Zeekr 001 breaks two Guinness World Records

                BEIJING: Geely-owned Zeekr, formed in 2021, has announced its luxury all-electric 001 vehicle has broken two Guinness World Records.

Less than a year since the brand started delivering vehicles to customers in China, Zeekr has made its mark on the global stage by claiming the titles for the fastest drift ever achieved by an electric car and the fastest electric car slalom.

The records have fully verified the 001 as "fast, accurate and stable."

The fastest electric vehicle drift required the vehicle to achieve greater than 160kph and the 001 was able to achieve a maximum speed of 207.996kph.

Using the 001’s twin electric drive system, the front and rear were able to achieve instant torque output up to 7,680Nm and an acceleration time up to 100kph in 3.8s.

This power and acceleration, combined with the 001’s high-performance chassis suspension system, maximised body stability and allowed the driver to maintain consistent and precise drifting and the car to "dance right on the edge of the limit", said Zeekr in a press statement.

Zeekr’s 001 also went on to set a new benchmark for the fastest ever all-electric car slalom. The vehicle weaved between 50 cones equally spaced and completed the course, without touching or knocking any down, in 49.05 seconds.

001’s intelligent electric four-wheel drive system boosted acceleration off the line and enabled excellent handling of the vehicle on the fast and dynamic course.

The power distribution and the balance between the front and rear wheels between the cones allowed for the 001 to glide through the cones with minimal disruption from the chassis or tyres, maintaining stable braking at the end. The strong grip also allowed the vehicle to have better cornering ability throughout.

Breaking these two world records, Zeekr has stuck to its own philosophy to not be “a boring electric car”.

READ MORE: Geely Auto grows EV ambition as fossil fuel vehicle demand sinks

The records were broken in August under the supervision of an adjudicator from Guinness World Records at the CATARC proving ground in China.

Zeekr said it continues to prioritise and fulfill local market customer orders ahead of a planned European roll-out from 2023, where it will ramp up capacity at the ZEEKR plant — one of the world’s most advanced vehicle facilities — to deal with strong demand for the 001.


System update soon for JPJ app, website to enhance security

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) app and website will soon feature new security updates, says the Transport Minister.

Anthony Loke said that road users looking to register for a digital road tax would soon have to enter the unique code located behind their driving licence in addition to their IC number during registration.

He said that he has discussed this thoroughly with JPJ and the system update will likely roll out soon.

"This will improve the security of the system to prevent any possible cases of abuse or IC numbers already being registered during registration," said Loke to the press after the launch of the “Arts On The Move” initiative at Pasar Seni LRT station today.

Loke said the new registration requirement would only apply to those that have yet to register through the JPJ app or website and that existing users would not be required to comply with the new requirements.

He added that the digitalisation of road tax would remain voluntary and there would be no mandate yet on forcing all road users to register into the system.

In a related development, My EG Services Bhd said it would continue to provide vehicle owners and drivers road tax and driving licence renewal services via the group's existing channels, but with the added flexibility of forgoing physical copies of the documents.

"MYEG wishes to assure all our valued users that the provision of road tax and driver license renewals continues uninterrupted.

"The group remains committed to serving the Malaysian public by providing a secure and convenient online platform for vehicle owners and drivers to renew their road tax and driving licence respectively," it said in a statement.


New Myvi a runaway success, bookings hit 36,000 units

The new Myvi is a runaway success for Perodua.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s hottest new car, the third-generation Perodua Myvi, has just achieved another proof of its runaway popularity with 36,000 bookings since order-taking began in November last year.

Unveiling Perodua’s 2017 full year review here today, Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said more that 11,000 units of the new Myvi have been delivered to customers.

“We expect more registrations moving forward, as most of the customers who placed orders last year wanted their cars delivered in 2018,” said Aminar.

“That being said, we are also doing our level best to meet demand especially for the 1.5 variants, which was beyond our expectations.

“Perodua Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, our manufacturing arm, is currently working overtime to ensure deliveries are made within an acceptable time frame,” he said.

The new Myvi, priced from RM44,300 to RM55,300, is available in 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre variants. The 1.5-litre variant accounted for 85% of the bookings.

The Myvi also sets new standards in technology, features and safety in its segment.

Aminar said Perodua is aiming for sales of 209,000 vehicles this year, representing a 2% increase from the 204,900 vehicles sold in 2017.

Perodua achieved a market share of 35% in 2017 and is confident of sustaining a similar percentage this year.

“Demand is still strong for our current line-up consisting the new Myvi, Axia, Bezza and Alza.

“The momentum carried by the Bezza in the earlier part of 2017 and the continued demand for our other models have helped make us the top-selling carmaker in Malaysia for the 12th year running,” he said.

“Based on our internal calculations, we expect the total industry volume to increase to 590,000 units in 2018, which would see our market share sustained at slightly above 35%,” he said.

Aminar said the increase in demand this year would also have a positive impact on vehicle production with an estimated 215,334 units to be produced at both its manufacturing facilities this year compared with 200,146 units produced in 2017.

READ MORE:
New Perodua Myvi in top 10 Google searches
Perodua Myvi: A Malaysian joy
2017 Perodua Myvi Advance tested
Proton-Perodua rivalry to heat up auto sector in 2018
New Perodua Myvi gets cert confirming 5-star Asean NCAP safety rating

He also said Perodua’s aftersales intake growth has improved in 2017 and is expected to grow by 1.9% from 2.1 million intakes to 2.14 million in 2018.

“While we look to further increase our sales this year, we are also aggressively growing our after-sales business to meet with the expected increase in the numbers of customers moving forward.

“This will be done by upgrading current facilities to have more bays and by further improving our people’s competencies. This will further reduce our customers’ waiting time while at the same time increase intakes,” he said.

From a corporate responsibility standpoint, Perodua will be undertaking a few long-term projects that will shape the youth and sports landscape.

Kicking them off is the Perodua Malaysia Masters, an international badminton tournament that is on-going this week at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, with the finals taking place on Sunday.

“Sponsored by our technical partner Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan, the Perodua Malaysia Masters will see top as well as up-and- coming Malaysian shuttlers battling it out with their international counterparts for victory,” said Aminar.


Interest rate hike not in auto sector's favour, says CIMB Research

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) hike will have a negative impact on the automotive sector, says stock analyst CIMB Equities Research.

This is because it could affect consumer affordability, especially in the mass market segment and lead to more stringent loan approvals by the banks.

CIMB Research said the recent 25bp rate hikes would generally hit cyclical sectors such as property, auto as well as consumer.

Proton and Perodua could be affected by this given their exposure to the mass market, it said. "In addition, the sector will also be impacted by expected higher interest cost given the high gearing level for most companies, except Bermaz," it added.

Although DRB-Hicom is likely to be the most affected on absolute value of about RM12mil from the hike in interest cost, the impact on its net profit is estimated to be less than 3%.

However, CIMB Research said there would be a potential 15% impact on Tan Chong’s earnings in FY18F from a 25bp hike in interest expense due to its lower earnings base. It predicted that the Tan Chong group would only break even in FY19F.

“It is also negative for companies with high gearing in ringgit borrowings as it will result in higher interest expense."


Gamuda accepts govt offer to take over its toll concession companies

                KUALA LUMPUR: Gamuda Bhd said its board of directors has voted today to accept the government's offer to acquire four highway concession companies linked to the group.

"The board of Gamuda will make the appropriate announcements in due course after the going through the relevant due process with its respective associated companies and joint venture company," the company said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia today.

The government had announced on June 21 a RM6.2bil offer to acquire four toll concessionaires - Lingkaran Trans Kota Holdings Bhd (Litrak), Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat Holdings Sdn Bhd (Sprint), Kesas Sdn Bhd and Projek SMART Holdings Sdn Bhd.

Gamuda owns a 44% stake in Litrak, a 52% stake in Sprint, a 70% stake in Kesas and a 50% stake in SMART.


SIC to replace F1 with talent scout race

                KUALA LUMPUR: Motorsports promoter, Sepang International Circuit Sdn Bhd (SIC), is preparing various programmes and activities to cultivate local talents as a means to replace the space left vacant by Formula One (F1) race.

According to SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali, the vacuum should be replaced with another four-wheel race that has a strong local support, and is commercially viable.

"We needs a race that have an economic impact. Before hosting the race, we have to create awareness and interest about the race among local motorsports fans. It is not good if the event attracts more foreign fans than locals," said Razlan in a press conference after unveiling SIC's programmes for talents on four-wheel and two-wheel in 2018 here on Tuesday.

Among the four-wheel talents who attended the event were Jazeman Jaafar, Afiq Ikhwan Yazid, Weiron Tan, Nabil Jeffri and Mitchell Cheah. The two-wheels riders included Hafiz Syahrin Abdullah (MotoGP), Zulfahmi Khairuddin (Moto2) and Adam Norrodin (Moto3).


Hyundai to make electric cars in Singapore, says daily

                SINGAPORE: Hyundai Motor Co. will make electric vehicles in Singapore starting in 2022, the Straits Times reported.

The Seoul-based automaker will produce 30,000 electric cars a year at the Singapore plant, with as many as 6,000 set to be sold in the city-state, the newspaper said, citing Teo Hock Seng, executive chairman of Hyundai distributor Komoco Motors.

The first vehicle from the plant will likely be an electric compact crossover that may be called Ioniq 3, the newspaper said, citing sources it didn’t identify.

Construction for the 28,000 square-metre Singapore factory is set to begin in October, after delaying it from May due to the coronavirus outbreak, the paper said.

South Korea’s largest automaker said earlier this month it plans to release new electric vehicles, setting a target of 10% of that market in five years.

The company will unveil three EV models under its Ioniq brand starting from early 2021 to 2024, with the aim of selling 1 million of these vehicles by 2025.

Hyundai Motor also said earlier this year it was setting up an innovation centre in Singapore to develop and test technology across the automotive supply chain, including the trial of the manufacturing process for electric vehicles.

Construction of the facility in the western part of the island-state was targeted to complete in the second half of 2022, it said at the time.

The Singapore plant will employ hundreds of workers, the Straits Times cited a Hyundai spokesman as saying. He declined to give an investment figure for the project.

In October, Dyson Ltd. abandoned a US$2.5 billion plan to build electric cars in Singapore because the maker of vacuum cleaners and hair dryers couldn’t find a way of making the project commercially viable.

Ford Motor Co. closed its factory in the city-state about 40 years ago, effectively ending car production on the island.


Up for auction: The most important American sportscar in history

                LAS VEGAS: The Holy Grail of American muscle is going on sale. On Aug 19 at RM Sotheby's Monterey auction, bids will be taken for the original Shelby Cobra.

Chassis number CSX 2000 was Carroll Shelby's own Cobra, the car he built himself and kept until the day he died and is being offered for sale by the Carroll Hall Shelby Trust itself.

"When it comes to American sports cars, CSX 2000 is without peers. Its historical significance and impact on the global sports car scene cannot be overstated," said Shelby Myers, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby's.

Auction houses are expected to hype upcoming sales, but in the case of this Cobra, interest could be such that the car drives into the all-time auction top 10.

That's because it was more than just the testing and development prototype that would one day cement the Cobra and Shelby's places in the annuals of automotive history. It was one of Shelby's most important props. This is the car that the world's motoring press tested around tracks — 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds and a 153mph top speed in 1962 — but it was also the car that Shelby would take to events every week, painted a different color to convince potential buyers that production was in full swing and he had plenty of Cobras ready.

As well as a tangible reminder of Shelby the showman and raconteur, it's also a testament to his automotive genius, the foundation that would help Ford eventually clinch that 1-2-3 le Mans victory in 1966 with the GT40.

"In the automotive world, CSX 2000 was the shot heard ‘round the world; it revolutionised not only American racing, but the greater auto industry as a whole. Had Carroll Shelby never decided to squeeze that high performance V-8 into its engine bay, there would be no Cobra and certainly no Shelby American, nor GT40, nor the others that followed," said Myers.

CSX 2000 started out life as an AC Ace, a stylish but quaint British roadster. Shelby managed to totally transform it with a Ford 260 cubic inch (4.2-litre) V8 and some chassis reinforcements and a legend was born.

"It is, without exception, the single most important and history-rewriting sports car ever offered at auction, after over 50 years of ownership and without ever leaving the care of its founding father," said Myers. "We're beyond thrilled to celebrate and present this national treasure in Monterey this August."


Jaguar reveals limited Edition F-Pace SUV from RM436K

                PETALING JAYA: Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia the exclusive importer of Jaguar and Land Rover in Malaysia has introduced a new limited edition F-Pace sports utility vehicle (SUV) that's just limited to only 20 units.

This British luxury performance SUV is available in three variants starting with the Prestige (entry-level), R-Sport (Mid-Spec) and R-Sport (Hi-Spec) and have been priced on-the-road without insurance at RM436,420.82, RM470,212.97 and RM485,433.81 respectively.

The company says that all prices stated are inclusive of a 50% Sales Tax waiver provided for under the economic stimulus plan, Penjana and of the 20 units, only the Prestige model remains while the other 19 units are a combination of the R-Sport Mid-Spec and Hi-Spec variants.

Budding owners have six colours to choose from including Fuji White, Santorini Black, Eiger Grey, Portofino Blue, Firenze Red and Indus Silver.

All Jaguar vehicles distributed by authorised dealers come with a ‘Jaguar Care’ programme which includes a five-year warranty, five years’ free service and three years’ roadside
assistance.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged all-aluminium Ingenium petrol engine producing 300PS at 5,500rpm and 400Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500rpm.

While power delivery is managed by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that sends power to all four 22-inch wheels, the F-Pace is still able to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 6.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 233kph.

There are two driving modes of Normal ad Sports mode for the all-wheel-drive system (AWD) for the driver to choose from as well as Adaptive Dynamics (only available in the High-Spec)  while the

In terms of features, the limited edition F-Pace Prestige comes with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, 20-inch five-split-spoke ‘Style 5031’ with Grey Diamond Turned finish alloy wheels, as well as the Rear Seat Remote Release Levers and Power Reclining Rear Seat, Gesture tailgate, 10-inch Touch Pro, Pro Services and Wi-Fi Hotspot, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

The additional features available in the R-Sport (Mid-Spec) variant include Adaptive LED  Headlamps and Signature Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA), Ambient Interior Lighting and Gloss Black Roof Rails.

Exclusively to the R-Sport (Hi-Spec) are 22-inch wheels and the inclusion of the Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR) system which recognises the differences between surfaces to ensure traction is constantly attained by adjusting the engine and brake settings.

For more information, log on to www.jaguar.com.my.


ABB launches world's fastest electric car charger

                ZURICH: ABB has launched the world's fastest electric car charger, the Swiss engineering company said on Thursday, as it presses ahead with plans to float the business which could be valued at around US$3 billion (RM12.6bil).

The company's new Terra 360 modular charger can charge up to four vehicles at once, and can fully charge any electric car within 15 minutes, the company said.

The device, which can deliver 100km of range in less than 3 minutes, will be available in Europe by the end of the year, it added. The United States, Latin America and the Asia Pacific regions are due to follow in 2022.

Chief executive Bjorn Rosengren said in July that investor materials for the IPO of its electric vehicle charging business will be ready in the fourth quarter of this year, with a potential flotation targeted for early 2022.

ABB has seen rising demand for chargers and has sold more than 460,000 electric vehicle chargers across more than 88 markets since it entered the e-mobility business in 2010.

It wants to keep a controlling stake in the electro-charging business, but is seeking a spin-off to help with acquisitions of both software and hardware companies and attract capital for quick growth.

Reuters has reported ABB's vehicle charging business, which had sales of US$220 million in 2020, could achieve a valuation of about US$3 billion in a float.


India probes possible misappropriation of incentives by EV makers

                NEW DELHI: India is investigating the possible misappropriation of incentives given to electric vehicle (EV) makers under a 100 billion rupee (RM5.4bil) programme to promote their faster adoption, the minister for heavy industries told parliament on Tuesday.

Complaints were made against 12 electric vehicle and parts manufacturers, including Hero Electric Vehicles Pvt Ltd and Okinawa Autotech Pvt Ltd, for violating guidelines under the programme, Mahendra Nath Pandey, the minister for heavy industries, said.

Other companies were Benling India Energy and Technology Pvt Ltd, Okaya Ev Pvt Ltd, Jitendra New Ev Tech Pvt Ltd, Greaves Electric Mobility Pvt Ltd, Revolt Intellicorp Pvt Ltd, Kinetic Green Energy & Power Solutions Ltd, Avon Cycles Ltd, Lohia Auto Industries, Thukral Electric Bikes Pvt Ltd and Victory Electric Vehicles International Pvt Ltd.

None of the companies responded immediately to a Reuters request for comment.

Pandey said all complaints were being re-verified by agencies, while two EV makers have been suspended from taking incentives under the scheme after examination of complaints. He did not name the two companies.

India wants to grow its electric car market from 1% of total car sales, of about 3 million a year, to 30% by 2030.

To achieve that, the government is reimbursing EV and hybrid vehicle makers for reducing the purchase price of their vehicles under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) programme.

Pandey told parliament that the sale of electric vehicles under the programme has increased from 19,100 in 2019-20, when the scheme started, to 442,901 in 2022-23 up to Dec 9.


Ford to drive electric transformation at UK car plant

                LONDON: US auto giant Ford today unveiled plans to convert a UK factory into its first electric vehicle component assembly site in Europe.

Ford will invest £230 million ($316 million, 273 million euros) in its Halewood plant on Merseyside in northwest England, the carmaker said.

Production will start in 2024 in a move expected to safeguard hundreds of jobs.

"This is an important step," said Stuart Rowley, president of Ford of Europe.

"It strengthens further our ability to deliver 100 percent of Ford passenger vehicles in Europe being all-electric and two-thirds of our commercial vehicle sales being all-electric or plug-in hybrid by 2030."

The investment includes state support via the UK government's automotive Transformation Fund.

Ford earlier this year pledged that between 40 and 50 percent of its global vehicles would be fully electric by the start of the next decade.

British trade union Unite said today that Ford's new investment would protect 500 jobs and potentially create up to 700 new positions.

"This investment is excellent news for the highly skilled workforce at Halewood as it secures the future of the plant," added Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.

Britain plans to ban sales of high-polluting diesel and petrol cars from 2030 as part of efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.


Kia Telluride is 2020 World Car of the Year

                TORONTO: The Road to the 2020 World Car Awards ended today with the Kia Telluride SUV winning the 2020 World Car of the Year award.

Kia also bagged the World Urban Car with the Soul EV.

The 2019 World Car of the Year was won by the electric Jaguar I-PACE, also an SUV.

There were also subsidiary awards. The Porsche Taycan won the World Performance Car and World Luxury Car awards; the Mazda3 took the World Car Design of the Year; while the Kia Soul EV was the World Urban Car as mentioned earlier.

The awards announcement was made digitally in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vehicles were selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprising 86 prominent automotive journalists from 24 countries around the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the jurors’ ballots.

“Everyone at Kia is truly honoured to receive not just one, but two awards from the World Car Awards judging panel,” Kia Motors Corporation executive vice-president and product division head Thomas Schemera said in response to the double win.

“This is one of the hardest-fought competitions in the global automotive industry, proving that the Telluride and Soul EV are both truly outstanding vehicles."

READ MORE: PSA's Carlos Tavares is 2020 World Car Person of the Year


Continental TechShow 2019: Right-Turn Assist safety feature and CUbE driverless shuttle

                HANOVER, Germany: There was plenty of exotic technology in action at the recent Continental TechShow 2019, held at the ADAC driving safety centre in Hanover, Germany.

The technology company highlighted many of its innovations under the tagline of “Mobility is the Heartbeat of Life.”

While Continental AG is renowned as among the largest global tyre manufacturers, the technology company is also a leading automotive supplier for tyre and brake technology, vehicle dynamic control, as well as electronic and sensor systems.

CUbE driverless shuttle

Continental is using the CUbE driverless shuttle to test technologies used in in robo-taxis such as ABS, radar, and redundant brake system.

Trial runs of the CUbE have been conducted in global locations like Arvidsjaur in Sweden, Frankfurt in Germany, Auburn Hills in the United States, Shizuoka in Japan, Shanghai in China, and Singapore.

The CUbE (Continental Urban Mobility Experience) is based on a platform used by French driverless vehicle manufacturer EasyMile’s EZ10 autonomous shuttle.

Continental’s radar sensor, which will be used in the EZ10 autonomous shuttle from EasyMile later this year, detects the vehicle’s environment within a radius of up to 200 meters.

This allows the location to be precisely determined and, at the same time, early detection of obstacles and potentially critical situations.

“Driverless vehicles are a revolution, and this revolution will and must take place in evolutionary steps,” said Andree Hohm, director of driverless mobility at Continental.

In Hanover, participants at the Continental TechShow got to sit in the CUbE and experience driverless mobility at the ADAC training track, as the autonomous shuttle moved on a pre-set route, monitored its surroundings for obstructions and braked itself to a standstill.

The CUbE uses sensors such as cameras, radar, and lasers to detect its surroundings, and can generate a 360-degree image of its environment.

Also, Continental has a production-ready MK C1 HAD brake system for highly automated driving and driverless mobility applications.

In autonomous vehicles, the MK C1 one-box brake system has been in series production since 2016 and combines ABS, ESC, and a brake booster as well as a Hydraulic Brake Extension for guaranteed full braking functionality.

Driverless robo-taxis like the CUbE will become an important part of mobility in urban centers, helping to reduce traffic congestion and increase efficiency.

Radar for Right-Turn Assist

Continental also unveiled a new short-range radar using 77 Gigahertz (GHz) technology, which can detect other road users and obstacles much more precisely compared with the 24 GHz range previously used.

Radar systems such as this are used for advanced driver assistance systems such as monitoring the blind spots to the left and right of the vehicle in a horizontal direction, detecting the vehicle surroundings for the Lane Change Assist, monitoring cross-traffic and intersections for the Intersection and Emergency Brake Assist systems.

This prevents, for example, the doors from being opened when another vehicle or a cyclist is approaching from behind.

These radar also works for the Right-Turn Assist system for passenger cars, where it can detect a cyclist approaching from behind the vehicle on the right-hand side.

If the radar sensors detect a cyclist in such a situation, the car brakes automatically and stops before a collision.

This safety function also protects pedestrians and scooter riders.

With this assistance system, Continental offers a technology that will contribute to the realisation of Vision Zero, i.e. zero-accident road traffic.

Meanwhile, cornering assistance systems in trucks will be mandatory across the EU from 2020 onwards.

In Germany alone, 36 percent of all accidents in which a cyclist is killed could be prevented by installing Right-Turn Assist systems in trucks.

Also, Continental’s new 77 GHz short-range radar can be used for Emergency Steer Assist where in a sudden avoidance manoeuvre, the vehicle can be steered automatically away from the collision risk area.

Based on the vehicle surroundings as detected by the system, Emergency Steer Assist knows exactly which other road users are in the vicinity, including their trajectories and speeds, and can adjust the steering accordingly.


Used Tesla, Audi prices plunge in sign of HK expat exodus

Foucault has been trying to sell his 2014 Audi Q5 in Hong Kong but hasn’t gotten offers he considers good enough. — Bloomberg
HONG KONG: If you’re wondering about the best place in the world to buy a car right now, just look at Hong Kong.

Even as second-hand vehicle prices break records in the US and other countries, people here are struggling to offload their cars as a surge of residents move out of the city after two years of punishing Covid restrictions.

The average reference price for a used car in Hong Kong fell 6% in the first quarter of 2022 compared with the same period a year ago, excluding vehicles over HK$1 million (RM538,000), based on a Bloomberg analysis of data from online dealership Hong Kong Motor City, the largest used-vehicle centre there.

Although the average price can vary widely from month to month, the general trend shows that it peaked in the third quarter of 2021, then dropped 13% in the final three months of the year compared to the previous quarter, and 10% so far in 2022.

“This is really unprecedented,” said Thomas Siu of Vin’s Motors, a used-car dealer in the city’s North Point district. “There are just too many cars to offload.”

In other parts of the world, prices for both new and used vehicles are being driven up by supply chain delays, computer chip shortages and increased demand.

And indeed, car prices were rising in Hong Kong until about six months ago. Not anymore. Restrictions put in place after Covid-19 suddenly took hold in the city, as well as Beijing’s increasing influence, have led many to decide their time in the Asian financial centre is over.

Lagging behind

Hong Kong has already recorded more than 160,000 departures this year through March 28, almost six times the net outflow for all of 2021, according to data from the immigration department.

One popular destination for people leaving Hong Kong is Singapore, where the cost of owning a car continues to rise.

The government in the island-state keeps tight control over the number of vehicles on the roads, requiring residents to buy special permits just to be able to drive.

The price of those permits hit a fresh record in March, and the overall cost of private transportation was up 18% in February, according to SGCarMart.com.

Singapore is where Guillaume Foucault, 39, wants to go. The senior tech manager in Hong Kong has been trying to sell his Audi Q5 2014 for weeks but can’t bring himself to let it go at the prices he’s seeing.

He bought the SUV for HK$156,000 (RM84,000) in May 2020 and put it up for sale online for HK$125,000 (RM67,000). He’s only been getting offers below HK$80,000 (RM43,000).

“I’m a bit of a car aficionado, and have bought and sold many cars in my life, always securing good deals,” Foucault said. “It’s hard to accept that I have to sell this car at a such a low price.”

Caroline Lherbier, a 41-year-old tax lawyer from Lille, France, left Hong Kong earlier this year because she got worried she might get separated from her two children for three weeks should one of them test positive for Covid.

“They put people in these sorts of camps,” she said. “It’s terrible.”

So she just decided to move out, leaving behind in the parking lot a 2017 MINI Cooper she bought in 2018 for HK$135,000 (RM73,000). She wasn’t sure if she could get HK$40,000 (RM22,000) for it at this point, though some similar vehicles were listed for sale for more.

“I didn’t have a luxury car, so I didn’t mind,” she said. “Prices dropped so much that my car wasn’t worth much anymore anyway.”

For Siu, the number of people calling him every day to try to sell their cars back to him is a first in his 40 years in business. “We get dozens of calls every day,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like this.”

The number of new cars and of first-time buyers registered this January in Hong Kong was 2,068, the lowest since August 2020, the first time that data was recorded, according to the Hong Kong Transport Department.

The resulting drop in prices stands in stark contrast to the rest of the world. Used-car prices in the US were up 41% in February from the previous year, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics.

“Everywhere around the world, we’ve seen this situation the past two years of huge upwards pressure on car prices due to the pandemic,” said Rebekah Young, economist and auto industry expert at Canada-based Scotiabank.

A buyers market

“For Hong Kong, it looks like the opposite is happening.”

For those in Hong Kong looking to leave, getting a good deal on their car has become impossible.

“The closest we’ve ever had to a situation like this was the SARS epidemic in 2003, but this time prices aren’t rebounding,” said Siu, who currently has 150 cars for sale and about the same number in inventory.

Since the start of the year, Siu’s already bought 50% more vehicles than he has in the last three months of 2021. “We just pick and choose the best deals and hope that our margins will one day recover.”

Once-prized models are now selling at a bargain.

A used Tesla Model X was worth on average HK$553,000 (RM298,000) in February, down 15% from five months prior, according to Hong Kong Motor City sales data.

A BMW M5 from 2012 with 107,000km on its meter was selling for HK$248,000 (RM134,000) in January, while a car of the same model with similar mileage was priced at HK$308,000 (RM166,000) just three months earlier.

For some, dealing with the drop in prices has simply meant biting the bullet.

Koby Karp, 37, decided to rejoin his family in France, ending his three-year stay in Hong Kong after Covid restrictions made life difficult. He sold his Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 earlier this month for HK$182,000 (RM98,000). He had bought the car in June for HK$260,000 (RM140,000), but agreed to the much-lower price when he couldn’t find a private buyer.

“Everybody’s leaving Hong Kong so nobody wants to buy a car,” the founder of an NFT-data analytics company said.

“The only people buying cars in Hong Kong at the moment are car dealers.”


Crash sensors and rocket fuel: The story of how the airbag came about

                COLOGNE: There's the squeal of tyres, the crash of breaking glass, and then the airbag immediately inflates. The now ubiquitous safety device that protects the head and upper body in a car crash first made its appearance in vehicles half a century ago.

This is how it works: sensors register a collision and trigger a propellant charge that causes a textile bag to instantly inflate with compressed air, cushioning the head.

Together with the three-point safety belt it's played a crucial role in reducing deaths and injuries in collisions.

The origin of the air bag goes back a long way. In 1951 Walter Linderer patented the idea for an “inflatable container in a folded state that inflates automatically in the event of danger.”

However, it wasn't until the 1970s that the device began to make its way into cars. The high number of accidents in the US led to laws demanding more protection for the occupants of cars.

One response from General Motors was the Air Cushion Restraint System (ACRS). From 1974 onwards, GM offered an airbag for drivers and front passengers in some of its models at an extra cost.

GM's airbag was initially aimed at replacing the three-point seat belt that some drivers found uncomfortable, according to motoring journalist Wolfgang Blaube: "Only a lap belt and knee pads were part of the system."

The GM airbag disappeared from production after just two years. “The maintenance was very time-consuming and expensive,” says Blaube. "Quite a few owners had the system deactivated over time and three-point belts installed."

Things changed when Daimler-Benz offered an airbag as a supplement to the three-point seat belt, a principle that still applies today.

In 1971 the German car maker patented a technical solution aimed at being an "impact protection device for the occupant of a motor vehicle."

One of the toughest problems to solve was how to inflate the airbag in just 30 milliseconds.

"The breakthrough in the rapid generation of gas came with solid propellant, as used in rocket drives," says Professor Rodolfo Schoeneburg from Mercedes-Benz.

Another challenge was that the driver's airbag had to be safely housed inside the steering wheel while the sensors had to be able to differentiate between an accident and a minor parking bump.

Daimler-Benz debuted the airbag as an optional extra in the Mercedes S-Class sedan in 1981, along with a seat belt tensioner that pulled the belt tight in the event of an accident.

The car maker called this SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) and it worked in conjunction with the airbag to reduce injury.

Today airbags have long been standard. They're much smaller than they were originally and can be found in many parts of the car, not just the steering wheel.

Professor Schoeneburg believes they'll be around for a few years yet, despite advances in car safety such as driver assistance systems.

Professor Lutz Eckstein, director of the Institute for Motor Vehicles (ika) at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, also considers that airbags and restraint systems will continue to be important in the future.

"We are currently on the threshold of automated driving and must therefore further develop occupant protection," he says.

Robot cars will mean that a human doesn't have to sit at the wheel anymore and could be lying or sitting in different postures.

That will require precisely determining the exact posture of the passengers using sensors and thermal imaging cameras, and then aligning airbags to be in the right place if there's an accident.

In addition, "there are still deficits for the outside area, to provide protection for other road users such as cyclists or pedestrians. There is still development potential," Eckstein says.


VW signs e-vehicle startup as first partner for production platform

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen has signed German start-up e.GO Mobile as the first external partner for its modular platform for electric vehicles (EV), as it seeks to simplify production across a variety of models.

The partner will use VW’s so-called MEB production system to “bring e-vehicles to market that complement Volkswagen’s model offering,” the carmaker said in a statement. A specific vehicle has yet to be decided on jointly, it added.

The VW brand’s strategy chief, Michael Jost, said in a newspaper interview in January the group was in advanced talks with competitors over opening its modular EV production platform to rivals.

The platform seeks the cost advantages of large production numbers by standardizing as much as possible even across very different models.

Volkswagen in January said it was exploring joint development of e-vehicles with Ford, under a wide-ranging partnership.

The German group plans to invest 30 billion euros ($34 billion) in e-mobility until 2023, it said in a statement on the eve of the Geneva car show.

The carmaker’s electric-vehicle investment budget outstrips that of its closest competitors, in pursuit of profitable mass-production of electric vehicles, something that no carmaker has come close to achieving.

E.GO Mobile helped develop a delivery van that is being produced by a subsidiary of postal services group Deutsche Post.

Among e.GO’s other projects, it aims to bring an electric minibus to market in a joint venture with German autos supplier ZF Friedrichshafen.


Volkswagen hooks up with art gallery on Arteon art

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has teamed up with an art gallery to highlight the talents of 13 Malaysian artists in conjunction with the launch of the new Arteon R-Line.

The collaboration with Wei-Ling Gallery offers collectors and art enthusiasts the opportunity to own scale models of the Arteon that have been transformed by the artists into unique sculptures.

The art pieces would be auctioned off, and proceeds would be donated to the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA).

As Volkswagen’s flagship model, the Arteon offers avantgarde design with dynamic handling.

Volkswagen said the Arteon name is a reflection of its appearance – "Art" describes the fastback’s emotional lines, while "eon" identifies’ it as a premium model.

The Arteon project is an extension of the recent “18@8 Turning Points” exhibition by Wei-Ling Gallery.

The exhibition explores the 13 artists’ pasts through philosophical, technical and aesthetic approaches, in the form of provocative art pieces that reflected this ideology.

Prominent Malaysian artists who participated in this project included Anurendra Jegadeva and Ivan Lam who recently represented Malaysia at the 58th Venice Art Biennale, as well as Hamidi Hadi, Yau Bee Ling and Choy Chun Wei.

The Arteon art pieces are described as bold and are directly linked to the artists’ original pieces from Turning Points.

Anurendra’s Arteon was inspired by "A Garland for My Father", presented as a portrait of his father surrounded by light boxes, featuring archival photos of family members and their Volkswagen Beetle.

Wong Chee Meng’s "The Yearning Realm", with a unique painting approach in which layers of images are adjusted to form an illusion, this reflected onto an Arteon through the same use of red and blue lenses.

VPCM managing director Erik Winter said the Arteon R-Line and working with Wei-Ling Gallery was a chance for the brand to engage with art fans.

“As a group, Volkswagen continues to promote worldwide support for arts and culture, and we have had collaborations in the past with local talents.

"Wei-Ling is a household name in the art fraternity here and abroad, and we are thrilled not only to be supporting this effort to deepen people’s understanding to the influence of art in our lives with our latest product, but to also be doing our part for a good cause in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” he said.

Founder and gallery director Lim Wei-Ling said it was encouraging to see that Volkswagen supported the arts.

"In a country like Malaysia where exposure to the arts is limited, it is through initiatives and collaborations like these that we are able to create more awareness on the important roles that artists play," she said.

"Artists are the observers of our times - documenting, capturing and enshrining the times through which they live, within their works.”

All 13 Arteon sculptures will be available for online viewing and bidding at www.arteonartcar.com or at Wei-Ling Contemporary at The Gardens Mall via appointment by calling 03-2282 8323.

Bidding closes at 5pm on Oct 1.

The Arteon R-Line is priced at RM225,490 and comes with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

With the current sales tax break, the recommended retail price of the Arteon R-Line is RM220,043 until Dec 31.


No parking charges in Penang as PSP system still down

                GEORGE TOWN: Parking fees will not be imposed until the Penang Smart Parking (PSP) system is up and running again without any glitches, says state local government committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.

He said that the PSP system which went offline on Tuesday was supposed to be working by 11am today.

However, he said he was told it was still unstable.

“The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is monitoring the situation to ensure the technical glitch is rectified," said Jagdeep at a press conference in Komtar today.

"As such no parking fees have been charged since the system went down yesterday.

The status quo remains for now, and if it is not repaired later today, the operator will issue another statement, ” he added.

On the monetary loss suffered, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that it was still too early to gauge.

"We will have a clear picture when the system is up again," said Chow, who was also at the same press conference.

Motorists took to Facebook after failing to log in to their PSP account. PSP operators Heitech Padu clarified on their Facebook later that there was a service glitch and it was being fixed.


Petaling Jaya's Jalan Semangat to be renamed Jalan Prof Khoo Kay Kim

                PETALING JAYA: Jalan Semangat in Petaling Jaya will be renamed Jalan Professor Khoo Kay Kim in tribute to national historian Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim who died in May.

In a statement, Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari said Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah had given his blessing to rename the road.

“It will serve as a reminder of all of his services and contributions to the country,” he said.

Widely regarded as Malaysia's national historian, Khoo died of lung failure on May 28 at the University Malaya Medical Centre at the age of 82.

He is remembered as one of the instrumental figures in the drafting of the Rukun Negara (National Principles) to foster national cohesion, following the aftermath of the 1969 race riots.

 Khoo is widely regarded as Malaysia's national historian. He died of lung failure on May 28 at the age of 82.

As the author of countless works in the English and Malay language, his essays and writings have been a primary source of reference for the history curriculum in Malaysia.

He was most noted for his work The Western Malay States 1850–1873, which was published in 1972.

Amirudin also said that all road signage in Selangor would now be in Bahasa Malaysia only, in line with Act 152 of the Federal Constitution and the National Language Act 1963/1967.

“This issue has received the attention of the ruler who advised the state government to uphold the Malay language by allowing only Bahasa Malaysia to be used in all official government signboards, including (those of) local authorities," he said.


Naza Group gives RM1.25mil to Covid-19 fund

                KUALA LUMPUR: In a show of support towards nationwide efforts to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak in Malaysia, the Naza Group has donated RM1.25mil to the Government’s COVID-19 fund.

Naza Corporation Holdings group executive chairman and CEO SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin presented a cheque for the amount to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin this afternoon in Putrajaya.

“We hope the contribution by Naza Group will help alleviate the plight of those financially impacted by job disruptions and loss of earnings resulting from this global pandemic," said Nasarudin.

He also expressed gratitude to doctors, the police, the armed forces and other frontliners who are battling the viral scourge.

“The Naza Group will look at ways we can use our businesses to assist the Health Ministry further in managing this crisis. As Malaysians, we must come together to overcome this adversity."


Nearly half of Malaysian customers blurry about their auto finance deal, says study

                KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly half or 43% of Malaysian new-car buyers do not fully understand the terms of their auto finance product, according to the inaugural J.D. Power 2017 Malaysia Auto Consumer Finance Study released today.

The study measures customer satisfaction with their automotive finance provider by examining six key factors (in order of importance): interaction; onboarding; billing &payment; finance deal; origination; and finance advisor.

“With less than half of auto finance customers claiming the finance arrangement actually met their requirements, there is a clear need for the industry to become more customer-centric,” said Anthony Chiam, practice leader of service industries at J.D. Power.

“Auto finance is a long-term commitment and it’s crucial that dealership salespeople spend sufficient time to clearly explain the services, terms and fees related to each customer.”

The 2017 Malaysia Auto Consumer Finance Study is based on responses from 2,683 new-car buyers who financed a vehicle in the past 12 months. The study was fielded in January-March, 2017.

Satisfaction levels during the buying process vary greatly between customers whose finance application was handled by a finance advisor vs. a car salesman. On a 1,000-point scale, a fi
nance advisor has an average score of 777, compared with a salesman’s average score of 735.

Among customers who selected an Islamic auto finance product, more than 30% say they “definitely would” use the same finance provider for their next purchase, compared with 22% among customers who bought a conventional auto finance product.

“Malaysia’s Islamic finance industry has been growing rapidly over the past 30 years,” Chiam said. “Higher customer satisfaction levels from within Islamic auto financing underscore the industry’s impressive and continuous expansion.”

The following are additional findings of the study:

> Higher satisfaction drives loyalty: With a country average of two cars per household, 55% of customers who were delighted with their experience (overall satisfaction scores of 852 or higher) saythey “definitely would” use the same provider for their next auto finance product, compared with only 5% of those who were dissatisfied (650 or below).
> Islamic auto finance products:Overall satisfaction is higher among customers buying such products than among those buying conventional auto finance products(758 vs. 744, respectively).
> Finance company vs. dealer financing: Nearly one-third (32%) of new-car buyers who purchase a finance product directly from a finance company are more satisfied than those going througha dealer to arrange financing (759 vs. 742, respectively).

Banks were also rated in the study. CIMB Bank ranked highest with an overall satisfaction score of 772. It also performed the highest across all six factors.


Honda BR-V makes world debut at Indonesia auto show

                JAKARTA: The BR-V CarSifu has been telling you in recent past has finally made its world debut today at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show 2015.

The BR-V crossover prototype was unveiled at the show held at the Indonesia Convention Centre in Tangerang, located just outside the bustling city of Jakarta.

The crossover utility vehicle combines the looks of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) with the spaciousness of a Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV).

The new car was unveiled in ceremonial fashion as the BR-V, draped in a gold-coloured cloth, was revealed by the chief operating officer for Regional Operation (Asia and Oceania) of Honda Motor Co. Ltd, Noriaki Abe, together with president director of PT Honda Prospect Motor, Tomoki Uchida, and president commissioner of PT Honda Prospect Motor, Kusnadi Budiman.

“Honda started business in Indonesia in 1971, and the importance of this country for Honda’s auto business has been increasing year by year. With the all-new 7-seat BR-V and the rest of the Honda line-up, we will continue to offer exciting products and the joy of driving to our customers in Indonesia,” said Abe.

The BR-V has a 1.5 litre i-VTEC engine mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The power output is 120hp@6,600rpm and the maximum torque is 145Nm at 4,600rpm.

Some of the key features of the new BR-V include a high ground clearance, roof rails, LED connected tail light design and 16in aluminum wheels.

Inside, it boasts a spacious and comfortable cabin with rear air cond vents between the first and second row seats to expand airflow to all areas.

Safety-wise it features dual and front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), vehicle stability assist (VSA) and hill start assist (HSA).

Indonesians can already book the BR-V at the auto show and the car is due to be launched in Indonesia by early 2016 with a price range of Rp. 230 to 265 million.

Abe also said the BR-V will make its way to other Asian countries and Malaysia may be on that list but a source revealed that the time frame is undecided at the moment.

Honda had a huge presence at the auto show taking up a space of 2,625 sq m displaying 36 cars, mostly all from its current line-up.

There were special edition models too like the Honda CR-V 2.4L Prestige Special Edition with Fender Audio and the HR-V 1.8 E CVT Special Edition with JBL Audio as well as the CR-Z Special Edition which comes with new aero kits, armrest console, leather seats and a seven-inch monitor audio.

Honda also displayed a replica of the McLaren-Honda MP4-30 Formula 1 car, which celebrates Honda's return to the F1 race this year.

Key Features of BR-VThe Exterior

High ground clearance
Big roof rails for all grades
LED connected tail light design in C-character
New 16 inch aluminum wheels

The Interior

Class-leading spacious and comfortable cabin with additional knee room and head room
Advanced features such as Multi-Information Display
Rear air conditioner between the first and second row seats to expand air flow to all areas

Engine and Transmission

4-Cylinder 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine
120 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm and maximum torque of 145 Nm @ 4,600 rpm.
New 6-speed Manual Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) under Honda’s “Earth Dreams Technology”

Safety

Dual and Front SRS airbag
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Front 3-Point Load Limiters with Pretensioner ELR Seat Belt and ISOFIX


Thai auto exports roar ahead in March

                BANGKOK: Vehicle exports in March accelerated to 104,006 units, increasing 16.38 per cent year on year – the highest in the past two years thanks to a slowly recovering global economy, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported.

“Overseas markets are steadily recovering, especially Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe, which are expanding around 40-50 per cent compared to the previous year, ” said Surapong Paisitpattanapong, vice president and spokesman of the automobile chapter of the FTI.

“Motorcycle exports in March also jumped, to 101,634 units, increasing 16.53 per cent year on year, ” he said.

In the first quarter of 2021, vehicle exports totalled 258,108 units worth more than Bt143 billion, increasing 11.05 per cent year on year, while 269,472 motorcycles were exported, netting over Bt24.65 billion and increasing 17.04 per cent year on year.

“There is a high probability that the value of vehicle exports throughout the year will exceed Bt1 trillion, depending on the Covid-19 situation globally, ” Surapong said.

“We also hope the markets that are currently contracting, such as the Middle East, Africa and the North and South Americas will be able to expand in the second half of the year.”

Meanwhile, March saw domestic vehicle sales of 74,925 units, increasing 25.47 per cent year on year, and domestic motorcycle sales of 169,672 units, rising 15.63 per cent year on year.

The FTI also reported that 162,515 vehicles were manufactured in March, a 10.7 per cent increase year on year.

“In the first quarter total vehicle manufacturing was recorded at 465,833 units, about 58 per cent of which were exported, ” Surapong said.

“We estimate that the total manufacturing output this year will reach 1.5 million units, slightly more than last year’s output of 1.4 million, ” he added. — The Nation/Asia News Network


Volvo recalls 460,000 cars after airbag rupture fatality

                GOTHENBURG: Volvo Car AB is recalling more than 460,000 vehicles worldwide over risk an airbag component that’s bedeviled automakers for years could rupture into metal fragments and strike drivers.

The Swedish carmaker told the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it has identified potential for tablets of propellant in its vehicles’ airbag inflators to decay if they’re subject to moisture and high temperatures.

This can lead dust particles to form and cause the inflator to rupture.

In a safety recall report submitted to NHTSA, Volvo said it’s aware of one rupture incident related to the condition, which resulted in a fatality.

A Volvo spokesman said the company will call back cars globally in markets that meet certain climate criteria and declined to comment on the estimated cost.

 The 2008 S60 (both pix).

The defect is similar to the issues affecting Takata Corp airbag inflators that spurred the most complex and far-reaching auto-safety crisis in history.

Roughly 100 million of the components have been recalled worldwide, and untold millions are still in cars on the road.

Volvo told NHTSA it received a letter in June 2019 from an attorney alleging an air-bag rupture in one of its cars.

It’s been inspecting vehicles and meeting about the issue since August of that year with NHTSA and German parts maker ZF Friedrichshafen AG, which supplied the inflators. Autoliv Inc. supplied the complete air-bag assembly, according to the spokesman.

The automaker is recalling two car models - the S60 and S80 sedans - that the company produced as early as May 2000 and as late as March 2009. Almost 260,000 vehicles are affected in the US.

Volvo announced on Monday that it will look to raise at least 25 billion kronor (RM12.1bil) in Sweden’s biggest initial public offering in decades. The company expects to debut on the Nasdaq Stockholm before year-end.


BMW unveils the M2, a supercar for the inner cities

MUNICH: The latest addition to BMW's ultra-performance range is big on speed and power but small on size.

In fact, the M2 coupe, revealed at a special event on Tuesday night, live streamed via Periscope, will only take up about the same amount of room on the highway as a Volkswagen Golf GTi when it officially goes on sale next year.

But unlike the iconic hot hatchback, the latest two-door BMW coupe won't simply hold the road, it will own it, thanks to a turbocharged six-cylinder engine that delivers 365bhp and a 0-100kph time of just 4.3 seconds when the car is specified with a paddle shift rather than manual transimssion.

That means that that it's as fast or faster in a straight line than its direct rivals -- the hottest Mercedes A Class and sportiest Audi A3.

And it will be just as impressive in the corners, thanks to a clever electronic limited slip differential digitally juggling the power between initially, the rear wheels (a four-wheel drive version is expected later), a piece of kit that until recently was solely the domain of marques like Ferrari. All of which means that the small car will be worthy of such a big responsibility - carrying the 'M' badge.


2020 Honda Fit/Jazz starts sales in Japan

                TOKYO: The 4th-generation Honda Fit (sold as Jazz in other markets) has started deliveries in Japan, and comes in two variants - a 1.3-litre DOHC i-VTEC unit with a CVT (with torque converter) and a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC unit with a 2-motor hybrid system, and electric CVT.

The new Fit provides better road view as the thickness of the front pillars has been reduced by over 50%.

Other new design features are a flat-topped instrument panel and easy-to-see visor-less meters, to provide a “comfortable view”.

Seating comfort has been improved with newly designed front and rear seats.

There is also a table console between two front seats, to place a small bag or other items.

The new Fit also gets a new front wide-view camera, together with eight existing sonar sensors mounted in the front and back.

Three new functions will be added to the list of eight existing functions of Honda SENSING for Fit, namely the False Backward Start Prevention, Auto High Beam Headlights and Short-distance Collision Mitigation Braking System which is featured for the first time among all Honda models.

Functions included in Honda SENSING for the all-new Fit:

- Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
- False Start Prevention
- False Backward Start Prevention
- Short-distance Collision Mitigation Braking System
- Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) System
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
- Lead Car Departure Notification System
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Auto High Beam Headlights


Arc Vector electric bike all set for Milan debut

                LONDON: Electric motorcycle Arc Vector will make its debut at the Milan motorcycle show (EICMA) on Nov 6.

Based in Coventry at the centre of the UK’s automotive high-tech industry, Arc is billed as a ground-breaking electric motorcycle company.

The neo café racer Vector will also be launched with Arc’s Zenith helmet and Origin armoured clothing.

In a statement, Arc says for the first time, Human Machine Interface (HMI) has been taken to a new level, comprising an intelligent rider jacket packed with haptic sensory technology and a Heads-Up Display (HUD) helmet inspired by fighter pilot technology to enhance the riding experience.

For example, the biker’s shoulder may vibrate to alert of a potential hazard, or the jacket will amplify the sense of excitement during a dynamic ride, while information is projected in front of the rider so they can keep their eyes affixed to the road.

The Arc Vector is a hand-made motorcycle with a lightweight carbon-composite structure and ingeniously elegant battery-module monocoque.

Arc’s founder and CEO, Mark Truman says “At Arc, we have set out to create an electric motorbike with soul."

“The sensory experience this machine provides, with its haptic amplifiers and HUD helmet, has never been done before,” explains Truman. “People ask me if this could be distracting, but it is actually designed to be the total opposite. The tech frees you and your senses because the distractions have been removed. It allows you to concentrate on the road and your one-ness with the bike, to just enjoy the moment knowing the bike is looking out for you and the information you need is right in front of you.

“You can set the bike and the haptics to different modes, and my favourite is Euphoric Mode. You can play your music while riding and the Origin jacket will play the music into you. Imagine the bass in nightclub, it can make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. This is technology we’d seen previously in the entertainment world and improved upon. In total, we’re working with 15 technology partners and suppliers, and they are the best in the business.”


Fewer vehicles but Singapore petrol usage set to hit record. How come?

Singapore is set to consume a record 6,453,600 barrels of petrol this year, according to oil industry data. - The Straits Times/Asia News Network
SINGAPORE: Despite a shrinking vehicle population, Singapore's petrol consumption is rising — a phenomenon that experts attribute to the proliferation of private-hire cars.

According to oil industry data, Singapore is set to consume a record 6,453,600 barrels of petrol this year. This is 3% more than last year, and 5.6% more than in 2013, the year private-hire operators Uber and Grab entered Singapore. One barrel is around 159 litres.

At the same time, Singapore's vehicle population has contracted by nearly 2% since 2013 to around 957,000. The private-hire vehicle population, however, has quadrupled to more than 55,000.

Conversely, the usage of diesel has dipped, possibly because of a shrinking taxi population and a growing fleet of petrol-electric hybrid cabs.

Singapore Management University Associate Prof Terence Fan, a transport expert, said private-hire cars tend to be driven more than regular cars, fuelling a rise in petrol consumption. Anecdotal evidence suggests that private-hire vehicles — which are largely petrol-powered — cover at least 50% more distance daily than the average family car. Many clock more than 400km a day — nearly nine times that of the average family car.

"The population of such rental vehicles is around 5% to 6% of the total vehicle population, and they average two to three times the mileage travelled by a normal vehicle," said Nanyang Business School's Adjunct Associate Professor Zafar Momin. He was previously an automotive expert with Boston Consulting Group.

He noted there are more higher-capacity cars now. These cars, with bigger and more powerful engines, tend to consume more fuel. According to Land Transport Authority statistics, cars above 1,600cc now make up about 48% of the republic's car population — up from 45% in 2013.

As to why diesel consumption has fallen, Prof Momin said one possible reason is a higher proportion of lighter vehicles (below 3,500kg) in the overall commercial vehicles portfolio.

"These vehicles are fairly fuel-efficient and may be in greater demand for multiple reasons like e-commerce deliveries, transporting workers for the large number of construction projects and as traditional SME workhorses," he said.

The overall commercial vehicle population — reliant on diesel — has fallen since 2013. But the sub-3,500kg cohort has grown to 68.6%, from 67.6% in 2013.

Oil industry consultant Ong Eng Tong pointed to other reasons for the trend of rising fuel consumption.

"The amount of roadworks, especially for all the new MRT lines, seems to be causing quite a lot of traffic jams," he said, noting that congestion would contribute to higher fuel consumption.

Observers said if the trend continues, it might undermine the government's efforts to make Singapore "car-lite". And it would not be alone. New York City's traffic has worsened since Uber and Lyft started operating five years ago. Its subway ridership has also fallen.

According to Inrix, a transportation analytics firm, lost hours and excess fuel costs sucked nearly US$17bil (RM69bil) out of the New York City economy last year.


Porsche Licence to Thrill crowns its first Driver of the Year!

                SEPANG: Porsche Asia Pacific's inaugural Licence to Thrill campaign recently concluded after 30 shortlisted competitors from 13 countries across the region converged at the Sepang International Circuit.

The competitors were selected out of more than 3,600 entries after having gone through an online questionnaire and hailed from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

Winning the first-ever Porsche Asia Pacific Driver of the Year was Mohd Elyas Bin Zakaria from Malaysia who takes home not only the title but also a fully sponsored trip to the Porsche Experience Centre in Los Angeles.

“The challenges were unique and definitely one of a kind, stressful yet fun. This is definitely what Porsche is all about. Moving forward, I hope to see Licence to Thrill becoming an annual event on the Porsche calendar. Thank you and keep up the great work,” he said.

Unlike most driving challenges, the six tests that awaited the competitors were anything but conventional and consisted.

Starting in no particular order was the brake test, which allowed a driver two tries in both a 911 Turbo and Turbo S variant by accelerating at full and then brake as hard as possible coming to a complete stop as close to a cone with an egg on top of it - quite 'egg-citing' indeed.

It was found that those who started in the Turbo seemed to be prone to overshooting the cone after popping into into the Turbo S and its more powerful engine, launch control and powerful brakes.

But those who started in the Turbo S seemed to find themselves rather far from the cone after hopping into the Turbo - clearly a case of over and underestimation respectively.

Another challenge involved the artistic skills of a driver while helming a 718 Boxster S. With the help of flash-photography, the driver had to drive the car within a demarcated area and 'draw' out the numbers - 7, 1 and 8. This left many silent and deep in thought till it was time for their turn.

Probably one of the most upsetting of tasks was the Panamera Challenge, where drivers were allowed to go all out over two laps of a shortened version of the circuit while an instructor rides on board the Panamera 4S or Panamera Turbo.

The catch, however, was that a 'secret mission' will be revealed prior to the instructor's turn to drive two laps while the contestant became the passenger.

It was later revealed that the contestants were required to sketch a picture of the Panamera's rear-end displayed on the car's infotainment system with the provided pen, paper and clipboard.

The upsetting part was not about the deed, but rather it was about surviving after having a can of 'fizzy' drink or a large plate of food over lunch while seated at the rear.

There was much difficulty enduring as the colour to our pale faces slowly crept back while trying to keep ourselves from throwing-up. The difficulty was probably greater for those in the higher-powered Panamera Turbo.

Next was a more familiar task, where drivers were given two two-lap sessions in a choice of a 911 Carrera S Cabriolet or Targa 4S.

The first session was for the driver to set a timed lap and to have some fun, but for the second session, the instructor will instead set a time for the driver to achieve and it doesn't necessarily have to be of a faster time.

Moving to the slowest task of them all was the Off Road Challenge, where a pair of Cayennes had a bucket of water stuck to their hood.

The challenge - navigate an off-road course without spilling too much water within an allotted time, simple yet painful to watch helplessly as the water splashes its way over every bump, incline, decline and roll-angle test.

Last but not least was one of the most fun and challenging tasks to have ever undertaken in a Macan GTS and Cayenne GTS, which was the reverse gymkhana circuit.

This is where drivers need to navigate a short course in reverse and come to a complete stop within the shortest time - with the rear window blacked out while relying on the side mirrors and the visual footage of the reverse camera. No easy feat indeed.


Mitsubishi Malaysia reveals specs for new Xpander

                PETALING JAYA: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles in Malaysia, has revealed the full product specifications of the new seven-seater crossover Mitsubishi Xpander ahead of its launch in November 2020 tentatively.

The Xpander is powered by a 1.5-litre MIVEC petrol engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission which produces 105PS at 6,000rpm and 141Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

The Xpander gets best-in-class spacious cabin with overall height of 1,730mm and overall length of 4,475mm. It has a 2,775mm wheelbase and 1,750mm width offering more legroom for all its passengers. It also has high ground clearance of 205mm.

The Xpander is the only car in its class with fold-flat second and third rows seats providing full luggage space and car-like boot that makes it easier to load larger or longer items.

The exterior design follows the iteration of the ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design concept, which is currently incorporated in Mitsubishi vehicles.

The ‘Dynamic Shield’ expresses high performance and a sense of protection for the passengers and pedestrians.

It has LED Headlamps, Crystal blocks LED position lamp and L-illumination LED Tail Lights. It also comes with 16 inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

Inside, it has 4.2-inch high contrast meter cluster with information display such as engine coolant temperature gauge, and warning display for cruise control or low battery in the car key.

Its entertainment system consists of the 9-Inch Audio System with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

It is fitted with under-seat multi-purpose storage, cargo floor box with lid, third row side pocket and cup holder, centre console box with sliding lid, multiple storage compartments and glove box with double compartment.

There are also four ceiling-mounted air vents for better air distribution.

Safety-wise, it comes with dual SRS airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distributor (EBD), Active Stability Control (ASC), Brake Assist System (BA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Rest Reminder, Brake Override System (BOS) among others.

Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said, “The Xpander is a significant model for MMM and we are optimistic that it will be a favourite among many Malaysians for its design is more than just aesthetics.

"Today, we are pleased to reveal the full-specs of the new Xpander to all. We understood that Malaysians now want a car that matched their aspiration for a more active lifestyle and practicality and as such, the Xpander is customized to meet Malaysians preference.

“At Mitsubishi Motors, we want to offer a more price competitive model with better specifications, hence the move to locally-assembled. We want to provide our customers with more convenience and comfort and subsequently allowing them to live an adventurous life beyond limits.”

To further enhance the value of the vehicle, a MMM authorized dealer package is introduced. The MMM authorized dealer package will include features such as All Round Monitor (ARM), Driving Video Recorder (DVR)  and Leather Seats.

ARM uses multiple cameras around the vehicle to create a 360 Degrees bird’s eye view to aid parking and manoeuvring.

For added peace-of-mind driving, the DVR captures every moment or incident in front of the vehicle while on the move.

The stylish black leather seats further complements the vehicle design and ride comfort for the driver and passengers.

Customers in Johor and Perak will be able to get the first close-up view of the new Mitsubishi Xpander at a special display from Oct 23 to Nov 1, 2020 at these locations:

Oct 23-25 - Toppen Mall, Johor Bahru, Johor (10am-10pm)

Oct 29 - Nov 1 - Ipoh Parade, Perak (10am-10pm)


Toyota Hilux re-introduced in Japan after hiatus

                TOYOTA CITY: Toyota Motor Corporation announced the reintroduction of the Hilux into the Japanese market after a 13-year hiatus, alongside the debut of the partially redesigned Land Cruiser Prado on Sept 12. The special specification FJ Cruiser model launches through Toyota dealerships across Japan on Oct 16.

In introducing the Hilux to the Japanese market, chief engineer Masahiko Maeda, who serves as the product's development manager, noted that "while sales in Japan ended in 2004, there are still around 9,000 owners who mainly use the Hilux for work. Many people have called for its reintroduction, and we wanted to properly respond to their needs and those of similar customers."

The partially redesigned Land Cruiser Prado, sporting a new, refined exterior that lends an air of strength and innovation to the vehicle, also now comes with the Toyota Safety Sense P collision avoidance support package as standard in all grades.

The latest model of the FJ Cruiser marks the vehicle's special specification "Final Edition" model and features a special shade of beige throughout the interior and exterior of the vehicle that creates a distinctive sense of modernity.


Jokowi plans to meet Elon Musk over nickel, says minister

                JAKARTA: Indonesian President Joko Widodo is planning to meet Elon Musk during an upcoming US visit, a minister said today, as the South-East Asian country seeks to accelerate development of its nickel industry to supply batteries for electric vehicles.

Representatives of Musk's EV maker Tesla Inc were currently in Indonesia and due to visit the nickel production hub of Morawali on Sulawesi island, Coordinating Minister of Investment and Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said.

"They will visit Morowali... They are very satisfied with the data they have received so far," Luhut told a streamed media briefing.

In an Instagram post after meeting Musk in Texas in April, Luhut had said he hoped for "discussions regarding the progress of Indonesia’s nickel industry development, which is high-tech, which can bring our country into the global supply chain of the electric vehicle industry."

The Indonesian president, widely known as Jokowi, is due to travel to the United States this week for a summit of South-East Asian leaders in Washington.

Asked about a meeting between Jokowi and Musk, Luhut said "we're arranging where the meeting will be."

Tesla did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Indonesia is keen to develop a full domestic supply chain for nickel, especially for extracting battery chemicals, making batteries and eventually building EVs.

South-East Asia's biggest economy has struck multi-billion dollar deals with South Korean and Chinese companies to take advantage of its nickel resources and has been trying to woo Tesla for some time.

Brazilian miner Vale last week signed a long-term deal with Tesla to supply nickel from its Canadian operations. Vale also has nickel operations in Indonesia.


All-new Ford Everest arrives from RM263,000

KUALA LUMPUR: The next generation Ford Everest has been launched here, with prices starting from RM263,888 (excluding insurance) all the way to RM308,888 to tempt buyers with three versions called Sport, Trend, and Titanium.Featuring a single turbo 2.0-litre diesel engine, the Sport, as the entry level model of what is billed as a luxury seven-seater SUV built on a ladder frame chassis, does away with the 4WD mode as well as the electronic rear differential lock, but keeps most of the modern safety features and driving aids that customers expect.With a six-speed transmission, its driver assistance features includes cruise control, manual speed limiter, electronic stability control, traction control, parking sensors.It still comes with a seven-airbag configuration.Stopping power for all three models are the same, as they are provided by all-round disc brakes, which naturally makes everything looks good too.Moving on one step higher gives you the Trend, the intermediate offering costing RM281,888.This comes with 2.0-litre twin turbo (or what Ford calls biturbo), 10-speed transmission, and slightly higher compression ratio (at 16 versus the 15.8 found in the Sport).With the twin turbo, engine output is bumped up to 154.5kW (210PS) at 3,750rpm, versus the 125kW (170PS) at 3,500rpm of the single turbo found in the Sport.Traction-wise, the Trend comes with electronic shift-on-the-fly to activate drive to all four wheels, just like the top-end Titanium.The only anomaly is here that while the Sport comes with Ford's renowned tailgate that opens with the kick gesture, the Trend omits this feature.The talking point of the day was the Titanium, which comes with a sun-moon roof combo (or what Ford calls dual-panel sunroof), underbody protection bash as standard, as well as auto headlamp levelling.The Titanium also has the largest cabin touchscreen, a big 12-inch display, while the Sport and Trend both feature very respectable 10-inch displays, respectively.A very thoughtful feature is the USB port provided at the rear-view mirror housing, which facilitates the powering of dashcams, which is a device that most car owners install nowadays.In all, the cabin of the new Everest will have a total of four USB ports, with the Titanium even offering a 240V socket in the cabin that is good enough to power devices that take up to 400W.The asking price of the Titanium is also justified by the provision of adaptive cruise control, which comes with the stop-and-go mode and lane centring to keep things on the right track.Other feature found only in the Titanium are tyre pressure monitoring system, land departure warning, blind spot information system, rear cross traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, reverse-brake assist, and 360-degree camera for helping drivers manoeuvre the vehicle that is 50mm longer in the wheelbase, and 50mm wider at the track, compared to the previous generation Everest.The icing on the cake is the Active Park Assist 2.0 to help drivers ease the vehicle in and out of tight spots - all by just pressing a button.All three variants were unveiled at the KLGCC here, with the event attended by Turse Zuhair, managing director of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (SDAC), and DJ Simpson, managing director of Ford Asia Pacific Distributor Markets.Head of product planning for SDAC-Ford Farhan Lim said users could immediately appreciate the range of functionality put into place to make this seven-seater a very comfortable place to be in."With the superb noise reduction measures put in place, you will notice how quiet the cabin is. Those seated on the third row will not need to raise their voice to talk to those in the front. It is that quiet, in line with a more refined and comfortable interior," he said, adding that the lift gate door is also 35mm wider and opens 11mm higher to make load and unload.Other goodies include second row air cond blowers, generously distributed USB sockets, the latest in connectivity via Ford's SYNC 4A, and wireless phone charging.The new Everest is also future proofed as the engine can take biodiesel blends of up to B20, he added.Colour choices for this SUV are Absolute Black, Aluminium Metallic, Arctic White, Equinox Bronze, Lightning Blue (for Sport), Meteor Grey, and Sedona Orange."The Everest has been celebrated over the world as the perfect companion for those who love adventure, recreation, and going out with family and friends."With amazing capability at its core, a quiet and refined sanctuary on the inside, class-leading technologies and safety standards, we believe the next-gen Everest will widen its appeal in the market," said Simpson.For Turse, the Everest is the answer to those trying to juggle various challenges in life."Their aspirations and adventurous spirits drive them to push the limits always. And they appreciate the utility, capability and spaciousness of an SUV."The next-gen Everest is the ideal companion to help them master very milestone, while striking a perfect balance in life," he said.For more information, go to https://www.sdacford.com.my/models/suv/next-gen-everest


Renault Captur goes on tour in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Renault Captur urban crossover is currently making its rounds throughout the nation via a series of roadshows dubbed ‘Capture Life in 3D’.The roadshows are organised by sole franchise holder of the French brand in Malaysia, TC Euro Cars (TCEC), and looks to demonstrate the versatility of the vehicle to the general public.The Captur is currently on display at Setia City Mall in Shah Alam till Apr 24, before it heads south-bound to Sutera Mall in Johor Baru (May 13-15); Gurney Paragon in Georgetown, Penang (May 19-22); before ending at the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall in Bandar Sunway (June 23-26).The company hopes to "Captur" the audience's attention by featuring a large eight-foot tall three-dimensional art installation of the crossover in three different engaging scenarios, which tries to highlight the key attributes of it being fun, trendy, adventurous, versatile and urban-chic. Renault #CaptureLifein3D Art InstallationVisitors to the roadshows will also get to interact with the large art wall and take part in a photo contest to win exclusive prizes and merchandise where ten prizes will be given for each roadshow location.To participate, attendees are encouraged to pose creatively in line with the theme of the 3D art presented and then post it with a creative caption and the hashtag #CaptureLifeIn3D on the Renault Malaysia Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RenaultMalaysia.Furthermore, a special merchandise will be provided for each completed test drive at each roadshow, while each new Renault Captur purchased comes with a five-year full manufacturer's warranty with unlimited mileage."Through this showcase, we hope to stimulate conversations about how the Captur, with its attractive design, ingenious functionality and outstanding efficiency, complements its disposition for discovery to give customers a positive outlook on whatever comes their way,” said TC Euro Cars CEO Kuan Kim Luen.


Aiways begins order-taking in Europe for its U5 electric SUV

                SHANGHAI: Aiways, a China-based personal mobility provider, announced that it will begin order-taking for its all-electric U5 mid-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) for the European market at the end of April.

Orders will require a small secured deposit after which the SUV will be delivered directly to the customer via its direct-to-customer sales model rather than retailed or leased through traditional brick and mortar dealerships.

European pre-sale markets and the required deposit amount will be announced by the company within this month for this electric SUV that's been given a three out of the full five-star crash rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (EuroNCAP).

Meanwhile, the company has re-started production of its U5 at its manufacturing facility in Shangrao, China, following the interruption caused by the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The company has added on its website that it will have the ability to provide up to an estimated 500km of range and be able to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 9.0 seconds before reaching a top speed of 150kph.

The electric motor is said to be capable of producing 190PS and 315Nm of torque - all sent to the front wheels while being served its electric charge from a 63kWh battery that's assumed to be a lithium-ion type.

The 1,750kg mid-sized electric SUV comes in measuring 4,680mm-long, 1,865mm-wide and 1,700mm-tall - all while having a 2,800mm wheelbase and a 432-litre boot that's expandable to 1,555-litres.

Production of the European-specced U5 will start in July, with the first deliveries planned in August and looks to be priced at an estimated 35,000 euros for Germany and The Netherlands, while it will cost just 28,000 euros for those in the UK.

Making the most of its agility and flexibility as a startup, the company is adapting its pre-sale marketing activities to better suit the enforced period of ‘contactless’ retail because of Covid-19.

By introducing new online platforms and seamless digital experiences, the company will give European car buyers the confidence to order the U5 online.

“Online pre-sales represents the next important phase of Aiways' entry into the European market. It’s our promise to customers that for only a small deposit they can be among the first to receive the U5 and start enjoying the benefits of a long-range, high-tech and well equipped electric SUV,” said Aiways executive vice president of overseas operation Alexander Klose.


First glimpse of all-new Kia K900 luxury sedan

                LOS ANGELES: Kia Motors has released the first images of its new 2019 flagship K900 luxury sedan.

Developed by Kia’s global design headquarters in Namyang, Korea and the brand’s U.S. design studio in Irvine, California, the all-new K900 will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show later on March 28.

Based conceptually on the the changing shape of condensed energy, a new ‘Quadric pattern’ signature grille – seen for the first time today – is the focal point of the K900.

Embodying the K900’s design concept, the grille contains 176 jewel-like ‘cells’, suggestive of released energy accelerating away from its centre.

It has ‘Duplex’ LED headlamps, and a 12.3-inch HMI (Human Machine Interface) screen.

The K900's dashboard also houses an elegant analogue clock, developed exclusively by Swiss watch brand Maurice Lacroix.

Longer and wider than its predecessor, the wheelbase of the new model has been extended by 60mm (2.3 inches) to 3,105mm (122.2 inches).

Drivers can also adapt the cabin of the new K900 to personal preferences with a new mood lighting system.

The new K900 is the first car in the world to incorporate an ambient lighting system developed in partnership with the Pantone Color Institute, the global authority on colour.

Customisable on the move, the subtle ambient lighting floods the interior in one of seven colours, jointly developed by Kia and the Pantone Color Institute.

Drivers can also choose from 64 unique settings to adapt light levels throughout the car.

The all-new K900 will be made in South Korea.


Drivers see red over Oslo's green 'war on cars'

                OSLO: Determined to go green, Oslo is slowly but surely ridding its city centre of motorists, angering some who say the "war on cars" is putting the brakes on individual freedoms.

"We have to give the city back to the people, so children can play safely, so elderly people can have more benches to sit on," argues Hanna Marcussen outside Oslo's City Hall, its cobblestone square recently blocked off to traffic.

"In order to do that, you have to get rid of cars, which take up a disproportionate amount of space," the Greens city councillor in charge of urban development says.

While they may not seem spectacular, Oslo has devised a series of highly dissuasive measures: it has eliminated 700 parking spots, re-zoned the city centre, turned streets into pedestrian walkways, and has raised the price of congestion tolls.

It's not the outright ban that was initially feared -- and which prompted one lawmaker to call it "a Berlin Wall against motorists".

But in a 1.9-square-kilometre zone in Oslo's centre -- where some 5,500 people live and 120,000 people work -- the only cars to be seen are taxis, vehicles for the handicapped, emergency vehicles and a few lost and confused motorists.

"In 2020, we will have eliminated most private cars," says Hanna Marcussen.

Sidewalk cafes can already be seen popping up, as well as outdoor furniture, bike paths and bike stands.

Designated "European Green Capital" by the European Commission for 2019, Oslo hopes the move will purify its air, encourage more cultural activities and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which it aims to cut by 95 percent by 2030.

Oslo is spearheading a broader trend, with other big cities like Paris, Madrid, Brussels and Helsinki all trying to reverse from the car-based society.

"What is most tragic about this war on cars is that politicians are attacking people's freedoms and their wallets," protests Jarle Aabo.

A public relations executive, he writes the newsletter "Yes to Cars in Oslo", which counts almost 23,000 members on Facebook -- where comments are at times harsh.

"What people fear is that the centre of Oslo will die, that it will become a very depressing place," he says, contradicting the official line.

"I don't know how all of this is going to end but I don't think happy cyclists are going to come do street performances and dances in January when it's -20°C (-4 F) with snow up to their knees."

Shopkeepers worried

And yet, cyclists are thrilled.

"It's going to be great," says Christopher Olsson, a photographer who usually bikes around town. "There are a lot of conflicts between motorists and cyclists."

"But if we totally eliminate cars, we need to improve public transport, both in terms of price and quality," he adds.

And that's a big problem.

With a single ticket costing almost six euros ($7), public transport remains expensive. Users also complain about delays and problems, made worse when they have to wait in subzero temperatures in winter.

While more than half of residents are in favour of a city centre "with as few cars as possible", some shopkeepers are not happy.

 Bike path in Oslo. - Photo: VisitOSLO/Didrick Stenersen

A stone's throw from City Hall, a bed store located inside a "no-car" zone since June 1 is glaringly empty.

"Our clients complain that they can't come," owner Terje Cosma explains.

"We sell merchandise that you can't walk out with under your arm, so a lot of them are dependent on cars."

While the shop's sales were doing well until June, business has since collapsed.

Two neighbouring boutiques have already closed up shop. Customers are heading to large shopping centres outside the city instead.

"Restaurants, cafes and bars will probably benefit, but not specialised shops. We'll lose variety," laments Cosma.

Marcussen remains nonetheless confident.

"With or without cars, a city centre will always change shape over time," she insists.

"If there's one place where I really think shops will continue to do well, it's in city centres where you can combine shopping with outings to cultural events or restaurants."


Tycoon's 417kph autobahn stunt fuels speed limit debate in Germany

                BERLIN: A Czech millionaire whose Bugatti Chiron hit 417kph, while blasting down the German autobahn has refuelled a debate about clamping speed restrictions on the country's famous high-speed highways.

Police are investigating the incident after driver Radim Passer, 58, posted a video of the run along an unrestricted three-lane section of the A2 motorway between Berlin and Hanover on his YouTube channel.

There is an ongoing debate in Germany over whether or not speed limits should be imposed on unrestricted autobahn sections and the issue was championed by green-leaning political parties in last year's general election.

In fact, only around 70 per cent of the motorway system is without speed limits, with many sections restricted to 130kph either permanently or because of roadworks.

The Bugatti power drive was legal, but both the German Transport Ministry and police say they reject any road traffic behaviour that could endanger other road users.

"All road users are obliged to abide by the rules of the road traffic regulations," the ministry added. The law also calls on drivers to "only drive so fast that the vehicle is constantly under control."

The footage shows the three-million-euro priced Bugatti barrelling down the fast lane, overtaking several vehicles moving at a much slower speed.

Passer, who said "safety was a priority", is seen in the video taking his hands off the steering wheel in celebration while his passenger claps. The film has so far garnered more than 7 million views and thousands of comments.

Despite his apparent joy in touching 417kph. the investment businessman set only the third fastest speed down the autobahn.

The existing record was established in 1938 by racing driver Rudolf Caracciola who reached 432.7kph in a streamlined Mercedes-Benz on a stretch of motorway between Frankfurt and Darmstadt

The Czech edition of the business magazine Forbes estimates Passer's fortune at the equivalent of around US$304.93 million.


Citroën to re-enact Sahara crossing with electric vehicles

A replica of the Golden Scarab that first crossed the Sahara nearly a century ago.
PARIS: Citroën has announced that it will embark on a new crossing of the Sahara, 100 years after its first expedition in Africa.

The latest challenge for Citroën, which will be a showcase for electric vehicles, will be held from Dec 19, 2022 to Jan 7, 2023.

The project was announced on the occasion of the opening of the Rétromobile vintage car show here.

The mission would see two replicas of the half-track vehicles that took part in the 2022 crossing (Scarabée d'Or/Golden Scarab and Croissant d'Argent) along with a forthcoming all-electric concept car and various electric production vehicles, which will provide technical assistance.

The planned dates are those of the 100th anniversary of Citroën's first expedition in Africa. The goal is not to set a speed record but to follow the same route and timetable as the original crossing, which covered 3,170km from Touggourt in Algeria to Timbuktu in Mali in three weeks.