From Reel to Real cars

For children growing up on a diet of cartoons in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and the 1980s, this was a rich time for fantastic vehicles on those old cathode ray tube television screens.

Whether you were wealthy enough to see it in colour or made do with black and white TVs, I am sure you were enthralled by the likes of Fred Flintstone’s feet-powered car (the first environmentally-friend car bar none - no fossil fuels involved) and the Mystery Machine from Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!

The bulk of these fantasy vehicles came from the creative minds behind the all-but-name-defunct Hanna-Barbera Productions Inc.

In the aforementioned time period, this US animation studio was the Mike Tyson of the industry and practically every Saturday morning cartoon in North America was made by them.

The Flintstones (1960-1966) introduced to the world the foot-pedalled car, the precursor - if you like - to modern day human-electric hybrids like the TWIKE and defunct-before-its-time Sinclair C5.

It had stone tyres, a hole in the floor for your feet to power the vehicle and a live bird for a horn.

The Jetsons (1962-1963, 1985-1987) gave us a flying saucer car with a clear bubble roof with no A-, B- or C-pillars to create inadvertent blind spots, while the aforementioned Mystery Machine van was a staple of Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1970, 1978) in all its various follow-on spinoffs and reboots.

It was Wacky Races (1968-1970) and its 1969-1971 spin-off The Perils of Penelope Pitstop that really cemented Hanna Barbera’s reputation for far-out vehicles like Dick Dastardly and Muttley and their Mean Machine #00, and the Slag Brothers and their easily repairable Boulder Mobile #1.

Then there was The Gruesome Twosome and their Creepy Coupe #2 (essentially a hearse car with an attached belfry), Professor Pat Pending and his Convert-a-Car #3 (surely the proto-Transformer of its time) and The Red Max and his Crimson Haybaler #4 (a car/plane hybrid).

We also had Penelope Pitstop and her Compact Pussycat #5 (a pink convertible with all the mod cons), Sergeant Blast and Private Meekly in their tank-in-all-but-name Army Surplus Special #6, and the Ant Hill Mob and their Bulletproof Bomb #7 -- a 1920s limousine that even comes with Flintstones-like feet power.

Rounding up the list are Lazy Luke and Blubber Bear (Arkansas Chuggabug #8), Peter Perfect and his Turbo Terrific #9 dragster, and Rufus Ruffcut and

Sawtooth in the Buzzwagon #10 -- a wagon made from logs with buzz saws for wheels.

While it is a pity that the vehicles from such cartoons will rarely ever be able for day-to-day use -- after all, a car with buzz saws for wheels is probably not the best idea to come out of the production line -- that does not mean they will forever remain on our TV screens.

A few years back, the organisers of the Goodwood Festival of Speed asked around for interested parties to build their own Wacky Races cars. And they were built.

Imagine if you will the Mean Machine, Compact Pussycat, Creepy Coupe, Turbo Terrific, Crimson Haybaler, et al (minus their cartoon powers, of course) in the flesh descending on Chichester, UK, and you have a rough idea of what it must have felt like being there on the day.

All it takes is imagination, some cash and a willing car customiser, and Bob’s your uncle.

One of the most popular and easy to do (it involves buying an old van) is the Mystery Machine.

There have been several made over the years using Volkswagen Kombi, GMC Vandura and Toyota Hiace as the template. There have even been monster truck and stretch limo versions of this beloved vehicle.

There have been fan-made versions of the turtle van used in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon series and several versions of the Optimus Prime truck from Transformers, although, sadly (but understandably) they are unable to transform into the giant leader of the Autobots.

It is not easy, though, to transform the small screen vehicles into the real world.

An example of how difficult it can be to make a real life cartoon car can be seen by the example of the £50,000 (RM273,000) two mechanics spent over two years to transform a rare 1960 Cadillac Miller-Meteor into the exact working replica of the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters (and its cartoon spin-off, the Real Ghostbusters).

One of the two mechanics, Paul Harborne, told the Daily Mail that it was their love for films and movies that made them take up the challenge.

The only problem was that their original choice, the Batmobile, had already been done many times over.

“I have a soft spot for Ghostbusters and also the car was big enough to be used as a limo, which was a plus,” Harborne said.

He also mentioned how difficult it was to do it. “It really was a mammoth task to convert the Cadillac into something which would be show-stopping and recognisable as the Ghostbusters car - it wasn’t a challenge for the faint-hearted. We worked on the car every day, which was exhausting.”

So, why do it? Harborne said: “It was such an exciting project. But it is so worth it, and the reaction we get when we take it out is incredible.”

Kudos to people like Harborne and the other fans that spent time and money to create these cartoon gems into the real things.

One thing is for sure, though, if anyone out there can build a working Jetsons flying car, I am breaking the piggy bank to get me one of those.


Bentley Motors' CEO to step down, says mag

Durheimer.
BERLIN: Bentley Motors’ chief executive Wolfgang Duerheimer is to be replaced by Adrian Hallmark, currently head of strategy at British rival Jaguar Land Rover, Germany’s Manager Magazin said today.
 Hallmark.
The departure of Duerheimer, a former top manager at Bentley’s parent Audi and at Porsche, Volkswagen’s premium car divisions, is one of a number of management changes at the British brand, according to the magazine.

Officials at VW’s Wolfsburg-based headquarters and Bentley declined to comment.

Duerheimer, who was also CEO of Bugatti, part of the VW stable and the maker of the world’s fastest production car, had expressed a desire to quit his posts to VW’s top management, the monthly publication said.


Honda Malaysia announces GST Bonus scheme for selected models

                PETALING JAYA: Under a GST Bonus scheme by Honda Malaysia, those who buy selected Honda models from May 18 till 31, 2018, Honda Malaysia will absorb the 6% GST and customers will also be entitled to the on-going “Welcome Ramadhan Rewards” bonus.

Honda models entitled for the GST Bonus are City (petrol variants), Civic, CR-V and HR-V.

Other Honda models namely Jazz, BR-V, Accord, Odyssey, Civic Type R, Jazz Hybrid and City Hybrid are not entitled to the GST Bonus but only entitled to the on-going “Welcome Ramadhan Rewards” bonus.

Honda Malaysia will soon announce on its new vehicle pricing in conjunction with the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which will be zero-rated effective June 1, 2018.


Zenvo set to debut new hypercar at Geneva

                COPENHAGEN: Zenvo Automotive has announced that it will be debuting its new model at this year’s upcoming Geneva International Motor Show from Mar 6 to 18.

Denmark’s only high-performance automotive company is launching a unique campaign featuring the world’s leading automotive photographers.

Details of the stunning new Zenvo model are being kept closely under wraps in advance of the Geneva show.

It will be the third model in the Danish company’s line-up following the success of the twin supercharged TS1 GT and TSR models, and Zenvo chief executive officer Angela Kashina expects even the most demanding of hypercar enthusiasts to be delighted at this latest development.

The company recently launched a unique photo campaign to capture the exclusive essence of the brand. After a meticulous selection process among like-minded automotive professionals, Zenvo chose photographers from around the world to support a global campaign.

All have a large following on social media and are well known for their distinctive work within the world of cars.

Each photographer will spend time making a dedicated shoot at special locations, with the Zenvo TS1 GT playing the main role in the visual storytelling.

Starting this January, Zenvo will publish its favourite photo from the different shoots on its digital channels Instagram and Facebook each month.

Once all the photos have been published in December 2018, the public will be given the chance to vote for the winning photographer with the best single exposure picture on Zenvo’s website.

The participating photographers are Bas Fransen (the Netherlands), Amy Shore (UK), Adam Bornstein (US), Fred Atkins (UK), John Zhang (US), Zach Brehl (Canada), Pepper Yandell (US), Huseyin Erturk (TUR), Domenic Staelberg (Germany), Jeremy Cliff (US), Alex Penfold (UK), Darryll Jones (South Africa) and Kevin McCauley (US).

"With everything now in place to launch this fantastic new model onto the market it is hard for us to wait patiently for the Geneva International Motor Show to share this car with the world," said Angela.

"This is the fifth consecutive occasion that Zenvo has presented itself at the show and we have always been impressed with the phenomenal response from visitors in the know. There can be no better platform to make a splash with our latest new innovation,” she added.


Mercedes-Benz S 560 e due for launch soon

                STUTTGART: The third generation of the S 560 e plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-Benz is due to be launched. Order books in Europe opens from Oct 10.

This round, electric performance and charging times have been improved.

Only available with a long wheelbase, the V 222 S-Class gets a 9G-TRONIC plug-in-hybrid transmission and a new lithium-ion battery that's good for an all-electric range of around 50km. The hybrid drive system in the S 560 e combines the 270 kW/367hp of the V6 petrol engine with 90 kW/120hp of EQ Power to deliver a maximum system output of up to 350 kW/460hp. The vehicle launch is scheduled for this month. Prices start at 96,065 euro (RM460,000).

Plug-in hybrids are a key technology on the road to a locally emission-free future for the automobile. They offer customers the benefits of two worlds: in town they run in all-electric mode, while on long journeys they benefit from the range of the combustion engine. They make the vehicle more efficient overall because they can firstly recover energy and secondly allow the combustion engine to run in favourable operating ranges. Mercedes-Benz is driving forward with the development of its plug-in hybrids under the motto EQ Power.

The new cell chemistry with lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (Li-NMC) makes for a cell capacity of 37 Ah (previously 22 Ah). The highly efficient battery system in the S-Class comes, for the first time, from the wholly owned Daimler subsidiary Deutsche ACCUMOTIVE. The DC/DC converter previously housed separately in the luggage compartment is now installed in the power electronics housing. Despite an increase of around 50 percent in its energy content, the dimensions of the new battery are smaller than those of its predecessor.

Thanks to a water-cooled on-board charger with a capacity of 7.4 kW/10hp, the battery can be charged from 10 to 100 percent SoC (State of Charge) in 1.5 hours at a wallbox (Mercedes-Benz has introduced a new generation of these, too) if the full power is used. The same is possible in around five hours from a conventional domestic power socket.

The four operating modes of the hybrid powertrain management and the five driving programmes selectable by the driver control the interaction of the technology, meaning that the driver always has the final decision regarding whether to use the dynamic combination of engine and electric motor or opt for the luxury saloon's efficient mode. In the case of the latter, the management system activates the combustion engine as little as possible and also ensures optimum distribution of the battery charge for the current route.

To this end, the ECO Assist uses the data from all the driving assistance systems, including the navigation system, and indicates to the driver when it is best to come off the accelerator, both on the display and by means of the resistance point on the accelerator pedal.

The high-voltage on-board electrical system supplies not only the powertrain components and the vacuum pump of the regenerative braking system, but also the electric refrigerant compressor and the high-voltage heater booster. Both allow pre-entry climate control of the interior because they can also operate without the combustion engine.


BMW dealership Wheelcorp Premium opens driving circuit

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW dealership Wheelcorp Premium has opened the Wheelcorp Premium Driving Circuit, the first ever premium driving circuit to be wholly owned by a dealership in the country.

The circuit is located in Setia Alam and occupies 1.5 acres of land and complements all activities currently hosted by Wheelcorp Premium, including BMW, MINI and BMW xDrive Experiences.

The circuit will also cater to BMW and MINI vehicle agility tests for speed and coordination, courses on driving in wet conditions, braking exercises, as well as courses on how to have total control of a car in extreme and dangerous situations. The circuit is also designed to cater to BMW xDrive experiences in muddy and rugged terrains, and with bunkers, side slopes, hill climb and hill descent demonstrations.

Additionally, all new BMW and MINI owners from Wheelcorp Premium are entitled to a safety and defensive driving course at the circuit. Among those present at the opening of the circuit were BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Han Sang Yun and Wheelcorp Premium executive director Jayden Liew.

As part of the celebration over the opening of the circuit, a weekend sales will be held at Wheelcorp Premium from Sept 23-25. With every purchase of a new BMW or MINI vehicle, new owners will receive 12-months complimentary fuel from Shell Malaysia. The circuit will also host Compact Performance Drive, BMW xDrive Experience and MINI Driving Experience sessions throughout the weekend. With only four sessions held per day, BMW and MINI owners can register for the sessions by calling +6011 1782 5060.

The circuit is supported by BMW Group Malaysia, BMW Credit Malaysia, Allianz Malaysia Berhad and GoodYear Malaysia

The circuit is located at the BMW and MINI 4S Dealership at No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni AH, U13/AH, Setia Alam, Seksyen U13, 40170 Shah Alam.


VW delivered 10.8 million vehicles in 2018, eyes world No.1 spot

                BERLIN: Volkswagen Group’s deliveries rose 0.9 percent to a record 10.83 million last year, the German company said today, putting it neck-and-neck with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi in the race to be the world’s biggest vehicle manufacturer.

Rivals Toyota Motor and Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi have not released 2018 registration figures, but the Franco-Japanese alliance sold 10.6 million vehicles in 2017 and racked up sales of 5.54 million in the first half of 2018.

Toyota last month released a forecast for total global sales of 10.55 million vehicles last year, but has yet to confirm official numbers.

“If we assume that the 10.8 million sales VW have reported is confirmed, it is very likely to be enough to place Volkswagen Group in the number one spot,” said David Oakley, an analyst at LMC Automotive.

That would be the fifth consecutive year Volkswagen Group has held the position, Oakley said, adding it was too early to say whether Toyota or Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi would be in second place, also because registration figures have not yet been published for all markets.

Volkswagen Group’s figures include sales of light vehicles and trucks. Measured by passenger cars alone, registrations last year would have accounted for 10.1 million, it said.

“If we looked at passenger cars only, the picture would be roughly similar. Volkswagen Group would still be ahead, although by a wider margin, as it is relatively less reliant on light commercial vehicles than the other two,” Oakley said.

Only around 4 percent of Volkswagen Group’s sales were light commercial vehicles in 2018 compared with 12 to 15 percent for Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and Toyota Group, according to LMC.

If heavy goods vehicles were included in addition to light trucks and passenger cars, Volkswagen would still be ahead and Toyota would be in second place, Oakley said.

Volkswagen said the VW brand delivered 6.24 million vehicles last year, while premium brands Audi and Porsche posted registrations of 1.81 million and 256,000 respectively.

This makes Audi the third biggest selling premium brand behind BMW, which delivered 2,125,026 cars and leader Mercedes-Benz, which sold 2.31 million passenger cars.

Volkswagen said the ongoing trade dispute with the United States had dampened the business climate in China, its most important market, over the second half of 2018.

Volkswagen’s head of sales, Christian Dahlheim, said in a webcast today that he expected demand in China to remain stable in 2019, although the first quarter would be challenging.

Separately, Dahlheim said the German carmaker did not foresee a significant financial impact in 2019 from the implementation of the new WLTP emissions standard, which cost the company 1 billion euros in 2018.

Volkswagen Group said December deliveries fell 8.4 percent, to 916,200 vehicles, from 999,900 a year earlier.

December group deliveries to China dropped by 12.5 percent year-on-year, the Wolsburg-based carmaker said, adding deliveries also fell by 5.6 percent in Europe and by 3.4 percent in the United States.


Petrol dealers tell tale of woe if Govt persists with weekly pricing mechanism

                SHAH ALAM: Petrol dealers say they might have no choice but to resort to severe cost-cutting measures to stay afloat if the Government persists with its weekly fuel price float, which goes into effect on Jan 1.

Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) president Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz said these would include letting go of employees as the minimum wage had increased to RM1,100, as well as limiting daily operating hours from 24 hours to 18 hours.

Khairul Annuar explained that PDAM was against the weekly pricing mechanism, as dealers were totally exposed to the risks of oil price fluctuations.

"We are not against the price drop, but the quantum is very big, and moreover, we don't control our own stock ordering and fuel product pricing, so if prices goes down, we are left with more stock at midnight, but even if prices go up, the gain is not a lot," said Khairul after a special meeting organised by the Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM).

PDAM also wants the Government to increase the commission for dealers from RM0.12 to RM0.15 per litre for both diesel and petrol, especially now that diesel prices were almost on par with RON95.

"To be honest, even with RM0.12 per litre for commission, this is not really the sum we are getting as you still have to deduct for oil licence fees to the oil companies, merchant discount rate for credit card payers, workers' wages and utilities, insurance and council fees," he said.

The price fluctuations from the price mechanism changes had already caused many petrol dealers to quit the industry, and more were expected to surrender their licences once the new prices come into effect next week, said Perak Petrol Dealers Association Chairman Kenneth Lee.

"The number of petrol dealers who surrendered their licences since 2014 has been rising exponentially since 2014, when they started implementing the monthly and weekly price floats.

"About 50 petrol dealers quit in 2017, and those are just the ones we know, some just sell or transfer their business to others, they can't survive," Lee said.

PDAM's management committee said besides the cost cutting measures, they would march to the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry as a last resort.

The PDAM plans to hand a petition to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad containing the industry's grievances and recommendations at Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia's annual general meeting on Dec 30.

Malacca dealer David Wu, who made the trip to attend the special meeting, told The Star that even if the price drop was minimised, this was akin to "death by a thousand cuts" and postponing inevitable losses.

"It might be better to set up a fund to stabilise the country's oil prices, rather than trying to change oil prices weekly, because hawkers and other businesses are not reducing their prices even when oil prices go down each week," Wu said.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said that a weekly float system will be used to determine fuel price for RON95 from Jan 1 onwards due to the falling prices of crude oil.


Volkswagen educates about child safety

                KUALA LUMPUR: A child passenger safety (CPS) training module will be rolled out to benefit 280 childcare centres nationwide thanks to the partnership between Volkswagen and the Association of Registered Childcare Providers Malaysia (ARCPM).

The training aims to ensure an extended reach of child safety in cars to Malaysians at large.

“Many parents thought that the safest way to carry a baby is in their arms and it is not unusual to see toddlers riding on an adults lap. We believe it is of utmost importance to educate people about the seriousness of this issue,” said Volkswagen Malaysia human resource director Puan Sharifah Salmah Syed Harun.

The goal is to change the mind-sets and help parents take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of children in cars.

According to a 2011 MIROS Report, children are the first and the second leading groups of casualties with aged 1–4 years old at 43.8% and 5–9 years old at 30.2% respectively.

 Volkswagen Malaysia human resource director Puan Sharifah Salmah Syed Harun

Puan Sharifah believes that the training module will inspire, mobilise and strengthen prevention measures and engage childcare centres as agents of change in their respective communities.

She said that the training would also empower and facilitate the childcare centre personnel’s role in creating safety consciousness and uphold child protection.

It is through such a campaign that CPS trainers from ARCPM network will train other operators of childcare centres in order to educate approximately 28,000 parents on the importance of using proper child car seats to curb injuries and losses in life.

Aside from the roll out of the CPS training module, Volkswagen Malaysia will also donate 200 Volkswagen child safety seats and 10,000 copies of the A-Z of road safety flash cards to ARCPM to further support the ongoing effort in education and raising awareness on this issue.


Proton partner to be revealed by May, says minister

                IPOH: Proton, Malaysia's largest carmaker, will be able to announce its new strategic partner by May, says Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan (pic).

The International Trade and Industry Minister II announced this following news of Chinese carmaker Geely Automobile Holdings withdrawing its bid to acquire a controlling stake in Proton.

"There are already a few other bidders at the moment, Geely is not the only one. They are trying to finalise the decision. As a private entity now, the Government cannot help Proton make the decision.

"We are only able to nudge them towards the direction in finding a strategic partner," he told reporters here today.

With Geely pulling out of the bid, Ong said it was not the end of the road as Proton would continue to revamp their setup with the construction of their new main plant in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

"Consolidating Proton with a strategic partner from the international market would, no doubt, help build up the automobile industry.

"This would in turn, benefit Perak's business ecosystem, as local vendors supplying automobile services and spare parts would receive a much-needed boost," he said.


Mazda to show off updated Mazda6 wagon in Geneva

                HIROSHIMA: The updated Mazda6 wagon will make its world debut on March 6 at the 88th Geneva Motor Show next month.

The Mazda6 is the flagship of Mazda's passenger car lineup. The focus for this round of updates, the third since the model was fully redesigned in 2012, was to incorporate premium details and new engineering concepts and technologies based on Mazda's human-centered design philosophy.

The new Mazda6 wagon to be unveiled in Geneva follows on the heels of the sedan model, which debuted at the Los Angeles Motor Show last November. Mazda said the wagon adopts the same product enhancements and styling improvements, which enhance a look of maturity and composure and raise the quality feel of both the interior and exterior without sacrificing practicality.

In addition, Mazda will bring two concept models to the show, both of which make their European Motor Show debut in Geneva. The Mazda Kai Concept combines next-generation technology and design to herald a whole new generation of Mazda cars. And the Mazda Vision Coupe is a next-generation design vision model that was recently named the “Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year” in France. Both cars debuted at last year's Tokyo Motor Show.


GM maps a slow rollout for its 'affordable' EV

                DETROIT: General Motors Co said today the Chevrolet Equinox, one of the least expensive of its new generation of electric vehicles for North America, will go on sale in the fall of 2023 priced above the company's US$30,000 target.

The car, which shares the Equinox name with a gasoline-burning Chevrolet compact utility vehicle, is one of three new EVs GM has said it plans to launch that season for the brand in North America.

GM chief executive Mary Barra has focused on the Equinox as an "affordable" electric SUV with a starting price of about US$30,000 (RM135,000), less than half the starting price of Tesla Inc's Model Y.

In a statement, Barra said the Equinox showed GM could offer electric vehicles "at nearly every price point and for every purpose."

However, the first electric Equinox will be a limited edition 2RS model with an estimated range of 480km priced above US$30,000, Chevrolet said. The US$30,000 1LT version will be launched later.

The electric Equinox models will be assembled in Mexico.


Volvo's first fully electric cars to be XC40 and XC90

                GOTHENBURG: The XC40, followed by the XC90, will be Volvo’s first two models to land in all-electric versions, in a few years' time, says its design chief, Thomas Ingenlath.

Volvo's strategy is to electrify all of its current cars rather than create brand new all-electric models. The fully electric Volvo XC40 is expected to go into production in 2020, followed by the third-generation XC90 a year later, he told Autocar.

The group's first fully electric vehicle will be the Polestar 2, from Volvo Cars' Polestar performance company and brand. This electric sedan is billed as a rival for the Tesla Model 3 and is due out at the end of 2019. This will be followed by the Polestar 3 SUV.

Volvo, which is owned by the Chinese group Geely, is particularly committed to electrification. The carmaker hopes to have fully electric cars make up 50% of its global sales by 2025.

Moreover, Volvo is aiming to ensure that from 2025, at least 25% of the plastic used in each of its new cars comes from recycled materials.


Mercedes says China buyers sticking with luxury combustion models as EVs take off

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz AG said it remains the go-to brand for top-end vehicles in China, where luxury buyers continue to favour combustion cars like its flagship S-Class sedan even as EV sales take off.

"In China, the top luxury level is still very much an internal combustion engine world and we are the undisputed leader,” Mercedes chief financial officer Harald Wilhelm said in an interview with Bloomberg Television, adding "we should serve that demand but we definitely plan same the thing for electric vehicles.”

After decades at the top in the world’s biggest car market, Mercedes and German peers BMW AG and Volkswagen AG are falling behind local competitors as EV demand surges.

Shenzhen-based BYD Co. became China’s best-selling automaker in the first quarter, dethroning VW for the first time in decades.

Still, Mercedes retains the crown for combustion-engine vehicles costing between 1,000,000 yuan (RM646,000) and 2,000,000 yuan (RM1.3mil) with as much as 50% market share in that segment, Wilhelm told reporters during a first-quarter earnings call.

Last year, the Stuttgart-based company sold more than half of its 22,600 ultra-luxury Maybach models, which start at around US$200,000 (RM893,000), to China’s elite.

"We will take that strength progressively into the electric-vehicle world,” Wilhelm said.

The S-Class also remains popular with opulent rear-seating arrangements geared toward chauffeur-driven owners.

Chinese buyers have been less taken with the S-Class’s electric sibling, the EQS. Mercedes last year drastically cut prices in China for the model after disappointing sales.

Mercedes on Friday said momentum is returning to the Chinese car market as demand picks up after coronavirus lockdowns.


Cobalt demand for 5G technology to challenge electric vehicles

                LONDON: The need for larger rechargeable batteries and more energy storage for 5G technology is expected to significantly boost demand for cobalt over coming years and potentially pit the sector against electric vehicle makers.

Larger batteries, using lithium cobalt oxide chemistry (LCO), are needed in 5G phones because the antenna, used to transmit and receive radio waves, need more power than those in 4G phones.

Base station antenna for 5G also need significantly more power, putting pressure on power grids, necessitating the use of energy storage systems, which in China are now being built with cobalt containing lithium-ion batteries.

China is leading the way on 5G sales, which have slowed in recent months, but are expected to increase as growth recovers in the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis.

“5G will be a major source of cobalt demand in the years ahead,” said George Heppel, analyst CRU, which expects cobalt demand for portable devices to rise to 73,000 tonnes by 2025 from 45,000 tonnes this year.

“Down the road, we are likely to see some aggressive bidding for cobalt from electric vehicles and mobile phones, where there isn’t really a chemistry that can compete with LCO.”

Electric vehicles typically use cathodes made from nickel, cobalt and manganese, but there are alternatives such as lithium iron phosphate that do not need cobalt.

Cobalt demand estimates mostly vary between 100,000 and 130,000 tonnes for this year, doubling to between 200,000 and 260,000 tonnes in 2025.

Analysts expect a balanced cobalt market this year and deficits from 2022 as sales of electric vehicles and 5G phones accelerate.

“As the global transition to 5G technology gathers pace, growth in non-EV markets has significant potential to expand across two fronts: portables and energy storage systems,” analysts at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence said in a note.

“Demand growth for energy storage systems has already overtaken electric vehicles, albeit starting from a much lower base, and Benchmark forecasts stationary storage demand to grow by 35% per annum through the 2020s.”


Nissan's self-parking slippers drive Japanese hospitality to new level

                TOKYO: What will they think of next? In Japan, where old traditions are constantly being updated with new technology, one inn is making use of automated driving technology to offer the latest in hands-free hospitality – self-driving slippers.

Nissan Motor Co has developed a system for slippers to "park" themselves at the entrance of the traditional inn at the push of a button, ready for guests to use upon arrival.

Each slipper is equipped with two tiny wheels, a motor and sensors to 'drive' across the wooden lobby floor using Nissan's ProPilot Park technology.

Nissan uses this technology in the latest version of its all-battery electric Leaf vehicle. High-tech sensors and cameras allow the car to locate and back into parking spots without any driver input.

"The self-parking slippers are meant to raise awareness of automated driving technologies, and their potential, non-driving applications," Nissan spokesman Nick Maxfield said.

And it is not just the slippers that scurry across the inn's floors. Tatami-matted guest rooms feature floor cushions and traditional low tables that also wheel themselves into place.

Many of the world's top auto brands are developing self-driving technology. Nissan plans to market a car that can drive itself on city streets by 2020.


Porsche launches probe into suspected engine manipulation, says weekly

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen’s luxury sports vehicle unit Porsche AG has launched an internal investigation into the suspected manipulation of petrol engines, German weekly Bild am Sonntag (BamS) reported.

Porsche has informed Germany’s automotive watchdog KBA, the Stuttgart prosecutor’s office, as well as US authorities of suspected illegal changes to hardware and software that could affect exhaust systems and engine components, the paper said.

“Porsche is regularly and continuously reviewing technical and regulatory aspects of its vehicles,” a Porsche spokesman said.

“As part of such internal examinations Porsche has identified issues and has, just like in the past, proactively informed authorities.”

The spokesman said that the issues relate to vehicles developed several years ago, adding that there were no indications that current production was affected. The carmaker is working closely with authorities, he said.

BamS, not citing where it obtained the information, said that engines developed between 2008 and 2013 were the subject of the investigation, including those of the Panamera and 911 models.

The paper also said that apart from discussions with employees, meeting protocols and hundreds of thousands of emails were being examined in search of evidence, adding KBA has launched an official investigation.


Volkswagen Semenyih 3S Centre officially opens

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen's latest 34,030 square feet 3S (sales, service and spare-parts) centre opened today in Semenyih.

The new centre looks to cater to additional customers from around the Southern Klang Valley consisting of Kajang, Balakong, Putrajaya and Niali.

The new RM10.7mil facility - operated by HICOM Auto Sdn Bhd, is the fourth showroom to officially launch, which can fit up to eight display vehicles.

Furthermore, it possesses 11 service bays manned by 12 aftersales staff and has been equipped with a customer lounge, complimentary computer terminals and a café bar counter.

Also, customers may schedule in an appointment for the new centre's complementary pick-up and drop-off services for added convenience.

Operating hours for the first continental car brand in the Semenyih area is from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 7.00pm; weekends and Public Holidays from 10,00am to 5.00pm for its showroom; and aftersales services are from Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 5:30pm.

As an added bonus, new vehicles bought from Volkswagen Semenyih will also receive a DRB-HICOM Elite Card, which is a multi-merchant loyalty programme aimed at providing assistance and exclusive benefits to members through redeemable products and services, discounts and assistance.

"This opening is part of making our customers a top priority and Volkswagen Malaysia will continue to work closely with our dealership partners to ensure constant improvement towards the overall ownership experience,” said Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.

For more information, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my


Carsome Certified gets new CEO

                KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, Carsome recently appointed Mei Han as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Carsome Certified, the business-to-consumer (B2C) arm of Carsome’s offerings.

Mei has spent the last 10 years in the automotive industry.

He has also served in China’s financial industry, particularly in venture capital and investment banking.

Prior to his current appointment, Mei was the director of Platform Strategy in Carsome, responsible for product development and business intelligence.

Carsome co-founder and group CEO Eric Cheng said Mei’s appointment is crucial in Carsome’s bigger vision of expanding Carsome Certified in Southeast Asia.

This arises from the company’s focus on vertical expansion from the consumer-to-business (C2B) to B2C model this year, as part of the Carsome’s natural growth progression.

"Mei Han’s new role will act as a further catalyst of Carsome’s growth sprint this year.

"I am confident that his vast experience will give us a more holistic view of consumer demands in the new norm, on top of strengthening our leadership team to drive regional growth,” said Cheng.

 Mei.

As the CEO of Carsome Certified, Mei will focus on integrating and elevating consumer experience both online and offline by riding on Carsome’s product, tech and data capabilities.

He aims to build Carsome Certified into a full-fledged e-commerce platform that gives the best value proposition to consumers, assisted by other new appointments, namely Carsome Certified director of operations Yuan Li Yu and Carsome Certified Malaysia general manager Alan Cheah.

"Carsome is leading the rapid growth of Southeast Asia's used car industry, changing the perception of a traditionally distrusted buying and selling process to a transparent and hassle-free experience.

"We are in the best position to integrate the consumer journey and deliver meaningful solutions and positive impacts. I am excited to push Carsome’s growth through the expansion of Carsome Certified, while introducing an elevated used car buying experience to the region," said Mei.

Carsome Certified provides consumers a used car buying experience that comes with peace of mind and quality assurance.

Launched as The New Way of Buying Cars in Kelana Jaya, in August last year, Carsome opened another two Carsome Certified centres in Petaling Jaya and Cheras, with seven other outlets across the country currently in the expansion plans.

Riding on Malaysia’s success, Carsome Certified will be introduced in Indonesia and Thailand next month.

In the coming quarter, Mei will focus on strengthening Carsome Certified’s regional capabilities through operational excellence, as well as partnerships with established e-commerce platforms across the countries where Carsome Certified is present.

In response to the increased demand and supply of the used car market, Carsome Certified’s expansion further solidifies Carsome’s proposition as a one-stop solution, offering consumers a comprehensive end-to-end service from selling to purchasing used cars.

“We are one step closer to building a complete used car ecosystem. We are excited as this will unlock more partnership opportunities across the tech automotive industry as we continue to scale the business,” Cheng added.


Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica arrives, price from RM1.05mil

                KUALA LUMPUR: A month after the Malaysian launch of the Lamborghini Huracan STO, another variant has made landfall.

The Huracan Tecnica is launched today and its base price is RM1.05mil as opposed to the RM1.48mil for the STO. Delivery will take up to nine months after booking and allocation is confirmed.

According to Lamborghini, the new Huracan variant is meant for "pilots seeking driving fun and lifestyle perfection on both road and track."

With the Tecnica, Lamborghini sought to create a happy compromise of two model variants. It combines the rear-wheel drive version of the Huracán Coupé with a 5.2-litre V10 naturally aspirated engine from the STO racing version.

Lamborghini says it has revised the aerodynamics, reduced drag and increased downforce to create a car that is slotted between a racing car and a road sports car for heightened performance, stability and ease of use, particularly on a circuit.

The lightweight Tecnica's recalibrated LDVI system and distinctly tuned driving modes with specific suspension set-up, rear-wheel direct steering, and innovative brake cooling improvements allow the driver to experience a supercar that's adept for road and track.

At the launch, over 100 customers and invited guests had the opportunity to see, hear, and feel the latest Huracan.

They also had the chance to explore the range of customisation options offered by the Ad Personam program. From paint to rims, custom
stitching, carbon fibre elements, Ad Personam offers the tools to create truly unique Lamborghini vehicles.

"We have presented a wide range of Lamborghini models to the Malaysian market, within just five months of Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur's grand opening in March this year," said Lamborghini region director for the Asia Pacific Francesco Scardaoni.

"Today, we are again proud to unveil the Huracan Tecnica — the latest member of the Huracan range — in the flesh to our discerning clients and media in Malaysia. The Huracan Tecnica is a versatile character that provides the purest Lamborghini driving experience, combined with the freedom of everyday use: a bridge between past and future, and across lifestyle, performance, road, and track."

STO heart

The Huracan Tecnica takes the 5.2-litre V10 powerplant outputting the same 640hp power as its STO stablematem(compared with 610hp from Huracan EVO), producing 565 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm for exhilarating yet comfortable everyday driving with highly responsive maximum power and torque when demanded.

The Tecnica accelerates from standstill to 100kph in 3.2 seconds and reaches up to 325kph at full throttle.

In contrast, the STO stats is a 0-100kph sprint time of 3s and a top speed of 310kph.

With a dry weight of 1,379 kg, the Tecnica delivers a weight-to-power ratio of 2.15 kg/CV.

The uprated power is matched by an enhanced, sharper engine sound at higher revs while inside the cockpit the Tecnica provides improved acoustic comfort.

This Huracan has at its heart the LDVI (Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata) system, which controls every aspect of the car's dynamic behaviour by integrating vehicle systems and set-up to deliver feed-forward pre-control in virtual real-time, for optimal driving dynamics.

The rear-wheel drive Tecnica incorporates rear-wheel steering with direct steering ratio and torque vectoring, together with a modified Performance Traction Control System (P-TCS) and specific suspension set-up for the Tecnica.

Depending on the drive mode selected - STRADA, SPORT or CORSA - every dynamic system is calibrated on the Tecnica to provide a highly
differentiated response to each environment.

In STRADA, the rear-wheel-steering provides stability and manoeuvrability, complemented by the torque vectoring and P-TCS.

The engine and gearbox are both tuned for comfortable everyday driving in every setting.

In SPORT mode, maximum driving fun comes from the rear-wheel steering's enhanced oversteer and the enhanced slip threshold of the P-TCS, while torque vectoring ensures the Tecnica's agility and responsiveness in the hands of the driver.

The highly responsive powertrain sparks at the touch of the accelerator and the seven-speed gearbox provides a tactile and emotive shift.

In CORSA mode, the car is at its sportiest, responding to the driver's
input with extreme precision, with the naturally aspirated Lamborghini engine's roar a reminder of the car's track talents.

The powertrain is calibrated to provide optimised track-oriented throttle response and the fastest gearshifts, with the Tecnica demonstrating
maximum precision and agility from all systems via the LDVI, including maximum lateral and longitudinal grip from the torque vectoring and P-TCS respectively.

The new brake cooling management, inspired by track-based
Lamborghini experience, promises consistent braking performance on both road and track.

The Tecnica's carbon ceramic brakes adopt specifically designed cooling deflectors and calliper ducts, directing the airflow into the discs to maximise heat dissipation and reduce brake fluid temperatures and brake pedal elongation: the reduction in disc temperatures also supports
brake pad consumption.

Dual personality

The car is characterised by aerodynamic efficiency and lightweight engineering while retaining a distinct elegance, making it clearly distinguishable from its Huracan stablemates.

A revised design lends the Tecnica a stronger, predatory stance: a powerful, inward-facing front with muscular shoulders meets a lightweight, fully carbon fibre hood.

A new bumper featuring the Terzo Millennio's black Ypsilon design, incorporates an air curtain for the first time in a Huracan.

A new front splitter, with lower, open slats directing air through the wheels, contributes to improved downforce and cooling. Black at the base of the windscreen increases the lightweight impression.

The profile of the car also sets it apart from the Huracan family: at 6.1 cm longer than the Huracan EVO it is the same height and width but appears lower and broader, with a silhouette inspired by the Essenza SCV12.

The black of the front Ypsilon feature continues along the flank of the car to the side air intakes, while the body-colour roof can also be painted black as an option.

At the rear, there's a new vertical rear glass window that gives improved visibility, while a redesigned engine hood in lightweight carbon fibre celebrates the V10 heart of the Tecnica.

The rear incorporates a new bumper with optimised air inlet; diffuser painted in body colour or optional black; and combines new hexagonal exhaust pipes that deliver the enhanced fanfare from the Tecnica's powertrain.

While aesthetically the fixed rear wing completes the unique lines of the Tecnica, its aero design also contributes to the 35% improvement in rear downforce compared to the Huracan EVO RWD, as well as ensuring no increase in drag: in fact, drag is reduced by 20%, improving aero
balance and supporting stability during braking and turning speed.

The Tecnica's underbody is also optimised with new aero deflectors for improved aerodynamic efficiency.

New Damiso 20" diamond cut wheels, taking inspiration from the Lamborghini Vision GT, sport a hexagonal design and are fitted with Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres.

Driver-focused interior

The versatility of the Huracan Tecnica continues in its interior as well as in the extensive customisation options available.

The height-adjustable sports seats immerse the pilot in his cockpit. Further options include a lightweight door design; a rear arch and wheel bolts in lightweight titanium; and harness seat belts for those heading more regularly to the circuit.

A redesigned HMI interface is exclusive to the Tecnica. The driver's instrument panel reduces colours and emphasises readability in a large new "arc" in front of the pilot.

The central console screen puts the fun-to-drive elements at the disposal of the cockpit's occupants, including the LDVI functions in real-time display, as well as all connectivity functions including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.

Inspired by the STO, the HMI includes connected telemetry and on-board diaries of destinations and track times, connected to the UNICA app.

Standard and optional colour and trim choices lend themselves to both luxury-oriented and more sporty specifications.

Together with eight standard exterior colours, more than 200 additional paint options are available through the Ad Personam program, as well as a new interior trim in Alcantara specifically for Tecnica, and further exclusive options such as stitching designs and colours and the "Tecnica" motif embroidered into seat bolsters.

Beyond the Tecnica's exclusive options, Lamborghini's Ad Personam department offers the potential for clients to customise their Huracan Tecnica with virtually unlimited colour and trim possibilities.


S. Korea's drive-through Covid-19 testing on way to achieving global standard

                SEOUL: South Korea's innovative drive-through testing of the coronavirus, which allows samples to be collected from drivers in just 10 minutes, is on its way to becoming a global standard.

The Trade Ministry announced earlier this week that its so-called "K-Quarantine drive-through" has passed the first phase of procedures for it to be adopted as a new international standard.

The International Organisation for Standardisation, a standard-setting body, voted in favour of the proposal, according to the ministry.

But it will take another three years to complete the procedure and establish the testing scheme as an international standard. The process requires various stages of voting and opinion gathering from experts all over the world.

Once the second-most infected country after China, South Korea has flattened the curve with its successful 3T model of mass testing, aggressive contact tracing and effective treating.

Drive-through testing, which was first launched in late February to cope with a surge in number of cases, allows people with symptoms to drive to a testing centre and wind down their car windows to get swabbed in minutes, instead of waiting for hours in queues in hospitals.

The approach helped health authorities to test about 20,000 people every day. It has since been adopted by countries such as the United States, Germany and France.

South Korea today reported a total of 14,519 cases of the coronavirus, including 20 new. The death toll stands at 303.


70 MAN trucks for LTS Group

                PRAI: Transportation service provider, Lee Ting San Group of Companies (LTS Group), has expanded its fleet by 70 units of MAN TGS 19.360, 4x2 prime mover for providing long-haul transportation.

The Prai-based company’s new fleet now makes up one third of its existing fleet of prime movers and currently services blue chip clients such as DHL, Schlumberger, Dell as well as KLM

The new fleet will be will be employed at its haulage hub and its distribution centres located in Pulau Pinang, Prai, Port Klang, KLIA, Bukit Kayu Hitam as well as Singapore and Thailand

Also located close by Prai is MAN’s service centre, which helps make it easier and swifter when it comes to maintenance schedules and response times - enabling the company to maximise the truck’s on-road lifespan.

The 4x2 tractor, which weighs around 360 kg less than a standard semi-trailer tractor, offers considerable advantage when it comes to payload while being extremely lightweight.

 MAN Truck and Bus (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Hartmut Mueller (3rd from right) Lee Ting San (LTS) Group of Companies CEO Lee Kah Chye (3rd from left)

It can travel along asphalt roads or unsurfaced gravel tracks and its high-torque Common Rail engine provide the necessary dynamics with low fuel consumption.

The twelve-speed MAN TipMatic semi-automatic gearbox of the vehicle takes the pressure off the driver as it can be operated effortlessly, either fully automatically or manually using a touch-action lever on the steering wheel.

With the single sleeper cab in the MAN TGS, the driver can also enjoy a high level of comfort, a generous amount of space and a clear view, with a full standing height.

“A key objective of MAN is to supply fuel-efficient trucks that significantly lower total cost of ownership and it is encouraging to know that the LTS Group has found the MAN TGS more than capable of meeting its stringent requirement in this area,” said MAN Truck and Bus (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Hartmut Mueller.


Nov 14-20: Fuel prices up across the board

                PETALING JAYA: The prices of RON97, RON95 and diesel will increase across the board from Nov 14 to Nov 20.

The Finance Ministry said that RON97 petrol would be priced at RM1.92 per litre, up by one sen from RM1.91 per litre previously.

The price of RON95 petrol will also increase by one sen from RM1.61 per litre to RM1.62 per litre.

The price of diesel will increase six sen from RM1.68 per litre to RM1.74 per litre.

"The government will continue to monitor the trends of global crude oil prices and take appropriate measures to ensure the continued welfare and well-being of the people," the ministry said in a statement today.


Mercedes car sales jump defying growing global economic gloom

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz AG sales rose by more than a fifth during the third quarter, piercing through ongoing supply-chain bottlenecks and an increasingly negative economic outlook as consumers battle surging inflation.

The luxury-auto maker delivered 517,800 vehicles globally in the third quarter, up 21% compared to the same period a year ago with demand in China leading strong growth in all key regions, Mercedes said Tuesday.

In Europe, where multiplying energy bills are affecting buyers, deliveries still rose some 18% as automakers catch up on orders after months of severe shortages of semiconductors hampering output.

“Global demand for Mercedes-Benz vehicles remains robust, even as energy supply uncertainties in Europe and the ongoing covid challenges in Asia continue to impact consumer sentiment,” Mercedes said in a statement.

While many automakers still report firm demand, consumer confidence measures in major markets are around record lows amid surging inflation.

Central banks in Europe, the UK and the US are raising interest rates in a bid to tame price rises, moves that should reduce demand for big-ticket items like cars.

Key competitor BMW AG earlier this week reported quarterly sales that were almost flat compared to a year ago at just under 588,000.

For fully-electric cars, Mercedes said deliveries more than doubled to 30,000 vehicles.


'Dashcams' catching everything from scammers to disasters

                The terrifying footage of a plane clipping a bridge in Taiwan and crashing into a river this week highlighted the popularity of “dashcams” that are capturing everything from crime to natural disasters through the windscreen.

The TransAsia accident, which left least 35 people dead and several others still missing, was filmed by at least two cars carrying dashboard cameras which have become common in Taiwan - mostly to guard against disputes after accidents.

The footage showed the plane banking steeply, apparently to avoid city buildings, and striking a passing taxi before crashing into a river from where 15 people made miracle escapes from the wreckage.

With the gadget catching on in parts of the world, particularly Russia and Asia’s more developed nations like South Korea and Singapore, it was far from the first time an astonishing event has been captured in this way.

In February 2013, a car-camera caught a meteorite plummeting to Earth in Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuring more than 1,000 people.

And last summer, a dashcam filmed a missile landing on a motorway just a few metres ahead of a speeding car in eastern Ukraine.

The cameras have become particularly popular with Russians and South Koreans as a deterrent for scammers who throw themselves onto the windscreens of slow-moving cars in a bid to claim insurance money.

The trend has spawned an amusing genre of videos of people jumping onto the bonnets of stationary vehicles and pretending to be hurt.

Dashcams have been popular for years in South Korea where they are known as “black boxes” and range from simple front-pointing cams which cost around $150, to four-way cams that cover every angle and cost upwards of $400.

The vast majority of South Korean car owners use them -- primarily for insurance purposes. As in other countries, they are used as evidence in the event of a crash, and insurers offer discounts on monthly premiums to car owners who use them.

Across the rest of Asia, the gadget’s uptake is a mixed picture: fairly popular in affluent Hong Kong and Singapore, burgeoning sales in Australia and China, and relatively unknown elsewhere.

Singapore’s largest taxi firm has installed cameras in all 16,600 of its vehicles to provide evidence after an accident, but also to encourage prudence from drivers in a society which strictly adheres to rules.

The gadgets hit the headlines in 2012, when shocking images emerged of a speeding Ferrari driven by a Chinese expatriate running a red light and smashing into a taxi at an intersection, killing the two drivers and a passenger.

While dashboard videos are mainly used to settle insurance claims, they are also fed to activist websites which shame reckless drivers by posting videos of their acts online.

Dashcams are still relatively new to Australian motorists, but are gaining popularity for their use in combating road rage. Police have urged caution, however, and warned the cams can pose a distraction on the road.

Papago, a Taiwanese manufacturer which supplies around 20 percent of the global market, said it sells around 1.0 million dash cams a year with China, Japan, the United States, Russia and Australia its main destinations.

“Sales in China has been up around 20 percent in recent years due to growing demand as there have been many fake car accidents to scam money, “ chief marketing officer Jericho Hsiao told AFP.

“With the recent news on the dashcam footage of the crash, the world is talking about them and... the exposure will help promote the product,” he added.

The habit has also started to catch on in Europe. Sales were estimated to have reached 370,000 in France by early 2014 according to magazine UFC-Que Choisir.

“We are seeing a major shift, with people equipping themselves more and more with cameras in their cars, first of all for use after accidents, but also in case of a hit-and-run,” said a spokesman for France’s Allianz and Amaguiz insurance firm, which has tied up with dashcam manufacturer Coyote.

Pierre Chasseray, head of a French drivers’ association called 40 Millions d’Automobilistes, said dashcams should become standard.

“It’s an extremely positive development in terms of road safety and it’s good in terms of ensuring drivers act responsibly,” he said.

“The camera never lies.”


Le Mans: Not your ordinary race

Audi R18 (2016) #8 (Audi Sport Team Joest), Lucas di Grassi, Loïc Duval, Oliver Jarvis in action at Le Mans 2016.
While Steve McQueen’s 1971 romanticised movie Le Mans is said to accurately depict the action of the circuit in that period, the glamour still trickles down to present day.

With the unexpected decision by Audi to end its strong performance at the World Endurance Championship (WEC) from 2017, we were rather fortunate to have caught Audi’s R18s in their final action at Le Mans.

The German manufacturer will still walk tall as the brand with the second most wins (13 wins) in Le Mans as it pursues new challenges in electric vehicle racing series.

The 24-hour Le Mans is more than an all-day, all-night marathon or long-distance motor sport event; it commands awe and respect for its historic significance while its star-studded carnival-like atmosphere is a magnet for regular motor sport fans and those out to have some fun.

It reminded us somewhat of the Nismo Festival in Japan except that there was an actual race taking place over 24 hours, involving four categories of participants, the more significant of which are the LMP1 and LMP2 categories (LMP stands for Le Mans Prototypes).

The first category sees four-wheel drive cars, mostly with turbo-hybrid power, and the second category involves “conventional” engine turbo power and rear-wheel drives.

The 24-hour Le Mans is one of nine races in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) calendar and the oldest, having been run annually since 1923, except during World War II.

Due to its prestigious and historic standing, the points earned by the respective category winners are doubled over that achieved in each of the other eight WEC races.

This endurance race is a lot more demanding on the cars and drivers (three of them take turns to drive at regular intervals) and at the end of the 24-hour marathon, the top cars would cover almost 390 laps or more than 5,230km around the 13.629km circuit; that distance is what the F1 cars would cover in almost its full race calendar year.

Understandably, many participating teams looked forward to doing well at the 24-hour Le Mans and the colourful and exciting array of cars draw many to partake in the event at the Circuit de la Sarthe; it comprises a mix of closed public roads and a dedicated circuit.

We were guests of Audi at the 84th edition of the event and were witness to a few historic events.

Firstly, it saw a record grid of 60 cars (previously 50 and below).

As for the race, our attention switched from Audi to Toyota as the German team ran into its share of problems.

The first car had turbo problem early in the race and the second team suffered a water pump hiccup; both took time to fix and one of the teams fell many laps behind.

Toyota’s best achievement was being runner-up three years ago and it has participated in the Le Mans for more than 30 years.

One of its two cars was going strong, keeping the leading Porsche (also a two-car team) comfortably at bay; as the event entered the final hour, it appeared that the Japanese brand was going to emulate Mazda in winning the Le Mans.

 Brad Pitt seen with Audi officials.

But the gods at Le Mans had decreed that it was not to be and just as the Toyota Gazoo Racing car with Kazuki Nakajima at the wheel was starting the final lap, the car cruised to a stop right before us as we watched from the Audi Bar, one of its many guest venues.

It had lost power apparently due to a turbo problem; the car got going again after several agonising seconds but at such a slow pace that it was to be its downfall; it couldn’t complete the entire lap within the required six minutes and was listed as DNF (did not finish).

This was considered historic in the sense that although leading car failures were known to occur in the last hour of the event, this was the first time that a team suffered this misfortune on the very last lap.

That promoted the best Audi Sport Team Joest finisher, which was 12 laps behind at the flag, to third position, celebrating its continuous streak of podiums from the time it got involved in this event in 1999.

 Jason Statham was there, too.

Meanwhile, the Porsche Team with its 919 Hybrid was gifted the win to chalk up its 18th Le Mans victory and establish its standing as the one with the most triumphs.

The celebration, however, was low key as most participants had felt deeply for Toyota’s loss; for sure, Porsche would rather win by beating its rival to the flag and not in this manner.

Toyota had the consolation of a runner-up spot again with the second car, which was three laps adrift having encountered its share of minor mechanical problems and race skirmishes.

Racing aside, the experience at the Le Mans 24 hours also gave us an insight into other aspects of the event. Le Mans is a small town with a population of under 350,000 and is an hour’s ride by the TGV fast train from Paris.

It obviously is proud of its association with this sport as seen in the tourist brochures and town sculptural works, but it also comes alive with other motor sport events that come its way.

Le Mans saw Brad Pitt flagging off the race, even though it was started behind the safety car because it was raining and racing only got under way about 10 laps later.

Among the many celebrities that we could recognise were Jackie Chan, who was involved in one of the teams from Hong Kong participating in the GTE category, Jason Statham and Keanu Reeves.

We got within “selfie” distance of Jason during the grid walk before race and were chased away from seats in the town centre reserved for Jackie Chan fans during the event parade (involving race participants) that was held a day before the race.

We also missed our Audi pick-up point after the parade and chose to walk back to the race circuit, where our “hotel” was. It would have been a nice 7km walk, enjoying the cool and low humidity ambience had it not rained heavily, forcing us to take shelter under the canopy of a shop that was closed for the day.

Many car companies involved in the event have “hotels” to accommodate their respective guests from all over the world and Audi has two of them. These are not hotels as we know them but temporary arrangements that comprise rooms big enough to accommodate a bed and a small table snugly.

Toilet and baths are unisex and we were rather appalled at a female guest from China who used one of the wash basins where many would brush their teeth to wash her legs!

Audi has at least six guest centres to watch the race from and we checked out all of them, from the one above the pits to the place where we enjoyed a delicious dinner.

There are events all night long at these guest venues and if one so wish, he could follow the race right through the night at any of these places.

We also took part in a karting event and had the pleasure of being rammed into by quicker karters wanting to get ahead and having to brake hard a few times to avoid ramming into participants who spun in front of us.

A member of our group was selected for the grand finale the following day, which was won by someone from India who swept all the prizes at hand; race winner, fastest lap time and pole position.

While a few of us got up at 3am to check out the scenario at that hour of the night, we chose to enjoy our sleep uninterrupted as the “hotel” was reasonably far away from the race action.

We were told that the spectators had thinned out at night, with many retiring to their campsites or elsewhere unlike the huge day crowd that were checking out the side events and stalls selling a variety of items.

It was also normal for those following the race to move from place to place around the circuit perimeter to watch the action, unless one had bought tickets for the respective spectator stands.

The Le Mans 24-hour is definitely an unusual experience, even if you are not much of a motor sport fan, for its carnival-like atmosphere, colourful attractions, side events and unique charm.


First impressions: Toyota Hilux Rogue

                UMW Toyota has revamped its ever-popular eighth-generation Hilux pickup truck with more power, safety and comfort.

There have been some changes to the Hilux lineup.

The current 4X4 lineup starts with the 2.4 Single Cab MT (Manual Transmission) followed by a new mid-range 2.4 E AT variant.

Next up is the 2.4 G MT followed by the 2.4 V AT and the flagship 2.8 Rogue AT. They are priced respectively at RM92,880; RM108,880; RM111,880; RM133,880; and RM146,880.

The new Hilux was launched locally today in an online premiere via Facebook Live.

For colour choices, the Hilux can be draped in seven colour options starting with a new Bronze Mica Metallic that has been added to the usual list of Crimson Spark Metallic, Phantom Brown Metallic, Super White II, Attitude Black Mica, Silver Metallic and Medium Silver Metallic.

Changes to the exterior of the Hilux include new front headlights, grille, bumper, fogs, fog bezels, rear combination lamps and new wheels.

Power now comes from a revised 2.8-litre (2,755cc) 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel engine producing 204PS (+27PS) at 3,400rpm and 500Nm (+50Nm) of torque from 1,600 to 2,800rpm. The engine is now 4% more efficient than before.

A six-speed automatic with Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT) and sequential shifter manages power delivery to the part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) system with an automatic disconnecting differential.

The suspension still maintains the front independent double-wishbone with coil springs and stabilisers and rear leaf spring with a rigid axle combination.

Stopping power comes from front four-piston callipers with ventilated discs and rear leading-trailing drums that get partially hidden by the 18-inch alloys wheels with 265/60 all-terrain and highway tyres.

Exclusive to the Rogue variant are the inclusions of LEDs for the automatic projector headlights with follow-me-home function, daytime running lights, over-fenders, rear "HILUX" tailgate garnish as well as front and rear fogs.

Inside, the cabin features perforated leather for the seats, newly designed dashboard and door trims, blue cabin ambient lighting, sporty instrument cluster and a new keyFOB.

Aside from the visuals, Toyota touts its latest Hilux to be even more comfortable than before and this was proven to be so during a recent drive.

The cabin, with its new-found design cues, is a definite welcome that breathes a deep sense of refinement and attention to detail to something as rugged as a pickup-truck.

Traversing over rough patches of road highlighted the Rogue's ability to soak up the unpleasantries to keep the cabin properly damped. Cruising along on highways has now become a little more effortless with the added power.

According to Toyota, the second cabin mount has been hardened to better deal with vibrations and the damping force of its shock absorbers have been revised to achieve such an experience.

The Rogue seems to have a sharper steering behaviour thanks to its new Variable Flow Control power steering system when throwing this 2,120kg (kg) pickup around corners.

Together with the Rogue's new Automatic Limited Slip Differential, the "fun" factor quickly rises when pushing the limits - especially so with an additional 27PS and 50Nm.

Engaging Power Mode made the Rogue feel even more responsive and brutish for over-taking manoeuvres.

At this point, it must be noted that the braking system began to experience some fade due to the excessive and somewhat over-zealous behaviours that it had to endure. Overall, it did manage to hang in there.

Combining this with the Rogue's safety equipment that includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system and panoramic view monitor to name a few brings about a serious sense of security when behind the wheel.

The resulting impression after having such an experience behind the wheel of the Rogue left not only a confidence-inspiring aftertaste but also the uncanny disbelief of a comfort-oriented cabin - the perfect combination to call this "home" all-day, any-day while out on the road.


BMW M5 Competition Edition debuts with 600hp and 700Nm

MUNICH: The BMW M5 “Competition Edition” announced today is a more powerful M5 with a distinctive personalised look and a range of optional features. Only 200 will be made.

With power output increased to 600hp and a maximum torque of 700Nm, the M5 “Competition Edition” ranks among the most powerful automobiles in the model history.

It comes standard with an M dual clutch transmission featuring Drivelogic, sprints from 0 to 100kph in 3.9 seconds. The combined fuel consumption is 9.9 l/100 km and combined CO2 emissions is rated at 231g/km.

Engineers have increased boost pressure to the familiar 4.4-litre, high-revving V8 engine and revised engine management to raise the car’s performance by 40hp to 600hp. At the same time, maximum torque has increased by 20Nm to 700Nm.

The Competition Package is supplied as standard on the M5 “Competition Edition” and enhances the car’s handling characteristics.

The Competition Package includes, inter alia, a lowering of the vehicle by 10mm and a firmer setup of spring and damper systems and stabilisers. In conjunction with this modified setup, the specific control setting for the Active M differential fitted as standard on all M5 models ensures further optimised traction. The steering system with an M specific Servotronic function comes with a more direct control map, providing the driver with more precise response and further enhancing the car’s agility in bends.

In addition, the M Dynamic Mode of the stability control system DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) has been further aligned to sporty handling characteristics. As a result, the BMW M5 “Competition Edition” guarantees typical M driving dynamics at the highest level both in everyday traffic and on the racetrack, especially when combined with the optional M carbon-ceramic brake system.


FIA pledges €1mil to back diversity, drivers split on taking knee

Hamilton (centre), AlphaTauri's French driver Pierre Gasly (left) and Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel taking a knee ahead the Austrian Formula One Grand Prix race on Sunday. — AFP

SPIELBERG (Austria): Formula One's ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), on Sunday pledged to give €1 million (RM4.8mil) to the sport's new "We Race As One" diversity foundation.

In a statement issued ahead of the belated season-opening Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, FIA president Jean Todt said it was "a first step - and more will come".

"We should fight any form of discrimination and notably on account of skin colour, religion, ethnic or social origin."

The FIA's cash will go to boost the programme established by Formula One's chief executive Chase Carey who launched the initiative with US$1 million of his own money.

The foundation is designed to help finance internships and apprenticeships in F1 for under-represented groups by ensuring there are opportunities for them to fulfill their potential.

The FIA said it will prioritise the promotion of a diverse driver talent pipeline that eliminates obstacles en route from karting to the top series.

Todt said: "The FIA is guided by the Fundamental Principles of our Statutes which state that we should fight any form of discrimination.

"We must promote diversity in motorsport and that is why we decided to give one million euros in contribution to the new dedicated foundation created by F1."

Carey said: "We are delighted the FIA has made this very generous donation of one million euros to the foundation we announced last month. It is a major step towards our goal to support key educational and employment opportunities for under-represented groups.

"Both F1 and the FIA are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion across our sport."

The announcement came amid reports claiming that up to five drivers are reluctant to "take a knee" in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement on the grid on Sunday.

The campaign gained global momentum following the death of black American George Floyd under the knee of a police officer in Minneapolis.

Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has been an outspoken supporter of the movement and launched last month his own Hamilton Commission to identify causes of motorsport's lack of diversity.

Hamilton is the sport's only black race winner and champion and on Saturday revealed he had addressed his fellow drivers at a meeting on Friday.

Hamilton said he told his rivals that "silence" on the issue of racism "is generally complicit".

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association said Saturday that they were united against racism and the drivers had agreed to wear "End Racism" t-shirts on the grid.

FIA chief Todt told reporters at Spielberg, however, that sport should be wary of allowing itself to be used by political influences.

"Sometimes there is a tendency to use it as a weapon and we have to be very careful of that, but I admire people who have conviction and do as much as they can," he said.

It is believed that some of the drivers have been upset by Hamilton equating "silence" with a supposed level of unconscious racism in the F1 paddock.

Haas driver Kevin Magnussen said: "I intend to kneel - not so much because I support the Black Lives Matter organisation, but more because I want to support the worldwide movement against racism and discrimination.

"I hope no special group or organisation takes ownership of it."


Tesla's German battery plant and land extension on track, says mayor

The site of the Tesla battery plant for electric cars in Gruenheide near Berlin. — AP
BERLIN: Tesla has confirmed to the mayor of Gruenheide that its plans to operate the battery plant currently under construction in Germany are unchanged, mayor Arne Cristiani told Reuters today.

"Tesla put everything reported in the American newspaper into perspective. The plant is still being built," Cristiani said, referring to a report in the Wall Street Journal last week that Tesla was pausing its plans to make batteries in Germany.

Cristiani also denied reports by local newspaper rbb last week that he had struck the topic of an extension to Tesla's land to be used for logistics purposes from the local council agenda, saying it was never on the agenda.

The carmaker had applied for the extension in May and it was being discussed by the relevant community representatives, Cristiani said. Once these discussions were complete, the topic would come onto the agenda.

Tesla was not immediately available for comment.

Over in China, Tesla has completed a project to expand production capacity at its Shanghai plant today, according to a statement on a Shanghai government platform for companies' environmental information disclosures.

Tesla will test the production lines for the upgrade during from Sept 19 to Nov 30, the statement added.

Reuters previously reported Tesla had been ramping up its output to reach a target of producing around 2,200 units of Model 3 and Model Y cars per week at the Shanghai plant.

The USautomaker planned to invest up to 1.2 billion yuan (RM774mil) to expand production capacity at its Shanghai factory that would allow it to employ 4,000 more people at the site, state-backed Beijing Daily newspaper reported last November.

The project was originally expected to be finished in April, the Chinese media reported then.


Production of Ducati SuperSport 950 starts

                BOLOGNA: Series production of the SuperSport 950 has begun at the Ducati factory in Borgo Panigale. The bike will be in dealerships starting in February.

Presented during the 2021 Ducati World Première, the SuperSport 950 is a motorcycle capable of combining sportiness with everyday road use.

The new model has been revised in design and features better electronics and equipment, as well as adhere to Euro 5 anti-pollution legislation.

The aesthetic link between the SuperSport 950 and the Panigale V4 is even more accentuated in this new version. The full-LED headlamp equipped with DRL immediately recalls the sharp light signature of the Panigale V4, while the fairings have been specially redesigned to highlight the sportiness of the bike and the fluidity of its forms.

The SuperSport 950 features a true sports bike equipment package with single-sided swingarm, trellis frame fixed to the engine that acts as a stressed/load-bearing element to reduce weight and bulk and a dry weight of 184 kg. The electronic package consists of ABS Cornering, traction control, wheelie control, electronic gearbox and Riding Modes functionality (Sport, Touring, Urban).

Thanks to the updates introduced, the SuperSport 950 is now more comfortable. The seat has new padding and a flatter shape that together offer better comfort and greater freedom of longitudinal movement, as well as allowing maximum control for the rider and plenty of room for the passenger. The height of the handlebars allows you to assume a sporty riding position without putting too much strain on your wrists, while the footrests are positioned so as not to fatigue the knees.

To improve the riding experience, both in town and out of town or on the track, also the standard version of the SuperSport 950 is equipped with the Quick Shift Up & Down. The new clutch control is now hydraulic, and the lever can be adjusted in distance from the handlebar, while the gearbox has been modified to facilitate the engagement of neutral when the bike is stationary and to ensure precise gear engagement.

The instrumentation of the SuperSport 950 family includes a new 4.3” full-TFT display. The graphics are characterized by a large round rev counter that shows the gear engaged in the centre and allows you to keep the most important information under control during sporty riding. The interface, inspired by that of the Panigale family, makes it easy to navigate the menu, adjust the settings and allows for more immediate identification of the selected Riding Mode.

The twin-cylinder Ducati Testastretta engine complies with Euro 5 homologation, maintaining maximum power and torque values of 110 hp at 9,000 rpm and 93 Nm at 6,500 rpm respectively. The fluid torque delivery makes the SuperSport 950 a bike capable of giving fun to experienced riders, but at the same time it is not intimidating for novice motorcyclists, making it ideal for those wishing to enter the world of Borgo Panigale sports bikes. The SuperSport 950 is also available in a depowered version for A2 licence holders.

The new SuperSport 950 is available in “Ducati Red” colour, while the S version is on sale in “Ducati Red” and “Arctic White Silk” and is enriched by sportier fully-adjustable Öhlins suspension with dedicated set-up and passenger seat cover.


IGP: 20-year jail and fine enough for drunk drivers

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Inspector-General of Police has described the government’s proposal to increase the prison sentence to 20 years and fines of up to RM150,000 for driving under the influence cases as “sufficient”.

Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said the police had suggested that a mandatory prison sentence be imposed on drunk drivers to reduce the number of drink-driving accidents.

“If Parliament approves the amendment to the Road Transport Act 1987, which involves longer jail time and higher fines, I would very much welcome it,” he said after receiving donations from Bata Primavera Sdn Bhd at Bukit Aman here yesterday.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said the proposed amendments, which include mandatory jail sentences, longer jail time, higher fines and a longer licence suspension period, were expected to be tabled at the current Parliament session.


Honda HR-V upgraded to stay competitive

                PETALING JAYA: The Honda HR-V has been given some upgrades in a move to keep up with the keen competition in the B-segment SUV arena. Prices remain unchanged.

All four variants are now equipped with a new 7-inch display infotainment system that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity; two new USB ports are added in the centre console for added convenience.

A fresh colour option called Platinum White Pearl replaces the existing White Orchid Pearl.

In addition, the hybrid variant gets exterior upgrades consisting of LED headlights, LED guide taillights and LED front fog lights. Completing the new styling are the new Chrome Door Handles and 3 Spoke Leather Steering Wheel.

The HR-V competes with the Subaru XV, Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona and the elephant in the room, the Proton X50.

The HR-V was introduced to Malaysia in 2015 and there are currently over 98,600 units on Malaysian roads. The facelifted HR-V in January 2019 saw the introduction of the RS and Sport Hybrid variants for the first time.

At present, the HR-V is available in 4 variants; namely the E, V, RS and Sport Hybrid i-DCD. They are priced as follows: RM104,000.214 for E variant; RM113,421.924 for V variant and RM118,581.814 for RS variant. The company said the price of the hybrid would be announced at a later date.

In 2020, the HR-V emerged as the third best-selling model, contributing 17% to Honda Malaysia’s total sales.

The V variant recorded the most promising sales numbers with 41% contribution to total sales of the HR-V.

Honda Malaysia said the most popular colour for this model was Passion Red Pearl, which accounted for 30% of total HR-V sales received.

The HR-V remained the favourite amongst Malaysians, maintaining its No. 1 position in the non-national compact SUV segment with a 73% market share as at November 2020.

To place a booking for the enhanced HR-V, customers can do so online at prebook.honda.com.my or visit any of Honda Malaysia’s authorised dealers. Note that operating hours follow MCO rules instituted by the Government.

For more information, customers can call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my.


First 3 Bugatti Chirons on their way to owners

                PARIS: The first three Bugatti Chirons are on their way to their owners.

Bugatti said in a statement on Friday that they are being delivered to their owners in Europe and the Middle East. No other details were revealed about the lucky trio.

As the most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports cars in the world, each of the car were seen off to their final destinations by the 50 production, quality assurance and logistics team members at the Molsheim plant in north-eastern France. To celebrate the milestone, Bugatti has created a video that tracked the cars' production to their rollout.

Bugatti plans to produce up to 70 Chiron at its plant this year.

The Chiron is the world’s first production sports car with 1,500hp. It has a torque of 1,600Nm between 2,000rpm and 6,000rpm and has a top speed of 420kph, limited for road travel. It goes from 0 to 100kph in less than 2.5 seconds.

The Chiron made its South-East Asian debut in Singapore last September during a Bugatti world tour. Singapore is Bugatti’s hub in this region.

Half of the total series of 500 vehicles have already found a buyer – even without test drives. At the end of March, the French super sports car brand is inviting its customers to a central test drive event.

With 37 percent of all sales, Europe is the strongest region, as was the case with the Veyron, followed by North America with 30 percent of orders to date. The Middle East, with 26 percent, is another key traditional market for Bugatti.

Chiron customers have a choice of eight carbon colours: Black, Grey, Turquoise, Blue, Green, Brown, Red and Bleu Royal.

The French luxury brand will be presenting a further customer vehicle at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, which runs from March 9-19. The car is specified with a Bleu Royal exterior carbon fibre, while the interior is in a duotone leather upholstery of  “Deep Blue” and “French Racing Blue”.


Vincent Tan-owned H.R. Owen named world’s best Rolls-Royce dealership

                PETALING JAYA: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London owned by H.R. Owen plc, the luxury car dealer controlled by Berjaya Corp Bhd founder Tan Sri Vincent Tan, has been named Rolls-Royce “Global Dealer of the Year” for the second time in five years.

The London showroom also bagged two more awards, namely, the “Regional Sales Dealer of the Year” and “Regional Whispers Dealer of the Year”.

Announced in a series of in-person and virtual events, the annual awards celebrate the achievements of the network of worldwide Rolls-Royce showrooms in bringing extraordinary service and experiences to their customers.

In a statement, H.R. Owen said this accolade comes following the first full year of residence in Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London’s new home in Mayfair, which became the first retailer in the world to adopt a new more immersive client experience, reflecting the evolution of Rolls-Royce as a global luxury goods brand.

Chief executive officer Ken Choo said the group will continue to deliver world-leading service and experiences for its customers, in line with the vision of Berjaya Group’s Tan.

“To win an unprecedented three awards within the Rolls-Royce dealership network – one of the best in the world – is a clear sign of our innovative approach to delivering for our customers,” he added.

The interior concept of the new showroom is based on a luxury galleria shopping experience, where each Rolls-Royce model enjoys its own dedicated space, framed and presented according to its distinctive personality and identity.

“A kinetic lighting arrangement illuminates the area in which clients take delivery of their commission, using different sequences and orientations to create an engaging atmosphere, dependent on the product,” the statement added.

The “Global Dealer of the Year Award”, which was this year jointly won with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Philadelphia, recognises consistent excellence across all areas of the business, not just in sales.

Dealers are graded on their performance in ownership services, marketing efforts and customer engagement, and so excellent was Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London’s performance that it achieved well over 100% in all areas.

H.R. Owen Rolls-Royce brand director Claus Ansersen said the entire team worked hard to deliver an experience that matched the pure luxuy of driving a Rolls-Royce.


Ex-BMW employee charged with 18 counts of corruption, says mag

                BERLIN: Prosecutors in Munich have charged a former senior employee of BMW with corruption and of having defrauded the German carmaker of millions of euros, German magazine WirtschaftsWoche reported.

The man was charged with 18 counts of commercial corruption and 33 counts of breach of trust at the expense of BMW, WirtschaftsWoche reported today, citing a court spokesman.

BMW could not be immediately reached for comment.

According to the Munich court, damages to BMW amounted to 2.7 million euros (RM12.8mil).

The former employee allegedly received 2.4 million euros (RM11.4mil) in kickbacks between 2007 and 2015 in exchange for awarding contracts.

In total, five people have been charged, including the managing director of the now-insolvent consulting firm.


BMW, Mercedes boom in Singapore as rich shrug off higher taxes

                SINGAPORE: A luxury car tax in Singapore is helping push the cost of owning a BMW or Mercedes to the equivalent of a typical local family’s entire income for the year.

In the city-state’s latest bi-monthly auction, 125 bidders successfully offered as much as S$116,020 (RM386,000) just for the right to own an "open category” auto, which can be applied toward any vehicle type but frequently ends up being used for larger cars in the densely-populated island.

That means the cost of a 10-year ownership permit - the car isn’t included - is equivalent to 92% of the nation’s median annual household income.

The latest figures come despite government hikes on additional registration fees for cars valued at over S$40,000, a move expected to generate an additional S$200 million in the coming budget year while impacting the top one-third of newly registered cars by market value.

The higher government-imposed fee follows an influx of new wealth from places including Hong Kong, mainland China and India after Singapore became one of the first Asian financial centers to successfully emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.

But the latest bidding round shows that the higher tax isn’t having much impact.

Despite a widely lauded public transit system, in which a bus or subway ride can cost less than S$1 (RM3.40), there will always be people in this city of 5.6 million who still want to own a private vehicle - or maybe more than one - and can afford to pay, said Song Seng Wun, an economist at CIMB Private Banking.

The pricey ownership rights are the result of a quota system that controls the number of autos allowed on the nation’s streets, helping limit congestion and pollution, through the twice-a-month bidding process. Bid successfully and your shiny new Mercedes-Benz becomes road-worthy.

When the overall quota of permits was reduced by 14% and premiums skyrocketed to a then-record high in November last year, luxury models benefited the most, with Mercedes vehicles surpassing Toyota models as the top auto brand registered.

In fact, in recent months one in every four cars registered was either a Mercedes-Benz or BMW.

Rising prices have also been driven by a growing appetite for electric and hybrid models, which have accounted for more than half of new purchases so far this year.

In Singapore, owning a car such as a Tesla Model 3 Performance could quickly surpass US$200,000 (RM885,000), depending on the vehicle’s features and the price paid for the permit.

For Singaporeans who just want an ordinary vehicle to get to their office or a weekend movie, the hope is that the supply of 10-year entitlements begins to stabilise, a shift that is expected after an adjustment the government’s Land Transport Authority recently made.

But for the time being, costs are still trending up. And if you need a car now, the next auction takes place April 5.


Honda CBR650R and CB650R from RM46K launched

                SERDANG: Boon Siew Honda has launched its all-new CBR650R and CB650R at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang today and both bikes come with anti-lock braking system (ABS) as standard.

The CBR650R (ABS) is priced at RM45,499  in either Grand Prix Red or Mat Gun Powder Black Metallic, while the CB650R costs RM43,499 and comes in Candy Chromosphere Red or Graphite Black.

In 2018, Boon Siew Honda successfully launched a total of seven high-performance big bikes in Malaysia with an overwhelming response from the market. Now, the company looks to the middleweight segment with the launch of the two new bikes today.

Both bikes take their styling cues from the venerable CBR1000RR Fireblade and have inherited some of its sharp, aggressive lines, extended side fairings, as well as the super-short rear section and narrow dual, LED headlights.

The CBR650R is now 6kg lighter than the outgoing CBR650F with a sportier riding position due to the repositioned handlebars that are now 30mm more forward, while the footpegs have been moved further back and higher up.

The 649cc inline four-cylinder engine has gained an additional 1,000rpm - redlining at 12,000rpm over its predecessor and produces 5% more power than before at 94hp.

The bike arrives with an adjustable 41mm Showa Separate Fork Function (SFF), Upside-down forks, radial-mount four-piston front brake callipers, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and an assist/slipper clutch.

Additionally, it also comes fitted with full-LED lights and a new LCD instruments display that includes a 'Gear Position' and 'Shift-Up' Indicator as well as an emergency stop signal to bolster safety.

As for the CB650R, this ‘Neo Sports Café’ bike is essentially a naked bike that eagerly shows off the same engine on the CBR650R, signature round headlight, and sculpted fuel tank while mirroring the CBR650R's fixtures and fittings.

Honda CBR650R

Honda CB650R


Tesla plans to open about 52 new service centres in 2021, says Electrek

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc plans to add at least one new service center every week in 2021, Electrek reported on Thursday, citing a source familiar with the matter.

The electric carmaker has been expanding its network of service centres and Superchargers to keep up with its growing fleet.

Last week, analysts at Brokerage RBC nAoted that Tesla’s investment in service and quality has not been enough to keep up with its increasing sales and has the potential to damage the brand.

“Service could be particularly important as Tesla continues to try to expand outside its core market.”

The company, which has repeatedly said that it needs to expand its service centre locations, operates 466 service centres around the world, according to Electrek.

Tesla could not immediately be reached for a comment.