Volkswagen Official Car Sponsor for Le Tour De Langkawi 2016

                PETALING JAYA: Volkswagen Group Malaysia announced its participation as the official car sponsor at this year’s Le Tour De Langkawi Malaysia 2016 which will be held from Feb 24 Feb till Mar 2, 2016.

Volkswagen Group Malaysia will be sponsoring a total of 190 units of the Passat which will be used throughout the race by riders, safety marshals and the police.

Commenting on the sponsorship, managing director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia Armin Keller,  said that “Volkswagen Malaysia is honored to be a part of this year’s Tour De Langkawi 2016 – one of Malaysia’s prestigious sporting event. We are also very pleased that our locally assembled Volkswagen Passat which comes packed with world-class safety features will play a vital role in keeping the event, delegates and officials as well as the riders safe while on the race.”

The Volkswagen Passat which is packed with safety features has 5-Star EURO NCAP rating and is equipped with advanced comfort and safety features as “Rest Assist” which is a system that detects the drivers reduced concentrations and send off a warning. Its comfort features include a 12-way adjustable electric seats and memory function for a comfortable and fatigue-free travel.

CKD and locally assembled, the Passat comes equipped with a 1.8-litre TSi 160PS turbocharged direct petrol injection 4-cylinder engine and produces maximum torque of 250Nm – making it amongst the most powerful car available in its segment.

The Tour de Langkawi is a multiple stage bicycle race primarily held in the month of February in Malaysia. This race has been annually held since 1996 and features 10 stages over the course of 10 days.

In order to invite variety the routes change each year, but the Genting Highlands climb is always included for being the toughest in the tour. There are other contests held within the tour, such as classification points for sprinters, individual points, as well as team classification points for the competing Asian teams.


SUKE construction nears completion

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) construction work has recorded an overall progress of 87 per cent as at end-2020, supported by full completion of the CB3 package.

SUKE deputy general manager Dr Zarulazam Eusofe said the CB3 package, which connects to Jalan Taman Putra with Jalan Merbau near Ampang town, was the first package completed from eight construction packages for the SUKE project.

"Construction of the 2.7-kilometre CB3 package passing through the Ampang Waterfront next to Bandar Baru Ampang, and ends at Jalan Merbau near the Ampang LRT station has taken about four years and completed ahead of schedule,” he said in a statement today.

Zarulazam said the package would ease traffic flow around Bukit Indah, Kampung Dato 'Mufti, Taman Kosas, and Bandar Baru Ampang once SUKE is opened for users.

"Road users heading to the Kuala Lumpur city centre only need to use the Kosas Interchange or the next Ampang Interchange via the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), and the expressway (SUKE) provides an alternative route to avoid traffic congestion along Jalan Ampang,” he said.

Besides that, he said Jalan Ampang has been upgraded parallel with the SUKE structure, from two lanes to three lanes.

Construction of the 24.4km SUKE Highway began on Aug 29, 2016 and upon completion, it is expected to reduce traffic congestion by at least 30 per cent on the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) and in high-density areas such as Cheras, Pandan Indah and Ampang.

SUKE begins in Sri Petaling and ends in Ulu Kelang at the MRR2 that connects major highways such as DUKE, AKLEH, KL-Seremban Highway, Cheras-Kajang Highway, BESRAYA Highway, and KESAS Highway.


Renault-Nissan faces off with Indian workers on Covid-19 worries

UPDATE:Factory workers at Renault-Nissan's car plant in southern India will not report for work from Wednesday as their Covid-related safety demands have not been met, a union representing the workers told the company in a letter on Monday (May 24).

CHENNAI: Renault-Nissan has told an Indian court it needs to continue production at its car plant to meet orders, rejecting claims from an employee union that Covid-19 safety protocols were being ignored at the factory, legal filings show.

Renault-Nissan India and workers at its plant in the southern state of Tamil Nadu have been locked in a legal tussle after workers petitioned a court to halt operations because social distancing norms were being flouted and company-provided health benefits were outweighed by the risk to their lives.

In response, Renault-Nissan has argued in a court filing - which is not public - that there was a "compelling need" to continue operations to fulfil domestic and export orders. It said all Covid-19 norms were being followed.

The case will next be heard today at the Madras High Court when the state government, which is also party to the case, is expected to file its response.

A top Tamil Nadu state official said on Sunday automobile companies will be allowed to continue operations, but action will be taken against violations of social distancing protocols by any company.

The legal battle highlights the challenges big companies are facing to keep operating in India amid heightened worries from employees who fear for their health and safety.

"It is a question of life versus livelihood," said M. Moorthy, general secretary of Renault Nissan India workers union which represents all 3,500 permanent factory workers.

"We just want social distancing protocols to be followed and the management to be responsible for any risks to the workers or their family members."

The factory, which produces Nissan, Renault and Datsun cars, employs 3,000 contract workers, 2,500 staff members and 700 apprentices.

Nissan, which has a majority stake in the Renault-Nissan India plant, declined to comment.

India is facing its second wave of coronavirus infections. Tamil Nadu is one of the worst hit states recording more than 30,000 cases each day.

The state, an auto hub dubbed as India's "Detroit", has imposed a full lockdown until May 31 but has allowed some factories, including those making cars, to continue operating.

Renault-Nissan's May 16 court filing shows it has pending export orders of about 35,000 vehicles for the May-October period, which if not fulfilled could lead to penalties and loss of business. It also has 45,000 pending domestic bookings for the recently launched Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger cars.

The company's petition says it has always prioritised employee safety and "has left no stone unturned" to ensure the infection does not spread.

"The travelling public consider private vehicles as a safe mode of travel ... there is a compelling need for the state to ensure the continued operations of the automobile manufacturers," the petition said.


Supply chain problems now the rule, not exception, says VW

                BERLIN: Volkswagen's chief executive warned today that supply chain problems were now the rule and not the exception, with the carmaker sitting on 150,000 unfinished vehicles because parts were lacking.

Volkswagen has set up a separate unit to evaluate threats to supply security, gathering data from across the supply chain to forecast shortages, Oliver Blume said on an analysts' call.

Still, chief financial officer Arno Antlitz said he saw a low risk of production stops this winter despite concerns over energy supply with measures in place including stockpiling of critical components.


UMW Toyota confirms Alphard and Vellfire arrival

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor, the sole distributor of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, have officially announced that the company will be importing the Alphard and Vellfire directly from Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan.

Pricing for the vehicles have yet to be announced, but the company is inviting budding owners to register their interests for the luxury multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) at any UMW TOyota Motor branch or authorised Toyota dealer within the nation for the Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge, Alphard 3.5 and Vellfire.

Both the Alphard and Vellfire will be accompanied by a five-year full factory warranty with unlimited mileage and the company is assuring that there will be complete and qualified aftersales support including parts from any authorised Toyota service centre in Malaysia.

The Alphard variants will be powered by a 3.5-litre (3,456cc) 2GR-FE V6 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with sequential shifter, producing 266bhp at 6,200rpm and 340Nm of torque at 4,700rpm.

As for the Vellfire, it gets a 2.5-litre (2,494cc) 2AR-FE four-cylinder engine, mated to a continuously variable transmission that manages its 175bhp at 6,000rpm and 235Nm of torque at 4,100rpm.

In terms of dimensions, the Alphard comes measuring in at 4,915mm-long (Vellfire 4,930mm), 1,850-wide and 1,895mm-tall,

Standard fitment for both models include 18-inch wheels with 235/45 series tyres, LED auto-levelling headlights and daytime running lights, front and rear fog lamps, LED-integrated rear spoiler with high mounted stop lamp, power-foldable integrated signal lamp wing mirrors with memory and twin moon roof.

The list of standard equipment continues with a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display, cruise control, keyless entry and start, front and rear automatic climate controls ceiling illumination and powered front seats with Ottoman for passenger.

Getting into specifics, the Vellfire 2.5 gets a four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and the cabin adds ceiling illumination, black leather seats, captain power seat with Ottoman for the first row, front and rear climate controls and an eight-speaker seven-inch DVD-AVN sound system with navigation.

The middle-child Alphard 3.5 upgrades the steering wheel by adding telephone and voice recognition controls while coming with Brown Wood Grain and inherits the same first row seats and audio system found in the Vellfire - only now, the leather seats are in beige.

The range-topping Alphard 3.5 Executive Lounge gets VIP Wood Grain for the steering wheel, uses an Electro Multi Vision instrument cluster, gets a metallic ornament for the ceiling illumination and the choice of black or white leather seats get upgraded to VIP Power Seats with Ottoman and seat air conditioner for the first row.

Also, entertainment gets heightened by the 17-speaker JBL sound system with an eight-inch DVD-AVN entertainment unit that adds navigation to the mix.

Colour choices will be confirmed later date, but in terms of safety, all vehicles get seven aibags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, front and rear parking sensors and Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film tint.

According to UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama, the differences between the vehicles imported and sold by UMW Toyota Motor and those imported by other parties from dealers in Japan is that the egine control unit programming is different to help keep the engine cooler in Malaysia’s demanding heat.

Other differences include different navigation system meant for Japan and the use of Japanese radio frequencies, which operates on a lower band-width than Malaysia’s.

“We realise that many Malaysians like these models as they are ideal for corporate companies to ferry their important guests and those with large families who like going around together. As such, we have decided that we should also include these models in our range,” said Takeyama.


Dirty but fun — the two-stroke engine refuses to go away

                COLOGNE: In a world of concern about carbon footprints and campaigns to promote sustainable energy, the dirty old two-stroke engine still has a loyal following.

Clean air regulations virtually killed off the two-stroke, which is renowned for sending plumes of toxic blue smoke into the air, but it refuses to die.

A two-stroke engine needs only two strokes (up and down movements) of the piston for each crankshaft revolution. The more common four-stroke requires the four phases of "suck, squeeze, bang and blow" in order to perform the same task.

The two-strokes used in Japanese motorcycles were happily more sophisticated and nowadays these classic models are revered for their heritage looks and exhilarating performance. Prices for them are rising.

The two-stroke engine fitted to the East German Trabant car, which came to symbolise the fall of the Berlin Wall, was famously dirty too, but it has also been forgiven now that far fewer of the runabouts are on the roads.

 The Trabant.

In the 1970s, a two-stroke motorcycle made in Japan was the dream of many a teenager. The Yamaha RD250, Suzuki GT 750 and Kawasaki 750H2 were all wild machines. They offered dramatic acceleration and top speeds at a time when fuel consumption and toxic emissions were not so much in focus.

Some 40 years later, hardly any new vehicles are fitted with a two-stroke engine. Low-tech versions of the motor are still found in machines like lawnmowers, chainsaws and marine outboard motors.

Surviving two-strokes are revered by enthusiasts and restored examples of high-performance motorcycles change hands for considerable sums of money. The same applies to well-kept Trabants.

The introduction of the Euro 4 emissions limit finished off the two-stroke in most European markets, although plenty are still in use in Asia.

A few companies such as KTM still have two-stroke models in their two-wheeler range, according to Till Ferges of the German magazine Motorcycle News. For carmakers, the technology is completely outmoded. No two-stroke car could hope to comply with today's stringent clean air rules.

Two-stroke power was popular in the former communist eastern half of Germany, mainly because cars and motorbikes with these engines were far cheaper to produce. The motor is less sophisticated than a four-stroke petrol engine and far fewer parts are needed to make it. It is also easier to maintain.

The last of three million Trabants left the production line in 1991 and more than 30,000 of them can still be found on German roads.

The downside is that two-stroke engines cannot match the longevity of four-stroke motors. A defective oil pump can quickly cause a seizure which reduces the engine to scrap metal.

Two-stroke motorbikes from Japan were high-revving machines, which leads to more mechanical wear. As a rule of thumb, engines like these will last for between 50,000 and 60,000 kilometres before a strip-down and rebuild is called for. Replacement parts are also expensive.

Refuelling a two-stroke can be a pain, too, since modern petrol stations seldom have an oil dispenser to ensure the right mixture - usually an oil/petrol ratio between 1:25 and 1:100.

 The Yamaha RD 350 is a classic example of a bike with a two-stroke engine.

A Trabi owner will not stray far from home without a can of two-stroke oil in the boot. For every 20 litres of petrol pumped into the tank, the owner has to pour in half a litre of special oil.

Two-strokes from Japan had a throttle controlled auto injection system which meant the owner did not have to mess around with topping up the oil.

There are no oil changes, since the lubricating oil is contained in the petrol-oil mix and problems like exhaust gaskets or stripped threads on screws and joints are easy to fix.

One way of keeping a two-stroke engine in good working order is regular maintenance such as de-coking.

This means removing the carbon deposits produced during combustion from the piston, cylinder head and exhaust. It can be done mechanically or by using chemical solvents.


Audi Online Showroom reopens

                SINGAPORE: Audi Singapore has announced its newly revamped Audi Online Showroom has re-opened, promising to present a new user experience for fans and customers.

The virtual showroom has been enlarged, where it will now present a new section dedicated to RS models such as RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupé, RS 5 Sportback and RS 6 Avant.

Live Chat is now available for fans and customers interact directly with Audi, including making follow-up appointments.

Launched in April, the Audi Online Showroom showcases and offers exclusive access to the brand’s latest portfolio of models 24/7. The digital platform also hosted special previews of upcoming models and offered special promotions online.

In celebration of the reopening, the Audi Online Showroom will be hosting online-only exclusive offers during Sept 26-27, which will include the following:

> Fans and customers can register their interest for the upcoming A4 advanced 2.0 TSFI quattro, which will be arriving here later this year.
> The first 10 orders of the A5 Sportback will receive a 24-hour complimentary drive in the RS 5 Sportback
> Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI will be available in Navarra Blue for order
> A run-out sale of the Audi Q2 1.0 TFSI


First drive: Refreshed Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus

                Volvo's XC90 luxurt sports utility vehicle (SUV) has been refreshed in terms of design and added gusto.

The XC90 is offered in three variants: the T5 Momentum, T8 Twin Engine Inscription and the T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus, priced at RM373,888, RM399,888 and RM409,888 respectively. All prices are on-the-road without insurance.

The T5 features a turbocharged 2.0L engine only while the T8 Inscription and Inscription Plus comes with a hybrid electric powertrain - the new 11.6kWh lithium-ion Hybrid Battery with longer electric drive range of 50km - plus the 2.0L engine is both supercharged and turbocharged.

As a result, both the T8 variants have significantly more power with 407hp and 640Nm of torque while the T5 outputs 254hp and 350Nm of torque.

All variants are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Members of the media were recently treated with a drive with the top-specced T8 Inscription Plus for a getaway from the city to the lush forests of Janda Baik, Pahang where we spent the night at Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort.

We spent more time with the T8 Inscription after that and drove the car up north to Ipoh, Perak for the weekend. The distinguishable feature of the refreshed Volvo XC90 is the grille.

Whereas before the vertical slats were flat, it’s now curved inward with a redesigned lower bumper as well. Also new inside the T8 is a newly designed Orrefors crystal gear lever.

The top-of-the-range T8 Inscription Plus comes with the Bowers and Wilkins Premium Sound Audio System which has 19 speakers.

This is the main difference between the T8 Inscription and Inscription Plus and well worth the extra RM10K as it offers a crisp and dynamic audio experience.

For classical music lovers especially, the Bowers and Wilkins sound system will enthrall one’s aural senses with its rich symphonic reproduction.

The cabin of the T8 is sound-proofed to keep external sounds out to give its occupants a quiet and relaxing environment to either enjoy the music or conversation.

It is also very comfortable with its bolstered seats covered in Nappa leather and the air-conditioned keeps everyone cool as there are air vents on the B and C pillars for the rear passengers.

Unlike other vehicles, the XC90 offers something a little different when starting the engine as it is a beautifully knurled twist knob instead of a push button located on the centre console.

Just twist it to the right to start and again to switch it off. The cabin is also decorated with Walnut wood inlay which gives off a homely and relaxed surrounding.

The combination of the seats, sound proofing, premium materials and the four corner air suspension makes for a calm and contented space which helps reduce fatigue for outstation drives.

The drive up to Janda Baik was relatively a breeze as we made our way out of the city to the winding stretch of highway and finally unto the narrow and even windier road to our destination.

For a large vehicle, it doesn’t feel cumbersome to drive. Instead it was easy to drive and nimble too on and handles well around bends and corners of the B-roads.

Power is a non-issue with the XC90 what with the high amount of torque available and driving enthusiastically was easily done once the throttle was opened up.

This meant that we had used up a bit of petrol on the way there but surprisingly, on the way back and driving with a light foot it didn’t make a dent at all.

This was also evident when we took a longer drive to Ipoh and we drove there and back to Kuala Lumpur with plenty of fuel left.

The XC90 though, is big on safety and with its long list of safety features such as collision avoidance and mitigation including when reversing into traffic, blind spot information system, lane keeping assist, 360 degree camera, it is a vehicle determined to keep you and your occupants safe at all costs and this would be the main reason for acquiring the XC90.

The XC90 continues its legacy of safety while adding luxurious appointments in the T8 Inscription Plus and the power and excitement it offers makes it a well-heeled luxury SUV.

SPECIFICATIONS Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus Engine: 1,969cc Drive-E engine with Turbocharger and Supercharger
Maximum Output: 407hp
Maximum Torque: 640Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Automatic with Geartronic
Acceleration (0-100kph): 5.6s
Maximum speed: 230kph
Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 2.6 litres per 100km
Features: 275/45 R20 tyres, Tyre Sealant Kit, Head-Up Display (HUD), Sensus Navigation, Active Chassis with 4-Corner Air Suspension, Orrefors Crystal Gear Lever with Illumination, Inscription Nappa Leather Key Integrated Remote with Central Locking, Comfort Seats with Nappa Leather Upholstery, Full LED Illumination Headlights with Active High Beam & Active Bending Lights (ABL), High-pressure Headlight Cleaners, Park Assist Pilot, Parallel Parking & Perpendicular Parking, 360° Surround View Camera, Second Row Air Conditioning with Tunnel Console Vent, Panoramic Sunroof, Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound Audio System with 19 Speakers, Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) with Adjustable Steering Wheel Force, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold Function, Hill Start Assist (HSA), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Engine Start/Stop System, City Safety - Collision Avoidance & Mitigation with Intersection Support Pedestrian, Cyclist & Large Animal Detection, City Safety with Steering Support, Front & Rear Collision Warning & Mitigation Support, Driver Alert Control (DAC), Lane Keeping Aid (LKA), Run-Off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist, Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) with Auto Brake, Seat Belt Detection with Graphical Indicator for All Seats, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Dual Stage Driver & Front Passenger Airbags, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) with Dual Chamber,SIPS Airbags, ISOFIX Attachment Point, Keyless Entry & Drive, Adaptive Cruise Control, Pilot Assist, Park Assist Front & Rear, Power Operated Tailgate with Hands-free Operation, 4-Zone Electronic climate control (ECC) with Cooled Glove Box, Apple Carplay & Android Auto
Price: RM409,888 (on-the-road without insurance)


2017 Volvo S90 T5 sedan and V90 T5 estate: RM388,888 and RM393,888

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia has launched the 2017 S90 T5 premium sedan and its estate sibling, the V90 T5.

The S90 T5 is priced at RM388,888 while the V90 T5 is tagged at RM393,888 (both on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of six per cent GST).

Both cars have a turbocharged engine delivering 254hp at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 350Nm from 1,500 – 4,800rpm to the front wheels.

Built on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), both models represent the second phase of Volvo’s transformation.

The Volvo S90 and V90 challenge the traditional premium DE segment with a distinctly Scandinavian idea of luxury.

The V90 is the sole offering in the local premium DE estate segment.

"The S90 is our statement on the future direction of premium sedans. The V90 is a homage to our strong heritage and history in the premium estate segment. We are aware that the estate segment is a very niche in Malaysia but if we look at the increasingly dynamic lifestyle of Malaysians, we are certain that more and more people will re-discover the appeal of a premium estate," said Lennart Stegland, the managing director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

Like the XC90, the S90 and V90 carry the face of Volvo’s new design language, along with classic Volvo styling cues.

Key features include the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight design, the new grille and Volvo Iron Mark, and the expressive use of the Volvo word mark on the rear.

Both cars run on 245/45 R18 tyres and standard kit includes the Intellisafe package which has Volvo’s City Safety, an advanced Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system that could detect and mitigate collisions with pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.

Also standard is the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist.

This system gives gentle steering inputs to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings and functions up to highway speeds of around 130km/h while automatically maintaining the set distance and speed determined by the user.

Customers can choose between Onyx Black, Ice White, Osmium Grey and Bright Silver or opt for Mussel Blue which is exclusive for both T5 variants.

When it comes to interior selection, T5 customers can choose between three interior upholstery colours which includes Charcoal, Amber, and Blond in combination with two inlay options: Iron Ore or Dark Flame Birch.

"We also intend to launch a T8 Twin Engine version, our Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that could deliver close to 410hp and up to 50km of pure electric range (NEDC)," said Stegland.

"Earlier this year, we celebrated 50 years of our operations in Malaysia. It started with our production facility in Shah Alam which was established in 1967 – the first car assembly facility in Malaysia. Over the years, we have produced close to 65,000 cars and employed nearly 5,500 people in total."

2017 Volvo S90 T5 sedan2017 Volvo V90 T5 estate


Another car carrier sinks, this time in Persian Gulf

                ISTANBUL: A United Arab Emirates-flagged cargo ship carrying cars sank in the Persian Gulf, Iran’s ports authority said Thursday, with poor weather hampering the rescue operation.

One member of the vessel’s 30-member crew has died in the incident and 28 others have so far been rescued and taken to the Iranian port city of Assalouyeh, the Ports & Maritime Organisation said in a statement, without naming the ship or giving a reason for the sinking.

The Associated Press identified the ship as the Al Salmy 6, citing Nizar Qaddoura, operations manager of the UAE-based Salem Al Makrani Cargo Co.

The company is the vessel’s registered owner, according to the International Maritime Organization’s online database.

The vessel sank 48.3km off the Iranian coast, according to the statement.

Bloomberg did not report on the car makes and models lost at sea.

This is the second car carrier to sink in recent weeks.

The Felicity Ace sank 220 nautical miles off the coast of Portugal’s Azores Islands on March 1 after it caught fire on Feb 16. Its cargo of roughly 4,000 Volkswagen AG vehicles meant for the US market went down with it.

However, Volkswagen has stated this week that it would replace all customer cars that were lost in the incident. Among the cars were Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae and Urus models as well as Volkswagen models, Bentleys and Audis.


Nissan builds world’s first seven-seater bobsleigh

                INNSBRUCK: Nissan has come up with a zany idea with the launch of the world’s first seven-seater bobsleigh in Innsbruck, Austria.

The japanese car maker said the X-Trail Bobsleigh was inspired by the design of the X-Trail and had its first run at the historic Olympic track in Igls, piloted by British Olympic medallist Sean Olsson.

Nissan worked with bobsleigh experts to transform a traditional four-man sled into an X-Trail inspired seven-seater capable of reaching speeds of over 100kph pulling a G-force of 4.5G.

The bobsleigh mimics theX-Trail’s design, with distinctive front aspect, headlamps and seven-seater option. It gives passengers a 360-degree, bird’s-eye view to capture all of the action - identical to the Nissan X-Trail’s Around View Monitor system.

Like the bobsleigh, the X-Trail’s 4x4-i system helps the driver keep control even in ice and snow.

Nissan Design Europe design manager Darryl Scriven teamed up with expert bobsled manufacturer Diego Menardi and sport expert Ian Richardson to fuse car design with Olympic aerodynamics.

Richardson and Menardi have over 50 years of combined experience in the industry, delivering Olympic track experiences and sleighs to teams around the world.

The X-Trail Bobsleigh was handcrafted by Menardi at his workshop in Cortina. The seven-seater was developed using sketches and computer-aided design (CAD). The detail on the bobsleigh nose was crafted to express the X-Trail’s V-motion grille and capture the sculpture of the hood lines.

The work was complemented by Menardi’s structural lengthening of the cabin to accommodate seven passengers.


What you get if you buy Toyota cars in April

SHAH ALAM: As part of year-long efforts to boost car sales, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is wooing potential prospects with more goodies for April.

Depending on the model and variant, the rewards include attractive cash rebates of up to RM4,000 which will help to reduce the amount of hire-purchase (HP) loan taken.

Those who buy a Vios, Corolla Altis or Camry Hybrid will also enjoy a free scheduled servicing for 5 years. The Vios and Corolla Altis also come with accessories worth up to RM7,200. The accessories include items such as an advanced DVD audio-video infotainment system with GPS navigation, reverses camera, aerokit and digital video recorder.

UMW Toyota Motor has a panel of insurers and finance providers offering hire-purchase loans at attractive interest rates to facilitate the car-buying process. New cars come with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

The rewards program is also available for vehicles bought at the Toyota WOW roadshows that are presently ongoing.

The rewards for selected Toyota models are given to customers for their purchase from any UMWT showroom or its authorised dealer nationwide, until April 30.

For enquiries, call Toyota free-phone at 1800-8-869682.

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VW offers glimpse of ID.4 lounge-like interior and light guide

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen is giving a glimpse of the electric ID.4 SUV cabin ahead of its world premiere this month.

The fact that it uses a compact electric drive enabled VW designers to carve out a generous lounge-like cabin in a marked departure from traditional design.

Volkswagen Group Design head Klaus Zyciora said the ID.4 offers “freedom on the outside, free space on the inside.”

The door handles on the ID.4 lie flush with the body and come with electric unlocking. Driver and passengers access the vehicle through large door openings and benefit from a high seating position, while the rear seat bench offers as much space as a conventional SUV in the next higher category.

It is also easy to stow away plenty of luggage – the luggage compartment already boasts a volume of 543 litres with the rear seat backrests in an upright position.

The ID.4’s interior design underlines the ample sense of space: similarly to the exterior design, it appears flowing and lightweight, focusing on the essential. The dash panel seems to be floating, as it is not linked to the centre console, which has been designed as an independent component.

A large, tilting panoramic sunroof made of glass (optional) grants an unrestricted view of the sky. As darkness falls, the background lighting can be adjusted within 30-colour spectrum to set striking highlights in the vehicle interior.

A new identifier for all ID.4 models, ID.Light is a light strip below the windscreen that supports drivers in a host of situations with intuitive lighting effects in different colours.

As a result, ID. Light signals to the driver that the vehicle’s drive system is active and that the car has been unlocked or locked.

It accentuates information issued by the driver assist and navigation systems and signals braking prompts and incoming phone calls. In conjunction with the navigation system, ID. Light helps to smoothly guide drivers through traffic: by blinking, it recommends a lane change and can also warn the driver if their ID.4 is in the wrong lane.

Front seats are sporty and comfortable. In the ID.4 1ST Max limited edition model, which will be making its début in Germany at the market launch, the seats bear the seal of approval by the German Campaign for Healthier Backs.

They come with a number of electrical adjustment options, while their pneumatic lumbar supports have a built-in massage function. The materials underline the character of the feel-good lounge. The two future ID.4 limited edition models come with seat covers made from animal-free materials. They are constructed of a combination of leatherette and ArtVelours – a microfibre material that consists of around 20 percent recycled PET bottles.

The interior of the ID.4 1ST and ID.4 1ST Max limited-edition models is dominated by calm, sophisticated colours called Platinum Grey and Florence Brown.

The steering wheel, steering column, the housings of the display and control panels in the doors come in trendy Piano Black or purist Electric White. The bright colour sets a futuristic highlight throughout the vehicle interior and underlines its clear-cut design.

The first vehicles are scheduled for delivery before the end of this year.

In future Volkswagen’s ID.4 will be part of the globally booming, compact SUV segment – with plans to produce and sell the e-SUV not only in Europe, but also in China and later in the United States.


Chinese, S. Korean carmakers leading Indonesia's drive towards green mobility

Visitors trying out the mini-electric Wuling Air EV at its launch at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show. - ST/LINDA YULISMAN
JAKARTA: Chinese and South Korean carmakers are leading Indonesia's drive towards green mobility by producing electric vehicles (EV) locally that may be sold at affordable prices in a market traditionally dominated by the Japanese.

China's SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile launched a mini electric car, Wuling Air EV, at the 11-day Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show on Aug 11 in South Tangerang, Banten.

On Aug 8, its local subsidiary began production of the four-seat vehicle in its factory in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java.

Indonesia was chosen by Wuling to unveil the new model for the first time globally, as "the automotive industry in Indonesia develops very fast", while "its potential to grow is still huge", said brand and marketing director Dian Asmahani.

During a one-month pre-booking period that ended on Aug 10, the company received 1,500 orders for the model. Its price starts from 238 million rupiah (S$22,220/RM72,000), around the same as a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the most popular car category in Indonesia.

"We don't have a specific (sales) target (until the end of this year), as Wuling Air EV is a new model, the first electric car Wuling produces in Indonesia," Dian told The Straits Times.

Despite enormous opportunities in the Indonesian market, Wuling - a driving force in China's expanding EV market - is also eyeing other markets in the region, including Singapore.

"When Wuling first invested in Indonesia, we wanted to make it an export production hub in South-east Asia," Dian said.

For now, its local factory can produce 10,000 EVs a year, but it will be flexible to adjust with the market demand as its overall production capacity reaches 120,000 vehicles annually, she noted.

Wuling Air EV is powered by a home-charge battery with a driving range from 200km to 300km.

Indonesia, home to more than 270 million people and where vehicle sales is an indicator of consumption, hopes EVs will make up one-fifth of vehicle sales by 2025. More than 887,000 vehicles were sold last year, and EVs totalled around 700.

South-East Asia's largest economy aims to become a global hub for EV production and export, banking on its abundant reserves of nickel laterite ore used in lithium batteries.

While 80 per cent of its domestic market is traditionally dominated by Japanese brands, such as Toyota and Daihatsu, they have yet to make EVs locally.

The country's chief economic minister Airlangga Hartarto revealed in late July that Toyota plans to invest 27.1 trillion rupiah in Indonesia in the next five years to produce EVs. Another Japanese marque, Mitsubishi, will invest about 10 trillion rupiah in the country from 2022 to 2025 to produce hybrid and battery EVs.

In March, South Korea's Hyundai kicked off the production of its electric five-seater Ioniq 5 at its factory in Cikarang, which is currently capable of producing 150,000 vehicles a year.

Four variants of Ioniq 5 are sold, costing from 748 million rupiah to 859 million rupiah (from RM227,000 to RM260,000) each.

Hyundai Motor Indonesia has received nearly 3,500 orders for Ioniq 5 since its launch in March, chief operating officer Makmur told ST.

Noting that the EV is "very well received" in Indonesia, one of its key markets in South-east Asia, he said: "Indonesia has a big opportunity to develop the EV ecosystem. It has sufficient natural resources and Indonesians are very open to the development of technology."

Makmur added that Hyundai is open to opportunities to sell Indonesia-made EVs to other countries.


Team Fordzilla’s Extreme P1 virtual race car make its real world debut

                DETROIT: It is the first virtual gaming race car designed in collaboration between gamers themselves and a car brand.

Now Ford’s Team Fordzilla esports team is moving the game on again by revealing in a recent livestream a real-life, full-scale model of its extreme Team Fordzilla P1 race car.

While seeing real cars transferred to computer games is commonplace, this is the first-ever time an auto-manufacturer has brought to life a gamer-collaborated virtual car – yet to be featured in a game – with a physical model.

The journey of the Team Fordzilla P1 race car started in March this year when gamers were asked to vote on the package and features of the car on Twitter, including seating configuration, engine position and cockpit definition.

Nearly a quarter of a million fan votes were submitted throughout the polling process.

The innovative Team Fordzilla P1 race car features an exterior designed by Arturo Ariño and an interior that was the vision of Robert Engelmann, both Ford designers.

The race car is built around the monocoque structure partially covered by a large, hyper-transparent jet fighter-style canopy, protecting the driver and co-driver.

The transparent canopy not only blurs the boundaries between the exterior and the interior, but it also emphasises the race car’s unique F1-like driving position.

The exterior of this race car is the combination of a sleek GT-like front end with beautifully sculped front fenders and extremely sculpted bodyside panels, with their highly memorable twist and floating buttresses visually connecting the cockpit with the rear wheels. The rear end is completely exposed and celebrates the aerodynamics and racing circuits rawness.

In the cockpit, LED notification units, keep the driver and co-driver up-to-date on the track status in their peripheral view.

In addition, an integrated screen on the steering wheel enables live data exchange with the team at the pit wall. The whole interior is designed to help the race car driver to minimise any sort of distraction during the race and heighten the enjoyment of racing.

Team Fordzilla P1 is Ford’s first ever car built digitally without any face-to-face interaction throughout the process.

Due to the current pandemic, it was designed by a team who had never met, working remotely, spread across five different countries and built in just seven weeks – that’s less than half of the time it would normally take.

The finished build is a full-size, inside-outside model with extreme proportions.

Co-created by gamers for gamers, the hypercar features a few special touches that speak to the sim-racing community.

On the floor in front of the co-pilot’s seat there is an AFK (Away From Keyboard) message, a playful reminder that occupants of that seat are away from keyboard.

A #levelup graphic acknowledges that gamers and racing drivers aim to better themselves each time they play or race, while a #liftoff graphic is a nod to the lifting off of this race car from a virtual world and transitioning it to the real one.

On the front of the car by the lower spoiler there’s the most important message; a GLHF (Good luck have fun) reminder to every gamer and racing driver to truly have fun and enjoy the ride.

The Team Fordzilla P1 race car is 4,731mm long, 2,000mm wide and 895mm tall.

Front tyres are 315 x 30 x R21, while rear tyres 355 x 25 x R21.


July 18-24: Fuel prices unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will remain unchanged for the July 18-24 week.

The Finance Ministry said in a statement today that the price of RON97 would stay at RM2.02 per litre.

The price of RON95 will also remain unchanged at RM1.72 per litre, as will diesel at RM1.87 per litre.

"The government will continue to monitor the impact of global crude oil price change and take appropriate measures to safeguard the welfare and well-being of the people," the statement said.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism was reintroduced on Jan 5 last year under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism.

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


Limited edition Renault Captur Trophy debuts at RM108K

                PETALING JAYA: The Renault Captur line-up in Malaysia has been expanded with the introduction of a new Limited Edition Captur Trophy.

The Limited Edition Captur Trophy shares the same price with the base Captur at RM107,980 (on-the-road inclusive of SST, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia and private individual registration only).

Available in limited units, the new Captur Trophy injects a sports appeal to Europe’s best-selling B-segment crossover offering in Malaysia.

The Renault Captur Trophy continues much of the current Captur’s specification and Easy Life features, but offers a few eye-catching additions such as Vibrant Orange Trophy colour, a sporty front and rear bumper spoiler in gun metal colour, 3D chequered flag decals and hands-free power tailgate.

Additionally, five lucky customers who purchase a brand-new Renault Captur Trophy will get the chance to take the all-new Renault Megane R.S. home for one month.

This offer aims to encourage an appreciation amongst customers for Renault’s range of products and offerings. Plus, who wouldn’t want to have a different car to drive around, just for fun?

The new Captur Trophy is also available on Renault Subscription. Under the Fixed Plan, the Captur Trophy is available from RM1,499 monthly for the two-year subscription package and RM1,699 monthly for the one-year plan.

These monthly fees are inclusive of road tax, insurance and regular maintenance fee.

Customers who opt for the Switch Prime Plan will get to enjoy the Captur Trophy as their everyday vehicle, in addition to a total of four months’ access to the Renault family of models such as the Koleos and the Megane R.S.

“While many appreciate the striking design and current two-tone colours scheme on the Captur, we boost the Captur’s allure further with a whole new sporty look. Taking inspiration from the Megane R.S., the Limited Edition Captur Trophy delivers a new level of sports appeal. Coupled with the experience of the Renault Megane R.S. for one month, we have drastically turned-up the sports appeal for the Captur Trophy,” said CEO of TC Euro Cars, Wong Hoe Mun.

The Limited Edition Captur Trophy also comes with the Renault Honour trade-in programme. Through this programme, customers will enjoy a guaranteed future value should they choose to trade-in their Captur for any brand-new Renault model in the future.

The Renault Honour programme is available for a limited time only and customers are encouraged to confirm their participation as soon as they can. it also comes with free service and maintenance (parts and labour) for five years or up to 100,000km (whichever comes first) and a five-year manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage.


Honda Malaysia recalls over 87,000 cars

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia is recalling 87,182 units of vehicles that includes the City, Civic, CR-V, Jazz and Stream.

The exercise is to replace faulty driver and passenger airbag inflators.

The affected vehicles are the City (2003-2008 year model), Civic (2003-2008), CR-V (2002-2007), Jazz (2004-2006) and Stream (2004-2005).

Honda Malaysia is urging affected owners to get their vehicles checked at any authorised Honda dealers as soon as possible.

Work will be carried out once replacement parts are ready and all rectification costs will be borne by Honda Malaysia.

Vehicle owners can also check their vehicle’s product update status by calling Honda’s Toll Free number 1-800-88-2020 or visit any authorised Honda dealer.

The recall or "precautionary exercise" do not affect Honda’s current models.


Japan's Daicel to lift inflator output after Takata recalls

                TOKYO: Japan's Daicel Corp said it would boost production of air bag inflators to meet demand for the component at the heart of rival Takata Corp's quality problems, which have led to the recall of more than 20 million vehicles.

Daicel will hire about 100 workers in Japan as it increases capacity at its factory in Hyogo prefecture, western Japan, likely around the middle of this year, a spokesman said. The news was first reported in the Nikkei business daily on Tuesday.

Osaka-based Daicel would also consider adding production at its overseas factories, including in the United States, in anticipation of rising demand outside the replacement of Takata inflators.

The scale of the capacity expansion had yet to be decided and would depend on how many replacement inflators were needed.

The company's shares rose more than 2 percent in early morning trade, compared with a 0.8 percent rise in the benchmark Nikkei average. Takata's shares were down 1 percent.

With a 20 percent market share, Daicel is one of the world's largest makers of air bag inflators, the explosive device that allows bags to blow up in a fraction of a second. Five deaths have been linked to Takata's faulty inflators, which can spray metal shards.

Automakers including Takata's biggest customer, Honda Motor Co, have approached Daicel and others to supply inflators as Takata struggles to make replacement parts fast enough. Sweden's Autoliv has also said it will build additional inflator capacity to meet demand.


Singapore offers VEP reprieve to Malaysians

                SINGAPORE: Singapore will extend the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) validity period for Malaysian-registered vehicles until June 30 this year.

The extension was given to make it easier for Malaysian workers to remain here for an extended period amid the developing Covid-19 situation, said the republic’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) in its update on Facebook.

LTA observed that many Malaysian workers have chosen to remain in Singapore while Malaysia’s movement control order is in force.

The authority noted there is no need for Malaysian motorists to submit any application for this extension.

"They will, however, need to ensure they have sufficient value in their autopass cards for Singapore’s VEP fee, Reciprocal Road Charge (for foreign cars only), ERP charge and toll payments before driving out of Singapore.

"They should also update their vehicle insurance validity dates using the VEP digital service to cover the full duration of their stay in Singapore,” it said.

Malaysians here may visit www.onemotoring.com.sg to calculate the charges and update insurance validity.


Proton stands to gain from Geely's advanced tech

                KUALA LUMPUR: Zhejiang Geely Holdings Group's purchase of a stake in Proton Holdings Bhd is proving strategic as the national car maker will now be able to tap into advanced auto technology given the Chinese group's acquisition of Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler AG just last month.

There is now the prospect of sharing electrical car technologies since Proton has become part of a potentially lucrative and technologically-advanced auto group.

This includes international brands such as Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo cars and trucks, Lotus as well as London Taxi Cabs.

Geely bought Daimler as it is racing to build electric cars to meet tough Chinese emission standards and produce energy-efficient cars.

 A Geely dealership in Shanghai.

Geely believes that modern technology will propel the group to evolve into a technological giant at par with Google, Uber and set the stage for it to emerge as a technologically advanced vehicle manufacturer. With such technologies, the Chinese company can give other car makers a run for their money.

As for the purchase of Volvo by Geely in 2010, it is proof of Geely's ability to turn around the renowned but ailing Swedish auto maker. Having observed Volvo's evolution and a development as a carmaker since the early days, an auto analyst remarked that modern-day Volvo cars have never been sexier, thanks to Geely's input.

Against such a backdrop, the question is why they also chose to acquire a 49.9 per cent stake in Proton.

While other potential buyers might have missed it, Geely saw the strategic importance and potential of acquiring Malaysia's national car maker. Geely is an ambitious and professional automotive group with a global outlook and it aims to make money out of its Proton investment.

Analysts say outsiders seem to have more faith in Proton that Malaysians themselves, which is why Geely should be given a chance to prove it could rehabilitate Proton into a profitable company.

 The Luqiao plant in China, owned by Zhejiang Geely Holdings but operated by Volvo Cars, will make Volvo’s new range of smaller 40-series CMA-based cars, as well as CMA-based cars for LYNK & CO, the new car brand launched in October by Geely Auto.

The Proton plant in Tanjung Malim is underused and Geely is targeting to ramp up production to a whopping 400,000 cars in 10 years to sell them to the domestic, regional and global markets.

With this target nailed down, Geely is working to ensure Proton's vendors, ecosystem and infrastructure support it.

Proton has huge hurdles to overcome and this includes changing attitudes among its workforce and suppliers. Vendors have to step up and offer parts that are competitively-priced. Sales and support networks have to improve to Geely standards.

Just as it had transformed Volvo, Geely is executing its action plans to make Proton stand tall and show up on the global grid.


Ford sales up in second quarter

                PETALING JAYA: Ford in Malaysia recorded a strong demand for the popular Ford Ranger pickup truck which fueled the second quarter retail sales up 7.5% from the prior year to 1,556 vehicles sold.

The strong sales helped the Ranger increase its share of the pickup segment to 15.4%, a gain of 1.1 percentage points from the same quarter last year.

“The ‘Built Ford Tough’ Ranger continues to earn the favour of customers across the country and builds on its growing success in the market,” said Managing Director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company, Truong Kim Phong.

The Ranger continues to be Ford’s best-selling nameplate in Malaysia and one of the best-selling pickups in the market, attracting a wide range of customers who are looking for a versatile vehicle that is suitable for both on-and off-road.

The Ranger is currently available in Malaysia in ten variants – including the high-series Ranger Wildtrak, Ranger FX4, XLT, XL and Standard variants – providing great customer choice and meeting a wide-range of work and recreational needs.

Ford and Sime Darby Auto Connexion have continued to expand the nationwide dealer network this year with the opening of two new facilities in East Malaysia, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kuching) and Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kota Kinabalu).


French firm Valeo aiming to make buses bubbles of clean air

                PARIS: French automotive supplier Valeo has developed an air steriliser for bus and coach cabins, which can eliminate more than 95% of viruses. The next step will be to adapt the new device, which Valeo describes as a "health shield," to automobiles.

The company claims that its new steriliser, which makes use of ultraviolet light, is the most powerful of its kind for bus and coach cabins. The unit can eliminate more than 95% of viruses, including Covid-19, as well as bacteria and mold particles circulating in the air inside vehicles.

Designed to be in permanent operation when passengers are onboard, it will offer reassurance to travellers worried about the possibility of coming in contact with contagious diseases.

The UV Purifier, as it has been christened, can easily be integrated into standard air-conditioning systems, which stand to benefit from its use of ultraviolet light to kill germs and bacteria in the air.

Valeo has announced that the solution has already been tested and approved by the Institute of Medical Virology at the Goethe University Hospital in Frankfurt and that the first units have now been installed in a number of buses by a coach builder in Brazil.

The new technology will soon be adapted for use in automobiles, which already have existing air-filtration systems that are effective against air pollution as well as germs and viruses from outside the vehicle cabin.


How manufacturers are rethinking airbags for a safer driving future

                BERLIN: The number of cars on the road is still growing but figures show that fewer fatal accidents are happening worldwide since vehicles are getting safer all the time.

Airbags in particular have cut driver and passenger deaths drastically. They have also reduced the number of serious crash-related injuries.

Existing inflatables are very good but not perfect and around the world manufacturers are busy coming up with improved airbags in order to maintain and improve their lifesaving benefits.

Mobis, a subsidiary of carmaker Hyundai, has developed the world's first panorama sunroof airbag system. It reduces injuries by preventing passengers from being thrown out of the car roof in a roll-over accident.

"It means we can protect the occupants from serious head injuries," says press spokesman Bernhard Voss.

When sensors detect a change in the turning angle of the vehicle due to a roll-over accident, the inflator deploys the airbag within a fraction of a second - in 0.08 seconds to be precise.

The cushion is built into the sunroof and inflated by gas. It covers the entire roof surface of the vehicle.

Hyundai said tests with dummies went well although there is no word on when the device might find its way into a production car.

The new centre airbag from Audi will be available in the flagship A8 limousine from this autumn, the Ingolstadt maker says. It was designed by German component manufacturer ZF based in Friedrichshafen.

The airbag unfolds from the upper inside of the seat backrest and prevents occupants from being knocked against each other in a crash. It also provides protection to the head and neck, both of which are very prone to trauma.

Expensive cars can have anything up to a dozen different airbags fitted, yet manufacturers still find gaps in the level of protection. The focus is now on serious person-to-person contact injuries and far-side occupant injuries.

Airbags on the outside of cars are another idea to save the lives of pedestrians and bicyclists although there has been little innovation in this field in recent years.

Volvo took the car world by surprise in 2012 when it introduced the five-door V40 with the world's first external airbags. The airbag deploys from a cavity at the base of the windscreen and extends upwards from the car's bonnet to reduce the impact in the event of a collision.

The advent of autonomous cars is a challenge for carmakers since the occupants of robot vehicles are freed of driving tasks and will tend to move around more inside during a journey. It cannot be taken for granted that all the occupants face forward and are restrained by seat belts.

"As long as we cannot guarantee accident-free traffic conditions, we will need airbags to in order to ensure safety", says Simon Horn from ZF. Human drivers are going to be around for a long time to come and safety systems still have their place.

Renault design chief Laurens van den Acker believes airbags will prove to be dispensable in the long-run. He predicts crash-proof world where autonomous cars are infallible.


2017 Toyota Corolla Altis arrives

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd is offering the upgraded the 2017 Toyota Corolla Altis, which comes in three variants: 2.0V, 1.8G and Altis 1.8E.

Two new exterior colours – Phantom Brown Metallic and Red Mica Metallic – join the four existing choices of White Pearl CS, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic and Attitude Black.

Imported from Thailand, all variants have a black theme for the cabin.

Seven airbags (driver, passenger, driver knee, sides and curtains airbag) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are standard in all variants of the Corolla Altis.

Also standard are VSC, together with Traction Control (TRC), that helps to neutralise skidding, especially when cornering, and also improves stability during sudden lane-change manoeuvres.

All variants also come with driver and passenger seatbelt reminders, ISOFIX points, front and rear parking sensors, seatbelts with pretensioner and force limiter, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

On the exterior, changes to the Corolla Altis include new front and rear bumpers with a new grille design.

All variants now come standard with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).

The new Corolla Altis has a comprehensive security system that consists of an engine immobiliser, cabin motion sensor, tilt sensor and a siren with back-up battery.

Its suspension has re-engineered front and rear absorbers to provide a supple ride and responsive handling.

Noise reduction measures have been taken for better cabin quietness.

Improvements were made on the dash panel inner silencer, front door trim, inner weather strip, front door clips and floor carpet layer to suppress road noise.

The 2.0 litre (3ZR-FE) and 1.8 litre (2ZR-FE) engines are maintained with 16-valve DOHC with Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence).

The engines are mated to a CVT with 7-speed Sport Sequential Shiftmatic Mode.

In addition, Sport Mode is available across all grades which help to maintain higher rpm for a sportier, direct and fun driving.

Features such as smart entry and start system are standard, and the 8-way power seat for the driver, auto fold outer rear view mirrors, electro chromic mirror and cruise control are exclusive for the 2.0V.

LED headlamps in a slim housing are fitted to Corolla Altis 2.0V while all variants now come standard with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs).

Reverse Link Tilt Down wing mirrors have been added for the 2.0V and 1.8G.

Functioning automatically, wing mirrors tilt down when in reverse mode to enhance rear visibility and help ease backing up.

17-inch alloy rims are standard for Corolla Altis 2.0V while the Corolla Altis 1.8G and 1.8E cruise with 16-inch alloy rims design with black painted accents.

The Corolla Altis 2.0V and 1.8G come with an Optitron meter combination with 4.2-inch colour Multi-Info Display (MID).

Also, air conditioner switches have been changed to a toggle type for easy operation with chrome-plated ornamentation for a high-quality feel.


Euro-spec Nissan X-Trail to be unveiled on Sept 6

                PARIS: Europe would finally be getting the new Nissan X-Trail. The SUV will be making its digital European premiere tomorrow at 5pm (Malaysian time).

Nissan described the new X-Trail as "a bold evolution of the intrepid crossover" that has been around for 22 years.

The fourth-generation X-Trail made its first appearance at the 2021 Auto Shanghai and went on sale immediately in China.

It was only launched in Japan in July 2022 and is only available there with the e-Power series hybrid powertrain with optional e-4orce electric four-wheel drive, and optional three-row seating.

The X-Trail to be sold in Europe would similarly come with e-4orce and e-Power, priming it for electrified family adventures.

 The X-Trail for Japan.


This insurer actually wants to cover higher risk drivers

                SINGAPORE: Budget Direct Insurance is going against the grain by offering a new car insurance product aimed at motorists who have had multiple accidents and/or claims.

Named Higher Risk Car Insurance, the contrarian plan is designed for drivers struggling to get car insurance cover in Singapore due to their accident and/or claim history.

Generally, motorists who have had two or more at-fault accidents and/or claims within the last three years would be considered high risk by most insurers and may therefore have a hard time getting car insurance coverage.

According to the online insurer, the launch of their Higher Risk Car Insurance product, would help give such motorists a second chance to get back on the road as soon as possible.

''We're very pleased that we're able to launch this new product aimed at giving higher risk motorists another chance to get back behind the wheel quickly and easily," said Budget Direct Insurance CEO Simon Birch.

"We all deserve a second chance, and this new affordable plan can be a lifeline for some motorists who may otherwise find themselves unable to get coverage."

The digital award-winning insurer currently offers the cheapest comprehensive car insurance plans in Singapore, according to an independent consumer study by research firm, ValueChampion.

One way it keeps its premiums down, said the insurer, is by covering only safer drivers thereby minimising claims and ensuring lower premiums for all its customers.

Their new Higher Risk Car Insurance, however, would be a separate product designed specifically for motorists who have had two or three at-fault accidents and/or claims within the last three years prior to applying for insurance.

Their Higher Risk Comprehensive Car Insurance plan offers a similar level of cover and protection as the standard Budget Direct Comprehensive Car Insurance policy, with options for the customer to add on extra benefits and customise their cover to suit their needs and their budget.

Optional benefits available with the Higher Risk Car Insurance plan include 24 hours roadside assistance, medical expenses for the driver and passengers, and the choice of any workshop for car repairs.

The flexible Higher Risk Car Insurance policy provides motorists with comprehensive coverage including liability to third parties and loss or damage to car due to fire, theft and flooding. The product currently does not offer Third-Party Fire and Theft and Third Party Only plans.

"The launch of our new product for so-called riskier drivers enables us to widen our net and help provide cheaper premiums to all drivers, not just those categorised as safer drivers," said Birch.

Budget Direct Insurance is part of an international group which provides insurance solutions for millions of policyholders worldwide. Their brands include EasyCompare in Thailand, Compare the Market in the UK, Budget Direct in Australia, and Telesure in South Africa.


Car parts inspire this Malaysian clothing line

                PETALING JAYA: Local fashion brand, STEP8IGHT, launched its latest collection titled Project-260, a minimalistic clothing line inspired by the coming together of car parts.

Created by the brand’s founder and Malaysian YouTuber, Phei Yong, the collection reflects his journey of achieving new milestones throughout his 10-year career.

Titled “Project-260”, the clothing line represented the 260-mile-long journey that Phei Yong took to travel from his hometown to the city he currently lives in to kickstart his career.

The Project-260 clothing line by STEP8IGHT was inspired by car parts and different terrains, a representation of the ups and downs experienced in the journey of pursuing one's dream.

Each piece in the collection was also numbered with co-ordinates of different towns and cities that Phei Yong had lived in.

 Phei Yong.

The designs of the buttons on each garment were inspired by car seatbelts, symbolising safety and the importance of taking calculated risks. At the same time, the brand also revealed its concept of freedom through the random label placements on the garments.

“Fashion is a form of artistic expression that has the power to tell impactful stories," said Phei Yong.

"Project-260 tells the story of my personal and professional journey which can be likened to driving a car, where at times conditions around us may force us to slow down when we want to speed up, while there are occasions when we need to keep going even when we prefer to remain stagnant.

"Hence, Project-260 is a collection designed to encourage ambitious and daring individuals to keep in step with their goals and dreams,” he said.

The Project-260 fashion show featured minimalist styles modelled by some of Malaysia’s top content creators and influencers, including May Ho, Brian See, Michiyo Ho and Elyn Leong.

Taking inspiration from the aesthetic of car parts, Project-260 is a streetwear collection that features simple yet refined modern designs.

The series is made up of achromatic colours that were chosen to symbolise dignity and purity that one should hold on to in the process of reaching one's ambitions.

At the same time, the collection’s various materials are selected to represent different road conditions and challenges faced in life, such as strong textures to represent the roughness of asphalt roads, smooth fabrics to represent slippery roads, and brown fabric to represent mountain trails.

The Project-260 fashion show by STEP8IGHT was held in Cycle & Carriage Mutiara Damansara.

“Cycle & Carriage is excited to support STEP8IGHT and Phei Yong as he begins his journey through craftsmanship and shaping the culture here in Malaysia," said Cycle & Carriage Malaysia CEO Thomas Tok.

"We remain committed to creating exceptional journeys and experiences for Malaysians, which includes elevating lifestyles through more ways beyond automotive services, and in this case, fashion.”


Your car is watching you: Who owns the data?

                WASHINGTON: If you're driving a late model car or truck, chances are that the vehicle is mostly computers on wheels, collecting and wirelessly transmitting vast quantities of data to the car manufacturer not just on vehicle performance but personal information, too, such as your weight, the restaurants you visit, your music tastes and places you go.

A car can generate about 25 gigabytes of data every hour and as much as 4,000 gigabytes a day, according to some estimates.

The data trove in the hands of car makers could be worth as much as US$750 billion by 2030, the consulting business McKinsey has estimated. But consumer groups, aftermarket repair shops and privacy advocates say the data belong to the car's owners and the information should be subject to data privacy laws.

Yet lawmakers in the US have yet to pass comprehensive federal data privacy legislation. And although US Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, has said he would like to see federal privacy legislation passed by the end of the year, it is unclear if that goal can be met.

The European Union has already ruled that data generated by cars belong to their owners and is subject to privacy rules under the EU's General Data Protection Regulations or GDPR. Automakers, meanwhile, are still trying to shape the outcome of state data privacy laws, including the one in California that goes into effect in January, but might be subject to amendment before then.

The California law's definition of personal information extends beyond what's generated by an individual to include household information, and gives consumers the right to obtain data collected on them, to stop third-party sales of that information, and to ask companies to delete their information.

The Auto Alliance, a trade group representing the world's largest car makers, has appealed to the state's attorney general, asking that the companies be allowed to provide only summary information to consumers as opposed to "specific pieces of personal information a business has collected about them," as the law requires.

Car companies track data by the vehicle identification number or VIN and "may have little insight into who was driving the vehicle at the time information was collected," the Alliance said in a March 8 letter to the California Justice Department.

If car makers were forced to provide consumers all information tied to a vehicle, it may lead to "stalking or harassment risks, endangering individual or public safety, or it may otherwise adversely impact the privacy rights of non-owners," the Alliance said. The group said a car may be used not only by the owner but the owner's spouse, ex-spouse, children and other guests.

The alliance also said allowing car owners the right to opt out of their information being shared with third parties could hurt consumers.

Automakers often rely on third-party providers for emergency and roadside assistance services, and curbing the flow of information to those companies could be detrimental to safety, the Alliance said.

Joseph Jerome, policy counsel for privacy and data at the Center for Democracy and Technology, a pro-civil liberties group, said California needs to clarify how the state law would be implemented, but car companies should not be excluded or given broad latitude in how data privacy rules apply to them.

"Specific exclusion for cars wouldn't make a whole lot of sense, and we wouldn't advocate for that," Jerome said. CDT, a nonprofit advocacy group, has proposed its version of a federal data privacy bill that broadly mirrors provisions in the European and California laws.

Even as the car companies are trying to shape the outcome in California, a trade group representing aftermarket mechanics and repair shops says their members could be cut off from maintenance work if automakers keep all the vehicle performance data to themselves.

As cars collect and share performance data with automakers, "what happens if the mechanic down the street, who has been servicing your car for years, can't get that data from the vehicle manufacturer?" asked Bill Hanvey, CEO of Auto Care Association, a trade group that represents about 235,000 repair stores.

As of now, third-party mechanics are still able to access car performance data under a 2014 memorandum of understanding between repair shops and car makers. That agreement was reached after a law passed in Massachusetts guaranteed the right of independent repair facilities to access the same data as is available to a car dealership.

The data being collected by a car's computers can be downloaded through the onboard diagnostics port typically located under the dashboard on the driver's side of the car. But most modern cars have wireless systems that can transmit the telematics data to the manufacturer. Consumer Reports magazine estimated that 32 of 44 brands offered some form of wireless data connection in their 2018 model-year cars.

By 2030 all cars on the road could be equipped with such data transmission systems, said Aaron Lowe, senior vice president at Auto Care.

If all data can flow wirelessly to the manufacturer, it's likely the car maker could get rid of the physical data port, said Dwayne Myers of Dynamic Auto, a Frederick, Md.-based repair chain. "Right now I still can access the data port, but I know they want to get rid of the data port, and that's what's worrying."

In such a scenario, aftermarket mechanics may either be charged more to access the data, a fee that would be passed on to car owners, or be completely cut off from the information necessary to do repairs. That would cripple the industry that handles maintenance for three out of four cars on the road, Myers said.

"Car owners will always be free to choose their auto repair shop," Scott Hall, a spokesman for the Auto Alliance said. Car companies "have and will continue to provide independent repair shops with the data they need to diagnose and repair consumer vehicles," as per the 2014 agreement, he said.

Automakers say they are abiding by a voluntary set of guidelines they adopted in 2014 that provides car owners with notice and choice on what information is being collected and how it's used, minimizes data retention, and provides reasonable security measures to safeguard data.

But privacy and consumer advocates say it's unclear how the principles have worked in practice and whether the voluntary guidelines are sufficient to address new concerns.

The automakers' principles do not, for example, mention how they handle data requests from law enforcement agencies, Jerome from CDT said.


Volkswagen Malaysia's Halloween treat

                PETALING JAYA: Just in time to get spooked for Halloween, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) present the animated Night of the Living Arteon on YouTube.

VPCM had invited the participation of audiences on its Instagram page to choose how the story ends.

VPCM then announced that a total of 800 people cast their votes and 489 (61%) chose to fight the Pontianak (the local version of the vampire).

You can also watch last year's animated story, The Legend of the Yellow Beetle.


Mazda starts production of MX-5 Miata RF

                HIROSHIMA: Mazda has started production of the 2017 MX-5 Miata RF retractable hardtop (known as Roadster RF in Japan) on Tuesday at its plant here. Production began with models bound for North American and European markets, where sales launches begin from early 2017. In Japan, the MX-5 RF will go on sale later this year.

An extension of the MX-5 family, the MX-5 RF features fastback styling with a smooth roofline that slopes down to the rear end, and its unique rear roof and retractable back window offer a new open-air feeling. The power roof can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 10kph with the press of a button, and the roof is stowed compactly and efficiently in a limited space. Despite its fastback styling and hardtop roof, the MX-5 RF offers the same amount of trunk space as the soft-top model.

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The model will feature either the SKYACTIV-G 1.5 or SKYACTIV-G 2.0 petrol engine, depending on the market. The North American model will have the SKYACTIV-G 2.0.

Production of the MX-5 reached 1 million units on April 22. The model is highly acclaimed, boasting over 280 automotive awards from around the world, including being the first vehicle to win World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year in the same year at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.

In the United States, where there is a huge MX-5 following, the first 1,000 units will be known as the MX-5 RF Launch Edition. It's the same iteration of the car that was revealed to the world at the 2016 New York International Auto Show. It showcases a Machine Gray exterior paint, a black roof, interior Auburn Nappa leather, and a special launch edition scuff plate badge. Regular production 2017 MX-5 RF vehicles will not be made available in this colour combination.


All new Honda Jazz inspired by F1 Hybrid

                LONDON: When the all-new Jazz launches later this year in the UK it will drive advanced Honda hybrid innovation from the race track to the road.

Using engineering expertise from its motorsport team, Honda is drawing knowledge from its Formula 1 Hybrid Power Unit (PU) programme to improve the energy efficiency of the brand's e:HEV hybrid system.

The latest road-going beneficiary of this technology is the all-new Jazz.

Its e:HEV hybrid system recycles energy and harnesses it to charge the battery and support engine output, for strong performance, seamless switching between drive modes and maximum efficiency.

It consists of two compact, powerful electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and an innovative fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit, which all work harmoniously together to provide a smooth and direct response.

The advanced e:HEV hybrid set-up seamlessly selects from three interchangeable drive modes:

EV Drive: the lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric propulsion motor directly.

Hybrid Drive: the engine supplies power to the electric generator motor, which in turn supplies it to the electric propulsion motor.

Engine Drive: the petrol engine is connected directly to the wheels via a lock-up clutch and driveforce is transmitted directly from engine to the wheels.

In most urban driving situations, optimum efficiency is achieved through seamless transitions between EV Drive and Hybrid Drive.

For driving at highway speeds, Engine Drive is used, supplemented by an on-demand peak power ‘boost’ from the electric propulsion motor for fast acceleration.

In Hybrid Drive, excess power from the petrol engine can also be diverted to recharge the battery via the generator motor.

EV Drive is also engaged when the car is decelerating, harvesting energy through regenerative braking to recharge the battery.

Rather than using a conventional transmission, Jazz is equipped with a newly-developed Electronically  ontrolled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT) with a single fixed-gear ratio to create a direct connection between moving components.

The result is a smooth and reassuring transfer of torque with a linear feel during acceleration across all drive modes.


Bermaz Auto poised for growth with Kia and Peugeot in hand

                PETALING JAYA: Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto) is optimistic of growth opportunities for Peugeot and Kia cars in Malaysia, although the task is challenging given the Covid-19-ravaged economic environment, says the group’s executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh (pic).

“We are embarking on a new journey to re-launch two very familiar brands in Malaysia – Peugeot and Kia. These brands used to be very popular and we need to re-engage existing customers to give them confidence that as a new custodian, we are committed to ensuring that their ownership experience would be better and we will drive down their ownership cost, ” Yeoh tells StarBizWeek.

BAuto, which distributes Mazda vehicles and spare parts in Malaysia and the Philippines, had been in talks over the past few months to secure a collaboration with South Korean car manufacturer Kia Motors Corp after the Naza Group confirmed late last year it will be relinquishing its Kia and Peugeot businesses.

The negotiations resulted in BAuto successfully announcing a partnership earlier this month with Kia Motors, which would see a new company – Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd (KMSB) – assemble Kia vehicles in Malaysia.

The Kia Seltos B-segment sport utility vehicle (SUV) and Kia Carnival multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) are slated to start production under the new set up within the next two years, while a third model will be determined at a later stage.

Kia Motors stated that it intends for KMSB to be the regional manufacturing hub for Asean countries and other potential markets.

BAuto and Kia Motors would hold 33.33% and 66.67% stakes in KMSB respectively.

BAuto will fund its portion of its 33.33% of the share capital of KMSB of RM20mil from internally generated funds.

BAuto’s subsidiary, Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd (DJMSB), was appointed as the new distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia.

Dinamikjaya holds the right to distribute and sell Kia vehicles, sell genuine parts as well as provide after-sales services.

Securing the Kia partnership was another feather in the cap for BAuto after its 20% associate Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) was awarded the sole distributorship of Peugeot cars as well as after-sales and spare parts distribution for Peugeot, Citroen and DS cars in Malaysia by Groupe PSA in December 2020.

BAASB is a jont-venture company formed by Berjaya Corp Bhd (51% stake) and Bermaz Auto.

Previously, Naza Group was the sole distributor for the three French vehicle marques.

Yeoh said BAuto’s key focus will be to upskill the whole Peugeot and Kia dealer network from sales to after-sales, to meet the growing demand from customers and fulfilling their expectations.

“As an organisation committed to fulfilling our obligation to customers through a good ownership experience, we believe that we can reposition the brand value and create better sales volume through the process.

“Today’s customer’s preference will be on products that are environmental-friendly with high safety standards, good levels of connectivity and autonomous features, ” he says.

Regarding sales targets, Yeoh says the plan is to grow the Peugeot and Kia brands at a steady pace, and the first priority is to address all the legacy issues pertaining to the poor after-sales and unavailability of parts.

BAuto plans to address Peugeot’s after-sales service issues “with new programmes for service maintenance and warranty, which will ensure a better ownership experience, similar to our current practice, ” says Yeoh.

He notes that the Kia brand also faces some legacy issues which needs immediate attention.

“The current dealerships have been advised to take active measures to improve the situation.

“We will, on our part, continue to assist in upskilling the dealer network, to ensure better engagement with the customers, ” says Yeoh.

As for vehicle production and upcoming launches, Yeoh said Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM), which is now under the control of the Stellantis Group, will continue with the completely-knocked-down (CKD) production of the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, and the new 2008 which will be launched in the last quarter of 2021.

“Kia’s growth will be on CKD activities and competitive products, ” says Yeoh.

The assembly of Kia cars will be contracted to the Inokom Plant in Kedah, which has excess production capacity, with production targetted at 5,000 cars annually in 2022 and 2023.

“The local production will also involve localisation activities involving our local parts vendors.

“Hopefully, this will expose our vendors to new manufacturing technology with possible joint ventures and technical collaboration between South Korean vendors and our vendors. These additional manufacturing activities will have a positive economic impact, particularly for the Northern region, ” says Yeoh.

“Kia cars production volume will increase with the introduction of new CKD models in 2023 and 2024, ” he added.

Regarding the Mazda brand, Yeoh points out it is relatively established as BAuto has been the distributor for the last 12 years, and the group enjoys strong Mazda owners’ support with high retention factor.

“For 2021 Mazda sales outlook, we are looking at about 13,000 units in the domestic market, ” says Yeoh, adding that possible future growth would come from new CKD and completely-built-up (CBU) models.

Regarding car exports, Yeoh points out that Mazda and Peugeot cars are presently exported to Asean countries through Mazda Malaysia Sdn Bhd and the Stellantis Group respectively.

“For Kia vehicles, we are also planning to export to Asean countries in the near future through the joint-venture company, ” he says.

Meanwhile, research analysts are positive on BAuto’s partnership with Kia Motors.

MIDF Research in a report says the new venture maintains an asset-light structure with BAuto only taking a minority 33% stake in the capital expenditure (capex)-intensive assembly unit under KMSB, whereas for the capex-light, highly cash-generative distribution business under DJMSB, BAuto takes a controlling 65% stake (the remaining 35% stake is held by original promoters of the company).

“This is broadly similar to the existing structure it has with its joint venture with Mazda.

“The former involves a total equity investment of RM60mil (BAuto’s portion: RM20mil), while the latter involves an investment of RM3.25mil for BAuto’s 65% stake, ” says the research unit.

In terms of distribution, there is currently a 34-strong dealer network carrying the Kia brand.

MIDF Research also opines that over the mid-term (within four to five years), the Kia venture might match or even exceed the sales volume of BAuto’s Mazda operations (around 10,000 to 12,000 units per annum).

The research unit adds that it is possible for DJMSB to be profitable within the first year of operations (financial year ending April 30,2022 or FY22), based on a targeted 2,000 to 2,500 units FY22 sales.

It notes that as a yardstick, BAuto’s Mazda operations turned in profit after tax (PAT) per car of RM6,400 to RM7,500 during its early years of operation between FY10 to FY13, while post FY13 after its maiden CKD CX5 model was launched, PAT per car rose to an average RM12,200 (ranges between RM7,900 to RM16,000 per car).

“Taking the mean of the pre- and post-CKD PAT per car trend and applying a 10% discount (assuming BAuto generates lower margins from Kia models), we derive a conservative RM8,500 per car PAT margin assumption for the Kia venture, ” says MIDF Research.

It adds that DJMSB can potentially generate a PAT of RM17mil to RM21mil for FY22 (or profit after taxation and minority interests (Patami) of RM11mil to RM14mil based on BAuto’s 65% stake), thus implying a 12% to 15% PAT impact (8% to 10% Patami impact) in its first year of operations.

The impact should grow even more meaningful once DJMSB reaches 7,000 to 10,000 annual sales, at 41% to 59% PAT impact (27% to 38% Patami impact), according to MIDF Research.


Mercedes-Benz to offer electric option for every car by 2022

                FRANKFURT: Daimler’s chief executive Dieter Zetsche today said Mercedes-Benz will offer electric versions of all its models by 2022, converting its Smart city car brand to become fully electric.

Speaking at the company’s investor day in Sindelfingen, Germany, Daimler said it will offer at least 50 electrified versions of Mercedes-Benz passenger cars in hybrid and fully electric car variants.

The Smart brand will stop offering combustion engined variants altogether in 2020.

Because electric cars have a lower margin than combustion-engine cars, Daimler has set itself a more ambitious savings target. The company’s Fit for Leadership 4.0 plan targets savings of 4 billion euros (RM20bil), Daimler said.

Electric cars at first may only earn half the margin of equivalent vehicles with combustion engines.

 smart vision EQ for two.

The company’s Mercedes-Benz brand is preparing to launch the “EQ” electric car, which shares the underpinnings of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, a model that sells at a rate of around 1,000 cars a day. If the EQ proves popular, profits could take a hit initially, Daimler said.

“In the beginning of the cycle we believe that we will have to face a significantly lower margin. For some vehicles half of the margin of the vehicles they replace,” Frank Lindenberg, Vice President of Finance and Controlling at Mercedes-Benz Cars, said.

Daimler will produce the GLC and the EQ at the same plant, allowing it to adjust production of electric cars in line with demand. A rapid switch to electric cars may prevent it from meeting its return on sales target, Lindenberg said.

“We are still aiming for a 10 percent return on sales, but have to be prepared for a kind of transition, with a corridor of 8 to 10 percent,” he said.

As part of the cost savings plan, Daimler wants to save 1 billion euros from fixed costs, and another billion from research and development and capital expenditure. The remainder would come mainly from product costs.

Daimler said that by 2025, the purchasing cost of electric cars would likely reach parity with combustion equivalents, which could accelerate migration to battery powered vehicles.

Electric cars are currently more expensive than combustion-engined cars because of battery costs.

One way for Daimler to lower costs would be to purchase a larger proportion of electric components from suppliers rather than making substantial parts of the car in-house, said Zetsche.

“Our vertical integration could be reduced significantly,” he said. “In-house production is almost irrelevant to the customer,” he added, noting many compact Mercedes models were sold with Renault engines, without prompting complaints.

Mercedes still builds a large part of its gearboxes and engines in house.

One way to boost profits of electric cars in future could be to charge handsomely for autonomous driving functions that are increasingly being introduced as the technology advances.

“You will be able to also one day have a computer chauffeur,” head of research and development Ola Kaellenius forecast.


June 22-28: RON97 petrol price dips 3 sen to RM2.38


Bosch Automotive Aftermarket unveils World Cup-theme contest

                PETALING JAYA: Bosch Automotive Aftermarket is revving up the World Cup 2022 fever with a contest offering great prizes.

From Nov 18 to Dec 18, play the #BoschJaguhBola game on Instagram and stand a chance to win your very own original jersey plus other amazing prizes.

All participants need to do are:

1. Search for the #BoschJaguhBola filter on Instagram

2. Avoid obstacles and catch as many Bosch products as you can to rack up a high score

3. Share the video as an IG story, tag two friends and upload your video to Instagram with the hashtag #BoschJaguhBola. Remember to tag @BoschAutoparts_MY and make your account public

Five high scorers stand a chance to win an original Adidas ’22 Home Men’s Jersey (random country) while sixth to tenth place winners will receive a Bosch C7 Battery Charger each.

Twenty consolation prize winners will also be chosen to win Shopee vouchers worth RM50 each.

For more information, visit https://www.instagram.com/boschautoparts_my/


Proton to have more used car outlets

                SHAH ALAM: Proton aims to have 36 used car outlets nationwide in 2020.

The new Used Car Management (UCM) division was started in 2019, to support new car sales and manage resale value for Proton cars.

The new division started with a pilot project consisting of eight outlets located in various dealerships.

“With Proton’s sales growing quickly and expected to increase over the coming years, the role of used car management has become more important as we assist customers who need to dispose of their used vehicles. When we started the UCM division in 2019 the goals set were to support new car sales and to improve the resale value of Proton cars,” explained Brian Cheah, head of UCM, Proton.

The target set for UCM is for replacement sales, where a current owner trades in a Proton model for a new one, to account for a minimum of 10% of the volume for outlets with UCM operations.

The company has also established programmes to help achieve the target such as Proton Xchange, designed to encourage current owners to replace their current cars with the newest Proton model.

Regarding the sale of trade-ins, cars sold by UCM will be marketed under the Proton Certified Pre-Owned (PCPO) banner.

All PCPO vehicles undergo a comprehensive 201-point inspection and are guaranteed to have never suffered any flood or major accident structural damage.

They also get a 1-year extended warranty covering the engine and transmission and are eligible for a one-time free service (engine oil and oil filter only), up to 6 months after their registration date.

“In the future, UCM will set up a dedicated Proton used car portal with an online selling platform to attract tech-savvy used car buyers. Potential customers will be able to view our stock remotely and they can also browse the website to get estimated valuations for their current cars,” added Cheah.

Pilot UCM outlets have helped dealers to achieve more sales.

Despite being relatively new to the market, Proton’s UCM outlets have already had a positive impact.

“We started the UCM program in October 2019 and it has helped our sales advisors to close deals as we can now offer competitive trade-in value for used Proton cars,” said Ryan Lai, Managing Director of LHM One Stop Car Service Centre, a Proton 4S outlet in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.

Judith Yam, managing director of Atiara Johan, a Proton 4S outlet in Puchong, Selangor, shares the sentiment.

“Atiara Johan was selected as the first authorized Proton UCM outlet in June 2019. Since it was established, it boosted our sales by offering special incentives for customers who are current Proton owners. To date, we have recorded over 130 trade-in transactions with our customers expressing satisfaction for what they see as a value-added service that allows them to easily purchase a new Proton,” she said.


How head-up displays are making driving safer and less taxing

                MUNICH/STUTTGART: Arrows point in the direction of the upcoming bend and the car’s speed flashes up. This information seems to be appearing far in front of the car, but in reality it’s being projected onto the windshield.

The illusion created by the augmented reality head-up display (AR-HuD) is perfect. The virtual and real worlds merge, and the driver receives useful information without having to take their eyes off the road. Soon, these systems should be able to do even more.

Using a combination of holography and augmented reality, start-up Wayray wants to project holograms onto windshields using lasers. The display is to be around ten times larger than previous systems.

In addition to the course of the road, pedestrians, cyclists, traffic signs or advertisements can be graphically and colourfully displayed over the entire surface of the windshield. The first cars with this technology are expected to hit the market in 2025.

The system follows your eyes

"Animations dance in front of the car and move analogously, controlled by the viewer's line of sight," says Wayray CEO Vitaly Ponomarev.

The projected objects can be made to appear very close or far away.

Compact laser technology in the vehicle floor makes this novel AR experience possible. From there, the red-green-blue light beam travels to the dashboard where an optical system develops the holograms and projects them onto a special photopolymer film in the windshield.

The MBUX infotainment system found in some Mercedes cars also includes an optional head-up display with AR. The car maker spent around five years developing the system, which has so far been used in the S-Class and its electric counterpart, the EQS.

"To avoid overwhelming drivers, only the most necessary information is superimposed in the field of vision, such as current speed, navigation information, driving assistance information or speed limits," says Mercedes engineer Pedro Ribeiro Monteiro.

The names of callers, streets or radio stations can also be displayed.

The Mercedes system requires a lot of space, which there's more of in the larger S-Class car than in an A-Class. Future systems would need to be smaller, while offering a larger image and additional functions to help drivers with their tasks.

"In curves, a wide image would help the pilot, but displays on the side windows are also conceivable," Monteiro says, referring to future autonomous vehicles.

Entertainment on the side window

Wayray also sees potential for side window holograms with information and content. According to Vitaly Ponomarev, any transparent surface can be transformed into an augmented reality display, including the living room windows at home.

Volkswagen has already introduced an AR-HuD system into the compact car segment as part of the optional equipment in electric models such as the ID.3 and ID.4.

"The ergonomic advantages noticeably increase driving comfort," says Alexander Kunze, specialist for AR systems at Volkswagen.

"The cognitive effort required to interpret the information shown is reduced because the respective cues appear virtually at their reference point in the road environment.”

Hints on navigation, distance or keeping in lane are only displayed when they are needed and are shown visually in a distant area that appears to be 10 metres away.

Below that is another display band with static information that seems to hover three metres away.

However, developers will not be able to fully replace physical displays with virtual ones. In many countries the law stipulates that all essential information must be visible at all times. This includes, for example, all warning and function lights.


Researchers find possible replacement for rare earth in magnets

                LONDON: Scientists may have discovered a method for making magnets used in wind turbines and electric cars without the rare-earth metals that are almost exclusively produced in China.

A team from the University of Cambridge and colleagues from Austria found a new way to make tetrataenite, a possible replacement for rare-earth magnets, according to a research paper from the university.

If the manufacturing process is proven to be commercially feasible, it could loosen China’s dominance of the rare-earth market where it accounts for over 80% of global supply.

US President Joe Biden earlier this year backed efforts to boost output of the critical materials, while the European Union’s foreign service this month said the bloc should diversify supply chains, including for rare-earth metals, away from China. In 2019, the Asian nation warned it could cut exports to hit back in its trade war with Washington.

It could be possible to produce tetrataenite, an iron-nickel alloy, at scale by adding the common element phosphorous, the researchers found. Previously, making tetrataenite — whose magnetic properties approach those of rare-earth magnets — in the laboratory relied on impractical methods, they said.

The researchers are hoping to work with major magnet manufacturers to determine whether tetrataenite could be suitable for high-performance magnets.

“Rare earth deposits exist elsewhere, but the mining operations are highly disruptive: you have to extract a huge amount of material to get a small volume of rare earths,” Lindsay Greer from Cambridge’s Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, who led the research, said in the paper.

“Between the environmental impacts, and the heavy reliance on China, there’s been an urgent search for alternative materials that do not require rare earths.”