Car rental companies enjoying business boom in Johor

                JOHOR BARU: Car rental service providers here are smiling from ear to ear with the recovery of their business as the demand for rented vehicles is on the rise.

The trend began going upwards in November last year, shortly after the government allowed interstate travel following the gradual easing of Covid-19 restrictions, said Mohamed Faliq Farhan Abdul Wahab, who has been running a car rental service for the past seven years.

He said the situation got even better after Malaysian borders reopened on April 1, with demand being significantly higher during the recent school holidays, National Day and Malaysia Day long weekends.

“I have about 30 vehicles for rent, but they are no longer enough to cater to the existing demand. From what I understand, my industry peers are also facing a similar situation.

“There is a shortage of vehicles across the board as we have a network of agents who will ‘lend’ vehicles to car rental providers in need. This is because many sold their cars during the pandemic.

“The demand is high even on weekdays as tourists usually come in for a day trip to avoid the weekend traffic jam on the Causeway,” said Mohamed Faliq Farhan.

In an interview, he described the present situation as a “relief” as the industry had suffered much during the two years when borders were closed and tourism activities not allowed due to the pandemic.

He said that his customers are a good mix of locals and foreigners. In addition to tourists from Singa-pore, he has customers from Batam, Indonesia, who rent vehicles while visiting Johor Baru for medical reasons.

Others are usually small groups of friends and couples who rent cars to drive to tourist attractions like the Johor Baru city area, Legoland, and Desaru in the state.

Mohamed Faliq Farhan, 35, said that smaller cars like the Perodua Axia and the Myvi are popular with customers because the rental cost is only between RM120 and RM200 a day, depending on the car’s features.

A chartered car service owner, who only wanted to be known as Lim, said his business has steadily recovered by about 60% to 70%.

The 33-year-old said he switched jobs during the lockdowns due to the lack of business.

He returned to offer car rental services when the Malaysia-Singapore border reopened.

“My charter services include airport transfers and other pick-up and drop-off services depending on the customer’s needs.

“They tell me they are happy to travel again and they do not hesitate in paying the rental, which has increased by 10% to 20% to cover my operational costs,” he added.

Lim, however, said that business had not returned to pre-pandemic levels as tourists from China and Hong Kong, who used to be his main customers, have yet to return due to their travel restrictions.


Hyundai develops intelligent air purification system

                SEOUL: Hyundai has developed an intelligent "Smart Air Purification system" that monitors interior air quality to automatically filter the air inside a car. The innovation builds on the group’s prior work to enhance in-car air quality by introducing a new automated monitoring system, which continually checks interior air quality until it achieves an "Excellent" status.

Combined with advanced filtering innovations, the technology can remove fine particulates before passengers enter the car, and purification of cabin air throughout a journey. The new development, already under consideration for future Hyundai and Kia vehicles, responds to growing concerns about the health impact of fine particulates, especially in highly-congested urban areas.

Conventional air purification systems only operate for a set period when activated, turning off after a designated time regardless of current cabin air quality.

However, the new Smart Air Purification system constantly monitors the car’s air quality, activating the purification function if the air quality decreases to "Fair" level. It then maintains the cleaning process until the air quality improves to an "Excellent" level. Even if the exterior air quality is at "Poor" level, the system can purify air inside to "Excellent" quality quickly.

Passengers can monitor interior air quality levels via the car’s audio-video navigation screen, with a visual 16-bar digital display of air quality that fluctuates in real-time. This is categorised according to Korea Environmental Corporation Standards, which defines four levels of air quality based on the presence of fine particulate matter: Excellent, Good, Fair and Poor.

“Enabling our customers to breathe the cleanest air, even in highly-polluted areas, is a demonstration of how Hyundai Motor Group strives to care for its customers,” said YongSuk Shin, head of FR Interior & Exterior System Engineering Design Team. “This innovation is just one of many projects we are working on to provide our customers with the best in-car environments.”

Hyundai Motor Group designed an integrated, laser-based sensor to ensure the system’s durability and reliability. Typical sensors are prone to reliability issues as fine particulates can gradually build up on the measurement lens. A laser-based design sidesteps this problem. Hyundai said its rigorous testing guaranteed that the purifier’s fan motors and sensors will maintain full functionality at environments of both extreme heat and cold.

The new interior purification system is paired with advanced high-performance air filters which enhance the collection rate of fine particulates from 94% to 99%. Moreover, the new filtration system features a charcoal-based deodorisation function and can automatically close car windows to assist the purification process.


BMW says China car factories to reach carbon neutrality this year

                MUNICH: BMW said today its factories in China plan to reach carbon emissions neutrality by the end of this year, while its total carbon emissions in its Chinese production chain will fall 80% by 2030.

In China, the world's biggest car market, BMW is making vehicles with Brilliance China Automotive in the northeastern city of Shenyang.

It is aiming for a quarter of its sales in China to be battery electric vehicles by 2025.

BMW has previously said that by 2030 the average life cycle emissions of its vehicles will be cut by more than a third compared to cars made in 2019.


Renault-Nissan and Microsoft team up for connected mobility

                PARIS: The Renault-Nissan Alliance and Microsoft Corp. have signed a global, multiyear agreement to partner on next-generation technologies to advance connected driving experiences worldwide.

The companies will work together to develop next-generation connected services for cars powered by Microsoft Azure, one of the company’s intelligent cloud offerings.

These new services will improve customer experience via advanced navigation, predictive maintenance and vehicle centric services, remote monitoring of car features, external mobile experiences and over-the-air updates.

“A car is becoming increasingly connected, intelligent and personal,” said Ogi Redzic, Renault-Nissan Alliance senior vice-president, Connected Vehicles and Mobility Services.

“Partnering with Microsoft allows us to accelerate the development of the associated key technologies needed to enable scenarios our customers want and build all-new ones they haven’t even imagined. We aim to become the provider of connected mobility for everyone with one single global platform.”

The Renault-Nissan Alliance is pioneering autonomous driving and connectivity features on mainstream, mass-market vehicles at affordable prices.

The Alliance aims to develop connectivity technologies and features to support the launch of more than 10 vehicles with autonomous driving technology by 2020 with services to maximize better use of newly found in-car free time.

Renault-Nissan will continuously develop and launch new connected services and applications that make it easier for people to stay connected to work, entertainment and social networks, and offer vehicle centric services that will simplify and enhance engagement with the car through usage-based information, remote access, remote diagnostics and preventive maintenance.

Microsoft Azure provides a proven, secure global cloud platform with unlimited scale that allows Renault-Nissan to deliver services worldwide to its broad customer base.

Renault-Nissan selected Azure in part because of its enterprise-grade security and Microsoft’s rigorous commitment to compliance.

In addition, Azure supports multiple operating systems, programming languages and tools, providing flexibility and choice to build a common platform for Renault-Nissan to deploy services to both Alliance brands.


5 highlights of Mazda MX-5

                Want only the gist of what the Mazda roadster is all about? Then you have come to the right place. Here are five important points that define what the MX-5 has going for it.

1 A stellar drive
If we haven’t said enough, we will say it again. It has the looks and the goods to back it up. This is a car to make you smile – all day long.

2 Classic roadster shape
From nose to tail, the MX-5 has been sculpted to please the eye. Long bonnet, short overhangs and a truncated rear project the roadster’s character.

3 Plenty of wind-in-your-hair moments
Well, not exactly. But just getting the canopy down is liberating in a good way, inviting the world into a space where man and machine move as one.

4 SkyActiv engine inside
Every car maker these days is touting how fuel efficient their cars are and Mazda is no different. Its version is the SkyActiv engine that promises higher output with minimal penalty on fuel consumption. The MX-5 is no snorting firebrand but the lightness of body and a capable engine gets the job done. The force is strong in this one.

5 Emotional connection
This car is an emotional buy; you will realise it soon enough after spending some quality time with it. Its range of dynamic abilities resonates with a keen driver’s desire to feel the joy at the wheel. Some might even swear it does a marvellous job as a daily commuter. Just be sure to travel light and all is well.


Police to thoroughly vet applications for cross-border travel

                IPOH: The police will conduct thorough checks to ensure that applicants are truthful when applying for permission to cross borders, says Comm Datuk Kasuahdi Ali.

The Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order deputy director said the police would filter through the applications at the respective police stations before approving the permit to cross states.

“So far, there’s been no issue of people wanting to go home for Chinese New Year.

“I believe there are also others who would want to take advantage of the long weekend, ” he said during a visit to the roadblock at Jalan Kuala Kangsar here Thursday (Feb 11).

“But we have existing laws and we will go through the applications thoroughly.

“If there are any such attempts, they will not go past the roadblocks if they do not follow the standard operating procedures as set by the National Security Council, ” he added.

On his visit, DCP Kasuahdi said the Inspector-General of Police has instructed all senior officers ranked Senior Asst Comm and above to check on all roadblocks and quarantine centres in Perak, Negri Sembilan and Malacca.

“We want to ensure those manning roadblocks or on duty at quarantine centres will have their morale boosted.

“It is also to ensure that the SOPs are observed, ” he added.

DCP Kasuahdi also said that with many business premises now allowed to operate, the community has been urged to play an active role to help curb the spread of Covid-19.

“The community are already aware of the pandemic and should play their respective roles.

“If they just rely on enforcement, we will all fail as it’s not sufficient,” he added.


New Renault Clio to get smart in 2019

Current Clio.
PARIS: To keep compact and subcompact hatchbacks relevant in the face of the ongoing sales onslaught from SUVs, manufacturers now need to think creatively and do something more significant with new models than just a cosmetic refresh.

It appears Renault certainly understands that as the French automaker is going to make the new Clio the most technologically advanced car in its class when the latest new incarnation arrives in 2019 according to a report in Autocar.

Although the supermini segment faces serious competition from diminutive crossover SUVs, the Clio is definitely at the forefront of its own part of the market and Renault obviously wants to keep it there.

The fifth-generation Clio is now entering the final stages of its prototype testing regime, and, as well as a sleeker and more stylish exterior, it's also going to have a dramatic new interior featuring an infotainment screen dominating the dashboard - not unlike the system in a Tesla.

 The Megane will provide inspiration for the new Clio interior.

As well as making the infotainment screen the dominant feature of the interior, the all-new 2019 Renault Clio will also be capable of a level of semi-autonomous driving.

The interior is where the more revolutionary aspects of the redesign will be evident, so the exterior will be more evolutionary and retain a number of the current car's elements such as the hidden rear door handles.

The new Clio will have a look more in line with the larger Megane, but there will also be some design cues taken from the Symbioz concept car Renault was promoting last year.

There will be a degree of Megane inspiration inside the 2019 Clio as hardware controls are dispensed with in favor of a large digital dashboard and tablet-like infotainment screen.

As key rivals such as the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta still have smaller, more traditional infotainment screens and analogue dials, the new setup in the Clio will definitely set a new standard in the segment.

Under the hood will be 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre petrol engines, and perhaps surprisingly in the current climate, there will also be a 1.5-litre dCi diesel. A much more contemporary 48-volt mild hybrid 1.5 dCi called the Eco2 will also be available, but not from the initial launch.


PM to kick off new National Automotive Policy on Feb 21

                KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad will launch the new National Automotive Policy or NAP2020 – which is seen as crucial in raising the country's automotive industry to the next phase of industrial competitiveness – on Feb 21.

“NAP2020 is formulated to elevate Malaysia’s automotive industry to the next phase of industrial competitiveness, in line with the changing landscape of mobility within the global markets, ” the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) said in a statement on Thursday. The unveiling of the details of the much-awaited policy will be at the ministry.

MITI said the automotive sector has been a prime mover of Malaysia’s industrialisation drive since the early 1980’s in allowing meaningful participation of Malaysian businesses and talents in the fields of science, engineering and technology.

It pointed out the sector has grown into a national automotive ecosystem that includes vehicle manufacturers, parts and components suppliers, engineering services, full-fledged product and process design facilities.

It has also created a robust aftermarket segment and accelerated the critical mass of talent involved in other high value sectors along the industry’s value chain and across the manufacturing sector.

“To ensure a continuation of such meaningful participation within the industry, the government has put emphasis on resources to ensure that the next technology acceleration curve would be in line with emerging trends surrounding transportation and mobility, as well as, allowing for clean energy technology adoption, ” it said.

MITI also added the government focuses on building strategic ties with industry players towards enhancing local talents’ capacity and development.

“Supporting the growth of automotive players remains as key priority area embedded in the policy.

“The government has taken into account all feedbacks obtained from the industry as well as improvement opportunities learned from previous national automotive policies, ” it said.

MITI said the NAP2020 is a product of arduous benchmarking, longstanding research, strategic planning and rigorous consultation with various stakeholders to determine the right balance between the current needs of industry players and the requirement to align those strategies with future demands of global automotive and mobility trends.


Dyes have no effect on fuel quality, says Shell

                PETALING JAYA: Shell Malaysia has quelled the furore over the difference of thickness in RON 97 petrol colour by saying that it does not have any impact on fuel quality and engine performance.

In a widely circulated video on social media, a man compared two RON 97 fuels from two different Shell stations and said that the fuel performance were different, alleging the difference in petrol colour as a factor.

A spokesperson from the company said the natural colour of petrol and diesel derived from crude oil is a very light yellow.

“As mandated by authorities, fuel dyes are added for visual identification of different grades and types of fuel.

“RON 97 is mandated as red in Malaysia and RON 95 is yellow (or undyed). The fuel dyes do not have any impact on fuel quality and engine performance,” said the spokesperson.

An industry expert said this is simply because of the different amounts of dye, which can range from 5ppm to 18ppm. (Ppm is parts per million)

Additionally, the method of injecting the dye – whether it is automated or by bulk mixing – can also result in different shades of red.

However, he said the dye has no impact on fuel quality. He also said the likely reason for the difference in colour is simply because they are supplied from different terminals.

Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) deputy president Datuk Zulkifli Mokti said if the person feels there is a difference in fuel performance; they should send it to a chemical lab for a check-up.

“Take a sample of it and send it for chemical check and make a report to Sirim, then they will look at it.

“When it comes to colours, talking about performance, it is very difficult to say. If there is a slight difference, you will not know or feel it unless you use a gauge.

“It is very hard to say it is good or no good, whether it is mixed or tapered or not. You got to send it to a lab to check it out if there is any problem,” said Zulkifli.


Lamborghini Aventador S now here, priced from RM3.3mil

                SHAH ALAM: The RM3.3mil Lamborghini Aventador S is now available in Malaysia following its launch today.

Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur chief operating officer Marcus Chye said the latest installment of the super car was expected to be well-received by the public.

“We already have five bookings for the new Aventador S and the target market for the model is existing Lamborghini owners who want an upgrade and people wanting to come into the V12 segment.

READ MORE: Lamborghini reveals more powerful Aventador S

“The Aventador S is the only V12 mid-engine production passenger car. It has a refined look compared to its predecessor, the Aventador, launched in 2011,” he told reporters at the exclusive unveiling event here today.

He said Aventador’s on the road price was RM3.3mil, without insurance and road tax, and the waiting period was between six and 12 months, depending on the production factory in Italy.

Chye said last year, Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur sold 20 super cars including Aventador and Huracan while the Lamborghini sport utility vehicle would be showcased next year.

“There are about 60 Lamborghinis in Malaysia, and 50 of them were sold by Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

The new Aventador S features a number of exterior developments in the front and rear and incorporated the four-wheel drive, new active suspension, new four-wheel steering system and the new EGO driving mode.

The model, harnessing a 740hp, can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 350kph.


Ardent Star reader now proud owner of Mazda2 Hatchback

                SHAH ALAM: When Rachel Muriel Lim was informed that she was one of the finalists in the Star Media Group’s 50 Days of Giveaways competition and may win a Mazda2 Hatchback, she immediately set off to check out the car.

“I went to the Mazda showroom in Jalan Ampang to have a look at the car and I liked what I saw,” said Lim, 34.

And win she did. She is now the jubilant owner of a gleaming red Mazda2 Hatchback.

Lim attributed her win to the many years of being an ardent reader of The Star.

According to Lim, she started reading The Star when she was still in primary school.

“When I was a child, I used to enjoy reading the comics section. We would buy a copy of the paper daily from a shop near our home,” said Lim who is from Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

As she grew older, she started reading other sections such as business and news.

“There was also a time when I enjoyed going through the entire classified section to check out everything listed there,” said Lim who is an executive personal assistant at a multinational company.

She said The Star’s vast coverage and in-depth reporting had captivated her as a reader.

“The Star is reliable with its sources and updates its readers with current news,” she added.

The 50 Days of Giveaways competition was launched on July 22 as a countdown to The Star’s 50th anniversary on Sept 9.

Countless prizes were given away, with the grand prize being the Mazda2 Hatchback which was sponsored by Bermaz Auto Bhd.

Five participants were shortlisted to “fight” for the car by competing in a showdown battle on Oct 29.

The selected contestants were required to answer 19 multiple choice trivia questions revolving around Star Media Group (SMG) and Bermaz Auto Bhd.

Lim emerged the grand prize winner.

SMG chief executive officer Alex Yeow and Bermaz Auto executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh handed over the car to Lim at the Mazda showroom in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, on Nov 18.

According to Yeoh, his company had sponsored the car in recognition of its long and close ties with SMG.

“We are very proud that the Star Media Group chose us to be part of the programme and we decided that this joint effort will be very good to ensure brand-to-brand collaboration between both companies,’’ said Yeoh.

He added that SMG had been very kind to his company over the years in terms of connecting it with customers as well as helping to create awareness about Mazda products.

Yeoh said Bermaz Auto would continue to collaborate with SMG in years to come given the strong ties both companies share.

On Yeow’s part, he said that 50 years was an incredible milestone for SMG.

“We have our readers to thank for how far we have come and all that we have achieved.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without them.

“It was a pleasure celebrating together with them and we hope they enjoyed the activities that were carried out,’’ said Yeow.

He said the 50-day event was the company’s way of thanking readers for their years of support.

Yeow said an exciting future lay ahead for SMG with the media organisation continuing to serve the public by delivering its best.

“Moving forward, The Star strives to uphold the gold standard of journalism while engaging Malaysians in an innovative way.

“We will do our best to continue bringing meaningful content to inspire people across all walks of lives.

“Together we can do our part in shaping the nation in many more years to come," said Yeow.


Mercedes-Benz A-Class thrills in Urban Hunting to Malacca

                Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently continued to drive its Urban Hunting initiative with a fun-filled drive from Kuala Lumpur to the historic city of Malacca in a fleet of A-Class compact cars including the new powerful, performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC sedan.

The Urban Hunting initiative seeks inspiring experiences and new challenges in an urban jungle setting and a dynamic lifestyle, inspired by the Mercedes-Benz family of premium compact cars.

Carsifu joined a bunch of lifestyle and motoring writers for this drive, and after some food at Breakfast Thieves in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur - we flagged off in a loose convoy of A 200 and A 250 hatchbacks and sedans.

We took the A 35 4MATIC four-door sedan for the 68km drive to our lunch stop in Uptown Avenue, Seremban 2 and the entry-level car to the AMG model range which costs RM348,888 packed is a blistering performer with its 306hp/400Nm 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine and AMG Speedshift DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission.

The 420-litre boot had ample space for our overnight luggage, and we were ensconced comfortably in the black Artico leather seats with Dinamica microfibre.

There is a sporty look to the interior with red stitching on the seats, as well as red seat belts and a red racing stripe on the steering wheel.

Running on Pirelli P Zero ultra high performance 235/35 tyres on 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, the A 35 4MATIC sedan provides lightning quick acceleration with a 0 to 100kph sprint in 4.8 seconds.

There are five drive modes - "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport +" and "Individual" - and we used a mix of Comfort and Sport modes for most of our drive to Seremban 2.

It has a Adaptive Damping System suspension, and the car corners crisply and steers accurately, with marvelous body control.

Still, it sometimes feels a bit distant and doesn't quite deliver maniacal, adrenaline-pumping action unless you really want to drive in a thrill-seeking manner.

We think the the A 35 4MATIC sedan is actually quite a suitable daily driver with a refined yet overly muscled powertrain.

The dashboard is dominated by the circular chromed air vents, and the futuristic-looking Widescreen Cockpit which combines the digital instrument display and the media display.

After lunch at Bros Cafe in Seremban 2, we switched to the A 250 AMG Line hatchback (priced at RM263,888) for a 90km drive to a hotel located a stone's throw away from the famed tourist spot of Jonker Street in Malacca.

The A 250 hatchback has a powerful 224hp/350Nm 2.0-litre engine mated to a sporty 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission, and we found plenty of grunt as we sped along the North-South Highway to Malacca.

Both the A 200 and A 250 also have high-resolution Widescreen Cockpit with touchscreen control, and the MBUX infotainment system with a touchpad on the centre console and touch control buttons on the steering wheel.

To liven things up, our co-driver tried getting some humour from the infotainment system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience - by saying "Hey Mercedes, tell me a joke" and the car responded with "Sorry, my engineers were German".

You get a lowered comfort suspension and four drive modes - “Eco”, “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Individual” - on both the A 200 and A 250.

Rolling on Bridgestone Turanza T005 premium touring tyres sized 225/45 R18, we were in Sport mode most of the time, and the A 250 hatchback was a lively performer all the way to the narrow roads in the vicinity of Jonker Street.

There were ominous rain clouds but thankfully, we experienced only a light shower upon arrival in Jonker Street.

The tourist crowds were not in full force as it was a week day, and dinner was a sumptuous affair at Hard Rock Cafe Malacca just a few hundred metres from the hotel.

The next day, we departed back to Kuala Lumpur after lunch, which was tasty fusion Nyonya fare like Pongteh Chicken, Sambal Salmon and Squid Petai at Chop Tiang Bee cafe off Jonker Street.

This time, our ride was the A 200 Progressive Line sedan (priced at RM229,888) which has a 1.33-litre turbocharged engine producing 163hp/250Nm and is also mated to a 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission.

There is a refined feel to the car, and ample performance from this small displacement engine, which happily hustled the A 200 smoothly as we drove on rain-soaked and partially flooded B roads before reaching the North-South Highway.

It was drenched affair all the way back to Kuala Lumpur, with very heavy rain and low visibility, and the A 200 proved to be a comfortable cocoon as our co-driver slept soundly through the journey.

Mercedes-Benz A 200 Progressive Line

Engine: 1,332cc 4 in-line, 4 valves per cylinder, turbocharged
Maximum power: 163hp at 5,500rpm
Maximum torque: 250Nm at 1,620rpm – 4,000rpm
Transmission: 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic
Features: Lowered comfort suspension, Direct-Steer system, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, LED headlamps, automatic climate control, powered front seats, reverse camera, Active Parking Assist, Active Brake Assist, Cruise control, PRE-SAFE, MBUX multimedia system, Touchpad, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Price (without insurance): RM227,888 (hatchback) and RM229,888 (sedan)

Mercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Line

Engine: 1,991cc 4 in-line, 4 valves per cylinder, turbocharged
Maximum power: 224hp at 5,500rpm
Maximum torque: 350Nm at 1,800 to 4,000rpm
Transmission: 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic
Features: Similar to A 200 except for AMG Line exterior, trim differences
Price (without insurance): RM263,888 (hatchback) and RM267,888 (sedan)

Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC sedan

Engine: 1,991cc four-cylinder, twin-scroll turbocharger
Maximum power: 306hp at 5,800rpm
Maximum torque: 400Nm at 3,000rpm – 4,000rpm
Transmission: AMG Speedshift DCT 7G dual-clutch automatic
Features: 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, ARTICO man-made leather with DINAMICA microfibre, AMG DYNAMICS handling control system, all-wheel drive, AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, adaptive adjustable damping system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Pre-Safe system, active brake assist, active lane-keeping assist, active parking assist with Parktronic, adaptive brake lights, blind spot assist, Tirefit - a tyre repair kit.
Price (without insurance): RM348,888

Mercedes me connect to improve ownership experience

The Mercedes me connect (MMC) app is available via Apple App Store as well as the Google Play Store in 2020 onwards, starting with the recently launched facelifted GLC range.

With MMC, customers can access connected services to easily manage their cars via their mobile devices.

Mercedes Benz Malaysia vice president of sales and marketing Michael Jopp talks briefly to Carsifu about MMC, and how it improves the ownership experience for Mercedes-Benz owners.

Carsifu: What are the highlights of MMC?

Jopp: MMC is the next evolution of mobility. There are three areas to highlight. First, customers have convenience when it comes to maintenance. They get warned earlier about wear and tear parts before the end of the service life. The dealer also gets a pre-warning for an upcoming service requirement, which means the dealer can offer to schedule an upcoming service and propose special offers. The second area is the remote features like Remote Start and Pre-Entry Climate Control - no more entering hot cabins. Or you give the car to your kids and with Speedfencing, you get a notification if a certain maximum speed is exceeded. The third area is more convenience when it comes to navigation. In 2020, our cars will offer live traffic functionality with real-time traffic data. Also, while at home or the office, you can send your target destination to your car and the car will already have it in your navigation when you start driving. It will also offer predictive navigation based on the previous routes you have taken - for example, it will suggest the shortest way from home to office. Another area is regarding safety. In case you are in an accident, an automatic call is made to a call centre. They will also call and if you don't respond after three calls, they will send an ambulance.

How soon will MMC be enabled on your fleet?

Jopp: It is now available on the new GLC range, and we are presently phasing it in for our whole portfolio. By middle of next year, all of our new cars will be MMC enabled. All customers need to do is register on the app, and the dealer connects the customer account with the car.

For now, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) is giving a three-year free subscription to remote services on MMC - what happens after that?

Jopp: We are still working on that. I can't tell you anything yet. Globally, these three years have expired in some countries. We are exploring the customers' willingness to pay for certain services. Some services will always remain for free. Yes, there are markets where customers are paying subcriptions for some of the features.

What are the most most frequently used services on the MMC?

Jopp: The remote door lock/unlock feature and Navigation.

Mercedes-Benz A 200 Progressive LineMercedes-Benz A 250 AMG Line

Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC sedan


California regulator adopts EV mandate for Uber, Lyft ride-hail fleets

A pick-up point for ride hailers in San Diego. — Reuters

SACRAMENTO: California's clean air regulator on Thursday adopted rules to mandate that nearly all trips on Uber's and Lyft's ride-hailing platforms have to be in electric vehicles over the next few years, the first such regulation by a US state.

In written comments to the agency ahead of Thursday's vote, Uber and Lyft said they supported the regulation's goals but called for more government to aid their many lower and middle-income drivers with the costs for the transition.

The rules, adopted through a unanimous vote by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), mandate that EVs account for 90% of ride-hailing vehicle miles traveled by 2030.

That is a lesser goal than the companies themselves have set: both Uber and Lyft last year committed to converting their US fleets entirely to EVs by that year.

But the companies said achieving those goals is unrealistic without additional government subsidies for EVs and charging infrastructure.

The companies said CARB's targets were based on uncertain and unrealistic assumptions, risking harm to drivers if EV and charging availability does not expand as projected by regulators.

Several of CARB's 14 board members shared concerns over the impact on drivers during Thursday's hearing, criticizing the companies for not doing more to help them.

"There is no way for us to make sure that the (companies) actually bear the costs to address the greenhouse gases and air pollution they're creating and profiting off," said board member Nathan Fletcher.

The total cost of meeting the 2030 standard could reach US$1.73 billion, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a non-profit research and advocacy organisation.

Uber and Lyft have partnerships with rental companies and charging station providers to lower drivers' EV costs. Uber has also said it will invest US$800 million through 2025 to help drivers globally switch to EVs.

The question of who will finance the costly transition is complicated by the drivers' status as independent contractors, not employees, leaving regulators little ability to protect them.

Some twenty groups submitted comments on the regulation, including General Motors Co and Alphabet Inc's self-driving unit Waymo.

For the vehicle industry, the rules offer a way to ensure EV sales at a time when many automakers pivot to battery-powered production in response to tighter emissions regulations, but fear lackluster consumer demand.

Steve Douglas, vice president at auto industry group Alliance for Automotive Innovation, urged CARB to expand EV rules to the taxi industry and other public and private fleets.

"The simple truth is sales require purchases and sales requirements should be matched to purchase requirements," Douglas said during Thursday's hearing.


China says automakers must have licences for mapping data in smart cars

                SHANGHAI/BEIJING: China has said that automakers must apply for licences to collect geographic data using sensors on their intelligent vehicles, highlighting Beijing's security concerns about the growing sophistication of smart cars' mapping capabilities.

The statement, a clarification of China's surveying and mapping law, reflects regulators efforts to prevent any scenario where highly-detailed visual data collected by smart cars could fall into the hands of hostile foreign actors.

The rules, effective since publication, could further complicate the local operations of foreign companies like Tesla, which already have to seek partnerships with Chinese firms when it comes to collecting and processing such data.

Automakers and developers of autonomous driving software should either apply for mapping licences or ask a licensed company to collect, store, transform and process geographic data, according to the statement published about two weeks ago by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The official newspaper of the ministry said that the rapid development of China's intelligent and connected vehicle industry meant a "safety bottom line" had to be drawn for the "real-time high-precision coordinates, high-definition images and other data support" on which it is highly dependent.

The global market for the intelligent and connected vehicle industry is projected to reach US$470 billion in 2030, Wan Gang, vice-chairman of China's national policy-making advisory body, had told a conference in Beijing last month.

Vehicles such as self-driving cars need to collect large amounts of geographical data in order to create high-precision maps that are essential for accurate and safe navigation.

China has so far issued mapping licences to more than 20 companies including search engine giant Baidu and Tencent-backed mapping company Navinfo.


The Miura: The essence of Lamborghini and the world's first supercar

                BOLOGNA: Sixty years ago an argument between a famous Italian sports car maker and a disgruntled customer led to the establishment of a company that grew to challenge its illustrious rival.

It was May 7, 1963, when tractor builder and air-conditioning producer Ferruccio Lamborghini founded his sports car company, motivated by anger at the condescending attitude of Enzo Ferrari.

Fed up with the many small defects of his Ferrari 250 GTO, Lamborghini went to see Enzo in Maranello to lament his woes and make a few suggestions for improvements.

The Commendatore, however, was unimpressed and he chased Lamborghini away, telling him to continue working on his tractors and to leave sports car building to people who knew how to do it.

Stubborn as the bull that Lamborghini subsequently made the company trademark, he refused to accept this affront and, just 20km from Ferrari in Sant'Agata, laid the foundations for his own sports car company.

Lamborghini's first car, the 350 GT, was released in 1964 and achieved respectable success. It was immediately accepted as a Ferrari alternative, says Frank Wilke of car market observer Classic Analytics.

But like its successor, the 400 GT, its fame is usually eclipsed by the cars that came after: the Countach, the Diablo, the Murciélago and, above all, the Miura.

The birth of a legend

Created by the up-and-coming star designer Marcello Gandini, the Miura debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966.

"The Miura is considered the world's first super sports car and stole the show from the Ferrari Daytona in terms of design and performance," says Wilke.

The 3.9-litre V12 engine produced 257 kW/350 hp right from the start and later 283 kW/385 hp in the Miura SV. The car could reach an unheard-of 300 km/h when drivers of Porsche 911s had to make do with 96 kW/130 hp and 210 km/h. That speed didn’t come cheap though — a Miura costs as much as three and a half 911s.

While today Lamborghini’s designs are governed by aerodynamic considerations, the Miura has an animalistic look.

The tilting headlights are reminiscent of the eyes of frogs or crocodiles while the black ribs on the frame of the front side windows not only conceal the door closers, but also imitate the horns of a bull.

Even the name on the car’s rear is rendered in such a way that two horns grow out of the M and a tail out of the A.

Inside, the focus is solely on driving. There are two steering column levers and a few vital instruments in the centre console, which protrudes into the cockpit like an overhanging rock face.

The switches for the power windows and the tilt headlights are as rough as building blocks and the exterior mirror looks like an ice cream cone stuck on the bodywork.

Some gymnastic skills required

You have to be pretty agile to even get into this low-to-the-ground supercar. The seating position is reminiscent of parents' evening in kindergarten, so dainty are the seats, except that you almost have to lie in them to get your head into the cabin, while at the same time you’re almost strangled by the belt anchored in the roof.

If you're taller than 1.70 metres, you have to spread your legs like a frog, because otherwise they won't fit around the huge, spindly steering wheel. And the pedals are so high in the footwell that those with larger feet can find them getting caught under the dashboard when they use the clutch.

You quickly learn that suffering goes hand in hand with thrills when you drive the Miura, which makes it all the more satisfying to tame this bull. To do so, you have to turn into a matador and fight each curve.

Even starting the engine takes practice, because the V12, which is behind a wall of sheet metal and Plexiglas at the driver’s back, otherwise tends to die.

That's why you have to keep it revved up before takeoff and release the heavy clutch with as light a foot as possible. If you succeed you’ll immediately find yourself flying towards the horizon.

The Miura accelerates so fast that the Italians have deleted the first 40 km/h on the speedometer and instead push the scale up to 320 km/h at the other end.

Even in first gear, the tachometer climbs above 5,000 rpm and after less than seven seconds you’re going at 100kph while you strong-arm the gearbox with your right hand and firmly hold the steering wheel with your left to keep the car on track.

Get out your chequebook

It's not the first Lamborghini, nor the most powerful, nor the most famous, nor even the rarest, even though just 763 examples were built between 1966 and 1973.

But the Miura is by far the most beautiful and, for many, also the most spectacular sports car in the 60-year history of this Ferrari competitor — and therefore correspondingly valuable, Wilke says.

While the first 350 GT can be bought today for €740,000/US$824,000, the most basic version of a Miura costs €1 million/US$1.1 million and the ultimate SV version around €2.4 million/US$2.7 million.


Japan gets BMW X2, 3 Series and Z4 Sunrise limited editions

                TOKYO: BMW Japan has released Sunrise limited editions for the X2, 3 Series, And Z4 in Japan, with the concept of "the sun will rise again".

Standard kit includes an Alpine White body paint with red line accents, and 19-inch M light alloy wheels.

However, a bright Melbourne Red body colour for the 320d xDrive M Sport Edition Sunrise will also be offered.

A statement by BMW Japan says the Sunrise limited editions were made "in hopes of a day when the world will regain its spirit and start running again."

BMW X2 xDrive18d M Sport Edition Sunrise

>Limited to 200 units
>Edition Sunrise exclusive exterior design
>19-inch M light alloy wheel double-spoke styling 715 M
>Adaptive suspension
>M aerodynamics package
>M rear spoiler
>M leather steering wheel
>BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line Exterior

BMW 320d xDrive M Sport Edition Sunrise (Alpine White)

>Limited to 200 units
>Edition Sunrise exclusive exterior design
>BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line Exterior
>M rear spoiler
>19-inch M alloy wheel 791M (jet black)
>Verneska Leather Seat (Black x Blue Stitch)
>M seat belt
>Sensortec instrument panel

BMW 320d xDrive M Sport Edition Sunrise (Melbourne Red)

>Limited to 50 units
>BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line Exterior
>M rear spoiler
>19-inch M alloy wheel 791M (jet black)
>Verneska Leather Seat (Black x Blue Stitch)
>M seat belt
>Sensortec instrument panel

BMW Z4 sDrive20i M Sport Edition Sunrise

>Limited to 50 units
>Edition Sunrise exclusive exterior design
>BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line Exterior Extended Content
>19-inch M light alloy wheel double-spoke styling 799M (jet black)
>M seat belt


Jaguar Land Rover unveils new JLR corporate identity

                LONDON: Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled its new corporate identity, as part of its move to a House of Brands organisation.

The new brand identity aspires to remove ambiguity and bring to the fore the unique DNA of each of JLR’s brands - Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar.

The creative process behind the new identity focused on elegance, modernity and a forward-thinking essence to exhibit the direction and ambition of the company. The descending j aspires to add elegance, while the lighter weight of the emblem illustrates the step change to refinement and modernity.

JLR said on Thursday that the Land Rover brand would remain a key part of the company’s line-up.

Land Rover continues as a world-renowned and important heritage mark, remaining on vehicles, websites, social media and retail sites, underpinning the world-class Range Rover, Defender and Discovery brands.


Mercedes-AMG aims to attract younger buyers and women in new brand shift

                STUTTGART: The new campaign "Are you AMG-ready?" marks the start of the positioning of the Mercedes-AMG brand as a sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz with the aim of strengthening the product portfolio as a performance luxury brand.

The campaign not only introduces a new AMG brand identity and attitude, it also forms the communicative prelude for all upcoming product campaigns. It is designed to bind existing customers to the brand and conquer new target groups. In doing so, it focuses on the timeless AMG spirit.

The brand profile is being further developed to focus more on lifestyle and to attract new target groups, especially younger people and women.

"The claim 'Are you AMG-ready?' sums up our transformation into a Performance Luxury brand," said Mercedes-AMG CEO Philipp Schiemer.

"We are ready to redefine Driving Performance and open up our brand to new target groups. We combine the AMG spirit with the luxury of tomorrow's lifestyle and will thus further strengthen the fascination for the Mercedes-AMG brand."

"AMG has such a great catalogue of amazing sports cars, it was a pleasure to create this work to celebrate that and to set the brand up for an exciting future with some cool talent," said John Rankin, who photographed and directed the work.

In addition to numerous social media assets, the launch campaign includes one long film (60 seconds) and four short films (30 seconds each), each telling an individual story. They focus on four highlight vehicles from the AMG model portfolio: two historic milestones in the shape of the SLS AMG Electric Drive and the 300 E 5.6 AMG ("The Hammer") as well as two current vehicles in the form of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.

Under the umbrella term "Silence", the SLS Electric Drive stands for technology, pioneering spirit, electrification and exclusivity.

"Sound" is the leitmotif for the V8-powered 300 E 5.6 as an ambassador for the brand's history and a coveted collector's item.

The G 63 enters the race with "Strength" for lifestyle, timeless design, superiority and luxury.

And the most powerful AMG V8 production model, the AMG GT Black Series, represents "Power" with motorsports technology and exclusivity. The film ends with a glimpse of AMG's electrified future, Project ONE, and invites the viewer on the journey.

The campaign delivers the message: "This is our legacy, imagine our future. Are you AMG-ready?"


Renault-Nissan to launch 12 zero-emission models

                TOKYO: Renault-Nissan said Friday it will launch 12 all-electric cars over the next six years and equip dozens more with driverless technology.

Presenting the alliance's new strategic plan to 2022, chairman Carlos Ghosn said Renault-Nissan is targeting car sales of 14 million units by that year, a rise of nearly 40 percent from current levels.

"Electrified cars will represent more than 30 percent of the alliance's sales" by 2022, Ghosn said.

Electrified cars are either all-electric or hybrids.

The projected sales target would take Renault-Nissan's annual revenues to around US$240 billion. Sales last year were 10 million units.

 The Nissan LEAF.

The French-Japanese alliance, which now also includes Mitsubishi, is further hoping to double synergy savings from pooling resources in the alliance to about 10 billion euros ($12 billion) within six years, Ghosn said.

But he said there were no plans to consolidate the alliance into a single company or increase its members' cross-shareholdings, saying the strategic plan would be "respecting the companies' identities".

In addition to developing some 40 models equipped with driverless, or "autonomous", technology, Renault-Nissan is also planning to launch a ride-hailing service featuring "robotic vehicles".

Asked about his own role in the coming years Ghosn, who is 63, said it was his "intention to carry out the plan for as long as it makes sense".

In July, Renault alone reported a surge in sales for the first half of the year, helping the French carmaker to book a record profit.


Lexus GS 200t takes over from GS 250

                PETALING JAYA: The Lexus GS model-range has undergone a few changes, with the most significant being the replacement of the GS 250 with the GS 200t line-up that consists of the entry-level 200t Premium, mid-range 200t Luxury and the range-topping 200t F Sport.

The new GS 200t model range gets priced on-the-road with GST without insurance at RM439,200 for the GS 200t Premium, RM484,100 for the GS 200t Luxury and RM496,100 for the GS 200t F Sport.

All Lexus vehicles come with a comprehensive factory warranty of three years or 100,000km, whichever comes first (the GS 300h battery pack gets covered by an eight-year warranty with unlimited mileage).

Under the hood lies the same engine found in the Lexus NX, a turbocharged 2.0-litre (8AR-FTS) engine delivering 241hp at 5,800rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,650 to 4,400rpm – basically producing 17% more power and 38% more torque over the outgoing GS 250’s performance.

The engine is mated to an eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission and manages power delivery to the rear wheels.

Along with the rest of the GS model line-up, changes include new triple L-shaped LED headlights (GS 200t Premium receives Bi-LED headlights), arrowhead daytime running lights and LED rear cluster lights.

Inside, the cabin gets a new dashboard, leather-wrapped gear knob, satin-plated interior door handles, leather-wrapped steering wheel centre pad and the inclusion of a Back and Enter button for the Remote Touch Interface knob on the centre tunnel.

In terms of safety, Lexus has added brake hold assist, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert (except for the GS 200t Premium).

As for the GS 350 with its 3.5-litre (2GR-FKS) V6 engine and the GS 300h hybrid with its Lexus Hybrid Drive 2.5-litre (2AR-FSE) engine, both power units remain unchanged, but do get a tweak for an improvement in fuel efficiency.

Seven colours are available for the GS range and depending on variant it includes Sonic Silver, Sonic Titanium, Black, White Nova Glass Flake (F Sport only), Red Mica Crystal Shine (new), Sonic Quartz (new) and Heat Blue Contrast Layering (new and for F Sport only).


JPJ offering 70% discount on compoundable summonses to mark anniversary

                PUTRAJAYA: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is offering a 70% discount on 3.5 million compoundable summonses, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

"The discount offer will be valid for two months starting April 13 till June 13," he told reporters at JPJ's 75th anniversary celebrations here today.

He noted that the discount would benefit motorists who have been unable to renew their driving licences or road tax after being blacklisted by JPJ for unsettled summonses.

"For example, with the discount, a motorist will only have to pay RM45 to settle a RM150 summons.

"This will allow the individual's name to be taken off the JPJ blacklist," he said.

Dr Wee also announced the issuance of a special "FD" vehicle registration plate to mark the department's anniversary.

He said bidding for the Putrajaya registration plate numbers would be open for only five days.

"Members of the public may bid for the plate numbers through JPJ's eBid portal beginning today (April 12).

"Bidding will close at 10pm on April 16 with results to be made known 24 hours after that," he added.

Dr Wee expects the two-letter FD numbers to be popular, and particularly symbolic to those keen on growing their fixed deposit savings.

Earlier in his speech, Dr Wee said RTM1 would be airing a 13-episode drama series entitled Skuad JPJ soon.


Safe tyres, safe travels by Continental

                PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with the coming Hari Raya festive season, a tyre safety check campaign was organized by Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTM).

The tyre safety check campaign, scheduled at four Tesco Extra stores in Peninsula Malaysia from 9th June to 3rd July 2016, is aimed at educating the general motorist to cultivate tyre safety habits and prioritize vehicle tyre maintenance to ensure a safe trip “balik kampung”.

The purpose of this Tyre Safety Check Campaign is to highlight and remind the general motorist the importance of proper tyre maintenance in ensuring road safety for themselves and other road users during the festive season of Hari Raya.

“We believe that having taken this step of organizing the Tyre Safety Check Campaign is doing our part in creating awareness in road safety and making a difference,” said managing director of CTM, Cameron Wilson.

Wilson added “It is vital that road users continue to be educated that correct tyre inflation pressure and sufficient tread depth are essential to ensure safe motoring. Without these measures, emergency stopping distances can be much longer which means more accidents at higher impact speeds. So clearly, correct tyre inflation, sufficient tread depth as well as choosing quality tyres can make the difference between life and death.”

The Tyre Safety Check Campaign, a corporate social responsibility initiative by CTM, started at Tesco Extra Alma, Bukit Mertajam from June 9 to 12, 2016.

CTM will conduct another 3 tyre safety checks at the following locations, Thursday to Sunday, 10am-10pm.

June 16 to 19: Tesco Extra Mutiara Damansara

June 23 to 26: Tesco Extra Tebrau

June 30 to July 3rd: Tesco Extra Bandar Bukit Puchong

Booklets featuring tyre maintenance tips and Continental premiums will be distributed to public during the campaign. In addition, being an official sponsor of UEFA Euro 2016, CTM has also organized its UEFA Euro 2016 roadshow at the following locations featuring super shot game where shoppers can play to win limited edition UEFA Euro 2016 merchandise.


CarSifu Auto Show 2022: Savings and goodies galore

                KUALA LUMPUR: The CarSifu Auto Show 2022 has kicked off at Mid Valley Megamall here with participating brands offering much savings and goodies to buyers.

The show, which sees a display of 20 latest car models from Volvo, Toyota, Subaru, Proton, Honda, Perodua and Nissan, runs until Sunday and is open from 10am to 10pm daily.

The models displayed consisted of sedans, hatchbacks, sports utility vehicles and multi-purpose vehicles.

TC Subaru is providing savings of RM8,000 and three years of free maintenance for buyers of its XV sports utility vehicle while those who bought the Forester will get savings up to RM15,000.

Nissan is offering free ICE Cool Tinting and leatherette seats worth RM5,600 if the customer tops up the purchase of the Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid Highway Star with RM1,000.

Those who book plug-in hybrids from Volvo will get their vehicles upgraded with next year's model specifications such as extra accessories and a more powerful hybrid powertrain system.

Buyers of Honda's City sedan will get RM3,000 off while those who purchase the City Hatchback will save RM1,500, Accord (RM6,000), CR-V (RM1,000) and BR-V (RM4,000).

For Toyota customers, the Vios and Yaris will be offered with savings of RM1,500 and an aerokit accessories package worth RM2,500.

Visitors to Toyota's display who filled up an online contact form will get an eco bag, a cap and a lanyard, while those who filled up a similar form at Honda's booth will get a plastic food container.

Meanwhile, Perodua and Proton are giving away a fan and a foldable sunshade respectively to buyers who signed up for their cars.

On top of it, buyers who booked a vehicle are also entitled to a RM50 voucher to buy products from local anti-bacterial car mat maker Trapo. Trapo, which is also participating in the auto show, is offering a 12% discount on its car mats and 20% off its Oxtra accessories such as car air purifier, portable vacuum cleaner, car charger and magnetic smartphone holder.

In addition, Trapo is also holding a Time Attack Challenge racing simulator where participants who post the fastest time will stand a chance to win prizes.

After the auto show in Mid Valley Mega Mall concludes, the next show will be held at The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Baru from Oct 26-30.


17,000 summonses issued daily under Ops Selamat

                PETALING JAYA: An average of 17,000 summonses have been issued daily since Ops Selamat started last Thursday.

Federal traffic police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff said 87,350 tickets were written in the last five days.

“Among the traffic offences we are focusing on are speeding, misusing the emergency lane, cutting queue, overtaking at double lines and beating the red light.

“Those who flout the law for these offences will be shown no mercy and be subjected to a RM300 compound, the maximum,” he said yesterday.

SAC Mohd Fuad said there were 85 road deaths during this five-day period.

“Motorcyclists make up the majority of the fatalities with 55 deaths, followed by car occupants (18), pedestrians (five), cyclists (three) and others (four deaths).

“On a normal day, motorcyclists make up about 63% of road fatalities, but we expect that to decrease due to enforcement,” said SAC Mohd Fuad, who is still worried that the attitude of motorists remain largely unchanged, given the biggest factor in all fatal accidents was negligence or speeding.

SAC Mohd Fuad added that the highest fatalities came from those aged between 16 and 20 (17) and those aged between 21 and 25 (nine).

“This shows that younger motorists showed less care for their safety as well as that of others,” he said.

At Ipoh, Perak’s Public Utilities, Infrastructure, Energy and Water Committee chairman Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharuddin said many motorists were unaware that speed limits have been temporarily lowered nationwide by 10kph until Feb 28.

“So, instead of 110kph on the North-South Expressway, it is now 100kph.

“This reduction (10kph) also applies to other federal roads and even roads in the city,” he said after launching a road safety campaign at the Ipoh Selatan toll yesterday.

He said 1,000 enforcement personnel from the Road Transport Department and the police would be stationed at strategic locations to monitor traffic.

Zainol Fadzi said PLUS Bhd had also set up blue warning lights along certain stretches of the expressway.

Meanwhile, a team from the Narcotic Crime Investigation Department will be making visits to various bus terminals in Kuala Lumpur to weed out bus drivers who consume illegal drugs, said City deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Law Hong Soon.

“Bus drivers who we suspect are on drugs will not be spared, and those who fail the drug tests will be arrested on the spot,” DCP Law told reporters at the City police headquarters yesterday.

“Bus drivers are responsible for the lives of so many people, and those who take drugs will not be shown any mercy,” said DCP Law, who added the checks cover both express bus and stage coach drivers.

Elsewhere, Malacca police have expressed confidence in maintaining crime at “zero per cent” until the end of the month.

Malacca deputy police chief Senior Asst Comm Mohd Shahrizan Che Mat Din said his men could achieve the same result as seen last year, where not a single break-in was reported during the Chinese New Year period.


2019 updated Perodua Axia opens for bookings: From RM24K to RM43K

                RAWANG: Perodua is now taking orders for the 2019 updated Perodua Axia which comes in six variants – E, G, GXtra, SE, AV and a new STYLE variant – priced from an estimated RM24,090 to RM43,190 (on-the-road before insurance for Peninsular Malaysia).

Estimated prices (on-the-road before insurance for Peninsular Malaysia) are:

- RM24,090 (Axia E grade)

- RM33,490 (Axia G grade)

- RM34,990 (Axia GXtra grade)

- RM38,890 (Axia SE grade)

- RM38,890 (Axia STYLE grade)

- RM43,190 (Axia AV grade)

The 2019 updated Axia is offered with a five-year/150,000km warranty (whichever comes first).

For specifications and features, ALSO READ:

2019 updated Perodua Axia: new VSC and ASA safety tech

The A-segment hatchback is powered by a 1.0 litre 1KR-VE engine with variable valve timing that is connected to a five-speed manual transmission on the E variant and an electronically-controlled four-speed automatic transmission on all other variants.

“The Axia is at the very core of what Perodua stands for – to provide affordable and fuss-free mobility for all. Over 380,000 units have found homes since we first introduced the model in September 2014, and it was in fact our best-seller from 2015 through 2017,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Perodua’s Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 (ASA 2.0) suite of driver assistance safety systems, which debuted on the Aruz seven-seater SUV in January, now enters the Axia range with the AV variant, making it the most affordable car in Malaysia with such a feature.

ASA is a driver assistance system that helps to reduce the risk of collisions and is by no means a substitute for safe driving (Always be alert and cautious behind the wheel).

ASA 2.0 comprises Pedestrian Detection (up to 50 km/h), Pre-Collision Warning (up to 100 km/h), Pre-Collision Braking (up to 80 km/h), Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control.

“By bringing ASA 2.0 to the 2019 Perodua Axia, we are bringing advanced safety technology to the people, just like we did with the third-generation Perodua Myvi back in 2017,” said Zainal.

All variants from GXtra and above are equipped with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and traction control, and all variants except the base E have ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution as standard.

The Perodua Axia was Malaysia’s first Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) at its birth in 2014.

Today, with rated fuel efficiencies of 22.5 km/l for the manual, 21.6 km/l for the auto and 20.8 km/l for the new STYLE variant, it continues to be among the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the country.

On the new Axia STYLE variant, Zainal said, “It's a new addition to the Axia family that will appeal to the fun and active side of your personality – stay tuned!”


MSO creates one-off P1 GTR that pays homage to Senna

                LONDON: McLaren's bespoke division, Mclaren Special Operations (MSO), has completed a new P1 GTR project to mark the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s maiden Formula 1 World Championship.

The car is liveried in the iconic colours of then-sponsor Marlboro — synonymous with McLaren for more than 20 years – as they appeared on the MP4/4 that propelled him to the first of three F1 titles.

The car was made to order for a collector who was inspired by Senna from a young age and wanted to create a tribute to him. The collector worked with the MSO team on the project over the past three years.

The core colours are the famous McLaren Rocket Red and Anniversary White that echo those of the Marlboro brand.

Detailing includes the Senna Brand trademark on the front splitter as well as in front of the air intake and each door, with the "Senna" script and "Driven to Perfection" slogan on the doors and intake. The doors also show the Brazilian flag and the bar code used in lieu of Marlboro script when required by advertising restrictions.

More than 800 hours was spent on painting and other external points include Senna’s 1988 race number "12" on the nose, bespoke 30th anniversary laurels behind the side windows and discreet branding acknowledging a range of McLaren technical partners past and present.

Christened "Beco" by the owner – with the approval of the Senna family, in honour of the nickname given to Ayrton by his parents – this car has a unique engine specification complemented by a 24ct gold heatshield, Lexan rear cover and modified engine bay shrouds.

Working in combination with the electric motor in the P1 GTR’s hybrid powertrain, the result is – according to the owner – a "suitably pleasing" increase in power.

"Beco" has also undergone several external modifications to make the most of the increased performance of the internal combustion engine. Requiring a full aerodynamic programme, new aero features increase downforce to 800kg.

These additions include new front dive planes, a wider front splitter and at the rear a Gurney flap and new barge boards which better channel airflow along the sides of the car. The rear wing also features much bigger endplates than those on a standard P1 GTR wing – echoing the look of the MP4/4 wing. Additional downforce is generated by inboard secondary wing elements.

Upon entry, a reproduction of Senna’s signature can be seen on the carbon fibre chassis sill accompanying one of his quotes, which is sure to get any enthusiastic driver in the appropriate mood.

The multi-function P1 GTR steering wheel has been trimmed in Alcantara with stitching colour-matched to the wheel of the MP4/4. Alcantara has also been used for the facia cover panel. Senna branding on the steering wheel and passenger dash panel is accompanied with a thin red stripe running along the door panels and dash, whilst both driver and passenger sit on Super Lightweight Racing Seats developed for the McLaren Senna, contributing to a weight-reduction regime.

MSO has also created a bespoke crash helmet to complement the livery of the car.


Ford trains more safe drivers in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: As part of the effort to promote safe driving behavior and road safety awareness in Malaysia, Ford and its sole local distribution partner, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), recently organised a safe driver training programme for Ford’s corporate partners through Ford’s global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme.

More than 30 licensed drivers from corporate partners comprising telecommunications and utilities companies participated in a half-day workshop at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).

Malaysia has one of the highest vehicle ownership rates in the region, with high traffic accident rates recorded daily in Malaysia.

Yet, the awareness of basic road safety is still lacking among Malaysians. According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), more than 43 percent of Malaysian drivers use their mobile phones while driving and only less than 10% of rear passenger wear seatbelt.

“Road safety is an important topic and we are proud to partner with Ford who has the know- how, to promote a safer driving behaviour among Malaysia motorists," said Sime Darby Auto ConneXion managing director Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz.

"Ford Driving Skills for Life Programme provides useful tools and resources to help driver understand many unpredictable scenarios that could happen on the road while equipping them with knowledge to tackle the situations accordingly.”
The workshop was provided free of charge and addressed various driver risks with training focusing in four main areas:

> Distractions - Making smart decisions behind the wheel to limit distractions and stay focused on the task of driving
> Hazard recognition - How to scan for trouble approaching intersections and safety zones
> Speed and space management - Learning how to adjust speed to maintain space around, ahead and behind a vehicle while avoiding being rear-ended
> Vehicles handling – Understanding the vehicle’s capability and learning to better control the vehicle by leveraging its safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Breaking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning.

Conducted through a mix of classroom and practical training sessions, the workshop also feature Ranger-based model used by these drivers on a daily basis, to relate and simulate close to real-life hands-on driving experience.

An emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication was also incorporated as part of the programme.

This included having participants wear specially designed goggles that help simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination and alertness are impaired.

DSFL is Ford’s flagship global corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme funded by the Ford Motor Company Fund – the philanthropic arm of the Ford Motor Company. Globally, Ford DSFL has been launched in 35 countries and is now in its 16th year of training licensed drivers of all ages. To date, the programme has trained more than 1,000 individuals in safe driving practices in Malaysia.


Subaru WRX STI shatters Isle of Man TT course record - VIDEO

                LONDON: Subaru of America released a full lap video of its 2016 Subaru WRX STI Time Attack car shattering the lap record at the Isle of Man TT Course.

While piloted by Mark Higgins, the 2016 Subaru WRX STI Time Attack car managed to best the lap record of the fabled 60km Isle of Man TT Road Course with an average speed of 207.17kph (+19.73kph), in a time of 17 minutes and 35 seconds (-1 minute and 51 seconds).

For the 2016 car, Subaru of America decided to create a purpose-built car that could tackle the arduous TT Course, which is similar in style to both the Nürburgring and Le Mans in the demands it puts on suspension and engines.

The deed called upon the joint expertise of Prodrive for the design and build, and Subaru Technica International for technical assistance.

Both have an extensive history in building and designing winning cars with Prodrive and Subaru having won three World Rally Championship Manufacturer titles together and three World Rally Championship driver titles.

Prodrive also has experience running team Aston Martin in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the Le Mans 24-Hour race, while STI has experience designing road course cars as well as a back-to-back class-winner at the 2015 and 2016 Nürburgring 24-Hour Races.


JMC Vigus Pro 4X4 automatic launched at RM98,888

                KUALA LUMPUR: Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd has introduced a new player into the local one-tonne pick-up truck segment with the launch the rugged and yet stylish JMC Vigus Pro 4X4.

Locally assembled at the Tan Chong Motor plant in Serendah, Selangor, the Vigus Pro comes with an affordable on-the-road without insurance price of RM98,888 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM108,888 for Sabah and Sarawak.

JMC (Jiangling Motors Co) of China has granted Angka-Tan Motor  the sole right to manufacture, assemble and sell the Vigus Pro and related parts and components in Malaysia.

New vehicle deliveries to customers are expected to start at the end of October.

The Vigus Pro comes with a large hexagonal grille with chrome inserts, slim headlamps, distinctive C-shape LED daytime running lights and lower bumper guard.

Also included are flared overfenders in body colour, a prominent character line runs from the front door through to the 3D tail-lamps, a sports bar featuring an integrated high-mount third brake lamp, side steps, auto-folding wing mirrors with LED indicators, two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear bumper with a built-in step for easy access to the cargo area.

Inside, the Vigus Pro comes with an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, MP5 video playback and reverse camera.

The leather multi-functional steering wheel comes with controls for the infotainment system, cruise control and voice calls.

Powering the Vigus Pro is a 2.0-litre turbocharged Puma diesel engine featuring a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system, variable geometry turbocharger, intercooler and EGR cooler bypass valve to produce an impressive output of 141PS and 340Nm of torque.

Transmission is an eight-speed ZF automatic with an electronic gear selector featuring manual shift mode function and steering wheel gearshift paddles.

Fuel consumption is frugal and rated at 7.8L/100km under UNECE R101 testing.

The Vigus Pro has a cargo load capacity of 850kg and its robust ladder frame is designed to absorb impact forces in the event of a crash.

The front suspension is a fully-independent double wishbone type with reinforced stabiliser bar while the rear uses a solid axle with leaf springs for high load-bearing capability and durability.

Its 4X4 system is developed by BorgWarner and drivers can switch between 2WD, 4WD and low-range 4WD modes via a rotary dial.

The rear axle is also fitted with an Eaton limited slip differential lock which is able channel torque to the wheel with more traction when slippage is detected.

Standard items include dual front airbags, all-round disc brakes, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, anti-lock braking system with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Electronic Stability Programme with Traction Control.

Also included are speed-sensing door locks, rain-sensing auto wipers, proximity sensors, heated wing mirrors and auto-on/off headlights.

Warisan TC Holdings CEO and Angka-Tan Motor executive director Tan Keng Meng described the JMC Vigus as a versatile pick-up truck developed with premium engineering.

“Whether it’s for work or play, the Vigus Pro is ready to meet the demanding requirements of pick-up truck users in Malaysia after proving itself as the second best-selling pick-up truck in the Chinese market,” he said.

Mayflower Car Rental Sdn Bhd is the pilot fleet customer with an initial order of 30 units.

The Vigus Pro is now available for viewing and test drive across 13 Angka-Tan Motor dealerships across Malaysia, supported by a network of 13 aftersales services workshops.


Mercedes-Benz shows off new A-Class cabin, and it's impressive

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has given a first glimpse of the new A-Class interior, showing an overhauled space whose centrepiece is the splendid dashboard.

It's a design aimed at stepping up the premium level of the compact hatchback, taking inspirations and design cues from the higher-end models.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the new fourth-generation A-Class has more utility value than before, making it at once youthful and grown-up.

The dashboard is divided into two three-dimensional, horizontal sections: the lower section is visually separated from the main body of the dashboard by a "trench", and it appears to float in front of the dashboard. The optional ambience lighting enhances this effect, accentuating the free-floating impression of the sub-structure.

The standard widescreen cockpit is completely free-standing, and for the first time there are absolutely no cowls above the instruments. The sporty air vents in a turbine-look are another highlight.

The A-Class also takes its lead from the luxury Mercedes-Benz models in terms of other details.

The multifunctional steering wheel comes from the S-Class, for example. The front seats likewise have comfort features available from higher segments, including seat climate control, massage function and multicontour seat. The trim elements are in a "wrap-around" design, and the choice of materials (e.g. open-pore wood) underscores the progressive, high-quality positioning.

READ MORE: Fun facts about 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The interior has a greatly enhanced feeling of spaciousness, better all-round visibility and more space.

Utility value is increased by more shoulder-room (front +9 mm, rear +22 mm), elbow-room (front +35 mm, rear +36 mm) and headroom (front +7 mm, rear +8 mm). Easier access to the rear seats is another plus point of the new A-Class.

The luggage compartment behind the rear seats is more suitable for family and recreational use, and has a capacity of 370 litres – 29 litres more than the preceding model. Thanks to two-section rear lights, the loading aperture is 20 cm wider than before, and the luggage compartment floor is 11.5 cm longer. If required the rear seat backrest can be positioned more upright, e.g. to accommodate bulky boxes. All-round visibility has also been considerably improved: by around 10%.

Mercedes-Benz is obviously taking things one step at a time, and will offer us a peek later at how the exterior of the VW Golf-rival will really look like as there are already spy shots of the car undergoing testing.

No word yet when it will make its world premiere but it is likely to be at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the same venue where the original A-Class debuted in 1997.

An A-Class sedan, as previewed by the Concept A Sedan at the Shanghai Motor Show earlier this year, is expected later in 2018.

"The new A-Class embodies the next stage in our design philosophy of sensual purity, and has the potential to usher in a new design era," says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. "The interior presents modern luxury at a level previously unattainable in this class, and transports the user interface into the digital age."

In the coming year, the new A-Class will replace a bestseller that has contributed to a more youthful brand image for Mercedes-Benz: the average age of European drivers of this compact class model is now 13 years lower than for the preceding series.

The outgoing A-ClassFirst-generation A-Class The first A-Class from 1997. Three compact Mercedes-Benz models from two decades (from right): the NAFA short distance vehicle (1981), the "Studie A" (1994) and the A-Class (1997, 168 model series).


Renault unveils hydrogen-powered prototype SUV in race to cleaner driving

                PARIS: Renault unveiled today a prototype hydrogen fuel cell-powered sports utility vehicle (SUV), as the French carmaker scrambles to catch up with rivals in the race to cleaner driving.

Renault said the car, dubbed the Scenic Vision, would not be commercially available before 2030-2032. A fully electric version will hit the market in 2024.

A fuel cell vehicle has an electric motor just like an electric vehicle, but the motor is powered by electricity produced through hydrogen, enhancing the battery's range.

A 16kW fuel cell will extend the car's range to 800km without recharging, and the battery will be twice as light, resulting in a 75% reduction in carbon footprint compared to a conventional electric model, Renault said.

The Scenic Vision comes as Renault pushes ahead with plans to split its electric vehicle and combustion engine businesses.

A pioneer in electric cars with Japan's Nissan and Mitsubishi at the start of the previous decade, Renault has been eclipsed by pure player Tesla and the ambitions of Volkswagen.

Asian carmakers Toyota and Hyundai already have hydrogen fuel cells cars on the market, while BMW is planning to launch the hydrogen iX5 this year as a small batch series.


Wow! Volvo gets crackin' with a range of new hybrid powertrains

                GOTHENBURG: Apart from announcing a refreshed XC90, Volvo Cars today also strengthened its move into an electrified future with a range of new hybrid powertrains.

The upgraded and newly-developed electrified powertrain options would be made available across its entire model range going forward.

The company has upgraded its existing T8 and T6 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrains, while at the same time confirming that plug-in options will now be available on every model it produces.

Moreover, Volvo Cars will introduce a range of mild hybrids in the coming months, starting with diesel and petrol versions on the XC90 and XC60 SUV models.

These mild hybrids for the first time offer customers Volvo’s advanced kinetic energy recovery braking system, which is coupled with its existing internal combustion engines to create a new integrated electrified powertrain, under its new "B" badge.

This new powertrain, electrified via brake-by-wire energy recovery, offers drivers up to 15 per cent fuel savings and emission reductions in real world driving.

READ MORE: Volvo XC90 gets a facelift, more fuel efficient

The new brake-by-wire system interacts with the energy recovery system and reduces fuel consumption and emissions by recovering kinetic energy under braking.

In line with its strategy and supported by strong demand, Volvo Cars has upgraded its production capacity so that up to 25 per cent of total production can be Twin Engine plug-in hybrid cars. In addition, it expects its new "B" badged powertrains to gradually become the new standard, moving it closer to its goal that by the middle of the next decade all of its cars will be electrified.

There will be new and upgraded powertrains introduced on Volvo’s larger Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)-based cars.

The upgraded T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid with up to 420hp features a new battery and brake-by-wire advanced battery charging. The range of the T8 powertrain has increased by around 15 per cent and this powertrain is available on all 90 and 60 Series cars.

An upgraded version of the smaller capacity T6 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid is also combined with the new battery and brake-by wire-technology. This powertrain also offers an approximate 15 per cent range increase and is available on the V60 estate and S60 sedan.

The XC90 will be available with a B5-badged mild hybrid petrol or diesel variant, as well as a B6-badged petrol mild hybrid.

On the XC60, customers will be able to choose between a B5 mild hybrid petrol or diesel variant, a B4 diesel mild hybrid as well as a B6 petrol mild hybrid. The B5 petrol will be available with front wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The company’s smaller Compact Modular Architecture-based XC40 SUV will also receive a new electrified option, in the form of a T5 Twin Engine petrol-plug-in hybrid. A second, T4 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid option will follow later.


Jaguar Land Rover launches Carpe subscription service in Britain

                LONDON: Car companies seem to be betting that the subscription model of "buying" and running a new vehicle will be a trend that takes hold in the market, as Jaguar Land Rover has become the latest major automaker to offer such a product.

Polestar, the electric and hybrid performance arm of Volvo was one of the first to champion the idea of an all-encompassing subscription service when it announced its first model, the Polestar 1, would be sold that way.

Since then, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both jumped onboard with pilots of a similar service, but they are in very limited areas and so far mostly in the United States.

Instead of testing the waters with limited trials, Jaguar Land Rover appears to be jumping right in with a scheme called Carpe, which is run by the company's mobility arm, InMotion. Unlike the trials being run by the German luxury manufacturers in the US that are only offered in a handful of cities at the moment, JLR's Carpe service is being rolled out to the entire UK.

The service is designed for busy UK residents who do high annual mileage and who therefore spend a lot of hours each week driving. They can sign up to Carpe right now, and subscribe to driving a brand new model from Jaguar or Land Rover for 12 months without having to put down a deposit.

Carpe will let subscribers enjoy a new car every year and the vehicle specifications can be tailored to meet individual needs. And where this particular subscription model differs massively from a traditional lease agreement is that there are no restrictions on mileage.

Almost everything concerned with running a vehicle is included, which means the vehicle, servicing, maintenance, insurance, roadside assistance and delivery are all taken care of with a single monthly payment.

Unlike the BMW and Mercedes schemes, subscribers will buy a package for a particular model instead of being able to swap and change between different models in a price band. The good news with that is it means the JLR Carpe scheme can look quite affordable compared to some rival schemes.

For example, prices start in the UK from £910 (RM4,823) per month for a standard E-Pace, although a Range Rover Sport HSE will set subscriber back a whopping £2,200 (about RM11,660) per month. The bad news for private subscribers is that those prices don't include the UK's VAT sales tax that adds an extra 20 percent to the price.


Two CKD cars coming, new boss for Honda Malaysia from April

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia will see a changing of the guard come April 1.

Katsuto Hayashi will succeed Yoichiro Ueno as Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer.

Hayashi is currently a Honda Indonesia sales and marketing director.

 Hayashi

As reported here last month, Ueno will be posted to head Honda operations in India, which is the world’s fourth biggest market for the Japanese car maker after the United States, China and Japan. Ueno had helmed the Malaysian operations since January 2011.

At Honda Malaysia’s annual media gathering today, Ueno also announced that two locally assembled cars will be launched to drive 2016 target sales to 90,000 units, a reduction from all-time record sales of 94,902 units in 2015.

The reduced forecast sales target is attributed to the economic slowdown due to the weakening ringgit, the deployment of Goods and Services Tax and the oil price decline.

 Ueno.

Last year saw the introduction of the CR-V and HR-V. This year’s launches would not be new segment entries as they are replacement models “with advanced features” to update the local Honda line-up. This rules out the entry of the 7-seat BR-V, which was launched in Indonesia last year.

With Thailand already selling the refreshed Accord and due to start selling the all-new Civic this month, Malaysians are likely to see both cars as potential candidates to be updated.

“Our focus is to continue to achieve highest customer satisfaction by enhancing the Honda brand and creating excellent customer experiences,” said Ueno.

“We will increase our dealerships and Body and Paint (BP) Centres to reach and serve more customers across the nation. We are targeting to increase to 95 dealers and 20 BP centres, up from the current 87 and 14 respectively. We will also introduce 2S satellite dealers to reach out to customers in sub-urban areas. We aim to provide professional after-sales services to all our customers regardless of the areas they live in.”


Perodua Tweckbot to offer free vehicle inspections in Kota Kinabalu

                KOTA KINABALU: Tweckbot, Perodua’s long-running complimentary vehicle inspection service, will be making its final road safety push for the year in Kota Kinabalu next weekend.

A part of the Perodua Road Safety Programme, Perodua Tweckbot will be stationed at ITCC Mall, Penampang on 21 and 22 December from 10am to 5pm on both days to offer free inspections for Perodua vehicles.

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

“As Christmas and the New Year approaches, many will be taking to the roads for vacations and to visit family and friends. Therefore it is crucial that their vehicles are in good working order at this time, more so considering the large travel distances in East Malaysia.

“The Perodua Tweckbot team will thoroughly check your vehicle and give you a condition report for free. While you wait, our friendly staff will engage you in fun activities designed to increase road safety awareness,” said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

The vehicle inspection covers over 50 points including the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, power steering, clutch, tyres, suspension and electrics.

“Perodua Tweckbot aims to promote the importance of regular vehicle checks, servicing them at authorised Perodua outlets and only using genuine Perodua products and parts, all in the name of safety.

“Most of all, it represents our commitment to always provide our valued customers with quality service and workmanship for their total peace of mind,” said Zainal.

Perodua Tweckbot has inspected over 8,000 vehicles since its 2011 inception.


Mazda starts production of MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV with rotary engine

                HIROSHIMA: Mazda has started production of the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV for the European market at its plant here.

The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is Mazda’s first mass production vehicle with a rotary engine in 11 years since the RX-8 was discontinued in June 2012. Mazda has cumulatively produced over 1.99 million rotary engine vehicles.

The MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is a unique plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that gives a new purpose to Mazda’s unique rotary engine.

This compact, lightweight internal combustion engine drives a generator that either charges the battery or provides additional power if needed. The vehicle is always driven by the electric motor.

While the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV’s 17.8KWh battery and 85km battery electric driving range is sufficient for most daily driving needs, the rotary engine extends the driving range if needed.

Mazda said the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV is ideal for customers who would like to drive electrically most of the time and travel longer distances occasionally without range anxiety.

The MX-30 embodies Mazda’s multi-solution approach to move towards carbon neutrality.

Natural products like cork and fabrics made from recycled material were adopted in the design process.

The MX-30’s multitone paint is applied with a high-precision spray gun that spreads the individual colours precisely onto the surface where they are needed and significantly reduces paint loss.

Moreover, the newly developed paints harden at an unusually low temperature of 80°C. Together, these steps reduce CO2 emissions of the multi-tone painting process by 34% – 37%.

A 1.1 MW solar power system that went operational at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant in July 2021 supplies electricity to charge the newly produced MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV vehicles before shipping them.

As a series plug-in hybrid, the MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV has no mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels. The rotary unit simply acts as a generator, ensuring the MX-30 R-EV always drives via the electric motor.

With more than half a century of expertise in the development of rotary engines, Mazda selected the rotary powerplant for this application due to its unique ability to produce the required output from a small, light and easily packaged unit.

The rotary engine is placed neatly alongside the generator and high-output motor in the engine bay. The combination of the 17.8kw battery and 50-litre fuel tank create a unique series plug-in hybrid with a flexible total range of over 600km, while a WLTP CO2 output of just 21g/km ensures class-leading environmental performance.

Compatibility with both AC charging and rapid DC charging is another benefit, meaning 3-phase AC charging takes around 50mins, while for maximum customer flexibility, DC rapid charging can be completed in around 25 minutes.

The MX-30 R-EV has three drive-modes to suit different driving situations: Normal, EV and Charge, and thanks to a 125kw/170ps output, it delivers slightly better acceleration performance than the 145ps fully electric MX-30.


2017 Frankfurt Motor Show: Sneak peek at cars set to be the stars

                FRANKFURT: The 67th International Motor Show here doesn't open its doors to the public until Sept 14, but a host of major players including Audi, Bentley, Ferrari and Porsche have already started taking the wraps off cars that are destined to be a huge draw for visitors.

Audi will be using the biennial Frankfurt show to introduce its new flagship A8 luxury sedan to the public. It was shown to the world's press in July, and it will be joined on the company's stand by the world premiere of its sportier little brother, the A7 four-door coupé.

Bentley is showcasing the third-generation Continental GT at this year's event. It boasts sleeker exterior lines, a host of cutting-edge driver aids and creature comforts and a heavily revised 12-cylinder engine. It can now go from 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds and on to a 333kph top speed.

BMW will be bringing a host of concepts to this year's show but the biggest real-world reveal will be the new M5 super sedan. The first ever M car to come with all-wheel drive as standard, it is also the first series production car from the company with a 305kph top speed. Until now, BMW electronically restricted its cars to 250kph.

Fresh from winning the 2017 World Car of the Year award for its first ever SUV, the F-Pace, Jaguar will be attempting to make it two years in a row with the E-Pace, a more compact but equally sporting crossover; the company expects it to become its most popular car in history when it goes on sale.

Mercedes could well have the event's ultimate star car on its stand - a Formula 1-derived hybrid hypercar built in conjunction with AMG - but it is keeping the car a tightly guarded secret until the event proper.

 The Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar.

The world's oldest carmaker will also be demonstrating a new autonomous car concept, the Smart Vision EQ fortwo, designed for ride sharing plus its first ever pickup truck, the X-Class. It will also be taking the wraps off the new S-Class Coupé and S-Class Cabriolet that will complete its flagship range after the S-Class sedan was unveiled in Shanghai in April.

Porsche's biggest car at Frankfurt will be the new, third-generation Cayenne SUV. Longer and wider yet lower and lighter, it borrows a host of features and technologies from its seminal 911, including rear-wheel steering to boost handling and poise, even off road.

Ferrari is celebrating its 70th year in business and as such, Frankfurt will represent just one of many opportunities for celebration and for showcasing its capabilities.

Nevertheless, it will be using the show for the world premiere of the Portofino, a 2+2 convertible with a retractable hardtop and a twin-turbocharged 600hp V8 engine. Capable of hitting 100kph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 320kph, it will be replacing the existing California T when it goes on sale early next year.

The 67th Frankfurt motor show runs Sept 14-24.


The Ferrari Pop-Up Experience

PETALING JAYA: Naza Italia, official importer and distributor of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia, has officially launched a unique experiential pop-up showroom at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.The Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, located at the main entrance until Sept 28, is the first of its kind in Malaysia and part of a regional showcase that offers the public a taste of the Ferrari lifestyle.“The Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, an expansive open-air showroom that greets the eyes with the brand’s signature red hue, invites the public to explore the lavish world of the Prancing Horse."Ferrari is known to be a very exclusive brand, however on this occasion we are making it more accessible. Situated amongst other luxury brands at Pavilion KL, this experiential pop-up showroom really does offer customers insight into the lifestyle that complements Ferrari ownership,” said Datuk Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd.The palatial pop-up showroom features two impressive V8 stallions from the brand’s current range – the Ferrari Portofino and the Ferrari GTC4Lusso T.In conjunction with the Ferrari Pop-Up Experience, Ferrari Malaysia is running a contest on Instagram from Sept 22 to 28. Any member of the public with a valid Instagram account may enter the contest and all they have to do is follow the instructions provided on social media.


Nissan says new models in key markets to be electrified by early 2030s

                TOKYO: Nissan Motor Co said today all its “new vehicle offerings” in key markets would be electrified by the early 2030s, as part of the Japanese automaker’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The company, which plans to cover markets in Japan, China, the United States and Europe, said it will pursue battery innovations, including as solid-state batteries, for electric vehicles (EVs) and further develop its e-POWER hybrid technology to achieve greater energy efficiency.

“We’re determined to help create a carbon-neutral society and accelerate the global effort against climate change,” said Nissan chief executive officer Makoto Uchida.

Nissan’s plans come as global automakers are pivoting from diesel vehicles to electric and hybrid models, while Japan aims to eliminate sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles by the mid-2030s, shifting to EVs including hybrid vehicles and fuel cell vehicles.

The country laid out a “green growth strategy” last year that includes a goal to replace new gasoline-powered vehicles with EVs by mid-2030s to help achieve 2050 carbon-neutral goal.

Japan, where renewable energy accounted for 18% in the country’s power mix in the year ended March 2020, is in the process to review its energy policy.


BMW reserves black-and-white roundel for 7 Series, 8 Series, i8 and X7

                MUNICH: BMW is tweaking its logo and turned it black-and-white for the 7 Series, 8 Series, i8 and X7.

To give these elite models a sense of exclusiveness, the logo will have the company name “Bayerische Motoren Werke” written out in full. The black-and-white version of the roundel was first used 100 years ago.

The new presence for the brand’s luxury-segment models were unveiled for the first time at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

BMW brand senior vice-president Hildegard Wortmann said these select group of cars are targeted at people "well accustomed to trying new things, taking the lead and choosing a free and independent path in life."

“For these people, life is all about making the best possible use of the time available to them," she said, adding that the company is building a luxury ecosystem of unique services and experiences.