China's CATL offers EV battery discounts in China, say sources

                SHANGHAI: China's CATL, the world's largest battery maker, has offered discounts to some Chinese automakers it supplies, reflecting a downturn in the price of lithium and a bid to win more orders, three people with knowledge of the offers said.

Battery costs are the most expensive component in electric vehicles (EV) and a move toward lower prices by CATL, which had 37% of the global market last year, would ease a major cost pressure on automakers.

CATL, which counts Tesla, Nio and Volkswagen among its largest clients, is offering targeted rebates, said the people, who declined to be named as the matter is private.

In one case, CATL offered a discount of 7% from established prices to a Chinese EV maker in January, one of the people said. At the same time, CATL has been negotiating with its material suppliers to bring its own prices down, a second person said.

CATL did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chinese tech news outlet 36Kr first reported the discounts earlier on Friday.

Battery prices had been falling for more than a decade before turning higher in 2022.

But the price of lithium carbonate peaked at 597,500 yuan (RM386,000) per tonne in China in November. It has since fallen to 425,000 yuan (RM275,000) a tonne, down almost 30% from the peak.

It was not immediately clear whether CATL would follow its offer of discounts to Chinese automakers with similar proposals for its growing roster of customers outside China, a group that includes BMW and Ford.

China ended a more than decade-long national subsidy for EV purchases at the beginning of this year. Shortly after, automakers including Tesla began to offer discounts to spur demand and defend share in the world's largest EV market.

Tesla slashed prices of its best-selling Model 3 and Model Y cars by up to 14% in January, starting what analysts called a price war in China's EV market with Xpeng and Huawei-backed Seres following Tesla's lead.

Sales of new energy cars, a category including both pure electric cars and plug-in hybrids, fell 6.3% in January after growth of 90% in 2022, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

CATL has faced calls from its customers in China, most which are still loss-making, to bring prices down and accept a lower profit margin in exchange for more sales.

The gross profit margin for CATL's EV battery products was 15% in the first half of 2022, 8% lower than the same period a year ago.


Consumers are making the connection with the connected car

                DETROIT: Consumers in the United States, Britain, China and Germany will be seeking active safety systems and connected technology when they come to buy their next car.

The results of the fourth annual IHS Markit study, published Monday, show that Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking, traffic jam assist and blind spot monitoring now top car buyers' equipment wish lists, meaning that initial worries about trust and the rising autonomy of cars is beginning to fade in the minds of drivers in four of the world's most important automotive markets.

However, there's a catch, only US drivers considering a new car within the next 36 months are willing to pay for these features.

Of the 4,000 vehicle owners polled, respondents in Britain, Germany and China are more likely to believe that they should be standard equipment — like traction and stability control — rather than optional extras found in the same column as leather seats for example, when specifying a car.

This reluctance to pay highlights why companies such as Kia, Hyundai and VW are starting to integrate a number of ADAS features on their cars as standard equipment.

While US respondents were the most accepting of paying for ADAS, they said that they would only consider paying between US$427 and US$505 depending on an individual feature.

Still, ADAS features are still less than mainstream, meaning that in most cases, drivers won't be experiencing the benefits until they buy their next car.

However, consumers that have already sampled a latest-generation in-car infotainment system said that they would be willing to spend extra on further software updates, if they add new features. Some 74% of all respondents with such a system in their current car said that paying for updates that add value is not a problem. That figure jumps for younger drivers — 89% of US and 90% of Chinese Millennials said that they would be happy to pay to download.

When asked about using their smartphones in the car, 52% of respondents globally said that the most common use was for navigation while 37% said that they also accessed music and new apps.

Chinese drivers are the most likely to use a navigation app (56%) while German respondents were the most likely to use communication apps (33% compared with 14% in the United States and 20% in Britain).


BCorp disposes entire stake in Peugeot dealership to Bermaz, other shareholders

                KUALA LUMPUR: Berjaya Corp Bhd (BCorp) has disposed its entire 51% stake in Peugeot distributor Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) for RM6.67mil cash to other minority shareholders including Bermaz Auto Bhd.

The deal will increase Bermaz's stake in BAASB to from 20% to 55%.

“BCorp is in the process of transforming into a diversified consumer group with focused business verticals and this divestment is part of the restructuring and rationalisation exercise to divest our non- core assets to create and enhance shareholder value.” BCorp group CEO Jalil Rasheed said in a statement today.

“With Bermaz being part of the BCorp Group previously, we recognised that it would be more synergistic for Bermaz to acquire BAASB. Bermaz’s capabilities and expertise in the automotive industry have been proven by their tremendous success and impressive track record in running the Mazda business, and we are confident that they will be able to do well in replicating the same business success for Peugeot,” he added.

In a separate statement today, Bermaz said it has acquired the additional 35% stake in BAASB from BCorp for RM4.58mil.

"The acquisition represents an opportunity for Bermaz to acquire a strategic controlling stake in BAASB which holds the distributorship of renowned Peugeot marque vehicles in Malaysia and facilitate the consolidation of BAASB’s results into the Bermaz Group," it said.


Built for heavy loads and high speeds: What exactly is a radial tyre?

                BERLIN: Winter tyres, summer tyres, coarse-tread tyres for real off-roaders and no-tread slicks for racing cars — alright, you know your way around car tyres.

But have you ever heard of radial tyres?

Until the end of the 1940s, tyres for cars and trucks were produced with a diagonal pattern: Several crossing layers of rubberised cotton threads formed the framework for a corresponding tread.

"This was easy to manufacture, relatively robust and repairable, but only of limited mileage and not very suitable for the increasing demands on the driving dynamics of modern vehicles," explains tyre expert Christian Koch from inspection agency Dekra.

A large French tyre maker was then commissioned by a vehicle manufacturer to develop a tyre that would take account of modern drive concepts — for example, front-wheel drive and the associated heavy tyre wear on the front axle.

This was the birth of the radial tyre.

With the new tyre type, the threads no longer ran diagonally, but at a right angle to the rolling direction.

"The reduced stability was compensated by the fact that two so-called belt plies consisting of steel cords ran around the tyre circumference," explains Koch. Put simply, these steel cords were a special type of wire rope running along the tyre.

The resulting radial belted tyre still represents the basic design principle of modern tyres today and the superiority of this design is still evident more than 70 years after its invention.

"The radial belted tyre is capable of carrying heavy loads — up to several tonnes in heavy commercial vehicles — as well as withstanding high speeds of over 400kph on corresponding vehicles," says Koch.

The only problem is: Radial tyres can only live up to their promise when they are inflated with enough pressure.

Several tyre manufacturers are currently trying to counteract this with changes that deliver the same technical advantages but without the need for specific inflation pressure.


Nissan unveils IMk electric concept car

                YOKOHAMA, Japan: Nissan has unveiled the 100% electric IMk, a concept car that combines chic design, and powerful EV acceleration in a compact body.

The IMk concept is billed as a chic vehicle that reduces driver stress, and has the latest ProPILOT advanced driver assistance technologies.

"It’s a luxury small EV that I hope a lot of customers are going to drive,” said Satoru Tai, executive design director at Nissan.

It draws on Nissan’s new design philosophy, called Timeless Japanese Futurism.

Adopting the simplistic nature of traditional Japanese design, the exterior is characterized by flowing lines.

The V-motion signature “shield” and combination taillights feature a trellised, woodwork-type impression.

The Nissan IMk concept’s cabin has a bench-style seat and is a new type of “room” that exudes the nature of a cafe or lounge.

Other than the start button and shifter, the IMk’s thin dashboard is void of physical controls.

Important driving information, such as vehicle speed and navigation directions, appear in “midair” by way of a bezel-less prism display.

Customized information is communicated to the driver via holographic displays. Interior accent lighting mimics the prism display’s color scheme, depending on displayed content.

After arriving and valet parking itself, the vehicle can seamlessly integrate with a home energy system and use its spare battery capacity to balance home energy needs, using Nissan Energy Share (Vehicle-to-Home).


Toyota Hilux contest grand prize winner takes home a Sienta

                PETALING JAYA: Four new Toyota Hilux owners turned out to be the lucky winners of the ‘Toyota Hilux Buy & Win’ contest which ran last year and the grand prize of a brand new Toyota Sienta compact MPV (worth RM99,900) went to Chong Chin Fatt from Cameron Highlands.

The other three winners meanwhile earned a 5 days/4 nights all-expenses paid trip to Tokyo, Japan for 2 persons. They are Lee Soon Wen from Pulau Pinang, Douin Madang from Miri, Sarawak, and Nik Muhamad Burhanuddin Nik Mohamed from Jerantut, Pahang.

The grand prize winner Chong received his new vehicle from senior director of vehicle sales group, UMWT, Khong Man Cheong, at a presentation ceremony held at the UMWT Branch in Section 19.

The contest, organised by UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT),  ran from Sept 1 2016 to Dec 31, 2016 and was open to all customers who purchased a Toyota Hilux.

Additionally, UMWT also rewarded customers who came to test drive and experience the latest Toyota Hilux at authorised Toyota showrooms nationwide with free Toyota merchandise.

More information on the Toyota Hilux and other Toyota models in Malaysia can be obtained from Toyota showrooms nationwide or at toyota.com.my.

For assistance in locating the nearest showroom, please call the Toyota freephone line 1-800- 8-TOYOTA (869682).


Porsche's newest SUV is an updated Macan GTS

                STUTTGART: In case you hadn't noticed, SUVs are booming. But of the many makers spinning out SUV after SUV, few can match Porsche for athleticism.

Porsche is now closing the last gap in its Macan model range and once again launching the SUV as a high-performing GTS.

For €77,880 (RM351,000) in Europe, you get Porsche's beefiest Macan with a 2.9-litre V6 biturbo and 380hp — 20hp more than its predecessor and 26hp more than the current Macan S.

The Macan GTS can sprint from 0 to 100kph in 4.7 seconds before hitting a top speed of 261kph, Porsche says. The GTS swallows an average of 9.5 litres per 100 km and spits out CO2 emissions of 215 g/km.

As always with the GTS models, Porsche does not stop at engine tuning. The SUV has been lowered by 15mm and given a more sportsy setup with the dual clutch transmission.


Infiniti to premiere QX30 concept in Geneva

                HONG KONG: Infiniti will take the covers off the QX30 Concept at the Geneva International Motor Show next month.

The QX30 Concept is the Infiniti design vision that will inspire a new premium compact crossover targeted at a new generation of premium customers.

Set to be revealed at Infiniti's press conference scheduled for 12:30 p.m. local time on March 3 in Geneva, the QX30 Concept aims to reignite the premium compact segment with a distinctive approach to design that looks beyond the practicality and conformity expected of the segment.

The potential customers for such a concept are searching for a product to suit their "urban week and get-away weekend" lifestyle, and the QX30's compact footprint matches that.

Combining the sleek lines of a coupe with the rugged looks and commanding seating position of a crossover, the QX30 Concept foreshadows an urban explorer which is equally at home in the city as it is on the open road.


Denso Corp to take over Toyota's electronic component operations

                TOYOTA CITY: Toyota's electronic component operations will be done completely by Toyota affiliate Denso Corp by April 1, 2020.

Currently, Toyota's electronic component operations are conducted by both Toyota and Denso.

In a statement, Toyota Motor Corp says by consolidating these operations within Denso, resources can be shifted by eliminating duplicate operations within the Toyota Group.

"To survive in this era of profound transformation, Toyota and Denso are accelerating their efforts to enhance the competitiveness of the overall Toyota Group by further strengthening coordination in the Group."

On April 1, 2020, production of electronic components at Toyota's Hirose Plant will be consolidated within Denso.


Naza Italia and Ferrari go separate ways

                PETALING JAYA: Naza Italia today officially said it is parting ways with Ferrari following weeks of rumours that it was losing the franchise.

It said it would continue to support Ferrari activities in Malaysia until the end of the partnership on April 8.

Naza Italia said that the decision to end the relationship was a result of "non-alignment of Ferrari expectations to our business strategy" following a corporate review of its brand mix.

"The parting of ways with Ferrari is timely for us as it will enable us to focus on our other brands that fit into our automotive business strategy," it said in a brief statement.

Earlier today, Naza Automotive Group CEO Mohd Rizal Jailan had said the Naza Group would stay invested in the automotive business and it is working to grow existing brands under its distributorship, which currently counts Maserati, Suzuki and Ducati.

Ferrari appointed Naza Italia as its distributor in 2008.

Below is the press statement from Naza Italia.


EU countries approve 2035 phaseout of CO2-emitting cars

                BRUSSELS: European Union countries gave final approval on Tuesday to a landmark law to end sales of new CO2-emitting cars in 2035, after Germany won an exemption for cars running on e-fuels.

The approval from EU countries' energy ministers means Europe's main climate policy for cars can now enter into force - after weeks of delay caused by last-minute opposition from Germany.

The EU law will require all new cars sold to have zero CO2 emissions from 2035, and 55% lower CO2 emissions from 2030, versus 2021 levels. The targets are designed to drive the rapid decarbonisation of new car fleets in Europe.

The European Commission has pledged, however, to create a legal route for sales of new cars that only run on e-fuels to continue after 2035, after Germany demanded this exemption.

The EU policy had been expected to make it impossible to sell combustion engine cars in the EU from 2035. But the exemption won by Germany offers a potential lifeline to traditional vehicles - although e-fuels are not yet produced at scale.

German transport minister Volker Wissing said the agreement would "open up important options for the population towards climate-neutral and affordable mobility".

"The direction of travel is clear: in 2035, new cars and vans must have zero emissions," EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans said.

E-fuels are considered carbon neutral because they are made using captured CO2 emissions - which proponents say balances out the CO2 released when the fuel is combusted in an engine.

The Commission will, in autumn 2023, propose how sales of e-fuel-only cars can continue after 2035. Such cars will have to use technology to prevent them from starting when filled with petrol or diesel.

Poland voted against the law, while Italy, Bulgaria and Romania abstained.

Transport accounts for nearly a quarter of EU emissions.

Porsche and Ferrari are among the supporters of e-fuels, which they see as a way to avoid their vehicles being weighed down by heavy batteries.

Other carmakers including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Ford are betting on battery-electric vehicles to decarbonise.

Germany's late intervention, after EU countries and lawmakers had already agreed the 2035 phaseout last year, irked some EU diplomats, and stoked concerns that governments may try to block other carefully-negotiated deals on climate policies.

"As a matter of principle, we don't like this approach. We think it is not fair," Spanish energy minister Teresa Ribera said of the late pushback, adding that current assessments suggest e-fuels were too expensive to become widely used.

EU energy ministers also agreed on Tuesday to extend a voluntary target to curb their gas use by 15% for 12 months, to help prepare for next winter with scarce Russian gas.

Some EU officials expected ministers to tackle a dispute over whether nuclear energy should count towards EU renewable energy targets - a question that has split countries and is threatening to delay the EU's main renewables policy.


High-tech dashboards signal big changes for auto parts suppliers

                SAN FRANCISCO: Peer at the instrument panel on your new car and you may find sleek digital gauges and multicolored screens. But a glimpse behind the dashboard could reveal what US auto supplier Visteon Corp found: a mess.

As automotive cockpits become crammed with ever more digital features such as navigation and entertainment systems, the electronics holding it all together have become a rat’s nest of components made by different parts makers. Now the race is on to clean up the clutter.

Visteon is among a slew of suppliers aiming to make dashboard innards simpler, cheaper and lighter as the industry accelerates toward a so-called virtual cockpit - an all-digital dashboard that will help usher in the era of self-driving cars.

What’s at stake is a piece of the US$37-billion cockpit electronics market, estimated by research firm IHS Markit to nearly double to US$62 billion by 2022. Accounting firm PwC estimates that electronics could account for up to 20 percent of a car’s value in the next two years, up from 13 percent in 2015.

Meanwhile, the number of suppliers for those components is likely to dwindle as automakers look to work with fewer companies capable of doing more, according to Mark Boyadjis, principal automotive analyst at IHS Markit.
“The complexity of engineering ten different systems from ten different suppliers is no longer something an automaker wants to do,” Boyadjis said.

He estimates manufacturers eventually will work with two to three cockpit suppliers for each model, down from six to 10 today.

One of Visteon’s solutions is a computer module dubbed “SmartCore.” This cockpit domain controller operates a vehicle’s instrument cluster, infotainment system and other features, all on the same tiny piece of silicon.

So far this year, the Detroit-based company has landed two big contracts for undisclosed sums. One, announced in April, is with China’s second-largest automaker, Dongfeng Motor Corp. The other is with Mercedes-Benz, Reuters has learned.

Mercedes did not respond to requests for comment. Another unnamed European automaker plans to use the system in 2018, according to Visteon.

Visteon is going all in on cockpit electronics, having shed its remaining automotive climate and interiors businesses in 2016. The bet so far is paying off. The company secured US$1.5 billion in new business in the first quarter, helped by growth in China. Visteon’s stock price is up more than 50 percent over the past year.
It’s a major turnaround since Visteon was spun off from Ford Motor Co a decade ago. Visteon filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009 before emerging a year later.

“You have to be changing and adapting fast. If not, you’re not going to keep up in this market,” said Tim Yerdon, Visteon’s head of global marketing. ”It’s about reinventing yourself to stay ahead.”

Visteon’s makeover hints at the coming battle between suppliers fighting for real estate in the digital cockpit. The trend is already triggering acquisitions, as companies look to boost their offerings to automakers.

Visteon in 2014 bought Johnson Controls’ electronics business, which was also developing a domain controller. In March, Samsung completed its US$8-billion purchase of infotainment company Harman. France’s Faurecia, a top seating and interiors supplier, last year purchased a 20 percent stake in Paris-based infotainment firm Parrot Automotive SAS in a deal that could make Faurecia the biggest shareholder by 2019.

Deal-making in the wider automotive sector has been at a fever pitch over the past two years fueled by the race to develop autonomous vehicle technology. Activity in the sector was worth US$41 billion in 2016, according to PwC.

Analysts say German automakers are taking the lead in consolidating functions within the dashboard. Audi was the first to debut a virtual cockpit last year that combined its instrument cluster and infotainment system.

Streamlined dashboards can lead to cost reductions for manufacturers, who can save as much as US$175 per car with an integrated cockpit, according to Munich-based management consulting firm Roland Berger.

They can also help with fuel efficiency. That’s because vehicles are lighter when there are fewer behind-the-scenes computers, known as electronic control units (ECUs). Vehicles today contain 80 to 120 ECUs, numbers expected to fall sharply in coming years.

But perhaps the biggest motivation for fancy cockpits is sales. Drivers accustomed to the seamless technology of their smartphones are finding today’s dashboard offerings clunky and non-intuitive. A J.D. Power study released this month found the most complaints from new vehicle owners stemmed from audio, communications, entertainment and maps systems.

Better cockpits could prove crucial to attracting younger consumers, who are not showing the same enthusiasm for cars, or even driving, that their parents did. Research company Mintel found that 41 percent of millennial car buyers are interested in having the latest technology in their vehicles.

Disjointed dashboards ”are one of the most noticeable gaps in user experience - what you see right in front of you,” said Andrew Hart of UK-based consultancy SBD Automotive.

On many car models, he said, audible warning systems to alert the driver to a potential collision are not in sync with the radio, meaning your favourite song could drown out the warning beep.

“That’s a crazy example of something when you don’t consolidate ECUs,” Hart said.

Industry watchers say this and other safe-driving features are among the systems ripe for integration. Additional targets include rear-seat entertainment systems and so-called heads-up displays that project data such as the car’s speed onto the windshield for easy viewing.

Back in Detroit, Visteon says it is in talks with carmakers in China and Europe for its domain controller, a technology it hopes can give it an edge over rivals such as Delphi, Robert Bosch, Continental and Denso.

While it isn’t clear who will prevail, electronics suppliers are seeing their products take on new importance as vehicles become more connected.

Five years ago, the dashboard was ”a plastic molded cockpit that we stuffed electronics into,” said Yerdon, Visteon’s marketing chief. ”Now it’s more about an electronic architecture that’s experience-driven, and we mold plastic around it.”


First Edition of Ford's first production EV already sold out

                DETROIT: Less than 10 days after officially unveiling the 2021 Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV, the First Edition of the model is already sold out.

On Nov 18, Ford opened up reservations for its very first production all-electric car — which also happens to be the very first SUV to don the iconic Mustang name — the Mustang Mach-E.

By making a refundable US$500 deposit, customers could ensure that they would be able to purchase a First Edition version of the model for US$59,500 when it launches in 2020. On Wednesday, Ford confirmed to CNET's Roadshow that all those models have already sold out in the US.

Customers can no longer make reservations for the model, and it's already been removed from Ford's online configurator.

The company did not disclose how many First Edition Mach-E's were available; in total, Ford previously stated that it was planning to produce only about 50,000 units worldwide within the first full year of production. Restricted battery supplies have been cited as the limiting factor.

Those who are still interested in a Mach-E can still reserve other variants of the model, the most similar being the Premium version. Naturally, this variant will launch after the First Edition, which is expected to hit the streets in 2020. A GT version of the SUV is expected to launch in 2020.


Vanderhall Edison 3-wheel EV surfaces at CES 2018

                LAS VEGAS: There's a lot of buzz surrounding Morgan's entry to the world of electric cars with the upcoming EV3, but there's a rival model being displayed at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week that could make a lot more sense to a lot of people.

The vehicle in question is the Vanderhall Edison from Vanderhall Motor Works, which, like the Morgan EV3, is an all-electric, two-seat, lightweight three-wheel vehicle that looks like it would be a lot of fun to drive.

To say the specifications of the Vanderhall Edison are impressive would be something of an understatement. It has a pair of AC motors that produce a healthy 180 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, and it weighs in at just 635kg.

That translates to a 0 to 100kph time of just four seconds, which is less than half the time it takes the Morgan EV3 to do the same.

The Edison also has the Morgan beat when it comes to the driving range available on a single charge. The EV3 only offers a range of 240km, while the 30 kWh battery in the Edison is good for more than 321km. The Edison only has a top speed of 169kph, but when you look at it and imagine yourself seated in it, that will probably seem like more than enough.

Vanderhall marketing director Daniel Boyer says of the Edison, "EVs have amazing performance advantages. Offering an electric powertrain is in line with Vanderhall's focus on innovative, effortless performance. Our Venice model is already nimble, and the Edison is the quickest Vanderhall we have ever produced."

Although the driver and passenger are obviously exposed to the elements in the Edison, the black V-Tex synthetic upholstered seats are heated as standard, and the vehicle also comes with a dual-venting heating system. Other features include a 600-watt sound system with Bluetooth compatibility, LED lighting, traction control and single-piston Brembo brakes with brake assist.

As you would probably imagine, cargo capacity is very much at a premium with just 39.64 litres. However, although Morgan hasn't confirmed final pricing for the EV3, it's more than likely to cost quite a bit more than the US$34,950 (RM140,000) that's being asked for the Vanderhall Edison.

>>>>>>

sc/cm - Relaxnews


Get delightful gifts with Triumph Tiger 900

                PETALING JAYA: Fast Bikes Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Triumph Motorcycles in Malaysia, is holding a special promotion for the range of Tiger 900 adventure bikes.

Buyers can choose any of the variants - Tiger GT 900, GT 900 Low Rider, GT 900 Pro, Rally 900 and Rally 900 Pro - and receive three free gifts consisting of a tank pad, top box mount and a Triumph 52L top box that fits two helmets.

Prices start from RM74,900 and is valid for bikes booked in June and registered by the end of July.

For more information on the promotion, contact via Whatsapp: 011 2300 2007 or visit www.triumphmotorcycles.my.


1,344 motorists summoned by Kelantan JPJ for number plate offences

                KOTA BARU: A total of 1,344 summonses concerning fixing of number plates not according to regulations were issued by the Kelantan Road Transport Department (JPJ) from January until September this year.

Kelantan JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf said of the total, 905 summonses were issued to owners of cars followed by motorcycle owners (344 summonses) and other vehicles (95 summonses).

“The offences have been multiplying, and we view this as serious because unclear number plates could confuse members of the public and the authorities,” he told reporters after the 'Op Khas Motosikal' in front of the Eastern Region Transport Academy, Jalan Kuala Krai, last night.

Hanif Yusabra said the two-day operation focused on various offences with the target being motorcycles which had been modified and number plates which did not follow specifications.

He said a total of 94 summonses were issued for various offences besides three cars which were impounded including one of them for using false number plates.


PSA buys Opel from GM, sets recovery goals

Tavares greeting Barra before a news conference in Paris today. - Reuters
PARIS/FRANKFURT: PSA Group has agreed to buy Opel from General Motors in a deal valuing the business at 2.2 billion euros (US$2.3 billion), the companies said today, creating a new regional car giant to challenge market leader Volkswagen.

The maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars vowed to return Opel and its British Vauxhall brand to profit, targeting an operating margin of 2 percent within three years and 6 percent by 2026 underpinned by 1.7 billion euros in joint cost savings.

PSA shares jumped 4 percent after chief executive Carlos Tavares said GM's European arm could be turned around using some of the lessons from the French group's own recovery.

"We're confident that the Opel-Vauxhall turnaround will significantly accelerate with our support," he said.

By acquiring Opel, PSA leapfrogs French rival Renault to become Europe's second-ranked carmaker by sales, with a 16 percent market share to VW's 24 percent.

Last year, PSA and GM Europe recorded a combined 72 billion euros in revenue and 4.3 million vehicle deliveries.

GM will receive 1.32 billion euros for the Opel manufacturing business - 650 million euros in cash and 670 million in PSA share warrants.

An additional 900 million euros will be paid by the Paris-based carmaker and BNP Paribas for Opel's financing arm, to be operated jointly and consolidated by the French bank.

The sale of Opel seals GM's exit from Europe. Eight years after coming close to a sale to Canada's Magna International, the Detroit auto giant has faced renewed investor pressure to offload the business and focus on raising profitability rather than chase the global sales crown currently held by VW.

After fending off 2015 merger overtures by Fiat Chrysler with support from her board, GM boss Mary Barra agreed to target a 20 percent minimum return on invested capital and pay out more cash to shareholders.

The two carmakers, which already share some production in an existing European alliance, confirmed last month they were negotiating an outright acquisition of Opel by PSA, sparking concern over possible job cuts.

PSA said on Monday the targeted savings would come from purchasing and research and development - avoiding plant closures - as the Opel lineup is redeveloped with PSA technology and vehicle architectures.

An ambitious technical convergence push will begin with the Opel Corsa, Tavares indicated, as earlier reported by Reuters.

The next version of the popular subcompact will be delayed by a year to 2020 as it goes back to the drawing board, according to presentation slides shown to analysts.

"Our planning teams are already working on that," Tavares said when asked about the model. Another five PSA-based Opel models will follow by 2023.

For PSA, the Opel deal caps a stellar two-year recovery under Tavares, which avoided bankruptcy in 2014 by selling 14 percent stakes to the French state and China's Dongfeng, to match a diluted Peugeot family holding.

Tavares has since cut about 3,000 French assembly line jobs each year through voluntary departures to reduce the wage bill to 11 percent of revenue from the 15 percent level he inherited - which is where Opel's labor costs stand today.

PSA reiterated pledges to run Opel as a distinct German subsidiary and honor existing job guarantees to unions, which tend to cover production plans for existing models.

Beyond those horizons, however, the outlook for Opel plants may be less certain.

"Tavares wants to create healthy competition between the plants," said one person involved in the discussions. "They will be competing for workload."

With Europe's auto market near a peak, some analysts predict the combined company may need to close two or three plants in the next five years. Britain's European Union exit adds to the uncertainty over Vauxhall's UK plants at Ellesmere Port and Luton.

But Tavares said exports could help fill Opel plants, adding that UK manufacturing brought opportunities as well as risks in the event of a "hard Brexit" in which Britain leaves the EU without a free-trade deal. "This may look to you a little bit romantic," he conceded.

The transaction also sees GM retain most of Opel's pensions deficit, estimated by analysts at US$10 billion. Earlier in the talks, the US carmaker had sought to offload a larger share of the liabilities, sources said.

Some smaller pension funds will be transferred to PSA, along with a 3 billion euro payment to cover their full settlement, the companies said on Monday.

GM will also take an accounting charge of US$4 billion to US$4.5 billion in relation to the deal, which is expected to close in late 2017.


Can't tell the difference between an SUV and a 4WD? Here's help

                ZWICKAU (Germany): It's easy to get bogged down in terminology when arguing over which four-wheel drive system makes a good mud-plugger.

These days nearly all the car-makers have a vehicle with off-road capability in the catalogue but the type of technology used varies a lot and the names given to it are legion. So what is best?

Despite the rugged image, a sports utility (SUV) for instance does not always come with 4WD. Some of them have it and some don't. These cars are more suitable for driving down dirt roads than for plunging into muddy hollows.

For negotiating rugged terrain only a genuine 4WD or AWD (all-wheel-drive) will do. The mechanicals of both are very similar but all-wheel drive is used to describe vehicles that have a four-wheel drive system designed to maximise road traction, for example on slippery roads.

AWD is regarded as a safety feature and used by many brands, notably Subaru and Audi, to promote car models. Many AWD systems restrict the drive to one set of wheels, either front or rear. They only engage the second set of wheels when the system detects a slippage or a lack of traction, or for performance or efficiency purposes.

4WD models come in different guises too. There are 4WDs with the off-road technology engaged by default and others with an on-demand setting which gives maximum drive in slow-going off-road scenarios only. The part-time mode is activated either by the driver or else electronically.

Most regular drivers will be happy with an electronic system that engages the drive to all four wheels without them noticing, says professor Joern Getzlaff from the Zwickau College of Automotive Technology in Germany.

Traditional systems with four-wheels driven all the time are fine in the dirt although they are literally a drag on the tarmac with the increased mechanical friction leading to higher fuel consumption and enhanced wear.

"But drivers who want to tackle difficult terrain should still opt for conventional mechanical all-wheel drive," says the expert. Such genuine off-roaders are typically used by forestry workers, game hunters and globe-trotting tourists.

The advantage of modern electronic four-wheel-drive, on the other hand, is that the extra grip is only used when conditions demand. It's ideal for rain-soaked roads, patches of snow and trips down muddy lanes when you are towing a heavy trailer.

A multi-plate clutch on board ensures the second axle is only powered when need be, with the drive distributed evenly between both axles to ensure maximum grip.

Johann Juentgen, who runs a workshop for off-road vehicles in Dormagen, is a fan of default 4WD systems. "They are robust, work efficiently and are suitable for owners who often stray off the beaten track", said the expert.

Owners who regularly haul a heavily-laden trailer will also appreciate the extra torque provided when all four wheels are driven simultaneously.

Juentgen warns that less powerful SUVs with multi-plate clutches can only be used for the occasional off-road outing since they wear quickly under frequent use and need to be replaced. The electronics are also prone to gremlins.

Quattro was the name given by Audi to its all-wheel-drive set-up in a sports coupe as far back in 1980 and the system has been used ever since. Volkswagen used the badge Syncro for its all-wheel-drive Golf in 1986 and 4Motion for other models while the first all-wheel drive medium saloon from BMW was the 325x.

Some Mercedes-Benz models use what they call a 4Matic all-wheel-drive, a variable all-wheel system that can automatically change from pure front-wheel drive for steady highway driving to a 50:50 front-rear split in harsher conditions.

A permanent option using a torque split with power always applied to all four wheels is available on other models like the boxy G-type off-roader.

Hybrid cars, which use a power-train combining an electric motor with a combustion engine, are also offered in all-wheel-drive form. Electric drivetrains provide an instant yet smooth torque delivery and the torque boost can help in tricky situations where low-end power is needed to clear an obstacle.

High-performance models often feature torque vectoring, which is the process of sending engine urge to the wheels that need it most.

Unlike traction control systems that use the brakes for this, decent torque-vectoring systems have electronically activated limited-slip differentials. These work faster and more effectively.


Socar celebrates mid-year milestones

                KUALA LUMPUR: Socar's subsidiary Trevo, a peer to peer car sharing platform, will be expanding its services in East Malaysia.

In a statement, Socar, Malaysia’s top car-rental app, said, "This strategic expansion taps into East Malaysia’s rich market of both residents and visitors."

Socar noted that as of June 2023, its vehicles have covered a total travel distance of 15.3 million kilometres, a distance long enough to go around the world 384 times.

"This milestone also reflects a growing consumer shift towards the convenience and flexibility of car-sharing services," said the company, which has a stable of more than 35 different car models in over 1,000 locations in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Ipoh, Melaka, Seremban, and Kota Kinabalu. .

Socar also pointed out that it had refreshed its fleet with 150 new units of the Perodua Bezza, Axia, and Myvi.

"This significant investment in enhancing the vehicle lineup reinforces the company's dedication to providing customers with diverse options that cater to the need of the hour," said the company.


Saudi Arabia inks US$5.6bil deal with Chinese EV company

                DUBAI: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Investment has signed a US$5.6 billion deal with Chinese electric car maker Human Horizons to collaborate on the development, manufacture and sale of vehicles, the Saudi state news agency said in a statement.

The agreement accounts for more than half of the more than US$10 billion in investments signed on the first day of an Arab-China business conference in Riyadh on Sunday, in sectors spanning technology, renewable energy, agriculture, real estate, metals, tourism and healthcare among others.

While the relationship between Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, and China remains anchored by energy ties, there has been a push to boost investments in non-oil sectors as part of the kingdom's diversification agenda.

Part of the Saudi plan is to develop a domestic electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing industry. Human Horizons manufactures electric vehicles under the HiPhi brand in China.

Chinese foreign direct investment into Arab markets stood at US$23 billion in 2021, of which US$3.5 billion as in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi statement said.

Human Horizons said in March it would launch its premium HiPhi brand in some European markets this year as it looks to expand overseas.


Uber imposes fuel surcharge in US amid high petrol prices

                SAN FRNACISCO: Uber Technologies Inc said on Friday US customers, excluding New York City, will have to pay a fuel surcharge from March 16 as the ride-hailing firm tries to address concerns of drivers and couriers hit by record high petrol prices.

Customers will have to pay a surcharge fee of either 45 cents or 55 cents on each Uber trip and 35 cents or 45 cents on each Uber Eats order, depending on their location.

The money charged will go directly to the workers, Uber said.

The surcharge will last for at least 60 days after which it will make adjustments based on feedback from workers and customers.

The move comes as many Uber drivers have been protesting on social media over high petrol costs that have been eating into their earnings even as the company raised its profitability outlook, with some asking if it was still worth getting behind the wheel.

Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, a major oil producer, had crippled global oil trade and could further lift petrol prices.


'Lollipop' sign by Renault measures air pollution

PARIS: Renault has re-invented the iconic symbol of road safety, the “lollipop”, to encourage drivers to not idle in their vehicles.

Renault commissioned the custom lollipop as part of its ‘Be Mindful, Don’t Idle’ campaign to raise awareness of the impact of parents and guardians leaving their engines running during the school run.

According to its nationwide research, 27% admit to idling regularly.

One side of the Renault lollipop displays the exact concentration of fine particulates – known as PM2.5 – in the atmosphere thanks to in-built air sensor technology.

It displays the pollution level in real time to road users.

The reverse features simple iconography that shows whether it is ‘Good’, ‘Okay’ or ‘Poor’ allowing both parents and children to see the quality of the air they are breathing as they enter the school gates.

The bands are based on the boundaries published by the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), running through a range of PM2.5 levels from low, through to moderate and high.

The lollipop features a highly accurate sensor located in the circular section at the top behind the recognisable ‘Stop’ sign.

The black bars have been modified on each side to display the PM2.5 level and associated rating to drivers and pedestrians.

“The lollipop has been the symbol of road safety for decades. Today, safety is not just about how to cross a road, it is also about how safe the air is that our children breathe going in and out of schools on a daily basis,” explains Matt Shirley, Senior Manager – Electrification & New Mobility, Renault UK.

“The adoption of electric vehicles is a journey, but in the meantime, it’s important that we all do our bit and don’t leave our engines running unnecessarily.”


Waymo and Daimler to partner in developing self-driving semi trucks

                DETROIT : Daimler AG's commercial truck unit and Alphabet Inc's Waymo on Tuesday said they will collaborate on development of self-driving Class 8 semi trucks, applying Waymo's automated system to Daimler's Freightliner Cascadia.

Class 8 trucks are semi trucks and other large commercial vehicles with a carrying capacity exceeding 14,969kg.

The partnership accelerates a race to put automated heavy-duty trucks on the road, with a handful of powerful teams chasing commercial customers seeking to reduce dependence on human drivers.

Waymo chief executive John Krafcik said during a conference call that it will take time for major suppliers of Class 8 truck hardware to develop the braking, steering and other technology required to bring a fully automated semi to market in high volume.

“These are super-long timelines,” he said.

The agreement is another win for Waymo as it tries to bring aboard more established vehicle makers. Waymo has also worked with US truck maker PACCAR Inc, whose brands include Peterbilt and Kenworth, but said it does not have a formal development agreement with the Bellevue, Washington company.

Daimler Trucks North America, whose brands include Freightliner and Western Star, and rival PACCAR together control more than 70 percent of the US Class 8 heavy truck sector, according to John Stark, editor of Stark’s Truck & Off-Highway Ledger.

Martin Daum, head of Daimler Trucks, said the agreement with Waymo does not change the German company’s previously announced plan to spend €500 million (RM2.5bil) on automated truck development. Daum and Roger Nielsen, head of Daimler Trucks North America, said Daimler’s in-house efforts to develop a robotic truck driver will continue.

“Having a dual strategy approach, working with Waymo and another company, gives our customers a choice,” Nielsen said.

Waymo has been working on self-driving vehicles for more than a decade, going back to when it was part of Alphabet’s Google unit. The group initially focused on robo-taxis but in 2017 set up Waymo Via to build a goods delivery service using automated commercial vehicles, including heavy trucks.

Daimler and PACCAR will square off against Tesla, which has said it plans to begin building its automated electric Semi truck next year at a new plant in Austin, Texas.

Other heavy truck makers planning to put automated vehicles into commercial service include Volkswagen AG's Traton, which is working with Pittsburgh-based Argo, and is negotiating the acquisition of Illinois-based Navistar International Corp.

Swedish truck maker Volvo AB is collaborating with Silicon Valley chip maker Nvidia Corp in its autonomous truck efforts.

Navistar is working on automated vehicles with Chinese startup TuSimple, which in turn has development deals with Amazon and United Parcel Service.

UPS has its own automated commercial vehicle development agreement with Waymo.


BMW XM Label Red for more of everything

                MUNICH: Just a few months after production got under way of the new XM , BMW M GmbH presents today the flagship version of its first-ever high-performance car with an electrified drive system.

The XM Label Red brings together an M HYBRID system with extra power and bespoke design accents.

With a system output of 550 kW/748 hp (generated by the combination of a V8 combustion engine with up to 430 kW/585 hp and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission producing up to 145 kW/197 hp), the XM Label Red is the most powerful M model ever made. It also tops the power rankings in the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupé segments.

Production will begin in August 2023 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA.

Scheduled for the same timeframe is an exclusive edition of the range-topping model limited to 500 examples and featuring an exterior paint finish in BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black metallic.

The XM Label Red will celebrate its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai international motor show.

China is one of the most important sales regions for the XM Label Red, alongside the USA and the Middle East. It can be ordered from dealers from April 28.

With a system output increased to 550 kW/748 hp, the new top-of-the-line model outperforms the standard XM produced since December 2022 by 70 kW/95 hp.

System torque is up by 200Nm and now peaks at 1,000 Nm.

Power is channelled to the road by the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

The latest generation of the V8 stands out with its extremely rapid power delivery, increased efficiency and minimised emissions. As well as a cross-bank exhaust manifold, it also features a reinforced crankshaft drive, turbocharging with an electrically controlled blow-off valve, upgraded oil supply and optimised oil separation.

In the XM Label Red, the V8 makes an even greater contribution to the system output generated in tandem with the electric motor. It produces its maximum output of 430 kW/585 hp at 5,600 rpm.

Peak torque is 750 Nm – an increase of 100 Nm over the version of the engine in the standard XM – and is on tap across an extremely wide rev band from 1,800 to 5,400 rpm.

With two electronically controlled and continuously adjustable flaps, the sports exhaust system of the XM Label Red provides an emotionally rich accompaniment to the engine’s power delivery with a vibrancy and energy not normally associated with an eight-cylinder unit.

The engine sound has a distinctive quality, as do the two pairs of dual tailpipes, with the individual pipes arranged one above the other.

Like the V8 engine, the electric motor of the M HYBRID system also employs innovative technology to deliver a noticeable increase in pulling power.

The permanently excited synchronous motor is integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission together with its power electronics and, in the now familiar style of electric motors, responds to just slight movements of the accelerator with instantaneous power delivery.

The electric motor contributes up to 145 kW/197 hp to the maximum system output of the XM Label Red and develops nominal torque of 280 Nm.

A pre-gearing stage patented by BMW is used to increase the torque produced by the motor to an effective maximum of 450Nm at the transmission input for the motor. In this way, the compact motor is able to provide the sort of torque boost that could normally only be achieved using a far larger and heavier unit.

The XM Label Red needs just 3.8 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100kph. Its top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, but rises to 290kph on cars with the optional M Driver’s Package.

As well as providing an electric boost effect under acceleration, the electric motor also performs a supporting role under steady loads, helping to increase the efficiency of the combustion engine.

This gives the XM Label Red average petrol consumption of 1.7 – 1.6 litres per 100km in the WLTP test cycle, combined electric power consumption of 34.5 – 33.0 kWh per 100km and CO2 emissions of 39 – 35 grams per kilometre.

The motor draws its energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the underbody area, which is a product of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.

The lithium-ion battery stands out with its high energy density at a cell and battery pack level. It provides a constant flow of power across a wide temperature range and even under the heavy loads brought by a particularly sporty driving style.

It has a usable energy content of 25.7 kWh. Together with the electric motor’s excellent efficiency and the system of intelligent energy management, this enables an electric range of 75 – 83 kilometres in the WLTP cycle.

The power delivery of the electric motor also gains a soundtrack of its own, in the form of the BMW IconicSounds Electric developed as part of a collaboration between the BMW Group and film score composer Hans Zimmer.

The Combined Charging Unit of the M HYBRID system enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW.

This means the high-voltage battery can be replenished from zero to 100 per cent charge in 4.25 hours.

Predictive heat management reduces charging times by warming or cooling the battery.

Supplied as standard are both the Flexible Fast Charger for use with domestic or industrial sockets and the charging cable Professional.

This mode 3 cable for topping up at public charging stations can be kept in a suitably stylish and exclusive weekend-type bag and secured in the boot area using a crash-protective carabiner-belt combination.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system channels the power generated by the combustion engine and electric motor between all four wheels precisely, quickly and as required at all times.

The system has a rear-biased setup, which enhances the agility of the XM Label Red and is particularly pronounced in 4WD Sport mode.

Building on the work of the M xDrive system is an electronically controlled differential lock in the rear axle, which further enhances traction, agility and directional stability. The M Sport differential brings a need-based and fully variable distribution of drive torque between the left and right rear wheels.

Standard equipment for the BMW XM Label Red includes adaptive M suspension Professional – featuring electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilisation with Active Roll Comfort to eliminate body roll on one side of the vehicle – and Integral Active Steering.

The M Sport braking system comprises six-piston, fixed-calliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-calliper units at the rear. It teams with the latest-generation integrated braking system, which ensures the stopping power generated by recuperation and the friction brake is combined with great precision, and which also presents the driver with two pedal feel settings.

Like the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M Sport differential, active roll stabilisation and the steering’s control systems, the near-actuator wheel slip limitation tech integrated into the engine management and the Performance Control function are networked with the central transverse dynamics management.

The integrated application of all powertrain and chassis systems together with the fine-tuning carried out on varying types of road – from urban driving to country roads and motorways – with the help of BMW M GmbH’s racing expertise has resulted in a well-resolved driving experience in every situation and with every configuration.

The distinguishing features of the performance-maximising XM variant include an accent band in Toronto Red metallic, although a black accent band also can be specified.

The use of red also extends to the model badges and the wheel inserts. The BMW XM Label Red is fitted as standard with 21-inch light-alloy wheels. The surrounds for the BMW M kidney grille and diffuser elements come in Black high-gloss.

The spectrum of exterior paint shades available for the new model comprises one solid and eight metallic variants.

Customers can also choose from more than 50 BMW Individual special paint finishes, including the new BMW Individual Urban Green, BMW Individual Petrol Mica metallic, BMW Individual Anglesey Green metallic and BMW Individual Sepia metallic.

The new BMW Individual Visualizer (at https://individual.bmw-m.com/) is available for the first time from the start of orders for the XM Label Red to help customers with the paint selection process.

The car is depicted extremely realistically in the paint finish selected by the customer against the backdrop of BMW M Town. Here, it can be viewed from various angles and with the aid of 360-degree video.

The limited-edition variant of the XM Label Red – only 500 examples of which will be released globally – maximises the exclusivity factor with even more expressive styling.

Toronto Red metallic for the BMW M kidney grille surround and rear diffuser insert create additional design cues that combine with a body paint finish in BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black metallic.

The contrast of the gloss colour accents against shimmering matt surfaces ensures the exterior of the BMW XM Label Red has a particularly enthralling effect.

A black/red colour scheme also brings a visually appealing and sporting flavour to the interior of the XM Label Red. The distinctive three-dimensional headliner and the trim for the body pillars have black surfaces.

Red is used to bring an extra sense of exclusivity to the diamond-shaped upper sections of the backrests and the integrated head restraints of the seats for the driver and front passenger and the outer rear seats.

This is complemented by red contrast stitching for the black surfaces of the seats, instrument panel, door trim and centre console, and the likewise red accents for the air vents.

Among the other exclusive features of the XM Label Red interior are a red “XM” badge below the control display and an interior trim strip in Carbon Fibre satin effect with red and blue accent threads highlighting this as an M car. Inside the limited-edition variant of the Label Red, customers will find a plaque below the control display reading “1 of 500”.

M multifunction seats, knee pads, M-specific content on the BMW Curved Display and the standard-fitted BMW head-up display, the signature M gear selector lever and an M-specific control panel on the centre console are the headline features of a sports car-style cockpit optimised to deliver a richly engaging performance experience on board.
A generous feeling of space, high-quality materials and extravagant design transform the rear of the BMW XM Label Red into an exclusive M Lounge.

Optionally heated backrests that extend well into the sides of the cabin and cushions in Merino leather with red contrast stitching and an “XM” badge offer passengers luxurious levels of comfort.

Ambient lighting, four-zone automatic climate control, the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System and the Travel & Comfort System are all standard features too, while the options list includes the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with 1,475-watt amplifier and four additional speakers in the roof area.

The BMW XM Label Red offers customers a wide selection of advanced systems for automated driving and parking.

Among the technologies fitted as standard is the Driving Assistant, which comprises Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning including lane return with steering assistance, the Evasion Assistant, Alertness Assistant and the Speed Limit Info system. The optional Driving Assistant Professional brings Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function together with features such as the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, traffic light recognition, automatic Speed Limit Assist and Active Navigation.

Parking Assistant Plus is also part of standard specification. Alongside, the Reversing Assistant, this system adds Parking View, front and rear Panorama View and 3D View to the repertoire of functions.

The BMW XM Label Red comes as standard with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which brings with it the latest generation of the BMW iDrive multi-sensory vehicle experience, here based on an M-specific version of BMW Operating System 8.

With the fully digital screen grouping and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the new BMW iDrive has been deliberately geared towards touch control and gesture control as well as dialogue using natural language.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional also includes the cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system. The optional BMW Digital Key Plus enables customers to lock and unlock the BMW XM Label Red using their Apple iPhone by means of security-enhanced ultra-wideband (UWB) radio technology.

Smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the personalised BMW ID functionality and an eSIM designed for 5G mobile technology are also available for use.


Perodua seeks to reassure public on safety

                PETALING JAYA: Perodua says it has been above-board when submitting cars for safety testing by Asean NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme).

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said in a statement today that all its vehicles followed safety requirements and conformed to safety ratings awarded by Asean NCAP.

"Perodua does not compromise on the safety and the well-being of our customers and their loved ones."

 The latest Myvi received a 4-star rating from Asean NCAP.

Asean NCAP has assessed the Alza, Myvi and the Axia.

Aminar's announcement came a day after Asean NCAP said it was demanding an explanation from a local car maker to explain a disparity in safety features of a model sent for testing and units sold in the market. It did not name the car maker.

Asean NCAP's move came following a consumer complaint against the car maker, alleging that a top ISOFIX point for a child seat in the rear had been removed. The car submitted for testing had the top ISOFIX tethering point.

Asean NCAP secretary-general Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim said: "This is an irresponsible act by the manufacturer and needs to be made public in order to demonstrate (cheating on) safety will not be tolerated.  The results from Asean NCAP rating is a 'promise' between manufacturers and NCAP, especially on the safety fitment installed inside their respective vehicles, and certainly this manufacturer has broken its promise."

Asean NCAP told the car maker that a remedy would be either a lower specification variant of the model be re-tested or to suspend the total rating. The overall finding would be made public, said  Khairil.

Asean NCAP said it is also reviewing all other models from the car maker that had already been assessed.


Rendezvous with VW R-Liners

Last month, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) launched its line of all-new models for 2020 which consisted of the Arteon R-Line sedan, the seven-seat Tiguan Allspace SUV and the Passat R-Line.

The Tiguan Allspace comes in two variants - the front-wheel drive Highline, and the all-wheel drive R-Line.

We had a try out of the Arteon R-Line and Tiguan Allspace R-Line for a day last week where we spent the first part testing the cars' handling and braking capabilities through a series of manoeuvres and then hitting the winding stretches of the Karak highway.

Arteon R-Line

This fastback model now sits on top of the hill for VPCM, dethroning the Passat, and with a price tag to match at RM220,043 (on-the-road without insurance and SST).

The look of the Arteon is what's going to grab your attention first and it gets better when you realise that under the hood is a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine producing 190PS and 320Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed double wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG).

I was immediately impressed when I sat behind the wheel with its comfortable black Nappa leather seats and the minimal layout of the dashboard with the 9.2-inch touchscreen with Apple Car Play and navigation at the centre.

Even more surprising is when we departed for the activities site at MAEPS, Serdang, and feeling that you're driving a small car knowing all the while it's quite a long sedan.

The cabin was really quiet and sound-proofed to cancel external noise and the engine didn't exhibit the sporty exhaust note leading me to surmise that the Arteon is, first and foremost, built for comfort.

But don't confuse it for lack of power.

The Arteon, fitted with 19-inch wheels, launched into action when we did the braking test which required us to floor the accelerator and then apply emergency braking.

The car coming to a full stop at a short distance also let us know how effective the brakes are.

The Arteon handled very well when we did the lane-change and slalom manoeuvres with minimal body-roll.

We then made our way to the Karak highway and once we passed the Gombak toll, we pushed the car through bends and turns and was simply amazed at how planted it was.

Finally, the narrow, winding stretch to Janda Baik was not an issue for the Arteon either.

It may be long and wide but it is nimble and very responsive to the steering.

The Arteon is such a well composed sedan that offers comfort, functionality and excitement, not to mention good looks.

Tiguan Allspace R-Line

The R-Line variant of the Tiguan has it all. A longer wheelbase for third row seats, the 4Motion all-wheel drive system and a lot of grunt with its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 220PS and 350Nm of torque mated to a seven-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG).

It's much more powerful than the Arteon and we're willing to bet even quicker because it's all-wheel drive and has even more room (1,775 litres with the second and third rows folded) yet it is priced at RM208,553 (on-the-road without insurance and SST).

I'm sensing more value for money here.

Although it's a tall vehicle, it stays quite planted thanks to the all-wheel drive system which also has four modes to choose from to suit the terrain you're in.

That's right. You can take it off-road if you wanted to.

It also has Hill Descent Control which we experienced during the particularly steep stretch of the Karak highway on the way back to Kuala Lumpur.

The gear automatically stayed on third as we made the descent, keeping the SUV under control.

And speaking of tall, it has an increased ride height which lets you have a better view of your surroundings and, just as important, you can calmly go through waterlogged roads in the city because it has a lot more clearance than a sedan. It just so happened to rain heavily as I reached Kuala Lumpur.

It's also comfortable and quiet in the cabin and the navigation system worked well as I used it for the trip back. It also has the same digital instrument cluster and 9.2-inch touchscreen as the Arteon as well as 19-inch wheels.

All-in-all, it's understandable why the R-Line series from Volkswagen sits right at the top.

The cars are aesthetically pleasing, have outstanding handling, is spacious, comfortable, powerful and includes almost all the safety features one would expect at this price point including the Automatic Post Collision Brake System.

This collision mitigation system applies the brakes when the car senses an imminent impact.

However, it is missing some safety features which are de-riguer in cars right now - blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The latter is especially helpful for outstation drives and traffic crawls in the city.

Other than those, the R-Line series ticks all the boxes.


Indonesia building US$1.2b battery plant with LG

An automotive-grade Li-ion battery pack made by LG Energy Solution.
JAKARTA: State-owned Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC) and South Korea's LG will build a new battery plant worth US$1.2 billion with the capacity of 10 gigawatt hours (GWh), Indonesia's investment minister said today.

The plant, part of a bigger US$9.8 billion electric vehicle deal between LG and Indonesia signed last year, will be built in the city of Bekasi, on the eastern border of the capital Jakarta.

Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia in a statement did not specify a timeframe but said the factory would be built "in the near future".

"The first phase of construction will have the production capacity of 10 GWh, which will later be used for EVs from Hyundai," he added.

The LG consortium consists of different LG units, including LG Chem, LG Energy Solution, LG International, plus South Korean steelmaker POSCO and Chinese cobalt company, Huayou Holdings, according to the statement.

A spokesman for LG Energy Solution, the company's battery production arm, could not immediately comment when contacted by Reuters.

Reuters reported earlier this month that LG Energy Solution is looking to build advanced battery cells for US EV maker Tesla Inc in 2023 and is considering potential production sites in the United States and Europe.

Top nickel producer Indonesia meanwhile, has ambitious plans to start processing its rich supplies of nickel laterite ore used in lithium batteries and eventually become a global hub for producing and exporting EVs.

Indonesia is targeting to produce 140 GWh worth of batteries by 2030, officials have said.


Naza Automotive Group offers festive deals

                Naza Kia Malaysia has a "More Ong, More Huat" Chinese New Year campaign where owners of any Kia vehicle registered from January 7 until February 29, 2020 stand a chance to win exclusive prizes including the grand prize of a Kia Picanto.

Also, Naza Kia Malaysia will be giving out eight petrol vouchers worth RM1,000 monthly while another eight weekly winners will score Touch N Go cards worth RM200. Naza Kia Malaysia is also offering a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage for all Kia models, two years complimentary lubricant service and access to Sky Lounge by NAZA during this festive period.

Meanwhile, Naza Euro Motors, the official distributor for Citroen in Malaysia, is running the "Citroën Prosperity Drive" campaign until February 29, 2020, where those who buy the Citroen C3 Aircross SUV retailing at RM115,888 will receive an "Ang Pau" worth RM8,888 and three years free service.

Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, is also offering three years free service which includes parts and labour charges with every purchase of a Peugeot vehicle.

This festive season, Naza Motor Trading is offering special prices on selected luxury models with their "888 Prosperity CNY Deals" campaign.

Visit Naza Automall, Petaling Jaya from today until January 24, 2020 and check out the models on offer such as the Mercedes-Benz CLA180, Mercedes-Benz C200, Mercedes-Benz GLA180, Toyota Vellfire, Toyota Alphard, Toyota Estima and Toyota Harrier.


Perodua dealer invests RM2 million in new centre in Kelantan

                KOTA BHARU: Perodua has introduced its 66th body and paint centre in Kota Bharu, Kelantan to cater to the needs of its East Coast customers.

The new RM2 million centre is owned and operated by long-time Perodua dealer Nasrom (M) Sdn Bhd.

Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Dr Zahari Husin said the company will continue to look into further improving the capacity of its existing body and paint facilities or establishing new facilities to fulfil the needs of over 3.2 million Perodua vehicle owners nationwide.

Occupying an area of 17,000 sq ft, the new body and paint facility is capable of mending up to 1,080 cars annually.

The facility is located at Lot 12972 & 12973, Kg Padang Kala, Peringat District, Kota Bharu.

“With this new facility, our customers can be assured of quality workmanship and genuine parts in the repair of their cars. Our authorised personnel will also assist with the claims process," said Nasrom managing director Ab Alim.

An authorised Perodua dealer since 1994, Nasrom also operates a 1S (sales) outlet and a 2S (service and spare parts) outlet, both in Kubang Kerian.

Of the 66 Perodua body and paint centres nationwide, seven serve the East Coast, centred around Kuala Terengganu, Kemaman, Kuantan, Jerantut and Kota Bharu.


Zellmer to become new head of VW's Skoda, say sources

Zellmer and Schaefer (inset).
FRANKFURT: Skoda, part of Germany's Volkswagen, has appointed Klaus Zellmer as its new boss, two sources with knowledge of the matter said on Friday.

Zellmer is to succeed Thomas Schaefer as head of the Czech carmaker, and an announcement will be made on Monday, the people said.

Zellmer is a board member for sales, marketing and aftersales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars and a Porsche veteran.

Skoda was not immediately available for comment and Volkswagen declined to comment.


Proton releases actual images of X50 in run-up to launch

                PETALING JAYA: The hottest thing coming out of Proton isn't out yet. But it will be - soon.

It's none other than the X50 compact SUV, the little "brother" to the X70.

Drumming up the buzz this morning is Proton with three photos posted to its Facebook page of the most anticipated SUV this season.

The photos have already triggered over 1,500 comments and over 5,000 shares in less than 24 hours, with many visitors showing keen interest and leaving positive remarks about the SUV.

Some were pleasantly surprised that the X50 would feature separate air-cond vents in second row with dual charging ports, an amenity missing in the Geely Binyue on which the X50 is based. The Binyue debuted in China in late 2018.

Rivals for the dual-toned X50 include the Honda HR-V and the Toyota C-HR.

The 1.5-litre turbocharged Binyue with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission is powerful, and produces 177ps and 255Nm of torque.

This powertrain was jointly developed by Geely Auto and Volvo Cars.

Like the X70, the X50 could have premium features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Information System.

Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong confirmed in January that the X50 would launch as a locally assembled model unlike the X70, which was fully imported before it was produced in CKD form.

Price-wise, we hazard a guesstimate that the X50 would be in the region of RM80K to RM100K.

The wait for the X50 launch won't be long now as Proton would announce a milestone event surrounding the hot little SUV this month. While Proton has not officially called its B-segment SUV the X50, the media has taken to calling it that - until proven otherwise.


Toyota Rush updated

                PETALING JAYA: The Rush compact SUV has received some cosmetic changes in an effort by Toyota "to give it a tougher yet sporty image while retaining its modern and distinct form."

Three variants are offered: Rush 1.5S Automatic at RM103,300; Rush 1.5G Automatic at RM 100,300; and Rush 1.5G Manual at RM98,000.

The bumper, radiator grille and bonnet have been revised, with a carbon fibre-like  finishing and a 2-tone effect on the bumper.

Highlights in the form of a chrome lining stretches across the headlamp and radiator grille.

To differentiate the Rush 1.5S and 1.5G, the latter has a LED positioning light at the base of the headlamp. The Rush 1.5S gets integrated foglamps to provide additional illumination at night.

The rear end, with its wraparound glass, remain the same but there is now a bumper profile with restyled combination lights using LEDs and a smoked lens.

New 16-inch polished alloy rims are installed on the latest Rush and their 2-tone design projects a sporty image. The tyre size has been widened to 235/60 from 215/65 to provide a larger footprint for better grip and stability, as well as enhancing braking.

The Rush interior design has a bold dark grey colour theme. The seat covers have red stitching which gives a sporty ambience to the cabin. The red stitching complements the red and white theme of the new combination meter panel.

The Rush is the only SUV in its class with three rows of seats, providing extra versatility. The divided backrest for the third row allows for partial folding so that one person can be seated while extra luggage can be carried on one side. In the event that the third row of seating is not needed, it can be folded forward against the back of the second row to provide more cargo space.

Besides the third row, the Rush is also the only SUV in its class with a dual air-conditioning system, just like bigger SUVs. Additional vents on the ceiling deliver cool air to the occupants in the rear and have separate blower controls.

The Rush is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC petrol engine (3SZ-VE) with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i). The engine delivers up to 108hp at 6,000rpm and peak torque of 141Nm at 4,400rpm.

New for the 2015 model is the switch to electrically-assisted power steering (EPS) which is now common in passenger cars.

The GOA-complaint chassis has been improved to better resist side impacts with anti-intrusion beams in the doors and body reinforcement.

All three variants come with two airbags, collapsible steering column and reverse sensor.

The Active Safety System in the Rush 1.5G includes ABS (anti-lock brakes) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

A portable tyre pump is included in case of punctures.

Five body colour choices are available: Champagne Metallic, White, Black Metallic and Silver Mica Metallic and a new Grey Metallic colour.


US unlikely to hit 1 million electric vehicles until 2020, says govt official

                WASHINGTON: Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States may not top one million until 2020, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said Thursday, showing purchases have fallen well below President Barack Obama's goal of reaching that number by 2015.

In an interview on the sidelines of the Washington auto show, Moniz said the country may hit the figure in three to four years with continuing improvements in battery technology, but low gasoline prices have had a negative impact on sales.

"If we get a little acceleration, obviously we're probably three, four years away," Moniz told Reuters after getting a look at some new electric vehicles at the show. "I remain very bullish." In August 2008, with gas prices averaging nearly US$4 a gallon, then presidential candidate Barack Obama set a goal of getting one million plug-in electric vehicles on the roads by 2015, something he reiterated in his 2011 State of the Union.

With gas prices averaging less than US$2 a gallon, only about 400,000 electric cars have been sold to date. There are about 250 million cars and trucks on U.S. roads.

Last year, sales fell 6 percent over the previous year, to about 115,000, despite the industry offering about 30 plug-in models, often at deep discounts.

President Barack Obama has been a major backer of EVs while in office. On a visit to the Detroit auto show Wednesday, Obama noted that he got a look at some "plug-in hybrids and electrics and fuel-efficient cars that can protect our planet, save people money at the pump."

Moniz said lowering battery costs is "absolutely critical" to boosting electric vehicle sales - and noted the administration's goal is to make EVs as affordable to own and operate as gasoline-powered vehicles by 2022.

He said the future for EVs "remains extremely bright." Electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles often cost US$8,000 to US$10,000 more than equivalent sized gasoline powered cars with similar options.

Asked about the shift to SUVs by many U.S. buyers last year, Moniz said it was important to keep short term market moves in perspective. "We take the long-term view," Moniz said.

On Thursday, the Energy Department said it was awarding US$55 million for new cost-sharing projects including fuel-efficient vehicle technologies.

Automakers are continuing to roll out new electric vehicles facing zero emission vehicle mandates from California and other states, along with rising federal fuel efficiency mandates.


Stakes high as Geely's Volvo replaces best-selling XC60

                GENEVA: Volvo Car Group unveiled its new XC60 SUV at the Geneva auto show today, the latest launch in a sweeping overhaul of its model line-up under Chinese ownership that will be key to driving sales and earnings ahead of a possible listing.

Despite being launched almost a decade ago, the original XC60 has remained popular among buyers and been the automaker's best-selling model since 2009.

Featuring more than a passing resemblance to its larger sibling, the XC90, the new car continues Volvo's two biggest vehicular aims - to develop cars that really do put a premium on exterior design and interior cossetting; and to build cars that push the boundaries in what's possible in terms of reducing serious injuries in accidents and eventually avoiding accidents altogether.

The XC60 accounts for roughly a third of Volvo's sales, leaving the new model with big shoes to fill as the carmaker looks to expand its niche in a premium market dominated by larger players such as Daimler's Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

"The XC60 is in one of the hottest premium segments globally, so getting the execution and launch right is imperative for the growth of the brand," said Bill Rinna, senior manager for North American forecasts at consultancy LMC Automotive.

"Globally, we expect the new XC60 to sell 175,000 units annually. Its two main competitors are not standing still however, as both the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 have or will be getting updates of their own." Volvo sold just over 161,000 XC60s last year.

Over the past couple of years, the company has begun delivering new models developed since its purchase by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. from Ford Motor Co. in 2010, including the larger XC90 SUV and a new 90-series.

Volvo is banking on a joint platform developed under Geely's ownership for all but its smallest models - key to keeping down costs and improving flexibility for a small carmaker like Volvo.

Later this year, it is also launching the XC40 compact SUV, aiming to further capitalise on a strong market for SUVs.

"Now we are really entering into a segment that should deliver volume," Volvo Car Group Chief Executive Hakan Samuelsson told reporters.

"Before the end of the year we will have the biggest line-up of SUVs we've ever had." After struggling under Ford, sales at one of Sweden's largest companies by sales and staff have risen sharply, hitting a record 534,332 cars last year.

Samuelsson has said he expects another record in 2017, the fourth straight if achieved, on the way to an annual target of 800,000 cars in the medium term.

Volvo has also taken steps towards a possible listing, raising 5 billion crowns ($557 million) through the sale of newly issued preference shares, though Samuelsson has said any flotation is a question for its owner.

The XC60 production is set to begin in mid-April at the carmaker's plant in Torslanda, on the outskirts of Gothenburg in western Sweden.

The new car offers the complete suite of active safety and semi-autonomous drive systems that are available on the much larger Volvo XC90 and S90 sedan including run-off road mitigation, large animal, cyclist and pedestrian detection systems, autonomous braking, plus Pilot Assist. When activated this system can steer, accelerate and slow the car automatically, in line with traffic conditions, on well-marked roads at speeds of up to 130kph.

What's more, the car is the first ever to feature three new safety systems that take active steering to a new level. It will be able to pull back into lane if there's the possibility that an oncoming car could collide with it. It will be able to steer around as well as brake if a person or cyclist crosses its path and slowing alone won't mitigate a potential accident, and during overtaking moves, if there's a vehicle in the car's blind spot, it will take steps to pull the car back into lane

"All three of these new features represent clear steps in our work towards fully autonomous cars," said Malin Ekholm, Senior Director, Volvo Cars' Safety Centre. "We have all of the benefits of the safety technology we introduced in our larger 90 series cars in the new XC60. This is fully in-line with our strategic approach to develop automotive safety systems based on real-life, real-road safety."

The car will come with a range of gasoline, diesel and hybrid powertrains, the most potent of which will be the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. That will give the car a 0-100kph time of just 5.3 seconds and a maximum output of 407hp, making the car equal parts safe and fun to drive. — Reuters/Relaxnews


French investigators to meet Carlos Ghosn in Beirut on Jan 18

Ghosn speaking to reporters in Jounieh, Lebanon, in September. — Bloomberg
PARIS: French investigators will arrive in Beirut on Jan 18 to speak with Carlos Ghosn, the former chairman of Nissan Motor Co and Renault SA, as part of a probe into expenses, according to an official in the Lebanese judiciary and a person close to the former auto executive.

The French team will be joined by Lebanon’s state prosecutor, according to the Lebanese official, who asked not to be identified because the matter isn’t public. The French Justice Ministry and a spokesman for the Paris prosecutor didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Ghosn was arrested in Tokyo almost two years ago and accused of financial misconduct. He has denied wrongdoing and escaped to Lebanon last December hidden inside a large box.

Last month, Ghosn said French criminal investigators would question him in 2021 as part of a separate investigation of expenses covered by a Dutch subsidiary of Renault and Nissan.

Authorities in France are looking into interactions with a car distributor in Oman and spending on events and trips that may have been personal, as well as payments made by Renault-Nissan BV to consultants.

Ghosn has not been charged and has agreed to cooperate with the inquiries, which are at the preliminary stage, according to the person close to his team, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. The French team will be in Beirut until Jan 22, they said.


Tech and bling collide in Caviar's custom iPhone celebrating Elon Musk

                PARIS: For almost a decade now, the Russian brand Caviar has been offering luxury versions of smartphones and similar high-tech devices, adorned with gold and other precious materials.

Its latest folly? An iPhone in homage to Elon Musk with an aluminum part originating from a real Tesla car, yours for US$5,600 (around RM24,000).

Caviar offers a multitude of high-end models from Apple, Samsung and Huawei, decorated with gold and various precious stones. The result is not always of the best taste, but their exclusive nature appeals to people ready to spend several thousand, or even tens of thousands of euros on a cell phone.

Its latest innovation comes in the form of an iPhone with casing featuring a special piece of aluminum extracted from a Tesla Model 3, and paying tribute to the mighty Elon Musk with engravings featuring his portrait.

The iPhone Electro, made in only 99 copies, is offered for sale for US$5,600. Note that fans of Elon Musk can even accompany their new iPhone with a desktop bust of the entrepreneur, all for the modest additional sum of US$2,700. Caviar's product range also includes busts of Steve Jobs and Jack Ma.

Caviar offers another original take on the iPhone 13 Pro featuring parts of the iPhone 2G, the very first smartphone launched by Apple.

It integrates a fragment of a iPhone 2G motherboard placed in an apple-shaped capsule filled with resin. The handset's titanium body is engraved with a drawing representing the interior of the iPhone 2G. This model is only available in 19 pieces, each priced at US$5,700.

In addition to these eye-catching smartphones, the Caviar catalog also includes watches, earphones, headphones and even a gold PlayStation 5 priced at US$352,770!


Naza dropping Kia and Peugeot brands

                PETALING JAYA: The Naza Group is shedding the Kia and Peugeot franchises as part of its move to overhaul the highly diversified organisation that has been hammered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The sale of the two brands has been going through the rumour mill for months until it was recently confirmed.

Naza Corp Holdings Sdn Bhd executive chairman and CEO SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin told The Edge business publication that he expected the process to be completed by the end of this year.

Sale of the two brands have suffered in recent years and Naza had found it increasingly harder to make a profit in an industry that is tightly regulated and where the principals set the pricing, said Nasarudin, who also spoke of "razor-thin margins" amid a challenging environment.

Along with the sale of Kia and Peugeot, the Gurun plant run by associated company Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (NAM) would also be up for disposal.

The plant, set up in 2004, has an annual production capacity of 50,000 units and assembles Peugeot, Citroen and Kia cars.

Nasarudin said the sale of the plant is being worked out with the PSA Group, the parent company for Peugeot, Citroen, DS, Opel and Vauxhall.

While the two key assets would be dropped, the privately held Naza Group has no intention to exit the auto business. It still has Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati, DS, Citroen and Mercedes-Benz dealerships to fall back on.

The company also has stakes in property development, construction, engineering, telecommunications, infrastructure and asset management.

Meanwhile, some potential bidders for the Kia and Peugeot franchises include Mazda distributor Bermaz Auto and DRB-Hicom.


Honda reels out new CR-V, ZR-V and electric e:Ny1 for Europe

                FRANKFURT: Honda today unveiled three SUV models for Europe - the new CR-V, ZR-V and all-electric e:Ny1.

The models were revealed at the brand’s European Media Event in Offenbach near here.

CR-V

Honda said the sixth generation CR-V has been refined and comes with the latest driver aids and passive safety. A focus on high-quality colours, materials and fabrics throughout the cabin has elevated the CR-Vtowards the premium segment.

The CR-V will be offered with a choice of either a full hybrid (e:HEV) or, for the first time in the European market, a plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) powertrain.

Both variants feature a 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection Atkinson-cycle petrol engine which has been revised to enhance efficiency, refinement, and dynamic performance across the range.

The e:PHEV uses the same lightweight and high-output on-board electric motors as its e:HEV stablemate to provide quick acceleration, rapid charge times and a competitive all-electric only range.

Able to travel 82 km in electric mode, the plug-in CR-V can complete the majority of daily trips on electric drive alone. When the battery temperature is at 25 degrees, a 100% state of charge can be achieved from empty in just 2.5 hours.

The full hybrid CR-V will feature the most advanced iteration of the brand’s award-winning e:HEV powertrain, first seen in the award-winning Civic hatchback. A power-dense lithium-ion battery and two compact, lightweight electric motors combine with the petrol engine to shift seamlessly between EV, Hybrid and Engine Drive, making it ideally suited to all driving scenarios.

The all-new model retains its familiar silhouette, but with a design evolution that increases its road presence.

Visibility was another key focus during design and development. The front corner points of the CR-V are low, thanks to a wide, uncluttered bonnet, allowing drivers to understand the overall shape of the car. In combination with the large glasshouse, the CR-V offers outstanding outward visibility for all occupants.

Wider, longer, and taller than the outgoing model the all-new CR-V offers more interior space for passengers, a 40mm longer wheelbase allows for 16mm more rear legroom, and 118% more luggage capacity. Eight levels of adjustment for the rear seat recline, with 10.5° more angle, also allows passengers to relax in comfort.

An updated suite of Honda SENSING features and new structural components contribute to class-leading active and passive safety. The all-new CR-V is the first to include Honda SENSING 360, the company’s all-new omnidirectional safety and driver assist system, which removes blind spots around the vehicle and further contributes to collision avoidance by reducing the burden on the driver.

ZR-V

Positioned between HR-V and CR-V, the ZR-V is aimed at young, image conscious buyers (or Gen Z) who seek a stylish, powerful and fun to drive vehicle that can integrate into their life.

Beneath the sleek, stylish exterior is Honda’s full hybrid technology that shares DNA with the multi-award winning all-new Civic e:HEV.

Optimised for the ZR-V, the e:HEV’s efficient yet powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder direct injection Atkinson cycle engine works in conjunction with two motors to provide punchy, responsive acceleration.

The bespoke, lightweight, rigid chassis has been inspired by concepts seen in both the Civic and CR-V platforms, and has been engineered to deliver the driving characteristics and high levels of agility usually associated with sports hatchbacks.

The slimline headlights and stylish gloss black grille create a sophisticated aesthetic, which is continued down the SUV’s noiseless flanks and into the bold rear bumper design, with sleek horizontal taillights that neatly integrate into the tailgate. Functionality in design was a key focus for Honda engineers, with each panel and component optimised to aid visibility and enhance aerodynamic performance.

The ZR-V’s versatile cabin prioritises usability and flexible stowage capacity. This is typified by a vast array of trays and pockets, alongside a rear cargo space that features a load partition, retractable parcel cover and under floor storage, boosting the ZR-V’s load-carrying versatility up to 1,291 litres.

High-quality soft-touch materials with detailed finishing combine with stylish lighting throughout the cabin to create a premium ambience. In addition, multiple charge points and the latest HMI technology keep the driver and passengers connected to the outside world via a large nine-inch touchscreen in the centre of the upper dash panel.

e:Ny1

The e:Ny1 is Honda’s second pure EV to arrive in the region, following on from the Honda e city car, and is designed to meet the growing customer demand for all-electric B-segment SUVs.

Honda said the e:Ny1 follows its human-centred development philosophy, making the most of the model’s fully electric powertrain to deliver an SUV with fun-to-drive dynamics, a smooth and refined ride, and intuitive versatility.

The e:Ny1 features short front overhang, large wheels and a wide track. It also debuts an all-new electric identity for Honda, with white "H" badges featuring around the vehicle, including the nose badge, wheel centre caps and steering wheel.

In addition, a new typeface spells out "Honda" on the tailgate that will become a standard on the brand’s future EVs.

Honda said cever packaging of the electric drivetrain components ensure e:Ny1 offers big interior space and comfort.

An all-new centre console features a simple layout of easily accessible buttons, multiple storage options and wireless charging, while a clean dashboard topped by a large 15.1-inch touchscreen provides access to a suite of infotainment and driving options.

The e:Ny1 is built on Honda’s newly-developed e:N Architecture F, a front-motor-driven platform focused on three attributes: A dedicated high rigidity body structure, a low centre of gravity, and carefully managed under-floor aerodynamics to ensure the SUV delivers a fun and confidence-inspiring drive.

In addition, the platform incorporates a high-performance, lightweight three-in-one integrated power drive unit, electric motor and gearbox. This generates a maximum output of 150 kW, 310 Nm of torque and is engineered to provide smooth and comfortable acceleration and deceleration.

Under the floor sits a high-capacity lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 412 km (WLTP) of range and DC fast-charging capability that can go from 10 to 80% in just 45 minutes.

An all-new chassis developed specifically for battery electric vehicles has ensured improved torsional rigidity – key to this is high-tensile steel, used across 47% of the e:Ny1’s body (by weight). Alongside the new platform and powertrain, these combine to offer the dynamic performance, exceptional comfort and refinement.


SUV gets rear-ended on US highway — by a plane

                WASHINGTON: There's always the risk of getting into a fender-bender when out and about on roads, but it's not very common to see a plane land in front of you...let alone on you.

On Dec 2, the latter actually happened to Brittany Yurik as she drove her sports utility vehicle (SUV) along Minnesota's I-35 highway in the US.

A CCTV video showed a plane - flown by 52-year-old aerobatic pilot Craig Gifford, making an emergency landing on the highway due to complete engine failure.

The plane touched down safely only to clip Yurik's SUV from the rear.

After the initial impact, both plane and driver finally rolled to a complete stop along a concrete barrier. Both pilot and driver emerged unscathed.

The footage was recorded by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Although the landing was executed due to the single-engine Bellanca Viking plane experiencing an engine failure, the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board in the US will conduct further investigations.


Isuzu Malaysia gets new boss

                KUALA LUMPUR: Isuzu Malaysia has announced Koji Nakamura (pic) as its new chief executive officer with immediate effect.

Nakamura will oversee all operational aspects, including sales, aftersales and finance.

He has over 25 years' experience in the automotive business, which includes a leading management role in Isuzu Asia Pacific. He has worked in India and Thailand before.

He will be assisted by Isuzu Malaysia commercial vehicle division chief operating officer (COO) Mikio Tsukui, and the company's COO for light commercial vehicle division, Masayuki Suzuki.

Outgoing CEO Kenji Matsuoka made the announcement of the management change.

Matsuoka has been Isuzu Malaysia CEO since 2015. During his term, Isuzu Malaysia was able to maintain its position as the No. 1 truck brand. The Isuzu D-Max’s market share saw a improvement of 3.8%, from 10.9% to 14.7%, in the past year.


Hyundai Veloster driver causes big 'egg-cident' on expressway

                KEPALA BATAS: Thousands of eggs cracked and were splattered on the highway after a lorry carrying the fragile cargo was rear-ended by a Hyundai Veloster driver who had dozed off momentarily.

The incident occurred on the North-South Expressway near Kuala Muda here.

North Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Noorzainy Mohd Noor said the 26-year-old car driver is believed to have dozed off before hitting the lorry at about 9am yesterday.

“The vehicles were heading north when the incident happened. Both drivers were sent to the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sungai Petani for treatment,” he said.

Recorded by another driver trailing behind both vehicles, the video clip showed the Veloster switching lanes and slowing down then speeding up again before it slammed into the lorry.

After impact, the car careened out of control before it came to a stop upon hitting the highway divider.