Autoliv says seat belt, air bags may lead to 400,000 vehicle recalls

                STOCKHOLM: Automakers may recall as many as 400,000 vehicles that have Autoliv Inc seat belt and air bag parts worldwide, the Swedish auto safety parts maker said.

Autoliv, which says its products are in 1,300 auto models around the world, did not specify which automakers would be affected.

No crashes or injuries have been reported in the two separate issues Autoliv reported to US safety regulators and the costs of the potential recalls will not be material to Autoliv earnings, company spokesman Thomas Jonsson said.

Autoliv said there are possible glitches in its widely used seat belt pretensioners, which work to tighten seat belts to better secure a driver or passenger, and a product that initiates the process of inflating an airbag.

One of the two Autoliv filings with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is for seat belt parts in about 267,000 vehicles. In the event of a crash, a small part called a micro gas generator used in seat belts pretensioners could detach and "may be a projectile within the vehicle cabin," the NHTSA filing shows.

The potentially defective seat belt parts were made between April 10 and Oct 15, the NHTSA filing shows.

In a second filing, Autoliv told the NHTSA that air bag and seat belt initiators may not work in as many as 114,000 vehicles. These parts initiate the process to activate seat belts pretensioners and to deploy air bags.

The parts involved in the air bag problem were manufactured from July 16 to Nov 4, Autoliv told US regulators.

The number of vehicles recalled with potentially defective seat belts or air bags parts is expected to be lower than what Jonsson said was a maximum estimate of 300,000 to 400,000 vehicles.

Autoliv said it is working with its automaker customers to determine which vehicles have the potentially defective seat belt or air bag parts.

Decisions on which vehicles to recall will be made by the automakers in cooperation with Autoliv, Jonsson said.

He said the issues were noticed during internal testing and that there have been no incidents related to either issue in consumer-owned vehicles.


Only Volkswagen, Volvo doing enough to electrify in Europe, study shows

                LONDON: Among the major carmakers, Volkswagen and Volvo are doing enough to electrify their vehicle lineups in Europe and the EU needs to set tougher CO2 emission limits if it wants to meet Green Deal targets, according to a climate group's study.

Sales of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids almost tripled last year, boosted by tighter emission standards and government subsidies. read more

This summer, the European Union is expected to announce more ambitious CO2 targets; by 2030, the average CO2 emissions of new cars should be 50% below 2021 levels, versus the existing target of 37.5%.

Volkswagen aims to have 55% group-wide BEV sales in Europe by 2030, while Swedish carmaker Volvo, owned by China's Geely says its lineup will be fully electric by then.

Based on IHS Markit car production forecasts, according to the study from European campaign group Transport and Environment (T&E), Volkswagen and Volvo have "aggressive and credible strategies" to shift from fossil-fuel cars to electric vehicles.

Others like Ford Motor Co have set ambitious targets, "but lack a robust plan to get there," T&E said.

Ford plans an all-electric lineup in Europe by 2030.

T&E said BMW, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Daimler AG and Toyota rank the worst as they have low BEV sales, have "no ambitious phase-out targets, no clear industrial strategy, and an over-reliance in the case of BMW, Daimler and Toyota on hybrids."

JLR, owned by India's Tata Motors, says its luxury Jaguar brand will be all-electric by 2025, but has been less specific about electrification of its higher-volume Land Rover brand.

BMW and Daimler have been reluctant to set hard deadlines for phasing out fossil-fuel cars.

T&E said even if carmakers meet their targets, in 2030 BEV sales could be 10 percentage points below those needed to meet the EU's Green Deal — which targets net zero emissions by 2050.

Rather than a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030, based on carmakers' existing production plans, the EU could set more ambitious targets, T&E said — an up to 35% reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars by 2025, around 50% by 2027 and up to 70% in 2030.

"Targets need to be gradually tightened so that carmakers not only commit to phasing out fossil fuels, but develop a strategy that gets them there on time," Julia Poliscanova, T&E senior director for vehicles and emobility said in a statement.


US to unveil voluntary self-driving testing data-sharing effort

                WASHINGTON: US auto safety regulators will unveil on Monday a voluntary effort to collect and make available nationwide data on existing autonomous vehicle testing.

US states have a variety of regulations governing self-driving testing and data disclosure and there is currently no centralised listing of all automated vehicle testing.

California, for example, requires public disclosure of all crashes involving self-driving vehicles, while other states do not.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is unveiling the Automated Vehicle Transparency and Engagement for Safe Testing, or AV TEST, Initiative, to provide “an online, public-facing platform for sharing automated driving system on-road testing activities.”

With many opinion polls showing deep scepticism among Americans about self-driving cars, the effort aims to boost public awareness. NHTSA plans “online mapping tools” that will eventually show testing locations and activity data.

Deputy NHTSA Administrator James Owens said in an interview that providing better transparency “encourages everybody to up their game to help better ensure that the testing is done in a manner fully consistent with safety.”

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Toyota Motor Corp as well as Cruise - General Motors Co’s majority-owned self-driving subsidiary - Uber Technologies Inc and Alphabet Inc’s self-driving company Waymo along with states including California, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas are expected to take part, officials said.

NHTSA’s goal is to “pull together really critical stakeholders to deepen the lines of communication and cooperation among all of us,” Owens said, adding the effort was “an opportunity for the states to start sharing information among themselves.”

NHTSA will hold events this week to kick off the initiative, including panels featuring companies involved in autonomous vehicle testing such as Nuro, Beep, Waymo, Uber and Toyota.

Critics say NHTSA should mandate federal safety standards for automated driving systems.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in its investigation of the March 2018 death of a pedestrian in a crash with an Uber test vehicle, the first attributed to a self-driving car, said in November that NHTSA should make self-driving vehicle safety assessments mandatory and ensure automated vehicles have appropriate safeguards.

Owens said NHTSA “will not hesitate” to take action if it believes unsafe vehicles are being tested on US roads, but it has not adopted NTSB’s recommendations.


Malaysian Cub Prix promoter to go by the book

                PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Cub Prix fraternity will work within the government’s conditional movement control order (MCO) regulations to get the sports back on track.

Safe Aim Mutual Sdn Bhd, the promoter of the Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, is confident that it can comply with the government’s standard operating procedures to get the season started.

Safe Aim Mutual managing director Ron Hogg said the motorsports industry in the country is relieved over the government’s latest decision.

“Motorsport is an expensive industry and a (continuous) shutdown will have disastrous impact but now we have a sense of direction on the season and it will bring back confidence to the sponsors, ” said Hogg.

 Hogg.

“Safety and well-being will still be of utmost importance. We might limit the number of people at the paddock. We will adhere to social distancing and other practices like wearing masks.”

The Malaysian Cub Prix Championship, which runs from March to November, consisting of 10 races, was supposed to start on March 14 and 15.

“We will have to look at the schedule for the season and they may be some adjustment with the interstate travel ban. We also may race only on closed tracks, where we have control on the number of people compared to open tracks, ” said Hogg.


Maserati Nettuno: Ready for the game

                MODENA (Italy): At a time when major carmakers have set their sights on electric powertrain systems as the way of the future, luxury and performance brand Maserati believes that combustion engines still have plenty of untapped potential left.

Enter Maserati's first 100% own-developed engine in decades - the Nettuno twin-turbo V6 - which features technology from Formula One racing.

The 3.0-litre engine features a 90-degree V angle, dual fuel system of port (6 bar) and direct (350 bar) injection, dual spark plug per cylinder and a F1 pre-chamber ignition system that - working together in a total package - delivers high levels of fuel combustion and efficiency as well as lower emissions.

Other features includes an oversquare piston design with a bore of 88mm and stroke of 82mm, a firing order of 1-6-3-4-2-5, double overhead camshafts with variable valve timing, 11:1 compression ratio, dry sump with variable oil pump and external oil tank.

The end result is an output of 620hp at 7,500rpm and 730Nm of torque from a high-revving engine that weighs some 220kg.

The Nettuno will mark a shift from using Ferrari-derived engines for Maserati's new family of performance vehicles.

The first Maserati vehicle to be equipped with the Nettuno engine is the all-new MC20 supersports car, promising a 0-100kph sprint in 2.9 seconds.

The Nettuno engine development started in 2015 when Maserati engineers were exploring the viability of using the F1 pre-chamber technology in an engine proposed for high-performance road cars where refinement, low noise, drivability and emission were also important.

In a recent livestream tour and briefing of the Nettuno engine at its assembling facility "lab" in Modena, Maserati chief engineer Matteo Valentini said the revolutionary powerplant had been designed with a 90 degree V angle for a compact dimension and light weight.

He said the Nettuno features the unique F1 pre-chamber system where the main spark plug within fires up air-fuel mixture whose flames exit rapidly from tiny holes and in turn, ignites the air-fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber for a more efficient and fuller burn.

Valentini said a regular ignition system, where the spark plug fires directly into the main combustion chamber, is also used to provide stability to the pre-chamber ignition system whenever the engine is running on low load.

The pre-chamber system, Valentini said, does not require servicing or maintenance and that the Nettuno engine could run on RON98 fuel.

Maserati Powertrain Facility manager Jonata Azzali said the ambience of the Nettuno "lab" is kept deliberately bright and spotless with white walls as to give an emphasis on laboratory cleanliness.

The assembling facility also comes with an atmospheric overpressure and filtration system to keep dust and other possible airborne contaminants from entering the area.

To provide high levels of quality control, technicians assembling the Nettuno engine are assisted by monitor screens to show not just the right amount of torque to tighten the bolts but also the sequence of the bolts to be tightened.

"If the sequence is not done in the correct order, the monitoring system will alert the operator," he said.

All torque data are logged and collected from electronic hand tools and installation stations and stored in a central database.

Azzali said that in addition to the meticulous checks by the operators at all levels of assembling, monitoring was also being done by overhead cameras to provide another layer of quality assurance and safeguard against errors.

He also said helium would be pumped into a completed fuel system to check for leaks.

Once an engine is completed, it will be sent to testbed to be checked for power, torque, oil pressure and possible leakages for 40 minutes under standard testing.

The engine oil would also be sampled and tested for metallic compound content.

Azzali said oil was considered the blood of the engine.

"By analysing the 'blood,' we would be able to uncover if there was anything wrong with the Nettuno engine," Azzali said.

Even though electric motors may have the advantage in torque delivery compared with combustion engines, they still produce a sterile motor whine that is nowhere as exciting and adrenaline-inducing like the scream of a racing engine running at a crescendo.

Get ready as the MC20 is expected to be launched in Europe this summer.


Car industry re-inventing the wheel to keep up with robocars

                TOKYO: The car industry is re-inventing the wheel to prepare for autonomous vehicles.

Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., whose roots stretch back to when Henry Ford was building his Model T, is developing a "smart tyre” that can monitor its own air pressure and temperature, and eventually respond by itself to changes in road conditions.

Yet it’s more than just tyres that are being changed. Koito Manufacturing Co., AGC Inc. and Lear Corp. are putting semiconductors and sensors inside headlights, glass and seats to make them as intelligent as the cars driving themselves.

Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo LLC, Intel Corp.’s Mobileye NV and Baidu Inc. dominate the core technology for autonomous driving, yet suppliers still count on finding their own space in the business.

Parts for advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving are expected to become a US$57 billion market within a decade, according to BIS Research, and old-school companies born during the early days of the automobile know they must either adapt or risk extinction.

"Autonomous driving is a challenge for carmakers, but it’s a bigger challenge for conventional parts makers,” said Zhou Lei, a partner at Deloitte Tohmatsu Consulting here. "They are striving to become the ‘five senses’ of the vehicle so they can remain relevant.”

Carmakers have disclosed more than US$14 billion in investments in autonomy and mobility companies since 2010, according to data compiled by BloombergNEF. Toyota Motor Corp tops that list at about US$3 billion.

Though the deployment of highly autonomous commercial fleets isn’t expected to begin until at least 2022, the looming threat is that the increasingly sophisticated designs of those cars will render some ordinary parts - and their suppliers - unnecessary.

For example, why would a self-driving vehicle that uses cameras, lasers and sensors to get around need headlights or mirrors?

Smart headlights

The response from century-old Koito Manufacturing is to re-invent the headlight. The Tokyo-based company, which traces its roots to making lenses for railway signal lamps in 1912, is adding sensors and artificial-intelligence chips to lamps it plans to introduce by about 2025.

Positioned on the four edges of the vehicle, the lamps will be able to process information and react, such as by illuminating poorly lit crossings, signalling pedestrians that it’s safe to cross and raising an alarm to surrounding drivers by flashing a specific colour.

 Light demonstrator HD-LCD headlight

The company’s current customers include Toyota, Volkswagen AG and General Motors Co., according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

"Autonomous driving will change the role of lamps,” said Yuji Yokoya, who recently retired as executive vice president of the Tokyo-based company. "We see them not just as lamps, but more as corner modules.”

Tokyo-based automotive glass-maker AGC is re-imagining that product and making it part of a vehicle’s communication system.

Window antennas

The company, founded in 1907 as Asahi Glass Co. Ltd., is designing windows with built-in antennas for 5G wireless connections, allowing cars to send and receive signals with other vehicles and infrastructure. AGC’s customers include Toyota, Tesla Inc. and Sony Corp., according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

An overarching challenge is to convince carmakers that the smarter - and more expensive - components make economic sense. Not all parts manufacturers need a radical transformation to keep up with autonomous and electric vehicles since they’ve been evolving gradually as the industry takes shape, said Deepesh Rathore, an independent automobile analyst based in Bengaluru.

"A car is a car, and the shape of the tyre doesn’t change,” Rathore said. "I can imagine some of those companies having to re-invent everything - especially those working with engines and gearbox technologies.”

Even components that aren’t facing an immediate existential threat are evolving. Sumitomo Rubber is researching tyres that can transmit data about road conditions to the car as well as to other vehicles.

Smart tyres & seats

The next step will be a tyre that automatically adapts to road conditions. When the tyre detects water, it will change the structure of its surface into one that is optimal for wet roads, said Kozaburo Nakaseko, an official in the research and development division of Sumitomo.

"Tyres need to become smarter,” Nakaseko said. "We cannot move into an autonomous car society without information about the roads we drive on.”

The innovations aren’t just limited to Japan. In the US, Lear Corp. is equipping its car seats with biometric sensors to detect stress, drowsiness and changes in heart rate, and then activate treatments in response. The seats also can transmit data to a doctor or family member if necessary, the company said.

Other functions include controls that let users create individual "micro-climates” where they are sitting, and noise-canceling features in the headrests, the Southfield, Michigan-based company said.

"All the mechanical stuff will just slowly go away, and there is a lot of electronics coming in instead,” said Egil Juliussen, principal auto analyst with IHS Markit. "You have to change in order to survive.”


Five tips to master dangerous situations on a motorcycle

                BERLIN: Motorcycle enthusiasts love the thrill of speed and the roar of the engine.

Nevertheless, the ride should not become a risky one. Here are five tips from the Auto Club Europe (ACE) on how to avert dangerous situations.

Be seen

To avoid being overlooked by other vehicles in critical situations is crucial. That means a glance
in the mirror is not enough; you should always turn and look over your shoulder when switching lanes.

In addition, always be ready to brake, be it in blind spots or at intersections, even when you have the right of way.

Braking in curves

If your motorcycle doesn't have ABS you should brake very sensitively when leaning into a curve. Otherwise, the tyres can lose lateral grip.

According to ACE, a warning sign that you should press the brakes gently is if the motorcycle shows a tendency to stand up.

Cornering position

Look in the direction of travel when cornering. If riders nevertheless misjudge the radius of the curve, they should avoid jerky movements, ACE recommends. Instead, counter-steer with a fluid and gentle movement.

Hazard braking

When you are forced to break suddenly, wheels with ABS have a clear advantage. Motorcyclists should react quickly and brake forcefully. Ideally, your fingers should be ready on the brake lever

Be aware, though, that when braking hard, the stronger braking effect on the front axle shifts the weight of the rider and the machine to the front.

Hazard braking, meanwhile, works differently on bikes without ABS. There is a risk that braking too strongly will cause the wheels to lock up. In the worst case, you could fall off. Therefore try to avoid overbraking.

Evasive manoeuvres

Motorcyclists should practise evasive manoeuvres in a safe place so that they’ll know how to react in a genuine emergency.

It also helps to keep your eyes on the clear lane and not on the obstacle you're trying to avoid. If you have to swerve spontaneously, you should counter-steer jerkily, unlike when cornering, says the ACE.


Touch n' Go top-up fee waived at 27 Shell stations

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Malaysia announced that effective today, 27 of its stations along the North-South Expressway (NSE) will waive the RM0.50 Touch ‘n Go top-up fee.

Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, Shairan Huzani Husain said, “Shell understands the challenge Malaysians face against the rising cost of living. We know it can be difficult to save when there are inclining necessary expenditures like food, transportation, utilities and education, which form a huge part of one’s expenditure.

"This drives us to help Malaysians save more and ultimately, get more out of their journeys. Hopefully, forgoing the Touch ‘n Go top-up charges at all stations along NSE, as a start, will give our customers one less worry when travelling or fueling up at Shell during long journeys.”

Meanwhile, ‘Nak Ekstra RM20,000?’, a campaign happening now until Feb 9, 2020, gives Malaysians a chance to win weekly grand prize of RM20,000 and 20 consolation prizes of RM1,000.


Mastermind Peter Schreyer marks 10 years that transformed Kia

                SEOUL: Ask Peter Schreyer what his favourite design is and he will tell you it's the GT Concept, which suggested what a four-door sports sedan from Kia could look like.

The “forward thinking” GT Concept was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 2011.

“You know when you have more than one kid; you can never say which your favourite is. You love them all. I also do, with all the cars I’ve designed, but there is one that stands out a little bit, I must admit.

 The GT Concept.

was a dream project for me and our designers because we got the chance to make a real GT, a car where you can travel in style,” said Schreyer.

Other designs that are close to his heart include the Soul, which “changed the brand” with its stand-out looks and cool, alternative image; and the new Optima Sportswagon, a true “European lifestyle car” which just went on sale.

Schreyer is marking 10 years of leading new car design for Kia, a period during which the Korean brand’s global sales have risen from around 1.1 million cars in 2005, to 3.05 million in 2015.

He has been the mastermind of Kia’s design revolution over the last decade, a shift which has fundamentally altered the way in which the company’s models are perceived around the world. Having joined Kia Motors in 2006 as chief design officer, Schreyer is now president and chief design officer of Kia Motors Corporation.

Design has played a key role in transforming the perception of the Kia brand and its products over the last few years – and the company will continue with this design-led approach.

Kia had been making improvements for a number of years up to when Schreyer joined in 2006. The brand introduced the new European-built cee’d and its unique 7-Year, 100,000 mile warranty to Europe in the same year, and expanded its global manufacturing capabilities as new models entered production.

Customers around the world were opening their eyes to the value and quality of Kia cars – and Schreyer’s fresh design viewpoint provided the impetus for the transformation of the brand and its image, matching Kia’s increasingly global outlook.

Schreyer explains: “When I started at Kia, it was important that we established an identity and a consistent feeling across the brand. But the story of how our new vehicles came to life is about so much more than just aesthetics. It involves intricate choices in how complex ideas work together to create something that generates an emotional response.”

In the following years, this vision resulted in the establishment of a consistent design DNA across the growing Kia model line-up, with recognisable signature elements featured in a number of new designs, such as the tiger nose grille which can be seen in various forms on all Kia vehicles. Schreyer’s direction has helped Kia establish a clear identity, raise brand awareness, and put into production a series of modern, progressive new car designs.

As Kia has transformed its model range, the proliferation of Korean culture around the world – K-Pop, ‘Gangnam Style’, modern architecture in Kia’s own Korean domestic market, and the appreciation of Korean art, to name a few – has helped inspire Schreyer and his design teams.

Schreyer commented: “For designers, it’s important to not only look at cars, but to be interested in architecture, art, music, industrial design…all sorts of things. They are influencing us and we are influencing them. People now know more about Korea, and about what’s going on there. On the one hand you have this ‘heartbeat’ when you go to Seoul, and on the other hand you have the silence, the concentration. Both of these things inspire me and our designers.”

It’s this contrast that has inspired the design language of Kia’s models. Schreyer explains: “We have this treasure where we can find inspiration in art, and simplicity – the luxury of empty space and surfaces. It’s very simple but it’s done with a lot of diligence and concentration.”

Schreyer’s design philosophy is borne out of this Korean inspiration: ‘the simplicity of the straight line’, which characterises every one of the designs he has overseen. The growth of a truly global network of designers has led to different interpretations of this approach, with design centres now established in California in the USA, Frankfurt in Germany, and at the company’s Namyang R&D centre in Korea.

The 2010 Optima, one of the first Kia models to be designed entirely under the direction of Schreyer, is seen today as the catalyst for the recent design-led transformation of Kia’s product range. As well as offering new technology and greater refinement than its predecessors, the Optima’s design added depth to the Kia model line-up and fundamentally changed the way people saw the Kia brand in markets all around the globe. The newest generation Optima, launched earlier this year, also retains this unique personality.

The Europe-only cee’d is also a model with significant Schreyer influence. The original cee'd made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2006 - at the same time as Kia introduced Schreyer. Their simultaneous arrival meant that Schreyer was able to influence only the smallest details of the car's design, but the current model, which came in 2012, was created entirely under his watchful gaze.

In addition to the Optima, cee’d and every production model since, Schreyer has also directed the creation of a number of design concepts, exploring and pushing the boundaries of Kia’s design capabilities. Concepts such as the 2012 Track’ster, 2014 GT4 Stinger and 2010 Ray have shown an exciting vision of future Kia designs, and have helped establish greater depth and a global outlook to Kia design as a whole.

"What really excites me is how fast this company is evolving. The brand as you knew it 10 or even five years ago is gone. You can see it in even the smallest detail. You can feel it in the sophisticated textures and materials. And you experience it in ways that are inter-related and connected. As we move forward, it’s important that change is an improvement and not just for the sake of looking different,” said Schreyer.


Tesla recalls 2,700 Model X SUVs for seat problem

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Motors is recalling 2,700 Model X sport utility vehicles to fix a locking hinge that could allow third-row seat backs to fold forward, the automaker said Monday.

The recall affects SUVs bought before March 26.

"If a recliner were to slip during a crash, the seat back could move forward," Tesla said in an email to owners of the luxury SUV with gull-wing rear doors.

Tesla said it uncovered the problem prior to the start of deliveries of the Model X in Europe. Similar testing prior to the start of deliveries in North America did not show the problem.

Tesla said customers could still drive their Model X, but to avoid sitting in the third row until the repair is made.

"We recognise that not having the use of your third row seats for the next few weeks will be an inconvenience, but your safety is our primary concern. We assure you that we are building your new seat backs as fast as we can," Tesla said.

The recall comes 10 days after Tesla unveiled its Model 3, an electric vehicle aimed at the mass market.

Pre-orders for the Model 3 hit 325,000 last week in a strong vote of confidence for the California automaker's drive to remake the US auto market.


Lotus restarts Hethel factory tours after massive upgrade

                LONDON: One of the world’s best-known performance car production facilities – Hethel, the home of Lotus since 1966 – is reopening to the public.

Factory tours of the iconic Norfolk site were paused in November 2017 as the £100 million (RM556mil) redevelopment began.

With the Emira, the last petrol-powered car from Lotus, now in production in an all-new, state-of-the-art assembly hall, they will restart.

The tour programme has been developed by the experiential team within the recently launched Lotus Advanced Performance division, and will begin on April 4. The booking platform is live now on www.lotuscars.com.

Simon Lane, Director, Lotus Advanced Performance, commented: “Tours of the Hethel site were part of the Lotus story for many years and hugely popular. We get emails and calls every week with people asking about them but, with all the development work on site, it was not appropriate to have the public here. With the Emira now in production, I’m delighted to announce that the time is right to relaunch the factory tours.”

Guests will arrive and gather in the Retail Centre where refreshments will be available. There they will learn about the ongoing transformation of Lotus, and experience for themselves how all Lotus showrooms will look in the future.

Under the leadership of an expert guide, the story of Lotus at Hethel – past, present and future – will be brought to life. Guests will walk through older sections of the factory where, most recently, the Elise, Exige and Evora were built, before heading into the all-new Emira hall. They will see the new automated elements of the car’s production – a first for Lotus – as well as how much of the process remains ‘hands-on’.

Outside, the walking route will pass the dynamic test areas, including the famous 3.5km Hethel test track that has hosted some of the most famous names in the history of motorsport – Jim Clark, Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, Ayrton Senna and countless others.

The Hethel factory tours will run Monday to Thursday every week, with tour groups consisting of up to eight people. There will be two groups per day with starts at 10am and 2pm, with each tour lasting around two hours.

On selected days there is the option to upgrade to a Heritage Tour, which includes a visit to Classic Team Lotus. A separate business situated just across the road from the main Lotus facility, it’s run by Clive Chapman – the son of Lotus founder, Colin Chapman – and includes countless historic Lotus race cars.

Minimum age for guests on all tours is 10 years and all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, with not more than two children per adult. All elements are fully accessible to wheelchair users, and all guests will receive a specially designed lanyard and pin badge as a memento of their trip to Hethel. No photography is allowed.

The Lotus Factory Tour is priced £95 (RM529) per person and the Lotus Factory & Heritage Tour is £140 (RM779) per person.


Choose your new Nissan Almera Turbo accessory package

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd has released the pricing menu for  its optional accessory packages and customers can now personalize their new Nissan Almera Turbo.

Every accessory is backed by a three-year warranty and can be financed when ordered at time of purchase.

There are four accessory packages with the first package being the Interior Styling Package priced at RM400.

This package includes LED Room Lamps, a Trunk Tray with anti-slip surface that keeps your items in place and help keep the trunk clean from dirt or spills, and stainless steel Kick Plates with etched Almera logo at front and rear side sills that protect against scuffs and scratches.

To further accentuate the exterior of the Nissan Almera Turbo, customers can choose the Exterior Styling Package at RM950 that comes with Door Visors, Carbon Fibre Pattern Finish Door Handle Protectors (2 pieces) and Gloss Black Trunk Lid Spoiler for VL and VLP variants.

As for VLT variant, customers can enjoy this package at RM350 only as the trunk lid spoiler is standard on this variant.

For customers who place importance on security, they can opt for Protection Package at RM1,950. This package comes with Solar Gard Armorcoat Tinting Films that reduces solar heat and is a deterrent against smash and grab incidences.

Also included in this package is the Dual Channel Camera (front and rear) Driving Video Recorder that captures accidents or collisions as evidence when needed.

Additionally, customers can also choose the Protection Plus Package at RM2,750 to upgrade to V-KoolTM Elite Tinting Films that is able to reject up to 94% of solar heat.

For those who prefer individual item purchase, customers may choose from the optional accessories list with the following price (inclusive of installation):

All accessories come with a 3-year or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first.

Members of public are also invited to experience the All-New Nissan Almera Turbo at selected Nissan showrooms and stand a chance to win 15 iPhone SE (128GB) worth RM2,199 each when you test drive the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo.


Polestar 2 production begins in China amid Covid-19 pandemic

                BEIJING: Volvo's production of Polestar 2 has officially begun at its Luqiao in China with initial deliveries to start sometime in mid-2020 for Europe before heading into China and then North America.

The new electric performance fastback is the first electric vehicle to be produced by the facility.

Owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding and operated by Volvo Cars, the Luqiao plant is an example of how Polestar leverages the expertise of its parent companies.

Revealed in February 2019, Polestar 2 is available in ten global markets contained in Europe, China and North America.

Initially available to reserve with a refundable deposit, final order books in each launch market are now being opened sequentially.

The fully electric performance fastback is available for the first year of production with 408hp and 660Nm, all-wheel drive and a 78kWh battery pack which enables a range of about 470km.

Polestar 2 is also the world’s first car to feature a built-in Android infotainment system with Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play Store.

“The world is facing enormous upheaval in the face of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

Ingenlath added that with production now under challenging circumstances there is a strong focus on the health and safety of their employees.


Malaysia's highest elevated highway being tweaked to prevent flooding

                GEORGE TOWN: Mitigation measures to prevent another bout of flooding in Jalan Bukit Kukus is expected to be completed within a month, says Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang.

The road, which is the highest elevated highway in the country, gives motorists a stellar view of green forest in the area from 61.5m above ground. It supersedes the Rawang Bypass in Selangor, which is 58.2m high.

Yew said rectification work being carried out at the scenic route included enhancing the water flow outlet at the lowest part of the paired road and widening the pipe underneath from its original 10cm to 15cm, so that water could flow out smoothly and quickly along the highway.

“In terms of design, we have to install bigger pipes and at the same time, the grating will also be enlarged.”

He said the structure was designed by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) engineers and experts from the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) had also come up with a contingency plan by creating 10 additional water outlets along both sides of the paired road.

“There is nothing wrong with the original design, but it may not be able to drain water properly if there is too much rubbish clogging it like what happened on Feb 5,” he said.

On Feb 5, part of the Bukit Kukus paired road was flooded following a downpour because the water flow had been blocked by rubbish and dried leaves.

A 10-second video showing a pool of water at the site went viral on social media, with some expressing disappointment over the poor drainage system along the newly launched road.

“MBPP has done its best by appointing independent inspectors, engineering experts and consultants to mitigate the problem and at the same time, sought advice from IEM,” said Yew.

“We welcome any suggestions from the public on solving the problem at Jalan Bukit Kukus. I am willing to listen to them to mitigate the problem.

“Instead of making these issues go viral on social media, why not just share your idea with us?” he added.

Yew, who was accompanied by several MBPP councillors and representatives from IEM, visited Jalan Bukit Kukus to see the progress of the mitigation work last Friday.

MBPP secretary A. Rajendran said work actually started there on Feb 8.

He said a regular cleaning schedule was part of plans to prevent water ponding at the site, with the frequency of road cleaning to be increased too.

“MBPP will not hesitate to issue compounds to irresponsible individuals who litter along the road,” he added.

To deter motorists from throwing rubbish along the road, Rajendran said MBPP would deploy more enforcement officers to the site and conduct frequent patrols.

“The city council will conduct scheduled patrols and monitor the area using closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras linked to MBPP’s Intelligent Operation Centre,” he elaborated.

The Bukit Kukus paired road linking Ayer Itam and Bayan Lepas opened to the public on Jan 13.

The 3.8km stretch of road, which also has a bicycle lane, winds around Bukit Kukus from Lebuh Bukit Jambul on the Bayan Lepas side to Paya Terubong in Ayer Itam, with a branch to Jalan Tun Sardon heading to Balik Pulau.

The elevated road, expected to serve about 60,000 motorists a day, links the most densely populated neighbourhoods on the island and is expected to alleviate traffic congestion along the old roads by 30%.

Construction on the Bukit Kukus paired road started in January 2016 but work on the project was delayed by the implementation of the movement control order in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as various other incidents.

MBPP, in a statement released on Feb 7, said the flash floods should not have happened.

“MBPP has taken immediate action by instructing its project engineering consultant and contractors to inspect the site to solve the problem.

“Based on initial investigation, the water ponding was caused by a lot of rubbish and dry leaves preventing water flow to the existing drainage along the paired road.

“Cleaning works were conducted immediately and water receded in a short time,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, MBPP councillor John Ooh Sin Hwa advised motorists to be responsible in keeping the environment clean and not pollute it.

He applauded MBPP for taking immediate action following the incident.

Penang infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the drains had clogged up with dried leaves and a lot of rubbish because there had been no heavy rain in the past few weeks.

“That said, we are taking steps to address the problem, which is to conduct some minor upgrades with engineering features to address the rubbish being clogged up in the drains, as well as increase the cleaning frequency along the road and take action against litterbugs by issuing compounds,” he added.


Ford plans new wireless tech for cars starting 2022

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co said on Monday it plans to roll out a wireless technology for its new vehicle models in the United States, starting 2022, that will allow direct communication between connected devices.

The new technology called C-V2X, or cellular vehicle-to-everything,would augment sensors used in self-driving cars making the vehicle's view from radars and cameras more comprehensive.

“C-V2X could complement these systems in ways similar to how our sense of hearing complements our vision,” said Don Butler, executive director for Ford’s connected vehicle platform.

Ford said in November it expects to launch self-driving vehicles for sale by 2021, when a new vehicle architecture designed specifically for autonomous systems is expected to be ready.

The new technology will help cars to quickly send and receive information about their surrounding environment, helping drivers know what’s ahead of them before they can encounter it, the company said.
Navigating four-way stops would become easier with the technology, said Ford, as vehicles will be able to communicate with each other to negotiate which one has the right of way.


Daimler Truck starts production of second electric truck, the eEconic

                BERLIN: Daimler Truck has started production of its second electric model, an inner-city waste disposal truck named the eEconic, the company said today, as it seeks to capture market share in Europe's tiny but growing electric truck market.

The vehicle will be produced at the same site as the truck and bus maker's first electric model, the heavy-duty truck eActros, in Woerth, Rhineland-Palatinate.

The first eEconic trucks will be sold to a Danish waste disposal firm, with further deliveries planned this year, Daimler Truck said. The first handovers of the eActros took place in February of this year.

Like the eActros, the new truck will cost roughly three times its diesel equivalent.

Chief executive Martin Daum has said the electric models would cost a driver about the same in the long run due to lower fuelling costs.


A Tesla Model S after 640,000km: an analysis of the maintenance expenses

Tesloop's Model S P90 'eHawk'.
LOS ANGELES: Since 2015, a company called Tesloop has been using a Tesla Model S 90D for a shuttle service in Southern California and Nevada. The Model S was the company's first car, which it decided to call eHawk, and since it went into service it's covered more than 644,000km, an average of 27,000km per month. So how reliable was the car — and how much did the upkeep on it cost over those years?

As far as anyone knows, the eHawk is currently the Model S with the highest recorded mileage on its clock in the entire world.

Tesloop is obviously proud of this achievement, and it was happy to supply the Autoblog website with a whole load of data to support its claims, including a Google datasheet showing the mileage and cost of all repairs and maintenance carried out on the car.

 A Model S.

Since the Tesla went into service, it's undergone three major services. The first saw the front drive unit replaced, which happened at just under 60,000km. Other early repairs included the calibrating of the sunroof, replacing the driver's door handle assembly, and several entirely predictable and understandable replacement tyres and wheel alignments.

There have been two replacement batteries fitted too. The first was in August 2016 at 312,594km and the other was in January of this year at 521,498km. But it now appears the first battery replacement could have been postponed if an update to the car's firmware had arrived earlier than it did.

It turns out the car has cost Tesloop around US$19,000 (RM77,121) to maintain since it was put into service, which over 640,000km works out at around 13 sen per km. Tesloop estimates it would have cost them around US$88,500 (RM359,222) or 60 sen per km over the same 640,000km to maintain something like a Lincoln Town Car or a Mercedes GLS Class.

The company also operates a number of Model X shuttles that are currently costing just 13 sen per km to maintain. And as all the Teslas operated by Tesloop have eight-year warranties, the company believes it can get a further 966,000km from the eHawk before its warranty expires.


New Daihatsu Gran Max Euro 4 unveiled

                SHAH ALAM: Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (DMSB) launched its new Gran Max Euro 4 in the pick-up truck and panel van bodystyles today.

Replacing the Gran Max Euro 2, the improved and enhanced model comes with on-the-road without insurance price that starts from RM73,164.

It's produced by Daihatsu’s Indonesian subsidiary, P.T. Astra Daihatsu Motor.

The new Gran Max Euro 4 is equipped with an aluminum block 1.5-litre 2NR engine with a new Dual VVT (variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves) to achieve outstanding fuel efficiency, boost driving performance with reduction in NOx and particulate emissions.

Steering is the electrical power steering (EPS) type while wheels are bigger at 14-inch and provide better stability control and support for larger load.

Fuel consumption for the manual transmission pick-up truck variant is 12.5km per litre while the manual transmission panel van variant delivers 13.3km per litre. The automatic panel van achieves 13.5km per litre.

Features includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Emergency Signal System (ESS), dual SRS airbags for driver and passenger, anti-lock braking system (ABS), Immobilizer, reverse sensors and alarm system.

The Gran Max pick-up truck has a maximum load capacity of 800kg while the panel van variant carries up to 750kg.

Additional practical compartments are included to provide added convenience, along with other essential comforts such as the Passenger Seat Open Tray, the Centre Console Tray, three Cup Holders (passenger, driver and console box).

Convenience items are passenger seat open tray, centre console tray and three cup holders (passenger, driver and console box).

Daihatsu Malaysia managing director Arman Mahadi said the demand for the Gran Max had always been encouraging as it is used in a wide variety of industries, including in construction, service, agriculture as well as in courier, delivery and logistics sectors.

"With this upgrade, Daihatsu intends to cater to the needs of those looking for improved fuel-efficiency and performance and to support the work and lifestyles of a variety of customers," he said.


Mahathir upset over people's rejection for new national car

                PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir (pic) voiced his disappointment over the mostly negative response towards the Government’s initiative for a new national car.

“I am told no one wants to see a second national car. It is enough that Proton is said to be a failure,” he wrote in a blog post on Monday (July 16).

“Malaysians prefer to buy imported cars, including those from China," he wrote rather acerbically.

"Their choice is Japanese cars and those with a lot of money (choose) German cars.”

He said countries such as Japan and Korea discourage the import of foreign cars, and that is the reason behind their high-quality cars.

“I remember Japanese cars right after the war. The consumers said if we scratch it with our nail, we can see (it is made out of) Milo tin.

“However from that ‘Milo tin’ car comes a variety of the Toyota, Nissan and Suzuki models that we use now,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said he is not suggesting that the new national car project be spearheaded by the government as the private sector is already capable of designing and mass producing automobiles.

“However, because we have rejected the suggestion of a (new) national car, we have already closed off all suggestions for the private sector to produce motor cars,” he said.

He said foreign cars monopolised the car market in Malaysia to the point that Proton is “buried” and sold off to foreign entities.

“There is no more national car. No more automotive industry. The workers, engineers, managers don’t have jobs anymore.

He did not refer to Perodua, the second national car company.

“Malaysia would become a country of consumers, paddy field planters and fishermen.

“Forget about Vision 2020,” he said sardonically.

On June 11, Dr Mahathir had revealed at the 24th Nikkei Conference on the Future of Asia the Government’s plans to work on a new national car.

However, many Malaysians did not respond positively to the suggestion. When the story was posted on the official Facebook page of The Star Online, there were over 1,000 comments.

Many asked that the public transport system be improved instead, while some pointed out that we had to learn the lessons of Proton.

By: Clarissa Chung


PM: Six-month loan moratorium for all borrowers regardless of income

                PETALING JAYA: A six-month loan moratorium will be granted to all borrowers regardless of their income group, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said in a special address today that the government was aware of the grouses made by all groups and not just the B40 income group.

"With that, I would like to announce with the cooperation of banks that a six-month moratorium will be given to all individual borrowers, including those from B40, M40 or T20 groups, as well as micro entrepreneurs," he said when announcing the Pemulih aid package.

The loan moratorium is similar to the one announced in March last year when the country went into a lockdown for the first time, which was not only for those in the B40 group.

Muhyiddin said that there will be no conditions or documents required in the application.

“There won’t be conditions such as a reduction in salary, loss of job or documents that need to be submitted for the application,” added the Prime Minister

He said that the loan moratorium will also be offered to small and medium enterprises subject to review and approval by the banks, adding that applications for the loan moratorium will begin on July 7.

“Borrowers will only need to apply and sign an agreement to alter the terms of their loan,” he said.


Pope Francis to get first electric popemobile from Fisker

In this photo sourced from Fisker's Twitter page, he is seen showing the Ocean modified into a proposed popemobile to the Pope.
LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles-based Fisker Inc plans to supply the first pure electric vehicle for Pope Francis next year, it said on Friday, with features such as a solar roof and carpets made of recycled plastic bottles from the ocean.

Fisker will covert its all-electric Ocean sport utility vehicle for use by the pope, providing a retractable glass cupola and sustainable interior materials, such as the carpets.

Co-founders Henrik Fisker, formerly a designer for British luxury carmaker Aston Martin, and Dr Geeta Gupta-Fisker met the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City, the company said. Geeta is also Henrik's wife.

"I got inspired reading that Pope Francis is very considerate about the environment and the impact of climate change for future generations," said Fisker.

Production of the Ocean electric SUV is planned to start in November next year, through contract manufacturer Magna International Inc in Europe.

The firm did not reveal the cost of the modified vehicle intended for the pope, but the Fisker Ocean starts at US$37,499 (RM156,000) in the United States, and €32,000 (RM162,000) in Germany.

Last year, Francis received a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai sedan specially designed to ensure his mobility.


Brand's Essence of Chicken giving away food supplement to Plus highway users

                KUALA LUMPUR: Brand's Essence of Chicken is partnering with Plus Malaysia Bhd to launch a road safety campaign where 50,000 bottles of the food supplement will be given to Plus highway users at selected rest and service areas (R&Rs).

Plus Malaysia senior general manager of operations Mohd Yusuf Abdul Aziz said the Brand's x Plus "Kekal Bertenaga dan Selamat, Di Mana Jua Anda Berada (Stay energised and safe, wherever you are)" campaign, not only appreciates the tireless efforts of the highway operator's Plus Ronda patrol teams who provide assistance to motorists, but is also co-promoting safe driving practices.

"It is important to remind drivers to practise road safety and not recklessly place the lives of other road users at risk. This is a period when families get together, schools are closed, and many Malaysians are on a break, and everyone partakes in the festivities of the season. It is also a time to relax, recharge and take a well-deserved break," he said.

"At Brand's, it is a privilege for us to collaborate with Plus as we see the importance of giving back to the community and working collaboratively to drive road safety together. It is also timely as Plus Ronda recently celebrated their 33rd Plus Ronda Day on April 1. Our Essence of Chicken is designed to provide a quick boost of energy and mental clarity to help drivers stay alert and focused on the road," said Rodney Tan, marketing director of Suntory Beverage and Food Malaysia.

Motorists can check the Plus Malaysia Facebook page (www.facebook.com/PLUSMalaysiaBerhad/) and Brand's Essence of Chicken Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BrandsMalaysia) for updates on the festive season Travel Time Advisory (TTA) and traffic.

Also, check out "Kekal Bertenaga dan Selamat, Di Mana Jua Anda Berada" booths along the Plus expressway, which will be shared on social media for travellers to pick up a kit to help boost them during their late nights and early morning travels.


Get seasonal parking passes at five Sunway malls through Parkit app

                KUALA LUMPUR: Local parking application Parkit is now available at the Sunway chain of shopping centres.

Parkit enables drivers to get seasonal parking passes at the Sunway shopping centres across the Klang Valley.

It can now be used at Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Carnival Mall, Sunway Velocity Mall, Sunway Putra Mall and Sunway Giza Mall.

Drivers have to download the app, search for any of the selected malls and choose their preferred seasonal passes for each one.

With a starting seasonal parking rate at RM140, drivers are guaranteed a parking bay in the chosen mall year-round.

“This partnership with Parkit is ideal for those in the vicinity of our malls, are frequent shoppers or just want a good deal. This collaboration is another one of our steps to innovate the way in which we approach the shopping and mall experience throughout Malaysia,” said Sunway Malls & Theme Parks CEO H.C. Chan.

Payment is cashless, with auto-debit available for both debit and credit cards.

To promote the partnership, users who sign up to use the Parkit app will be given shopping and dining vouchers for use at the respective malls.

ParkIt was formed in 2016 as a peer-to-peer platform that allows car park owners be it individual owners, property developers, property management companies, or commercial car park operators to list their car parks online.

In turn, anybody looking for parking can search, book, pay and park online.


Govt reviewing all monopolies to provide better service for the people, says Anwar

                JEDDAH: The government is reviewing all monopolies currently in the system to ensure that the public enjoys fair and better service, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said all ministries have been asked to study the rationale behind allowing monopolies so that there would be a fair assessment of the issue.

"The principle of a transparent economic development warrants us to make some adjustment and shift from what I consider to be chaotic, obsolete and to cater to vested interests in terms of monopolies,” he said in a press conference at the end of his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, here, today.

He was commenting whether the government is looking to unravel more monopolies following the decision to end Puspakom Sdn Bhd’s (Puspakom) monopoly on vehicle inspections.

He said the government would continue to assist bumiputra companies, however, it must be done transparently to allow fair competition among competitors.

"If our concern is to protect the interest of the bumiputra, then make it very clear, make it very transparent, and let bumiputra concerns compete.

"The government is not necessarily going to renege its commitment to assist bumiputra companies, but it has to be done transparently and to allow fair competition among bumiputra firms,” he said.

Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Cabinet has decided to allow all qualified parties to provide vehicle inspection services after Puspakom's concession agreement ends on Aug 31, 2024.

Loke said the decision was made on March 17 to create a competitive service environment.


‘Not so MINI’ puzzles for customers waiting for their new MINIs

                NEW YORK: Perhaps some car makers can take a leaf out of what MINI USA did as wait times for cars ordered stretch for months.

MINI USA has introduced a “Not so MINI” puzzle in a campaign to retain bookings.

At the heart of the campaign is a series of puzzles that feature beauty images of MINI vehicles. The automaker is sending life-sized puzzles to select new MINI customers on the waiting list, to give them something fun to do while they wait for their new vehicles. Other owners on the waitlist will receive a regular-sized puzzle to also partake in the fun.

The puzzles which are officially called “THE WE’RE-WORKING-HARD-TO-GET-YOU-YOUR-CAR, WAITING-IS-THE-WORST, IN-THE-MEANTIME-HAPPY-PUZZLING, MINI PUZZLE”, or “NOT SO MINI” puzzles for short - are intended to keep customers engaged while they wait.

The inventive campaign is MINI’s unique response to high demand for its cars and the global-supply-chain slowdown facing the automotive industry.

“People buy a MINI because of its cheeky and fun-to-drive spirit, so we wanted to give owners something fun to do while they wait to get behind the wheel of their new MINI,” said MINI USA brand communications manager Rah Mahtani.

“The ‘Not So MINI’ puzzle is one of the ways we are showing the MINI community our appreciation as owners wait for their new vehicles. Owners and their families can enjoy building and displaying their puzzles, showcasing MINI’s iconic design, right in their home garages or living rooms.”

MINI USA plans to use its social media channels to feature new owners and their in-progress and complete puzzles.

“A MINI is always worth the wait. But that doesn't mean we can't keep customers excited and engaged while they wait.” said Nick Sonderup, executive creative director of ad agency Pereira O’Dell.

“Our goal with this idea is to get something uniquely MINI into new owners’ hands, even if they'd rather it be a leather steering wheel. We can still create a fun pastime to add to the excitement for the real thing coming their way.”


Detroit automakers agree to rotating partial shutdowns of plants

                DETROIT: General Motors Co., Ford Motor Co., and Fiat Chrysler automobiles NV will partially shut down their US plants on a rotating basis in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The measures announced by the United auto Workers Tuesday followed meetings the union held to protect their members from Covid-19, which was officially deemed a pandemic last week.

The UAW said earlier the companies had resisted a request the union made on Sunday to idle their US operations for two weeks.

Car manufacturing has virtually ground to a halt in Europe this week after the coronavirus earlier disrupted output in countries including China, South Korea and Japan.

Shutdowns by the likes of Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG and Renault SA span the continent, with several companies choosing to idle production until further notice rather than publicly announce plans for when assembly lines will roll again.

But interruptions at US auto factories have been limited thus far, with Ford announcing Tuesday that a parts shortage would temporarily idle its Explorer sport utility vehicle plant in Chicago.

Fiat Chrysler confirmed a second case of a worker testing positive for the virus - the latest being at a Ram pickup plant in Michigan - after disclosing one last week at a transmission plant in Indiana that kept operating.

UAW president Rory Gamble told members earlier Tuesday that the union gave the three Detroit carmakers a 48-hour deadline to develop plans to safeguard workers.


Speed limit on most Parisian streets lowered to 30kph

                PARIS: Car traffic on most Parisian streets will become a little slower from today as the speed limit is lowered to 30kph, in line with the results of a survey by city officials.

Fifty-nine per cent of Parisians had agreed to a speed limit, with 25-per-cent fewer accidents, two times less noise and more space, especially for cyclists, cited as arguments for slowing down traffic.

The speed limit is already 30kph on 60 per cent of streets already, they added.

The measure is one of several aimed at curbing the number of cars in Paris.

Some 52kmof cycling lanes separating cyclists from cars with concrete blocks that were set up during the pandemic are currently being converted into permanent bike lanes.

On other streets, public meeting spaces, gardens, trees and bicycle parking are taking over spaces meant for cars.

But the speed limit is also not without its critics: The survey also included residents of Greater Paris, 61 per cent of whom were against the measure.

The car drivers' association 40 millions d'automobilistes casts doubt on the measure.

It argues that within Paris, there are few accidents anyway, and if there are, then mostly cyclists are the ones affected.


French car makers achieve autonomous driving first

                PARIS: A Peugeot Citroen prototype has become the first self-driving car to travel on French public roads, navigating from Paris to Bordeaux fully autonomously

As the first carmaker to obtain permission for self driving technology testing on the nation's roads, the company had a head start on its rivals. Nevertheless, the 580km trip, completed on Friday is a first for PSA Peugeot Citroen and for France as a whole. It is the first time an autonomous car has driven on a public road within the country's borders.

PSA Peugeot Citroen chairman Carlos Tavares said, "The journey made by our prototype today proves that autonomous vehicles are no longer of matter of science fiction. This ushers in a new era for mobility, which I find truly exciting."

In neighbouring Germany, Mercedes-Benz also achieved an autonomous world first on Friday. Its self driving Actros truck became the first production commercial vehicle anywhere in the world to drive itself on a public highway.

Thanks to a sensor array plus active safety systems, the truck is capable of taking over driving responsibilities in pre-defined situations such as on highways, where traffic flows and potential hazards are more predictable. The Highway Pilot Mode, which can be engaged and disengaged by the driver, can autonomously ensure a safe distance from the vehicle ahead while maintaining lane discipline. If the car in front slows, the truck also applies the brakes automatically.


Medklinn donates air and surface sterilisers to SJAM

                KUALA LUMPUR: Medklinn International donated 60 units of its newly launched Autoplus air and surface sterilisers and each will be installed in a SJAM ambulance to help protect patients against cross-infections.

“We know that our new Autoplus effectively sterilises air and surfaces in vehicles, so what better way to mark our launch than to donate to SJAM ambulances. We learnt that there are some 60 SJAM ambulances in the Klang Valley, so we decided to put one unit in every ambulance,” said Medklinn managing director Peter Tham.

Celebrity actor Awal Ashaari was on hand to officially hand over the donation to the St John Ambulance of Malaysia’s (SJAM) Deputy Commander-in-Chief Datuk Sri Dr Haji Abu Hassan Asaari bin Abdullah at the Hap Seng Star Mercedes Benz Jalan Ipoh showroom.

According to Hassan, SJAM adopts a stringent sterilisation regime at the end of each work-day for every ambulance.

“When we say we sterilise, we mean rendering harmless all the pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and mould as well as allergens and pollutants in the air and on surfaces."

Each of the Autoplus air and sxurfance sterilisers retails for RM439 or RM599 for one with a docking station.

Medklinn claims that its products help to create healthier living spaces by sterilising air and surfaces via Active Oxygen deployment without the use of chemicals and require less maintenance.


Stellantis aims to boost recycled material content in vehicles

                MILAN: Stellantis will look to upgrade its medium-term target for the minimum percentage of recycled material in its vehicles from 35%, the carmaker's senior vice president global circular economy Alison Jones said on Tuesday.

In its business plan, Stellantis has set a goal to boost revenues of its recycling business ten-fold to over €2 billion (RM9.1bil) by 2030. It also aims to quadruple revenues from extended-life parts and services.

"We talk about having a minimum target of 35% of recycled materials in our vehicles, it will vary by vehicles," Jones said.

"Of course, we'll look to increase that, because we want to make sure we take more material and put it back in our vehicles going forward," she added, without specifying what the percentage might rise to.

Presenting Stellantis's Circular Economy business at an online press conference, Jones said the project - based on "reman", "repair", "reuse" and "recycle" - would help the group meet its carbon net zero target set for 2038.

It will also help the world's fourth largest carmaker to keep prices lower as the shift to electrification often means more expensive vehicles, and cope with potential prolonged shortages of raw materials in its supply chain.

CEO Carlos Tavares has said scarcity of raw materials will continue in the next decade, adding it is a key task for the carmaker to extend the life of materials it uses. read more

Demand is booming worldwide for recycled materials as manufacturers, from automakers to fashion firms, seek to meet their green targets. This often makes recycled materials more expensive than new ones.

"We're focused on having the entire circular loop working, so we have those materials in our loop and we're not subject to fluctuations in material prices," Jones said.

She added Stellantis' "remanufactured" components were typically 10% to 30% cheaper than original ones, thanks to the reduced use of raw materials and energy.

Jones said the development of the circular economy business could lead to M&A deals as Stellantis looks to increase its range of skills and expertise, as well as developing them in-house.

Stellantis has picked the Mirafiori complex in Turin to launch its main circular economy hub next year, focusing on reconditioning and dismantling vehicles and reusing components.

Circular economy hubs will run alongside "local loops", allowing products and materials to remain within countries and speeding up the business.


New models spur May sales, says MAA

                KUALA LUMPUR: Vehicle sales in May rose 18% to 50,600 units from a month ago, says the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), which expects June sales to stay at the same level.

The MAA said on Friday total industry volume (TIV) in May had increased by 7,854 units from April. It was also up 13% or 5,492 units higher than a year ago.

It said the higher sales were due to the pre-Hari Raya festive season boost and launch of new models.

The TIV from January-May was 234,186 units, up 7% from the 218,121 units in the previous corresponding period.

Production of vehicles dropped in May to 47,474 units from 47,650 a year ago. Year-to-date, the production was slightly higher at 223,139 units compared with 222,035 units a year ago.

On the outlook for vehicle sales for June, the MAA said it expected the sales to be maintained at the May level due to the continuation of the Hari Raya festive season promotional campaigns.

Another factor, it said, would be due to shorter working month in June.


F1 can welcome up to 20,000 at Germany's Nurburgring

                FRANKFURT: Germany's Nurburgring can welcome up to 20,000 fans next month when it hosts Formula One, organisers said Monday, after local authorities gave it the go-ahead alongside stringent health measures.

Spectators have been conspicuously absent from motorsport's top competition this year due to restrictions to combat the coronavirus pandemic, but races later in the calendar have started to open up.

The previous event at Tuscany's Mugello circuit held around 2,000 fans, and the organisers of this weekend's Russian Grand Prix in Sochi are hoping for an audience of 30,000.

Ticket sales will take place in several stages depending on how the virus situation develops, with the final allocation of seats not being sold until organisers can be sure of virus infection rates.

The maximum number of spectators allowed will also be just 20 percent of the 100,000 top capacity of the circuit.

Other measures to protect fans include designated seats and a "visitor guidance system" to ensures that spectators from different grandstands don't meet.

Coronavirus cases continue to tick up in Germany, with daily infection numbers on Saturday reaching the highest level since April.

The race on Oct 11 marks the return of the Nuerburgring to Formula One after an absence of seven years, when Germany's four-time champion Sebastian Vettel won in 2013.


Sime Darby Swedish Auto appointed newest Volvo dealer

Jain says Volvo aims to set up more dealerships nationwide as part of its growth plan.
PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Swedish Auto Sdn Bhd has become a Volvo dealer.

The company, a subsidiary of Sime Darby Berhad, Volvo Car Malaysia, will set up its first 3S outlet in Ara Damansara here, which will open in the coming months.

Sime Darby Swedish Auto’s appointment comes as Volvo Car Malaysia expands its dealership network nationwide in line with the second phase of the brand’s transformation plan.

Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Nalin Jain said setting up more showrooms and service centres would make its products more accessible to customers and future prospects.

“Volvo Cars has seen a strong resurgence with a bevy of attractive product offerings that has converted an increasing number of fans,” said Sime Darby Swedish Auto dealer principal Jeremy Chong.

More details of Sime Darby Swedish Auto’s new Volvo dealership here would be announced closer to the launch.


Multimedia University team shines at Shell Eco-Marathon 2021

                KUALA LUMPUR: Team Grüne Welt from Multimedia University (MMU)’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) emerged as the only Malaysian team recognised at this year’s Shell Eco-Marathon Off-Track Awards for Asia and the Middle East.

The team was runner-up in the Vehicle Design Award (Prototype) and got US$750 (RM3,090) and 100 Virtual League Points, propelling their current ranking to 10th in the Asia-Pacific Region and 30th globally.

The winners for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East were announced in a recently held live virtual ceremony due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The MMU Team’s Eco-V7 battery-electric prototype vehicle earned the judges’ recognition with its thoughtful sustainable design and other unique features.

This year’s Shell Eco-Marathon Virtual Off-Track Awards for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East received a record number of submissions at 198 entries from 64 teams across 11 countries, nearly twice the number of submissions from past years.

Shell Eco-Marathon 2021 also adopted a unique model that involves new and exciting virtual opportunities, all with the continued goal of addressing an age-old problem that focuses on improving vehicles’ efficiency to travel as far as possible using as little energy as possible.

After shortlisting the best teams, a virtual panel used scorecards to select the winners and runners-up who will receive USD1,500 (RM6,180)and USD750 (RM3,090) in prize money respectively, plus Virtual League points.

The global Virtual League is the latest feature of the Shell Eco-Marathon Virtual Programme, enabling teams to accrue points across a range of different challenges including the Off-Track Awards and a brand-new Autonomous Programming Competition, which all feed into an ongoing league table.

“The 2021 virtual programme is designed to recognise and reward the students’ achievements throughout the year. From virtual technical inspection to Off-Track Awards and global energy challenges like Pitch the Future, it aims to stretch and strengthen their STEM skills from start to finish,” said Shell Eco-Marathon Global General Manager Norman Koch.

“While nothing can replace the excitement of the track, we hope that these virtual components will continue to provide opportunities to Shell Eco-Marathon teams throughout this season as we navigate these difficult times,” he adds.

For details, logon to https://www.makethefuture.shell/en-gb/shell-eco-marathon/2021-programme/virtual-programme-2021/virtual-off-track-awards/asia-pacific-middle-east

Winners for 2021 Shell Eco-Marathon Asia-Pacific and Middle East Off-Track AwardsCommunications Award:Winner: DTU SUPERMILEAGE, Delhi Technological University – IndiaRunner-up: PUP Hygears, PUP Manila – Philippines Vehicle Design Award (Prototype):Winner: DJS Miles, DJSCE – IndiaRunner-up: MMU Grüne Welt, Multimedia University Melaka – MalaysiaVehicle Design Award (Urban Concept), presented by Altair:Winner: GARUDA UNY ECO TEAM, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta – IndonesiaRunner-up: Team AVERERA, Indian Institute of Technology BHU – IndiaTechnical innovation Award, presented by Southwest Research InstituteWinner: DTU E-SUPERMILEAGE, Delhi Technological University – IndiaRunner-up: DTU SUPERMILEAGE, Delhi Technological University – IndiaSimulate to Innovate Award, sponsored by Altair:Winner: Team AVERERA, Indian Institute of Technology BHU – IndiaRunner-up: NV11 Nanyang Autonomous Venture, Nanyang Technological University – SingaporeSafety AwardWinner: Team AVERERA, Indian Institute of Technology BHU – IndiaRunner-up: Arjuna, Universitas Indonesia – IndonesiaData and Telemetry Award, sponsored by Schmid Elektronik:Winner: ITS Team Sapuangin, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember – IndonesiaRunner-up: RAKATA, Institut Teknologi Bandung – Indonesia


Mercedes-Benz exits DTM and enters Formula E

                STUTTGART: Mercedes‑Benz has announced a strategic repositioning of its motorsport activities: the company will conclude its participation in DTM at the end of 2018 and enter Formula E in the 2019/20 season.

This new approach will see Mercedes-Benz competing at both ends of the motorsport spectrum: in Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport combining high technology and the most demanding competitive challenge; and in Formula E, which embodies the transformation that is underway in the automotive industry.

“Our years in the DTM will always be held high as a major chapter in the motorsport history of Mercedes,” commented Toto Wolff. “I want to thank every team member whose fantastic work has helped to make Mercedes-Benz the most successful DTM manufacturer during that time. Although leaving is tough for all of us, we will be doing everything during this season and next to make sure we win as many DTM titles as possible before we go. We owe that to our fans and to ourselves.”

Since the DTM was founded in 1988, there have been 26 racing seasons during which Mercedes-Benz has won 10 drivers’, 13 team and six manufacturer titles (DTM + ITC combined). They have celebrated 183 race wins, 128 pole positions and 540 podium finishes.

Electric mobility is already of strategic importance to the company today and this will only increase in the future.

Formula E offers a perfect platform on which to demonstrate the competitiveness of our technology brand EQ in a racing environment, in the area of battery electric powertrains.

"Mercedes-Benz will market future battery powered electric vehicles using the EQ label,” explained Dr Jens Thiemer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz. “Formula E is a significant step in order to demonstrate the performance of our attractive battery powered electric vehicles, as well as giving an emotional spin to our EQ technology brand through motorsport and marketing.”

Toto Wolff views Formula E as a brand new form of racing that reflects a rapidly changing automotive landscape.

“In motorsport like in every other area, we want to be the benchmark in the premium segment and to explore innovative new projects. The combination of Formula 1 and Formula E delivers that. Formula E is like an exciting start-up venture: it offers a brand new format, combining racing with a strong event character, in order to promote current and future technologies.

"Electrification is happening in the road car world and Formula E offers manufacturers an interesting platform to bring this technology to a new audience – and to do so with a completely new kind of racing, different to any other series. I am pleased that we were able to extend our entry option for one year to the 2019/20 season. This gives us time to properly understand the series and to prepare for our entry in the right way.”


India's Mahindra and Mahindra says no plans to split company into three

A Mahindra and Mahindra dealership in New Delhi. It is managed and operated by an all-women team, a first in India.
MUMBAI: Mahindra And Mahindra Ltd said it has no plans to restructure the company into three verticals, following a media report that said the company was considering splitting up into an electric vehicle (EV), a tractor and a passenger vehicle business through a demerger process.

The Economic Times newspaper had reported the Mahindra Group is also seeking funds for the EV unit and will club it with Italian design house Automobili Pininfarina to form a separate company, citing sources familiar with the matter.

"The company ...considers it necessary to clarify to the stock exchanges that there are no plans to split the auto business of the company into three units," the car maker said in a filing to the exchanges on Friday.


Explosives on wheels? The truth about electric cars catching fire

An electric car on fire. An accident researcher with Dekra says electric cars do not pose a higher risk of fire than conventionally-powered cars. — Reuters
STUTTGART: Images of burning electric cars regularly make the rounds on the Internet. Are these just isolated cases or are electrics genuinely a fire hazard?

“The fact is that, according to our findings, electric cars do not pose a higher risk of fire than conventionally-powered cars,” says Markus Egelhaaf, an accident researcher with vehicle inspection company Dekra.

Of course, electric cars can burn. In contrast to a diesel or petrol engined vehicle, where leaked fuel or hot surfaces in the exhaust system can spark a fire, other parts of an e-car are the potential danger points.

"The causes here can be, for example, damaged battery cells or defects in the battery management system," the accident researcher says.

A distinction also has to be made between the situation in which a fire arises, for example whether or not it's after an accident.

"In the event of fires following an accident, for example, from our experience there is no difference in the risk between electric cars and combustion engines," according to Egelhaaf.

In addition, fire brigades haven't found e-car fires to be harder to fight.

"Extinguishing an electric vehicle may be a little more difficult than fighting a fire in conventional vehicles, but is not more complex or dangerous than a fire in a conventional vehicle," says Peter Bachmeier, director of the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV).

A battery fire in an e-car has to be fought with a lot of water to cool down the storage cells. Because battery packs are mostly installed in the underbody and are well protected, the main task for the emergency services is to get the extinguishing water there quickly.

Doing that when the burning vehicle is in a garage is more difficult, but then that applies to vehicles of all drive classes.

The intensity of a car fire is less related to the type of drive than to the materials used, especially the plastics. When burned, they cause a lot of smoke and toxic gases.

However, it's highly unlikely that an electric car will catch fire after an accident. According to Germany's automobile association ADAC, electric cars often do better in crash tests than petrol or diesel cars.

Dekra came to a similar conclusion after several crash tests carried out with the Gottingen University Medical Centre.

In any case, it makes sense for drivers to have a fire extinguisher on board, regardless of whether they are driving a combustion engine or an electric car.

"With a small hand extinguisher, it is always possible to fight a fire originating in the 12-volt electrical system," Egelhaaf says.

However, drivers should never touch the components of the high-voltage system of an electric car, which are marked with the colour orange.

In addition, electric car drivers should always ensure that their vehicle is charged with charging cables that are in good condition and that are connected to a suitable network.

"Incorrectly repaired or defective charging cables can lead to fires, as can charging on insufficiently dimensioned building-side power installations," Egelhaaf warns.


Ford to charge up EV drive with flurry of battery deals

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co has unveiled new supply deals for battery-grade lithium as the US automaker aimed to meet its target of producing 2 million electric vehicles by 2026, closing the gap on market leader Tesla Inc.

Ford held an investor event Monday explaining how it plans to make money and ramp up production of its next-generation electric vehicles as it works to address a current significant cost disadvantage against competitors.

CEO Jim Farley said the automaker is outlining for investors "big bets we're making - different bets than some others".

North American automakers are racing to secure supplies of battery materials to boost EV output as demand surges for environment-friendly vehicles, and to take advantage of tax credits offered by the US.

The deals announced Monday mark an expanded bet by Ford on direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, an emerging crop of unproven filtration technologies aimed at revolutionising how the metal is produced for the EV industry.

Under their terms, Albemarle Corp and Nemaska Lithium will supply lithium hydroxide, a primary ingredient in the cathode of lithium-ion batteries, over a period of five and 11 years respectively.

Albemarle will supply more than 100,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide for around 3 million future Ford EV batteries, the companies said.

Ford vice president Lisa Drake said the agreements carried significantly less risk that relying on investments in junior producers.

Lithium, a key component in most modern EV batteries, has a higher energy density that traditional battery inputs, making it possible to keep batteries compact with higher storage capacity, crucial to ensure long distances between charging.

Under other deals, privately held EnergySource Minerals will supply Ford with lithium hydroxide from its Imperial Valley, California site, which is expected to be operational in 2025, it said, while Compass Minerals will provide lithium carbonate.

The agreements announced on Monday also come as doubts linger on Wall Street about legacy automakers' ability to hit the lofty targets set for EV production. Ford has said it would have a global capacity to build 600,000 EVs by the end of 2023.

The US automaker on Monday reaffirmed its full-year forecast of US$9 billion to US$11 billion of adjusted earnings before interest and taxes and about US$6 billion in adjusted free cash flow. It continues to expect its electric vehicle unit to lose US$3 billion this year.

Ford said its next-generation electric truck will have a 30% lower labour and overhead cost than its current gas-powered truck.

Nemaska Lithium is equally owned by the Quebec government's economic development agency Investissement Quebec and lithium company Livent. Ford will be its first customer.

Chile's SQM, the world's second-largest lithium producer after Albemarle, signed its own long-term supply agreement with Ford on Monday, though neither company specified the number of years.


Four-week CMCO for peninsula except for 3 states

                KUALA LUMPUR: A conditional movement control order (CMCO) will be imposed on all states in Peninsular Malaysia, except in Kelantan, Perlis and Pahang from Nov 9 until Dec 6, says Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Defence Minister said this meant that the current CMCO in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Sabah, which is supposed to end on Nov 9, will be extended as well.

Ismail Sabri said the National Security Council (NSC) special meeting had decided to impose the conditional MCO given the spike in Covid-19 cases in the states.

"The Health Ministry discovered that there has been a significant increase in positive cases as well as rate of infections in Kedah, Penang, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Terenggganu.

"Based on the ministry's advice, the NSC special meeting has decided to impose the condional MCO in the states involved," he told reporters during his daily briefing today.

Imposing the conditional MCO will enable Health Ministry officals to conduct targeting testing and limit the movement of the people.

Among the conditional MCO standard operating procedures (SOPs) are no interdistrict or interstate travels except for emergency cases and with police permission, he added.

"Workers who wish to travel between districts must show their work passes and company letters.

"All education institutions in such states are closed while only two people from each household are allowed to go out to buy necessities.

"More details on the SOPs can be found at the NSC website," Ismail Sabri said.

Meanwhile, Kelantan, Perlis and Pahang are still under the recovery MCO given the low number of positive cases there, he added.

"Interstate travels from and to the three states are prohibited except in emergency cases with police permission.

"However, interdistrict travel in the three states is permitted," he added.

Meanwhile for Sarawak, interstate travel from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan is prohibited except for those who received police permission, he added.

"However, interdistrict travel in Sarawak is permitted except to Kuching," he said.


Thinking of buying a truck? Ford is offering special deals on Ranger

                PETALING JAYA: Ford has announced a  "Ford Truck Month" campaign, offering special deals that make September the best time for Malaysian customers to become an owner of a new Ranger.

From now until Sept 30, customers can opt for a five year warranty from Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC) or a choice of cash rebate for all Ranger XLT models when purchasing a new Ranger at Ford Showrooms nationwide.

“We are proud to be celebrating Ranger ‘Built Ford Tough’ heritage during the ‘Truck Month’ campaign with exclusive offers that make it the best time for Malaysian customers to become a proud owner of a new Ford Ranger” said Sime Darby Auto Connexion, managing director Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz.

Ranger sets a new benchmark in the pickup truck segment with an uncompromising blend of robust capability, safety, craftsmanship and advanced technologies that enable new solutions to everyday challenges.

With up to 235 mm of ground clearance, Ranger is one of the toughest and most capable trucks built to endure the most hostile environments, extreme temperatures and treacherous terrains.

Ford has leveraged its global engineering tools and advanced safety technologies to offer an unmatched level of occupant protection for the new Ranger. From body structure that includes a side impact protection beam to a collapsible steering column, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), the new Ranger delivers top performance in both active and passive safety, helping it earn the highest safety rating among all pickup trucks being tested by the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP).

The Ranger XLT now also comes with a factory-fitted rear-view camera as standard, helping provide the driver with a clearer view behind the vehicle, especially when parking. The rear-view camera is displayed on the Ranger’s 4.2-inch SYNC screen, and works together with Rear Park Assist, audible parking sensors that help drivers park with confidence.

For more information on on the "Truck Month" promotions, please click here.


Brunei first export market for updated Proton models

                SUBANG JAYA: Brunei has become the first export market for the updated Proton models.

Proton distributor in Brunei, Pad Motors Sdn Bhd, held a soft launch of the updated Iriz,
Saga and Persona in Bandar Seri Begawan last Friday.

The event, attended by customers, social influencers and other related parties will be followed by a roadshow programme starting Jan 28.

Proton is looking to up its game following a successful 2019, which saw sales volume grow by 55.7% and the Company finish the year in second place in the sales league.

Part of its plans this year is to boost export volume with the ultimate goal of becoming the best-selling brand in Malaysia again, and the No. 3 car maker in Asean by 2027.

“The export market will play an increasingly important role in growing Proton’s annual sales. When we updated the Proton Iriz, Persona, Exora and Saga last year, we did so while taking in to account the needs of markets outside of Malaysia and today, three of those cars are now available in Brunei," said Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong.

"It’s a good start to 2020 but as the year progresses, we will be looking to export our cars to more countries.”

Aside from its updated models, Proton will also be looking to grow sales of the X70. With model year 2020 versions already rolling down the production line at the new RM1.2bil plant extension in Tanjung Malim, the company now has the option of expanding the footprint for its SUV.

“Exporting the Proton X70 will be critical for Proton’s future sales growth, especially in neighbouring Asean countries. It will spearhead the introduction of the next generation of Proton models currently being jointly developed with Geely and will lay the groundwork for the brand with customers in these markets,” said Dr Li.


2020 NY Auto Show postponed to August because of coronavirus

                NEW YORK: The New York auto show is being postponed until August because of the coronavirus outbreak, the latest in a string of large gatherings canceLled because of health concerns.

The April show will be rescheduled for Aug 28 – Sept 6, with two days of media events set for Aug. 26-27.

The New York City area has seen a rising number of coronavirus cases. Many automakers had planned to use the show to unveil new vehicles.

“We are taking this extraordinary step to help protect our attendees, exhibitors and all participants from the coronavirus,” said Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association, organisers of the New York Auto Show.

The show has in past years drawn more than a million visitors and is a boon to the city’s hospitality industry. It typically draws more than 5,000 reporters.

Several other auto shows globally have been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, including those in Beijing, Geneva and Sao Paulo.

Some automakers have separately cancelled other media events set for coming weeks, citing the coronavirus outbreak.


Sutton Bespoke spices up the London black taxis

                LONDON: Sutton Bespoke, the bespoke tuning arm of luxury car dealer Clive Sutton, has started a limited production run of super-luxurious vehicles based on the new-generation low-emissions ‘black cab’.

It is based on the unique electric range-extender LEVC TX, which will be familiar to many London city-dwellers.

The firm is embarking upon the build process after receiving a positive response on social media channels to the ultra-luxury taxi and pilot vehicle for the project, which was snapped up by a private customer in London.

The Sutton VIP Class LEVC taxi features a fully redesigned interior, with rear seats angled for comfort and trimmed in Sandalwood leather with Alcantara trim.

Replacing the hard-wearing rubber flooring is high-quality thick-pile carpet, and hand-crafted wood veneers adorn the door trims.

A panoramic roof floods the cabin with natural light, and after dusk occupants can tailor the ambient lighting system with a colour to match their mood.

The interior is as high-tech as it is luxurious – occupants have access to haptic climate controls, an upgraded stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity, a TV tuner with Apple TV, and a Sony PS4 games console.

Between the rear passengers there is a new armrest complete with cupholders, and behind that a refrigerator.

Separating the driver and passenger compartment is a retractable screen, affording privacy as well as making the vehicle more Covid-secure.

A fully electrically adjustable leather seat and a state-of-the-art digital instrument cluster ensure the driver remains comfortable during prolonged stints at the wheel. Soft-close doors can also be specified.

For the exterior a subtle yet distinctive ‘two-tone’ exterior paint finish is applied; the iconic black taxi paint for the lower portions, and Ferrari ‘Grigio Silverstone’ above for a touch of added sophistication.

The taxi sign on the roof will remain to preserve the iconic silhouette of the vehicle, albeit with the ‘TAXI’ lettering replaced by ‘VIP’.

The price of the vehicle will be in the region of £100,000 (RM537,242.74) excl. VAT for business buyers, or £120,000 (RM644691.29) incl. VAT for private buyers.


Perodua will not recall Axia following Daihatsu rigging revelation

                PETALING JAYA: Perodua today responded to news on Friday that Daihatsu had fudged safety tests involving 88,000 cars, which included nearly 12,000 units of the current Axia.

Perodua said it would not recall the affected Axias as they remained safe to drive.

Some 76,000 of the 88,000 cars affected were Yaris models mainly bound for Thailand, Mexico and Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Daihatsu had said last week.

About 11,800 others were Axias made by Daihatsu at a joint venture plant it runs with Perodua.

Perodua said it had engaged Daihatsu Co Ltd to carry out safety testing for the Axia in Japan, which was witnessed by relevant authorities and agencies for their respective assessment.

Following the bombshell announcement by Daihatsu and parent company Toyota, Perodua said it checked with the Japanese authorities to determine if the safety standard of the Axia was compromised.

"We were assured that despite the revelation by Daihatsu, the UN-R95 certification given to the Axia is intact," Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said in a statement today.

"This means that the Axia is safe for driving and no recall will be issued nor will Perodua stop delivery of this new model to our customers."

The second-generation Axia was launched in February this year and is available in four variants.