Dyson ramps up electric car development

Converted aircraft hangar at Dyson's Hullavington facility.
LONDON: The British vacuum cleaner company Dyson has announced proposals costing around £200 million (RM1.1bil) that will see it creating office space and test tracks at ex-RAF airbase Hullavington to help it develop a new electric car it hopes to bring to market in 2021.

A lot of the development of electric vehicles is being carried out by new startup companies and traditional automakers, but there are also plenty of companies not normally associated with any sort of transportation getting in on the act.

On the face of things, it might seem odd for a vacuum cleaner company to go into producing cars. But in this particular case the company's owner, James Dyson, has previously gone on record saying a company like his has more knowledge and experience of electric motor and battery technology development than any vehicle manufacturer.

And if we take a moment to think about it, an electric car probably has more in common with a cordless Dyson vacuum cleaner than it does with a petrol-powered Range Rover or Lamborghini.

Dyson's EV is already under development by around 400 engineers at the former airbase in Wiltshire. The production version is expected to come to market in 2021, and it will introduce solid-state battery technology that's believed to be more advanced than any of the established vehicle manufacturers have at their disposal at the moment.

The company is committed to investing a total of £2 billion (RM10.7bil) in the project, although no word has yet been given on where the batteries or the cars themselves will be produced when the vehicle eventually goes into full production.

The latest plans show the R&D facility will have a range of test tracks totalling 16km, and eventually the office space will be expanded to 45,000 square metres so it will be capable of accommodating up to 2,000 employees.

Dyson CEO Jim Rowan says of the project: "Our growing automotive team is now working from Dyson's state-of-the-art hangars at Hullavington. It will quickly become a world-class testing campus where we hope to invest £200 million, creating more high-skilled jobs for Britain. We are now firmly focused on the next stage of our automotive project, strengthening our credentials as a global research and development organisation."

Dyson is also using the expertise of traditional automotive experts too, including former Aston Martin man Ian Minards who's been tasked with leading the ambitious project at Hullavington, 158km west of here


Lucid Motors drives to Oscars as many car advertisers stay away

                LOS ANGELES: One of the automobile sector's newest players is making a big bet on the Oscars at a time when many other car manufacturers are staying away from the glitzy event.

Lucid Motors, a manufacturer of luxury electric vehicles that believes it can compete with traditional auto companies like Mercedes-Benz, has typically spent most of its TV-advertising money for around sports and news programming.

It will sponsor tonight the Oscars, an entertainment program, for the first time, part of a bid to get its name out to a broader audience.

Disney's ABC has been seeking between US$1.7 million and US$2.2 million for a 30-second ad in the show, according to media buyers and executives, and announced last week it had sold off all its commercial inventory around the event.

"We just felt there was a moment happening around entertainment and film again," after consumers spent the last two years hunkering down during the coronavirus pandemic, says Jeff Curry, Lucid's vice president of marketing in an interview.

"There are a lot of people now looking to go back to the movies."

The company won't find much traffic in its way.

General Motors, which has sponsored the Oscars for the past few years, isn't making an appearance today.

And the only other auto advertiser that has disclosed its Oscars affiliation is Stellantis, which owns Chrysler, Dodge and Peugeot, among other brands.

Some big car advertisers have pulled back in recent months, according to ad-sales executives and media buyers, owing to supply-chain issues that are making the prospect of keeping their products coming off the assembly line a difficult one at best.

That gives Lucid time to tell its story. In a spot slated to run during the Oscars, the company plans to show off its Lucid Air, which it says gets 800km on a single charge and has been named Motor Trend's 2022 car of the year.

Viewers get to see the car's dashboard and interior as well as its outer design. "It's not beginner's luck," says a female narrator.

"Talking about our product right now is the best single way we can tell people about who we are as a brand," says Curry. "You can see the design and the technology that's in it."

Lucid's challenge, notes Curry, is that "we're new." Advertisers often use events like the Oscars to tell consumers about new products or innovations, getting the word out to what is expected to be one of TV's broadest audiences.

Curry is aware the ABC broadcast has suffered in recent years from a significant decline in ratings — "maybe the ratings have not been quite as high as they have in the past" — but believes the decision to have this year's program led by three female hosts at a moment when the nation hopes to recapture its old way of life will generate consumer interest.

"We are hopeful it will be a really nice moment for the industry for entertainment in general, for people to tune in."

The introduction of electric vehicles by many of the industry's biggest manufacturers has already spurred some bold advertising swings.

General Motors took to the Super Bowl with commercials that convened the cast of the "Austin Powers" movie series and reunited members of the HBO drama "The Sopranos."

Ford, Volvo and Hyundai are among the familiar names that have pledged to make more of a business in electric vehicles as consumers and governments grow more wary of the effects of climate change.

Lucid will also rely on some tactics that take place off screen. Orlando Bloom is supposed to be driving a Lucid Air around Los Angeles this weekend.

And viewers might look for actor Kodi Smit-McPhee, nominated for supporting actor for his work in " Power of the Dog," to arrive at the Oscars on Sunday in a Lucid Air. — variety.com


Motorists travelling between JB and Singapore fed up with traffic jams

                JOHOR BARU: Commuters travelling between Singapore and Johor Baru via the Causeway and the Second Link are getting frustrated with the constant traffic congestion.

The situation becomes worse during holidays and school holidays in both countries.

Motorists are unhappy that no effort is being taken to ensure that all immigration booths are open during peak hours on the Malaysian side.

The situation is made worse by additional security checks on the Singapore side and the heavy volume of vehicles during the holidays, weekends and festive seasons.

Razali Raihayu, 38, an executive with a non-governmental organisation, claimed that closed immigration lanes, especially during peak hours, made the situation worse at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) check at the Causeway.

Razali, who rides a motorcycle into the republic to work daily, said it took him five hours on Saturday to enter Singapore in what used to be a two- to three-hour ride.

“Not only do we have to face delay on the Malaysian side, but the standard checks at the Singapore side is also time consuming,” he said.

Clerk Majorie Chew, 25, who commutes via public bus daily, said that it took her almost an hour to catch a bus back to CIQ after stamping her passport at the Singapore Immigration during the weekend.

“The usual wait is about 20 minutes even during peak hours but I believe the additional crowd was due to the one-week school holidays,” she said.

She urged bus companies to consider increasing the frequency of trips especially during holidays.

Johor Indian Business Association president P. Sivakumar said many businessmen failed to keep their appointments in Singapore as they were delayed by the traffic jam.

“It took me four hours from Johor Baru to reach my destination in Singapore on Saturday,” he said, adding that the closure of many immigration booths had contributed to the problem.

He said that there was no point for the state government to encourage tourists to visit from Singapore if the issue of traffic congestion was not tackled.

Johor Tourism, Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said the state government was aware of the problems and viewed the matter seriously.

“For the Second Link, we are asking tourist agencies to submit their tourist information documents to the Immigration Department at least three days before travelling to Johor to avoid the congestion,” he said after visiting the link here yesterday.

Tee also appealed to the public to plan their journey and do their best to avoid travelling during peak hours.


2017 Detroit auto show: New Toyota Camry debuts

                DETROIT: Toyota has taken the wraps off its new Camry for North America, showcasing what it says is a car that has a more exciting and emotional character, thanks to its newfound sporty performance and style.

The 2018 Camry has a sleeker profile than the current model. By lowering the hip points of the occupants (nearly 1.0-inch in the front and 1.2-inches at the rear), and therefore their seating positions, the design team was able to reduce the car’s overall vehicle height by one inch from the current model and incorporate a lower roofline, without sacrificing interior space.

This allowed the designers to pursue a wind-cutting shape and improve aerodynamics. Striking character lines around and along the body augment the aggressive front and rear fenders, giving the reimagined Camry a sportiness that’s never before been perceived on this model.

The lower hip point, shoulder line, roof line and hood height gives the new Camry the appearance that it has a low centre of gravity, which it does. The design team knew the TNGA platform provided them with a great opportunity to pen a very expressive sedan, and they took advantage of this by getting the lines close to the ground and forming an energetic silhouette. They incorporated a strong stance that can be seen as you walk around the car.

Exterior
The new Camry’s face is accentuated by a two-piece grille comprised of flowing thin and thick treatments – key elements of the Camry’s “Keen Look” design philosophy. The curvaceous 1.6-inch-lower hood sits above the grille’s uppermost section which accommodates a Toyota emblem. For the hybrid model, the emblem is tinged a blue hue. This trifecta of grille, bonnet, and emblem blends into the A-pillar, and produces a stance that is more aggressive than before.

Like the front of the vehicle, the rear features an athletic motif that melds flowing lines and complex shapes to form a sculpted landscape. Looking closely at the C-pillar’s detail reveals a multitude of surfaces that reflect light from all angles. A distinct crease extends from the slim multicolor taillights down to the bumper, effectively “pushing” the wheels outward in appearance to create a wide posture akin to that of a premium sports sedan. The exclamation point here is provided by a newly designed Camry logo that gives the car an upscale identity.

Camry will again be available in four grades: LE, XLE, SE and XSE. The new Camry’s “Sport” SE and XSE grades wear a noticeably different body style than the entry level LE and premium XLE grades, highlighted by a sculpted rocker panel, new 19-inch black machined-finish alloy wheels (XSE only) a subtle rear spoiler lip, aggressive front bumper, and rear bumper with an integrated lower diffuser.

The face is much more distinctive with large side intakes flanking the lower bumper’s unique “Catamaran” accents, a high and slim upper intake encompassing the central Toyota badge, and a mesh grille. A revised rear bumper with corner lines and smoke-tinted rear combination lamps highlight the changes at the rear.

The Camry design team sought to make the new Camry sport models instantly recognisable and appear different from the other models from as far as 180 metres away.

The Camry development team aimed for a styling design concept that combines refinement and a sensual athletic image. There were three primary design goals when penning the all-new Camry: a distinctive, low centre of gravity that results in a firm wide stance; a practical-yet-emotionally styled cabin profile, and a sporty and upscale image both inside and out. These design goals have resulted in a new type of sedan that Toyota said is exciting to look at and drive.

Cabin
The cabin and front seats have been completely redesigned to enhance functionality, futuristic styling, and a high degree of personal space and craftsmanship.

While the driver is situated in a sporty cockpit-type environment having gauges angled toward his or her direction, the front passenger is treated to a sense of openness and freedom that results from the innovative dashboard design. A key visual element of this driver-focused design concept is a sweeping yet elegant new character line that flows down from the instrument cluster and bisects the center console waterfall.

Using an approach typically used in home furnishings, the design uses a mix of tones and hues throughout a space rather than a strict colour profile. The result is a cabin space having diverse colors and materials, and that enhances passenger comfort and visual satisfaction.

The front seats have been completely reengineered with improved ergonomics, providing maximum comfort with a new-found level of ease and engagement to match the new Camry’s elevated performance and athleticism. Rear-seat accommodations are more refined with improved roominess and ergonomics. Exquisite stitching on the front- and rear-seat surfaces is but one example of the high level of craftsmanship found throughout the vehicle.

The new Camry features three interlinked displays: a 10-inch colour Head-Up Display (HUD); a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, and an eight-inch audio/navigation display and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) control panel that’s seamlessly integrated into the center console in a modern, flush-surface design. Convenient and highly intuitive operation is assured through customizable features and smart phone-like touch screen icons that create a seamless connection and user workflow between the HMI system and other digital media.

 Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA)
The new Camry is based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which aim to deliver cars that are more dynamic, athletic, and fun to drive. By extending the wheelbase by two inches, as well as bringing down the roof and bonnet height (by around 1.0 and 1.6-inches, respectively), the development team lowered the centre of gravity and created a wider and more composed vehicle.

The new platform is said to allow for an ideal seating position for the driver, now lower and near the center of the car for enhanced feedback, along with adjusting the overall seating position for all the vehicle’s occupants. A lower heel point provides more foot room and ease of movement. The range of steering column adjustment has been increased from the current vehicle, while the hood, cowl, and dashboard height have all been lowered for enhanced outward visibility.

The driver and front passenger have greater outward visibility, thanks to a more compact design for the instrument panel and a lowered beltline. The A-pillar and side mirror sections have been shifted to improve lateral visibility and creates a better sense of openness.

Engines
The new Camry will be powered by three new powertrains. They include a new 3.5-litre V6 with D-4S Fuel Injection and an all-new 2.5-litre inline-4 petrol engine, which comes paired to a new 8-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission (8AT), and a new Toyota Hybrid System (THS II).

To match the chassis’ increased handling and performance capability, Toyota engineers have developed the TNGA-inspired all-new 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine to make the most of the platform’s enhanced designs, packaging and rigidity. The new engine focuses on higher torque, higher power and lower fuel consumption in total use range.

This is accomplished by achieving rapid combustion due to higher tumble air flow. With its long-stroke and high compression ratio, multi-hole direct fuel injectors, variable cooling system and the latest version of Toyota’s Variable Valve-Timing-intelligent Electric (VVT-iE), this high-output powerplant takes the petrol-powered internal combustion engine to a new level with world-leading thermal efficiency of 40%.

Along with enhanced performance characteristics, the new engine is also expected to be extremely fuel efficient, and is anticipated to achieve best-in-class fuel economy. It comes mated to the newly developed Direct Shift-8AT transmission that provides direct-lock up from gears two through eight to eliminate power loss from the torque converter, executing shifts like a high-performance automated manual gearbox.

The new hybrid system has also been engineered to provide a balance of energy efficiency with high power output to maximise driving performance and enjoyment. The next-generation Toyota Hybrid System has been engineered to work in concert with the new 2.5-litre 4-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine setup offering significantly more driving excitement than before.

The hybrid’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) features a new Sport Mode setting that allows the driver to execute smooth yet quick “gear” shifts of the simulated 6-speed sequential shift transmission. The SE grade adds paddle shifters for increased fun and a more sporting driving experience. The Sport Mode setting also improves acceleration and feel thanks to an electric power boost from the hybrid system. To help enhance the vehicle’s handling capability, the hybrid system’s battery pack has moved from the boot to beneath the rear seat for a noticeably better handling feel.

The hybrid is expected to achieve best-in-class fuel economy ratings, with Prius-like city/highway driving efficiency.

Safety
All 2018 Camry’s have 10 standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System, and Smart Stop Technology. All Camry’s also come equipped with a standard backup camera. The new 2018 Camry will feature Entune 3.0 on all models, offering an enhanced set of connected vehicle technologies.

Among the many safety features on the 2018 Camry is standard Toyota Safety Sense P. This multi-feature advanced active safety suite bundles cutting edge active safety technologies including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; and Automatic High Beams. Select models will also come with standard Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.


GM's lighter 2016 Camaro ups the ante in US muscle car wars

DETROIT: General Motors Co unveiled the sixth generation of its Chevrolet Camaro on Saturday, upping the ante as Detroit’s muscle cars enjoy a renaissance fuelled by cheap oil.

Chevrolet marketers staged the official debut of the redesigned Camaro on Belle Isle in downtown Detroit less than a year after Ford Motor Co launched the latest version of its rival Mustang sports car.

The Camaro, Mustang and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' Dodge Challenger, another two-door sports car with styling rooted in the late 1960s, are getting a second wind thanks to lower fuel prices and nostalgia among baby boomers for the glory days of Detroit muscle.

Those days ended some 40 years ago when gas prices spiked and federal fuel efficiency standards kicked in. Now the Detroit companies are using advanced engine and transmission technology to put the old names on cars that in many cases are more powerful, and in all ways safer, than the originals.

The new Camaro, like the new Mustang, represents an evolution in styling, sleeker inside and out, but with numerous visual homages to their late 1960s ancestors. The Camaro is a reminder that consumers in their 50s and older still buy most new cars, even if Chevrolet marketers are increasingly focused on the Millennial generation, people 18 to 34 years old who are now the largest age cohort in the United States.

The 2016 Camaro is longer and wider than the outgoing car but is 91kg lighter, GM said. A version of the car will be offered with a 2.0 litre engine GM said should average more than 7.8l/100km  on the highway, better than the previous model. A Camaro SS model will come with a 455hp V-8.

GM has not released prices for the new Camaro, which goes on sale later this year. The current model starts at US$24,700 (RM89,000).

Sales in the segment that includes the Camaro, Mustang and Challenger have not recovered their pre-recession peak but have been trending up since 2009, according to data from Ford.

Mustang sales are up 60 percent for the first four months of this year, while sales of the Dodge Challenger are up nearly 41 percent for the year, according to figures compiled by Autodata. Sales of the outgoing Camaro are down 15 percent so far this year. A year ago, the Camaro was outselling the Mustang.


Touch n' Go surcharge to be removed at parking facilities, Parliament told

                KUALA LUMPUR: Touch n' Go will soon end the 10% surcharge imposed at parking facilities with dual payment systems, Parliament was told.

"Touch n' Go card has taken the initiative that in all its future contractors or renewal of contractors, there will not be the surcharge rate based on the merchant discount rate.

"For existing contracts, the surcharge rate will end in stages," said Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Chong Chieng Jen, when answering a question raised by Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in Dewan Rakyat today.

He said the current 10% surcharge was a contractual obligation between Touch n' Go card and carpark operators with dual parking systems.

"For car parks with only Touch n' Go payment system, there is no surcharge imposed," he added.

Asked on the 50 sen surcharge for card top-ups, Chong said there are 2,880 locations out of 11,168 nationwide that did not impose the top-up surcharge.

He cited that surcharge-free top-up could be done in outlets such as Touch n' Go service counters, Watsons, Tesco, Guardian, KK Mart and Caring Pharmacy.

He also noted the 50 sen surcharge was only imposed by certain petrol stations, shopping outlets, ATM machines and sundry shops.

He added that Touch n' Go card did not impose this surcharge, but was done by operators of the outlets.

Chong added that the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) did not find Touch n' Go card to be a monopoly, as there are also other e-payment cards in the market.

Dr Wee had proposed doing away with the surcharges so as not to burden consumers.

In his supplementary question, Datuk Seri Dr Edmund Santhara (PH-Segamat) suggested that the government, through either Khazanah Nasional Berhad or the Employees Provident Fund, take over Touch n' Go.

To this, Chong said he would bring Santhara's suggestion to the government's attention.


Honda Thailand bike ops now under merged company

                BANGKOK: Honda has announced the merger of A.P. Honda Co., Ltd., Thai Honda Manufacturing Co., Ltd., and HPD Co., Ltd., a shareholding company, forming a new company named "Thai Honda Manufacturing Co., Ltd."

The formation of the new company took effect from March 31.

The new company combines the strengths of each company with a focus on delivering new motorcycles and power products that exceed customer expectations. The merger would also eliminate redundancies, and increase speed and accuracy.

Former president of A.P. Honda Shigeto Kimura would take over the reins of the new company.

There would be no change in the distribution channel of Honda motorcycles and power products in Thailand for the time being.

Honda Wing Center network would still distribute Honda motorcycles while Honda BigWing network would serve customers with its big bikes (400cc or above). CUB House, the showroom for value-added products, would still run its business without any change.

"This amalgamation will strengthen Honda motorcycle operations in Thailand, making the brand more responsive to customers and ready for future market needs" said Honda Motor Co., Ltd chief officer for regional operations (Asia & Oceania) Masayuki Igarashi.


Toyota C-HR flows with Milla Jovovich

                LONDON: The Toyota C-HR recently shared the limelight in a theatre outing here with actress and model Milla Jovovich.

‘The Night That Flows’, staged within the cavernous space of The Printworks, saw 100 guests immersed in the story of one fictional night as it unfolded across five European cities: Berlin, Milan, Paris, Barcelona and London. The event has been dubbed the world’s first drive-through immersive theatre experience.

Taking inspiration from the C-HR’s flowing design, guests were encouraged to find their own perfect flow in a story narrated by Jovovich last Thursday.

Each scene was inspired by key features of the C-HR, from the dynamic drive and stylish diamond design, to the sophisticated interior and JBL concert hall sound system.

The journey began in Berlin, where guests were transported through the streets of the city in the C-HR using projection footage captured at the Berlin International Festival of Light.

From Berlin, guests were guided into Milan where they experienced their very own taste of a high fashion catwalk, complete with paparazzi. Following their catwalk moment, guests were led by Fabio Attanasio, Italian fashion designer and founder of ‘The Bespoke Dudes’, and Italian model Giorgia Palmas, into the backstage preparations of an Italian fashion show.

Guests were then propelled into a Parisian casino, where they joined an excitable crowd gathered around a roulette table, as French croupier Etienne Pradier invited them to take part in a game of chance.

No sooner had they placed their bets on the roulette table, they were greeted by French rally driver Guerlain Chicherit, who led them in a frisky drive around a giant projected roulette table, showcasing the car’s driving abilities.

Travelling through to the next city, Barcelona, guests were surrounded by a flash-mob style club scene, with Spanish DJ Cuartero leading the crowd as the soundtrack played out over the C-HR’s JBL sound system.

The journey concluded with guests arriving in a London bar, where they were greeted by the mixologist duo, Alex Kratena and Simone Caporale, and joined by Milla herself.

“I love that immersive theatre takes everyone on a completely unique journey and that no one experience is the same,” said Milla. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so when Toyota approached me with the idea, I was intrigued and knew I had to be a part of it.”

“Bringing everything to life was a creative challenge, but we found our flow eventually…and we hope everyone who came to the event left feeling inspired to find their perfect flow too.”


Renault-Nissan to set up new China electric car venture with Dongfeng

                BEIJING: Nissan Motor and its partner Renault will build electric cars in China in a new venture with Dongfeng Motor, as global automakers scramble to get ready for stringent electric vehicle quotas being introduced by the nation.

China, the world’s biggest auto market, wants all-electric battery cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles to make up at least a fifth of the country’s auto sales by 2025, as part of its solution to tackle alarming pollution levels in major cities.

Ford Motor Co announced earlier this month it was exploring setting up a joint venture with car maker Anhui Zotye Automobile Co to build electric vehicles in China under a new brand.

Tesla, Daimler AG and General Motors have already announced plans for making electric vehicles in China,

The new joint venture, called eGT New Energy Automotive Co, will be owned 25 percent each by Nissan and Renault with Dongfeng owning 50 percent, Nissan and Renault said in a statement today.

They said eGT will design a new electric vehicle on a subcompact crossover SUV platform of the Renault-Nissan alliance.

“The establishment of the new joint venture with Dongfeng confirms our common commitment to develop competitive electric vehicles for the Chinese market,” Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer of the Renault-Nissan alliance, said in the statement.

The statement did not give details of financial commitments of the joint venture partners or say by when the vehicles will be launched. Dongfeng already partners Nissan in China.

Both Nissan and Renault already market electric cars. Nissan’s Leaf compact hatchback has become the world’s top-selling electric car since its launch in 2010, while Renault began selling its Zoe model in 2012.

The game changer for global automakers, many of whom until recently have resisted an industry shift to heavily electrified vehicles, is China - an auto market with strong potential for growth where stringent policies favoring cleaner energy cars are being aggressively pursued.

Under China's latest proposals, electric vehicle sales quotas, which are expected to take effect as early as 2018, are due to require 8 percent of automakers’ sales to be battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles by next year, rising to 10 percent in 2019 and 12 percent in 2020.

China will present its final plans for electric and hybrid car quotas in the coming days, German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) reported, adding that penalties for non-compliance are due to be softened.


Baidu announces US$1.5bil fund for autonomous driving

                BEIJING: Chinese Internet giant Baidu today announced a US$1.5bil (RM6.3bil) investment in autonomous driving projects over the next three years, as it seeks to diversify its portfolio and compete with rivals such as Google.

Over the next three years, the "Apollo Fund" will invest 10 billion yuan (RM6.3bil) in over 100 autonomous driving projects, the company said in a press release.

Baidu's search engine dominates the Chinese Internet, and online ads are a key revenue stream.

But since crackdown by authorities on its online advertising business after a much-publicised scandal last year over the promotion of a fake medical treatment, "China's Google" is seeking to focus on artificial intelligence, investing heavily in the sector.

Baidu hopes to be the first to develop a vehicle capable of driving itself via powerful software and sensors.

The technological coup would help the Chinese firm compete with Google parent company Alphabet and Waymo, its subsidiary specialising in self-driving cars, as well as American car manufacturer Tesla.

Baidu launched an initial version of an open-source autonomous driving platform known as "Apollo" in July.

At the time, celebrity CEO Robin Li took one of the semi-autonomous vehicles for a joy-ride on a Beijing highway, livestreaming his trip to a packed auditorium of developers and calling the ride "very smooth."

On Thursday, Baidu announced a new version of the platform, "Apollo 1.5," which enables cars to "perform autonomous driving capabilities in designated lanes, perfectly recognising obstacles and passengers and making optimal driving decisions even at night."

"Apollo" has already gathered 70 partners both in China and abroad, it added.

Baidu has previously tested its cars close to its campus in Beijing's northwest without incident, and is working with China's government to develop rules for self-driving cars, which currently exist in a legal grey area.

The "Apollo Fund" is jointly established by the software giant and the Yangtze River Industry Fund, an investment programme run by the Hubei provincial government.


Repairs to flood-damaged cars can cost up to RM50,000

                GEORGE TOWN: The severity of damage to a flooded car can be divided into three levels and the worst can cost up to RM50,000 to repair, said car workshop co-owner Chan Kok Hoe.

“If the car is submerged while the engine is dead, there will not be serious repairs. If the owner drove through a flooded road and the engine stalls, it will still be nothing major.

“But if the driver tries to restart a stalled or submerged car, then the electronic engine control unit (ECU) will be shorted out and it will cost a bomb to fix,” he said.

It has been eight days since the floods began on the night of Nov 4, and Chan and his crew were still towing damaged cars to the workshop as of yesterday.

“Each of our tow trucks handles about 10 cars a day. We still have cars on our waiting list and we are still getting calls. Now that many victims are done cleaning their homes, their attention will be on their cars.

“On the mainland, tow trucks from Kedah, Perak and Kuala Lumpur went to help,” he said.

Based on the calls his network has been getting, Chan estimates up to 10,000 cars in Penang were affected by the disaster. “My handphones have been ringing every two to three minutes since the floods. At first, I got calls until 3am and customers were scolding me,” he said.

Chan’s crew member K. Ananthi, 35, said the first call to tow a flooded car came in at about 8.30pm on Nov 4. “It was in Bayan Baru where the water was waist-high. We tried to reach the car but couldn’t so we went to the next call in Bandar Baru Ayer Itam but that was also too deep for our tow truck,” she said.

Chan also said many car owners were stunned by the repair cost estimates from manufacturers’ service and repair centres. “Many cars we towed were still under warranty and owners wanted their cars to be sent to the manufacturers’ service centres.

“Their repair quotations can come up to RM50,000 because new original parts must be used to maintain the warranty,” he said.

Since many owners do not have flood insurance for their cars and cannot afford the cost of repairs, they would then call him again to tow their cars to independent workshops. “You can get the repairs done for about RM1,000 in these workshops, unless you shorted the ECU.

“Then you need a used ECU, which costs about RM7,000 for the average car to RM30,000 for a BMW,” he added.

In contrast, Chan said he found that owners of cars insured against floods were relieved. “Car owners who live in low-lying areas tend to insure against floods. For others, it’s a miserable time.”

He said his company towed several cars for free when he knew the owners were poor and he also found charitable people to sponsor the repairs.

READ MORE:
Drive (even more) carefully during the wet season


Mitsubishi offers cash bonus for Raya celebrations

                PETALING JAYA: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, is offering exclusive deals and cash bonuses for the upcoming Raya celebrations.

Customers who book and register a new Mitsubishi from today until June 30 will enjoy cash bonuses worth up to RM9, 000.

ASX 2WD GL Compact SUV RM 99,000 + 5-Year Warranty (Original Retail Price: 110,300). Click here for details.

New Triton with MIVEC Turbo Diesel Engine. Cash bonus worth up to RM9, 000. Click here for details.

Outlander SUV cash bonus worth up to RM4,000 plus accessories such as Rear Seat Entertainment (with DVD player), Digital Driving Video Recorder and Connected Car with GPS Tracking along with a cash bonus worth up to RM 7,000. Click here for details.

Existing Mitsubishi customers can take advantage of MMM’s service campaign from June 1 to July 15, where customers who service their Mitsubishi vehicle(s) at any authorized service centre will enjoy e-vouchers and free car air freshener (while stocks last).

Mitsubishi’s free maintenance package offers complimentary maintenance on labour and parts lubricants such as engine oil, oil filter, fuel filters, air cleaner, brake fluid, coolant, differential oil and transmission oil.

Prices stated are on-the-road with GST without insurance for private registration within Peninsular Malaysia.


Brussels’ plan for car-free streets hits a few bumps

                BRUSSELS: After years of trying to reduce its car dependency, Brussels is poised to adopt what could be its most dramatic pro-pedestrian policy yet: an effective ban on non-local, non-essential traffic in the heart of the Belgian capital.

From Dec 1, 10 key streets in the city’s core — referred to locally as the Pentagon — will allow vehicle access only to those working for emergency services, maintenance and delivery, to taxis, health visitors, people with disabilities, residents and business owners within the zone.

Policed by licence plate-monitoring cameras, any vehicle that falls outside these categories will receive a warning letter for their first incursion, and a fine of €58 (RM274) for every subsequent one.

Other streets, meanwhile, will be closed to vehicles entirely, adding further car-free public space to an area that has already seen a dramatic pedestrian- and bicycle-oriented remodeling, much of it inaugurated in August of this year.

Because the 10 newly monitored streets effectively work as gates to the city core, the rule change marks a de facto end to through-traffic in the city centre.

But in a city with traffic jams so notorious they were once satirically proposed for a UNESCO World Heritage listing, local officials are finding that that the cars and trucks are not going quietly.

The downtown fines are just one part of a broader — and somewhat controversial — transformation of the Brussels road network.

Called Good Move, this large-scale reboot, launched in 2019, aims to ultimately cover the city in a patchwork of 50 low-traffic neighbourhoods — referred to as mailles (or “meshes”) — within which road closures, lane reductions and re-routing will strictly limit motor vehicle access.

That extra space freed up by cars can then be repurposed for pedestrians and bikes, which will run on a newly expanded network of lanes. The Brussels plan follows an urban current that has already seen related moves in Paris, London, Milan and Barcelona among others, as well as the Belgian cities of Ghent and Leuven.

Loosely modelled on Barcelona’s superblocks and due to be in place citywide by 2030, trial versions of these “meshes” have already been tried out in four parts of inner Brussels — where they were met by severe backlash.

In the Cureghem neighbourhood, some residents of a new car-calmed street dismantled signage and removed concrete bollards, on one occasion dragging them so that they blocked a new bike lane.

Following demonstrations, the new street plan began to be dismantled in September. In October, similar demonstrations in the Schaerbeek district saw that low-traffic neighbourhood “put on ice” until March 2023; another implementation in Jette was dismantled after just two months.

But Brussels’ governing coalition insists that Good Move will go forward.

“Thousands of cars pass through residential neighbourhoods every day, to get to a place outside the centre,” Bart Dhondt, alderman for mobility, told newspaper L’Avenir.

“They cross streets where children walk to school, where parents drop off their babies at the crèche, where visitors do their shopping, where elderly people walk to the hospital. This transit traffic makes our streets dangerous and is a source of stress, traffic jams and pollution.”

A few factors have been cited in the pushback to these first low-traffic neighbourhoods.

Detractors said that they were introduced too abruptly, without enough local consultation, over too-large areas with impractical borders. Moreover, the trial neighbourhoods were in largely working-class districts already under economic stress due to the European Union’s cost-of-living crisis.

This could explain the intensity of the backlash, some critics say, while the relatively low levels of private car ownership may have lead the authorities to draw false, short-sighted conclusions about these areas’ needs.

“In working-class neighbourhoods, many economic activities and many workers depend on the car, including contractors, delivery drivers, wholesalers, mechanics, home nurses (and) industrial and service workers with staggered hours or located in inaccessible areas,” reads a statement from the socialist Workers Party of Belgium, the second-largest opposition party in Brussels’ regional assembly.

“They therefore depend more on cars, not by choice but by economic necessity.”

Other political parties have also tried to use the traffic plan as a wedge issue — notably the right populist party Vlaams Belang, despite having a very small vote share here.

The level of opposition can be overstated: There is broad support for car-calming policies in Brussels, thanks no doubt to its enduring reputation as one of Europe’s most congested cities.

But if Good Move is to succeed in overcoming that reputation, its framers may need to make its next moves very carefully.


BHPetrol to introduce RON97 Euro4M petrol from Sept 1

                PETALING JAYA: Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) has announced that it is ready to launch its new RON97 Euro4M petrol.

The new petrol named Infiniti RON97 Euro4M will be officially launched on Sept 1 and will be available at all BHPetrol stations.

It is fully imported with double dosage of German additives at 800 parts per million (ppm), catering to current high performance engine vehicles, and has only 50ppm of sulphur content, translating to
cleaner engines, better performance and longer engine life. It also means a less polluted
environment.

BHPetrol launched the Infiniti in 2008 and enhanced it over the years. In 2014, it was the first oil company to launch Euro5 diesel, which was restricted to Johor Baru. The Euro5 diesel is full imported, with fuel specifications that meet the Euro5 standard and is ultra clean with much lower sulphur content of only 10ppm.


2018 Myvi drives Perodua record sales in January to April

                PETALING JAYA: Perodua sales hit a record 75,500 units for the first four months of 2018, thanks to the runaway success of the new Myvi compact hatchback which has seen deliveries of 38,000 units as of the third week of April.

Based on Perodua's internal data, the compact carmaker has a 41.6% market share for the period under review.

"For the January to April peroid, Perodua bookings rose 14.2% to 113,900 units compared with 99,800 units a year ago. Production also jumped 14.6% year-on-year to 71,300 units," said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid Salleh at a Iftar Ramadan function at One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya.

READ MORE:
Perodua Myvi: A Malaysian joy
2017 Perodua Myvi Advance tested
2017 Perodua Myvi launched: All you need to know
2017 Perodua Myvi: Automatic braking, Advanced Safety Assist
Compact car shootout: 2018 Perodua Myvi 1.3L vs Kia Picanto 1.2L

Perodua also donated RM5,000 each to welfare organisation Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Al-Hira in Bandar Bukit Sentosa and tahfiz school Maahad Tahfiz Al-Waiz in Bukit Sentosa.

Underprivileged kids and students from both service organisations also received RM50 "duti raya" each.

Since its launch in November last year, the new Myvi has garnered 70,000 bookings as at April 30, 2018.

In fact, 18% of all new cars registered in Malaysia in the first quarter of 2018 were Myvis.

In the first quarter of 2018, Perodua sold 55,568 vehicles consisting of 24,473 Myvis (44%), 14,962 Axias (26.9%), 10,101 Bezzas (18.2%) and 6,032 Alzas (10.9%).

The vast majority of Myvi bookings are for the 1.5-litre variants, with the waiting period for deliveries at about three months while 1.3-litre Myvi variants can be delivered almost immediately.

The third-generation Myvi is the most sophisticated and indigenously-designed model in Perodua’s 25-year history, featuring Malaysian innovations such as a built-in toll card reader and digital memory air-conditioning.

The Myvi also has a full 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating based on the latest protocol and is Malaysia’s most affordable car with active safety functions, courtesy of its Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) systems.


Kia to introduce first 48V diesel mild-hybrid powertrain in H2 2018

                SEOUL: Kia Motors will introduce its first 48V diesel mild-hybrid powertrain in the second half of 2018.

The new ‘EcoDynamics+’ powertrain reduces CO2 emissions by supplementing acceleration with electric power from an additional 48-volt battery and extending combustion engine ‘off time’ using a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator unit.

In line with Kia’s aim to create innovative cars that are affordable for a broad range of buyers, EcoDynamics+ mild-hybrid technology offers a compelling cost-to-performance ratio compared to full hybrid powertrains.

The compact nature of the components means the technology can be integrated into existing vehicle and powertrain architectures without impacting practicality or packaging. Kia’s mild-hybrid powertrain is designed to fit seamlessly into consumers’ lives, with no plug-in recharging required.

The Kia Sportage will be the first model to offer the new EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain later in 2018. The all-new third-generation Kia Ceed will be the second among a range of Kia models to offer the new powertrain from 2019.

Towards electrification

The 48V mild-hybrid powertrain is the first new technology to be launched as part of Kia’s wider powertrain electrification strategy. The introduction of the new 48-volt powertrain means Kia is the first manufacturer to offer consumers hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and 48-volt technology across its model line-up. Kia plans to launch 16 advanced powertrain vehicles by 2025, including five new hybrids, five plug-in hybrids, five battery-electric vehicles and – in 2020 – a new fuel-cell electric vehicle.

The EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain will enable Kia to offer cleaner diesel engines. The system is paired with Kia’s Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) active emissions control technology, reducing CO2 emissions by up to four per cent on the new Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), and up to seven per cent on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). The roll-out of diesel mild-hybrid technology will contribute to the brand’s global efforts to improve whole-fleet fuel efficiency.

Kia’s mild-hybrid technology features a compact 0.46 kWh 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator (MHSG). By electronically controlling the MHSG using the inverter, the system switches seamlessly between two modes: ‘motor’ and ‘generator’. Connected by a belt to the diesel engine’s crankshaft, under acceleration the MHSG provides up to 10kW of electric power assistance to the powertrain in ‘motor’ mode, reducing engine load and emissions. In ‘generator’ mode, the system harvests kinetic energy from the vehicle during in-gear deceleration and braking and uses the power to recharge the batteries.

How EcoDynamics+ works

The powertrain has been engineered to deliver greater efficiency from internal combustion engines on the road, by using electric power delivered and recuperated seamlessly.

In ‘motor’ mode the battery is discharged under acceleration, providing additional torque to the engine for a slight boost in performance under hard acceleration, or to reduce engine load during light acceleration. Under deceleration, or when driving downhill or towards a junction, the MHSG switches to ‘generator’ mode, recuperating energy from the crankshaft to recharge the battery on-the-go.

The system is controlled by an advanced Electronic Control Unit (ECU), which calculates the most efficient use of the available energy, and adjusts accordingly, taking into account the amount of charge remaining in the car’s batteries.

Battery power can also be used to provide a new ‘Moving Stop & Start’ function. If the battery has sufficient charge, the combustion engine turns off automatically during in-gear deceleration and braking. The MHSG can then seamlessly re-ignite the engine – in any situation – if the driver presses the throttle pedal.

Compact packaging

The compact nature of the technology means that integrating the EcoDynamics+ mild-hybrid system into existing vehicle architecture is relatively straightforward. Depending on vehicle, the 48V battery will be located beneath the boot floor, minimising the impact on vehicle practicality. Because the MHSG integrates directly with the engine, driving the crankshaft via a belt, there is little need to repackage the engine bay.

The 48V battery’s DC/DC converter enables the new battery to connect to the vehicle’s on-board power supply, leading to a significant reduction in the size of the 12V battery required to power the car’s ancillary electronics. The adoption of the MHSG also means the conventional starter motor can be downsized and used primarily for cold starts at low temperatures. Charge from the 48V battery helps to start the engine in most conditions.

Kia’s EcoDynamics+ diesel mild-hybrid powertrain is compatible with both manual and automatic transmissions, and could be adapted for front-, rear- and all-wheel drivetrain layouts. The powertrain will also be adapted for use in petrol engines.


Berlin mulls mandatory bus tickets to get cars off the streets

                BERLIN: Berlin is considering requiring that residents pay for an annual pass for public transport to make cars less attractive and help ease congestion.

The proposal for a so-called Buergerticket (citizen’s pass) could cost residents as much as a current annual subscription of €761 (RM3,658) a year, according to the city’s Transport and Environment Ministry.

Alternative proposals, based on a feasibility study by consultancy Ramboll, include charging tourists a public-transport tax, tolls to drive cars in the city centre and higher parking fees.

The ministry “isn’t only interested in more revenue, but also in impact on traffic, such as relieving urban areas from congestion by providing incentives to do without a car,” spokesman Jan Thomsen said via email. “We want to expand public transport and make it more attractive for more people.”

The city of more than 3.6 million people has grown rapidly in recent years, pushing many residents towards the outskirts and straining its ageing infrastructure. The coronavirus pandemic has added further pressure on the system, with bus drivers cordoned off and social-distancing nearly impossible to maintain.

The discussions over changes to the financing of Berlin’s public transport system are in the early stages and haven’t yet been taken up by the city’s legislature, according to Thomsen. Any changes are likely to be controversial and play a role in next year’s elections.

Berlin’s transport system includes 10 subway lines, 22 tram lines, more than 150 bus lines and several ferries. Its regional train network connects the German capital to nearby Brandenburg.

Fees from tickets and advertising cover less than half of the costs of running the system, with taxpayers covering the rest, according to the Berlin government, with the city paying more than €500 million (RM2.4bil) to support the system in 2017.

Berliner Morgenpost reported earlier on the discussions.


Michelin and GM to launch airless, puncture-proof tyres in 2024

                MONTREAL: Michelin and GM have announced a descendent of the Vision airless, 3D-printed tyre originally revealed in 2017: the Uptis tyre.

On opening day of the Movin'On Summit here on Tuesday, a conference dedicated to sustainable mobility, both companies said the airless tyre is puncture-proof, blow-out-proof and flat-proof.

The Uptis ("Unique Puncture-proof Tyre System") prototype is a successor of the Vision 3D-printed rubber tyres; like the previous generation, the airless technology used to create these tyres makes them more durable and longer-lasting since problems like flats, blowouts, and irregular wear due to over- or under-inflation are completely eliminated.

Without these common issues, tyres will be scrapped before the end of their life cycles far less frequently.

The Uptis prototype requires fewer raw materials, less energy, and releases a smaller amount of emissions to produce which ultimately supports the GM global vision for "a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion."

Michelin is targeting a 2024 production launch for the Uptis tyre.


Govt takeover of four tolled highways will raise debt level, says RAM

                KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to acquire the four tolled highways under Gamuda Bhd will likely excacerbate its debt burden, says RAM Ratings.

It said today that from its sovereign’s budgetary perspective, the acquisition of the four tolled highways was not budgeted for and would likely exacerbate the government's debt burden.

RAM’s ratings on Malaysia will consider the possibility of fiscally onerous political considerations.

“Nevertheless, RAM expects the government to be cautious in raising debt for this purpose, given its commitment to long-term fiscal consolidation,” says Esther Lai, RAM’s head of sovereign ratings.

Lai said the eventual outcome of the proposed acquisitions will have to carefully balance Malaysia’s limited fiscal space, based on its elevated effective debt level (estimated at 65.7% of GDP as at end-2018).

To recap, on Feb 23 the government proposed to acquire four highways under Gamuda Bhd and introduce a congestion charge to replace the current toll regime. However, this was expected to further complicate the issue of toll abolishment for the highway sector, it said.

While details have yet to be announced on the regulatory, legal and financial implications of such a move, RAM Ratings believes the gvernment will strike a balance between its toll-abolition plans and the potential implications for the debt capital market.

“The toll-road sector represents one of the earliest and largest issuers in the domestic bond market, making up 12.7% of total outstanding corporate bonds (excluding quasi-government bonds) with an outstanding value of RM56.16bil as at Feb 28, 2019. Such bonds are largely held by local institutional investors and government-linked pension funds.

“We expect the government to consider all options available to it on the execution of its plan to gradually abolish toll collection,” says Davinder Kaur Gill, co-head of RAM’s Infrastructure and Utilities Ratings.

Davinder also pointed the conclusion of settlement talks between the government and MRCB Southern Link Bhd in late 2018 vis-à-vis the cessation of toll collections for the Eastern Dispersal Link was a pivotal point for the sector’s various stakeholders.

“It sets the tone and serves as a benchmark deal for other toll-abolition cases in the future. Ultimately, timely and adequate payments in settlement of the concessionaire’s financial obligations are crucial towards ensuring the stability and accessibility to fund similar transactions via the debt capital market,” she said.

Past instances of restructuring for this sector had also considered the interests of all the parties involved, including lenders.

The largest of these was under Projek Lebuhraya Usahasama Bhd in 2012. That had culminated in the refinancing of the concessionaire’s financial obligations through the issuance of a RM23.35bil sukuk and an RM11bil government guaranteed sukuk.

“We do not preclude future restructuring talks to be based on mutual understanding between the concessionaires and the government; these may fall outside the ambit of the individual highway concession agreements. Even so, we expect the spirit of the concession agreements to be upheld when negotiating a final settlement,” she said.

The four highways under Gamuda are Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LDP), Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat (SPRINT), Lebuhraya Shah Alam (KESAS), and the SMART Tunnel.

This network covers the Klang Valley and Selangor, catering to around one million vehicles daily.

The government intends to introduce a toll-free window besides a 30% discount for commuters travelling outside the six-hour peak period.

“That said, negotiations are still ongoing while details on timing, mode of implementation and funding information are still scant. RAM will closely monitor the relevant developments and take the appropriate action as and when required,” she said.

In a related development, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said today that the government would wait for the toll studies report which was expected to be completed in two or three months' time before making decisions whether to take over the other tolled highways.

He said the government will look into the other tolls after a thorough study by the Works Minister Baru Bian was completed in two or three months' time.

"We will work together with Works Ministry to look at the impact and whether the government is able to pay," he said at a press conference later.

Lim said talks with Gamuda Bhd would start earlier compared to with other highways as it was not as complicated.


Evergrande's Swedish electric vehicle unit in sale talks, says CEO

The National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) logo is pictured on one of its electric cars at its Beijing headquarters building. — Reuters
STOCKHOLM: The Swedish electric vehicle unit of China Evergrande Group is in talks with US and European venture capital firms and industrial partners to find new owners, its top chief said, as its Chinese parent battles default on more than US$300 billion in debts.

National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB (NEVS), owned by the cash-strapped Chinese property developer, has funds to last "for a good while", its chief executive Stefan Tilk said, adding that several investors were showing interest in the firm.

He declined to comment on a possible valuation. A source familiar with the situation said the unit could be valued at as much as US$1 billion.

Evergrande has already missed three rounds of interest payments on its international bonds, and has been scrambling to sell some of its assets to raise cash.

The Chinese property developer has spent billions of dollars on stakes in automobile technology developers, including NEVS. It also has joint ventures with Germany's Hofer and Sweden's Koenigsegg.

NEVS, which received an electric vehicle production licence in China four years ago, is the Swedish arm of Evergrande's EV unit Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group.

Tilk said that NEVS is discussing a potential sale or other financing mainly with European and US firms, but declined to name them.

"We are in dialogue both with venture people and companies that have the same idea and direction as us and want to get into this with our full competence," he said. "So they are both industrial partners and venture capitalists."

Evergrande NEV warned in stock exchange filings last month that it was still looking for new investors and to make asset sales, and that without either it may struggle to pay employee salaries and cover other expenses.

Tilk added that NEVS, which gave notice of redundancy to nearly half its roughly 650 workers in August, could hire staff again to get the competence Evergrande wants in Europe if it survives the crisis.

"If Evergrande can continue its operations, which they hope to do, they will be interested in having a footprint in Europe, with infrastructure like a plant, tests, lab. And we have that," he said.

In the meantime NEVS, which bought carmaker Saab's assets in 2012, is focusing on building its mobility ecosystem PONS, an autonomous ride-sharing network for smart cities and university campuses.


Budget 2022: Exemption on sales tax for cars extended to June 30, 2022

                PETALING JAYA: Car buyers will be able to enjoy an exemption on sales tax for a while longer, as the government extends the incentive by another six months.

Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the exemption will be extended until June 30 next year.

“To reduce the cost of vehicle ownership, the Government will extend the 100% sales tax exemption on CKD (locally assembled) passenger vehicles and 50% on CBUs (imported) including MPVs and SUVs for six months until June 30, 2022,” said Zafrul in the Budget 2022 presentation.

The exemption was introduced by the government in 2020 to drive sales in the automotive sector which was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

 A screengrab from the live broadcast of the Budget 2022 speech from Parliament earlier today.

In other auto-related matters, Zafrul said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) would be boosted with 20 new mobile counters to make it easier for rural folks to access the department’s services.

The department would also be given 100 new computer kiosks at Urban Transformation Centres nationwide to enable the public to access JPJ’s services such as renewal of driving licence.

"To continue providing government services outside office hours, a total of 100 kiosks complete with computer facilities will be provided at UTCs.

"This is for the public to access JPJ’s services such as renewal of driving licence," said Zafrul.

On road infrastructure works, Zafrul the government has allocated RM3.5bil for infrastructure projects, among them the Pan-Borneo Highway and Central Spine Road,

He also said RM200mil was allocated through the creation of a Third Infrastructure Facilitation Fund under the supervision of the Public Private Partnership Unit, which is under the purview of the Prime Minister’s Department.

“In addition, the government will continue implementing small and medium projects worth RM2.9bil that will target Class G1 to G4 contractors across the country.

“This allocation involves maintenance of roads projects, overhaul of obsolete infrastructure and equipment of public universities, polytechnics and community colleges as well as other projects involving social amenities at the rural areas,” said Zafrul.

Budget 2022 has a total allocation of RM332.1bil, the largest ever for the country.


Workshop ordered to refund MPV owner for frequent repairs

Generic photo for illustration purposes only.

JOHOR BARU: A businessman has been having trouble with his seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) since it was first sent for repairs in Pekan, Pahang, more than a year ago.

Claimant Nur Firdauzi Mohamed Tah, 38, was travelling to Pasir Gudang in Johor from Pekan on Nov 7, 2021, when the MPV broke down.

“I was on my way back from a business trip when the vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of nowhere,” he said when met outside the Johor Baru Consumer Claims Tribunal.

After an Internet search, he found a workshop in Pekan, sent the vehicle there for repairs and took a bus home to Johor.

Nur Firdauzi said the workshop owner told him there were problems with the vehicle’s compressor and the repair work would take about a week.

“After a week, I went back to the workshop to take the vehicle and paid the owner RM1,900,” he said.

On his way back to Johor, he said, the vehicle broke down again in Nenasi, Pahang, and it had to be towed back to the workshop.

He said the owner told him this time that the breakdown was due to engine problems and had to replace the engine with a used one costing RM4,200.

“I went back to the workshop on Dec 8, 2021, and paid the amount,” he added.

On Jan 3, 2022, Nur Firdauzi was with his family heading back to Pasir Gudang from Batu Pahat, when the vehicle broke down in Pekan Nanas, Pontian, at midnight.

He called the workshop owner, who told him to send the vehicle to a workshop in Taman Johor Jaya, Johor Baru, and he (the owner) would bear the towing cost of RM250.

“He told me the Johor Jaya workshop owner was his friend and would be able to fix the problems,” said the claimant.

The Johor Jaya workshop owner dismantled the engine and sent it to Pekan and the Pekan workshop owner had to send another engine in its place.

“My car was ready on April 12, 2022, and I paid RM1,828 but the next day, the radiator was damaged and I paid RM700 to replace it,” said Nur Firdauzi.

He said the Pekan workshop owner asked him to send the vehicle back for repair and assured him that there would be no more problems.

“I went back to Pekan on April 21, 2022, and left the vehicle there and until now, the vehicle has been left idle,” he said.

Nur Firdauzi decided to file a case at the tribunal as the respondent became uncooperative and did not complete the repairs.

“I had to fork out RM8,800 to buy a used car,” he said.

Tribunal president Rashidah Abu Bakar ordered the respondent, who did not attend the hearing, to return RM17,000 to the claimant within two weeks.


Refreshed Honda Civic: First look and drive

                Bangkok is the most visited city in the world, according to a recent MasterCard Inc. survey, with 22.8 million visitors so far in 2019.

We added to the number, arriving in early September for what Honda called a media preview drive of the refreshed Civic.

A day earlier, we had visited the company’s Prachinburi plant in eastern Thailand, where the Civic sedan and hatchback are built for the Thai market as well as for regional and international export.

Honda also operates an older plant in Ayutthaya to the north of the Thai capital, where the bulk of Honda models are produced.

The new Civic is due to launch in Malaysia by the last quarter of 2019, with bookings having already opened since Sept 10. It is being assembled at Honda Malaysia’s plant in Malacca.

The Civic, now in its 10th generation, is due for a mid-cycle refresh, having debuted on our side in mid-2016.

The facelifted model has already been selling in Thailand for close to a year. It’s available in four versions — 1.8 E, 1.8 EL, 1.5 Turbo and 1.5 Turbo RS. Pricing starts at RM120K for the base 1.8E to RM168K for the Turbo RS.

In contrast, Honda Malaysia offers the car in three specs with prices from RM109K to RM129K.
So what’s new with the latest Civic sedan? Cosmetic changes for a sportier look and a hefty dose of safety features, that’s what.

It gets newly designed air intakes in the front bumper. And this has been moulded to give the front a wider stance.

The lateral extensions or wings on the grille are painted in black, which complements the sporty fastback profile of the sedan.

There are new wheel designs as well as a chrome trim element on the rear bumper.

Four airbags, Emergency Stop Signal, Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD and rearview camera are standard across the range.

The 1.8 EL and 1.5 Turbo RS are equipped with two extra airbags and a LaneWatch camera system on the left wing mirror to minimise blind spots.

 LaneWatch Camera on the left side mirror.

The interior is largely the same as before except for new controls on the steering wheel for Honda Sensing.

Honda figures there’s no need for a dramatic cabin makeover as it still looks good three years on. Red stitchings predominate on all leathered surfaces to echo the sporty theme of the exterior.

The Thai-spec Civic has a 7-inch infotainment screen design that differs somewhat from the Malaysian version, with the inclusion of physical controls on the side.

The biggest change in the Civic is the addition of the Honda Sensing safety package, but it’s restricted to the top variant – the 1.5 Turbo RS. It would be logical to assume that for the Malaysian market, only the range-topping 1.5 TC-P would get it.

 The Honda Sensing controls are new.

You may recall Honda Sensing is also fitted to the top variants of the Accord and the CR-V as well as the Odyssey, so Honda is unlikely to deviate from this pattern.

To recap, Honda Sensing is a set of driver assistive technologies that improve driving safety. It uses a radar and camera system to spot imminent danger and reduce the risk of a collision.

The driving aids in the Civic’s Honda Sensing includes features like: the steering wheel will vibrate and do course correction if you drift out of your lane, automatically brakes if the car is about to hit another car in front and maintain a safe distance from other cars when cruising adaptively.

Earlier before the drive, Honda engineers were eager to show us two features of Honda Sensing. At a safety course within Honda’s Prachinburi plant, they demonstrated the concept of Collision Mitigation Braking System and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow. No mishaps happened, so that is telling on the efficacy of the safety suite.

Honda is charging around RM16,000 extra for Honda Sensing in the Thai-spec Civic. So expect a similar price hike when Honda Sensing shows up in the Malaysian-spec Civic.

Typical of facelifts, the 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre engines and CVT are carried over without any updates.
We drove only the Turbo RS.

Seats, front and rear, are comfortable for a long trip.

 The demo (also below) of the Honda Sensing features.

The 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine makes 173hp at 5,500rpm and 220Nm from 1,700rpm to 5,500rpm.
Few will quibble with the smooth performance of the latest Civic that offers day-to-day practicality.

The chassis is well sorted out. A firmer suspension would have been desirable but the Civic manages to deliver adequate fun on demand.

The CVT is calibrated to have “shift” points so it behaves more like a traditional automatic. CVT – once the preserve of econo-boxes – still elicits the typical drone when pushed hard but it’s a matter of getting used to it.

Honda looks set to continue with CVT even though there are rumblings among the motoring fraternity that the sporty looks of the Civic would be better served by a regular six-speed auto or even a dual-clutch gearbox.

Towards evening as we headed for Bangkok from Prachinburi, the skies opened up. Although travelling in a convoy, we had brief occasions to accelerate the car past slower-moving traffic.

The Turbo RS behaved reassuringly with plenty of grip in the wet even in corners, and bodyroll was kept in check.

Overall, the minor facelift helps sharpen up the sleek look of the Civic, which should continue to hold buying interest.

For those able to cough up the extra moolah for Honda Sensing in the range-topper, it means an extra layer of safety that’s much appreciated in the hour of need.
UPDATE: The Malaysian launch of the refreshed Honda Civic has been pushed to early 2020. It was supposed to arrive in December but Honda Malaysia had to delay it due to external factors beyond its control.READ MORE: A visit to Honda's Prachinburi plant


Kia Stinger to end production in April 2023, says report

                SEOUL: A South Korean publication claims that Kia will stop Stinger production in April 2023, citing poor sales as the reason.

As of September, Kia sold only 1,499 units of the grand tourer in South Korea.

The Stinger had long been rumoured to be dropped in recent years.

In its latest midlife facelift, the Stinger is equipped with either a 2.5-litre engine that's good for 300hp or a twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 with 368hp.

An electric replacement is planned as replacement in 2025, according to Auto Times.

But Kia designer Karim Habib had reportedly said last year that the EV6 GT could serve as the successor to the Stinger.


Reader highlights rare 'alignment'

                PETALING JAYA: A CarSifu reader got in touch with us to tell about this thing called serendipity when parking his car next to another.

It's a word that means "the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way."

For Naza Suria owner Sanjay CS, it was a serendipitious moment when he realised the Perodua Myvi parked next to his bore a plate number that was sequential to that of his car, and no doubt elicited a reaction such as "Imagine that!"

Sanjay said he smiled as he took in this rare happenstance, which reminded him of the idiom "to take time to smell the roses."

He said the incident took place when he was visiting his sister who was warded at the Bukit Mertajam Hospital in Penang.

"When I came back after half-an-hour, the car was gone, and I wonder whether the driver made the same discovery as I did," Sanjay said as he signed off with "Happy and safe driving wishes to the driver of PHY 2702!"


F1 makes way for drive-in cinema in Mexico

People attending the drive-in cinema set up at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in Mexico City on Sunday. — AFP

MEXICO CITY: After the disappointment of seeing the Mexican Formula One Grand Prix cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Mexico City government has turned its F1 track into a drive-in cinema.

On a rainy Sunday, dozens of people drove up to Turn Four of the autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, which has been temporarily converted into the autocinema Mixhuca.

The cinema allows movie goers to maintain social distancing while enjoying exclusively Mexican films.

Juan Manuel Bedwell, a veteran accountant, left home isolation to go back to a drive-in cinema for the first time in four decades, to watch the 2013 Mexican film "The Last Call," a comedy based on "Caligula," a play by Frenchman Albert Camus.

 Movies are screened at night and day as well at the Mexican drive-in cinema. - Reuters

But instead of taking his girlfriend, this time Bedwell was accompanied by three children and three grandchildren.

The pandemic "is something we didn't expect, but we need to get out because if we stay locked up inside we'll get more depressed every day," said Bedwell.

The new cinema has been organised by the capital's culture secretariat and has a capacity for 415 vehicles.

It will open every Sunday and Wednesday until Aug 19.

Drive-in cinemas first arrived in Mexico in the 1950s but gradually lost their popularity and disappeared.

"Due to the pandemic and the need for a 'new normal,' they have great potential," said Argel Gomez, Big Festivals director at the Mexico City culture secretariat.

 Adding a dash of fun to the movie experience. - AFP

It's not the first transformation of the race track, which has long hosted the country's biggest music festivals. During the pandemic, it is also serving as the site of a temporary hospital for coronavirus patients.

Mexico is the fourth worst hit country in the world by the coronavirus outbreak with more than 43,000 deaths, and sixth in number of cases with over 390,000 infections among its 127 million population.

For Ernesto Contreras, a director and former president of Mexico's cinematography academy, the drive-through movie theater is "a reason to celebrate" and he believes it will be a boon to Mexico's cinema industry.

"To the extent that we open these new possibilities, even though it's in the midst of a new alternative, we gain space for our cinema," he said.


Infiniti to unveil electrified performance concept car

                HONG KONG: Infiniti has released a glimpse of an electrified performance concept car due to be displayed at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Designed to signal their performance intent as they head towards electrification from 2021, the concept is the first project to come to fruition under the direction of Karim Habib, IInfiniti’s new executive design director, and his teams in Japan, Britain and the United States.

The striking concept will provide a window into the brand’s desire to deliver driving enjoyment and thrilling performance from electrified powertrains.

Karim described the new concept as providing clues to where the Infiniti brand is heading. Electrification means performance – electrified cars will be powerful, efficient, and a joy to drive, and the new concept is a physical representation of Infiniti’s electrified performance future.

At last year’s Pebble Beach in 2017 Infiniti revealed Prototype 9, a retro e-roadster inspired by open-wheel grand prix cars of the 1940s and so continues its track record of delivering daring concepts at the show.

Infiniti’s new concept will be revealed at Pebble Beach on Aug 23.


BMW M8 close to series production

                MUNICH: BMW has been talking up the 8 Series model in recent days. It started with the standard coupe, followed by the revelation the 8 Series convertible has begun production.

Today, it declared that the sportiest 8 Series - the M8 - is on the way to series production and will launch in 2019.

At present, BMW M GmbH is putting an early prototype of its upcoming flagship through its paces at the Estoril grand-prix racing circuit in Portugal.

The M8 is touted as a performance-oriented vehicle concept with minimised weight, low centre of gravity, even weight distribution, optimum wheelbase and wide tracks.

M-specific optimisations will enhance already high levels of rigidity in the body structure, chassis components and chassis mounting. Expect M-specific suspension to deliver exceptional directional stability, steering precision and cornering dynamics.

The car will be equipped with a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that produces over 600hp. There will be fully variable transfer of power via M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with rear-wheel bias and 2WD mode.

Apart from the M8 Coupe, BMW will slice and dice up an M8 Convertible and M8 Gran Coupe after that.


Unlicensed foreign vehicles not allowed to provide commercial service in Singapore

                SINGAPORE: Foreign-registered vehicles are not allowed to provide cross-border passenger transport services for hire or reward in Singapore without a valid public service vehicle licence (PSVL), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said.

LTA clarified the regulation on Saturday in response to queries from The Straits Times regarding Sameride, a carpool service that is due to launch a Singapore-Johor Baru carpooling service today.

According to a press release on the Sameride website, more than 300 commuters had pre-registered for the service in the app over the last two weeks.

Sameride estimated that users would be able to significantly reduce the cost of their commute between Johor and Singapore by up to 50% compared to taxi services.

The app also aimed to expedite travel time by reducing traffic on the cross-border route.

LTA said it took a “serious view towards” foreign registered vehicles illegally providing hire-and-reward services.

It added that it would carry out strong enforcement action against such illegal activities.

It has advised the public not to engage cross-border hire services by individuals using unlicensed vehicles.

LTA explained that such vehicles may not be sufficiently insured against third party liabilities and that passengers who ride such vehicles may not be able to claim insurance if they are involved in traffic accidents during their travel.

Those caught providing hire and reward services, including cross-border carpooling service without a valid PSVL, can be jailed up to six months, fined up to S$3,000 (RM9,000) or both.


2018 LA Auto Show: The past goes toe-to-toe with the future

                LOS ANGELES: Big car makers once again do their best to command some of the spotlight at the LA Auto Show (Nov 30 to Dec 9).

While the showing was less impressive than at the Paris Motor Show a few months ago, the big guns are seeing out 2018 in style as they exhibit their latest models at the last motor show of the year.

However, like the setup from a Hollywood screenplay, the new models on display make it clear how torn the industry is as it tries to find its way from the old world towards a new era.

At the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, it has been a showdown between the beloved petrol-guzzling models established in the last decade, and the all-electric new kids on the block.

The undisputed star of the LA Auto Show is the new Porsche 911 which, despite being stronger, faster and more digital than ever before, remains an icon of the past.

Despite interior and exterior design updates — such as large digital screens — and the six-cylinder 331kW/450hp engine under the bonnet, the 911 remains as familiar as ever.

It stands out as the best of the old world, which is something fellow German manufacturer Audi aims to counter with its all-electric e-tron GT.

Powered by two electric motors with 434kW/590hp and, thanks to more than 90kWh battery capacity, more than 400km of range, the e-tron GT promises 911-level acceleration of 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds.

It is a duality that repeats itself throughout the show here, not just in German roadsters, but also in the typically American segment of pick-ups.

On one side, there is the new Jeep Gladiator, with which the rugged Wrangler gets a new open cargo bed in the back. On the other side is the start-up Rivian's R1T, which is slated for a 2020 release.

Where the Jeep opts for petrol and diesel-powered V6 engines, the Rivian wants electric engines to fuel its tough-working vehicle.

It's the latter however that clocks in the impressive figures, offering a driving range of 600km - which could become the most of any all-electric vehicle on the market.

For BMW, however, the identity confusion of the industry is perfectly reflected in its new SUVs - the X7 and the iNext.

Both are large, luxurious SUVs for the more affluent motorist, with the petrol and diesel powered X7's V8 engine once more in competion with the purely electric — and also autonomous — iNext.

However, as different as the two cars are and as far apart as they are technically, they are closer in time than one might think.

The X7 should be on the market in 2019 and the iNext is expected to go into production by 2021, says BMW's development board member, Klaus Froehlich, taking the showdown from the motor show to the streets soon.

So while the electric models are certainly the new kids in town, it seems like the old timers in the car market still aren't ready to ride off into the sunset just yet.


The new Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet

                KUALA LUMPUR: The new Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet is where contemporary luxury meets the classical appeal of open-top motoring with a price to match at RM1,310,662.21 (on-the-road without insurance).

A statement of style and luxury with attractive touches such as the Swarovski crystals nestled within the headlamps and floating OLED taillights elements add sophistication to an already desirable silhouette and breathtaking appearance.

The S-Class Cabriolet offers the latest driving, safety and convenience technologies from the S-Class limousine including the new Energizing Comfort control, bringing together climate adjustment, lighting, music and even the seats to deliver a first-class sensory journey.

Refined performance comes courtesy of a new 4.0 litre biturbo V8, delivering 469hp with 700Nm while full-support Airmatic air suspension fitted as standard ensures comfort follows every thrilling ride.

With a top speed of 250kph it take only 4.6 seconds to go from 0-100kph.

READ MORE:
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches a slew of S-Class cars


Revamped Touch ‘n Go app lets you check card balance

Syahrunizam (left) and Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil at the launch of TNG Digital’s new office. — P. NATHAN/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Touch ‘n Go (TNG) has updated its app to allow users to see the value remaining in their physical TnG cards or if they have expired.

Sadly, it’s still not possible to top up credit via the app.

All you have to do is enter the 10-digit serial number on the back of the card into the app.

However, it may not display the actual value, as toll payments take about 48 hours to be recorded.

Users can add up to three physical TNG cards, including their MyKad, though Fleet Cards and auto-reloading Zing cards are not yet compatible.

Despite the incremental development of the app, Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd says it is pushing into the Fintech space through its subsidiary TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, which opened its offices in Bangsar South today.

“Aligned with the opening of our new office, we are focusing our efforts in strengthening the TNG eWallet. We hope to be the enabler for Malaysians to transition their lifestyle and provide seamless, more convenient payment experience for all our users,” said TNG Digital CEO Syahrunizam Samsudin.

TNG Digital was formed through a joint-venture with Chinese fintech giant Ant Financial Services Group, to push cashless payments through TNG’s eWallet.

Currently, the eWallet allows users to manage their TNG RFID accounts, check their TNG card value, pay bills, top up phone credit, and even buy movie and plane tickets.

Syahrunizam announced that as part of TNG Digital’s efforts to reach out to the community, it is launching a 10-week internship programme, where 10 students will be placed across different departments in TNG Digital. At the end of their internship, one student will be sent to Hangzhou, China to experience the cashless lifestyle there.

“There is no better way to encourage lifestyle changes, have an exchange of ideas, and demonstrate the value of technology. With the youths here, we need to build on their knowledge and expertise, as well as invest in these local talents to equip them with the necessary skills to catapult the fintech industry to further heights,” he says.

Interested candidates can submit their interest to TNG Digital’s Human Resource Department hrad@tngdigital.com.my.


Malaysians continuing to see private car ownership as a necessity, says Carsome

                KUALA LUMPUR: Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, Carsome, has released its Carsome Insights 2021 which give a view into the local used car market.

The company said Malaysia’s used car industry saw significant growth in 2021 due to several contributing factors ranging from global supply chain disruptions and chip shortages which affected new car sales or contributed towards higher prices.

The on-going pandemic, it said, also lead to consumers leaning towards private car ownership over ride hailing services and public transport.

Insights among used car buyers

> Perodua (41%) leads the most popular car brands among consumers, followed by Honda (23%) and Proton (18%)

> Perodua Myvi (25%) is the preferred car model among consumers, followed by Perodua Axia (17%) and Honda City (11%)

> White (28%) is the most popular car colour among consumers, followed closely by silver (24%) and gray (19%)

Insights among used car sellers
> Perodua is the most popular car brand among cars sold to Carsome, accounting for 32% of all vehicles, followed by Proton (24%) and Toyota (20%)

> Perodua Myvi (25% of transactions) is the most popular car model, followed by Proton Saga (14%) and Toyota Vios (10%)

> White (30%) is the most popular car color sold to Carsome followed by gray (27%) and black (19%)

Insights among used car dealers
> Toyota (32%) is the preferred car brand among dealers, topping Perodua (22%), and Honda (20%)

> Perodua Myvi (21%) is the most popular car model among used car dealers. Toyota Vios (13%) is a distant second, followed by Honda City (11%)

> White (33%) is the most popular car colour among used car dealers, followed by silver (24%) and black (21%)


Honda Malaysia pre-launches limited-run One Million Dreams Collection

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has unveiled the Honda Official Merchandise Special Edition – One Million Dreams Collection in conjunction with its journey to achieve the 1 millionth sales unit milestone.

Featuring six trendy unisex designs from local streetwear brand, Pestle & Mortar Clothing (PMC), the items are Reversible Bucket Hat, Neck Pouch, Polo Shirt, Short and Long Sleeve Shirts and a Racing Jacket.

The collection is available in limited quantities only.

The One Million Dreams Collection will be officially available on April 1 at Honda Malaysia Official Store exclusively on Shopee.

Prior to the official launch of the collection, Honda Malaysia is offering a special reward to customers with Limited Early Bird Pre-launch Vouchers worth RM20, which is equal to 2,000 Shopee Coins.

Customers can register for the Pre-launch vouchers via Honda Malaysia’s Official Facebook page from March 17 to 28.

An unique voucher code will be sent to customers on March 31.

The use of the voucher codes is based on first-come-first-served basis whereby the first 100 customers will be able to use it to shop for the Honda Official Merchandise Special Edition on Shopee.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Toichi Ishiyama said, “The “1 Million Dreams Campaign” was launched not only to commemorate the achievement of reaching 1 million sales units, but to also thank Malaysians for their unwavering support and trust in our brand."

He said Pestle & Mortar Clothing's stylish and appealing design would make the collection stand out more.

"The collection is to further show our appreciation to Malaysians who have come together for Honda Malaysia’s success to reach the 1 million sales units.

"Honda Malaysia is very encouraged by the trust given to us and promises to continue to be an integral, reliable support in our customers’ everyday life.

"The collection draws inspiration from the journey of Honda Malaysia as a company that has touched more than a million Malaysian lives, and also from the proposition that 1 million people have experienced and driven a Honda at some point in their life.

"It emphasises the idea of 1 Million Dreams driven by 1 million people,” Ishiyama added.

Adding to the excitement, Honda Malaysia is introducing a bundle package at a special price for customers who purchase the Honda Official Merchandise Special Edition and selected ‘TEI’ Series Merchandise from Honda Malaysia Official Store on Shopee.

Customers can click into Honda Malaysia Official Store on Shopee at https://shopee.com.my/hondamalaysia.os or Honda Malaysia Official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/hondamalaysia to check out the items from April 1.

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


2017 Tokyo Motor Show: Honda NeuV concept

                TOKYO: At the 45th Tokyo Motor Show, Honda Motor highlighted concepts and vehicles that underlined its vision of having green vehicles as two-thirds of its global sales by 2030.

"As of today, Honda's cumulative global sales of hybrid vehicles has exceeded 2 million units. We will continue to strengthen hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV (electric vehicle) models," said Honda Motor president and CEO Takahiro Hachigo.

Among the key Honda exhibits at the Tokyo Motor Show 2017 are:

Honda NeuV:

The NeuV was first revealed in January at CES 2017 in Las Vegas, showcasing an electric mobility concept for the commuter.

Equipped with the brand’s artificial intelligence engine – Honda Automated Network Assistant– its autonomous driving capability incorporates driver monitoring to determine driver stress from facial expressions and tone of voice, in order to support safer driving.

NeuV learns about the driver’s lifestyle and preferences over time, so that it can suggest new routes and activities, realising a natural relationship between driver and machine.

Gallery: Honda NeuV


Polestar is Red Dot’s Brand of the Year

                ESSEN (Germany): Polestar has been recognised as Brand of the Year by Red Dot in the internationally renowned contest’s Brands & Communication category.

The Swedish electric performance brand has been judged as a whole and is assessed on how the brand experience delivers on what it intends to be.

The award is given by Red Dot “for exceptionally well-designed brand communication and goes to the best brand in an industry which succeeds in portraying a consistent brand image across various channels in its communication.”

The jury members individually viewed and evaluated the 6,992 entries submitted in an online jury session, selecting the best-designed brands and communication projects of 2020.

Polestar has been acknowledged as the best brand, succeeding in portraying a consistent brand image across various channels in its communication.

“It’s an honour to be named Brand of the Year by Red Dot,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar. “Design is at the core of Polestar, in each and every aspect of the brand, and it deserves our full attention in order to fulfil our promise of pure and progressive design.”

In addition to the main prize, Polestar has also been named Best of the Best for its consistency in design quality and creative performance. And, for the Polestar 2 design book which the brand produced in 2019, Polestar receives a Red Dot for creativity and good craftsmanship.


Expect autonomous cars in 2025 to 2030, says VW CEO

                BERLIN Volkswagen (VW) CEO Herbert Diess says that autonomous vehicles will be ready for sale sometime between 2025 and 2030.

The CEO of the world's largest carmaker by sales recently told a magazine that such a reality is thanks to improvements made to computer chips and artificial intelligence.

Diess moved from BMW to join VW in 2015 and has helped the German auto giant with reforms following its "diesel-gate" scandal.

The CEO was also the man who helped come up with a 73bil euro (RM360bil) electric vehicle investment plan.

In 2018, Diess cited that human error is among the top reasons for traffic accidents and in order for autonomous cars to gain acceptance, it must be 100 to 1,000 times better than humans.

“A ratio of ten-to-one is nowhere near good enough. We have approximately 3,200 traffic fatalities in Germany each year. It would be a disaster if we had even 320 deaths due to driverless cars,” said Diess.

He added that Germany currently lacks strong software companies and semi-conductor manufacturers who often work together and lags behind the likes of the US and China in this respect.

With this in mind, Diess lauded the German federal government for actively promoting the development of artificial intelligence.

Coupling autonomous driving technologies with renewable emissions-free powertrains will help to bring about a safer and cleaner environment.


Land Rover invites all to try their Discovery Sport

                PETALING JAYA: Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia, the official distributor of both brands has set up a Terrapod mobile track to feature the capabilities of the all-new Land Rover Discovery Sport mid-size luxury SUV.

The event is being held at the ground floor fore court of the 1 Utama Shopping centre's old wing outdoor carpark from 11.00am to 9.00pm.

The track has been designed with steep slopes and inclines for the SUV to show its all-terrain abilities at the touch of a button that transforms it into a sprawling "off-roader".

The Discovery Sport is expected to replace the Freelander shares the same uni-body construction as the and Range Rover Evoque and will feature two engine variants - a 237bhp 2.0-litre petrol and 187bhp 2.2-litre turbodiesel.

Furthermore, it will come with a choice of a two and four-wheel drive as well as a nine-speed automatic or six-speed  manual transmission.

To register for the event, log on to www.landrover.com.my/discoverysportlaunch.

Early birds who register online will receive a limited edition Land Rover gift, while stocks last.


McLaren 570S Sprint preps for Goodwood - VIDEO

                LONDON: The McLaren 570S Sprint has been earmarked to run up the Hill of year's Goodwood Festival of Speed while sitting pretty alongside its other stablemates, namely the McLaren P1 GTR, 650S Can-Am, 570S Coupé and the 675LT Coupé.

Finished in McLaren Orange as standard, delivery of the £148,000 (RM900,000) car will commence in 2017 and can be optioned with any of the colour palettes available on the Sports Series, along with a range of liveries available by McLaren Special Operations - Defined.

According to the supercar-maker, the 570S Sprint is a track-focused model that's had its noise, power and torque levels from its 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine - managed by a seven-speed SSG transmission, optimised for driver engagement, while being filled with New Life 0W-40 engine oil developed by Mobil 1.

The car is built around a carbon fibre MonoCell II chassis and it's cooling has been enhanced via a front centre GT3-inspired high-temperature radiator and a more aggressive front splitter as well as the floor assembly from the 570S GT4.

Based on the aerodynamic ‘shrink-wrapped’ design of the 570S Coupé, the 570S Sprint features an air piercing front bumper that separates the airflow above, below and through the bodywork, while the ‘floating’ door tendons channel air into the side-mounted radiators.

The flying buttresses are also retained and an optional aerodynamic upgrade includes a large carbon fibre fixed rear wing and front dive planes to help generate maximum downforce.

The wheels are centre-locking lightweight cast magnesium fitted with Pirelli racing slicks as standard, while the front and rear double wishbone and anti-roll bars have been taken from the 570S Coupé. An optional motorsport air jacking system for wheel changes is also available.

Inside, the cabin's been stripped and made driver-centric, while adding an FIA-approved roll-cage, flat-back driver seat, six-point racing harness and fire extinguisher system as standard. A passenger seat is also available as an option.

The 570S Sprint has not been homologated for any race series (yet), but a GT4-compliance pack is available as a further upgrade.

The car has been developed parallel to the 570S GT4 that's currently completing its final testing phase in the live race environment of the British GT championship and the package includes all items required to meet the FIA standards for GT4 competition.