Slow-moving traffic reported on several expressways on Deepavali eve

A view of the traffic build-up from the Gombak toll plaza. — LLM Trafik
KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic on several major expressways is reported to be slow-moving as at 8.30am today with many vehicles on the road due to the Deepavali holidays and long weekend.

The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) tweeted that traffic was slow moving on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway just before the Gombak toll plaza.

Traffic is also slow-moving on the East-bound East Coast Expressway Phase 1 (LPT1) before the Genting Sempah Tunnel, it said.

According to LLM, an accident occurred at about 7.45am today at KM155.8 (Southbound), causing a two-kilometre traffic jam from Bukit Gambir to Pagoh with the closure of the left lane.

Traffic is also reported to be slow-moving from Rawang Selatan to Rawang; Slim River to Sungkai; Bidor to Tapah and Tapah to Gopeng.

In the Klang Valley, LLM said traffic flow was still smooth on highways, including the Damansara-Puchong Expressway, the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and around the Sungai Besi toll plaza.


Nissan X-Trail now dressed up in new kit

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd today introduced the X-Tremer and Aero Edition packages to the new Nissan X-Trail line-up.

The new X-Trail X-Tremer showcases an aggressive appearance that comes with new two-tone exterior colour options - new Imperial Red, Brilliant White or Tungsten Silver body colours, with new black silhouette roof, roof rails and rear spoiler.

The X-Tremer also comes with new gloss black componentry which includes a new V-motion grille cladding, Tomei front and rear aero bumpers, side under spoiler, door mirrors as well as gloss black 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, complemented with brown Nappa leather seats, leatherette dashboard, knee pad and armrest.

Additionally, the X-Trail is also available as an Aero Edition. Fitted with silver Tomei front and rear aero bumpers and side under spoiler, gloss black 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels as well as the same brown Nappa leather interior of the X-Tremer. The Aero Edition is available in 3 single-tone exterior colour options; Diamond Black, Imperial Umber and Titanium Olive.

The X-Trail X-Tremer and Aero Edition are available in four variants: the 2.0L Hybrid, 2.5L 4WD, 2.0L 2WD MID and 2.0L 2WD, and are certified Energy Efficient Vehicles. It comes with standard 5-year unlimited mileage warranty (includes HEV components and lithium-ion HEV battery) whilst the package accessories are factory fitted and comes with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first).

For more details, go to the Nissan Malaysia site.


Causeway users looking forward to big savings

                JOHOR BARU: Malaysians crossing the Causeway to Singapore cannot wait for February to come.

News of the republic revising and abolishing toll charges at the Woodlands checkpoint beginning next month has already thrilled many daily commuters.

They expect their savings to be substantial, with some estimating them to be as much as RM6,000 to RM8,000 annually after the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) toll was abolished on Jan 1 and Singapore’s toll revision on Feb 1.

For Ariffin Ahmad, the reduction in tolls on both sides was a good New Year bonus for many of those who travel to Singapore daily.

“This works out to about RM52.50 per day which is more than RM1,000 a month,” he said.

Ariffin, who works as an electrician, plans to use the extra savings to offset household expenses.

For 52-year-old businessman P. Viman, he hopes to save the money for his children’s education.

“I hope that the government on both sides will not impose any new road charges, which can be a huge financial burden for the people,” he said.

Viman, who travels to Singapore at least 26 times a month for work, hopes that the Government could also abolish the RM2.90 toll being collected by PLUS Bhd at the Johor side.

Meanwhile, Ephraim Ang, who commutes with his wife daily, said that both sides imposed higher charges more than a year ago and they were a huge burden.

“We had to carpool with three more people daily to subsidise the toll,” he said.

He hopes the Malaysian Government will not raise the road charge on foreign cars from RM20 now to RM40, as this will lead to Singapore following suit.

Ang and his wife usually leave their home at 6am and return home at 8.30pm daily.

“If there are any savings, then it will be for our family,” he said.

The couple have a four-year-old son and are expecting a second child.

Singapore revised the toll charges at the Woodlands checkpoint to match Malaysia’s removal of toll charges at the EDL.

The Land Transport Authority of Singapore said this was in line with Singapore’s long-standing policy of matching Malaysian toll rates.

Singapore toll charges for all vehicles (except motorcycles) leaving Singapore via Woodlands will be reduced, and toll charges for all vehicles (except motorcycles) entering the republic via Woodlands will be removed.

Currently, car owners pay S$3.80 (RM11.40) and S$2.70 (RM8.10) for leaving and entering Singapore.

Effective Feb 1, they will only pay S$1 (RM3) to leave the republic.

For now, vans and light goods vehicles pay S$5.80 (RM17.40) to leave and S$4 (RM12) to enter but from Feb 1, it costs S$1.50 (RM4.50).

Heavy goods vehicles currently pay S$7.70 (RM23.10) to enter and S$5.30 (RM15.90) to leave and from Feb 1, S$2 (RM6).

Taxis now pay S$1.90 (RM5.70) to leave and S$1.40 (RM4.20) to enter and from Feb 1, 50 cents (RM1.50).

Buses pay S$3.10 (RM9.30) to leave and S$2.20 (RM6.60) to enter and from Feb 1, 80 cents (RM2.40).


The 'world's fastest SUV' is a Mercedes coupe on steroids

                BERLIN: The tuning specialists at German auto workshop Brabus have souped up a Mercedes GLE Coupe into what they say is the fastest road-legal SUV in the world.

Rolling with a thoroughly reworked V8 engine, the 900 Rocket Edition of the GLE Coupe can manage a 0-100kph sprint in just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 330kph.

Instead of 4.0 litres as in the original, the engine is now 4.5 litres, while power also increases from 612hp to 900hp. The maximum torque of 1,250Nm is even so high that it overtaxes the nine-speed automatic and has to be reduced to 1,050Nm.

Brabus has not only shaken things up under the bonnet, but the design has also changed.

On the outside, the company has installed its biggest ever carbon parts while there are massive 24-inch rims in exposed wheel arches. On the inside there's plenty of leather as well as fire-red anodised metal trim parts.

Unsurprisingly, the world's fastest SUV comes doesn't care much about climate change, and combined fuel consumption is 11.5 litres and CO2 emissions 284 g/km.

In addition to the climate cost, the Rocket Edition of the GLE 900 costs about three times as much as a GLE 63 S from Mercedes-AMG at €453,489 (RM2.2mil) in its home market.

But Brabus is not worried about sales. Firstly, only 25 units are being built, and secondly, a similarly configured brother based on the G-Class was twice sold out in the space of a few days. And that despite the fact that it cost over €500,000 (RM2.4mil).


Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi leadership to be shared among CEOs

                AMSTERDAM/TOKYO: Leadership in the troubled Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance will be shared among the three companies’ CEOs.

This was disclosed by Mitsubishi boss Osamu Masuko as executives of the three car makers met in Amsterdam for the first time since chairman Carlos Ghosn’s Nov 19 arrest over misconduct allegations.

There are no plans to name an interim leader for the alliance, said Masuko.

Renault, Nissan and Nissan-controlled Mitsubishi Motors “emphatically reiterated” their commitment to the alliance but failed to name an interim boss to stand in for Ghosn.

Attempts by Renault to transfer Ghosn’s chairmanship of the Renault-Nissan board to his French deputy Thierry Bollore appeared to have foundered.

The crisis unleashed by Ghosn’s arrest has deepened as Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa seeks to end 43.4 percent-owner Renault’s grip on their alliance. Ghosn was swiftly ousted as Nissan chairman but remains at the helm of Renault.

Renault had named Bollore as deputy CEO with “the same powers” as Ghosn a day after his arrest - in a bid to maintain the continuity of its leadership of the alliance.

Under its 2002 master agreement, the alliance is chaired by the sitting chief executive of Renault, a post still held by Ghosn. Nissan’s reciprocal 15 percent stake in its French parent currently has no voting rights.

Changes to the alliance ownership structure were not discussed, Masuko said in Japan after joining the meeting by video link. Saikawa and Bollore also participated remotely.

Ghosn, 64, and alleged co-conspirator Greg Kelly, a fellow Nissan director, were arrested in Tokyo over financial misconduct allegations after a Nissan investigation sparked by a whistleblower.

Both deny accusations that they under-reported Ghosn’s compensation, misrepresented Nissan investments and made personal use of company funds.


Residents urged to move vehicles to higher ground over flood fears

File pic of a flooded road.
PETALING JAYA: The Shah Alam City Council is urging Taman Sri Muda residents to move their vehicles to higher ground as rainfall continues today.

The notice was issued at 7.36pm in anticipation of the rain continuing into the night and was also disseminated to residents through various channels.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department's weather report at 5pm stated that rain clouds will continue to cover most parts of the peninsula, especially on the east coast.

"The situation can continue as rain clouds from the South China Sea are heading towards the east coast of the peninsula which can also cause rainfall to continue in affected areas in the peninsula.

"Rainfall which began earlier Tuesday in some parts of the peninsula and East Malaysia could continue well into the night."

Flash floods have struck several areas in Shah Alam following the non-stop rain that began at 3pm on Tuesday.

Rising water levels were reported in several areas with water entering a number of landed properties in Taman Sri Muda and Kota Kemuning.

In addition to Taman Sri Muda, areas affected include parts of Section 17, Section 24, Section 25, Section 32, Section 36, Bukit Naga, Alam Impian, Bukit Jelutong, Bukit Kemuning, Bukit Rimau and portions of the Shah Alam Expressway.

The Kuala Lumpur Command and Control Centre (KLCCC) also reported flooding at several roads in Kuala Lumpur.

At 8pm, motorists travelling towards or along Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Pudu, Jalan Sungai Besi, Jalan Loke Yew and Jalan Yaacob Latif may experience traffic delays due to flash floods along the five roads.

The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department said drivers and passengers from two vehicles, which were stranded in knee-high water along Jalan Chan Sow Lin, were successfully rescued and that the road had been closed to traffic.

The Irrigation and Drainage Department has issued flash flood warnings for the whole of Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Johor, Melaka, and Sarawak.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia reports healthy growth

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia achieved a 53 per cent sales growth for passenger cars in the first half of 2015 with 5,163 units registered from 3,366 units in the same period of last year.

President and chief executive officer Roland Folger said the growth was mainly driven by locally produced models, such as the C, E and S class, with sales increasing by 62 per cent to 3,787 units.

"The E-Class, in leading the pack, registered 1,967 units sold and the performance was a 41 per cent increase from the first half of 2014, " he added.

He told reporters this at a briefing on the company's first half performance here today.

The C-Class, maintained its strong growth momentum - after being crowned "Car of the Year" in April - in registering sales of 1,104 units, up 38 per cent from the first half 2014.

Folger said the S-Class continued its uptrend to record a 419 per cent increase to 719 units.

In May 2015, Mercedes-Benz delivered 1,143 units, up 110 per cent from the same period last year, and recorded the strongest sales month in the company's history.

For the second half of 2015, the group remains confident of better growth, driven by all the existing and upcoming models, Fogler said.

Commenting on upcoming models, Folger said the group will be launching the C63 within the next four weeks.

"We see a huge demand for the model globally and Malaysians have been enquiring about the model," he added.


In Scotland, smoking in cars with children will cost you over RM560

                EDINBURGH: A new law comes into force in Scotland on Monday banning smoking in cars when children are present, as part of the government's plans for a "tobacco-free generation".

Under the law, smokers face a £100 (RM564) on-the-spot fine if caught lighting up in a private vehicle where under-18s are present.

The penalty increases up to £1,000 (RM5,640) if a case goes to court, under a bill passed unanimously in Scottish Parliament in December.

The new measure was introduced as part of the Scottish government's plans to lower the smoking rate to under 5% by 2034.

"It's simply not safe to smoke when a child is in the car. Dangerous levels of chemicals can build up, even on short journeys," said Scotland's public health minister Aileen Campbell.

Breathing second hand smoke is linked to asthma, respiratory infections, lung cancer and coronary heart disease, according to the World Health Organisation.

The law has been welcomed by health charities, with Ash Scotland saying it sends a clear message that children should grow up in a smoke-free environment.

"We know from speaking to parents that they want to protect their children from tobacco smoke, but often don't know enough about how smoke is harmful and lingers in the air even after you can't see or smell it," said the organisation's chief executive Sheila Duffy.

But the move has been criticised by smokers' group Forest, whose director Simon Clark described the law as "patronising and unnecessary".

"Very few adults smoke in cars with children. Smokers know it's inconsiderate and the overwhelming majority don't do it.

"So few people smoke when there's a child in the car it will be like looking for a needle in a haystack," he said.

The law banning smoking in vehicles carrying children came into force in England and Wales in October 2015.


What's known about Tesla's 'Project Highland'?

The current Model 3.
SHANGHAI: Tesla plans to slow production at its Shanghai plant in the last week of February to prepare for building a revamped version of its Model 3 sedan, according to a person with knowledge of the matter and a planning memo seen by Reuters.

The move was first reported by Bloomberg News.

The automaker has not commented on the new version, codenamed Highland. CEO Elon Musk has said Tesla will talk about strategy and its product roadmap at its March 1 investor day.

Here's what is known about the car:

Production timing and aims

The new version is expected to go into production in Shanghai in September, said the person with knowledge of the matter, who declined to be named as the matter was private.

With the new model, Tesla is aiming to cut production costs and boost the appeal of the five-year-old electric sedan, Reuters reported in November.

One focus will be reducing the number of components and complexity in its interior. There will also be changes to the exterior and powertrain performance with a focus on production efficiency.

The revamped model will also be assembled at its plant in Fremont, California. Building permits filed with the city of Fremont concerning changes to its factory have referenced "Highland" since last June.

Apart from the Cybertruck, it is the only new model that Tesla is retooling assembly lines for this year.

Tesla prototypes have been spotted in the United States in recent months which many believe are early versions.

The pre-production cars have all had their front and rear covered in tarp, prompting speculation that Tesla has changed the design and possibly added sensors or other features.

Why does it matter?

Tesla only has two main models globally. The Model 3 has been overtaken in sales by the Model Y crossover and analysts say it is due for a revamp.

The automaker's global price cuts have boosted sales across the board, but the bump for the Model 3 in China shows signs of diminishing.

Sales of the Model 3 quadrupled in January after its base price was cut by almost 14%. But for the first week of February, sales were down by more than two-thirds from the end of January, data from China Merchants Bank International showed. In contrast, Model Y sales held steady.

Analysts say Tesla needs to up its game to avoid losing share to fast-moving rivals in China. Its approach of offering two main models has kept costs down but Chinese competitors have successfully wooed car shoppers with newer offerings.

What does the name mean?

No one really knows but many are guessing.

Tesla fans and armchair analysts speculate that "Highland" could be a reference to Ford Motor Co's (F.N) Highland Park plant, where Henry Ford launched his moving assembly line.

That could suggest Tesla sees the new model as a chance to introduce its own game-changing production technology.

Others, noting Musk is partial to movie references, see the name as a nod to the 1986 film "Highlander," depicting a battle between immortals and known for the line: "there can only be one."


Own a Volkswagen from as low as RM25 this Raya

                KUALA LUMPUR: In conjunction with the upcoming Raya festivities, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is running a special festive campaign offering a Volkswagen from as low as RM25 a day.

During this campaign period, customers can enjoy cash rebates and savings on selected models such as the Polo, Vento, Jetta, Golf, Passat Comfortline and Trendline as well as the Tiguan Comfortline.

To enjoy the deals, all vehicle bookings must be made within the promotion period and is subject to terms and conditions while stocks last.


Caltex ending year on generous note

                PETALING JAYA: Chevron Malaysia Limited (Chevron), which carries the retail brand Caltex, is ending the year with what it refers to as the most exciting promotion yet – the Caltex ‘Big Fuel Giveaway’.

The promotion offers attractive monthly prizes that include Caltex fuel worth RM90,000 in total, Caltex StarCash cards, and Samsung Galaxy S5 smart phones.

Every month, 46 lucky customers will be rewarded with Caltex giveaways – from free fuel to cash prizes and a Samsung Galaxy Note 5.

Three grand prize winners will walk away with RM10,000 worth of free fuel, while 10 winners walk away with a cash prize worth RM5,000.

For consolation prizes, thirty winners will stand a chance to win StarCash cards worth RM300, and for all Caltex JOURNEYTM Card and BCARD customers, three winners will be selected to win a Samsung Galaxy Note 5.

Over a period of three months, the Caltex Big Fuel Giveaway promotion would have rewarded more than a hundred customers nationwide.

“The Caltex ‘Big Fuel Giveaway’ promotion serves as an opportunity to offer more exciting campaigns to our customers, in addition to rewarding our loyal customers at the same time,” said Chevron Malaysia’s Country Chairman, Shahid Ahmed.

To participate, purchase a minimum of RM40 worth of Caltex fuel at any Caltex stations nationwide to stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes monthly.

The Caltex ‘Big Fuel Giveaway’ kicked off on Dec 1, 2015 and will take place over a period of three months before ending on Feb 29, 2016.


Honda Accord: Bold and beautiful

                The 10th generation Honda Accord was launched in Malaysia just a month before the entire world went into lockdown in February.

It would have been one of the most talked about cars to be released this year had it not been for the pandemic which took centrestage and changed the world forever.

However, as we are now adjusting to life in the new normal, we got our hands on the all-new Honda Accord and discovered just how much of a thrill it is to drive it.

Not to mention how good it looks inside and out.

First off, the all-new Accord is available in two variants, starting with the entry 1.5 TC and the flagship 1.5 TC-P, priced at RM178,203 and RM187,390 respectively. All prices are on-the-road without insurance including sales tax exemption.

The review unit loaned to us was the top-specced 1.5 TC-P.

Both variants are identical in almost every way except the 1.5 TC-P comes with the Honda Sensing safety suite which includes Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF) as well as a 360-degree camera, Cross Traffic Monitor, Smart Parking Assist System with rear Brake Assist and a tyre deflation warning system.

Is it worth paying the extra some RM9,000 for these?

Yes, and here’s why. The Honda Sensing safety and driving assist systems keep you, your passengers and other road users safer.

How? The driver is not the only one in control of safety when the mitigation systems are engaged.

If, for example, you get cut-off by a car in front of you and you’re at a higher speed, traditionally it will depend on your reaction time alone when and how hard you hit the brakes.

With the Collision Mitigation Braking System, the car can override your reaction or lack of it by taking control and applying the brakes for you and avoiding anything untoward from happening.

The extra money is a small price to pay comparatively.

The Adaptive Cruise Control and Low Speed Follow systems also take the car to the next level as it is in the region of an autonomous driving vehicle.

Not fully of course, but you can see how these technologies are stepping stones towards that end.

Driving outstation or on highways with Adaptive Cruise Control engaged is relaxing and takes away the stress of driving.

You just set your distance between the car in front of you and set your speed and all you have to do is steer, as the car will either follow the speed of the car in front or, if traffic is clear, it will reach the specified speed.

You are still in control of the car of course and can hit the brakes in case of an emergency.

Otherwise, Adaptive Cruise Control is an eye-opening experience and the best way for long distance drives.

Low Speed Follow applies the same principle of Adaptive Cruise Control and is useful when you’re crawling through traffic jams.

Safety technology aside, the new Accord is simply stunning to look at.

Passersby kept staring at the car when I was driving it around and even family members were inquisitive about it. All because of the way it looks.

The fastback design and sleek, curved lines along the body coupled with the chrome trim at the grille and twin tail pipe chrome finish at the rear makes it stylish and commanding at the same time.

It’s equally impressive in the cabin. The eight-inch Advanced Display Audio head unit is the centre-piece on the dashboard which has a minimal layout with shiny knurled knobs for climate control and dark wood trim. It’s also very quiet in the cabin making for a relaxing space to be in.

The leather seats are comfortable and its spacious for rear passengers with ample head and legroom. Boot space is equally impressive at 570 litres.

The low centre of gravity of the driver’s seat makes for an ideal driving position with a good view all round. The suspension absorbs the harshness of the road for a smooth driving experience and it handles confidently around turns and bends.

Now, is a 1.5 litre turbo engine sufficient for a sedan this size?

It sure is. It outputs 201PS and 260Nm of torque and the distribution of power is refined giving the Accord a classy driving feel.

If you want more excitement then just hit the Sport button on the centre console and watch the RPM needle aim for the redline.

The new Accord 1.5 TC-P is making a huge statement to the competition out there and even those familiar with previous Accords, that this new kid on the block is like nothing that has come before.

Its stylish looks, refined ride, abundant safety technology, comfort, space and attractive price point make it one of the more outstanding D-segment sedans in the market right now.

SPECIFICATIONSHonda Accord 1.5 TC-PEngine: 1,498cc 4-cylinder, 16 valves, DOHC VTEC turbo
Transmission: Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
Maximum power: 201PS at 5,500rpm
Maximum torque: 260Nm from 1,600 to 5,000rpm
Features: Remote Engine Start, Walk Away Auto Lock, Smart Entry With Push Start Button, Paddle Shift, Cruise Control, 7-inch TFT meter cluster, Dual Auto Climate Control, 8‑Way Driver Power Seat, 4‑Way Passenger Power Seat with Shoulder Switch, Auto Front Wiper, Wireless Charger, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Agile Handle Assist (AHA), Anti‑Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Honda LaneWatch Camera (LWC), Multi‑view Camera System (360° Camera), Reverse Camera, Cross Traffic Monitor, Smart Parking Assist System, Honda Sensing suite, Tyre Deflation Warning System, airbags, 8-inch Advanced Display Audio, Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, USB Ports, 10 speakers, LED auto headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED Front Fog Lights, Rear Seat ISOFIX, 18-inch wheels
Price: RM187,390 (on-the-road without insurance including sales tax exemption)


BMW may be building a 700hp M8 CSL

                MUNICH: You want more power well, your wish just may come true.

According to Motor.es, a BMW M8 CSL could arrive in 2022. However, rumour has it that the car is in the early stages of development. But get this ... the M8 CSL could deliver up to 700hp from a combination of a six-cylinder 3.0 litre unit and electric motors.

Besides the beast under the hood, the M8 CSL could get a large spoiler, if you have been observing some of the spy photos earlier this year. The future GT could also weigh less, with carbon fiber elements inside and out, and a potential removal of the rear seat bench.

The rendering seen here from Motor.es aims to portray the future BMW M8 CSL with a carbon fibre treatment at the front, air vents on the front fenders and a massive racing wing in the back.

In 2019, BMW M president Markus Flasch had confirmed the possibility of future CS and CSL models. “We will see more limited editions, especially models like the CS and, I can imagine, the CSL,” he said.

Flasch said the M division would also continue to cater for different customer tastes through the sportier Competition spec and more versions of the CS – and potentially CSL – racetrack-oriented variants.

“CSL stands for lightweight, CSL stands for racetrack ability, and for the purest M character that you can achieve on a car that has still got license plates on it,” added Flasch.


With Leon Cupra R, Seat to debut its most powerful car yet in Frankfurt

                BARCELONA: With its latest hot hatch, the Leon Cupra R, Seat appears to have hit upon the perfect formula - unlimited performance coupled with very limited availability

Due to make its official debut at the Frankfurt motor show on Sept 12, the Cupra R is the latest in a growing line of cars that have earned their stripes through relentless Nurburgring testing.

When it goes on sale its production will be capped at exactly 799 examples. And each one of those cars will be capable of outputting a minimum of 306hp that will be channeled directly to the car's front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Making it the most powerful Seat in the company's history.

To put that figure into context, the Ferrari 328 GTB, a V8-engined dreamcar that adorned the bedroom wall of many a little boy in the mid -980s and early 1990s could only boast 270hp.

Now, 30 years on, a sportscar based on a sensible family hatchback with a little four-cylinder turbocharged engine offers 13% more grunt.

However, pushing all of that power solely to the front wheels can have a detrimental effect on everything other than straight-line speed. Demanding that the front wheels deliver power, undertake the majority of the braking, and take full responsibility for the steering too can cause a huge headache for engineers and designers.

This problem is why the late lamented Saab, the Swedish car company that popularized the concept of turbocharging, used to cap its engines' output at 250hp, no matter how much power they could conceivably generate. They believed that going past that figure would start to destroy a front-wheel-drive car's handling.

So, to eradicate torque steer and to ensure that the car doesn't understeer through the corners, Seat has altered the camber on the front axle to change the way the front tyres grip the road. It also has an adaptive suspension control system that should help to keep the car from lifting at the rear, and these two changes, when coupled with the heavy carbon fiber exterior aerodynamic upgrades should ensure that all of that power can actually be used properly.

Seat won't be revealing the car's vital performance statistics — i.e., 0-100kph time and flat-out top speed — until its official unveiling on Sept 12 during its show press conference, but expect to be impressed.

As for aesthetics and creature comforts, the new car is available in a choice of three special color schemes — midnight black; Pyrenees grey; and matte grey. The cabin is finished in carbon fiber and copper trim and the steering wheel and gear knob are wrapped in Alcantara to improve both comfort and grip.


Volvo Cars now pitching Polestar as standalone electric car brand

                GOTHENBURG: Geely-owned automaker Volvo Cars will make its Polestar Performance business a standalone brand within the group, focusing on electric cars, the company said today.

Polestar, bought by Volvo in 2015, will produce own-brand vehicles while continuing to deliver high-performance upgrades to the Volvo range.

The new offering will be mainly electric vehicles, aimed at competing with Tesla and the Mercedes-AMG division on battery supercars, Volvo said.

"Polestar will be a credible competitor in the emerging global market for high-performance electrified cars," it said.

Major markets are likely to include China and the United States.


BMW 430i Coupe M Sport ready for booking, priced from RM419K

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia today started the online pre-booking for the all-new 430i Coupé M Sport.

The on-the-road without insurance retail price for the 430i Coupé M Sport is RM418,800.

The design direction taken for the 4 Series Coupé stands to differentiate it from the rest, and to give the "4" identity a leading edge, while at the same time representing the BMW brand’s long-standing association at the forefront of modernistic design and innovation.

As part of its purist design language, the 430i Coupé M Sport showcases styling cues inspired by historic role models, but brings with it a contemporary flair.

The coupé’s athletic proportions emphasise elegance and exclusivity, providing a clear differentiation from the 3 Series models.

Combining sportier handling with a fine level of comfort, the 430i Coupé M Sport is said to offer  a ride that is smoother than ever before.

Its 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder engine delivers 258hp and 400Nm of torque to propel the car from 0-100kph in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 250kph.

Fuel consumption is rated at 6.6 litres per 100km.

Features include all-round 19-inch M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 797 M Bicolour with mixed runflat tyres, Parking Assistant, Driving Assistant, Steptronic Sport Transmission, M sport suspension, variable sport steering, M sport brake, M leather steering wheel, M-Specific pedals, and telephony with wireless charging.

BMW Group Malaysia managing director Harald Hoelzl said, “The pursuit of excellence in functional and aesthetic design has long set the groundwork and guiding principles for developing cars that both captures the fascination and provides an unparalleled driving experience for our customers. This is a promise to our customers that spans the full breadth of the BMW product range.”

He also said BMW Group Malaysia remained hopeful for the local automotive industry and would continue to commit to its investments and customers here, while pursuing high levels of digitalisation.

The 430i Coupé M Sport can be pre-booked on the BMW Shop Online platform from now until March 18 at RM1,000.

The Innovation Package can also be included and will bump the overall price up to RM454,800.

Among the addition items under the Innovation Package are Laserlight headlamps, Leather Vernasca upholstery, Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, Connected Package Professional, High Beam Assistant and Instrument Panel in Sensatec.


Malaysia-Singapore travel via 2 land links resumes from Aug 17

Hishammuddin (right) greeting his Singapore counterpart, Dr Vivian, at the Causeway on July 26.
JOHOR BARU: The Causeway, closed off to most traffic due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will be busy again when cross-border travel is allowed from Aug 17 following a historic meeting between Malaysia and Singapore on the 1km link.

Wearing face masks and standing a metre apart, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein met his Singapore counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, with both men announcing in a joint statement that they had agreed to allow cross-border travel between the two countries under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA).

In yesterday’s statement, the two ministers said they were pleased to announce that Singapore and Malaysia had reached an agreement on all key aspects of RGL and PCA after having a constructive discussion.

Later at a press conference, Hishammuddin said applications for travel under RGL and PCA could be submitted from Aug 10 but reminded those eligible, especially Malaysians, to follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) agreed upon by both governments.

“We will make the announcement on the SOP before Aug 10 but I do hope that the public understands how important this matter is to the government and to adhere to it.

“If this is successful, then we can conduct further discussions with Singapore to open cross-border travel for others,” he told reporters at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine.

He said for the border with Singapore to be reopened for all, Malaysia would need to increase its testing capacity to cater for over 250,000 travellers on a daily basis, which was a huge number.

RGL and PCA will only facilitate cross-border travel for official, business and work purposes between Singapore and Malaysia.

Considered the busiest border crossing in the world, the Causeway used to see some 350,000 travellers daily. In 2015, 107.9 million people used the Causeway and Second Link.

“The important thing is – RGL and PCA will allow more than 20,000 Malaysians, who are currently in Singapore, to return home after four months of staying away from their loved ones should they fall within the categories,” said Hishammuddin.

Asked if the recent spike in Covid-19 cases being reported in both countries would affect the agreement, he said the two governments had the political will as well as a system and SOP in place.

“Do we have to wait until there are zero cases so we can open up our border when there are our own people who want to travel to Singapore for work?” he said.

Hishammuddin said RGL and PCA would become a template for Wisma Putra to conduct more discussions in opening up the country’s border with other nations under the ‘’green bubble travel category”, among which were New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Vietnam and Japan.

“We have many Malaysian students wanting to return to Melbourne for their education and if the respective universities there can carry out their responsibilities in ensuring the SOP, then we will support it.

“The government has to look at the reality on the ground, in that we must be balanced in making our decision as there are economic and health considerations before we negotiate,” he said.

RGL will allow 400 Malaysians and Singaporeans to travel to and from the two countries every week but this is restricted to official travel and important business matters.

PCA will allow some 2,000 Malaysians and Singaporeans with long-term work permits to cross the Causeway and the Second Link every day.


Range Rover electrifies latest version of Velar luxury SUV

                BERLIN: Change is coming for the Range Rover Velar, though you can't tell by looks alone: The latest model of the luxury SUV will be offered almost exclusively as a mild or plug-in hybrid.

The otherwise optically unchanged vehicle will offer new petrol and diesel engines that are all equipped with an electric starter generator as well as 48-volt technology - meaning drivers get not only reduced fuel consumption, but also better performance when setting off on a drive.

New is a four-cylinder diesel engine that can generate 204hp with 2 litres' displacement, while another in-line six-cylinder diesel engine with 3 litres' capacity and 300hp will also be on offer. For the petrol versions, the four-cylinder - the only engine that doesn't require a mild hybrid - achieves 250hp while the six-cylinder hits 400hp.

As a plug-in hybrid, the Velar marries a 300-hp four-cylinder petrol engine with a 143-hp electric motor and a 17.1-kilowatt battery. With a combined output of 404hp, this Velar P400e has an electric range of 61km at best.

Deliveries of the new model year are to begin in early 2021.


Eighth-gen VW Golf to get more power, but e-Golf to be axed

                WOLFSBURG (Germany): Although a new Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren may grab more media headlines, a new Volkswagen Golf is much bigger news for the global auto industry. And now, the first tantalizing details of the next Golf are being released by VW, and it appears the mark-eight version of the hatch will go into production in June 2019. However, the more interesting news is that the GTI and Golf R version will get more power, and the e-Golf looks like being dropped completely.

According to reports from Auto Express, the eighth-generation Golf will make its debut at next year's Geneva Motor Show, the GTI will be upgraded to 250hp, and the Golf R will then boast an impressive 350hp. These power uplifts will place the Golf GTI on an even footing with rivals such as the Ford Focus ST and Subaru WRX, and the Golf R will then be a genuine competitor for the likes of the Focus RS and Mercedes-AMG CLA45, at least in terms of power and performance.

 The e-Golf is being scrapped in favour of the new i.D. line.

But perhaps the most surprising news at a time when automakers are keen to tell us how many electric cars they are going to be producing in future, is the revelation that the e-Golf will cease to exist once the eighth generation comes around.

It appears the demise of the e-Golf is a result of the German auto giant's focus on the new I.D. Line, and the I.D. hatchback in particular. The problem with the current e-Golf is it only has a range of 300km when many rivals are looking at far more ambitious figures for their upcoming models. The I.D. hatchback is due to launch a year after the next-generation Golf, and Volkswagen is already claiming an all-electric range for it of 600km on the European cycle of measuring such things.

It's believed the next generation will deliver the most substantial transformation of the Golf in its 43-year history, so expect more and more details to be revealed as its eventual unveiling gets closer.


PLUS says food court dining areas on highways reopened, subject to strict SOPs

                PETALING JAYA: PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) has reopened its food court dining areas along the highways it operates.

In a statement Thursday (Feb 11), the highway concessionair said that during the movement control order period, all facilities at the rest and service areas (R&R) and lay-bys such as public restrooms and surau are open 24-hours.

"Restaurants, stalls and mobile food trucks, including convenience stores, are operating from 6am to 10pm.

"As such, PLUS advises all customers to comply with the standard operations procedures (SOPs) which allow only two persons per dining table with 1m physical distancing when stopping over to have their meals at the respective areas," it said.

It also advised all highway customers to adhere to the standard safety SOPs of wearing face masks, registering on the MySejahtera App, checking temperatures at the designated points and keeping a safe distance of 1m apart when lining up for food or using highway facilities such as the R&Rs and other public places during this period.

"Customer safety and comfort is key to PLUS and we recognise that local community businesses are the engine of the economy hence we hope any of our customers using the highway can support our business partners at the R&Rs.

"Additionally, we are using technology to help our business partners to take orders via a pre-order function in the PLUS app," it said, adding that to view the R&R business partner offers or to enjoy pre-order meals at selected R&Rs, customers can do so via the PLUS app or visit https://orderdisini.plus.com.my/ or or PLUS Malaysia's official Facebook page for more information on pre-orders.

The PLUS App can be downloaded for free through the Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for iPhone users.


Driving in hot weather: Air-conditioner not always the answer

                BERLIN: With extreme heat comes tiredness and a lack of focus - sure-fire dangers when driving a car. So what can you do when temperatures start soaring to make yourself more comfortable and decrease your risk of having an accident?

Johannes Boos, a spokesman for German auto association ADAC, says that on hot days there are more accidents, such as rear-end collisions, due to a lack of concentration.

To reduce this risk, drivers should follow some simple tips to better ensure their safety.

"Open your windows and door before driving off and turn on the air shortly after starting," advises Boos. "Only then should you close the windows and turn on the air conditioning."

Though it might be tempting, it is also important not to set the temperature too cold.

"A large temperature difference can affect your concentration, put strain on your circulation and lead to colds and tension," warns the ADAC expert.

For short distances, it makes more sense to do without the air conditioning and instead open the windows, while if you are travelling on longer journeys, you should switch off the air conditioning shortly before the end of the journey and let some air in through the windows.

"This causes condensed water to evaporate and prevents malodorous bacteria and fungi from forming," explains Boos.

If a car is parked in the blazing sun, the interior can heat up to 60 degrees after one hour, warns the ADAC.

Therefore, motorists should never leave children and animals in the car when it is hot, as the situation could become life threatening after only after a few minutes.


Oct 12–18: RON97 petrol up 7 sen

                PETALING JAYA: The price of RON97 petrol is down by 7 sen per litre while RON95 and diesel prices remain the same for the following week.

The Finance Ministry said the price of RON97 petrol would be RM2.67 per litre beginning Saturday (Oct 12) until Oct 18, up from RM2.60.

Prices of RON95 and diesel will stay at RM2.08 per litre and RM2.18 per litre respectively.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism was reintroduced on Jan 5 under the APM.

Under this system, fuel prices are announced every Friday and remain in force for one week.


No way Bugatti is making an offroader

                BERLIN: Super luxury carmaker Bugatti will not be bringing out a gilded sports utility to rival the likes of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan or Bentley Bentayga, the Volkswagen-owned company has announced.

"There will be no SUV", Bugatti chief Stephan Winkelmann told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport magazine. An offroader did not fit in with the French brand's image or its heritage, said the manager.

Bugatti is renowned for its sporting tradition and currently produces the ridiculously fast Chiron super sportscar. It comes with a 1,500-horsepower, 8.0-litre 16-cylinder quad-turbo engine.

Bugatti is owned by Volkswagen and a new model is probably not at the top of the VW group's priority list amid fallout from the diesel emissions scandal and calls for a blanket speed limit on the German motorway.

More likely is an ultra-luxury limousine similar to the Bugatti Royale, a superlative saloon built from 1927 to 1933 which was popular with European royalty.

Winkelmann recently hinted that the brand was considering a new model but gave away nothing concrete.

"Our customers can rest assured that we are working every day to ensure that Bugatti remains true to its proud heritage," said the manager. This year Bugatti celebrates 110 years in the car business.


Nissan axes joint venture with Tan Chong in Vietnam

                KUALA LUMPUR: Nissan Motor Co Ltd has issued a notice to terminate its joint venture (JV) with Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd (TCMH) that imports and distributes Nissan vehicles and spare parts in Vietnam.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, TCMH said the notice was effective from Dec 9, 2018, while the JV agreement dated Sept 22, 2010, would terminate on Sept 10, 2019.

In 2010, TCMH's wholly-owned subsidiary ETCM (V) Pte Ltd acquired a 74% stake in the JV company, Nissan Vietnam Co Ltd, from Kjaer Group A/S. Nissan Motor holds the remaining 26% of the charter capital.

TCMH, which is the exclusive distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, did not give any reason for the notice of termination.

However, it said the termination had no significant financial and operational impact on the group for the current financial year.

“Notwithstanding the above, ETCM remains open to further discussion with Nissan Motor to explore alternative solutions and business opportunities for mutual benefits in Vietnam,” the company added.


Ferrari museums reopen

                MARANELLO: Ferrari has announced that its museums have officially reopened their doors to the public.

Both the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena are now ready to welcome visitors and have assured that they are in line with the Italian government's regulations.

A series of new measures have been put in place to protect the health of its patrons and staffers so that they can enjoy the full experience of the “Ferrari at 24 Heures du Mans”, “Hypercars” and the “Grand Tour” exhibitions.

Aside from those outlined in the recent Italian ministerial decree, both museums also introduced further measures specifically designed for their premises and inspired by Ferrari’s “Back on Track” programme.

At their entrances, all visitors temperatures are scanned by a thermal scanner and, if their temperature is outside the normal zone, will be able to reschedule their visit.

Wearing of a mask is now compulsory and can be provided free of charge to those without, except for children under the age of six.

Also implemented are horizontal floor markings to help ensure social distancing rules are complied with.

To facilitate the limited visitor numbers now permitted, it is possible to book visitation time slots and purchase tickets through the online ticket offices on the Museums’ sites.

Ferrari is also making a further gesture of gratitude to frontline medical staff by offering healthcare workers free access to both Museums for the rest of 2020 in addition to discounts for their family members for the same period.

The museums were initially closed on Feb 24 in compliance with the Region of Emilia-Romagna’s emergency healthcare directives.


BMW Malaysia delivers a fleet of BMW 530e Sport for CEPSI 2018

                PETALING JAYA: BMW Malaysia today handed over a fleet of BMW 5 Series Hybrid with eDrive Technology to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) to be utilised at the upcoming Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) 2018.

The fleet will be utilised as the official cars at the landmark conference, taking place from Sept 17 to 22, 2018 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in which BMW Malaysia is the Official e-Mobility Partner.

TNB is hosting CEPSI 2018 on behalf of The Association of Electricity Supply Industry of East ASIA and the Western Pacific (AESIEAP).

The cars were handed over by Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia to TNB’s Chief Corporate Officer and AESIEAP 2017/2018 Secretary General, Datuk Wira Roslan Ab Rahman at TNB Headquarters in Bangsar.

Speaking on BMW Malaysia’s partnership with TNB and CEPSI 2018, Hoelzl said, “The collaboration signifies BMW Malaysia’s intention in being a key partner in transforming the local Electro Mobility industry and the country’s ambition in Sustainable Development. We look forward in exchanging our industry-leading expertise and insights as well as gain knowledge from the many thought leaders at CEPSI to shape a better Malaysia.”

Datuk Wira Roslan meanwhile said that the cars sponsored by BMW will be used to shuttle VVIPs and AESIEAP Executive Council Members throughout the five-day conference.

“This e-mobility partnership is the first of its kind for CEPSI since its inception in 1976 in Hong Kong SAR. The partnership is timely as electric vehicles are generating a revolution in transportation across the globe. On this note, TNB through our wholly- owned subsidiary, TNB Energy Services Sdn. Bhd. is collaborating with Malaysian Green Technology Corporation to deliver an integrated service to EV owners in Malaysia,” said Roslan.

With the conference themed “Reimagining the Utility of the Future”, BMW will be sharing its thoughts on the Mobility of the Future courtesy of Dr. Alexander Kotouc, the Head of Product Management BMW i who is a keynote speaker at the event.

The premium automaker will also be unveiling a new model from its BMW i portfolio.

“CEPSI 2018 is also an opportunity for us to share a truly progressive model from our portfolio of Visionary Mobility. The new vehicle exemplifies how cutting-edge engineering and human-focused design as well as aesthetics can push the boundaries re-imagining the future which is the theme of CEPSI this year,” added Hoelzl.


Goodyear Malaysia improves on 'Worry Free Assurance' benefits

                KUALA LUMPUR: Goodyear Malaysia has recently launched its new and improved Worry Free Assurance (WFA), promising greater peace of mind for all Goodyear tyre users.

The new WFA programme is now available for all customers who buy any new Goodyear consumer tyres without a minimum purchase.

Customers who participate in the programme will receive three new benefits:

> 1 Year Road Hazard Warranty
For a period of one year starting from the date of purchase, customers are eligible for a free 1-to-1 exchange if tyres are damaged beyond repair by road hazards such as potholes and/or sharp objects that occurred during normal driving.
The tyres should have a tread depth of 5mm and above for the exchange.
This new feature is an extension of the previous WFA with a six-month coverage with a minimum tread depth of 6mm.

> 2X Free Tyre Safety Check
The new WFA programme ensures customers’ tyres are in optimal condition by providing two free tyre safety checks.
Customers may return to the original Goodyear Autocare centre where they purchased their tyres for the two free safety checks on the sixth and 12th month from the date of purchase, giving customers additional peace of mind while driving.

> 5 Years Warranty
Goodyear Malaysia has updated their terms and condition where the five-year limited warranty will cover five years from the date of purchase stated in the original invoice, instead of from the manufacturing date on the tyres.
However, in the event that the original invoice is not available, the limited warranty will cover the tyres from the date of manufacturing instead.
Under this warranty, Goodyear also covers manufacturing defects in workmanship or materials used.

Goodyear has also made it easy for customers to sign up for the warranty in three steps.

1. Buy any new Goodyear consumer tyres from Goodyear Autocare or participating outlets.
2. Receive invoice and WFA card from Goodyear Autocare or participating outlets.
3. Register the purchased tyres on https://www.goodyear.com.my/warranty/register-your-tyres to activate their WFA, by uploading your receipt and WFA card number.

Customers who intend to claim the free 1-to-1 exchange or conduct the free tyre safety check must provide both their WFA card and purchase invoice at the participating outlets.

Should the WFA card be missing, customers can print out the WFA online registration instead.

Goodyear Malaysia managing director Alex Ng said more cars have returned to the road after the Government announced the endemic phase of Covid-19 in May.

“As such, we want to encourage our customers to be aware of their vehicle tyre’s health so they can drive with peace of mind. As an advocate of on-the-road safety, we believe the new Worry Free Assurance programme will help our customers stay safe and have an enjoyable drive for the long run,” he said.

For additional information on Goodyear’s Worry Free Assurance programme, visit www.goodyear.com/my or follow Goodyear Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram.


Google Street View wants web users to get involved

                SAN FRANCISCO: Google is hoping to get web users actively involved in making its Street View 360° virtual navigation app even more exhaustive. Soon, anyone and everyone will be able to upload their own photos to the app, which will then be processed and inserted by Google with no need for any advanced equipment.

Soon, any user of Google's Street View app will be able to capture their own imagery of a precise location – or an entire street – simply by means of their smartphone camera. In other words, all web users will be on hand to help grow the app's already immense database. That has two main advantages for Google: first, users on the ground can capture places previously unmapped in the app, and second, they can keep places already featured up to date.

And there's no need for any special high-tech kit to take 360° videos and photos – a simple smartphone compatible with the ARCore development kit is all that's needed to get involved (in other words, most recent mobile phones).

Instead, the latest update for the Street View app will feature a new photo tool that will let users record a series of images, captured using augmented reality. The app then takes over to rotate, position and create a series of connected photos to make a 360° view. It then places those connected images in the right place on Google Maps.

As is often the way, this new function will roll out first in a handful of cities in the United States and Canada. Future contributors elsewhere will have a little longer to wait.

As well as revealing this new function, Google also announced some impressive figures about Street View. For example, the app's various trekkers and cars have collected over 170 billion images from 10 million miles around the world!


VW planning new North America factory for electric vehicles

The MEB platform will form the basis of the future Volkswagen electric vehicles.
LOS ANGELES: Volkswagen is deciding where to locate a new factory in North America to build electric vehicles for the US market, the German automaker’s new head for the Americas said on Wednesday.

Scott Keogh, the newly appointed CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, said a new plant was needed to build a vehicle yet to be revealed under the Volkswagen brand, priced between US$30,000-US$40,000, that is due in 2020.

“We are 100 percent deep in the process of ‘We will need an electric car plant in North America,’ and we’re holding those conversations now,” Keogh told journalists at the Los Angeles auto show.

An electric car that could take on Silicon Valley’s Tesla Inc is part of the massive investment in electric vehicles that Europe’s largest carmaker plans to make.

Volkswagen announced earlier this month it would spend almost 44 billion euros (RM210bil) on developing electric cars, autonomous driving and new mobility services by 2023, while exploring areas of cooperation with US automaker Ford Motor Co.

To meet a production timeline for 2020, the new electric car will initially be sourced outside of the United States, Keogh said, but then will be produced at the newly chosen site.

Volkswagen’s existing US plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where the Passat and Atlas are built, could be one option as there is enough room at that facility, but it will not necessarily be chosen, Keogh said.

Tesla has thus far captured the largest share of the US market for electric vehicles, but a host of new models will hit the market from German automakers and others over the next two years.

 The Atlas is produced at VW's plant in Tennessee.

For Volkswagen, although it is behind Tesla, it is not necessarily too late to capture a US market that presents a “massive opportunity,” Keogh said.

“The market timing actually is quite perfect,” he said. “You need to have this intersection of, ‘Can you get costs down enough that you can produce a car at that price point, make enough money, have the technology capabilities that this is a car that we would want to put in the marketplace, and have market acceptance?’” he said.

“And when all these things intersect that’s ideally when you want to throw the dart.”


Mazda CX-30: Raising the benchmark

                The new Mazda CX-30 is another premium and feature-packed choice in a realm dominated by the likes of the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR crossovers.

On the sizing scale, it sits between the smaller CX-3 and the mid-sized CX-5 sports utility vehicle (SUV).

The CX-30’s platform is shared with the Mazda3 (compared with the CX-3 which is based on the Mazda2 platform).

The CX-30 measures 4,395mm (length); 1,795mm (width); 1,540mm (height) and 2,655mm (wheelbase).

It’s worth noting that it is longer and lower than the HR-V and C-HR crossovers.

In Malaysia, it is offered in 2.0-litre petrol and 1.8-litre diesel engine options priced at RM164,059 and RM172,943.60 respectively for the High trim variants.

There is also an entry-level 2.0-litre petrol variant priced at RM143,059 but you don’t get kit like electric sliding glass sunroof, powered tailgate, and front and rear parking sensors (you get a reverse camera instead).

The entry-level CX-30 has less premium kit like bulb-type daytime running lights (instead of LEDs), manual-adjustable fabric seats (instead of powered leather seats with memory function), and manual air-conditioning.

All engines are mated to a SkyActiv Drive six-speed automatic transmission.

Also, all CX-30 variants here are two-wheel drive units.

The high price tags are due to the CX-30 being imported from Japan (meaning it does not qualify for duty incentives offered for locally assembled cars) as well as the lavish appointments and driving technologies in the High trim variants.

The High trim variants get premium safety and driver’s assistance features including Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keep Assist System (LAS), Driving Attention Alert (DAA), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for front and rear, and Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).

All these tech means the CX-30 can automatically follow, brake and maintain a safe distance from the car in front, and help prevent unintentional lane changes by steering the car back towards the center of the lane, as we found out during a 90km drive from Putrajaya to Kampung Bukit Tinggi, Bentong in Pahang.

The drive was organised by Bermaz Auto Bhd, the distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia, to give the motoring press a better understanding of the new CX-30.

A demonstration of the CX-30’s Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) also impressed us, especially the automatic rear braking.

We drove at a slow 28kph towards a specially set-up obstacle in a parking lot, and as we approached the obstacle without putting our foot on the brake pedal, the car automatically braked and came to a juddering halt.

 Smart City brake support can stop the vehicle without driver intervention.

After that, we reversed the car, and drove backwards towards the obstacle, and once again, the car automatically braked and stopped with a harsh, grating sound.

This automatic rear braking would come in handy when drivers reverse without paying attention to objects behind them. Meanwhile, the CX-30 has an elegant and sleek coupe-like silhouette drawn from Mazda’s Kodo - Soul of Motion design language.

Both our test drive units were the High Trim variants, and stepping into the cabins, we found a premium ambience with leather clad surfaces, soft touch materials, chromed inserts and leather upholstery.

The cabin is well-insulated from engine and external noises, and there is a refined feel to the driving.

Running on Toyo Proxes R56 tyres sized 215/55 R18, handling is very decent on the twisty sections of our route, and while the suspension set-up is on the firm side, road imperfections are well cushioned and we found plenty of comfort.

Like the latest Mazda3, the CX-30 has G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) technology, which is the upgraded version of Mazda’s vehicle dynamics control technology for improved cornering control.

When we took highway turn-offs and curves at some speed, the CX-30 felt very planted with hardly any body roll.

The electric power steering was light, precise and responsive. Regarding rear passenger space, we had three adults in the SUV and found adequate rear leg and head room for a 1.7m adult.

We didn’t feel cramped seated in the back, and the adjustable rear headrests provided comfortable support.

We found two USB slots - one in the storage box between the front seats, and another below the air-conditioning controls. Luggage capacity is a respectable 430 litres, and the powered rear liftgate provides convenience.

 Instrument panel is a combination of digital display and analogue gauges.

On the way to Kampung Bukit Tinggi, we drove the 1.8-litre diesel engine variant with 114hp/270Nm and while there is abundant muscle at 1,600rpm to 2,600rpm to propel the 1.5-tonne SUV; the acceleration was less than inspiring in terms of Zoom-Zoom excitement.

Throttle response was not thrilling when we stepped hard on the organ-type accelerator pedal.

On the way back to Putrajaya, we took the 2.0-litre petrol engine variant with 162hp/213Nm and found quicker acceleration response to propel the 1.45-tonne SUV, and more "zoom-zoom" fun.

Based on our brief drive, we found a lot to like about the CX-30. It represents a well-appointed and premium choice for those who want a compact SUV that looks sporty yet elegant, and comes with a refined ride quality and good road manners.


Don't waste time cleaning your windscreen wipers. It ruins them

                BERLIN: When preparing their car for adverse weather conditions, drivers shouldn't clean the rubber of 21st-century windscreen wipers with cloths or with anything else, an expert says.

"Any cleaning of the rubber lips peels away the graphite layer along the wipers, whether it's wet or dry, whether using glass cleaner or just water," explains Jochen Oesterle of a major automobile club, ADAC.

This graphite layer ensures that the wipers glide across the windscreen steadily, cleanly and smoothly.

"If this layer is removed, the wiper blades will begin to rub and cause streaking." This, in turn, affects visibility and also shortens the wipers' lifespan. "Under normal circumstances, dirt will not stick to the rubber itself," says Oesterle.

However, the windscreen itself should always be clean and free of insect remains. The latter increase abrasion and wear on the wiper, and can be dealt with easily and efficiently with the same automotive glass cleaning fluid you load into the window washer tank.


Fit for the future: How long will new cars last?

                FRANKFURT: Drive-by-wire, connectivity, user experience — up until a few years ago you didn't need to worry about terms like these when buying a new car. But thanks to such technological progress in the cockpit, you need to consider how long your next car will last.

"Innovation cycles have shortened dramatically in recent years and decades," says Hans-Georg Marmit from the German auto expert organisation KUS.

For cars, that innovation has meant digitisation and electric drives. But does it also mean that cars won't last as long as they used to or that they'll soon become outdated? According to manufacturers, there's no need to worry.

"An Audi in 2020 will be developed according to the same specifications for running time and durability as an Audi from the 1990s," says Audi press spokesman Udo Ruegheimer.

He says customers are getting a better deal today than they ever have before: "Regardless of whether it is the casting and alloying of engines, coatings against mechanical wear or lacquer — when it comes to material quality, decades of experience lead to a continuously improved starting point."

Functional parts such as headlights are now maintenance-free thanks to LED technology, Ruegheimer adds, and plastics are more resistant to the ravages of time.

"And if something does break, Audi promises a guaranteed supply of spare parts for at least 15 years," he says.

Auto parts maker Continental also believes cars will last longer. "There is a good chance that we will be able to see longer lifetimes in the future if we think of privately used vehicles," according to spokesman Enno Pigge.

He cites as one reason the fact that electric cars have fewer moving parts and so experience less wear and tear.

"The electronic platforms are increasingly based on standards that are compatible with each other even when there is a generation change," he adds.

And 3D printing offers the possibility of new spare parts being made long after the end of series production for that vehicle.

While electric cars do have less parts to wear out, their battery is the great unknown, Marmit says.

However, VW spokesman Christian Buhlmann points out that the first generation of hybrids and electric vehicles has shown the same durability as conventional vehicles.

And an electric car doesn't have to die when its battery does because you can always just fit a new one.

Increasing connectivity is also an advantage rather than a disadvantage, according to Buhlmann. Thanks to Apple Carplay or Android Auto and a direct Internet connection, a car can benefit from new apps and features as easily as a smartphone does.

The electronics architectures of new vehicles are programmed in such a way that some can even be updated and upgraded via a mobile phone connection without any need to visit a garage.

“This means that new functions can be implemented even years after buying a car," Buhlmann says.

Nevertheless, KUS expert Marmit still fears the rapid obsolescence of new cars. "There will be more and more features and functions, and many of them cannot be retrofitted or added later," he says.

"If you want to call the latest achievements your own, you will have to buy a new car. But that has always been the case and it has kept the industry alive."


100 fully-electric BMW i3 cars for LAPD

                LOS ANGELES: BMW will supply the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) with 100 fully-electric BMW i3 cars.

The BMW i3 was selected due to a combination of EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) rated best-in-class efficiency, reliability and state-of-the-art ConnectedDrive services, which can be used to support fleet management applications.

“We should be thinking green in everything we do — and these new EVs (electric vehicles) show how local government can lead,” said mayor Eric Garcetti.

“Our sustainability plan pushes L.A. to speed adoption of greener practices and technologies, which also save money and resources.”

The BMW i3 police cars began hitting the streets of Los Angeles this spring badged with an LAPD insignia.

As the department’s non-emergency fleet vehicles, the BMW i3s will be used throughout the department as transportation vehicles for officers and in community outreach initiatives.

BMW's software data system will integrate with the LAPD's fleet management system which will allow the department to electronically receive critical vehicle data needed to effectively maintain their fleet.

BMW is also designing a web tool that will allow the department to track their fleet in near real-time, contributing to improved deployment, utilisation, and the efficient charging of their fleet of BMW i3s.

Greenlots, a global provider of open standards-based distributed energy resource solutions, will supply 100 Level 2 chargers and four DC fast chargers to LAPD.

Due in large part to its compact size and use of light-weight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) in its construction, the sustainable, fully-electric BMW i3 has a tight turning radius and the agility needed to navigating congested city streets.


Shah Alam car owners can claim for damage caused by falling trees

                SHAH ALAM: Vehicle owners here whose cars are damaged by falling trees have to lodge a report in person at the city council to make a public liability insurance claim.

This service is not available online.

Selangor local government committee chairman Ng Sze Han said there was no need for vehicle owners to wait for Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) officers to arrive at the scene of an incident to assess the situation.

"There is also no need to prevent cleaning contractors from clearing away the tree debris. The cleaners have to do it for public safety reasons," he told a press conference after launching the two-day Shah Alam Smart City Action Plan Workshop 2023-2030 at the Convention Centre today.

"Vehicle owners just need to snap a photo of the damage from the tree and proceed to MBSA to make a claim."

Ng was asked to comment on a Tuesday evening incident in which several cars were damaged by falling trees during a storm in Kota Kemuning.

According to a report by the Shah Alam Fire and Rescue Department, one affected car owner in Jalan Anggerik Mokara prevented its officer from helping to clear away the tree debris before an MBSA officer could arrive.

For cars that sustain such damage from trees under MBSA's purview, the owners need to lodge a police report and proceed to the Customer Service Department first floor of Wisma MBSA with their MyKad, vehicle grant and letter of claim.


Clueless car thieves stealing a Tesla Model 3, foiled by owner

                CANBERRA: Two thieves in Australia had their comeuppance when they tried to steal a Tesla but failed miserably.

Early one morning, owner Annabelle Brett in Canberra  was alerted by her smartphone that her Model 3's alarm had been triggered.

Australian television network Nine Network reported that Brett - a radio presenter, dispatched her "big burly friend who was staying with her at that time", to check on the situation and found that the car was missing from its designated parking spot.

Brett quickly turned to her smartphone to access the Tesla App and immediately began to track her car which showed that it was nearby.

The police were contacted and the Australian radio presenter - together with her friend, found themselves in "hot pursuit".

Meanwhile, in her video clip, she began to "mess" with the perpetrators by slowing the car down to 8kph, put the windows down and even beep the horn.

The car was found parked in a nearby parking lot next to the thieves' getaway car and the duo immediately confronted them.

She also mentioned that her car's Sentry Mode was activated - a function which starts recording exterior and interior footage via the vehicle's cameras.

Upon being confronted, the car thieves hastily retreated and in doing so, inadvertently left their toolbox while one of them left behind their driver's licence (smart move).

One of the car thieves was tracked down and arrested. He is awaiting court proceedings while the other is still at large.


Volkswagen ID.5 GTX teased ahead of Munich reveal on Sept 7

                WOLFSBURG: After the VW ID.4 GTX comes the ID.5 GTX, the SUV coupe version of the sporty electric car.

The ID.5 GTX will make its world premiere at the IAA Munich as a near-finished product, come Sept 7. It is expected to go on sale in 2022.

VW said the ID.5 GTX is the first SUV coupé based on the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) and will be equipped with an electric motor on each axle for four-wheel drive capability. It also revealed that the SUV coupe would have fully connected features, and can receive updates over-the-air and is fitted with Car2X technology.

Like the ID.4 GTX, the ID.5 GTX outputs 295hp but an improved lithium-ion battery pack (both use the same 77-kWh battery) means the SUV coupe would have a slightly longer range of 497km, compared to the 480km in the ID.4 GTX.

The abbreviation GTX represents the Volkswagen brand’s new athleticism. It continues the tradition of the successful GTI, GTD and GTE models and transfers it to the world of electric mobility.

When the ID.5 GTX arrives at dealers next year, it will be the second model from the sporty GTX product brand, and will give the ACCELERATE strategy another boost.

Volkswagen aims to become the most popular brand when it comes to sustainable mobility. The goal is to increase the share of all-electric cars in Europe to 70 percent of Volkswagen‘s unit sales by 2030.

Volkswagen is aiming to become net carbon neutral by 2050.


Volvo developing self-driving trucks with startup Aurora

                SAN FRANCISCO: Robotruck developer Aurora has secured another big-name partner from the automotive industry: Volvo plans to rely on self-driving technology from the Silicon Valley startup, the companies announced on Tuesday.

The news will potentially be good for cyclists, many of whom have lost their lives under a turning juggernaut, and Aurora says future Volvo trucks will have the ability to detect and track objects beyond 300 metres.

Aurora was founded by an industry dream team of sorts: Chris Urmson was chief developer on Google's robot car project, and Sterling Anderson was once in charge of Tesla's "Autopilot" driving assistance system. Amazon, among others, invested in the start-up.

Part of Urmson and Anderson's concept was to develop the company with relatively few test vehicles.

After Aurora failed to win Volkswagen and Fiat Chrysler as partners, the company temporarily focused more on technology for self-driving trucks.

Since then, Aurora has returned to developing an autonomous car. In December, Aurora took over robotic car development from Uber after the ride-hailing company dropped this expensive operations during the pandemic. In February, it announced joint development of robotaxis with Toyota.


Penang car park operators losing customers

                GEORGE TOWN: Many season pass holders at car parks here have terminated their membership due to the prolonged pandemic.

With many office workers now working from home, most of the parking lots at the car parks are devoid of vehicles.

Along Chulia Street, King Street and Beach Street, ample parking spaces could be seen during the weekday peak hours despite them being prime locations for business centres, banks and companies.

At the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) multi-storey car park in Beach Street, many workers in the area who subscribed to season parking plans previously had cancelled their membership.

Its car park supervisor Abu Bakar Md Salim said some 22 people who previously subscribed to seasonal parking had abruptly ended their season parking plans.

“With so many offices urging their workers to work from home nowadays, many no longer need season parking services.

“At present, we only have fewer than 20 people with seasonal parking plans, with the majority from the management’s side or those who operate businesses within this building.

“Previously, before the last round of lockdown, we had over 40 people subscribing to the seasonal parking plans,” he said when met at the premises recently.

Abu Bakar said at present, the car park with over 200 parking bays was only occupied up to 17% at most on a daily average.

“Some who come in are using the autopay ticketing system, so there are roughly 30 vehicles here in and out on weekdays.

“Most of them now park outside at the MBPP parking lots along the road because there are many empty spaces there.

“In the past, this area was busy and many people used to park here because they were unable to find any empty lots outside.

“Now that many of the workers in the vicinity are working from home, they can easily find parking outside so they would not want to pay as much for parking here.”

Abu Bakar said according to present parking rates, they were charging RM1.50 per hour compared to the council parking lots outside that charge 40sen for half an hour and 80sen per hour.

Meanwhile, an outreach programme on standard operating procedure (SOP) conducted by the police over the weekend to prevent overcrowding found that there was no influx of people in Penang over the weekend.

The programme was carried out at Gurney Plaza, Miami Beach and Shamrock Beach in Batu Ferringhi.

Penang police chief Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain said according to their traffic data over the weekend, it was found that the traffic across several areas in Penang dropped by 20%.

“We were expecting an influx of traffic based on predictions of the data we obtained for the weekend of Sept 13 but checks on hotspots on the following weekend found no overcrowding.

“From Sept 17 to 19, police checks across hotspots found sparse crowding and there was no crowding like what we expected.

“In fact, we witnessed a 28% reduction in traffic to Penang from Sept 16 to Sept 19,” he said during a press conference at the Penang police contingent headquarters recently.

Comm Mohd Shuhaily said while they did not have data to check whether these figures correlated to the impact of their outreach programme, they would continue checks from time to time to ensure factual accuracy.


G20 BMW 3 Series revs up in 'Green Hell' to finetune ride comfort and sporty drive

                MUNICH: Every performance car maker loves the Nürburgring. Not only to test their cars but also to crow about their association with the legendary track. Such disclosure does help to sell more cars.

Well, BMW has done the same thing in announcing today that the next generation of the 3 Series is now undergoing driving dynamics testing and set-up runs at the Nordschleife (North Loop) in Nürburgring. The latest 3 Series is due for a world debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show in October.

Test runs at the "Green Hell" traditionally serve as an endurance test for the drive and suspension technology of newly developed BMW models. A particularly extensive testing programme was developed for the camouflaged prototypes of the G20 3 Series at the Nordschleife, famed for its diverse track layout.

The underlying concept of the four-door model shows just how much the development process for the new 3 Series is geared towards enhanced sporty flair.

The centre of gravity is some 10mm lower than in the predecessor model, axle load distribution is balanced at an ideal 50 : 50 and the total weight adjusted for fittings is as much as 55kg less. BMW says the rigidity levels of the body structure and suspension attachment – key to the steering set-up and ride acoustics – have been significantly enhanced. The car's agility and steering precision benefit from expanded track widths, while increased wheel camber levels offer additional potential for maximum transverse dynamics.

The new 3 Series will be the first model to get the most powerful 4-cylinder engine ever to be fitted in a BMW series production model. The thoroughly revised 4-cylinder petrol engine features fuel consumption figures that are still some 5 per cent below those of the predecessor engine.

One contributing factor here is the further developed 8-speed Steptronic transmission. A particulate filter optimises the emissions response of the new engine, enabling it to meet the Euro 6d-TEMP exhaust standard.

The new 3 Series will get an innovative damping system for a balance between sporty flair and ride comfort. The first ever lift-related dampers ever to be fitted in a BMW model function continuously and progressively in relation to the respective spring travel. As such, the vibrations that occur when compensating for bumps on the road and during dynamic cornering can be neutralised gently and precisely.

"We're using the lift-related dampers as an active set-up element so as to create supreme driving properties in all conditions," explains BMW Driving Dynamics chief Peter Langen. "With short spring travel, a sensitive damping response ensures comfortable vibration compensation. When the car passes over large bumps, the body movements are controlled by increased damping forces."

The lift-related dampers are a standard feature of the suspension technology in the new 3 Series. In a specific set-up, they also form part of the M sports suspension, which additionally includes a lowering of 10mm, 18-inch light alloy wheels and mixed tyres.

This provides a boost to driving dynamics – something that can be experienced more intensely than ever before. The increased damping forces can be felt on the Nordschleife: in the M sports suspension these are some 20 per cent higher than in the standard suspension. "This means the difference from the standard suspension is much more perceptible than before," says Langen. "We've also made the M sports suspension much sportier, with more rigid bearings and stabilisers, harder springs and additional body struts."

In order to further reinforce the car's dynamic characteristics, the new M sports suspension is offered solely with the Variable Sports Steering. In addition to the speed-related steering assistance Servotronic, this also provides a variable steering ratio.

Variable Sports Steering has also been specially reconfigured for the new 3 Series. It already responds with much greater precision to slight steering movements, without seeming nervous in central position. The improved set-up of the steering system can be felt on long bends as well as when changing direction several times in rapid succession. A linear build-up of steering forces and optimised feedback increase precision when cornering in dynamic style.

The new 3 Series also benefits from an M sports differential.The electronically controlled locking function in the rear axle differential is linked to Dynamic Stability Control DSC, ensuring needs-oriented limitation of rotation speed compensation between the rear wheels on the inside and on the outside of the bend.

Depending on the situation on the road therefore, it is possible to pre-emptively influence both understeering and oversteering without brake intervention. The active differential lock distributes drive torque selectively between the rear wheels. In this way, it prevents slip on a wheel with reduced surface grip while ensuring that the engine power can be used unrestrictedly to generate sporty driving fun.

"Unlike conventional mechanical locks, the regulated M sports differential can optimise so much more than just traction," says Langen. "In addition to cornering dynamics, there is a particularly tangible increase in drive stability in the event of load changes, for example. This allows the new 3 Series Sedan to be driven remarkably confidently and effortlessly even when travelling in dynamic style."

For sporty driving, the active differential lock provides much higher levels of transverse acceleration as well as a perceptible boost in dynamic performance when accelerating out of bends. It also supports optimised stability, precision and cornering predictability in the new 3 Series – without brake intervention.


VW Group to introduce particulate filter for petrol engines

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen will implement wide-scale use of particulate filters for petrol engines from 2017.

The so-called "gasoline particulate filters (GPF)" will apply to all direct injection TSI and TFSI engines, and Volkswagen said emissions of fine soot particles will be reduced in this way by up to 90%.

By 2022, the number of Volkswagen Group vehicles being equipped with this technology annually could reach seven million. The process is starting in June 2017 with the 1.4-litre TSI engine in the new Tiguan and the 2.0 TFSI in the Audi A5. Implementation will then follow in further models and engine generations.

Particulate filters for diesel engines are already proven and established. The gasoline particulate filter will now reduce the particulate emissions of direct injection petrol engines by up to 90%.

Volkswagen said independent testing bodies have established that both modern EU 6 diesel engines and petrol engines from the group were the cleanest on the market. In its EQUA Air Quality Index, for example, London-based Emission Analytics looked at the world's 440 most popular models and ranked the Volkswagen Group as the top performer by some margin.

The company ranked first in three categories: EU 6 petrol engine, EU 5 petrol engine and EU 6 hybrid vehicles. Volkswagen also said it made the best six EU 6 diesel vehicles.


Honda Malaysia starts two community relief campaigns

                PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with the launch of the refreshed Honda BR-V, Honda Malaysia has kicked off two community relief campaigns.

One is the “Be Kind With BR-V” campaign, dedicated to support COVID-19 relief programmes.

From June 2 till August 31, 2020, for each new BR-V sold, the company will donate a portion of the proceeds to the COVID-19 relief programmes.

The second campaign “Honda Dealer Donation Drive”, which runs from June 1 till August 31, 2020, sees Honda Malaysia's dealers supporting affected communities in their neighbourhoods.

Honda customers can visit their nearest dealership to donate basic necessities such as dried foods or household items.

The donations will be compiled and delivered to affected communities in the areas around the respective dealers.

Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Toichi Ishiyama said the company is heartened by Malaysians’ commitment, especially the frontliners who have been working hard with full dedication to make the country a better and safer place.

"Honda Malaysia has fully resumed business operations at dealerships nationwide, with stringent safety measures fully implemented. As we commence operations, we continue to place the well-being of our customers and associates as topmost priority. The company would like to emphasise that all “Our Dealers Are Ready For You”, providing a safe and sanitized environment for customers’ peace of mind."


Auto industry's green push challenged by low gas prices

                DETROIT: Beneath the hoods of the cars showing in Detroit this week lie engines that are as powerful as ever, but are smaller and, helped by direct injection, guzzle less gas.

Automakers have subbed out stainless steel for aluminum and other lighter-weight materials, and added more gears to let engines run in "sweet spot" mode more often, so that their cars and trucks can save money on fuel and emit less climate-harming pollutants.

But with gasoline prices now nearly half of what they were just two years ago, the question is, do consumers care?

Or will a surge in sales of higher fuel-consuming cars and trucks, especially sport utility vehicles, erase recent efficiency gains on US roads?

The improvements to gasoline-based internal combustion engines that automakers have made show how greater efficiency has been mainstreamed throughout the industry, and not just on the electric and hybrid cars that steal most of the glory.

Under pressure from government regulation, fuel economy in US cars has risen 26 percent since 2004, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Yet there are signs of flagging progress. Fuel economy for the fleet overall was unchanged at 24.3 miles per gallon in 2014, the last year with full data, according to the EPA report.

Data from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute suggest fuel economy fell in 2015, with a significant drop in the last months of the year.

With gasoline prices so low, customers appear less pressured to buy more fuel-efficient cars, not to mention electrics and hybrids.

Of the 17.5 million cars US automakers sold in 2015, less efficient pickup trucks and SUVs dominated the market and grew much faster in sales than other types.

"You hear a lot of noise about demand for hybrids not being so big," Honda executive vice president John Mendel said at a launch Monday of its Ridgeline pickup truck.

"When (gasoline) was four or five bucks a gallon, everybody was clamouring for anything - a hybrid, ... something to take the sting out."

To boot, Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager at Toyota, said his company has lowered production of some fuel-efficient models, while taking steps to lift output of SUVs and pickups.

Government pressure since the late 2000s to improve fuel consumption has spurred the gains. President Barack Obama has set the goal of cars getting 54.5 mpg (4.36l/100km) in 2025, compared to about 29 mpg (8.1l/100km) in 2014.

Compliance is determined on gains of individual models and also whether the average efficiency of an automaker's overall fleet is improving enough.

Trucks and SUVs are not expected to get the same mileage as sedans and subcompacts, only to improve their mileage each year.

The result has been not only an unprecedented number of hyper-efficient electric and hybrid vehicles in the US fleet, but also the significant improvements in gas-powered cars.

But with trucks and SUVS now dominating sales, automakers have to keep improving the performance of those vehicles.

Some industry officials gripe that many of the easiest and cheapest changes have already been made, and meeting the 2025 targets will be hard.

Achieving gains has become more difficult now that the easiest changes - the "low-hanging fruit" - have been implemented, said Wade Newton, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

"You need more and more advanced technology to meet ever-increasing fuel economy standards," Newton said.

Others say there is still lots of potential.

"There's lots of room to get efficiency from these engines before we get rid of the internal-combustion engine," said General Motors executive vice president Mark Reuss Tuesday at a launch of the new GMC Acadia SUV Tuesday, which weighs 318kg less than the version it replaces.

Still, automakers say they are not counting on the government to walk back the fuel targets.

"It's a poor bet to base your business case on somebody changing the rules at the last minute," noted Honda executive vice president John Mendel.

Toyota, which has enjoyed the profitable surge in truck and SUV sales, has also unveiled a revamped Prius and in October launched the Mirai, a fuel cell vehicle.

"We're starting to get ready for a world that doesn't have any more gas engines by 2050," Fay told AFP. "Long way away ... but investing in that today."


New Infiniti QX55 to debut on Nov 11

                NASHVILLE: Infiniti will reveal the all-new QX55 luxury crossover coupe via social media on Nov 11.

With a roofline and visual elements inspired by the iconic FX, the QX55's provocative design would combine the stance and versatility of a premium mid-size crossover with the sleek profile of a sports coupe.

The QX55 would also feature innovative technologies that would enhance performance and connectivity.

It would arrive in showrooms across North America in the spring of 2021 and would be available in other regions thereafter.

Its debut signifies the first in a wave of new products coming from the Infiniti brand over the next few years.


Renault's Senard says ties with Nissan much improved

                PARIS: Renault’s partnership with Japan’s Nissan has entered an “incredibly positive” phase after episodes of strained relations in recent years, the French carmaker’s chairman Jean-Dominique Senard said today.

“We’ve put the work in, we’re in an incredibly positive dynamic,” Senard told a hearing in France’s lower house of parliament, after Renault and Nissan presented plans to deepen their collaboration in May.

Senard added that Renault was confident that car sales, which have ground to a halt during the coronavirus pandemic and ensuing lockdowns, would pick up again in France in the coming months.