Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 AMG Line: King of the hill

                WHILE many sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are often marketed with a full seven-seater capacity, they usually come with a third row that are suitable for children or young adults at best.

As the S-Class flagship of Mercedes-Benz’s SUV line-up, the GLS 450 4Matic (X167) seems to have delivered on such claims.

If you had thought that the GLE 450 was already a large vehicle, the GLS 450 trumps it by being 283mm longer for an overall length of 5,207mm in comparison.

Its wheelbase is also stretched by 140mm in comparison and this helps in creating additional interior space for rear passengers and luggage.

Featuring the traditional rugged two-box SUV styling, the GLS 450 looks sturdy with a strong shoulder line and yet elegant with softened corners.

Its presence is accentuated by a beefy bonnet with two powerdomes, a dual-louvre radiator grille flanked by Multibeam LED headlights and a chrome-plated underguard in the front apron.

Generously-sized 22-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels and side running boards with rubber studs add another take to the vehicle’s dimension.

At the rear, aside from the two-piece LED-type lights that come with internal elements to create a 3D effect, there are also generous chrome trimmings.

Inside, seating position is high and commanding with ample head, shoulder and leg room.

The premium and solid build quality feel are elevated by a large panoramic sliding sunroof along with Artico leather, high-gloss anthracite lime wood and chrome trimmings.

Taking centre stage are two 12.3-inch high resolution colour displays placed side-by-side to form the Widescreen Cockpit.

Aside from the dashboard MBUX multimedia that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, also included are LTE communications module for Mercedes me connected services, Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, Burmester surround sound system, hard disc navigation and 360-degree camera among others.

The second row passengers get the MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment system through two 11.6-inch touchscreen displays and wireless headphones to access movies and music or use the integrated web browser.

Just like in the S-Class sedan, the GLS 450 is equipped with a power close feature that gently pulls in and secures doors that were not fully closed.

To get into the third row seats, the motorised Easy-Entry package will fold the second row seats and slide them forward to increase access space.

Adults at the third row seats will have an enjoyable ride with ample head and leg room along with their own air conditioner vents, cup holders and USB C-type charging points.

Although many vehicles with three rows of seats tend to run out of cargo space once all seats are fully occupied, the GLS 450 still has room for some 470 litres of luggage.

The space can be increased to 2,400 litres once the second and third row seats are folded flat with a switch.

Heavy items can be easily loaded onboard by using the GLS 450’s Airmatic suspension to lower the vehicle’s rear section by some 50mm.

For a mountain of a SUV weighing some 2.4-tonnes, the GLS 450 is surprisingly quick and not as ponderous as one might think.

Its 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine with 367hp and 500Nm of torque comes with a 48-volt electrical system to allow the EQ Boost motor an additional brief push of 22hp and 250Nm of torque.

The result is a dignified engine response and its 0-100kph sprint of 6.2 seconds can easily put many sporty vehicles to shame.

Transmission is the nine-speed 9G-Tronic supplemented by the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Even when we were cruising above the legal speed limit on the North South Expressway, the interior remained serene while road and wind noises were kept out.

The Airmatic suspension, in addition to providing a premium ride capable of smoothening out rough stretches and potholes, also allows the ride height of the GLS 450 to be raised during off-roading or lowered for better handling and stability at fast highway cruising.

Its Dynamic Select has Individual, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Offroad modes that alters the settings of the throttle, suspension, steering and stability control response to suit the driver’s preferences.

Meanwhile, the Magic Vision Control front wipers spray water from tiny holes along the wiper blades directly onto the sweep area and prevent momentary view-blocking overspray typical of conventional wiper system.

Nevertheless, intended buyers are the well-heeled select few who are willing to fork out extra to get this RM899,888 fully imported luxury SUV where every seat on-board is adult-friendly.

SPECIFICATIONSMercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic AMG LineEngine: 2,999cc, in-line six-cylinder, turbocharged
Maximum power: 367hp from 5,500 to 6,100rpm
Maximum torque: 500Nm from 1,600 to 4,500rpm
EQ Boost: 22hp/250Nm Transmission: 9G-Tronic automatic, 4Matic all-wheel drive
Suspension: Airmatic with Adaptive Damping System
Boot space: 470 to 2,400 litres
Acceleration (0-100kph): 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 246kph
Fuel consumption: 9.3 to 9.0 litres per 100km
Features: Airbags, AMG Line exterior, AMG Bodystyling, 22-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, panoramic sliding sunroof, Multibeam LED, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Underguard, power closing, aluminium-look running boards with rubber studs, interior chrome package, multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, ambient lighting, surround lighting with logo projection, dashboard and door beltlines in Artico leather, third row seats with Easy-Entry system, heated front seats, high-gloss antharacite lime wood trim, Thermotronic automatic climate control for front and rear, Air Balance package, double sunblind, electric sunblinds in left and right rear doors, four-way lumbar support, AMG floor mats, Easy-Pack load, auto dimming interior and driver’s side exterior mirror, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function, 360-degree camera, driving assistant package, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, hands free access, keyless-go, tyre pressure monitoring system, Active Steering Assist, Magic Vision Control, Pre-Safe system, exit warning function, rear belt status indication, automatic front passenger airbag deactivation, Tirefit, communications module (LTE) for the use of Mercedes me connect services, Mercedes-Benz emergency call system, hard disc navigation, Live Traffic Information, MBUX Multimedia system, MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment System, Extended MBUX functions, wireless charging for front, Burmester surround sound system, Widescreen cockpit, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two wireless head sets, Remote Engine Start, Pre-installation for rear entertainment system and additional USB C-Type ports
Price: RM899,888 (on-the-road without insurance)


Isuzu D-Max 3.0 4X4 X-Terrain: Going upmarket

                LAST year was a great period for those looking for a quality ride that can handle tarmac confidently, while being able to hit most off-road trails in stock condition.

Manufacturers ranging from the likes of Ford, Mitsubishi, Toyota, JMC, Mazda and Nissan launched new models for Malaysian market, covering the more utilitarian single-cab all the way to top-of-the-range models that can only be described as car-like, even if they are built using the “body on frame” construction method that is intended to ensure durability under the most punishing conditions.The Isuzu D-Max 3.0 X-Terrain, being the top-of-the-range variant from the Japanese maker, is a standout example of the increasingly crowded field of what can be described as “utilitarian-vehicles-turned-lifestyle vehicles”.

Assembled in Thailand, the X-Terrain is pleasing at first sight, retaining solid muscular workhorse looks, but sculpted to be elegant from many angles.

It is not overly avant-garde in appearance, so ensuring the truck will age well with the passage of time.

Driving experience is a highly-pleasing one, with the upgraded 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine effortlessly propelling the two-tonne truck even up the steepest roads, such as a quick jaunt to Genting Highlands.

Slowing the X-Terrain down is no problem at all, with the disc-drum combo more than adequate for the job.

The new engine, codenamed 4JJ3-TCX, produces 190PS and 450Nm of torque, up by 13PS and 70Nm, respectively, over the older 3.0-litre block.

Cabin insulation is very good, with practically no noise in the cabin when cruising at 90kph along the Kuala Lumpur-Karak highway.

Fuel efficiency, if judged by the fuel gauge alone, is excellent, with the "needle" barely dropping even when the X-Terrain is driving slightly more aggressively than I normally would as I tried to ascertain its tarmac-holding ability, which I think is very good for vehicle of this weight and size.

Rapid lane changes also does not unnerve the X-Terrain, with its revised suspension geometry handling the job well.

Off-road wise, the air intake system has been raised from 600mm previously, to 800mm now, bringing it more on par with its peers.

In the cabin, the switches are sufficiently large and instinctive, with rear blowers for those seated in the rear, befitting its proposition as a flagship truck for this market.

My friends remarked they like the big cubby holes to store small things, while night driving is easy thanks to the bi-LED headlights.

Other pluses include things like land departure warning (can be turned off), blind spots monitor, as well as Android Auto that is mated to a nine-inch centre screen.

Another much appreciated feature is that the windscreen and door glass use specially treated glass that filters out most infrared rays in order to keep the interior as cool as possible.

This premium truck costing RM142,428 (private registration, on-the-road without insurance) would had fared better with a 360-degree camera instead of the more basic reverse camera.

In conclusion, with its solid performance, advanced driver assist system and a five-star rating under Asean NCAP, the X-Terrain is a more than credible challenger to the upmarket truck segment here, and is a very much welcome addition to the pack.

SpecificationsEngine: 2,999cc, inline 4-cylinder VGS turbo intercooler diesel DOHC 16V
Maximum power: 190PS at 3,600rpm
Maximum torque: 450Nm from 1,600 to 2,600rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with sequential shift and selectable 4WD system with rear differential lock
Steering: Rack and pinion hydraulic power steering system
Fuel tank: 76 litres
Kerb weight: 2,025kg
Suspension: Front independent double wishbones, with coil springs and stabilisers with gas shock absorbers; rear semi-elliptical leaf springs with gas shock absorbers
Rear bed: Liner with sliding cargo tray and lashing points
Features: Seven airbags shared between driver and front passenger, traction control, electronic stability programme, hill start assist, hill descent control, automatic high-beam activation, automatic wipers with variable intermittent mode, front and rear fog lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic power-adjustable external mirrors with integrated LED turn signals, front and rear parking sensors, advanced driver assist system (ADAS) which includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, pedal misapplication mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and seat belt reminder for all seats
Warranty: Seven-year with unlimited mileage
Price: RM142,428 (private registration, on-the-road without insurance)


Daimler calls emissions results cited by German lobby 'questionable'

                BERLIN: Daimler described as "questionable" results of emissions tests from one of its Mercedes diesel models cited by German environmental lobby group DUH on Wednesday.

DUH said nitrogen oxide emissions of Mercedes C-Class 200 CDI model had been found to exceed Euro-5 limits, citing tests carried out by the University of Applied Sciences in Bern, Switzerland.

However, a Daimler spokesman said: "The test results are questionable as the conditions of the test are not clear. We don't know the specific car, the temperature at the time of the tests, the loading weight."

DUH said the vehicle released emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) that were more than twice the legal limits when tested under new European testing cycles.


Mitsubishi Motors North America announces new head

                TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors North American (MMNA) has announced a new head for the company with Yoichi Yokozawa as its new president and chief executive officer.

Replacing Fred Diaz, Yokozawa will assume his role in the US once travel restrictions are lifted. During which, Mark Chaffin has assumed the role until that happens.

Since joining Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) in August 1998, 55-year-old Yokozawa has held senior-level positions throughout the company's including financial, strategic planning, Nissan-MMC Alliance, and global marketing and sales organizations.

Yokozawa was previously president and CEO of MMNA from April 2011 until February 2014.

"Yoichi is an experienced team player, and his global background and previous North American experience will serve him well as he leads the MMNA organization forward," said MMC senior vice president of global marketing and sales Guillaume Cartier.

Cartier added that they are grateful to Diaz for his accomplishments and commitment to the MMC after having steered the company to sales successes in a challenging US market, built a strong leadership team, strengthened its dealer-partner network and built a strong foundation for success in the United States.


Vinfast debuts RM124,000 electric SUV

                HANOI: Vietnamese automaker VinFast is taking pre-orders for its first electric vehicle (EV) model VF e34 priced at VND690 million (RM124,000), the company said today.

Customers ordering the car before June 30 can buy it for just VND590 million (RM106,000) and a free-of-charge battery lease for one year. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in November, reported Vietnam News Agency.

Buyers can visit the website http://shop.vinfastauto.com or VinFast’s showrooms and merchants nationwide to place a refundable deposit of VND10 million (RM1,790). The deposit is refundable if orders are cancelled.

The compact 5-door SUV measures 4.3m-long and is equipped with a 42kWh battery pack and a claimed 300km range. Vinfast developed the SUV with Australian engineeering expertise and has an R&D base in Melbourne.

VinFast said its battery leasing plan woould allow customers to rent batteries separately from the EV.

It is intended to reduce the initial cost of buying an EV for customers and let the automaker bear all the risks regarding the EV battery’s quality and lifespan.

The company has been working around the clock to build a network of about 40,000 charging stations across the nation by the end of this year.

VinFast, which is also producing electric motorcycles and buses this year, signed a contract to produce EV batteries with Taiwan’s ProLogium.

VinFast has just become the 57th automaker to receive a licence to test self-driving EVs in California, US.

The launch of high-tech electric vehicles, including electric scooters, electric buses, and personal electric cars, is part of VinFast's pre-defined roadmap since entering the automotive market three years ago.


Everyday driver Lotus Evora GT410 launched

                HETHEL: Lotus has launched a new version of the Evora – the GT410 - as a second model in the range it sells alongside the Evora GT410 Sport, which also benefits from a revised specification.

The Evora GT410 features an enhanced standard spec over the GT410 Sport, providing owners with improved usability and a new level of driving comfort.

The new Lotus Evora GT410 is designed to be a more usable ‘every day’ car. It comes with Sparco sport seats and air-con to create a more comfortable environment for occupants, while a reversing camera improves safety during low-speed manoeuvres.

A premium infotainment system with sat-nav and Apple CarPlay is now standard and includes DAB digital radio for the first time. Increased cabin sound insulation for reduced road noise and improved refinement will further improve the listening experience.

The GT410’s door trims now feature integrated arm rests and storage bins for greater comfort and practicality. Exterior paint colour choices have been revised to include new options, including some historic shades from Lotus’ past.

The car has a revised damper rate compared with the GT410 Sport. While it still delivers an outstanding performance-oriented experience, this creates a more compliant ride for improved real-world comfort.

The use of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S all-weather tyres means better all-year usability, while a new rear tailgate features a large glass section for improved rear visibility.

The above upgrades are in addition to the Evora’s already high level of standard equipment. These include a body-coloured roof, side sills, tailgate, front access panel and mirror backs, red AP Racing brake callipers and silver or gloss black V-spoke cast alloy wheels, 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear. Interior equipment includes cruise control, heated seats, rear parking sensors.

With a UK price of only £82,900 (RM444,723), the GT410 is £3,000 (RM16,093) less than the GT410 Sport offering exceptional value for money.


Catch online launch of Porsche 911 Speedster on June 2

                PETALING JAYA: Porsche in Malaysia has announced a live launch of its new 911 Speedster via Facebook and Instagram at 8pm on June 2.

Live launches through social media and digital solutions is becoming de rigueur with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic and is now part of the new normal in the automotive industry.

“We’d normally love to have fellow enthusiasts at our Porsche Centres to have their personal look and feel of the car, but given the current circumstances, we had to change our plans slightly to share this exciting news," said  Sime Darby Auto Performance chief executive officer Christopher Hunter.

"The 911 Speedster caused a sensation when it was presented as a concept vehicle, and we are excited to announce the launch of this limited edition heritage model on our digital platforms. We anticipate this being the new normal for the foreseeable future."

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The new 911 Speedster is a limited edition purist sports car, which takes inspiration from Porsche's rich history. The Speedster has a 4.0 litre naturally aspirated boxer engine which produces 510hp and mated to a six-speed GT manual transmission.

The new 911 Speedster can optionally be fitted with a Heritage Design package. The two-tone leather interior package in the Heritage Design Package provides a distinct classic look to complement the historical reference of the exterior.

Developed by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, this reminder of the pioneering days of motorsport reinterprets classic elements from the 1950s and 1960s and takes the driver back to the roots of the Porsche brand.

You can also catch the live launch of the 911 Speedster at these dealer websites:

> Porsche Centre Sungai Besi> Porsche Centre Penang> Porsche Centre Ara DamansaraBelow is the original press release:PETALING JAYA. Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised importer of Porsche in Malaysia since 2010, has announced the debut of the new 911 Speedster via a scheduled online broadcast.

The unveiling of this tribute to the more than 70 years dream of Ferry Porsche is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 2 June at 08:00 pm on Porsche Malaysia’s Facebook and Instagram channels, as well as its dealer website platforms.

“We’d normally love to have our fellow enthusiasts at our Porsche Centres to have their personal look and feel of the car, but given the current circumstances, we had to change our plans slightly to share this exciting news.

The 911 Speedster caused a sensation when it was presented as a concept vehicle, and we are excited to announce the launch of this limited edition heritage model on our digital platforms. We anticipate this being the new normal for the foreseeable future,” said Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Sime Darby Auto Performance.

About the new 911 Speedster

The 911 Speedster combines the aspiration of a puristic, driver-oriented vehicle with motor sports technology suitable for everyday use. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 310 km/h.

Featuring a high-revving 375 kW (510 hp) four-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine accompanied by a six-speed GT manual transmission, the new 911 Speedster delivers not only an emotive drive, but a thrilling auricular experience in the cockpit.Visually, the new Speedster establishes a bridge to its own history – to the forebear of all Porsche sports cars, the 356 “No. 1” Roadster from 1948, and is limited to only 1,948 units worldwide.

The new 911 Speedster can optionally be fitted with a Heritage Design package.Developed by Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, this reminder of the pioneering days of motorsport reinterprets classic elements from the 1950s and 1960s and takes the driver back to the roots of the Porsche brand.

The two-tone leather interior package in the Heritage Design Package provides a distinct classic look to complement the historical reference of the exterior.Given the new normal and the current circumstances, Sime Darby Auto Performance will be placing more emphasis on digital touchpoints and contactless processes for its customers, to bring the Porsche experience to them in a safer way.

“When our premises resumed operations during the CMCO, several health and safety measures in line with government regulations were implemented to minimize the risk of transmission. Temperature checking, usage of face masks, sanitizing spray points, and constant disinfecting of touchpoints throughout the premises is standard practice.

"Demo and service cars also receive our full attention, with a thorough disinfection before and after each test drive, while showroom visits and test-drives are by appointment only to help maintain social distancing,” said Christopher Hunter.He also added, “All our Porsche dealer websites now form the basis for local news, events and special sales packages, and we will continue to expand on this. Events which would normally involve larger gatherings at the dealership previously, are now becoming digital and will be streaming from this platform for the foreseeable future.

"New systems have also now been integrated into this platform such as our Porsche Finder tool, where customers can find their ideal Porsche from the comfort of their own home.”The debut of the new 911 Speedster will take place on Tuesday, 2 June at 08:00 pm and will be available to view on Porsche Malaysia’s Facebook, Instagram and dealer website channels:- Porsche Centre Sungai Besi- Porsche Centre Penang- Porsche Centre Ara Damansara


Indian Motorcycles taps into 100-year roots with Japan relaunch

                DETROIT: A century ago, Indian Motorcycles were the brand of choice for Japan’s police. They were called "aka-bai” — or red bikes — because of their colour. Now, the maker of big American two-wheelers is seeking to recapture some of that glory with a brand relaunch.

Recreational vehicle maker Polaris Inc., which makes and sells Indian bikes, is betting that it can gain market share from entrenched foreign rivals such as BMW Motorrad and Harley-Davidson Inc.

Instead of relying on a single distributor, the Medina, Minnesota-based company now has its own operations in Japan, with plans to double its store count to 30.

Even though Japan’s population is shrinking and economic growth is tepid, the archipelago is one of the top five markets for heavy bikes.

Polaris is seeking to boost Indian’s single-digit market share to 10% by 2025. It has taken direct control over local marketing, which it had outsourced after buying the Indian Motorcycle brand and relaunching it globally in 2011.

"We weren’t doing the rational thing in Japan,” said Kintaro Izumida, general manager of Polaris in Japan. He works out of an office in Yokohama with about a half-dozen other employees. "Now we’re going to do that.”

Harley provides a rich target as the longtime market leader among import brands, with a 44% share of the 20,385 bikes sold last year, according to the Japan Automobile Importers Association.

Japan’s domestic bike makers — Honda Motor Co., Kawasaki Motors Corp., Suzuki Motor Corp. and Yamaha Motor Co. — specialise in smaller-engine mass market bikes, with relatively few high-end motorcycles with engine displacements of more than 1,000cc.

"They are very strong manufacturers with really strong brand, but we don’t really go head-to-head,” Steve Menneto, president of Polaris’s Indian motorcycle division, said in a phone interview. "For a small island, it’s amazing how much appreciation there is for motorcycles, and premium motorcycles at that.”

The move comes as US motorcycle sales face headwinds, which is prompting American brands to look abroad for growth. Last month, Harley-Davidson said it anticipates international sales to expand to half its business.

Japan is a natural market because it has the type of well-heeled buyer who can splurge for bikes that start at $8,999 for the Indian Scout, and top US$29,000 for the brand’s Touring model. Partly due to its international exposure, Polaris’s sales rose in the first six months and the company forecasts a full-year gain in the low to mid-teens over the segment’s 2018 revenue of US$546 million.

Indian’s retro-styling and long history in the US and overseas is a selling point in Japan, where brand identity is a key differentiator. That extends beyond the bikes into lifestyle categories such as Indian-branded accessories and apparel, which account about a fifth of his division’s revenue.

"The awareness of the Indian brand in Japan is pretty strong,” said Izumida, noting it was the favoured brand of a famous sumo wrestler who became the father of pro wrestling in Japan.


Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system debuts at CES 2018

                STUTTGART/LAS VEGAS. Mercedes-Benz has introduced its new infotainment system for compact cars in a world premiere at the CES 2018 in Las Vegas.

The name MBUX for the new infotainment system signals that the user experience (UX) is to the fore. A unique feature of this system is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX can be individualised and adapts to suit the user. At the same time updates “over the air” are possible. It also heralds a new era at Mercedes me Connectivity.

It includes the high-resolution Widescreen Cockpit with touchscreen operation, navigation display with augmented reality technology plus intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition, which is activated with the keyword “ Hey Mercedes”.

MBUX is used in the entire new compact car generation from Mercedes-Benz and will enter series production in spring 2018 in the new A-Class. Its highlight is the comprehensive touch operation concept – the combination of a touchscreen, touchpad on the centre console and Touch-Control Buttons in the steering wheel. In addition to the user-friendly operating experience, less driver distraction is another advantage.

Mercedes-Benz also took to the CES 2018 to show off the Concept EQA, the smart vision EQ fortwo and the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE as well as the pre-series model of the Mercedes-Benz GLC F-CELL, a fuel-cell- and battery-powered electric vehicle.

Las Vegas is the final stop of the “Intelligent World Drive”, with which Mercedes-Benz has tested automated drive functions on all five continents.

On the last stages in California and Nevada, the test vehicle collected valuable information specific to the United States for the further development of the driver assistance systems.

The automated test drives in the greater Los Angeles area, and subsequently to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, concentrated on the assessment of driving behaviour in dense city traffic and on highways. The focus was especially on the recognition of school buses and country-specific lane markings, driving lanes and speed limit signs.


2016 New York Auto Show: Toyota boosts battery range in new plug-in Prius

                NEW YORK: Toyota Motor Corp unveiled on Wednesday a new version of its plug-in hybrid Prius, almost a year after it halted production of the vehicle's previous version.

The world's largest automaker showcased the vehicle being renamed the Prius Prime at the New York International Auto Show. The Prius Prime, which goes on sale late this fall, will go 35km on battery power alone, twice as long as the previous version, the Japanese company said.

Toyota's move comes as automakers face a challenge selling electric vehicles amid low gasoline prices, especially in the United States, where fuel taxes are much lower than much of the world.

The Prius Prime will have an estimated 193km or above per gallon equivalent, factoring in both the battery and gasoline powered engine, up 26 percent over the prior version because of greater battery capacity and improved hybrid system, Toyota said.

And the automaker said the new version will sport a "chiselled profile and edgy character lines" in a bid to shake up the brand's image.

Toyota said the 35km all-electric range is enough to meet the daily commuter distance of over half of US drivers, and drivers will be able to go up to 135kph in electric mode.

That's better than the maximum 30km all-electric range of the Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid and the 25km of the Audi A3 e-tron. But it is less than other plug-in hybrids, like General Motors Co's Chevrolet Volt, which gets up to 85km of electric range, and 43km of electric range in the Hyundai Sonata plug-in hybrid.

Automakers face mandates from California and other states to build a growing number of electric vehicles and other zero emission vehicles.

In April 2015, Toyota said it was halting production of its plug-in for more than a year as it worked on a new version of the vehicle.

The company sold just 4,200 Prius plug-in vehicles in 2015 in the United States, down 68 percent over 2014, even after it cut the price of the vehicle by US$2,000.

In total, Toyota sold 184,794 Prius hybrid cars in 2015 in the United States.

Last year, Honda Motor Co also said it was ending production of its Accord plug-in hybrid as it worked on a new electric vehicle.

Overall, US plug-in hybrid sales were down 15 percent last year.


2017 Los Angeles Auto Show: Volvo to introduce new SUV and car buying experience

Gustafsson
NEW YORK: Volvo Cars will introduce to US consumers later this month a new SUV and reveal details on Care by Volvo, a new subscription-based program that will make having a car as easy as owning a cell phone.

Håkan Samuelsson, CEO, Volvo Car Corporation, and Anders Gustafsson, President and CEO Volvo Car USA, will announce the details at the Los Angeles Auto Show on Nov 29.

This North American debut is the latest vehicle in Volvo’s product refresh, which began in 2015 with the XC90 seven-passenger SUV. In 2016, Volvo followed the XC90 with the S90 luxury sedan and V90 Cross Country wagon, respectively. This year Volvo introduced the new XC60 small SUV, a complete redesign of the company’s best-selling model.

“California is where transportation and technology cultures meet,” said Gustafsson. "And the Los Angeles Auto Show is the perfect place to introduce something that involves a great deal of both worlds.” Gustafsson added, “With this new SUV and Care by Volvo we are talking about the future of car ownership, where life is less complicated for our customers.”


QuantumScape partners with unidentified large automaker to test battery prototypes

                SAN JOSE: US battery maker QuantumScape Corp said today it had partnered with an undisclosed large automaker to evaluate prototypes of its solid-state battery cells, sending the Volkswagen AG-backed firm's shares 11% higher.

The deal also includes an option for the automaker to buy 10-megawatt hours worth of battery capacity from QuantumScape's pre-pilot production line facility.

While San Jose-based QuantumScape did not disclose the name of the automaker, it said the company was a "second top 10" automaker by global revenue.

It did not respond to a request for further details on the automaker.

Quantumscape, whose early investors included Bill Gates-backed venture funds, was spun-out in 2010 from Stanford University and went public last year in a blank-cheque merger.

It has a joint venture with VW to produce solid-state battery cells, starting in 2024, for the German automaker's electric vehicles and eventually for other carmakers.


Mazda MX-5 RF arrives in Malaysia at RM249K

                SHAH ALAM: Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto) has launched the 2017 MX-5 RF two-seater roadster with a retractable hardtop.

Prices for the 2.0-litre MX-5 RF are RM242,717 (manual) and RM248,182 (automatic) with insurance.

Meanwhile, the soft-top MX-5 with a 6-speed automatic gearbox is still available, priced at RM226,376.

The MX-5 RF runs on 205/45 R17 tyres and has a 4.6-inch full-colour TFT gauge and a seven-inch Mazda Connect touchscreen infotainment system as well as a nine-speaker Bose audio system with integrated headrest-mounted speakers, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob and LED headlights and tail lights.

The MX-5 RF is available in four colour choices: Soul Red Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, Machine Grey and Jet Black.

On-board kit includes smart keyless entry with push-start ignition, i-STOP (idling stop technology), i-ELOOP, single zone automatic air-conditioning, auto dimming rear view mirror, paddle shifters, auto levelling headlamps, Adaptive Front Lighting system, and High Beam Control.

Safety kit include Lane Departure Warning, traction control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and four airbags.

Mazda Peaceful Ownership Programme

Bermaz has upgraded its Manufacturing Warranty period from 3 years to 5 years.

All new Mazda vehicles registered from 1st February 2017 will enjoy 5 Years/100,000km Manufacturing Warranty and 3 Years/60,000km Maintenance.

Customers will be able to enjoy a peaceful ownership with an absolute 3 year free scheduled maintenance according to manufacturer’s standards.

The 5 Years Manufacturing Warranty and 3 Years Maintenance applies to all models except the BT-50 pickup.

2017 MX-5 RF (gallery)Fusion TIFF File


Carsifu Auto Show 2022: On with the show

                PETALING JAYA: Carsifu Auto Show 2022 will depart from the previous single location a year format to two this time, bringing the auto show to Johor Bahru as well and not just only to Kuala Lumpur.

The first location will be at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur from Oct 5-9, before moving to The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey, Johor Bahru from Oct 26-30.

Among the automotive brands that are displaying their newest line-up at the auto show in Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur from Oct 5-9 are Volvo, Toyota, Subaru, Proton, Honda, Perodua and Nissan.
Volvo will be displaying its hot-selling Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric which is Malaysia’s first locally-assembled electric vehicle (EV) among others.

Subaru will be showcasing its all-wheel drive Forester and XV SUVs that are equipped with the award-winning EyeSight Advanced Driver Assist system.

Proton will be displaying its three mainstay models - the newly unveiled X70 which features a locally-assembled 1.5-litre TGDI engine, the X50 which is a best-selling compact SUV and the affordable Saga which comes with a low starting price that will attract many buyers.

Honda will present its all-new HR-V SUV model that is available in three powertrains of 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC, 1.5-litre DOHC VTEC Turbo and 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC hybrid as well as the new City V-Sensing variant equipped with Honda Sensing smart driving assistance system.

Also for public viewing is Perodua’s latest generation all-new Alza MPV, a stylish seven-seater with the latest safety and connectivity features.

If you are keen on a bigger MPV, Nissan will be presenting its latest Serena S-Hybrid Premium Highway Star which is big and luxurious inside while being low on fuel consumption.

Aside from vehicle displays, local custom car mat maker Trapo Asia will be unveiling its new Trapo Classic Mark III and Hex II series at the auto show.

Known for its anti-bacterial range of car mats, Trapo will be offering a 12% discount on all car mats and 20% off Oxtra accessories line at the auto show.

There will also be a Trapo Time Attack Challenge race simulator where participants who secure the fastest lap stand a chance to win amazing prizes.

Trapo which was founded in Melaka in 2016, has a presence in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand where its product line-ups are designed to increase the hygiene, safety and comfort levels of vehicle occupants.

The company is the top three sellers in the automotive category of Shopee and Lazada.


Honda City RS e:HEV hybrid price revealed at RM105,950

                PETALING JAYA: After nearly five months since its launch in October last year, Honda Malaysia today unveiled the price of the all-new City RS e:HEV at RM105,950.

The other non-hybrid variants in the fifth-generation City line-up are the V priced at RM86,561, E at RM81,664 and S at RM74,191.

All prices are on-the road without insurance but inclusive sales tax exemption, valid until June 30.

However, buyers of the City RS hybrid sedan should be pleasantly surprised that their vehicles will come with the new Honda CONNECT telematics and connectivity system which was a feature not included during last year's launch.

Honda CONNECT allows owners to link up with their cars via a smartphone application, bringing a new level of safety, security and convenience at 24-hours a day.

More information on Honda CONNECT here.

The City RS is the first Honda car in Malaysia to be equipped with Honda CONNECT.

Honda CONNECT subscription is free for three years.

Honda Malaysia is expected to roll out the telematics and smart connectivity system to more Honda models and variants.

In addition to Honda CONNECT, the City RS also gets the enhanced Honda Sensing driving aid system that uses front wide view camera to better recognise road boundaries during day and night driving conditions.

Included in Honda Sensing are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Auto High Beam (AHB).

Also featured are Honda LaneWatch, a camera based advanced safety technology which monitors the left-side blind spot through an infotainment system and Remote Engine Start which is also a first in segment which allows the drivers to start their cars and activate the air-conditioning to cool down the cabin with the keyless remote.

The City RS gets a more stunning exterior compared with the V, E and S variants with a Gloss Black Front Grille, Exclusive Lower Front Grille, Rear Bumper with Diffuser, Gloss Black Trunk Spoiler and Gloss Black Door Mirrors to give a sporty two-toned impression of the body colour.

Complementing the stylish appearance of the car are the LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Fog Lights with Garnish, LED Taillights and Dual-Tone 16-inch Alloy Wheels.

The City RS uses the intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system featuring a highly efficient two-motor hybrid system and a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC Atkinson cycle engine.

The electric drive system delivers 109PS and 253Nm of torque while the petrol engine pushes out 98PS and 127Nm of torque.

Combined with an Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT), the City RS hybrid promises a low fuel consumption of 3.6 litres per 100km and can accelerate from 0-100kph in 9.9 seconds. It has a top speed of 177kph.

The hybrid system will switch automatically between the three driving modes of EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive for the most efficient performance.

The City RS also comes with Deceleration Selector Paddles for power regeneration and to decelerate the vehicle without the need to step on the brake pedal.

Inside, the City RS has a 7-inch Interactive Thin Film Transistor (TFT) instrument panel, an 8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, sport pedal pads, Ultrasuede seats, red stitching and Electric Parking Brake.

Safety features include six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), rear seat ISOFIX I-Size type, rear seatbelt reminder, Reverse Sensors with Multi-angle Reverse Camera and Auto Brake Hold (ABH).

Available colours are Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and Platinum White Pearl.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Toichi Ishiyama said: “Today we are pleased to announce the official price for the all-new City RS e:HEV at RM105,950 with an overall package that is beyond the B-segment, complete with Next Generation Advanced Technology, Honda Sensing as well as Honda CONNECT, class-leading innovative features and a sporty exterior.

"We have also received overwhelming response from Malaysians, recording positive figures for the all-new City with over 20,000 bookings to-date. We have successfully delivered more than 13,100 units of the City to Malaysians since its official launch,” he said.

The City RS comes with a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty and free labour service up to five times within 100,000km or five years.

Meanwhile, the hybrid lithium-ion battery gets an eight-year/unlimited mileage warranty.


Johor Sultan's fourth son to make race debut at 2019 Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia

                JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar's fourth son, Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, will be making his debut as a race driver at the 2019 Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia series.

The series will be held on April 6-7 at the Sepang International Circuit.

The Tunku Panglima Johor will race in a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT3 for Johor Motorsports Racing, managed by Australian outfit Triple Eight Race Engineering.

Partnering him will be fellow Johorean and Malaysian racing ace, Jazeman Jaafar.

Sultan Ibrahim officiated at the launch, which was also attended by Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah.

Tunku Abdul said he was excited and looking forward to doing his best in the series and thankful for the support he received from his family.

“I am also very proud of this moment as my late grandfather, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail, was an avid racer too, winning the 1960 Johor GP, also in a Mercedes,” he added.

He said it felt good to be racing for Triple Eight, the most successful racing outfit in Australia, with Jazeman beside him.

Meanwhile, Jazeman said he was proud to have Tunku Abdul Rahman as his teammate and could not wait for the season to get underway.

“I have raced in the Mercedes-AMG GT3 before in 2016 when I finished as vice-champion Blancpain Endurance series.

“It feels good to be back driving in a competitive car that I have spent a lot of time in and gotten good results. I do feel we have a competitive package coming into this season,” he added.

They would be joined by experienced European Blancpain GT champion, Shane Van Gisbergen.

The 2019 Blancpain GT World Challenge Asia is an auto racing series for GT3- and GT4-spec cars.

The season will be run over six race weekends consisting of two one-hour races each.

The first four rounds will be held in Sepang before moving to Buriram in Thailand (May 11-12), Suzuka (June 22-23) and Fuji (July 6-7) in Japan.

The Korea International Circuit in Yeongnam will host round five on Aug 3 and 4 while Shanghai would close the season with races on September 27 and 28.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/motorsport/2019/03/09/fourth-son-of-johor-sultan-to-make-race-debut-at-first-leg-of-2019-blancpain-gt-world-challenge-asia/#z64ikWlYwfVrLp8L.99


Enraged British biker in viral video to be charged

                KAJANG: Police here are wrapped in a "he said, she said" case of road rage, involving a British national and two Malaysians on the KL-Seremban Highway.

A video of the expletive-filled tirade between the 39-year-old Briton, the driver and his fiancé has gone viral on social media.
A screengrab from the video showing the biker shouting at the driver.

In the video, the Briton who was riding a Harley, was seen shouting at the MyVi driver claiming that he was nearly knocked off his motorcycle, and that the driver and passenger flashed him an obscene gesture.

"You almost knocked me off, I said don't and then she (pointing to the passenger) gave me the bird. Who the f*** are you?" he was seen saying on the video.

The Briton egged the driver to "get out of the car" for a confrontation, while the MyVi driver responded loudly, asking the motorcyclist to follow him to the police station.

He was later heard calling his father on the phone and asking if he had a "police friend", before informing him that a man had broken his windshield.

The wife of the British suspect, a 28-year-old who only wanted to be known as Marie, claimed her husband was riding his Harley on the fast lane, while she was in a chauffeur-driven car behind him.

She claimed the MyVi, driving on her husband's left, clipped the number plate of his motorcycle while trying to overtake a car.

Marie admitted that her driver forced the MyVi to the side of the highway, but claimed they only did that because the MyVi driver was not responding to their calls to pull over.

Marie also claimed the couple in the MyVi used abusive word towards them as well.

However, she declined to comment when asked if the suspect broke the windscreen and windows of the MyVi.

Marie, who has been living in Malaysia with her spouse for about 15 years, said that they were cooperating with the police and they would "pay for whatever wrong" they were found to have done.

She said she still had a high view of Malaysia and its people.

"Stuff like this happens in other countries but social media has made it a lot worse. I will not leave Malaysia because of one incident.

"I am not a racist, I actually love Malaysia. I really do," she said.

The incident, which police said occurred near the Universiti Putra Malaysia exit of the highway at about 6.30pm Sunday, ended with no arrests.

However, Kajang OCPD Asst Comm Willey Richard said the suspect is expected to be charged at the Kajang magistrate's court Tuesday for damage of property and criminal intimidation.


Google co-founder funding flying car projects, says report

                SAN FRANCISCO: Mountain View technology startups Zee.Aero and Kitty Hawk are in the business of creating flying cars, and both are backed by Google co-founder Larry Page, according to a new report.

Zee.Aero was founded in 2010, and competitor Kitty Hawk set up in 2015; while neither are part of Alphabet Inc's Google-related family, both have been bankrolled by Google co-founder Larry Page - Zee.Aero to the tune of US$100m.

Kitty Hawk staff originate from not only Zee.Aero itself but also Nasa, Boeing, Elon Musk's SpaceX, and the 2013 Sikorsky Prize-winning Aerovelo team.

Company president Sebastian Thrum has been heavily involved in Google's autonomous driving program and research arm.

That's according to a Bloomberg report carried by Business Insider.

Also behind Zee.Aero is Stanford aeronautics and astronautics professor Ilan Kroo, it's said.


Ford plans SUVs for the whole family

                DETROIT: Projected demand for rugged off-roaders and crossovers among Millennial and baby boomer drivers means that Ford is aiming to launch four brand new SUVs over the next four years.

Ford's latest research shows that for Millennials, the SUV style appeals more than any other and that, when younger drivers start thinking about starting a family, they subsequently start holding the concept of the SUV in much higher esteem.

But it's not just the latest generation of drivers that have elevated the crossover to the point where it's the most popular type of car in the US and Europe.

"As members of the 80-million-strong millennial age group enter their prime child-rearing years, a leading indicator of more SUV sales, nearly 80 million aging baby boomers continue to prefer their SUVs," said Mark LaNeve, Ford Motor Company vice president of Marketing, Sales and Service.

"It's a demographic double whammy and it all points to one thing - more SUVs for the foreseeable future."

Therefore Ford is developing four new models to be launched before 2020, and each will be aimed at a segment in which the company doesn't currently compete.

In February at this year's Mobile World Congress, Ford is expected to unveil a mid-size SUV aimed specifically at the European market and will follow that up with something similarly rugged but more premium for the Geneva Motor Show, which this year opens its doors to the public on March 3.


TVR to return with Gordon Murray-designed car

                LONDON: It's offical, TVR is back. The boutique supercar firm that survived numerous ups and downs over its 59-year lifespan but was finally forced to close the doors to its Blackpool factory definitively in 2006 is set to live another day, and the news has generated more than its fair share of excitement in the automotive community.

The pages of the automotive press are filled with stories of rescue plans and of wealthy individuals with dreams of resurrecting once formidable motoring marques. However, what is giving the news about TVR, officially announced on Wednesday, so much traction is the name of one of the individuals involved in breathing life back into the brand.

Gordon Murray, the man behind the legendary McLaren F1 will be overseeing design, while production -scheduled to start in 2017 - will follow his ingenious award-winning iStream process, which enables different cars to be built from the same components and for large-scale production to be possible at smaller premises.

"TVR is an iconic brand which has been an important part of British sports car manufacturing for many decades. Its return to manufacturing is an exciting development and the car deserves the best chassis and powertrain that can possibly be delivered. To that end, I am delighted that our company is involved with the project, and that TVR are using our iStream technology," said Murray.

The company's iconic status came from its thunderous V8 engines, dynamic handling, brave styling and an unmatched combination of exclusivity and affordability.

 Murray at work.

And TVR's new backers promise that the formula will be the same when the first new car hits the road in 2017, thanks to a specially adapted V8 from Cosworth - the company that builds engines for Formula One and Aston Martin. "Our team has been working closely with TVR and Gordon Murray Design to develop a powertrain solution that perfectly complements the exceptional performance characteristics of the new car," said Cosworth technical director, Bruce Wood.

TVR still has a huge following in its native Britain and beyond, and those drivers that loved the old cars are being courted as the initial clients for the next generation of models.

So expect a two-seater with rear-wheel drive, manual gearbox, a front-mounted engine and a choice of coupe or convertible when more details about the first new model are confirmed later in 2015.

"We know that a new TVR has to be better than just good - it has to be outstanding. From the outset we only wanted to work with the best partners in the business," said TVR chairman Les Edgar.

"Such is the strength of the brand and the passion of its followers. It is a real privilege to be a part of the revival of a great British marque - one that will succeed through our single-minded desire to produce exceptional sports cars."


Hyundai ramps up new i30 production

                OFFENBACH (Germany): Hyundai Motor has started producing its European top-seller, the new i30 at its European production facility in Nosovice, Czech Republic.

The second-generation i30, on sale since 2012, has accounted for a fifth of Hyundai’s overall European sales in recent years.

The upgraded model is expected to further enhance i30’s position in the competitive European C-segment.

The new i30 range is enhanced with new engines, transmissions, safety and comfort features and refreshed exterior design.

The updated car enhances driver choice with a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and expands the model’s appeal with a Nurburgring-tuned 186 PS i30 Turbo model.

Powered by a 186 PS, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, the new i30 Turbo has been developed with a focus on sporty driving dynamics and everyday usability.

Unique exterior and interior design features set the new i30 Turbo apart from the rest of the new i30 line-up.

These include a new radiator grille, front and rear bumpers with red detailing, new front LED lamp design, twin exhausts and 18-inch alloy wheels.


Flying cars could lure investors away from ground-based services, says survey

                SEATTLE: Electric air taxis — known colloquially, if somewhat misleadingly, as “flying cars” — could draw millions of investor dollars away from ground-based transportation start-up firms in 2020, according to a study released today.

The still-young electric air taxi business “has the potential to significantly disrupt the landscape of urban mobility,” but still faces significant roadblocks to commercialisation and profitability, according to the 2020 Emerging Technology Outlook from investor website PitchBook.

The research firm predicted that air taxi start-ups such as Joby Aviation, based in Silicon Valley, and Germany’s Lilium Aviation, could draw a record level of venture investment in 2020, despite a lull in funding in 2019.

PitchBook values Joby at US$450 million and Lilium at US$576 million. To date, Joby has raised more than US$128 million from investors, including the corporate venture arms of Intel, JetBlue Airways and Toyota Motor. Lilium has raised more than $100 million, with China’s Tencent Holdings a major investor.

German automaker Daimler and China’s Geely Automobile are investors in a third air taxi startup, Stuttgart-based Volocopter, which has raised nearly $100 million and is valued at US$250 million.

Electric air taxis come in several shapes and sizes, and many look quite different from conventional fixed-wing aircraft. Electric motors replace jet engines, and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, designed to avoid the need for long runways, have rotating wings and, in some cases, rotors in place of propellers.

Only a few companies, such as Geely-owned Terrafugia, make vehicles that actually look like cars with wings.

Electric air taxis are likely to fly low-level routes, especially from city to city, thus relieving traffic congestion on roads. But they will potentially add to air traffic congestion as they become more popular.

The PitchBook survey notes that the nascent industry, while posing a long-term threat to ground-based transportation providers, still faces regulatory and technological hurdles that will require more time and serious capital to resolve.

The potential for electric air taxis to lower operating and maintenance costs dramatically is expected to attract millions more in funding to help offset massive cash burn rates and a lack of revenue.

Lilium is said to be seeking US$500 million from investors — more than the total invested in the entire sector since 2009, according to PitchBook.

“We need to be in the front row of these opportunities” to invest in electric air taxi start-ups, said Jim Adler, head of Toyota AI Ventures, which provided funding for Joby.

“If flying cars happen, Toyota will be there.”


Nissan adds intersection collision avoidance to its LIDAR-based driver-assistance tech

                YOKOHAMA: Nissan carried out another demonstration of its in-development LIDAR-based advanced driver-assistance technology, which now features intersection collision avoidance.

An event held at a Nissan facility here last week showcased the technology’s ability to perform certain automatic collision-avoidance maneuvers in the more complex environment of intersections.

The technology features a new control logic for intersection collision avoidance based on ground-truth perception technology using next-generation LIDAR.

It can detect an object’s speed, location, and potential risk of a collision from a lateral direction.

The system is designed to instantly respond to the changing situation through such steps as emergency application of the brakes or releasing the brakes when the potential risk- has been avoided.

Accidents caused by driver error at intersections can unfortunately result in significant consequences.

The in-development system is being designed to provide improved assistance in difficult situations through advanced sensing and decision-making capabilities.


Thousands of video games are now available in Tesla cars

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla's latest update integrates the Steam game service into the onboard system, giving Model S and X owners access to thousands of games.

This new update brings Steam into the infotainment system of the latest Models S and X. This means that thousands of video games will be available to Tesla drivers (while stationary).

To illustrate this new feature, the carmaker published a video featuring "Cyberpunk 2077," one of the most spectacular and popular video games on the platform.

Customers of the American carmaker already had access to its own games platform, Tesla Arcade, consisting of relatively basic games. With Steam, the offer is enriched with thousands of video games.

This video game platform is integrated into the latest generations of Models S and X, which have an AMD Ryzen chip with a computing power of 10 teraflops, which, on paper, is comparable to a PS5.

However customers need to remember that this is not about playing while driving, even under Autopilot, but about enjoying games while stopped, for example while recharging.

The game joins many other entertainment sources such as videos, music and podcasts. Besides Steam, this latest update also brings Apple Music into the American carmaker's infotainment system.


Perodua Q1 growth up with improved supply management

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua posted a heathy growth in the first quarter of 2022 with 61,624 vehicles registered, marking an increase of 6.4% from 57,909 vehicles sold between January and March of 2021.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the impact of Covid-19 and component supply issues are still present but the company was able to work with its suppliers and dealers to reduce the impact.

“Our focus is now to expedite the vehicles delivery to our customers before the sales tax exemption deadline of June 30. Zainal.

“That being said, Perodua also echoes MAA’s (Malaysia Automotive Association) request to further extend the sales tax exemption as factors such as the global semiconductor supply disruption and Covid-19 cases are still impacting the industry,” he said.

Zainal said that the automotive industry, including its local ecosystem thanked the government for the sales tax exemption initiative as it was able to keep demand high and sustain the industry throughout the worst of the pandemic.

“Right now, the local automotive ecosystem is starting to recover and an extension in the sales tax exemption is what the industry needs for sustained growth during this recovery period,” he said.

On a month-on-month comparison, Perodua registered 26,759 vehicles in March 2022, a 9.5% increase from 24,433 units sold in March 2021.

Compared with February 2022, sales jumped 53.2% from 17,421 units registered a month before.

Perodua’s highest monthly sales achievement was recorded in October 2021 with 27,858 units registered.

“Moving forward, we foresee the second quarter of 2022 to be the highlight for the automotive industry as brands will deliver as many vehicles as they can within that three-month period.

“While semiconductor chip supply and Covid-19 would still influence production, we expect that production and registration will continue to improve. We do not foresee other factors such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine to have a major impact on Perodua’s production moving forward.”

“Based on these factors, we are maintaining our 247,000 sales target for this year,” Zainal said.


10-seater Hyundai Staria debuts in 3 variants from RM180K

                PETALING JAYA: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) launched the feature-packed 10-seater Hyundai Staria today with three variants to choose from.

As is usual now with Hyundai nomenclature, it is offered in Lite, Plus, and Max variants, starting from RM179,888.

Designed for big families and businesses, this 10-seater version, with a 2-3-2-3 seat layout is a multi-purpose vehicle.

It has more convenient storage spaces and sliding seats with increased versatility to create an individual's own space for different needs, such as for transport of cargo and sporting equipment, or going on a camping trip.

Its innovative interior space utilisation is made possible by the MPV’s 3,273-mm wheelbase with an overall length of 5,253 mm and width of 1,997 mm. Its overall height of 1,990 mm is optimised for passengers to conveniently enter and exit the vehicle.

It boasts a loading capacity of up to 1,024 litres with full-flat seats. Apart from using it as a people mover and for transporting cargo, the
fully flat seats can also be turned into a bed for two for camping trips.

Hyundai said the Staria’s generous legroom as well as the large side windows are among the best features in its segment.

Its interior applies a simple and modest layout for the driver’s convenience and passengers’ comfort while staying faithful to the original design of an MPV.

The cruise ship-inspired interior delivers an open and unique atmosphere through its design.

The vehicle’s lower beltlines and panoramic windows is said to create a spacious, stimulating environment for all passengers.

According to Hyundai, the sense of spaciousness — inspired by traditional Korean "hanok" architecture — allows passengers to feel as if the outside scenes are an extension of the vehicle’s interior.

The fully digital cockpit is driver-oriented and features a 10.25-inch instrument cluster display and an 8-inch large touchscreen for the navigation system in the centre console.

The Max variant also comes equipped with a 360-surround view camera to make parking easier.

For the comfort of all passengers, the ceiling/roof air-conditioning vents comes as standard in all variants. Other convenient features also include the power sliding door for the Plus and Max variants.

The Max variant additionally has a powered tailgate. The Lite variant comes with black fabric seats, while the Plus variant carbon semi-leather seats, and Black Nappa leather seats for the Max variant.

The 10-seater uses a diesel-powered 2.2 CRDi engine that is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It delivers a power output of 175hp and 431Nm of torque.

Hyundai said its high-efficiency, air-cooled turbocharger has an improved compressor and turbine wheel performance for better low-speed torque performance.

The Staria boasts a high level of safety. All seats come with three-point seat belts and headrests as well as ISOFIX ready seats on the second row.

It is equipped with Hyundai Smartsense, active safety and driving assistance technologies.

Among the features included in the Hyundai Smartsense suite (applicable to selected variants) are the Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping
Assist (LKA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go that keeps the SCC running even when the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

According to HSDM managing director Low Yuan Lung, the 10-seater Staria is the most versatile large MPV launched by Hyundai that offers maximum flexibility with its seat configuration and full-flat seats.

“The Staria and especially the 10-seater is designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles and business needs. Its interior space and functionalities aim to transform how people experience in-car travel and provide greater flexibility of use for their needs,” he said.

The 10-seater Staria prices are as follows:

> Staria Lite – RM 179,888.00 OTR price without insurance for a standard 2-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) warranty or optional upgrade of RM 10,000.00 to 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first)
warranty + 3-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) free service.

> Staria Plus – RM 196,888.00 OTR price without insurance for a standard 2-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) warranty or optional upgrade of RM 10,000.00 to 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first)
warranty + 3-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) free service.

> Staria Max – RM 209,888.00 OTR price without insurance for a standard 2-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) warranty or optional upgrade of RM 10,000.00 to 5-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first)
warranty + 3-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) free service.

On-the-road price above is applicable only for Peninsula Malaysia, excluding insurance.

Optional upgrade packages are available for installation of side steps (standard or electronic), rear roof infotainment, and Alcantara interior trim.

Interested parties can now walk into any authorised Hyundai showrooms to place a booking. Booking can also be placed online via Hyundai’s online shopping platform, Cl!ck to Buy (www.hyundai.com.my/clicktobuy/).More information can be obtained from Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000, its official website: www.hyundai.com.my


Ford puts Raptor engine into standard F-150 lineup

The 2019 Ford F-150 Limited.
DETROIT: When Ford comes up with a successful advance in one of its high-end models, it's generally one of the quickest manufacturers to extend such technology and engineering developments to lesser models in its range.

It recently did so with a 10-speed automatic transmission that made its debut in the F-150 Raptor, and now features throughout the Ford portfolio, and it's now doing something similar with the engine from that mighty version of its all-conquering pickup truck.

To be fair, the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 in its basic form is already available in non-Raptor versions of the F-150, and it isn't going to be featuring in the Focus or Fiesta anytime soon. But for the 2019 model year, the stunning high-output version of the engine will have its availability extended to the regular F-150, albeit in its top-of-the-range Limited trim level.

The really good news for anyone wanting a 2019 F-150 with that fabulous engine, but not in an off-road performance version of the pickup, is that the full-fat version will be offered with the F-150 Limited.

While it would be perfectly understandable if Ford decided to at least slightly de-tune the EcoBoost powerplant to keep the Raptor that little bit special, the Blue Oval has decided against it. Instead, the twin-turbo powerplant will still produce 450hp and 694Nm of torque, just as it does in the F-150 Raptor.

This is actually quite a clever move by Ford in the incredibly competitive 1,500-class segment of the pickup market. There's an undeniable air of one-upmanship in the full-size pickup realm, so being the biggest, toughest or most powerful matters.

By dropping the 450hp Raptor engine into the standard range, it makes the F-150 the most powerful truck in the high-volume 1,500-class. Until now, that title belonged to several General Motors trucks with GM's 420hp 6.2-litre V8.

At the moment, there's an almost insatiable demand for incredibly luxurious pickup trucks in the US, so Ford is really ramping things up by extending the availability of its most powerful petrol engine to include models other than the Raptor. There's no sign of more workmanlike models getting the twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine, but it probably shouldn't be ruled out either.


Cadillac reveals new race car

                DETROIT: Cadillac has revealed the Project GTP Hypercar that previews the third-generation prototype race car from the American luxury brand.

In 2023, Cadillac will contest the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“Cadillac will be competing again on the world racing stage, and we are all thrilled to return to Le Mans after 20 years,” said Cadillac global vice president Rory Harvey.

“By competing in both the 2023 IMSA and WEC championships, Cadillac Racing has the opportunity to demonstrate its capability, craftsmanship and technology.”

Co-developed by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and Dallara, the Project GTP Hypercar incorporates key brand design characteristics. Elements of the brand’s heritage such as vertical lighting and floating blades are present throughout and connect the Project GTP Hypercar to the future of Cadillac.

“The Project GTP Hypercar is a unique convergence of form and function and showcases Cadillac’s future performance aesthetic,” said Chris Mikalauskas, lead exterior creative designer, Cadillac. “We have plenty more to come, from the upcoming race car to amazing production vehicles.”

Since 2017, Cadillac has been competing at the forefront of American sports car racing in the IMSA manufacturers championship achieving numerous wins, podiums and championships in the Cadillac DPi-V.R.

The new race car will be powered by an all-new 5.5-litre DOHC V8 that will be paired to the LMDh common hybrid system.

Cadillac’s commitment to performance is embodied in the V-Series line-up. Its recent expansion includes the CT4-V and CT5-V sport sedans, Escalade-V as well as the track-capable CT4-V Blackwing1 and CT5-V Blackwing1.

The race car will begin on-track testing this summer and first race at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2023.


Transport Ministry to review suspension of road tax renewals in post offices

                MIRI: The Transport Ministry is prepared to review an order to stop road tax renewals for private vehicles with a capacity of 2000cc and above at post offices in Sarawak, Sabah, Langkawi and Penang, effective Sept 1.

Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said a meeting will be held with Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid this week to see if the directive was viable.

"The instruction was from the JPJ, not the Transport Ministry. I understand that the JPJ did so to reduce the loss of government revenue as there are vehicles which are registered in Peninsular Malaysia but the road tax is renewed in Sabah and Sarawak,” he told reporters after launching the Miri DAP headquarters office today.

Loke said the JPJ had found that owners of vehicles of 2000cc or more from the peninsula were taking advantage of the cheaper road tax in Sarawak and Sabah by renewing their road tax in post offices there.

At the same time, the interests of the local people in the two states must also be taken into account as they need places to renew their road tax as there were areas in both states where there were no JPJ offices.

Pos Malaysia’s recent announcement to suspend road tax renewals for vehicles of 2000cc and above in post offices in Sarawak, Sabah, Labuan and Langkawi, following instructions from JPJ, had gone viral on social media, with mostly negative reactions from the public.

Internet users, especially from the interior areas of Sarawak, said the move would burden the people who would have to drive more than three hours to JPJ offices to renew their road tax.

Separately, on the proposal to implement the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) at the Malaysia-Brunei border, Loke said this was still being studied.

On April 25 this year, the JPJ director-general announced that the proposal to implement the VEP on all foreign vehicles at the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Malaysia-Brunei to monitor foreign vehicles entering the country, especially over traffic summonses, will be forwarded to the Transport Ministry this year.


First Mercedes EQ to launch next week

                STUTTGART: A lot has been said and written over the past few months about the new Mercedes EQ electric sub-brand, but up to now we've yet to see a full-blown production car launched. However, the German auto giant has now announced that the first of its EQ models actually has an official launch date, and the best part of the news is that we only have to wait until next week for it.

This exciting news came out at the same time that Mercedes gave us a glimpse of what to expect from the first of its EQ models, which will be an electric crossover called the EQ C. The release came in the form of a short Instagram video post from Mercedes-Benz showing the front end of the vehicle with its LED DRL strips. At the end of the clip it confirms the official launch will take place in Stockholm on Sept 4, so we only have a week to wait before we see the whole vehicle.

It's believed the EQ C is a GLC-size electric crossover SUV that will be built on a modular platform designed specifically for electric vehicles. Other than that there's very little known about this important new vehicle from the German luxury brand, but features such as the battery, range and performance are unlikely to be disappointing when we finally get to know the details.

If the EQ C follows along the same lines as the concept that spawned this first production model, it would likely utilize a pair of motors located at the front and rear delivering somewhere in the region of 400hp. The range of the concept was claimed to be between 402km to 482km, which would put it on a par with its likely competitors the Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X and the Audi e-tron.

More teasers are likely to be revealed over the coming days leading up to the full reveal next Tuesday, but in fact, we've already seen quite a bit of the new model in "official spy shots" of the EQ in camouflage issued by Mercedes back in June.


Hertz wheels in ex-Goldman Sachs CFO as top boss

                MIAMI: Hertz Global Holdings today named former Goldman Sachs finance chief Stephen Scherr as its top boss, replacing interim CEO Mark Fields, sending shares of the car rental firm up 4% before the bell.

Scherr will assume his new role as CEO and a board member on Feb 28, Hertz said in a statement, adding that Fields would remain as a director.

The leadership change comes at a time when rental car companies are dealing with a pandemic-driven surge in demand but are also grappling to secure vehicles due to global chip shortages and supply chain snarls.
 Scherr.
Hertz is also in the process of raising debt to refinance expensive preferred stock issued as part of the company's exit from bankruptcy.

The Florida-based company, which made a stock market return last year, was in the news in November after it placed an order for 100,000 electric rental cars from Tesla Inc.

Scherr, who resigned from Goldman in September after a near three-decade stint, played a key role in revamping Goldman's image from a Wall Street firm to a traditional bank.

He will receive a base salary of US$1.5mil and will have a performance-based annual bonus target of 160% of his salary, Hertz said separately in a securities filing.


2017 Perodua Myvi: Fuel efficient Dual VVT-i engines

                PETALING JAYA: Both engines for the new 2017 Perodua Myvi are 4-cylinder DOHC units with dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligence).

For the 1.3-litre unit, based on the 1NR-VE engine name in the Myvi leaflet, we think that this is the same 1,329cc engine shared with the Perodua Bezza, which outputs 70kW (94hp) at 6,000rpm and 121Nm at 4,000rpm.

This would mean that the new 1.3-litre Myvi is slightly more powerful than its predecessor, which produced 67kW (90hp) at 6,000rpm and 117Nm at 4,400rpm.

As for the 1.5-litre unit, based on the 2NR-VE engine name in the Myvi leaflet, this should be the 1,496cc engine seen in the Toyota Avanza, which produces 77kW (103hp) at 6,000rpm and 136Nm at 4,200rpm.

These new NR engines in the new Myvi come from the Daihatsu Perodua Engine Manufacturing plant in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan.

READ MORE:
2017 Perodua Myvi: Full in-house design for upper body
New Perodua Myvi round the corner, priced from RM44,300
Automatic braking & Advanced Safety Assist included in Perodua Myvi

The new Myvi comes in five variants, consisting of three 1.3-litre and two 1.5-litre models.

The entry-level Myvi is the 1.3-litre G grade (five-speed manual and four-speed automatic variants)

This is followed by X grade (1.3-litre), and H and the flagship AV grades (both 1.5-litre) - all fitted with automatic transmissions only, and the Eco Idle engine start-stop feature.

The Eco Idle feature allows the engine to automatically shut off when the car is stopped, and restarts when the brake pedal is released.

Along with aerodynamic improvements, these contribute towards fuel economy figures of 20.1 km per litre for the 1.5-litre Myvi automatic.

Metallic paint options are Lava Red, Mystical Purple, and Glittering Silver.

There are two new colours, namely Granite Grey (1.5-litre only) and Peppermint Green (1.3-litre only).

A solid paint colour is Ivory White.

The new Myvi is priced on-the-road without insurance at RM44,300 (1.3-litre G grade, manual transmission); RM46,300 (1.3-litre G grade, automatic transmission); RM48,300 (1.3-litre Premium X grade, automatic); RM51,800 (1.5-litre High grade, automatic) and RM55,300 (1.5-litre Advance grade, automatic).

The new Myvi has a 5-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.


VinFast hands over first electric SUVs, eyes US deliveries

                HAIPHONG: Vietnamese carmaker VinFast today began handing its first batch of 100 all-electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to local customers, with US deliveries of the vehicle due to begin as soon as December.

VinFast, which began operations in 2019, is gearing up to expand in the US market, where it hopes to compete with legacy automakers and startups with its two all-electric SUVs, the VF8 and VF9, including battery leasing to reduce the purchase price.

"The first batch of 5,000 VF8 units will be for US and North American markets. Mass production will start from next week," VinFast's global chief executive Le Thi Thu Thuy said on the sidelines of a delivery ceremony at its plant in Vietnam's northern province of Haiphong.

VinFast, part of Vingroup JSC, will start shipping cars overseas in November and customers will have cars delivered as soon as December, Thuy said.

The company has registered almost 65,000 reservations globally, and it expects to sell 750,000 EVs per year by 2026, starting with the VF8 and VF9 all-electric SUVs.

In March, VinFast said it would build a production plant in North Carolina with an initial projected capacity of 150,000 EVs a year. It tapped banks in July to raise least US$4 billion in funding for the project. read more

Nguyen Khac Chung was among the first local customers to have their cars delivered at today's event.

"I thought I had to wait until November to get my car delivered but I was surprised that the waiting time was cut short," said Chung, who ordered his EV in January, just two months after the model was introduced.

"Battery leasing is an advantage for customers," he added. "Why should we buy battery?"

The VF8 and VF9 vehicles will start at US$42,200 and US$57,500 respectively for US customers, excluding the cost to lease the electric battery. From September, the company will also offer customers options that include batteries.


Lamborghini combustion cars to end this year, focus now on plug-ins

                BOLOGNA: Lamborghini is gearing up for the final lap of combustion engines powering coveted models like the Aventador as the sports-car maker switches its lineup to plug-in hybrids.

The Volkswagen AG brand with the track-focused Aventador, Huracan and Urus SUV models will unveil its first production car with a plug next year before electrifying its full offering by 2024.

For this year, Lamborghini has almost sold out its entire production run following record deliveries during 2021, according to chief executive officer Stephan Winkelmann.

“It will be the last time that we only offer combustion engines,” Winkelmann said in an interview. The carmaker has seen a “very good start” to 2022, he said.

Lamborghini has allocated a record 1.5 billion euros for the shift to plug-in hybrids, and plans to offer a purely battery-powered model during the second half of the decade.

While supercar brands like Ferrari NV and Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings Plc face an especially delicate task preserving brand identity in the costly shift to electrification, Lamborghini’s future plans are underpinned by VW’s record spending on new technology.

The manufacturer is still working on a final design for its first electric car and is leaning towards a four-door model suited for daily use, Winkelmann said.


Settle early or end up paying RM2,000, AES traffic offenders warned

                PUTRAJAYA: Road users who have received Automated Enforcement System (AES) summonses after April 15 have been urged to settle immediately or risk court action.

Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Seri Nadzri Siron said those who fail to pay their RM150 compound face a maximum fine of RM2,000 if found guilty by the court.

“It’s better to pay the compound than to be brought to court and face the maximum fine,” Nadzri said at a press conference after the department’s monthly assembly.

Nadzri said at present, the only two offences that fall under AES are speeding and running the red light.

Commenting on the AES cameras that capture images of vehicles from behind instead of the front, Nadzri said such cameras are only available at certain locations, based on suitability.

“When we capture images that way, we are able to identify the car make as well as its registration number,” he said, adding that there were currently 21 AES cameras located at various hot spots in the country.

Earlier, Nadzri witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between JPJ and the Skills Development Department under the Human Resources Ministry.

Under the agreement, the two departments will cooperate in human capital development in the road transport sector.


Florida city uses solar sidewalk to power traffic lights

                TAMPA: What if a sidewalk could store energy and power traffic lights to cover potential power outages? That's the innovative idea that an American city has put into practice.

Particularly at risk from hurricanes, the municipality of Tampa (located in northwest Florida) is sometimes confronted with power outages. This is a major problem, which can quickly turn dangerous when it affects road traffic, for example if traffic lights are not working.

To remedy this, the city has been testing a new system since autumn: 84 solar panels have been installed on the surface of a sidewalk. The goal is to harness the Florida sunshine and store energy in the panels to power traffic lights in case they are hit by a power outage.

According to Brandon Campbell, this solution is more reliable as the backup generators in place (which can be deployed to any intersection) have sometimes proven inadequate in number and signal lights with a backup battery have a lifespan of about eight hours... compared with three days for this solar sidewalk!

The city of Tampa collaborated with Canadian company Solar Earth  Technologies to carry out this project.

Tampa isn't the first city in the world to opt for a solar sidewalk solution. In the spring of 2021, Barcelona City Hall covered 50 sq m of sidewalk with photovoltaic panels. This experiment aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the city, which is targeting carbon neutrality by 2050.

This type of initiative also exists in France: in Jan 2019, 56 sq m of photovoltaic slabs were installed in Bobigny in the Greater Paris area, in order to illuminate a bicycle path located under a bridge along the Ourcq Canal.


Shell Malaysia stops charging 50 sen TnG top-up fee at more stations

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Malaysia has waived the 50 sen Touch ‘n Go (TnG) top-up fee at all stations along more PLUS highways and the East-Coast Expressway.

The PLUS highways are the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and the North South Expressway Central Link (ELITE)

In January, Shell started waiving the top-up fee at all stations along the North-South Expressway.

Twenty-five other Shell stations nationwide that are outside the abovementioned road networks also do not charge a top-up fee.

List-of-Participating-Stations.pdfAlternate link: List of Shell stations that do not charge TnG top-up fee


Outgoing CEO says Panasonic must cut Tesla reliance

Panasonic has been heavily dependent on Tesla. — Reuters
TOKYO: Panasonic Corp’s outgoing chief executive Kazuhiro Tsuga said the company will need to reduce its heavy reliance on Tesla Inc by making batteries more compatible with electric vehicles from other global carmakers, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

“At some point, we need to graduate from our one-legged approach of relying solely on Tesla,” Tsuga, who will step down after nine years as CEO from April 1, told the newspaper in an interview.

“We are entering a different phase and we need to keep an eye on supplying manufacturers other than Tesla.”

The Japanese conglomerate announced in November that Tsuga would step down in April after nine years at the helm and that Yuki Kusumi, the head of its automotive business, would take over.

Under Tsuga’s leadership, Panasonic has shifted its focus away from low-margin consumer electronics to batteries, factory machines and components. The company said last month it expects its battery business supplying Tesla to be profitable this fiscal year.

Panasonic has partnered with Tesla in a US$5 billion battery “gigafactory” near Reno, Nevada.


Volvo opens 3S centre in Ipoh

                IPOH: Volvo Car Malaysia has launched a new showroom here, run by its dealer-partner, iRoll Ipoh Sdn Bhd, which aims to provide customers in Perak with more access to the brand and its services.

The showroom adds to Volvo’s dealership network and is located near the airport, as well as the Ipoh City & Country Club.

Catering to the growing demand for the brand in Perak, the new 3S Centre (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) features a well-appointed, Scandinavian-inspired showroom that houses the brand’s latest models and a fully equipped service centre with a total of four repair bays.

The new 3S Centre adheres to Volvo Cars’ latest retail standard, called Volvo Retail Experience (VRE). VRE was created to focus the brand cornerstones more fully and serve customers in four main areas - the Contemporary Luxury Experience, Understanding, Interaction and Wellbeing – all of which best communicates the brand’s Scandinavian-inspired values.

“We are extremely glad for this opportunity and are looking forward to expanding our services and providing quality experiences throughout our customers ownership journey,” said Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Nalin Jain.

“We are proud that Volvo Car Malaysia has chosen to partner with us in Ipoh and together, we intend to cater to the ever-growing customer demand for Volvo’s exciting line of products and services,” said Managing Director, iRoll Ipoh Sdn Bhd, Tan Loon Shen.

Volvo Car Malaysia has been enjoying a surge in sales volume thanks to a stronger retail presence – a result of Volvo Car Malaysia’s transformation plan. In the first half of 2019, Volvo Car Malaysia saw a 60% growth in sales, after growing 28% last year.

The new 3S centre, iRoll Ipoh Sdn Bhd, is located at Lot No. 2917S, Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun (Jalan Kampar) 30250 Ipoh, Perak. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday - 9am to 6pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

For more information about Iroll Ipoh and their showroom, contact them at 05-2461618.


Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia launches pre-owned vehicle programme

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has launched Max Certified, a used car programme where each unit has undergone a 150-point inspection by a professionally-trained Mitsubishi specialist.

Every car under this programme also comes with a 12-month warranty that covers the repair and/or replacement of the engine, transmission, steering, and electrical components due to mechanical breakdowns.

Max Certified vehicle buyers will also receive a RM500 service e-voucher redeemable at authorised MMM service centres during periodic maintenance.

All pre-owned Mitsubishi cars sold under this programme are aged seven years and below with mileage less than 180,000km covered at the time of trade-in.

These cars are also equipped with genuine parts from MMM authorised service centres, free from major accidents and flood damage, and come with a complete service record from Mitsubishi Motors authorised service centres.

Under the Max Certified programme, customers can browse through Mitsubishi pre-owned models at Mitsubishi Motors dealers and trade in their vehicles for new units.

“In addition to strengthening the Mitsubishi brand within the used car sector and building the residual values of Mitsubishi vehicles, Max Certified aims to improve customer retention. We also hope to offer those who are interested in purchasing a used Mitsubishi car a more accessible and trustworthy platform,” said Shinya Ikeda, CEO of MMM.


Ford Ranger warranty extended to 5 years/160,000km

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has extended the three-year/100,000km manufacturer’s warranty for its Ranger pick-up truck line-up to five years/160,000km, giving better value to new Ranger owners.

In addition to that, existing Ranger owners who are on the current three-year warranty will have the option to buy two Extended Warranty Plans which are available at Ford authorised service centres.

The PremiumCARE plan, priced at RM5,000, provides a two-year comprehensive coverage on over 1,000 components, while the PowertrainCARE plan, priced at RM3,500, provides a two-year extended warranty on 29 vital parts of the engine, transmission and drivetrain.

SDAC's head of sales, Turse Zuhair, said Ranger owners used their vehicles not only as point-to-point modes of transportation but also as an extension of their lifestyle for work and play besides daily commutes for family and loved ones.

"With the new five-year manufacturer’s warranty for our Ranger line-up, we aim to provide added value to customers as they go about their life’s adventures,” he said.

For details, on the extended warranty plans, visit www.sdacford.com.my.


What the Audi A4 1.4 TFSI offers - and doesn’t offer

                PETALING JAYA: The 2.0 TFSI is the first of three A4 variants that was launched today.

The RM248,900 2.0 TFSI is slotted in the middle of the pack. And if your budget for an Audi A4 can’t stretch this far (we know, times are bad), wait till January for the 1.4 TFSI, which looks to be an interesting pick. We are approaching the tail end of 2016, so the wait won’t be long.

The 1.4 TFSI is your ticket to affordable German luxury. It replaces the 1.8-litre motor, and makes 150hp/250Nm versus 190hp/320Nm in the 2.0 TFSI and 252hp/370Nm in the 2.0 TFSI quattro.

A number of foreign reviews show off the front-wheel drive 1.4 TFSI in good light. It has an advanced engine that isn’t underpowered and still offers a good deal of driving performance while being easy on fuel consumption, they say.

Looking at the specs sheet for the three A4 variants for Malaysia, the base A4 is decently specced for a compact luxury sedan but we have to wait for the final approved price to see where it stands with respect to the competition.

One notable feature absent in all three variants is a rear view camera, which is included in the optional Technology package.

Listed below is the key equipment list for the 1.4 TFSI and what are missing if you choose to buy this version of the A4.

YOU GET:

6 airbags
Electronic Stabilisation Control
Tyre pressure warning light
Hold assist
Multi-collision brake assist
3-zone climate control
Paddle shifters
Leather seats
Electrically adjustable front seats
Front centre armrest
Lighting package
Xenon headlights with LED DRLs
Electrically adjustable wing mirrors
Parking system plus
MMI Radio plus
180W Audi Sound System
Bluetooth interface with hands-free and audio streaming
Driver information with colour display
Audi drive select
Comfort dynamic suspension
Comfort key
Start/stop system
Cruise control
Light/rain sensor
17-inch wheels

YOU DO NOT GET:

Leather/Alcantara seats
Sports front seats
Memory function for driver’s seat
Manual blinds for rear door windows
Automatic headlight-range adjustment while driving
LED rear lights with dynamic indicators
Audi Smart Phone interface
Audi connect
MMI navigation plus with MMI touch
Adaptive comfort suspension with damping control


Foxconn predicts more stable supply chain in the second half of 2022

                TAIPEI: Taiwan's Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker, said today that the second half of the year is heading "in a better direction" as Shanghai's Covid-19 lockdown appears to be easing.

"We are quite confident in the stability of our supply chain for the second half of this year," Foxconn chairman Liu Young-way told the company's annual shareholder meeting.

The Shanghai government will allow all residents in "low-risk" areas to return to work from today.

Foxconn is aiming to become the first electric vehicle (EV) maker "not short on material supplies", Liu said, referring to a prolonged global chip shortage that has forced carmakers to halt production and hurt smartphone production including for Apple Inc, a major client.

"A car that costs tens of thousands of dollars cannot be shipped because of a tiny chip worth fifty cents. This has been a pain for our customers," he said.

Foxconn is aiming to capture around 5% of the global electric vehicle market by the end of 2025 and has said it is hoping to boost its capacity to make EV chips, many of which are small lower-end integrated circuits including those used in power management.

The company warned this month that revenue for its electronics business including smartphones could slip this quarter due to rising inflation, cooling demand and escalating supply chain issues partly due to lockdowns in China.

Foxconn reiterated that while China's strict Covid-19 controls in China had only a limited impact on production as it kept workers on-site in a "closed loop" system, demand for its products in the country has suffered as people remain shut in.


Technician wins Ducati Monster 797 in Shell contest

                KUALA LUMPUR: It was a dream come true for technician Khairil Anuar Abd Rasol, 35, when he found himself the proud owner of a new Ducati Monster 797 motorcycle in the recent Shell Advance Buy & Win Consumer Contest.

The contest, which ran from April 1 to May 31 was open to motorcycle owners who bought any Shell Advance 4T motorcycle engine oil or gear oil worth a minimum of RM25 in a single receipt from authorised Shell Advance retail channels.

“I have always only used fully synthetic Shell Advance Ultra as it goes further without impacting the performance and makes my bike feel lighter and more powerful. I was surprised when I received the call informing me of the good news. I am so thrilled as I did not expect to win the Ducati Monster,” said Khairil at the prize-giving ceremony here today. Present were Shell Advance brand manager Evon Tan and Ducati Malaysia sales chief Zaid Apandi.

The Shell Advance Buy & Win Consumer Contest was aimed at rewarding bikers who use Shell Advance.

According to Shell, the Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology is made with a clear base oil derived from natural gas and offers superior cleansing, wear and corrosion protection. It is touted as offering a clean start and delivers a more sustained power at all times.

Ducati also uses Shell products on the track, and chooses Shell Advance and Shell V-Power fuel as the first fill for every Ducati road bike that leaves its factory in Bologna, Italy.

Ducati will be taking part in the Shell Malaysia MotoGP 2018 at the Sepang International Circuit from Nov 2-4.

 Khairil flanked by Tan and Zaid.


BMW Motorrad roars up the charts

                MUNICH: BMW Motorrad has set yet another half-year sales record, delivering some 80,000+ motorbikes and scooters to customers between January and June this year

The new record, 80,754 two-wheelers to be precise, is a 3% jump on last year's six-month total of 78,418, which itself was a new record.

"As of June 2016 we were able to set our fourth six-month record in succession," said Heiner Faust, BMW Motorrad Head of Sales and Marketing. "Based on this positive development we will now strive to achieve another sales record for the year as a whole."

The biggest jump in demand has been from European countries, most notably Spain, Italy and France.

As for what people are buying, the company's GS range Adventure bikes, are the biggest sellers. And with over 25,500 examples snapped up over the last six months, it means that BMW is still the world's most popular Adventure bike brand.

"In spite of a much tougher competitive environment, our two top-sellers, the R 1200 GS and GS Adventure, are asserting themselves very impressively on the market."