the governance vote, Renault would effectively block the new governance system - which includes three committees - as adoption requires two-thirds approval. Nissan recently said it would abstain from voting on the FCA-Renault merger, although both FCA and Renault later blamed the failure of that deal squarely on the French government.

“Renault’s rights as 43.4% shareholder of Nissan need to be fully recognized and, at a minimum, one or two directors proposed by Renault should be members of each of the three committees,” Renault said in its letter, a copy of which was viewed by Reuters.

“As currently proposed, this does not seem to be the case.”

Conflict of interest?

A Renault source said Senard’s letter was motivated by concern about Renault’s under-representation on the new Nissan board committees being introduced following the arrest of Ghosn, who is now awaiting trial and denies the financial misconduct charges against him.

“It’s not a final abstention, and Renault’s position can still change,” the source said. “As things stand, Renault has not been assured of appropriate committee representation as Nissan’s main shareholder.”

Renault had yet to receive specific details on the proposed composition of each of the committees, another source with knowledge of the issue told Reuters.

A Nissan source said Renault CEO Thierry Bollore had expressed a desire to sit on new Nissan committees to oversee executive nominations and compensation, and a planned corporate governance auditing committee.

But such a move would raise concerns about a possible conflict of interest, as it would give Renault a say in Nissan salaries and corporate governance, the Nissan source said.

“It’s shocking behaviour from a shareholder that has been saying for months that it supports us in strengthening our corporate governance,” the Nissan source said.

The source added that even if Renault blocked the committees, Nissan would still try and go ahead and set up similar governance structures, and try to make them as binding as possible.

Differences of opinion

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, in Tokyo after a G20 meeting at the weekend, told reporters it was up to the management of both companies to solve their problems. The French government owns 15 percent in Renault.

The rift could put further pressure on Nissan Chief Executive Hiroto Saikawa, who looks increasingly at odds with Renault.

Japan’s Jiji news agency earlier quoted Saikawa as saying: “We are preparing for the shareholder meeting and will discuss necessary issues at the appropriate time. If there are differences of opinion (with Renault), then I’d like for those to be discussed”.

In March a Nissan-appointed outside team recommended the formation of the three committees to improve its corporate governance. Under the proposal, Renault directors would be free to serve on the nominations committee, but would be barred from the compensation and audit committees.

The two companies have struggled to repair their relationship after Ghosn’s arrest exposed simmering tensions, including Nissan’s long-held concerns about the alliance’s capital structure.

Nissan also appears to have been largely left in the dark on the merger discussions between Renault and Fiat Chrysler, which had attempted to join forces to create the world’s third-largest automaker before talks fell apart last week.


Tengku Zafrul: Miti futureproofing NAP 2020

                PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is in talks with industry players in the automotive sector to review the National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020) and ensure the policy remains relevant in the future.

Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said this is in line with the advancement of technology, where many new developments, especially regarding energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), needed attention.

He said NAP, which was launched for the period 2020 to 2030, is now nearing halfway through its implementation period and there are many new developments, especially in the automotive sector regarding EEVs and EVs.

"I do think that in any planning, especially long-term that is 10 years, we need to be dynamic and open to implement the necessary changes,” he told reporters after launching the Proton Rahmah 2023 campaign here today.

He said MITI would hold discussions with related agencies to review issues raised by the industry, regarding new technology, to not only remain relevant but also be the best.

Under NAP 2020, the local automotive industry is set to be developed as a regional automotive hub for EEVs and EVs. The vehicles are expected to be energy efficient and cut down on carbon emissions.


Fuel prices down

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices for the first week of July are down again - the fifth week in a row.

Both prices of RON95 and RON97 will be reduced by 2 sen, while diesel prices drop by 4 sen from midnight Wednesday to July 5.

RON95 will retail at RM1.89 per litre, RON97 at RM2.15, and diesel at RM1.84.

This was announced on RTM1 and posted on the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry's Twitter account on Wednesday evening.
The weekly fuel pricing mechanism came into effect in April this year.
Prices of petrol and diesel had been placed on a managed monthly float system since Dec 1, 2014 following the removal of fuel subsidies.


Tesla could widen release of 'self-driving' software in two weeks

Musk had said earlier it was planned that the latest upgrade would be widely released by the end of this year. — AFP
SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc chief executive officer Elon Musk has announced that a wider rollout of a new “Full Self Driving” software update is likely in two weeks.

In October, Tesla released a beta, or test version, of what it calls a “Full Self Driving” software upgrade to an undisclosed number of “expert, careful” drivers.

“Probably going to a wider beta in 2 weeks,” Musk said Friday on Twitter, in a reply to a user asking if the software would be available in Minnesota.

Musk had said earlier it was planned that the latest upgrade would be widely released by the end of this year, with the system becoming more robust as it collected more data.


WATCH: Rotary-only car show in Japan

                TOKYO: Youtuber noriyaro recently showcased a unique car meet in Japan and the only way to get a featured spot is that it has to be powered by a rotary-engine from Mazda.

The car meet shows just how "love" for the rotary engine is still very much alive in Japan as carmakers, except Mazda, have all but abandoned use of such an engine citing reliability as well as emissions issues and high service costs due to its engine oil-burning ways.

The reason Mazda to keep pursuing the advancement of rotary engines is that the amount of power it can extract out of such an engine is far more efficient compared to the piston-powered engines.

There are far less power-robbing components to move and it's extremely lightweight and compact in design.

Mazda's Cosmo was the first car to debut with a dual-Wankel rotary engine back in the late 1960s which brought about the legendary RX-3, RX-7 and the finally the RX-8.

The Japanese carmaker also managed to win the coveted 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 1991 with the rotary-powered 787B race car.

Its performance was deemed as an unfair advantage and it was quickly deemed that "non-piston engines" be banned from the race.

Rotary engines are known for their ability to build engine speeds quickly and redline almost as high as a superbike's.

With forced-induction (turbo/supercharger), torque can be immensely increased but usually at the expense of durability and extremely bad emission levels.

Regardless of the rotary engine's negative points, this engine has managed to rile up plenty of passion and capture plenty of enthusiasts worldwide.


Land Rover to outline 250m-long Defender on side of snowy French mountain

                PARIS: After 70 years of all-terrain adventures and global expeditions, Land Rover has once again taken the Defender to new heights with a 250m-long imprint of its Defender outlined on the side of a mountain in the Fench Alps.

The one-off snow art was created to announce World Land Rover Day on 30 April, exactly 70 years since the original Land Rover was first shown to the world at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show.

“Land Rover is an iconic brand around the world and the outline of the Defender is instantly recognisable. To reach the landmark of 70 years is truly special and we will mark it with a year of celebrations that represents Land Rover's ‘Above and Beyond’ spirit and honours the people behind the world’s favourite SUVs,” said Jaguar Land Rover CEO prof Dr Ralf Speth.

The unique image is a tribute to the moment when the engineering director of Rover, Maurice Wilks, first sketched the shape for the original Land Rover in the sand of Red Wharf Bay and proposed the idea to his brother Spencer, Rover's managing director.

The design was eventually christened the 'Land Rover'; the outline of which is recognised as the Defender.

The first sand sketches went on to create one of the most iconic vehicles in the world and ultimately led to the creation of a company that has become the most famous 4x4 manufacturer.

Land Rover is inviting fans to join the celebrations in a World Land Rover Day online broadcast.

It stars the people who helped create the world’s most-loved 4x4s and Land Rover’s pioneering technologies, from its Series Land Rover and Defender origins, to the introduction of the Range Rover in 1970 and Discovery in 1989.

Snow artist Simon Beck, who specialises in creating geometric outlines on foot, braved sub-zero temperatures to start the celebrations by creating the Defender outline 2,700m up at La Plagne in the French Alps.

Driving a Defender to get close to the 2,700m to produce the high-altitude artwork, Beck then walked 20,894 steps and 16.5km (10.2 miles) through the French Alps.

“Making my snow art requires endurance, accuracy and strength – all attributes shared with the Defender. Its iconic shape is so simple and recognised across the world; this must be the most recognisable piece of art I’ve ever made,” he said.

log on to http://www.youtube.com/landrover to watch the broadcast and take part in the celebrations at 8.00pm (British Summer Time) and use the hashtag #LandRover70Years.


10th-gen Honda Accord attracts over 900 bookings since launch

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has announced that it has managed to record over 920 bookings for its 10th-generation Accord.

The D-segment sedan was recently launched in February with the range-topping 1.5-litre VTEC Turbocharged Premium (TC-P) being the most popular variant - contributing 78% to total bookings to-date.

The latest Accord is available in two variants starting with the standard 1.5 TC with an on-the-road price without insurance and sales tax of RM178,203 (Platinum White Pearl colour +RM364).

The flagship 1.5 TC-P is priced similarly at RM187,390 which also incurs an additional RM364 to have it coated in Platinum White Pearl as well.

This means that the Accord has managed to retain its top position within the D-segment market for the first half of the year with a market share of 40%.

In terms of colour preference, the new Platinum White Pearl was the favourite, accounting for 33% of the total bookings.

As for the regional sales, the Central region contributed the highest number of bookings with 42% of the total bookings, followed by the Southern region and Northern region at 23% and 19% respectively.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank Honda customers for believing in us and choosing the Accord as their preferred executive sedan,” said Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Toichi Ishiyama.


New Proton 3S dealership opens in Puchong, Selangor

                PETALING JAYA: Proton has opened a new 3S outlet in Bandar Bukit Puchong, Selangor.

The outlet is accessible via the LDP Highway and is primed to serve residents in the area.

The RM2.5mil outlet can display up to 5 cars in its showroom. It has has six bays and four hoists to service cars.

Standard amenities include a coffee bar, laptop charging ports and free Wi-Fi for customers.

The dealership was opened by Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo on Saturday. It is operated by Lesydear Automobile Sdn Bhd.

Proton has a total of 120 3S & 4S centres nationwide.


Continental revamped compliance team after air-conditioning parts woe

                BERLIN: Continental said today it had revamped its compliance team, including making personnel and technical changes, after discovering some parts for car air-conditioning systems had fallen below expected quality standards.

The German manufacturer was responding to a report in Spiegel magazine which alleged the company had supplied dirty parts for air-conditioning systems over 15 years and quality control tests had been manipulated to conceal the issue.

Continental did not directly respond to the alleged manipulation of tests, but said there had been no risk to vehicle occupants from the issue.

"The deviations in the air-conditioning hoses were identified by Continental employees themselves and then reported to the compliance organisation," a spokesperson said via email.

"We have drawn personnel and technical consequences. Depending on the results of the investigation, others may follow."

"We immediately informed the responsible authorities and the affected customers," the person added.

A spokesman for the state prosecutor's office in Hanover, where Continental is based, said it was not investigating the matter.

Without detailing its sources, Spiegel said an internal investigation at Continental initiated at the end of 2021 found the test results had been regularly manipulated on a large scale.

At the end of 2021, an internal Continental task force came to the conclusion that 69.1% of the series production of the affected parts at that time did not achieve the desired cleanliness values, the magazine added.

It listed Continental customers that purchase the hoses in question as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Renault as well as Asian manufacturers.

The Continental spokesman said that at the end of 2021 it reorganised its compliance team, "with a proven expert at the helm."


BMW X5 gets AR treatment in Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: BMW Malaysia has introduced a web-based AR (augmented reality) experience for the recently launched BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport.

The AR experience presents a virtually realistic 3D model of the all-new BMW X5 that users can tap to place in any location seen via their camera. Users can also pinch the vehicle to resize and slide it in any direction for a comprehensive 360° view. Meanwhile, tapping on the hotspots of the vehicle allow users to learn more about the new X5.

“Digitalisation is at the strategic core of the BMW Group and now in the new normal, we have been consistently innovating to provide the best form of joy to our customers nationwide.

"The all-new BMW X5, embodies modern luxury that is both electrifying and progressive in nature. We chose to bring it to life in full AR for our customers to enjoy,” said Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia, Harald Hoelzl.

Users can also swipe to view its different exterior colour offerings such as the Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Mineral White and Artic Grey.


Fuel prices down in first use of weekly pricing mechanism

                PETALING JAYA: Prices of fuel will go down by up to 19 sen per litre on Thursday, the first time the weekly pricing mechanism is being used.

The price of RON95 petrol will go down by 17 sen to RM2.13 per litre from RM2.30 previously, while RON97 petrol is 19 sen less at RM2.41 per litre from RM2.60 previously.

The price of diesel is down by nine sen to RM2.11 per litre from RM2.20 before.

This was confirmed by Petron petrol dealer Datuk Alang Zari Ishak.

The new prices will come into effect on Thursday and will remain in effect until April 5.

Earlier this month, Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin announced that a new weekly fuel pricing mechanism would be used from April onwards.

Hamzah said the weekly mechanism would allow consumers to enjoy a more stable retail fuel price in comparison to the former monthly price.

The prices of petrol and diesel had been placed on a managed monthly float system since Dec 1, 2014, following the removal of fuel subsidies.

With the new weekly mechanism, fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday and the new prices enforced after midnight.

Hamzah also said that petrol station operators would be allowed to run promotions and give discounts on fuel prices, provided they obtain prior permission from the ministry.

He said the ministry had had several consultations with oil companies, station operators, non-governmental organisations and other relevant parties before coming up with the change in the pricing mechanism.


Inside VW's scramble to 'duplicate' Ukrainian factories

                WOLFSBURG: With the war in Ukraine halting deliveries of crucial car parts, Volkswagen and its suppliers are scrambling to find solutions abroad, while trying to reassure Ukrainians they aren't abandoning the country.

Like other carmakers, German giant VW has had to trim production ever since Russia's invasion last month forced many Ukrainian factories to close, holding up supplies of car components across Europe.

It is the latest upset to an industry already battered by two years of computer chip shortages and other pandemic-related supply chain disruptions.

"We are keeping our suppliers in Ukraine," Murat Aksel, VW's board member for purchasing, told reporters at the group's Wolfsburg headquarters in northern Germany.

But "we are currently creating capacities outside Ukraine because no one knows if the war will spread west or how long it will last."

As well as manufacturing a range of car parts, Ukraine is one of Europe's biggest suppliers of automotive wire harnesses.

A wiring harness groups together the maze of cables running through every car and is known as the vehicle's central nervous system.

In Wolfsburg, housed in the VIP section of the Volkswagen Arena stadium, a 150-strong task force of VW experts and representatives from Ukraine's auto parts industry is working feverishly to keep supply lines flowing.

Solutions range from sourcing replacements for certain parts or switching suppliers where possible, to the radical option of creating "duplicates" of entire factories.

The most likely destinations for these mirror sites are countries in eastern Europe or the Maghreb, where costs tend to be lower and where the companies can repurpose or expand existing factories.

The shortage of harnesses has resulted in a delay in the launch of the ID.5 electric vehicle.

Reuters reported that the launch would be postponed by a month to the first week of May.

The lack of supply meant that the carmaker was unable to produce enough exhibition and demonstration vehicles for all its sales partners, according to a letter to dealerships seen by autos publication Automobilwoche, which first reported the news.

Bunkers

Pointing at maps of Ukraine and Europe, Aksel said all 16 Ukrainian sites supplying VW with cables are only running at 30 to 40 percent of normal output.

And the situation is "volatile", he added.

One factory outside Kyiv has already been duplicated in Romania.

"If we put in place all our planned measures, we will be able to duplicate all of our Ukrainian production capacity" for wire harnesses, said Geng Wu, co-head of the task force.

In total, around 55,000 employees would have to be trained over the coming months and 90,000 square kilometres of factory space filled with the necessary machines and tools, some of which have months-long delivery times.

German firm Leoni, VW's main supplier in Ukraine, has already relocated some production of wiring systems to an existing Tunisian plant, and additional capabilities are opening in Romania soon.

But Leoni insisted it had no intention of turning its back on Ukraine as the country tries to withstand Russia's attacks.

The firm restarted some production in Ukraine on March 2 "with extra security precautions," said Leoni's chief operations officer Ingo Spengler.

Old Soviet bunkers near two factories in the Lviv region have been refurbished to help keep workers safe.

The company resumed night shifts this week, bringing output back up to 70 percent of normal production, allowing VW to restart its Wolfsburg assembly lines sooner than expected.

"As long as the security situation allows, our suppliers will keep producing," said Aksel, who visited Ukraine with Spengler earlier this month.

Without the Ukrainian sites staying operational, European car manufacturing plants would be in a "dramatic" situation, Wu added.

Lessons learned

Of course, the effort and money poured into creating new capacities could be in vain if the situation in Ukraine unexpectedly improves.

But VW believes it's a financial risk worth taking.

"Not making cars at all costs the most," Aksel said.

But he rejected the idea that duplication could be the industry's answer to all its logistics woes.

Having a back-up supplier here or there can't hurt, Aksel said.

But you "can't duplicate the whole vehicle".

Volkswagen plans to use the lessons learned from Ukraine to "better understand" the intricacies of its supply chains and minimise the risk of future upheaval.

"This was not our way of doing things in the past," Aksel said.

But only being in contact with direct suppliers is "no longer enough".

To illustrate the need for early vigilance and attention to detail, he offered up a saying: "You have to be able to hear the grass growing."


Potent power with RM145,588 turbocharged Hyundai Tucson

                SHAH ALAM: The 1.6L turbo direct injected (T-GDI) Hyundai Tucson sport utility vehicle (SUV) offers punchy power and lots of goodies for RM145,588 (on the road without insurance).

Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), the T-GDI petrol engined powertrain delivers 177ps at 5,500rpm and a maximum torque of 265Nm from 1,500 to 4,500rpm.

It shares the same potent powertrain with the Hyundai Veloster Turbo, which we have test driven before.

Although the power output here is tuned lower (177ps on the Tucson and 186ps on the Veloster Turbo), it is worth noting that this is still more powerful than a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated car.

In our review of the Veloster Turbo, we found there’s plenty of “go” from the pedal when demanded, and quick power delivery from the refined 7-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT).

ALSO READ:Kia Cerato Koup and Hyundai Veloster Turbo duke it out in war of Korean turbosALSO READ:Hyundai Veloster Turbo: What a change!ALSO READ:2017 turbocharged 1.6L Hyundai Tucson with 7DCT arrives at RM145,588Hyundai Tucson 1.6L T-GDI

- 1.6-litre 177ps/265Nm turbo direct injected petrol engine
- 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (7DCT)
- 2-wheel drive
- 225/60 R17 tyres
- LED headlamps with Static Bending Lights
- Smart powered tailgate (hands-free opening)
- 6 airbags
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Hillstart Assist Control (HAC)
- Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
- Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
- Safe Drive Recorder
- Automatic Brake Hold
- Front and rear fog lamps
- LED daytime running lights
- Powered folding side mirrors with repeaters
- Leather seats
- Powered 8-way driver’s seat
- Steering wheel audio control
- Infotaiment system with USB, Bluetooth and Navigation
- Push-start ignition
- Auto cruise control
- Manual air-conditioning
- Automatic lights and headlamp levelling
- Front and rear Park Assist
- Front and rear cameras

Optional accessories

- 5 pieces: 19-inch tyres and rims (RM5,500)
- Body kit (RM2,000)
- leather seats and door trimmings (red at RM1,288 or white at RM1,988)

After-sales

- 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty
- 50,000km free service with three-year validity
- 24-hour road assist service

2017 1.6L T-GDI Hyundai Tucson (with bodykit, 19-inch and red leather seats)2017 1.6L T-GDI Hyundai Tucson (standard)


X70's 'infinite weave' grille to be seen on future Proton models

                KUALA LUMPUR: Variations of the "infinite weave" grille seen on the  X70 will be used on future Proton models, according to Proton design chief Azlan Othman.

Azlan said the "infinite weave" grille has its basis in Malaysian craftsmanship and the country's rich natural heritage.

"Proton has a rich Malaysian heritage. "We believe in a culture of benchmarking. We build upon past good values. To be harmonious, progressive and spirited is our new way forward. We are learning from Geely Auto about how they build their products," said Azlan recently during a media session at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS’18).

On the X70, Proton's first sport utility vehicle (SUV) which is based on the Geely Boyue, proudly displayed in the middle of the distinctive "infinite weave" grille is a large Proton badge, framed by three black horizontal bars.

However, Geely Design director (China) Guy Burgoyne pointed out, "But what you see on the X70 won't be the same on future Proton cars. It will evolve over time. It's like the Geely “expanding cosmos” grille - it's not the same on any two different vehicles."

The signature Geely “expanding cosmos” grille is readily identifiable with current Geely cars.

In an interview with Geely design chief Peter Horbury in Shanghai earlier this year, he had emphasised the importance of the signature Geely “expanding cosmos” grille.

"It must be instantly recognisable as a Geely. The grille is very important because it is the face of the car," said Horbury.

Meanwhile, also present was Proton engineering head Yang Jun who revealed that a future Proton model will get a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine.

"You will see it very soon," said Yang.

At the moment, speculation is rife that Proton is due to introduce refreshed or updated models of the Iriz compact hatchback and Persona sedan in 2019.

There is also talk that Proton might be looking at launching a compact SUV based on the Geely SX11 (also called Binyue).

ALSO READ:Geely banks on Horbury formula


Volkswagen showrooms resume operations

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen showrooms have resumed operations, except for those located in Malacca, Johor, Kedah, Pahang, and Kelantan, that are still awaiting approval to operate.

All showrooms will follow government guidelines and #SafeHands measures, which include MySejahtera check and temperature scans, mandatory mask usage, regular sanitisation of showrooms and display cars, and more.

Only fully vaccinated visitors are allowed, and individuals who would like to visit the showrooms can do so 14 or 28 days (depending on the vaccine taken) after completing their vaccination.

"The closure of showrooms in the past months have affected our business performance, but we look forward to seeing the industry reopen and move forward, together with the support of our dealers,” said VPCM managing director Erik Winter.

In conjunction with the reopening of showrooms and the upcoming Merdeka holiday, Volkswagen dealers would be hosting a virtual showroom event on their social media channels from Aug 27-31.

READ MORE: Perodua also opens up

Volkswagen is offering exclusive online savings of RM4,500 on the Tiguan Allspace Highline and RM7,500 on the Passat R-Line from now till the Aug 31.

Visitors must make an appointment prior to their visits to any dealership.

For information on dealership operations, go to www.volkswagen.com.my/faq.


Toyota Yaris chalks-up all five stars in latest EuroNCAP test

                BRUSSELS: According to the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP), Toyota's little fourth-generation family car - the Yaris, has managed to obtain the full five-star rating.

The small car was first subjected to an all-new frontal offset test which replaces the one previously used since the programme started in 1997 and is the first to feature a counter-measure for injuries in far-side impacts.

The mobile progressive deformable barrier (MPDB) test assesses the protection a car offers its occupants as well as the risks it poses to the car it has crashed into.

The Yaris, in general, is said to have performed well in this instance with its small size and benign front end making it one of the less aggressive crash partners on the road.

Two centre-mounted airbags inflate in side impacts to limit an occupants’ travel to the opposite side of the vehicle and to mitigate the risk of occupant-to-occupant contact.

The Yaris also showcases the rapid advancements in crash avoidance technology with its latest generation of Toyota Safety Sense which can now stop the vehicle during turning to avoid a crash with oncoming traffic.

In addition to the new assessment, the Audi e-tron Sportback variant also managed to join the five-star "club" as well as the Renault Clio hybrid variant.


Powerful new BMW-McLaren engine in the works

                MUNICH: BMW is teaming up with British supercar maker McLaren to develop a series of new, high-performance engines.

McLaren said the aim was to improve combustion technology and deliver more output per capacity than currently possible.

The engines from the partnership are also designed to be greener, since the fuel is burnt with more efficiency and fewer CO2 emissions.

The new power units will slot into McLaren supercars rather than everyday BMWs. The collaboration stands to prove that conventional combustion engines have a lot of life in them yet, despite advances on the electric and electric-hybrid front.

This is not the first time the Bavarians have teamed up with the British firm.

BMW's Motorsport division had a hand in a McLaren V12 engine, considered to be one of the finest of its kind. The six-litre unit turned out 617 horsepower and was used in McLaren's flagship sports car.

McLaren leads the new project, which is partly funded by the British government. Other high-profile partners include engine manufacturing partner Ricardo along with Grainger and Worrall, the lightweight casting experts.


BMW ready for any ban on fossil fuel-burning cars from 2030, says CEO

                STUTTGART: Germany's BMW will be ready for any ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) cars from 2030 onwards with an offering of electric vehicles, chief executive officer Oliver Zipse said on Tuesday.

The EU has proposed an effective ban on fossil fuel cars from 2035 as part of a broader package of measures to combat global warming.

"We will be ICE-ban ready. If a region, a city, a country gets the idea of banning ICEs, we have an offering," Zipse told a conference in the town of Nuertingen, near here.

"The BMW Group is not worried about this. Whether it's a good idea is another question... but we will have an offering."

Unlike rivals including Volkswagen and General Motors, BMW has not set an end date for production of ICE cars.

However, it has said it expects 50% of global car sales to be electric vehicles by 2030.


Toyota restarts output of bZ4X after fixing safety issues

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp said it would restart production of its first electric vehicle, the bZ4X, today after fixing potential safety problems that had halted sales of the new battery-powered model for more than three months.

Japan's largest automaker, a laggard in the EV market, recalled 2,700 bZ4Xs globally in June after discovering that there was a risk the car's wheels could come loose.

Subaru Corp, a fifth owned by Toyota, also had to recall units of the related Solterra model that it jointly developed with Toyota.

A recall notice submitted to Japan's transport ministry by Toyota in June said that sharp turns and sudden braking could cause a hub bolt to loosen, raising the risk of a wheel coming off the vehicle.

The automaker said in a filing to the ministry today that it would make sure hub bolts were replaced and properly tightened in new versions of the bZ4X.

In addition, Toyota said it had identified and fixed a potential problem with airbags in the car.

Some airbags had been improperly installed at the factory and were at risk to fail or cause injury because of the placement of a strap inside the airbag assembly.

Toyota had not previously disclosed that problem.

Masahiko Maeda, Toyota's chief technology officer, told a briefing the automaker only became aware of the airbag issue in the last month or two.

"We apologise again for the concern, anxiety, and inconvenience we have caused to our customers, our dealers and our stakeholders," Maeda said.

He declined to comment on how much the recall had cost.

Toyota has faced criticism from environmental groups and investors who want the company to expand faster into battery EVs. Toyota has pushed back, saying it needs to offer car choices to suit different markets and customers.

Hybrids such as the Prius remain far more popular in Toyota's home market.

Pure battery-electric vehicles accounted for just 1% of the passenger cars sold in Japan last year, according to industry data.

The bZ4X is available for lease only in Japan - a service which will resume on Oct 26, Maeda said. He did not specify when US sales would restart.

Only 232 units of crossover, pitched as Toyota's answer to Tesla's Model Y and the Volkswagen's ID.4, have been sold this year in the United States.

Last year, the Japanese automaker committed about US$30 billion to develop battery electric vehicles.

It expects the company's annual sales of such cars to reach only 3.5 million vehicles by the end of the decade, about one-third of current annual sales of its petrol-powered cars.


BHPetrol awards prizes to winners for 'Win RM300,000' contest

From left: BHPetrol retail operations manager Aziz Majid, general manager (supply, retail and government affairs) Azizul Azily Ahmad with "BHPetrol Win RM300,000" contest winners Zahari Osman, Loo Beng Hong and Low Boh Chung as well as BHPetrol managing director Tan Kim Thiam and Ahmad Omar who is BHPetrol station operator in Kampung Labok, Machang in Kelantan.

PETALING JAYA: The contest winners from the "BHPetrol Win RM300,000" campaign recently received their prizes at a ceremony held at Royale Chulan Damansara Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

The contest which was held from January 20 till March 31, 2019 saw tremendous response from the public with close to two million entries received.

The contest offered cash prizes of up to RM300,000 to 104 lucky BHPetrol customers.

The grand prize was RM100,000 while the first, second and third runner-up won RM50,000; RM30,000 and RM20,000 respectively.

The remaining 100 winners won RM1,000 each.

Contest winners who are BHPetrol eCard members were also given up to 700,000 bonus ePoints which they can use to redeem attractive items including fuel.

"I am sure this promotion has attracted many loyal and new customers to pump our best Infiniti fuels. We hope they will continue to visit BHPetrol stations to refuel or to grab something at BHPetromart convenience stores," said BHPetrol managing director Tan Kim Thiam.

To enter the contest, BHPetrol station customers needed to buy a minimum of RM30 of fuels, answer two simple questions and submit the entry forms.

The grand prize winner was 40-year-old spare parts dealer Loo Beng Hong from Kota Baru, Kelantan.

"I travel a lot and my monthly petrol expenses are very high. I always refuel at BHPetrol and enjoy the rewards of being a eCard member," said Loo.

Meanwhile, the first prize winner was unable to make it to the prize giving ceremony.

The second prize was won by 47-year-old taxi driver Zahari Osman from Balai Panjang, Malacca who said he found using BHPetrol fuels resulted in lower fuel consumption.

The third prize winner was 47-year-old foreman Low Boh Chung from Bahau, Negeri Sembilan who is also a loyal BHPetrol customer.

"The BHPetrol station is near my house and I also find the petrol to offer more power and better fuel economy," said Low.


Cop charged with accepting bribe to cover up fatal car accident

                JOHOR BARU: A police inspector was charged at a Sessions Court here with asking for and accepting a bribe of RM3,000 to cover up a car accident that resulted in a fatality.

The accused Mohd Shulul Azmi Shuaibon, 32, pleaded not guilty to the charge read before Sessions judge Mohamad Haldar Abdul Aziz on Monday.

He was charged with asking for the amount of RM3,500 from a man who was involved in an accident that caused the death of a victim at around 5.25pm January 13, 2014 as an inducement not to bring the case to court.

On the second charge, Mohd Shulul was accused of accepting RM3,000 from the same man at around 7pm on January 15, 2014.

Judge Mohamad Haldar set May 11 for next mention.