Zlatan Ibrahimovic bids farewell to Swedish football team in new Volvo V90 film

Update: Zlatan Ibrahimovic is joining Manchester United and will play for his first Premier League club at the age of 34 under his former manager Jose Mourinho. He announced this on June 30, according to a Reuters report.

GOTHENBURG: One era ends and another begins as Zlatan Ibrahimovic says goodbye to the Swedish national football team in new Volvo V90 film.

After 15 years representing Sweden in the national football team, team captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic thanked his large fan base and revealed that he has played his last match in the yellow jersey. Volvo Cars’ new film captures this moment and Zlatan’s journey back to Sweden.

In the film, Zlatan and his family take an emotional road trip in the new Volvo V90, retracing the highs and lows of his career and ending back where it began in the tough Malmö neighbourhood of Rosengård.

“Making this film was of course emotional, but the time has come for me to hang up my shirt and hand over to the next generation. For me it is all about looking forward, not back. A new journey is starting – both for me and for Volvo,” said Zlatan.

Zlatan’s footballing career began at Malmö FF in the late nineties. The Swedish striker was quickly signed by Ajax – the beginning of an illustrious international career that has spanned the top Italian, French and Spanish leagues, playing for clubs such as Paris St-Germain, Barcelona, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan.

“We are very proud that we have been given this opportunity to share this personal moment in Zlatan’s life and career. He is a very strong ambassador for Sweden around the world and he has shown that you can continue to be proud of your values and your origins,” said Anders Gustafsson, Senior Vice President Europe, Middle East and Africa at Volvo Car Group.

Zlatan has received the Swedish player of the year award Guldbollen (the Golden Ball) a record 10 times, including nine consecutive times from 2007 to 2015. His contract at Paris St-Germain has just ended, and he is reportedly close to signing with a top club.

Following the earlier success of the first Volvo/Zlatan film entitled ‘Prologue’, world-renowned and Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer has created a new work for this second film entitled ‘Epilogue’, reflecting the end of one story and the start of another.


Rinspeed hopes its latest autonomous car idea will click

                ZURICH: Swiss automotive think tank Rinspeed is following a unique train of thought for its latest autonomous car concept set to make its global debut at the 2018 CES in Las Vegas this January.

The company that brought us transportation pods with window gardens and bonsai trees and sportscars with their own drones is back with a new concept car called "Snap". And, like every Rinspeed creation, it's potentially the first concept vehicle to explore future mobility and immobility needs.

And that's because the car's chassis can detach from its body, leaving it behind while the motorised element of the concept heads off again to collect a new body and offer a new service.

So, the Snap could be a mobile office and relaxation space then detach the office pod in a perfectly central location and then head back off to a depot or other area to be refitted as a delivery truck.

Its creator, Frank M. Rinderknecht, likens the concept to using a motorised skateboard as a trolley for transporting something too heavy to carry. Once it arrives at is destination, the skateboard can autonomously hit the road again. But the concept is more than just a quirky idea.

If all of the high-tech smarts that make a vehicle autonomous and capable of processing digital maps and finding its way around an urban environment are kept exclusive to the Snap concept's chassis, when its on-board processors and other tech are out of date, just that element of the vehicle will need updating.

The existing platform can be recycled and new ones measuring the same dimensions can hit the road instead and they will still be compatible with the myriad potential pods they can transport — be it a family road-trip pod, a food truck, an on-the-go office space, or a pop-up haute couture store.

Developed with assistance from two of the world's leading automotive and technological suppliers, including Harman International, Tom Tom, SAP and ZF, the Snap Concept will be on show from Jan 7-12 at the Las Vegas Convention and World Trade Center.


Ford dishes out festive goodies

                PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, is making the festive season merrier with exclusive goodies.

Get Ford’s exclusive blue nose and reindeer antlers when you test drive a Ford vehicle at any authorised Ford dealers nationwide.

There are also special deals for the Ranger where every purchase of a Ranger WildTrak comes with cash rebates of up to RM5,000, while the Ranger XLT is offered with zero maintenance cost for five years or 100,000km plus attractive cash rebates.

The Focus or Fiesta will be offered with jolly cash rebates up to RM23,000, three years free maintenance and five years warranty.

While we revel in the festivities and holiday fun, safety should still be the top priority on the list.

Bring your vehicle in for a complimentary 27-point vehicle health inspection by a Ford-certified technician, with discounts up to 20% on selected parts, including lubricant, brake, timing belt and other packages, and 10% labour discounts on lubricant, brake and timing belt packages on selected Ford models.

The promotion is available nationwide from Dec 18 until Feb 17, 2018.

“We are glad to extend these attractive service and maintenance packages to ensure that our customers’ vehicles are in their best condition for a safe travel,” said SDAC managing director Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed.
“Let’s make this holiday season a memorable one with our loved ones,” he added.

Customers spending more than RM350 on a single valid tax invoice will also receive Ford merchandises only available at authorised Ford dealers nationwide while stocks last.


Inside the car of the future with Nissan's Invisible-to-Visible technology

                YOKOHAMA: Nissan and NTT DOCOMO have revealed that they are field testing the automaker's Invisible-to-Visible (I2V) technology — unveiled January 2019 at the CES trade show in Las Vegas — in a moving vehicle at Grandrive, Nissan's proving ground in Yokosuka, Japan.

Invisible-to-Visible technology seeks to merge the real and virtual worlds. The idea is to help the driver "see the invisible" — what's coming up ahead, behind a building or around a corner — in order to anticipate any potential danger. This is achieved by combining information sourced from a host of sensors inside and outside the vehicle with data from the cloud.

The system also connects drivers and passengers to the Metaverse, a kind of virtual world in which people can interact through avatars. That means that individuals such as family members or friends can appear in the car at any moment as three-dimensional, augmented-reality avatars, to offer company or assistance.

In order to function, this technology requires 5G, which is provided by the Japanese operator partnering with the automaker on this project. Here, the high-speed, large-capacity, low-latency mobile 5G connectivity provided by DOCOMO is used to transmit avatar data wirelessly into the test vehicle, and in-car camera views from the vehicle, in real time. The test vehicle being used is based on the Nissan NV350 Caravan.


BMW M3 30 Years American Edition debuts at SEMA

                LAS VEGAS/MUNICH: Other than introducing the M Performance Parts at this year's SEMA show, BMW is also introducing the M3 30 Years American Edition.

This F80 M3 has shock absorbers with contrasting red coil springs as seen in the M Performance Sports suspension, allowing the driver to lower the vehicle’s ride height between 5mm and 20mm via the adjustable spring plate.

Motorsports aerodynamics are present in this one of a kind M3 through the BMW M Performance rear wing. This aerodynamic component is handmade from carbon fiber (wing, side sections, support brackets) and is accentuated with racing stripes, bringing motorsport know-how to the streets and tracks.

Derived directly from motor racing, the one-off golden M Performance wheels, which are milled and weight-optimised from a forged blank, contribute towards better steering behaviour, resulting in a further increase in driving dynamics. The wheels are matched with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres for maximum grip and performance.

The lightweight valve controlled M Performance exhaust system with titanium rear silencer generates an emotive sound reminiscent of sports car racing and adds two 93mm dual tailpipe finishers made from carbon with the M logo to create a striking appearance.

In the interior, the M Performance armrest, door handles and shift knob complete the tri-tone color scheme look and ensures an all-round, high quality touch and feel. The armrest has a striking appearance thanks to the materials used: Alcantara and Carbon trimmed with contrasting three-coloured M-stitching. Visually, the seam traces a line all the way to the handbrake grip completing the overall M Performance look that extends over the centre console and new M Performance shift knob.

One lucky customer will be able to get behind the wheel of this one of a kind M3 30 Years American Edition as it is expected to be available for purchase after the Oct 31-Nov 3 show conclusion. The price was not revealed at the time of posting.


Toyota and JAXA to build lunar rover

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corporation and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced a signed three-year joint research agreement for a manned, pressurized lunar rover that uses fuel cell electric vehicle technologies.

Over the course of three years, JAXA and Toyota will manufacture, test, and evaluate prototypes, with the goal of developing the rover to explore the surface of the moon as part of an international project.

This year, the two companies will identify the technical elements required to be developed for driving on the surface of the moon.

Also included are the specifications of the prototype which will use a modified version of a standard production vehicle as its base.

The following year, test parts for each technological element will be manufactured to help build the prototype rover.

By the third year (2021), testing will begin for the manufactured parts and the prototype.

JAXA intends to develop the rover to conduct exploratory missions to the moon's polar regions to investigate the possibility of utilising its frozen water and other resources.

The agency also intends to use the rover in future missions to explore other massive heavenly bodies.

On July 1, Toyota established a dedicated Lunar Exploration Mobility Works where it plans to expand the department's workforce to approximately 30 members by the end of the year.

By 2022, a full-scale prototype rover should be completed along with verified data on driving systems required to explore the moon's polar regions.

From there, the actual rover will be designed by 2024 before testing its performance and durability in order to begin building it in 2027 and subsequently launching it in 2029.


BMW iX3 readies for series production

                MUNICH: BMW is bent on bringing its first all-electric iX3 model to market by the end of 2020.

The German carmaker announced that its production will get underway at its China-based BMW Brilliance Automotive joint-venture (BBA) plant in Dadong.

BMW says that its first all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) will begin to arrive in markets by the end of the year following successfully completed tests and the results submitted to the regulatory authorities in key automotive markets.

“This is the first time we have completed the entire homologation process for a fully electric model in China and Europe at the same time. The staff on our testing team mastered this unique challenge with tremendous dedication and efficiency,” said BMW iX3 development head Arno Keller.

More than 340 hours of testing, including more than 7,700km of test drives, had to be completed within four weeks.

Preparations for production of the BMW iX3 were stepped up in Shenyang in parallel.

BBA has been building iX3 pre-production vehicles at the Dadong plant in Shenyang since the middle of last year.

The 200th pre-production model recently came off the assembly line and test drives on Chinese roads began – allowing development and test engineers to make final adjustments.

“We are right on schedule with our BMW iX3 pre-production vehicles and will launch standard production in late summer, using state-of-the-art technologies such as custom installation of the new high-voltage battery and artificial intelligence for monitoring parts,” explained Dadong BBA plant director Robert Küssel.

“We are also producing the fully-electric BMW iX3 and the BMW X3 with combustion engine on the same production line. This enables us to achieve high efficiency and flexibility in production,” added Küssel.

With the new BMW iX3, the BMW Group is adding another fully-electric vehicle to its portfolio that will not only tap into new customer groups but also arrives on the market at a time when demand for electric vehicles is expanding significantly.

The electric car is based on the globally successful BMW X3 and combines the versatility and robust functionality of a premium mid-size SAV with ground-breaking drive technology for locally emission-free driving pleasure.

The iX3 comes ready with BMW's fifth-generation eDrive technology, including a drive unit with the electric engine, power electronics and transmission highly integrated into a central housing.

This significantly reduces the installation space and mass of the drive technology relative to output and offers added flexibility for installing new electric powertrain components in different vehicle derivatives and its iX3's electric motor no longer requires the use of rare earth materials.

The fifth-generation electric drive train also includes new and more powerful high-voltage batteries thanks to their scalable and modular design that can be used flexibly in the respective vehicle architecture and at the respective production locations.

With a range of around 440km in the WLTP test cycle (preliminary data), the iX3 paves the way for BMW eDrive technology, which will also be used in BMW i4 and BMW iNEXT models from 2021 on.


GoCar Malaysia rolls out two-month campaign

                PETALING JAYA: GoCar Malaysia, a leading on-demand mobility-as-a-service platform, is currently running the ‘GoCarLah’ campaign offering discounts for GoCar Share (Round Trips) as an affordable alternative to public transportation, between now and Sept 30.

Rates for the GoCar regular fleet start from as low as RM12.90 per hour or RM58 per day.

During the campaign, users can apply the promo code “LETSGOLAH” to enjoy an additional 30% discount, capped at RM60.

A wide range of models are available, including Perodua Axia, Proton Saga, Proton Persona, Proton Iriz, Perodua Bezza, Honda City, Toyota Vios, Nissan Almera, Renault Captur and Nissan Serena. GoCar Share (Round Trips) is available in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang.

The 100% electric Nissan Leaf is also available in the Share (Round Trip) section in the GoCar app.

Simply apply the promo code “GOEVLAH” to enjoy three hours of free usage, capped at RM80.

GoEV is currently available within Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

Through the ‘GoCarLah’ campaign, users will also enjoy unlimited mileage with no hidden fees.

GoCar is also waiving the RM20 membership fee for new users during the promotional period.

GoCar Malaysia CEO Wong Hoe Mun said the service platform was created to provide a convenient, transparent and affordable alternative to public transportation.

“We hope that through this campaign, more people will have access to a substitute mobility solution that they can rely on for their daily commute while enjoying some savings.

“As the first car sharing company in the country to offer easy accessibility to affordable EVs, we hope that more everyday Malaysians will also take this opportunity to experience a greener, cleaner way of getting around with GoEV,” he added.

To sign-up for a GoCar membership and enjoy the ‘GoCarLah’ promotion, download the GoCar mobile app here.

For more information about GoCar Malaysia, visit https://hi.gocar.my or follow the GoCar Malaysia Facebook, Instagram, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz6-zOVUt8YfnCzKKEvMbtw and Twitter channels.


Global NCAP produces disastrous crash test results in India - VIDEO

                NEW DELHI: Disappointing Indian crash test results from the Global NCAP here have been revealed, with all five models rated as zero star.

The Renault Kwid, Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon all showed low levels of adult occupant protection.

The Renault Kwid was tested in three versions, including one with airbags, but each was rated as zero star for adult safety.

"Global NCAP strongly believes that no manufacturer anywhere in the world should be developing new models that are so clearly sub-standard," said Global NCAP secretary-general David Ward. "We welcome Renault's efforts to correct this and we look forward to testing another improved version with airbags. Renault has a strong record of achievement in safety in Europe and it should offer the same commitment to its customers in India."

The Mahindra Scorpio and the Hyundai Eon both scored zero stars in the adult occupant protection and two stars in child occupant protection, while the non-airbag Suzuki Maruti Eeco and the Maruti Suzuki Celerio scored zero stars in the adult occupant protection and one star in child occupant protection.


Porsche delivers a Rennsport Reunion Edition

                ATLANTA: Porsche has unveiled a special edition of the 911 Carrera GTS at this year's gathering at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The Rennsport Reunion Edition is limited to 25 units and will be sold exclusively in North America.

Built by Porsche Exclusive, the Rennsport Reunion Edition is based on the 430hp 911 Carrera GTS. The limited edition production model is painted in the custom colour Fashion Grey.

Decorative black and red decals cover the front hood, the roof, and the rear decklid. The driver and passenger doors are decorated with black and red decals featuring the PORSCHE logotype.

A set of 20-inch Sport Classic wheels painted in high-gloss black give the Rennsport Reunion Edition a striking appearance.

The lower exterior trim of the side mirrors as well as the satellite radio antenna are also finished in high-gloss black. LED headlights in Black including PDLS Plus complete the black accents on the exterior.

Inside the 911 Carrera GTS Rennsport Reunion Edition, both the Carbon Fiber dashboard trim above the glove compartment as well as the illuminated door-sill guards in Carbon Fiber display the designation of the special model.

As part of the GTS Interior Package, the SportDesign steering wheel, the door panel trim, the dashboard trim, the floor mats, and the GTS logo on the headrests are all stitched in Carmine Red.

The central tachometer and the seat belts also feature this colour. The center compartment lid is embossed with the Rennsport Reunion V logo. The special appointments fitted by Porsche Exclusive are rounded out with a Fashion Grey painted vehicle key and a leather key pouch featuring Carmine Red accents and "911 Carrera GTS Rennsport Reunion Edition" lettering.

Available exclusively with a manual transmission, the 911 Carrera GTS Rennsport Reunion Edition is powered by a 430hp 3.8 litre flat-six engine, capable of propelling the car from 0 to 100kph in 4.2 seconds and on to a top track speed of 305kph.

Other standard features on the car include 18-way Adaptive Sport Seats Plus, PASM Sport Suspension, a Bose Audio Package, and Rear Park Assist. The 911 Carrera GTS Rennsport Reunion Edition, which goes on sale immediately, is US$148,335.


EVs not the only way to meet CO2 targets, says Italy car lobby

                MILAN: Electric vehicles (EVs) are not the only effective route to reducing carbon emissions produced by the car industry, the head of Italy's automotive lobby said today.

Other technologies could help to decarbonise the industry, meeting the same targets on emissions while preserving know-how and jobs in Italy, said Paolo Scudieri, the chairman of automotive industry association ANFIA.

"I refer to the tangible contribution that biofuels and synthetic fuels, as well as hydrogen, can provide," Scudieri said opening ANFIA's public assembly, adding the Italian automotive industry was already making huge investments on hydrogen.

Biofuels and synthetic fuels, referred to as e-fuels, are being developed to allow modified versions of combustion engines to continue to be used rather than a wholesale switch to battery electric vehicles (BEV).

Scudieri said that exclusively focusing on BEV technology, currently dominated by Asian producers, would put some 73,000 jobs at risk in Italy in coming years, which would not be compensated by about 6,000 new jobs expected to be created by electric mobility.

He added around 450 car parts maker in Italy, out of a total of 2,200, risk going out of business as they have not yet started to shift production towards electric technology.

The European Commission has proposed a 100% cut in CO2 emissions by 2035 for the industry. The target, which is part of a bigger package of climate change policies launched last year, would make it impossible to sell new fossil fuel-powered vehicles in the 27-country bloc. read more

The European parliament will hold a debate next week on a number of climate policies, including a plan to effectively ban combustion engine cars by 2035.

Scudieri said there was not a prevailing position among different political groups within the European parliament.

"Every single vote will count and my wish is that our MEPs will vote also having the country's interests in mind," he said.


UMW Toyota Motor rolls to a promising 2022

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor is off to a good start in 2022, locking in a combined sales results of 7,528 for Toyota and Lexus in January 2022.

This is a significant increase of 96% compared to the same period last year of 3,845 units.

The Japanese auto maker reclaimed its No.1 non-national brand title after six years in 2021.

Among the passenger cars, Vios reigns as the best-selling Toyota model, accounting for 28% of total sales in January, while the Hilux is the best-selling pick-up truck with 38% of total sales.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said the company was thankful for the government’s decision to extend the Sales and Service Tax (SST) exemption incentives for passenger vehicles until June 30.

“This has greatly helped automotive players like us to recover from the impact of the pandemic during the last two years.

 Vios.

“We also encourage Toyota fans to take advantage of the extended tax exemption to purchase their dream car, coupled with the value for money deals UMW Toyota Motor is offering such as the ongoing Stay Ahead sales campaign to enjoy the best savings during this period,” said Ravindran.

The UMW Toyota Motor ‘Stay Ahead’ campaign is offering savings up to RM4,500.

The promotion features Malaysian-favourite model Vios at installments from RM540 with RM2,216 sales tax savings, as well as the lifestyle hatchback Yaris at installments from RM493 on top of RM2,192 sales tax savings.

In addition to the positive sales results, January has been an eventful month for UMW Toyota Motor.

 Hilux.

Earlier in the month, the mobility leader partnered with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor to extend a hand to Malaysians affected by the flood.

Through its ‘Back On Your Feet’ Programme, the company contributed RM10,000 to Sekolah Kebangsaan Sungai Lui for the school’s repairs of its partially damaged premise from the flood.

UMW Toyota Motor also donated essential home appliances to the affected community in Sungai Lui such as rice cookers, kettles and gas stoves.

“UMW Toyota Motor endeavours to propel society forward by empowering people beyond the road. We are glad to have been given the opportunity to partner with Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor to give back to the community we operate in and help them get back on their feet during these trying times,” he added.

In light of Toyota’s global agenda to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the automaker has initiated Malaysia’s transition to sustainable mobility with the launch of the Corolla Cross Hybrid on Jan 14.

This marks an incredible milestone for UMW Toyota Motor as its first locally assembled hybrid vehicle with Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform.

Ravindran said the Corolla Cross Hybrid was met with positive response, accounting for more than 40% of the total sales of the model since it was made available for booking in October last year.

“This shows that Malaysians are in support of environmental sustainability and are taking their first step towards going green through hybrid electric vehicles.

“We urge our customers to place their bookings early in order to avoid missing out on the SST exemption for better savings”, added Ravindran.

 Corolla Cross Hybrid.

The all-new Corolla Cross Hybrid is equipped with the fourth generation Toyota Hybrid Electric System battery designed to last throughout the vehicle’s life while satisfying five critical parameters - safety, long life service, high level of quality, affordable high quality products and high level performance.

Available at a starting price of RM136,550 (without insurance), the Corolla Cross Hybrid also comes with a 5-year/unlimited mileage factory warranty on top of a separate eight-year/unlimited mileage warranty covering the hybrid battery pack, inverter and Power Management Control Unit.

Customers can also extend their warranty by two years for a total coverage of 10 years, the first such warranty in the local industry.

Visit the nearest authorised Toyota dealer or UMW Motor branch showroom now to make a booking or to find out more about the new Corolla Cross Hybrid.

For details, visit toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line at 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).


Amazon flexes muscle in autos

                SEATTLE: Amazon on Thursday announced Amazon Vehicles, a car research destination and automotive community that hopes to make it easy for customers to get the information they need when shopping for vehicles, parts, and accessories.

With Amazon Vehicles, customers can now view specifications, images, videos, and customer reviews for thousands of new and classic car models on Amazon.com, including everything from the 2016 Jeep Wrangler and 2014 Tesla Model S to the 2000 Chevrolet Corvette and 1965 Ford Mustang.

“Our goal is to support customers during one of the most important, research-intensive purchases in their lives by helping them make informed decisions every step of the way,” said Adam Goetsch, Director of Automotive at Amazon.com. “Amazon Vehicles is a great resource for customers who are interested in car information or looking for a broad selection of parts and accessories – all enhanced by the ability to tap into the knowledge, opinions, and experiences of other car owners within the Amazon customer community.”

Some of the key Amazon Vehicles features are a comprehensive database of specifications, images, videos, and customer reviews. It also serves as a one-stop shop for parts and accessories.


Self-test before you 'balik kampung' to keep loved ones safe, says Khairy

                PUTRAJAYA: With interstate travel set to resume, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has called on those with “balik kampung” plans to take Covid-19 self-tests before visiting family members.

The government has decided to allow people to cross state borders once 90% of the adult population have been vaccinated and currently, the figure is at 88.4%.

“(Only) 1.6% before interstate borders open. While the Health Ministry has transitioned to symptomatic testing, we encourage people who are in high contact and mobility settings to test regularly.

“If you want to balik kampung to see elderly parents, do a RTK saliva test. Keep them safe,” Khairy tweeted today.

 One of several brands of approved Covid-19 rapid test kit on sale in Malaysia.

The government is preparing to transition Malaysia from the Covid-19 pandemic to an endemic phase, where all sectors are reopened and people learn to live with the virus.

Khairy said the onus is now on the people to practise responsible behaviour.

“As we transition towards endemicity, we cannot police things anymore, such as setting up roadblocks to see if you have been fully vaccinated or tested.

“Much will now depend on personal responsibility and behaviour. I believe we can rise to the challenge in #ReopeningSafely,” he said.

As of today, there are 24 brands of Covid-19 self-test kits that have been approved by the Health Ministry for public use.

Most use saliva samples, while others use nasal swab samples or a combination of both types of samples.

Currently, the ceiling retail price for the self-test kits is RM19.90, while the wholesale price is at RM16. The government plans to lower the prices even more next month,.


Nissan NP300 Navara pick-up

                The new Nissan NP300 Navara is the most powerful 2.5-litre diesel pick-up workhorse while promising fuel economy and improved off-road capability.

The top-grade Navara can come with premium stuff such as a seven-speed automatic transmission, LED projector headlamps, dual zone air conditioning, rear air-conditioning vents, keyless entry, engine start-stop button and a Kenwood DNX7330BT head unit featuring a seven-inch touch-screen colour display, rear view camera and navigation system, as well as USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

The NP300 Navara is available in King Cab and Double Cab models, and in either 4X2 or 4X4 versions.

READ ALSO: New cars coming in second half of 2015

It also has a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system that allows drivers to switch from 2WD mode (meant for city roads or highways) to 4WD with a simple twist of a push-button dial, at speeds of up to 100kph.

It will compete with pick-ups such as the latest Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton.

Engine options are the 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with two states of tune, and outputs maximum power of 163hp or 190hp, maximum torque of 403Nm or 450Nm.

This is suitable for markets with emission standards of Euro 4 and below.

We were able to check out the top-grade variants of the NP300 Navara at a media test drive in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Another engine option is the new 2.3-litre YS23 diesel turbo engine which offers more torque at low speeds, and even better fuel economy of up to 20%.

The YS23 engine has a two-stage turbocharger, and outputs maximum power of 190hp and maximum torque of 450Nm.

We might see the YS23 engine here as BHPetrol has made Euro5 diesel available in Johor and the Klang Valley.

The NP300 Navara is also said to have improved off-road capability with its higher ground clearance, sharper approach and departure angles, and wading depth of up to 450mm.

Compared with its predecessor, the NP300 Navara has improvements such as a reduction in roof height and higher ground clearance, as well as a larger loading area.

Malaysia is likely to get NP300 Navara models with a five-link rear suspension which can provide better comfort, handling and stability.

For updates, check out Nissan Malaysia website and Facebook page.


Ford revives Bronco brand to lure off-road enthusiasts from Jeep

                NEW YORK: Ford Motor Co. is entering the fray for loyal off-road Jeep enthusiasts by reviving its historic Bronco brand, which has been dormant for a quarter century.

Originally assembled from Mustang and F-100 pickup parts, the Bronco was born in 1966 and went out of production in 1996, two years after O.J. Simpson made it infamous in a slow-speed chase on a Los Angeles freeway.

Now, Ford is bringing it back as a three-model line with room to add additional versions.

Ford will introduce two-door and four-door variations of the mid-sized Bronco on July 13, along with a smaller Bronco Sport built on the mechanical underpinnings of its Escape crossover utility vehicle.

All will come with standard four-wheel-drive and off-road capabilities the automaker will market as "Built Wild.”

The goal is to take some of the rugged turf now claimed by Fiat Chrysler automobiles NV’s popular Jeep line, especially the Wrangler.

"There’s not a lot of vehicles playing in this space. We’ve got the equity and the credibility,” Mark Grueber, Bronco’s consumer-marketing manager, told reporters in a briefing last week. "We just see it as an ideal time.”

The new models also come as pandemic-weary Americans look for safe ways to get outdoors, Grueber added.

In a twist on Jeep Jamboree four-wheeler weekends, Ford will offer Bronco buyers a day and a half of hands-on experience at what it calls "Off-Roadeo adventure playgrounds.”

These are four permanent off-road courses in the US where Bronco owners will learn to drive over rugged terrain in Ford-owned SUVs, so as not to harm their own vehicles, Grueber said.

Ford originally planned to show the Broncos on July 9, which is O.J. Simpson’s birthday.

The former football player and broadcaster was accused, but acquitted, of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. The company said it rescheduled to July 13 "to be sensitive and respectful.”

Ford will unveil all three Bronco models on Disney-network channels ABC, ESPN and National Geographic.


Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé available at RM500K

                PUCHONG: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has expanded its GLC sports utility vehicle (SUV) lineup with the inclusion of a performance-oriented 43 4MATIC Coupé variant.

The high-powered variant is locally assembled and has been priced on-the-road with sales tax exemption and without insurance at RM498,723.

The GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé is powered by a 3.0-litre (2,996cc) twin-turbo V6 engine producing 390hp from 5,500 to 6,100rpm and 520Nm of torque from 2,500 to 5,000rpm.

With a 9G (nine-speed) automatic transmission, 0 to 100kph is dispatched in 4.9 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

Owners are able to choose one of five drive programmes that include Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.

Power sent to the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system has a front and rear torque distribution of 31 to 69%.

Externally, the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé comes fitted as standard with the AMG Night package, exterior chrome package,

Lighting comes from the multi-beam LED headlights, with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, power-folding exterior mirrors and 21-inch five twin-spoke AMG lightweight wheels with 255/40 series tyres.

The suspension uses the AMG Ride Control+ system that's based on the Air Ride Body Control air suspension system that mixes its abilities with the AMG-specific Adaptive Damping System (ADS PLUS) to help boost its handling prowess.

Inside, the cabin features keyless-entry with push-start button and remote engine start as well as powered front sports seats with memory function and heating as well as a 12.3-inch instrument cluster.

The seats are wrapped in a combination of black Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre with red stitching.

The multi-function AMG flat-bottom steering wheel is wrapped in semi-perforated Nappa leather and microfibre with touch controls and paddle shifters.

The cabin is finally accented by red seat belts and black open-pore ash wood trim for that touch of sophistication.

For comfort and convenience, this German performance SUV comes equipped with a sliding sunroof, wireless charging and dual-zone automatic climate controls.

Auto-dimming interior and driver's side exterior mirrors, as well as illuminated AMG front door sill panels and AMG floor mats, complete the list of goodies.

Entertainment comes from the Burmester surround sound system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display that provides Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, hard-disc navigation system, MBUX Multimedia system, Media Display, "Mercedes me" connect and Mercedes-Benz emergency call system.

For safety, the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé comes equipped with a 360-degree camera system, active parking assist with Parktronic, adaptive brake lights, driving assistance package, hands-free operation tailgate, seven airbags, Pre-safe system, Tirefit, and a tyre pressure monitoring system among others.


Refreshed Perodua Myvi arrives with even better safety kit

All main photos shown here are of the top AV variant.
PETALING JAYA: The refreshed Perodua Myvi has arrived, getting much needed upgrades to make it stay as a compelling buy for budget car customers.

The new D51A Myvi was launched online this evening.

The price range for the new Myvi is from RM45,700 to RM58,800 (see price list below).

Two days earlier, the media were treated to a preview and product briefing of Perodua's bestselling model at its headquarters in Rawang.

Since bookings opened on Nov 9, the new Myvi has attracted over 4,000 bookings to date.

The third-generation Myvi now comes with upgraded technology, enhanced intelligent safety features, improved fuel economy, a sporty new look and a new colour.

The new Myvi variants comprised the 1.5 litre AV (Advance Variant), 1.5 litre H variant, a 1.5 litre X variant as well as two 1.3 litre G variants. Of the 1.3-litre variants, one has Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA); the other doesn't.

All variants only comes in automatic transmission as Perodua has discontinued the manual transmission from its line-up, citing miniscule demand for the manual variant.

As is usual with facelifts, there are tweaks to the Myvi exterior. They include a new grille, new bumpers and headlamps and side mirrors that have been blacked out to give the car a sporty flair.

Vertical LED daytime running lights (H and AV variants only) replace halogen foglamps to freshen up the look and there are corresponding vertical strips of black plastic in the rear bumper.

Depending on variant, the Myvi is equipped with auto high beam, voice recognition, autofold side mirrors, a bigger 6.9-inch audio system with a new interface and a 4.2-inch TFT infotainment display.

Safety standards are now even higher in the new Myvi

A notable upgrade to its safety system is the Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system which was designed with the safety of the driver and pedestrian in mind.

PSDA include the Advance Safety Assist version 3.0, adaptive cruise control (ACC), Lane Keep Assist (LKS), Blind Spot Monitoring System (BSM) and the Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) (Available in all variants except the lower 1.3L G variant).

In other words, except for one of the Myvi G variant, all other variants now have Level 2 autonomous technology.

“This is the first time in Malaysian history that a car company is offering Level 2 autonomous technology to a model under a RM60,000 price tag,” said Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

All variants also get a new steering wheel based on the one from the Ativa.

The engines are carried over unchanged in output. To recap, the 1.3-litre petrol engine makes 94hp/121Nm and the 1.5-litre mill produces 102hp/137Nm. The 1.5-litre variants now get a Power button. As the name suggests, the engine offers its all  when the button is activated.

As for gearbox, the old 4-speed transmission has been swapped with a new Dual Mode CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission).

Perodua said the CVT would enhance transmission efficiency as it is lightweight and compact, and provide powerful and smooth acceleration at low speeds, making the car quieter while increasing fuel efficiency.

With these improvements, the new Myvi would be able to have a 5% improvement or an additional 1km for every litre of fuel as well as a 20% improved acceleration.

“The increased fuel efficiency of the new Myvi is our commitment towards lessening our impact to the environment and working towards our goal of becoming a carbon neutral organisation,” said Zainal.

A new colour, Cranberry Red, has been added and is only available for the AV. Other colours include Ivory White, Glittering Silver, Lava Red (not available for the AV), Granite Grey, and Electric Blue.

At the launch, Perodua also announced the introduction of a vehicle subscription service called Perodua EZ MOBi for business entities and government agencies.

The service help companies in managing their vehicle fleet from the time of procurement, servicing and fleet replacement.

The subscription plan factors in all costs of owning and operating vehicles except fuel usage. For now, the service is limited to the Klang Valley.

“In essence, EZ MOBi represents Perodua’s value contribution towards its customers’ growing mobility needs. The overall package includes vehicle registration, insurance renewal, servicing cost, part replacement cost, courtesy car, vehicle disposal and replacement under one subscription plan,” said Zainal.

“The value offering of this service is that Perodua EZ MOBi provides end-to-end convenience to our customers as various packages are available to fit each client’s mobility needs.”

The AV, H and X variants as well as one of the G variants will have the latest Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) system, which was designed with the safety of the driver and pedestrian in mind.

 Voice recognition.LAUNCH  - Nov 18AV variantH variant
X variantG (Base variant)
Gear Up accessories MEDIA PREVIEW - Nov 16 (AV and H variants on display)


Hyundai among big brands stung by BTS uproar in China

                HONG KONG: South Korean boyband BTS is facing a barrage of criticism in China after its leader made remarks about the Korean War and several big-name brands, including Samsung, have apparently distanced themselves from the K-pop group amid the uproar.

The controversy is the latest example of the political landmines lying in wait for big brands in China, the world’s second-largest economy.

The leader of BTS, known by the initials RM, upset many people in China in a speech when the band received an award from a U.S.-based organisation for their contribution to South Korea-U.S. relations.

RM invoked a “history of pain” shared between South Korea and the United States and, referring to the 1950-53 Korean War, spoke of “sacrifices of countless men and women”.

The war pitted South Korean and US forces against those from North Korea and China.

The comments touched off heated debate on social media in China.

“They should not make any money from China,” one angry user said on the Weibo platform, referring to BTS.

“If you want to make money from Chinese fans you have to consider Chinese feelings.”

Posts featuring Samsung’s BTS special edition smartphones and earphones disappeared from Chinese e-commerce platforms Tmall and JD.com as the controversy swirled.

BTS-related posts from other companies including automaker Hyundai and sports fashion brand FILA, which have endorsement deals with the seven-member group, also disappeared from their official Weibo accounts, Chinese users said.

It was not clear if the companies or someone else had removed the posts. Hyundai, Samsung and FILA did not respond to requests for comment when contacted by Reuters.

The band’s management company, Big Hit Entertainment, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


Germans can start ordering new Audi A8 from Oct 5

                INGOLSTADT: Audi has announced that customers in Germany can start booking the new A8 from Oct 5.

The new A8 will be produced at the Neckarsulm plant and will be launched onto the German market at the end of November this year. The basic price for the flagship is 90,600 euros (RM452,000); the long-wheelbase version starts at 94,100 euros (RM469,000).

The A8 starts out in its home market with two V6 turbo engines: a 3.0 TDI and a 3.0 TFSI (A8 50 TDI quattro and A8 55 TFSI quattro respectively). The diesel unit produces 286hp and develops 600Nm of torque. It propels the A8 with its standard-fit quattro drive from zero to 100kph in 5.9 seconds and on up to an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph.

The 3.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine delivers output of 340hp with torque of 500 Nm. The A8 takes 5.6 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100kph, and the A8 L takes 5.7 seconds.

Both engines use a belt alternator starter, which lies at the heart of the 48-volt main electrical system. This mild-hybrid technology enables coasting with the engine switched off and a smooth restart. It also has an extended start/stop function and a high recuperation output of up to 12 kW thanks to energy recovered during braking. The combined effect of these measures is to bring down the fuel consumption of the efficient engines further – by as much as 0.7 litres per 100 kilometers in real driving conditions.

The new MMI touch response is said to be safe, intuitive and quick to use because of acoustic and haptic feedback along with common touch gestures such as swiping.

More than 40 driver assistance systems are built into the A8. It is the world’s first production car to have been developed specially for conditional automated driving. The Audi AI traffic jam pilot will take charge of driving in slow-moving traffic at up to 60 kph on highways and multi-lane motorways with a physical barrier separating the two directions of traffic.

From 2018, Audi will gradually be taking piloted driving functions such as parking pilot, garage pilot and traffic jam pilot into production, depending on the legal situation in the particular country. During piloted driving, a central driver assistance controller now permanently computes an image of the surroundings by merging the sensor data. In addition to the radar sensors, a front camera and the ultrasonic sensors, Audi is the first car maker also to use a laser scanner.

The A8 is the first production model to feature the brand’s new type designation at the rear. The reference value for the double-digit number combination is the power output of the individual model in kilowatts.

The numeral combinations increase in increments comprising five designations each, and they represent the hierarchy within both the respective model ranges and the brand’s overall model portfolio.

Thus the numeral combination “50” will in future appear on the back of those models which deliver between 210 and 230 kW of power; “55” stands for the power output range between 245 and 275 kW. This new system will allow Audi to standardise the type designations for its worldwide range of cars.

 Dimensions


Honda e and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade pick up Red Dot Award

                TOKYO: Honda announced that its new Honda e electric vehicle and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade motorcycle has won the Red Dot Award for product design.

The Honda e was given Red Dot's "Best of the Best 2020” in the automobile category and also received the “Red Dot 2020” in the meta category of “Smart Products”.

The Japanese automaker's new-generation EV focuses on a simple design and ease of use built upon the brand's philosophy of human-centric design.

It also looks to bring new values to customers that meet the needs of modern urban life through seamlessly connected technology and outstanding driving dynamics.

Inside, this EV's dashboard features two large touchscreens that display a wide range of applications and connected infotainment services in a lounge-like atmosphere.

With seamless integration with the occupants’ connected services, information is displayed on these large touchscreens.

The CBR1000RR-R Fireblade was also given the award in the motorcycle category.

Positioned as the top flagship of the Japanese brand, the new CBR superbike was developed with the concept of Total Control for the Track.

The engine was designed with technologies from the RC213V MotoGP machine which continues to win world titles, resulting in the most powerful engine for a CBR yet.

The frame has enhanced stability under acceleration and braking, and with the help of an advanced electronic control system supporting sport riding.

Honda believes its Fireblade won the award in part due to its functional beauty honed through pursuing the limits of a high-performance and radical new form to achieve uncompromising function not only in the public roads but also in the circuit.


No sweat for Mazda to fulfil order backlog of 1,200 units, says RHB Research

                PETALING JAYA: Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto) has enough inventory to cater to a current backlog of 1,200 vehicles, says RHB Research.

“As per our last conversation with its management, the outstanding backlog for Mazda vehicles stands at about 1,200 units and will be catered through BAuto’s current inventory of around 1,200 units,” RHB Research said.

“Vendors have sufficient inventory for the next one to two months, and daily bookings are up to 30 units per day since the relaxation of rules from 10 to 15 units per day during the lockdown period,” it pointed out.

RHB Research also said chip shortages will likely affect the completely built up units: mainly for Mazda 3 and CX30 models. It added that “the near-term impact remains manageable, as there is sufficient inventory on hand.”

The research house said that there were no changes to its earnings forecasts.

“We keep our 12 times FY’23 forecast price-to-earnings ratio unchanged, which is close to the sector average.

“The downside risks include a softer ringgit against the Japanese yen and weak consumer sentiment,” it added.

However , the resaerch house said demand for new vehicles is expected to stay robust for the remaining months of 2021, running up to the end of the sales and service tax (SST) exemption period.

But it said demand could be crippled during the higher vehicle price adjustment period post the SST’s reintroduction.

RHB Research kept its neutral call on BAuto with a target price of RM1.77 and noting that its first quarter results were broadly in line with expectations.

In contrast, MIDF Research sees more upside for BAuto.

It maintained a buy call and had revised its target price for BAuto upwards to RM2.35 from RM2.20 previously.

“We now project Mazda, Kia and Peugeot’s forecasted financial year 2022’s (FY’22) total industry volumes (TIV) at 12,000, 900 and 1,000 units respectively.

“For Mazda, this reflects a 11% drop year-on-year (y-o-y) TIV contraction,” MIDF Research said.

“We now expect FY’22 forecast earnings to fall 8% y-o-y, before rebounding by 58% y-o-y in FY’23 driven by a 41% y-o-y aggregate volume growth of the three marques under BAuto,” the research house added.


How augmented reality transforms the car windshield into a virtual screen

                LAS VEGAS: What if all the information you need while driving was no longer displayed on a dashboard, but projected directly onto your windshield?

This kind of augmented reality display already exists for motorcyclists. Now French startup EyeLights wants to adapt its technology to cars.

In collaboration with the automotive glazing manufacturer AGC, a demonstration aimed at wooing carmakers from around the world has been staged at CES 2022.

This technology essentially involves showing drivers all the information they need in the form of an augmented reality display directly on the car windshield.

This would include the car's current speed, as well as navigation data and route guidance, safety distances and the detection of cyclists or slow vehicles.

Other information, such as entertainment settings, could also be read directly from the windshield, with no need for drivers to take their eyes off the road.

This technology can create a huge virtual screen (up to 550 inches) and a projection distance of up to 50 metres from the driver. Note that all this information remains visible with sunglasses.

This system promises to considerably improve the active safety of the motorist and their passengers by displaying information in specific places on the windshield, well within the driver's field of vision. In this way, the driver remains constantly focused on the road.

According to EyeLights' chiefs, screens are one day destined to disappear from car dashboards altogether.

This augmented reality interface is today billed as disruptive, delivering a driving experience that is both new and safer than ever.

Now, the objective for AGC and EyeLights is to convince manufacturers to integrate this technology into their future production models.

Renault is reportedly among the first automakers to be interested.


Automakers want Takata airbag answers

                TOKYO: A consortium of 10 automakers led by Toyota Motor Corp plans to hire an independent engineering firm and a former top United States (US) auto safety regulator to investigate Japanese airbag supplier Takata Corp.

Referring to itself as the joint initiative, a Toyota spokeswoman Julie Hamp said on its behalf that they want a forensic engineering firm "to address the technical issues with Takata airbag inflators."

With automakers having recalled more than 14 mil vehicles since 2008 due to faulty airbags, people familiar with the effort to seek clarity on the issue said that a former acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administriation (NHTSA) David Kelly would lead the probe.

Takata, while it “is also conducting extensive testing and has engaged top automotive engineers and scientists from around the world to assist in evaluating inflator ruptures and discovering the root cause of these issues has also agreed to support the joint initiative with its investigation.

The Japanese airbag supplier also named former US secretary of transportation Samuel Skinner, to head a "quality assurance panel" to review the company's policies and responsiveness to automakers and regulators.

Toyota invited other automakers earlier in the same month to join "a coordinated industry-wide joint initiative to independently test" Takata air bag inflators involved in the recalls.

News that the group was considering Kelly was reported Thursday by the Detroit News and the Wall Street Journal.

Toyota said the group's goal was to address issues related to the Takata inflators, which can rupture and spray shrapnel at vehicle occupants.

The defective inflators have been linked to at least six deaths, all in Honda cars, and dozens of injuries.

Honda Motor Co has been Takata's largest customer and is part of the joint initiative, along with General Motors, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, BMW AG, Nissan Motor Co, Mazda Motor Corp, Mitsubishi Motors Corp and Fuji Heavy Industries Inc's Subaru.


VW lifts profit target as batteries and software boost sales

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen AG ratcheted up its mid-decade profitability goal as it hones plans to become the electric-car leader and cash in on what it expects to be a massive new revenue stream from software.

Europe’s largest automaker will target an 8% to 9% operating return on sales in 2025, up from 7% to 8% previously.

After wooing investors with a Tesla Inc-style battery briefing in March, chief executive officer Herbert Diess is elaborating further on VW’s plans to phase out combustion engines and equip cars with software systems that enable automated driving and can be updated over the air.

“We set ourselves a strategic target to become global market leader in electric vehicles — and we are well on track,” Diess said in a statement.

“The next much more radical change is the transition towards much safer, smarter and finally autonomous cars.”

Key stakeholders backed Diess’ action plan last week when the supervisory board extended the former BMW AG executive’s contract through 2025.

He’s been retooling the sprawling VW group to meet stricter emissions rules and keep Tesla and others at bay, planning half a dozen battery factories for Europe and switching assembly lines globally to build the industry’s broadest range of EVs.

VW has added to market value lead over peers under Diess
VW’s common shares — already up almost 70% this year — slipped less than 1% in Frankfurt trading. The Stoxx 600 Automobiles & Parts Index has risen about 23% this year.

Electric outlook

Diess, 62, echoed a senior executive’s bullish view on prospects for EV sales growth in the US under President Joe Biden, who’s proposed spending US$174 billion (RM729bil) on charging stations, rebates for consumers and other support measures.

“The Biden plan gives us a unique opportunity to start from a better position than the competition,” Diess said. “There’s never been a point in time where we were better positioned to significantly increase our market share.”

In Europe, VW announced its Chinese battery partner, Gotion High-Tech Co., will join forces at its second battery factory in Salzgitter, Germany.

VW already has said the first plant will be built by Swedish startup Northvolt AB, in which it holds a major stake. It expects to finalise a third facility in Spain and told German workers it’s finalising plans to add another site in its domestic market.

VW’s namesake brand already has said it plans to stop selling combustion cars in Europe between 2033 and 2035, followed by the US and China at a later stage. Audi sees continued demand for combustion engines in China beyond 2033, but intends to fade them out in other markets by then.

Although EVs aren’t as profitable as combustion cars now, VW expects overall parity to be reached within two to three years. US peers General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. have similarly grown more optimistic about margins for battery-powered models.

Autonomous transformation

Even as EVs take centrestage, Diess has repeatedly said that software and self-driving functions will bring about an even deeper transformation of the industry with cars becoming sophisticated connected devices.

VW plans to offer autonomous driving in major markets worldwide, aided in part by cooperation with Ford Motor Co. and affiliate Argo AI LLC. In China, VW’s largest market, the carmaker has sought partnerships with local tech companies to be among the first to offer autonomous driving, mostly in private cars.

The manufacturer remains on solid footing to finance its ambitions. First-half operating profit rose to 11 billion euros, ahead of pre-pandemic levels, VW said last week, with €10 billion (RM49.5bil) in net cash flow.

However, fallout from the global semiconductor shortage may be more pronounced during the second half of the year. Analysts also have warned about a slowdown in VW’s business in China and tepid early demand for the VW brand’s electric ID. cars there.

“For now, VW’s ID. product still has too many serious teething issues,” Sanford Bernstein analyst Arndt Ellinghorst said in a July 9 report.

The company’s internal combustion-engine business “needs to be managed down in a socially acceptable way whilst battery manufacturing and software capabilities are internalised.”


Waze targets govt agencies with cloud data

                KUALA LUMPUR: Waze today announced "Waze for Cities Data" is now available on Google Cloud for better town and city planning.

Such accessibility means over 1,000 global partners could use the traffic data to review and analyse transportation patterns and create various forms of visual information using Google Cloud tools for the first time.

Waze for Cities Data, formerly known as Connected Citizens Programme, launched in October 2014 with 10 city partners and has grown to more than 1,000 now.

The free programme leverages mobile technology and crowdsourced traffic data.

“Waze has been a pioneer in sharing data with cities and working with them to improve infrastructure and fight traffic," said Waze public sector partnerships head Dani Simons.

 Smart Selangor Delivery Unit is using Waze to help identify and patch potholes in Selangor. Seen here is Dr Fahmi Ngah.

"But over the past five years, the landscape has changed. Cities have more data than ever, but they want better tools to analyse it and be able to put it to use to improve their streets. We are thrilled to provide this integration with Google Cloud that will make it even easier for our Waze for Cities partners to more seamlessly organize, store, interpret and share transportation data and insights,”

“Waze for Cities Data partners will no longer need to build their own tools or have different systems for different data sources. The integration with Google Cloud will make it easy to view Waze for Cities Data and layer in other transportation-related data sources to see the full picture of mobility trends in one place,” said Google Cloud product management director Sudhir Hasbe.

Partners can analyse up to 1TB of data and store up to 10 GB of data for free each month.

With this programme, partners can also securely and privately store and analyse their own data and perform their own analytics supported by Waze’s Cities Data.

Waze for Cities partners will remain in control of their data.

Smart Selangor Delivery Unit has been using Waze for Cities Data since September 2016 to hunt for and patch potholes on roads.

"Smart Selangor Delivery Unit has identified potholes in various locations based on the reports done by Wazers on the app, which allows them to mark the pothole locations, enabling us to swiftly fix these potholes as part of the Selangor state-wide pothole patching operations across four state agencies," said Smart Selangor Delivery Unit managing director Dr Fahmi Ngah.

"It has also aided us in identifying locations prone to flooding. We are excited for the integration of Waze for Cities Data & Google Cloud, as it will make the experience even better."

Any public agency is eligible to apply for the programme on the Waze for Cities homepage.

Current Waze for Cities partners will receive more information on how to integrate their existing accounts.


MotoGP goodies from Shell-Lazada promo

                KUALA LUMPUR: The complete range of the Shell Advance motorcycle oils from Shell Malaysia Official Store on Lazada Malaysia - a leading e-commerce platform in the country.

All purchases of the officially-sourced Shell Advance motorcycle oil will be delivered to the customer's door step in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

In conjunction with Shell Advance’s online debut and the upcoming 2017 Shell Malaysia MotoGP, online shoppers and avid fans of MotoGP will have a chance to bag exclusive giveaways by purchasing any Shell Advance products:

· From Oct 3-20, purchase one pack of Shell Advance and two cans of Monster Energy Drink via Lazada Malaysia and be in the running for the Grand Prize of a special invitation to an exclusive meet-and-greet session with Ducati rider Jorge Lorenzo on Oct 25. Only 100 lucky winners will enjoy this privilege. The First Prize is one Hillstand ticket and a welcome kit at Sepang International Circuit (SIC) for 150 lucky winners while 20 winners will take home the Second Prize of one limited edition Monster Recon backpack each.

· Also from Oct 3-20, purchase any of one pack of Shell Advance Ultra or Ultra Scooter and receive one Hillstand ticket and a welcome kit at Sepang International Circuit (SIC), on a first-come-first served basis

· From Oct 25-29, purchase one carton of Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology or Shell Advance AX7 for a chance to win a pair of Oakley eyewear personally autographed by Jorge Lorenzo.

Shell Lubricants general manager for Malaysia and Singapore, Baljit Singh, said that the company’s continued collaboration with Lazada Malaysia following the successful launch of Shell Helix passenger car motor oils in August was further proof that it was working hard to meet customers’ needs.

“Buying from the Shell Malaysia Official Online Store, you can ’outride’ any unpredictability or uncertainty about the quality or authenticity of the product. Best of all, you could be rewarded with a memorable meeting with Ducati’s Jorge Lorenzo or tickets to the Hillstand at SIC that has been reserved exclusively for Shell this year,” Baljit said.

Baljit also expressed delight that Shell Advance and Shell Helix products through its Shell Malaysia Official Online Store will be part of Lazada Malaysia’s Online Revolution shopping extravaganza this coming Nov 11.

The annual event is the biggest online shopping fest in Southeast Asia. Themed ‘Shop the Universe’, shoppers in six countries can look forward to millions of products from around the world at ‘out-of-this-world’ prices.

This year, for the first time, the offerings will include genuine, officially-sourced Shell Advance motorcycle engine oils and Shell Helix passenger car motor oils.

Lazada Malaysia chief executive officer Hans-Peter Ressel said the company was thrilled to extend its collaboration with Shell Malaysia with the introduction of the Shell Advance range of motorcycle oils on Lazada platform.

“We look forward to the introduction of more products and services at the Shell Malaysia Official Online Store even we gear ourselves for the our biggest campaign in November, the Online Revolution,” said Ressel.


NY rejects proposal to close some streets to cars

People walking on Park Avenue, that was closed to vehicular traffic, during the Covid-19 outbreak in New York City, last month. — Reuters
NEW YORK: New York City officials have cautioned against a proposal to close some streets to car traffic to allow New Yorkers more space to stay apart and exercise outdoors during the coronavirus crisis - steps taken by other US and European cities.

The officials said street closures and pedestrian-priority streets could not safely and quickly be implemented in a city as dense as New York.

The debate comes as cities around the world experiment with ways to gradually ease restrictions without compromising safety.

Cities also want to ensure that years of anti-smog policies are not reversed as people returning outside resort to private cars in favour of public transit or cycling.

In New York City, the epicentre of the US outbreak, officials are concerned that warmer weather and a drop in infections could tempt some of the 8 million residents, many living in small apartments, to flout social distancing rules.

Last Wednesday, city council members introduced a bill to dedicate 120km of city streets to pedestrians and cyclists by closing at least one lane to vehicles while coronavirus restrictions are in place.

Lawmakers also called on the city to expand sidewalks and bike lanes. The city in early April cut funding to bicycle lanes as part of budget reductions.

During an online meeting of the city council’s transportation committee, Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said her agency supports the principle of opening streets and watched programmes by other cities closely.

But the city did not have the resources to protect people on those streets, Trottenberg said, echoing earlier statements by NYC mayor Bill de Blasio.

“The risk posed by such a model to pedestrians and motorists alike is significant,” NYPD Transportation Deputy Chief Michael Pilecki said during the meeting.

Traffic in NYC dropped by roughly 80% in April compared to January, according to analytics firm StreetLight Data. At the same time, tickets for speeding have increased.

Several US cities, including San Francisco, Oakland and Denver, have closed some streets to vehicles.

In Italy’s Milan, a city preparing to re-open, authorities have announced plans to prioritise pedestrians, bicycles and electric scooters by expanding cycle lanes, stopping cars from parking on sidewalks and restricting traffic on some residential streets.

In the UK, Brighton has closed some of its seafront to cars during daytime and in Dublin, Budapest and Berlin bike lanes were expanded further onto the road.


Locally-assembled Kia Sorento unveiled from RM211,500

                SHAH ALAM: Dinamikjaya Motors has officially introduced the locally-assembled Kia Sorento sports utility vehicle (SUV).

The fourth-generation SUV is produced at Inokom Assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.

Customers can expect deliveries of the vehicle end of the month.

The model is available in three variants of : -

> 2.5-litre ‘Smartstream’ petrol 2WD seven-seater priced at RM211,498 on-the-road without insurance,
> 2.5-litre ‘Smartstream’ petrol AWD six-seater (RM235,498),
> 2.2-litre ‘Smartstream’ diesel AWD six-seater (RM255,228).

Both ‘Smartstream’ 2.5 petrol engine variants are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and deliver 177hp and 232Nm of torque.

The ‘Smartstream’ 2.2D diesel engine variant, comes with 199hp and 440Nm of torque and features an aluminium block that is 38.2kg lighter than its predecessor.

Transmission for the 2.2D diesel AWD is Kia’s new eight-speed wet double-clutch transmission (8DCT) which is designed to offer smooth shifting and enhance fuel efficiency.

The 2.2D AWD diesel also features a ‘Terrain Mode’ that improves traction, stability and control on mud, snow and sand by switching the mode through the dial on the centre console.

Since its global debut in 2002, the Sorento has been one of Kia’s best-known and best-selling vehicles globally, and this new iteration of the nameplate represents the pinnacle of Kia design and engineering in its SUV line-up.

The latest model has won multiple awards such as the Car and Driver 2022 Editors’ Choice award and 2021 Red Dot awards.

The new model retains the nameplate's robust, tough-looking aesthetic but gets a higher level of refinement, elegance and sportiness.

The Kia ‘tiger nose’ LED grille now displays a wider shape that wraps around the headlamps on each side.

The headlamps feature a new ‘tiger eyeline’ LED daytime running light, adding an extra focus which creates an intense impression like a tiger’s eye.

The proportions of the Sorento are designed to make it appear longer, with shorter front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase when compared to its predecessor.

The Sorento is also 10mm higher and its wheelbase is increased by 35mm to 2,815mm.

The Kia designers retained the characteristic wide D-pillar with substantial bodywork and clad wheel arches, while adopting certain design features from more recent Kia models that included a new dynamic shape C-pillar.

Inside, the SUV is enhanced with a sophisticated, next-generation design, blending metallic trims, leather upholstery and embossed wood-effect surfaces.

 Seven-seater.

It also comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless smartphone charger, Bose surround sound system and a mood lighting system.

Also included is the 10.25-inch centre touchscreen infotainment display, while the 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster is available in the 2.5 petrol AWD and 2.2D diesel AWD variants.

Standard features across the line-up include six SRS airbags (front driver & passenger, side and curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCB), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points and Top Tethers.

 Six-seater.

Other features include High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Blind-spot Collision Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Drive Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning (a technology with pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle detection, that also helps detects oncoming traffic when making a turn at a junction), Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Smart Cruise Control (with Stop & Go).

Only the 2.5 petrol AWD and 2.2D diesel AWD get the Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM).

The Sorento was awarded with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the highest safety rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests in 2020.

The car’s safety rating was reinforced by the Advanced High Strength Steel bodyshells with a torsional rigidity of 12.5%.

All the variants are equipped with Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management and Electronic Stability Control system as standard.

Colour line-up is Astra Blue, Meteor Grey, Snowflake White Pearl, Sonic Silver and Jet Black.

It also gets a 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty with a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.

The Sorento is also offered with 5-Years Free Scheduled Maintenance, with a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.
> SPECIFICATIONS


Tata Motors to make comeback to Malaysian market

 Wasan

MUMBAI: India's largest car company, Tata Motors Ltd, will be returning to the Malaysian market in style soon, said its head of international business, commercial vehicles, R.T. Wasan.

Tata considered Malaysia as an important market in Asean after Indonesia and Thailand, he said.

Wasan said the company intended to venture into the commercial vehicle segment as it has the potential to grow further and revolutionise transportation industry in Malaysia.

"We will introduce several models soon and offer our full range of products within the next two to three years," he told a media familiarisation trip to the Tata plant in Pune, Maharashtra, India, recently.

He said the Malaysian car industry was interesting and promising, adding that the speed of Tata's product offerings could probably be much quicker than other countries that Tata Motor was already in.

"For a start, Tata will introduce the truck and pick-up truck models. After that, we will see how the brand and the product build up," he said.

Tata Motors has a presence in Malaysia in the past, but during that time the company has limited scope in terms of product range and opportunity.

However, it has made tremendous progress in the last eight to 10 years with new product generation like pick-up truck, Xenon, that is comparable with similar model in the world.

Xenon has successfully entered the developed market like Australia.

Wasan said Tata Motors' brand and product awareness were there because it has a history in Malaysia.

"The models that we sell in Asean countries and India come in handy for road condition in Malaysia. In a way there is good natural fit, or synergy," he said.

On styling and design, he said, they were not something important for the company in the past because consumers just wanted basic vehicle but they had changed.

Currently, all new vehicles were comparable in terms of styling and design with the best in the similar class such as Xenon model, he said.

"Today, we have a range of vehicles that has gone through research and development. So, we are in much stronger position to enter any developed market, including Malaysia," he said.

Meanwhile, Tata Motors' collaboration with DRB-Hicom Commercial Vehicles Sdn Bhd (DHCV) will likely ease the re-entry of the product in Malaysia.

On Sept 9, 2013, DHCV sealed agreements with Tata Motors for the former to become the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors commercial vehicles and expand its vehicle assembly business and distribution network in Malaysia.

"We value DRB-Hicom and will work to make the relationship last," said Wasan.

Below is a Xenon video from the Tata archives.


Foxconn strikes deal to acquire former Lordstown Ohio plant

                WASHINGTON/DETROIT: Global technology firm Foxconn will buy an assembly plant owned by US electric vehicle startup Lordstown Motors Corp for US$230 million and take over production of a new pickup truck, the companies said on Thursday.

Under the in-principle agreement, the Taiwanese tech giant, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., will make Lordstown Motors’ Endurance full-size pickup truck at its Lordstown facility and it will also support Foxconn's partner and customer, start-up automaker Fisker Inc.

Young Liu, chairman of Foxconn, said the deal would help Foxconn achieve "the goal of moving ahead our timeline to establish electric vehicle production capacity in North America."

Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker best known for assembling Apple's iPhone, will invest US$50 million in Lordstown equity.

Lordstown Motors plans to enter into a long-term lease for a portion of the existing facility for its Ohio-based employees, and Foxconn plans to offer employment to many Lordstown employees.

Lordstown CEO Daniel Ninivaggi said in an interview the new partnership with Foxconn allows Lordstown to move to a less capital intensive business model and that the deal is expected to close in about six months.

"We can get the benefits of scale without necessarily having to do it all on our own," Ninivaggi said.

Under the deal, Lordstown Motors will issue warrants to Foxconn for 1.7 million shares of common stock at an exercise price of US$10.50 per share.

Lordstown separately said on Thursday it would move forward with its plan to build a limited number of vehicles for testing and regulatory approvals through early 2022.

In April, Foxconn drastically scaled back a planned US$10 billion factory in Wisconsin, a project former US President Donald Trump once called "the eighth wonder of the world."

Foxconn reduced its planned investment to US$672 million from US$10 billion and cut the number of new jobs to 1,454 from 13,000.

It had proposed a 20-million-square-foot manufacturing campus in Wisconsin that would have been the largest investment in US history for a new location by a foreign-based company.

Lordstown, which has struggled to launch production of its Endurance pickup, had previously said it was in talks to build vehicles for other automakers or lease space in its factory. It currently uses only 20% of the plant's 6.2 million square feet.

Fisker in May finalised a vehicle-assembly deal with Foxconn.

Fisker chief executive Henrik Fisker said in an interview Thursday Foxconn will build 150,000 vehicles a year to start for Fisker with production to begin by 2024.

Foxconn, meanwhile, has been exploring possible sites to build EVs in the United States. The company had previously said it was in talks with Wisconsin state about building EVs there.

Foxconn and Fisker Inc said in May they had finalised a deal for Foxconn to build EVs for the EV startup.


AIM EV Sport 01 to make dynamic debut at Goodwood

                NAGOYA: A new name in electric vehicles is set to make its dynamic debut at the July 13-16 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Designed by SN Design Platform, an independent design company lead by renowned automotive designer Shiro Nakamura, the AIM EV Sport 01 is a concept vehicle developed by the AIM Company Limited based in Nagoya, Japan.

First revealed to the public in April, the AIM EV Sport 01 is undergoing testing and evaluation for a potential limited series production run.

The AIM Company Limited, founded in 1998, is an engineering company specialising in automotive design and technology.

The company is no stranger to track endeavors having previously participated with its 5.5-litre V10 engine in the 24hrs of Le Mans in 2010 as Team Oreca Matmut AIM, placing 4th overall and the highest placed gasoline engine.

The AIM EV Sport 01 is not only the company’s first vehicle but also the first application of the company’s APM200 high performance electric motor.

Although the AIM EV Sport 01 was developed as a concept and showcase for the capabilities of the AIM Company, early reaction to the car following its reveal in April has encouraged the company to develop a feasibility study for a limited series production run.

The company is continuing to invest in its own EV powertrain systems for both OEM customers and potentially for its own vehicles beyond the EV Sport 01.

The 1,425kg car uses two APM200 motors controlled by advanced torque vectoring system producing a combined 360 kW (490PS) and maximum torque of 740Nm. It taps power from an 81 kWh lithium-ion battery.

Body panels are made from a carbon fibre laminate structure and the interior "bathtub" is all carbon fibre. It rides on 20-inch mixed tyres.


Grantt lubricants launched

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Grantt International Sdn Bhd (UMWG) introduced a full range of the Malaysian-made and newly-enhanced Grantt lubricants which includes passenger car motor oil (PCMO), motorcycle oil (MCO), diesel engine oil (DEO), auto transmission fluid (ATF) and industrial oil.

Grantt is divided into three ranges; Stellar for its PCMO range while those for MCO and DEO are called Quadra and Quasar respectively.

A launch ceremony was held at its plant in Shah Alam and the complete range of Grantt lubricants was unveiled by chairman of UMW Manufacturing and Engineering Sdn Bhd, Datuk Dr Nik Norzrul Thani, witnessed by president and group CEO of UMW Holdings Berhad, Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir.

Also present were general manager of UMW Grantt International Sdn Bhd, Fariz Zain and executive director of UMW Manufacturing and Engineering Sdn Bhd, Megat Shahrul Azmir Nordin.

 From left: executive director of UMW Manufacturing and Engineering Sdn Bhd, Megat Shahrul Azmir Nordin; chairman of UMW Manufacturing and Engineering Sdn Bhd, Datuk Dr Nik Norzrul Thani; president and group CEO of UMW Holdings Berhad, Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir and general manager of UMW Grantt International Sdn Bhd, Fariz Zain at the launch of the new UMW Grantt lubricants.

“The Grantt lubricants that we launch today are products that UMW is truly proud to endorse; and we are confident that Grantt will be a product that customers will repeatedly turn to power their rides”, said Megat Shahrul.

UMWG aims to have a presence nationwide and is planning to focus on the export market covering the Asean region.

UMW Grantt International Sdn Bhd is a wholly-owned subsidiary in the UMW Group.


Hyundai i30 Wagon teased ahead of Geneva show

                FRANKFURT: The new Hyundai i30 Wagon will make its debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

The new member of the i30 family maintains the timeless design of its five-door sibling, adding elegance and versatility in its bodystyle.

“The i30 Wagon speaks the language of the i30 family in terms of design, and it carries the new Hyundai family identity - the cascading grille,” said Hyundai Design Centre Europe chief designer Thomas Bürkle.

“The tapering roofline and the dynamic proportions give the wagon an almost coupé-like silhouette. The sleek and dynamic profile is further emphasised by a chrome frame surrounding the side windows.”

The i30 Wagon will be revealed at the show on March 7.


Malaysian designer wins BMW M4 GT4 livery contest

UPDATE:A BMW M4 draped in Chan Wen Bin's winning entry for the M4 GT4 livery was replicated in Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Day (Sept 16). It took centerstage at the main entrance to the Pavilion shopping centre, surrounded by over 70 M cars of BMW owners. Chan was also present for the occasion to celebrate Malaysia Day the BMW way. The gathering was organised by the BMW M Owners Club in collaboration with BMW Group Malaysia. See images.

MUNICH: The BMW M4 GT4 livery contest has a winner.

Malaysian Chan Wen Bin fought off numerous competitors with his proposed design for the BMW M4 GT4 and can now look forward to a cash prize of US$3,000 (RM12,448) and his design being used on a real racing car.

The 27-year-old graphic designer from Semenyih, Selangor, not only won over the top-class jury comprising multimedia artist and BMW Art Car designer Cao Fei, Michael Scully (Global Automotive Director @Designworks) and BMW works driver Bruno Spengler (CAN), BMW Motorsport fans also had the chance to vote for their favourites on social media and influence the result.

Chan's winning design will be on show in a real-world race at the season finale of the DTM Trophy at Hockenheim, Germany, on Nov 7-8.

An M4 GT4 will compete there in the look created by Chan. The design will also be available soon on the iRacing sim racing platform. The M4 GT4 has been racing on that platform in the virtual world since June, where it enjoys great popularity.

“I’ve been a fan of BMW since my childhood and always dreamed of achieving something with BMW one day,” said Chan.

“This livery contest was a fantastic opportunity for me to show my passion for BMW and have my design used by BMW Motorsport. I’m over the moon and am delighted to have won this competition. I can’t wait to see the result in the real world. It’s one of my biggest successes in my career as a designer. Thank you so much BMW.”

In addition to the pure aesthetic perspective, the jury also placed emphasis on the link between virtual and real-world motorsport when making their decision.

With the motto "The fusion of real world and SIM racing", the entrants were faced with the task of creating a design whose elegance and beauty comes into full effect not only in the virtual world but also in the real world.

“The black overall colour is always classic and elegant for a high-performance BMW coupe,” said Cao Fei, who designed the 18th BMW Art Car – an M6 GT3, in which BMW works driver Augusto Farfus competed at the FIA GT World Cup in Macau in 2017.

“The subtle blue and red parts scattered around the car is not only lively and chic, accentuating its sporty and exclusive aesthetics, but the colour combination also reflects the very essence of BMW M series, paying tribute to its history and legacy. This livery is truly timeless.”

With his design, Chan prevailed over numerous competitors who had the opportunity to send in their proposals since the design competition opened July 8.

In addition to the jury’s verdict, the votes from the BMW Motorsport community on social media also played a part in the decision.

After Chan, Spaniard Juan Diego Sánchez and Frenchman Monholo Oumar finished in second and third place.

 Chan's winning design will be showcased on an M4 GT4 that will compete at the season finale of the DTM Trophy at Hockenheim, on Nov 7-8. The design will also be available soon on the iRacing sim racing platform. — Image from China Press Sánchez's entry came in at No.2. Oumar's work was in third spot.


Maxus announces promotions and signs on 'Schawalara' as brand ambassadors

                KUALA LUMPUR: Weststar Maxus, the sole distributor of Maxus vehicles in Malaysia, announced today that the company is now offering attractive deals for the month of Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya holidays.

As part of the current campaign from now to July 31, all Maxus branches are able to accept MPV trade-ins with the highest value for the G10 while being accorded a five-year or up to 120,000km warranty as well as two years free service, including parts and labour.

"We offer the highest trade-in value compared to the market standard and other used car dealers and it is an excellent deal for families looking for a ‘people mover’ that can easily accommodate 10 people,” said Weststar Group group managing director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim.

Adding on to the list of showrooms located in Bangsar and Kota Baru, two new 3S (sales, service and spare parts) showrooms were added for its Southern and Northern customers in Plentong, Johor Bharu and Bukit Mertajam, Penang respectively.

Also, the company's Klang-based Parts Centre will operate 12 hours daily.

The company also announced that Awal Ashaari, Scha Alyahya and Lara Alana have become brand ambassadors for its Maxus G10 MPV.

The trio, famously known as “Schawalara”, are scheduled to share their Maxus G10 experience with their social media followers.

“With more than 19 million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, the celebrity family ranks as the most popular family in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei,” said Syed.

The company plans to feature the family in its future advertising campaigns and a series of videos.

Awal is a well-known television presenter and actor while Scha is a popular actress, television host and model.

Their daughter Lara is a reality television star and an Instagram sensation with four million followers, with the highest social media following for children under 13 years old.

“We’re making a great leap forward to become a mainstream player in Malaysia. Our goal is to build an extensive network throughout the country and offer services competitive with other leading industry players,” added Syed.

Weststar Maxus will also continue to offer the Maxus G10 and V80 commercial vehicles with zero-rated GST pending the implementation of the Sales and Services Tax (SST) by the Government in September.