2022: The year of steady EV growth in US, but barriers to buyers linger

                DETROIT: The new year is expected to bring steady growth in the electric-vehicle segment, still just a sliver of US sales, amid a federal push to accelerate the transition to zero-emissions vehicles.

Bullish EV forecasts follow a year that brought pivotal developments in the race to electrify America's vehicle fleet.

They have included announcements of tens of billions of dollars in new investments in products and manufacturing capacity, high-profile EV reveals, the launches of new models to challenge market leader Tesla Inc and the promise of federal investments in charging infrastructure.

"For electrified vehicles in general and EVs specifically, it bucked the trend of the year," said Cox Automotive executive analyst Michelle Krebs. "While overall sales were down, electrified and EV sales soared — from a small base, but percentage-wise, soared."

Most of that growth came from Tesla, but newcomers like Ford Motor Co are beginning to grab slices of the electrified pie with such products as the Mustang Mach-E. And in 2022, electrification is expected to gain more steam with a slate of new entries coming to market.

Automotive website Edmunds.com Inc estimates EV market share in the United States will climb to 4% next year, and surpass 600,000 units for the first time.

"I think it's going to be another strong year for electrified vehicles," Krebs said, "in an overall improved market."

Still, a tipping point in EV adoption in the US isn't expected until closer to mid-decade. Lingering supply-chain issues, consumer wariness about EV pricing, batteries and charging, and uncertainty about additional federal support pose potential roadblocks to hitting ambitious targets from the Biden administration and automakers themselves.

Consumer acceptance grows

All-electric vehicles remain a small share of overall car sales in the US. They made up just 0.4% of the total registered vehicle fleet in the country in 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

But in the third quarter of 2021, the most recent period for which data was available, Kelley Blue Book reported the highest level of interest in electrified vehicles it had ever seen: Nearly 1 in 4 new-vehicle shoppers considered either a hybrid or all-electric vehicle.

And despite a global computer chip shortage that dragged down auto production and sales this year, the US notched more than 1 million sales of hybrids and battery electrics by the end of the third quarter, reaching their highest-ever share of the market at 10%, according to KBB.

Meanwhile, global consulting firm AlixPartners LLP conducted a consumer survey earlier this year that found that the number people who are very likely to buy a battery-electric as their next vehicle has more than doubled in the past two years, from 11% to 25% globally and from 5% to 19% in the US.

Experts chalk up recent growth in the segment to the launch of new models by companies that previously weren't in the electric space, and greater willingness among US consumers to consider something other than an internal combustion engine.

Though Tesla continues to dominate the market, the past year saw new entrants in the US from Ford with the Mach-E, Volkswagen with the ID.4, the launch of startup Rivian's R1T electric truck and GMC Hummer EV pickup deliveries beginning this month.

But EVs also saw some setbacks. General Motors Co recalled every Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV ever made, more than 141,000, for battery fire risk in August, halting the sale of its only EV models currently in the market. The automaker is now working to replace battery modules on the recalled vehicles and is keeping the Bolt plant down through February.

"Tesla has been the name of EVs for the past decade, and they're going to continue to be a strong player, but we're seeing finally some more viable products coming into the market from the traditional manufacturers," said Mike Fiske, associate director of research and analysis, automotive, powertrain and compliance for data firm IHS Markit.

The introduction of new EV models has opened options for Evan Gerstein, 28, of Chicago and his parents, Mark and Julie, who want to go electric for environmental reasons but aren't fans of Tesla's designs. Gerstein, though sticking with his gas-powered Audi for now, plans to eventually buy an EV, and in the meantime is helping his parents make the transition.

With the warranties up on their current vehicles and inventory shortages making it a prime time to sell, the Gersteins are considering an Audi e-tron SUV and perhaps the Porsche Taycan. They're weighing battery range options, and leaning toward buying new so they can take advantage of the US$7,500 (RM31,380) federal tax credit for certain EV models.

"The cars are here now," Gerstein said. "It's no longer just Tesla."

Binesh Patel, 48, of Bingham Farms, who married into a loyal Ford family, had been waiting for the Dearborn automaker to introduce an all-electric option. He got his wish, and in November he switched out his Lincoln Continental for a Mach-E GT.

Going electric has allowed him to cut out twice-weekly stops at the gas station to fuel up for his hour-long commute to Flint.

"I love it. The best thing I can say about the car is when you make a turn, the acceleration that you can immediately get on that turn feels like... a catapult around the corner," said Patel. "I'm already excited for the next Ford electric vehicle that I'll get in three years."

Automakers go all in

2021 was the year that Detroit automakers signalled they were all in on electrification, as President Joe Biden pushed to speed up the pivot as a key part of his economic and climate agenda.

The White House earlier this year set a goal, endorsed by the Detroit automakers, of 50% of new vehicle sales being EVs by 2030.

The Environmental Protection Agency this month released final auto emissions rules that would see reduction targets for 2023 to 2026 increase in stringency from 5% to 10% in each model year to reach a fuel-economy fleetwide average of 40 mpg in 2026. The EPA projects the new rules will accelerate consumer adoption of plug-in hybrids and EVs from 7% of sales for model-year 2023 to 17% for 2026.

Biden also signed into law an infrastructure package that allocates US$7.5bil (RM31bil) for EV charging and more than US$7bil (RM29bil) for battery manufacturing, materials and recycling.

And though its fate is uncertain, a second legislative package would include EV incentives of up to US$12,500 (RM52,300) per vehicle and make GM and Tesla again eligible for tax credits after they hit the cap on the existing US$7,500 (RM31,380) incentive.

Meanwhile, auto companies underscored their commitment to going electric with massive investments. AlixPartners this year reported that the industry's planned investment in electrification, which it looks at on a rolling five-year basis, jumped from roughly US$200 bil (RM836bil) globally to US$330bil (RM1.3 trillion).

GM plans to invest US$35bil (RM146bil) in electric and autonomous vehicles by 2025, with the goal of ending the sale of gas- and diesel-powered vehicles by 2035. Ford is investing more than US$30bil (RM125bil) into EVs through 2025.

Stellantis NV plans to spend US$35.5bil (RM148bil) on electric vehicles and their software by 2025. And all three companies this year announced major investments in the EV supply chain.

"The inflection point in the money that the industry is putting in, it's definitely there," said Mark Wakefield, global co-leader of the automotive and industrial practice at AlixPartners.

Barriers remain

Still, experts say the United States remains well behind leading EV markets in China and Europe, and will not hit an inflection point in terms of consumer adoption until around mid-decade. In the meantime, the nation will have to overcome complicated hurdles.

Among them are consumers' lingering concerns about vehicle range, affordability and the availability of charging stations.

AlixPartners found through its recent survey that vehicle cost remains among the top three concerns consumers have about buying a battery-electric vehicle. In October, the average price for an EV was US$56,000 (RM234,304), Cox reported, more than 20% higher than the average transaction price of US$46,000 (RM192,464) for a new vehicle.

And experts expect the segment will continue to be dominated by higher-priced options in the near term. Cutting prices depends on manufacturers' ability to leverage better technologies and scale production — at the same time, mainstream consumers are unlikely to buy in until more affordable options exist. That's where experts say federal policy on incentives, infrastructure, the supply chain and sustainability regulations plays an important role in helping bridge the divide.

"It all has to work together for this to be successful. You just can't have automakers produce really cool EVs without plans for better infrastructure across the country," said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of insights for Edmunds. "It really all needs to be in tandem."

In addition to offering more affordable EVs, Fiske of IHS Markit said automakers must continue to invest heavily in the supply chain: "Seeing shovels in the ground and plans being announced for battery plants and battery capacity and new chemistries, these are all steps toward achieving those 2030 goals and beyond. But we're going to have to continue to see this kind of pace of development and spend."

Still, 2022 could be a pivotal year for electrification. IHS Markit expects to see 30 new EVs introduced next year, entrants that will give consumers more choices, spur competition and potentially chip away at Tesla's market share. And industry observers will be paying close attention to the launch of key products such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, a battery-electric version of the best-selling truck in America for decades running with a starting price of US$40,000 (RM167,360).

Experts say that once consumers get into an EV, they're very likely to stay in one.

Take, for example, Brad Bell, 31, of Kalamazoo, who opted to sell his Chevrolet Malibu earlier this year and buy his first EV, Tesla's Model 3 sedan.

"Barring any crazy financial hardships, I would never buy another gas car again," Bell said. "We're already talking about eventually getting rid of our minivan and looking into a Model Y." – The Detroit News/Tribune News Service


This is what the MINI VISION NEXT 100 looks like - VIDEO

                LONDON: Apart from what Rolls-Royce had to show here today, MINI also shared the limelight with its own ideals of what its future cars would look like.

The key idea behind the MINI VISION NEXT 100 is responsible use of resources for personal mobility.

The motto “Every MINI is my MINI” is about innovative car-sharing, with MINI fans of the future able to access and tailor any MINI to their own personal preferences, anywhere and at any time.

The MINI is viewed as being available to everybody at all times, picking drivers up autonomously from wherever they like and adjusting the car’s appearance, driving characteristics and connectivity to suit the user’s personal lifestyle.

The two cars, joined by BMW VISION NEXT 100, formed part of BMW's exhibition and event platform “Iconic Impulses. The BMW Group Future Experience.”. The BMW VISION NEXT 100 was unveiled at the Munich centenary celebrations on March 7.

A fourth Vision Vehicle, by BMW Motorrad, will premiere on Oct 16 in Los Angeles, completing the BMW Group’s brand quartet.

As the home of MINI and Rolls-Royce, Britain is the BMW Group’s fourth-largest market overall and its third-largest production base. It is the only market with a production base for all BMW Group brands, with MINI plants in Oxford and Swindon, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Goodwood and the BMW engine plant in Hams Hall. Since 2000, the BMW Group has invested almost £2 billion in the four British production facilities, and it sources £1.2 billion worth of goods and services from British suppliers.

Annual exports total £2.4 billion, with around 80 percent of British-made MINIs and 90 of Rolls-Royces built for customers outside Britain. The BMW Group and its sales network employ more than 24,000 people directly and support 50,000 jobs there.

As Europe’s only mega city, London is the ideal platform to unveil these solutions for tomorrow’s personal mobility needs, said BMW in a statement.


Mitsubishi offers up to RM17,000 cash back

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, is currently providing cash backs of up to RM17,000 for selected models.

From now until the end of March, Triton customers will receive a cash bonus of RM2,000 for the Athlete variant that's priced at RM126,990 and RM4,000 for the VGT MT at RM107,600.

An RM8,000 cash bonus is reserved for the Triton VGT Adventure X at RM126,990, VGT AT Premium at RM116,300, VGT AT GL at RM103,800, VGT MT at RM93,920 and Quest at RM77,390.

All Triton prices mentioned are on-the-road with GST without insurance and comes with a five-year or 200,000km warranty - except for the Triton Quest which comes furnished with a five-year or 100,000km warranty instead.

Customers opting for the Outlander sport utility vehicle (SUV) will receive a RM4,000 cash bonus, regardless of whether its the 2.0-litre variant at RM139,988 or 2.4-litre variant at RM155,000.

The mid-sized ASX SUV will entice with a cash bonus of RM15,000 for the ASX 2WD at RM119,900 and RM17,000 for the 4WD variant at RM134,300.

All Outlander and ASX models come with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage.


Monterey Car Week: a preview of the models set to be unveiled

                SAN FRANCISCO: As Monterey Car Week draws nearer, vehicle companies across the world continue to tease their upcoming reveals. Already, a handful of concept and production models are slated to make their first public appearances during the week's events.

This Friday marks the kick-off of California's annual Monterey Car Week, the temporary home of a unique collection of luxury vehicles, hot rods, and muscle cars from a wide span of decades. Not only does this event draw car enthusiasts from across the world to enjoy the various car shows, auctions, and sales of collectible vintage vehicle accessories or décor, but the week also gives manufacturers an opportunity to reveal new production and concept models in front of an excited crowd. Here are some of the cars expected to debut at the show next week:

Acura Type S Concept

After announcing last year that it would be bringing back its Type S performance car line, Acura teased a concept this week that will represent the next generation of the model. The car will be officially revealed on Aug 15 at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.

Lotus Evija

Though Lotus's first fully-electric hypercar -- the Evija -- was unveiled a few weeks ago, the company stated earlier this week that the model will make its public debut on August 16 at The Quail.

SSC Tuatara

The hypercar manufacturer SSC will be using the Monterey Car Show to deliver its first production Tuatara to a customer on Aug 16 at The Quail.

Pagani Huayra BC Roadster

While Pagani has not officially confirmed that its convertible Huayra BC Roadster will be revealed next week, many in the milieu believe that it will be unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, which takes place August 15-17.

Pininfarina Battista

The latest version of Pininfarina's electric hypercar, the Battista, will be shown off August 16 at the Quail. It has received mild updates since being shown earlier this year.

Bugatti

Though Bugatti did not announce what the special edition model will be that will debut at Pebble Beach, it is expected to be reminiscent of the EB110SS, a model first produced in the early '90s.


Citroën Aircross concept heads to Shanghai

SHANGHAI: Citroën is unveiling a plug-in hybrid concept ahead of the Shanghai Motor Show.

The Citroën Aircross concept builds on the achievements of the C4 Cactus.

The body is set on large wheels with 275/42 R 22 tyres. The tyres were designed exclusively for Citroën Aircross by Continental and feature large tread blocks and a unique pattern for high traction on the most demanding surfaces. The striking design of the wheels highlights the all-terrain abilities of the Citroën Aircross.

The front and rear bumpers convey Citroën’s design identity. The front end features a new chevron design and a two-tier light signature, which first appeared on the latest-generation C4 Picasso. At the rear, the new 3D-effect lights have a high-tech and emphatically graphic appearance. These classic Citroën design touches are rounded out by a floating roof and uninterrupted area of glass right around the cabin.

Citroën Aircross is powered by plug-in hybrid petrol technology, with an electric motor located on the rear axle.

The electric motor develops 95bhp and 200Nm of torque. The motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries that charge up in just three and a half hours via a 16A domestic socket. The electric motor is combined with a 1.6 THP petrol engine developing 218bhp and 275Nm of torque.

The all-electric mode gives the car a range of 50km.

On roads that require successive acceleration and deceleration, the hybrid technology limits fuel consumption by combining both energy sources. On the motorway, the internal-combustion engine takes over, providing optimum high-speed performance.

Combined cycle fuel consumption is 1.7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are an impressively low 39g/km. Citroën Aircross accelerates from 0 to 100kph in just 4.5 seconds.

The Citroën Aircross concept car will be unveiled at the April 22-29 Shanghai Motor Show. This symbolic venue was chosen to reflect the importance of the Chinese market, which accounts for 25% of total sales and stands as Citroën’s number-one market.


Nov 17-23: Fuel prices stay unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will remain unchanged from Nov 17-23.

According to a Finance Ministry statement today, RON97 petrol will be retailed at RM3.95 per litre, RON95 remains at RM2.05 per litre and diesel price stays at RM2.15 per litre.

It has remained this way for the past few weeks.

The prices are set through the Automated Pricing Mechanism.


Honda Malaysia opens first Bintulu 3S centre

                BINTULU:  Honda customers in Bintulu, Sarawak are now able to enjoy more convenience and easier accessibility with the opening of the new Honda 3S (sales, service and spare parts) Centre by Kemena Auto Sdn Bhd.

Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Toichi Ishiyama said, “The East Malaysia expansion started four years ago and currently we have 13 dealerships in East Malaysia with seven of them located in Sarawak. As the only dealership in Bintulu, we strongly believe that Kemena Auto will provide outstanding sales and after-sales services to our customers in this area.”

Kemena Auto has invested RM11 million in this new Honda 3S Centre which sits on a 43,560 square-foot land and is equipped with the latest facilities adhering to Honda standard.

The facility includes a total of 10 bays, comprising 6 Service Bays, 3 General Repair Bays and 1 Tyre Service Bay that can accommodate up to 40 cars per day.

Amenities include comfortable lounges, complimentary Wi-Fi services, Kid’s Corner, free flow of food and beverage as well as Surau.

Customers can also enjoy car wash service, road tax renewal and insurance coverage renewal services in this new Honda 3S Centre.

 Kemena Auto Sdn Bhd managing director Ling Chiong Sing received a token of appreciation from Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Toichi Ishiyama.

Contact Kemena Auto (Honda 3S Centre) at 086-342 899 (Sales) or 086-342 599 (Services).

The address is Lot 14728, Taman Terus, Jalan Tun Hussein Onn, 97000 Bintulu, Sarawak.

“On Honda Malaysia’s sales performance, there were more than 38,800 units registered as of May 2019. With this encouraging overall sales performance, I am pleased to note that Honda Malaysia has maintained its position as the No.1 brand in Non-National segment and No.2 in overall TIV as of May 2019. From the overall vehicle registrations recorded, the City contributed the highest at 33%, followed by the HR-V at 21% and the CR-V at 14%,” added Mr. Ishiyama.

The East Malaysia region has contributed substantially to the Honda Malaysia total sales and registrations by 6% or over 2,300 units as at May 2019.

State-wise, Honda Malaysia has sold more than 1,300 units in Sarawak, contributing 60% to the total sales of this region.

Meanwhile, launched in January 2019, the New HR-V received positive acceptance by the customers in East Malaysia with more than 680 units sold in this region, translated to 30% of the East Malaysia overall sales.

Also, Honda Malaysia service intakes have risen as well in tandem with the continuous growth in sales.

The total service intakes of Honda Malaysia for the first five months this year stood at more than 567,200 units, a 12% increase from the service intakes in the same period last year.

At the same time, East Malaysia region recorded over 33,800 service intakes, or 6% of the total service intakes.


Ford opens new showroom and service centre

                PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), Ford Motor Company’s distribution partner in Malaysia, announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art showroom and service centre – Sime Darby Auto Connexion, Petaling Jaya 2 (SDAC PJ2).

With 22 service bays, PJ2 is Ford’s 48th and largest showroom and service centre in Malaysia.

“SDAC PJ2 is designed to offer Ford’s fast-growing customer base in the Klang Valley the very best sales and aftersales experience,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.

“This world-class new showroom and service centre is part of Ford and SDAC’s two-year RM140 million network expansion and customer service enhancement plan – we are making it even easier for customers to interact with us by opening dealerships and expanding existing dealerships so they incorporate sales, service and spare parts under one roof.”

The 99,400 sq ft facility is equipped with the latest Ford diagnostic tools, and is staffed by Ford-certified technicians. All Ford dealership employees, including technicians, sales and service staff, have received Ford’s globally recognised training to develop their expertise and serve customer needs.

While waiting for their service appointments, customers can relax in the dedicated customer service lounge and enjoy free Wi-Fi, hot beverages and snacks.

Consistent with Ford’s global best practice, the customer lounge features floor to ceiling windows that offer a clear view of the service bays, so customers and even passers-by can see Ford technicians at work. For the convenience of customers and staff, the facility also offers a prayer room for Muslims.

“The quality of the ownership experience we provide is just as important as the quality of our world-class Ford vehicles,” said David Westerman, managing director, Malaysia and Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company.

“We want all our customers to know that purchasing a new Ford vehicle is just the start of their ownership experience and we are here to support them every step of the way. The opening of PJ2 marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to offering customers an even better experience.”

Sime Darby Auto Connexion, Petaling Jaya 2 is strategically located at Lot 3, Jalan 51A/219, 46100 Petaling Jaya (just off Federal Highway, opposite the current SDAC PJ dealership).

The Showroom is open from 8:30am-6pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 10:00am-6:00pm on Sunday & Public Holidays, while Service Centre opening hours are 8:00am-5:00pm from Monday to Friday, and 8:30am to 12:30pm on Saturday.


Ducati bikes and accessories on 'special' this weekend!

                KUALA LUMPUR: Next Bike, the sole importer and official distributor of Ducati in Malaysia, will be offering exciting deals for the Italian motorcycle and its accessories during the Red Weekend 2019 campaign.

For one weekend only, from April 27 to 28, at Naza Automall in Petaling Jaya, savings of up to RM40,000 can be had for Ducati fans.

The models include the venerable Panigale V4 S, Monster 821 and Ducati Scrambler that can be paired with multiple purchase add-ons.

Such add-ons include the DRE Racetrack Academy sessions, DRE Bike Travel Scrambler Tour Package (exclusively for Red Weekend visitors on April 27), Ducati Smart Service Program and 20% rebates off new 2019 apparels.

During the campaign, Ducati fans can also catch a sneak peek of the highly anticipated Hypermotard 950 which will be launched in Malaysia later this year.

“Here at Next Bike, we place our utmost priority on our customers. We are always looking for opportunities to enhance the Ducati customer experience, especially since we have a large loyal fanbase of 600 members in the Malaysian Ducati enthusiast community; the Desmo
Owners Club (DOC) Malaysia,” said Naza Automotive Group head of 2-wheel division Nazman S.H.C. Yusof.

“In our endeavour to bring Malaysians with the same passion of riding together, we often work closely with DOCM to organise numerous activities including charity convoy rides around Malaysia as well as MotoGP Grandstand and Ducati Riders Meet and Greet sessions with the race team every year during the MotoGP season,” he added.

In addition to the local convoy rides, there are also plans in the pipeline to bring members of DOCM to Spain.


Plug-in hybrids to exist beyond 2030, says ZF

                MUNICH: Governments and car manufacturers might slowly be moving away from diesel and petrol cars, and yet automotive supplier ZF still sees a future for plug-in hybrids well into the next decade.

Based on its own backlog of orders, it expects the vehicles to play an important role in the electrification of individual mobility "well beyond 2030 in many parts of the world," ZF CEO Wolf-Henning Scheider said at the IAA Mobility motor show here on Monday.

And while plug-in hybrids may not be disappearing anytime soon, the German company says their electric-only range will expand beyond 100km, unlike in many current hybrid SUVs where battery support is meant mostly to improve efficiency and not cover longer distances.

Overall, Scheider also sees a social shift coming our way in terms of mobility, as our willingness to adapt how we get around has never been greater than now.

Plug-in hybrids combine a combustion engine with the ability to also drive purely electrically with an externally rechargeable battery.

However, environmental groups say many are little more than a way for manufacturers to greenwash their petrol and diesel cars.

How climate-friendly they are depends, among other things, on how large the proportion of kilometres that are actually driven purely electrically is.


Skoda also offers built-in brolly

                LONDON: It’s not just pop star Rihanna offering the great British public the opportunity to “stand under my umbrella”, Škoda is extending that generosity with the introduction of the brand’s acclaimed built-in brolly across even more models in the range.

Škoda’s integrated umbrellas have been the saviour of deluge-dodging Superb drivers for more than 15 years. Neatly incorporated into the doors, they remain one of the Superb’s most talked-about features. Škoda has developed new storage systems and umbrellas for the Citigo, Fabia and Octavia ranges.

Citigo and Fabia buyers will be able to enjoy year-round protection from the elements if they opt for SE models upwards, with both models fitted with a neat under-seat storage tray and a single umbrella. Octavia buyers also get to enjoy the benefit of the new umbrella and storage system as a option on SE models and above sold in Europe. As with the brollies fitted to the new Superb, the umbrellas have an anti-bacterial coating and sit in a ventilated tray with a water-repellent lining.

The new umbrella systems will be available on all new Citigo, Fabia and Octavia models ordered from Aug 8.

British motorists, on average, experience 133 days of rainfall every year and can expect to be drenched by 885mm of rain, hail, sleet and snow during an average year.

Škoda’s history of offering hand-held rain protection is rivalled only by Rolls-Royce. Although special coach-built Superb models of the 1930s often featured built-in umbrellas, it was the first new-era Superb of 2001 that offered the feature as standard. Since then, the built-in umbrella has been an integral part of ŠKODA’s Simply Clever package for the Superb. The current model features two brollies neatly incorporated into the front door structures and is offered as standard from SE models upwards.

Fascinating umbrella facts:

> The word umbrella derives from the Latin umbra, meaning shaded or shadow.
> Kersey’s Dictionary, published in 1708, describes an umbrella as a "screen commonly used by women to keep off rain"
> The first lightweight folding umbrella in Europe was introduced in 1710 by French entrepreneur Jean Marius
> National Umbrella Day is held on Feb 10 each year around the world


Check out VW Tiguan Allspace at 1Utama

                PETALING JAYA: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has set up a pop-up store at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre here to promote the Tiguan Allspace R-Line 4MOTION and Elegance.

The store, located at the LUXE Zone of the mall, will be opened until April 24. Exclusive VW merchandises are on sale at the store as well.

If you can't make it to the mall, you can visit the nearest Volkswagen dealership nationwide as they are also holding Ramadan promotional activities from April 16-17.

Volkswagen are among the many car makers experiencing global supply chain issues, so selected models will have a longer delivery period.


VW's future cars could feature headlights that project info on the road

                WOLFSBURG (Germany): Volkswagen engineers and designers are currently testing a set of interactive HD-LCD headlights and tail-light clusters that project information on the road to enhance driver and pedestrian safety.

Certainly, we could all use more help seeing at night while we drive; it can be difficult to see pedestrians, know the intentions of other drivers, and sometimes even see the road under poor weather conditions both day and night.

To combat these vision-related road difficulties, Volkswagen is developing new head and taillights that can help drivers understand one another and passersby, as well help with individual challenges like seeing the road at night or parallel parking.

The HD-LCD headlights that are undergoing testing on a VW Touareg feature a new lighting function: the ability to project information on the road via 30,000 light points.

Specifically, Volkswagen is using this technology to enable systems like "Optical Lane Assist," which projects lanes on the road ahead (and even follows the curves) as wide as the vehicle to help the driver understand the width and position of the car with respect to road lane markings.

VW taillights are also being re-invented to increase driver safety with a new matrix tail light cluster system. A warning system will be incorporated into the lights to alert other drivers on the road of dangerous situations "using car-to-car communication," for instance to indicate a traffic jam.

Meanwhile, "Optical Park Assist" will help the driver manoeuvre into a parking place by projecting the vehicle's path which will let people on foot know which areas are in the line of fire.

The company has built a 100-metre long tunnel at its Wolfsburg, Germany plant just to tackle these types of challenges and test new designs. According to VW, such a construction is "an ideal place to investigate how drivers and pedestrians perceive light," allowing tests to be reproduced and repeated as necessary.

The future of vehicle safety through lighting technology has not been greatly exploited yet - we see car manufacturers capitalising on alternate driver assist methods such as rear cameras and proximity alerts that only assist the driver - and this is a step in an innovative direction to bring safety beyond the body of the vehicle.

No timeframe has been revealed for the development of the smart lighting system.


Renault, Geely look to bring Aramco into engine venture, say sources

                BEIJING/PARIS: Renault SA and Geely Automobile Holdings are working to finalise a deal to bring Saudi Arabian state oil producer Aramco in as an investor and partner to develop and supply gasoline engines and hybrid technologies, three people with knowledge of the talks said.

The Saudi oil producer has been involved in advanced discussions to take a stake of up to 20% in a previously announced but still-unnamed Geely-Renault powertrain technology company that the automakers are working to establish, said the sources.

According to a document prepared by the companies and viewed by Reuters, the aim is to establish this year a powertrain company with a production capacity of more than 5 million "low-emission and hybrid engines and transmissions" annually.

That investment by Aramco would leave Renault and Geely with 40% each in the joint venture, which would combine a carve-out of the French automaker's existing combustion-engine production with Geely's gasoline and hybrid technology and related assets, the people told Reuters.

Renault and Geely both declined to comment. Aramco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The new joint-venture – codenamed "Horse" by Renault and "Rubik" by Geely – is aiming to develop more-efficient gasoline engines and hybrid systems at a time when the focus of much of the automobile industry has been on the capital-intensive transition to purely electric vehicles, two of the people said.

The financial terms of the potential investment by Aramco in the joint-venture were not immediately known.

According to the document, Aramco's investment would be used to support development of decarbonisation technologies for gasoline engines.

Aramco would also contribute to research and development of powertrain technologies, especially synthetic fuel solutions and next-generation hydrogen technologies, the document said.

The people who described the outline of the deal being negotiated asked not to be named because it had not been announced.

Last year, Aramco announced a partnership with Hyundai Motor Co to study advanced fuels that could be use in hybrid engines to reduce a vehicle's reduce CO2 emissions.

Subject to board approvals

The oil company's deal with Geely and Renault still needs approval by the boards of the automakers, one of the people said. The three companies have been working to complete a letter of intent in coming weeks, according to one of the sources.

Geely and Renault said last year when they announced the new venture that it would employ 19,000 people at 17 powertrain factories and three research and development hubs.

By carving out its internal-combustion-engine business, Renault plans to focus on electric cars, part of the French automaker's effort to revamp its alliance with Nissan Motor Co. As part of that, Renault is trying to convince Nissan to invest in its new electric vehicle unit.

For Geely, the deal with Renault extends its pattern of building partnerships to expand beyond China.

A strategic focus for the joint-venture will likely be on an advanced four-cylinder engine, two of the sources said.

One way to use those engines would be as a dedicated power generator to supply a charge to a hybrid car's battery system, rather than powering the vehicle directly when the battery charge was low, one of them said.

In that kind of arrangement, gasoline engines could be designed to operate in an "exceptionally efficient mode," one of the sources said.

Geely has a previously announced a hybrid gasoline engine development deal with Mercedes-Benz and holds a stake in the German automaker.

The new Geely-Renault joint-venture is not the only company that is investing on the view that fuel-efficient hybrids will remain part of the mix even as more automakers roll out electric vehicles.

Toyota Motor Corp chief executive Akio Toyoda has defended his company's continued investment in hybrids, such as the Prius, saying that electric vehicles remain expensive and the charging infrastructure is incomplete.


Iconic Lotus Elise liveries live again

                HETHEL: Lotus has launched four new limited-edition versions of the Elise, officially called the Elise Classic Heritage Editions, each with a vibrant and distinctive colour palette which pays tribute to the company’s pioneering and highly successful racing history.

The exterior colour combinations are black and gold; red, white and gold; blue, red and silver; and blue and white.

The famous black and gold references the livery of the Lotus Type 72D which Emerson Fittipaldi raced to five victories over the course of the 1972 Formula 1 season.

Red, white and gold echoes the Type 49B that Graham Hill raced in 1968, while the blue, red and silver is inspired by the Lotus Type 81 of 1980 driven by Nigel Mansell, Elio de Angelis and Mario Andretti.

The fourth new Elise, finished in blue and white, is in tribute to the Lotus Type 18 design from 1960.

Exactly 60 years ago, it was the first Lotus car to achieve a Formula 1 pole position and victory, courtesy of the late Sir Stirling Moss, at the Monaco Grand Prix.

All four offer an enhanced exterior and interior spec over the Elise Sport 220 on which they’re based.

They are on sale now across selected international markets.

Ema Forster, Head of Product Marketing, Lotus, said: “Motorsport success has been at the heart of the Lotus philosophy for more than seven decades, and the Elise is our iconic roadster known around the world for its exceptional ‘For The Drivers’ performance.

"What better way to celebrate than by bringing these two pillars of our brand together, launching four new Classic Heritage cars which fans will instantly recognise?”


US states sue Trump administration over fuel efficiency rollback

                WASHINGTON: A group of 23 US states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit on Wednesday challenging a Trump administration decision to weaken Obama-era fuel efficiency standards.

In March, the administration issued final rules requiring 1.5% annual increases in vehicle fuel efficiency through 2026 - far weaker than the 5% increases set under former President Barack Obama. The Trump administration also abandoned its August 2018 proposal to freeze requirements at 2020 levels through 2026.

California Air Resources Board chair Mary Nichols said the administration “used questionable science, faulty logic and ludicrous assumptions to justify what they wanted from the start: to gut and rewrite the single most important air regulation of the past decade.”

Michigan Attorney-General Dana Nessel called the rule a “gift to the fossil fuel industry” that would harm the state, home to Detroit’s Big Three automakers, because it would reduce automotive-related employment by 4%.

The Environmental Protection Agency declined comment on the suit but defended the rule as a “sensible, single national program that strikes the right regulatory balance, protects our environment, and sets reasonable targets for the auto industry.”

New York City, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles are joining the challenge by California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada and 17 other states.

Separately, 12 environmental groups including the Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club and Union of Concerned Scientists also sued over the rules.

A trade group representing General Motors Co, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Toyota Motor Corp and others said it would review the lawsuit. Last week, the group sided with the Trump administration plan and opposed a legal challenge to further weaken the requirements, while other automakers including Ford did not.

The new rules require the US vehicle fleet to average 40.4 miles per gallon rather than 46.7 under the Obama rules finalised in 2012.

In 2019, Ford Motor Co, Honda Motor Co, BMW AG and Volkswagen AG reached an agreement with California over compromise fuel efficiency rules more stringent than Trump’s but weaker than Obama’s.
The Trump administration said the new rules would reduce future new car costs and save automakers billions in regulatory costs but boost average consumer fuel costs, while lifting oil consumption by about 2 billion barrels and hiking carbon dioxide emissions by 867 to 923 million metric tons.

Obama’s environmental policies sought to cut carbon emissions that drive climate change, while Trump has ditched numerous environmental regulations his administration deemed harmful to industry.


As name suggests, DS 7 Crossback Louvre targets art lovers

                LONDON: DS Automobiles has just revealed its new DS 7 Crossback Louvre in Britain, some four months after its world premiere.

It's a limited-edition model created in collaboration with Le Louvre museum in Paris and should appeal to art lovers.

This UK-spec limited edition features unique design enhancements and the ability to access over 180 significant works of art through its 12-inch infotainment screen.

Since its inception in 2015, DS Automobiles has been a patron of Le Louvre museum, which has been a fixture of French culture since 1793.

Housing more than 35,000 works of art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa, the museum shares with DS Automobiles its values of quality, expertise and French luxury savoir-faire that continue to place Paris in the spotlight on the world stage.

This shared love of art and culture is taken to its natural conclusion in the elegant DS 7 Crossback Louvre in which DS Automobiles’ ‘art of travel’ becomes ‘art in travel’.

Thanks to the unique ‘A Day at the Louvre’ feature, occupants can discover some of Le Louvre museum’s most beautiful and important works of art. Using its high-definition 12-inch central infotainment touchscreen as a canvas, DS 7 Crossback Louvre has access to 182 paintings, portraits and sculptures from the museum’s world class collection.

Using either a search engine function or by allowing the system to suggest a new piece each day, DS 7 Crossback Louvre introduces owners to important works from every collection and gallery that have been specially selected by teams from both Le Louvre museum and DS Automobiles.

Among the inspiring works available are the portrait of the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, The Wedding at Cana by Véronèse and The Winged Victory of Samothrace. Each piece is brought to life by an accompanying four-minute podcast that reveals its history and secrets.

The DS 7 Crossback Louvre is available in three colours: Ink Blue, Perla Nera Black and Platinum Grey.

The model’s exterior features exclusive Louvre badging on the bonnet, front wings and tailgate that reflects the iconic shape of the Leoh Ming Pei-designed Louvre Pyramid. The same shape is repeated in the door mirror housings, where the signature Pyramid pattern has been created by DS Automobiles artisans using cutting edge laser etching techniques.

Gloss black trim is used on the DS wings that surround the front grille, window surrounds and roof bars, plus it frames the LED tail lamps. There is also a unique ALEXANDRIA design for the 20-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.

The luxurious interior is enhanced by numerous design details, such as the pyramid shaped stainless steel air vent controllers that were created using cutting edge 3D imaging. The pyramid theme features again on the dashboard and is also embossed in the Nappa leather covering of the lidded centre console storage compartment.

Tech features include the camera controlled DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION and the DS CONNECTED PILOT level 2 autonomous driving system.

The DS 7 Crossback Louvre is available with a PureTech 225 petrol engine, combined with 8-speed automatic transmission and delivering a turbo charged 225PS.

Every customer who buys a DS7 Crossback Louvre will receive a “Friends of the Louvre” card that allows unlimited admission for one year to the Louvre museum’s permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, alongside the musée national Eugène-Delacroix.

Priority access to the Louvre museum is also offered through the passage Richelieu, with one free entry for a companion, plus free entry to the Gallery of Time at the Louvre Lens and the Louvre Abu Dhabi and other offers in more than a hundred other museums for a year.

Brits will have to cough up £46,530 (RM258,000) for the limited edition DS7 Crossback.


Hot sales for Ford Mustang Mach-E

                NEW YORK: The all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV has drawn reservations from all 50 U.S. states during the first three months of reservations thanks in part to key vehicle attributes like EPA-estimated range and all-wheel drive capability.

For example, a Mustang Mach-E with available extended-range battery and rear-wheel drive has a targeted EPA-estimated 300 miles (482km) of range.

On the other side of the country, available all-wheel drive is proving popular with customers in the frigid and snowy northeast.

The Mustang Mach-E’s all-wheel drive system is also helping to combat the misconception among Americans that electric vehicles can’t handle driving in bad weather.

“Since revealing the Mustang Mach-E last November, we have seen a high level of interest from customers around the world. We designed the Mustang Mach-E with the aim to deliver an electric, guilt-free, performance SUV,” said Mark Kaufman, global director of electric vehicle marketing and distribution, Ford Motor Company.

Also contributing to the early nationwide success is the availability of the FordPass Charging Network, North America’s largest public charging network, with more than 12,500 places to charge, including fast charging sites.

Mustang Mach-E starts at US$43,895 not including the US$7,500 tax incentive.

With the tax incentive, the entry level price is even more attractive for an all-electric SUV. Deliveries begin late 2020.


Facelifted Mazda BT-50 starts production

                TOKYO: Mazda has begun production of the refreshed Mazda BT-50 pickup truck at the company’s Auto Alliance manufacturing facility in Thailand and says the truck will introduced from the second half onwards – starting with Thailand and Australia.

The BT-50, introduced initially as an “active lifestyle vehicle” managed to garner much popularity for its driving performance, functional interior and cargo space – from facilitating leisure activities to transporting family.

Mazda says that the BT-50 maintains its previous practicality; only its design has been updated for a more sportier and powerful presence than before, incorporating a newly designed front fascia, rear combination lamps and aluminium wheels.

The interior has undergone some refinements for a higher quality feel and now includes a reverse camera for the first time.

However, the BT-50’s powertrain and body-type line-up remains unchanged from before.


April 12-18: No change in fuel prices

PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices remains unchanged across the board from April 12-18.

RON95 petrol will retail at RM2.20 per litre, while RON97 will retail at RM2.47 per litre, with diesel priced at RM2.18 per litre.

This will be the third week fuel prices have remained the same.

The prices were announced on the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism's Twitter account on Wednesday (April 11) evening and will take effect from 12.01am on April 12 until April 18.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism came into effect in April last year and the prices of petrol and diesel have been placed on a managed monthly float system since Dec 1, 2014 following the removal of fuel subsidies.


Nissan to sell entire Daimler stake for US$1.4bil

                TOKYO: Nissan today announced the sale of its entire 1.54 percent stake in German auto giant Daimler for around US$1.4 billion (RM5.7bil), following a similar move by its French partner Renault.

The Japanese automaker has been trying to become profitable again and recover from the reputational damage caused by the departure of its now-fugitive former leader Carlos Ghosn.

Nissan said the divestment will allow it to "further strengthen and enhance its business competitiveness, including investments to promote electrification".

Its industrial cooperation with Daimler remained unchanged, the company said, adding: "The two groups continue to collaborate in several areas."

In March, Renault also announced the sale of its entire 1.54 percent stake in Daimler after the French automaker booked a record loss in 2020, its performance hit by the pandemic.

Nissan has upgraded its full-year forecast, projecting a net loss of 530 billion yen (RM19.8bil) for the fiscal year to March, smaller than its earlier estimate.

Nissan, which has maintained its partnership with Renault and Mitsubishi, will announce annual results next week.


Proton delivers first X70 SUV to Pakistan

Khalid (left) explaining some features of the X70 to Abdul Razak as they sit inside the SUV.
ISLAMABAD: Proton presented a fully imported X70 to Pakistan at a handover ceremony here ahead of local assembly of the SUV in the country.

The first unit of the X70 was earmarked as a gift to Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan as requested by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his visit there in March.

Work is under way at a site in Karachi to build a new assembly plant that will be owned and operated by Proton's Pakistan distributor Alhaj Automotive. The plant will start operations in 2021.

Proton is taking advantage of reduced duties for locally assembled vehicles in Pakistan as part of its long term goal to sell 400,000 vehicles by 2027.

Alhaj Automotive is investing US$30mil (RM124.25mil) into the new plant, which would create 2,000 jobs in its first three years.

“Alhaj Automotive will leverage on its current dealerships located nationwide to start selling Proton vehicles as soon as possible while we develop standalone 3S/4S outlets," said Alhaj Automotive chairman Al-Haj Shah Jee Gul Afridi.

"We will source CBU units from Malaysia to kick things off in Pakistan before switching to locally assembled units once the new assembly plant begins operations.”

Present at the handover ceremony were Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim; Pakistani advisor (Commerce, Textile, Industry & Production and Investment ) to the Prime Minister Abdul Razak Dawood; and Proton director of investment and promotion Mohd Khalid Yusof.


Get huge discounts for aged Ford and Hyundai parts at Sime Darby Motors/SpareXHub sale

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Motors and e-Commerce partner SpareXHub's 10-day long clearance sale offers discounts up to 90% on selected aged genuine Ford and Hyundai car spare parts.

The virtual sale will take place online at www.sparexhub.com, from June 1 to 10.

Sime Darby Motors Head of Aftersales (Malaysia Retail & Distribution) Alan Scott Gascoyne said the partnership with SpareXHub acted as a vehicle for Sime Darby Motors to provide its loyal customers access to over 3,000 Hyundai and 7,000 Ford genuine aged spare parts.

The parts range from service items such as filters and sensors, to body parts like bumpers and windscreens.

Sime Darby Motors Retail and Distribution for Malaysia managing director Jeffrey Gan said the hybrid initiative with SpareXHub would help the company meet the needs of online customers and aftermarket players to purchase selected genuine aged spare parts.

“Aftersales is an important part of Sime Darby Motors’ business, and this initiative will allow our customers to continue to maintain their vehicles with the manufacturer’s recommended genuine spare parts even after the warranty period has expired.

“Additionally, customers can continue to enjoy the performance, comfort and safety aspects of their vehicle without compromise due to parts pricing,” Gan also said.

For details on products and pricing and to take advantage of this grand clearance sale, visit www.sparexhub.com or leave a message on SpareXHub’s website or Facebook page.


Chiang Mai to host SEA's first international adventure bike race

                CYBERJAYA: The fifth BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy, the Southeast Asia 2016 edition will take place from Feb 28 to March 5 2016 in Northern Thailand’s province of Chiang Mai.

57 riders in 19 teams representing 25 nations will compete in a week of adventure riding, special tests and teamwork challenges.

The first GS Trophy to be hosted in Asia, the competition will engage competitors with a different kind of terrain and obstacles compared with previous competitions in Tunisia in 2008, Southern Africa in 2010, South America in 2012 and Canada in 2014.

Both the competitions in the past in Canada and South America typically featured long trails through wilderness or mountainous regions.

 BMW Motorrad GS Trophy 2016 Qualifier

This time around, competitors can expect a slower pace but far more technical challenges with narrow, dry and dusty single enduro-type trail tracks.

As such, competitors will be travelling a shorter distance over the week, but as any off-road rider will know, when speeds are low and the riding technical, long days in the saddle are sure to follow.

Along the way, the competitors will need to take part in a series of endurance challenges that are designed to exercise their riding and navigation skills, their knowledge and ability to survive as a team.

Representing Malaysia for the very first time at this year’s BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy is Mohd Faizal Sukree.

Faizal will be riding together with Peerapat Woratham from Thailand and Tommy Lee from Singapore as representatives of Team South East Asia.

Each competitor will be riding a specially-prepared 2016 BMW R1200 GS motorcycles.

The motorcycles are equipped with an aluminium endure engine guard, steel crash bars, valve cover guards, headlight guard, wider endure footrests, adjustable footbrake lever and a safety screw for the oil filler neck.

The motorcycles will also feature Metzeler Karoo 2 Tyres as well as Original BMW Motorrad Accessories.

Riders will also be receiving a special bag, which contains a vast selection of quality clothing and technical equipment necessary for their imminent adventure in Southeast Asia from the dedicated BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy organisation team in Munich.


The Hyundai N team heads to Nürburgring

                ALZENAU (Germany): The Hyundai N team will return to the Nürburgring Nordschleife with a pair of i30 N TCR cars for the Nürburgring 24 Hours Qualifying Race (April 14-15) and ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours (May 10-13).

Its position as one of the highlights of the racing season makes it the perfect occasion to showcase the performance of the i30 N TCR and the endurance racing options designed for long-distance events where TCR cars are eligible.

The endurance racing package that will be sported by the cars at the Nürburgring is also available to customers. The options pack includes an ABS-system, additional lights for running during darkness and a kit that allows for fast refueling.

The same experienced line-up of eight drivers will be split between the two cars for this weekend’s six-hour Qualifying Race as will take the controls for the 46th running of the 24 Hours on the 25km circuit, famously dubbed the ‘Green Hell’.

The cars will be entered under the Hyundai N banner for both races, run by Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing in conjunction with successful TCR squad Target Competition.

The i30 N TCR is the first Hyundai Motorsport built car especially for circuit racing. Designed and developed by the company’s Customer Racing Department at the team’s headquarters in Alzenau, Germany.

The car made its competitive debut in the Chinese round of the TCR International Series in 2017, taking victory in its very first race. The first customers took delivery of their i30 N TCR in December, and have since seen action in the UK and America as well as the opening round of the FIA WTCR season, where i30 N TCR customers scored a sensational double win.

Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Deputy General Manager Andrea Adamo said: “The Nürburgring Nordschleife remains one of the toughest tests in motorsport. As the biggest event of the year on the track the ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours is the perfect place to show the i30 N TCR to the fans, and our potential customers.

"For both the Qualifying Race and the 24 Hours we have a strong driver line-up who have experience of both endurance racing and the Nordschleife. Together they and the team will be able to get the most from the car in what I am sure will be a very competitive class on an extremely demanding circuit.”


2019 updated Mazda CX-5 is coming: New 2.5L turbocharged variant

                BANDAR SUNWAY: The 2019 updated Mazda CX-5 will be previewed at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall from September 4 to 9, 2019.

The updated SUV (sport utility vehicle) will be open for bookings during the roadshow, although prices and full specifications will be announced at a later date.

A new SKYACTIV-G 2.5L Turbocharged AWD variant will be introduced.

This 2.5-litre inline-four direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine variant produces 230ps at 4,250rpm and 420Nm at 2,000rpm.

Meanwhile, standard equipment on all variants includes GVC Plus which improves handling stability at high speeds and during emergency maneuvers while suppressing sudden, unintended movements.

Also standard across all variants is Nighttime pedestrian detection which has been added to Advanced Smart City Braking Support (Advanced SCBS).

The Mazda Connect car-connectivity system now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The climate control panel, switches and dials are redesigned for better feel and operability.

Also, the surface material of the A-pillar trim has been changed from resin to fabric.

Tweeters have been added at the base of the A-pillar, increasing the number of speakers from four to six.


Opel's Moonlight Roadster: A car designed for mafia mobsters

                RÜSSELSHEIM: The German city of Rüsselsheim is not Chicago and 1920s gangster Al Capone probably never heard of Opel, the car manufacturer based there.

Even so there’s a sort of connection between the Mafia kingpin, the American metropolis that was notorious for crime in the 1920s, and the city in south-western Germany.

Without the prohibition on alcohol in the US at that time and the crime it spawned, the jewel in Opel’s classic collection would simply be called a sport cabriolet.

Instead it has a name that references the nocturnal trips taken by the smugglers illegally bringing alcohol from Canada into the US.

“Thanks to Al Capone, it goes by the name Moonlight Roadster," says Opel Classic spokesman Uwe Mertin.

One only has to look at crime reports from the 1920s to see why. To get their illegal booze across the border and into the the bars of Chicago, the Mafia used fast, low-to-the-ground sports cars.

In the moonlight, they were able to shoot under customs barriers that were designed for trucks.

That practice inspired Opel to give their car a name that sounded more seductive and racy.

The 2-seater, rear wheel drive convertible cabriolet was painted "moonstone grey" and first hit the road in 1933. By then alcohol was legal again in the US, but the Moonlight Roadster name stuck.

Low profile and beguilingly beautiful

In looks, the car certainly lives up to its name. With its latticed grille in front of the long hood, rakishly angled windshield, doors that open backward, round brass headlights, and an elegant boat tail with a razor-sharp crease, it has a seductive design that’s hard to resist.

What's more, it drives in a way that bootleggers in America would have liked. This sprightly pensioner can still move.

Driving this 90-year-old car today takes a bit of getting used, but the six-cylinder, 1.8-litre engine still packs a punch, despite having only 34 horsepower. It helps that the car weighs barely 900 kilos.

The car only has three gears, but for city driving you don’t need to get out of second gear anyway.

But once you hit the open road, third gear is required and before you know it the speedometer needle in the smart cockpit is trembling towards the 90kph mark.

Then the wind reaches hurricane force and you find yourself ducking deeper into the brittle leather of the driving seat.

Limited production run

The Moonlight Roadster was built by the body maker Deutsch in Cologne and was based on the 1.8, Opel’s entry into the mid-range class long before the Vectra or Insignia.

The 1.8 was well received, and unlike most of its competitors, which offered only four-cylinder engines, it had six. Opel built over 32,000 of them.

However, only 51 Moonlight Roadsters were ever built. Does that rarity make them very valuable today?

"A real market value can hardly be determined for such an exotic," says classic car specialist Frank Wilke of Classic Analytics.

Pre-war cars are relatively underpriced and as well Opel is a purely German brand that’s unknown in America or Asia.

"A seller will therefore hardly earn more with it than some new Opels cost," Wilke says.

However, it’s largely a hypothetical question as only two of the 51 Moonlight Roadsters built are known to still exist, according to Opel’s Uwe Mertin.

That makes the car in the Opel Classic collection of inestimable value, even if it's only insured for a modest six-figure sum.


Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 revealed

STUTTGART/PEBBLE BEACH: The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 has finally been unveiled at Pebble Beach outside San Francisco.

The 2+2-seater is a homage to the glorious age of the aero coupés and carries this tradition forward into the future. The coupé reinterprets classic, emotional design principles in an extreme way, following the Mercedes design philosophy of sensual purity.

The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, which measures almost six metres in length, is designed as an electric car.

Performance characteristics is typical of a sports car with acceleration from 0-100kph in under four seconds and top speed electronically governed at 250kph. The drive system has an output of 750hp. The shallow underfloor battery allows a range of over 500km according to the NEDC (over 320km according to EPA).

As a result of DC charging based on the CCS standard, the system allows an impressive charging capacity of up to 350 kW. In just five minutes, enough power can be charged to achieve an additional range of around 100km.

The battery can either be charged via a cable connection at a public charging station or a conventional domestic outlet or, for even more convenience, it can be charged wirelessly, via an electromagnetic field.

The large coupé made its debut at Monterey Car Week, which takes place on the Monterey Peninsula between Aug 16 and 21. The final event on the last day will be the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elégance.

With its sensual, emotional design ("hot") and intelligent details ("cool"), the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 represents the ultimate in luxury. The classic aesthetic proportions of the show car – the extremely long bonnet, the low roof line and the rearward positioning of the greenhouse – recall the aero coupés of days gone by.

At the same time the design is something unexpectedly new – cool, technoid and reduced. This is exemplified by the aerodynamically intelligent basic shape. Even without aids such as spoilers, the airflow hugs the contours of the vehicle body and only breaks away very late at the tail end of the vehicle. Then there is the surprisingly technoid character of the narrow lights, the partially transparent rims and the split rear window.

"Our glamorous coupé, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, represents the ultimate in contemporary luxury. It is hot and cool," states Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler AG. "With its intelligent appeal and reduced, technoid look, it perfectly embodies our design philosophy of sensual purity and our pursuit of aerodynamic efficiency."

A reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille with its fine, vertical struts accentuates the front end. The grille was inspired by a pinstriped suit. The radiator grille rests on two aerodynamically shaped supports on the outer right and left of the bumper.

The distinctive 24-inch wheels are a development of the aero rim from the Concept IAA (Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile). A transparent shield in the vehicle colour provides a view of the aluminium spokes behind it.

A further highlight is provided by the gullwing doors, a hallmark Mercedes design element which has been brought up to date. They underline the sporty character of the vehicle's silhouette and feature innovatively designed aluminium trim. The exterior mirrors designed as cameras are supported on the wings.

The extended, round "boat tail" format of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6's rear recalls a luxury yacht, and narrow tail lights which emphasise the width of the vehicle are integrated in its outer edges. Above this sit the two extremely shallow rear windows ("split window"). Further distinctive features at the rear include the diffuser with aluminium frame and the air outlets behind the wheel arches.

The interior of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 combines traditional Mercedes-Benz values with a new high-tech experience.

The dashboard wing curves across the door trim into the seat landscape, creating a 360° lounge. The new "inside out" spatial design adds a particular touch of finesse. The sitting surface forms a horizontal, which transitions into the vertical of the doors and finally becomes the underside of the dashboard wing.

In addition to the flowing contours, the material composition produces a luxury experience. The interior, with its high-quality leather trim, has a cool colour scheme which perfectly underlines the digital innovations. The sitting surfaces have a Chesterfield look. In the doors and dashboard the traditional wood trim softens the appearance of the digital control and display interfaces. As a contrast to the digital world of the displays, elm is used in the floor area, creating a refined yachting look. Elm is the palest open-pore wood which Mercedes-Benz is currently working on for series use.

In the front luggage area of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 is a set of two suitcases, exclusively created for the vehicle. Here too the designers have followed the sensual, pure design idiom of Mercedes-Benz. Plenty of space has also been provided for further additions such as picnic accessories or personal items.

In the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, there are "hyperanalogue" instruments with needles and circular, crystal-look displays.

The classic circular instruments are combined with deep displays and act as a reference to the unique history of Mercedes-Benz. In contrast, other display elements are digitally integrated into a continuous glass trim part. Information about the seat, for example, can be shown on this digital strip. Map information is also shown in the front area of the strip. Menu content is extended along a digital line which extends to the sides as far as the occupants, who can set their own content ergonomically using touch control.

The front windscreen serves as a transparent display: driving-related data and geographical information is shown across its full width, augmenting the outside world with additional information. This information can be controlled and adjusted by the occupants using gestures.

The luxury padded leather upholstery is a particular highlight. Its traditional look is combined with future technology here - the buttons which would normally be trimmed in leather have been replaced in the upholstered surfaces by miniature "body sensor displays". These scan the passengers and monitor, for example, their vital functions. As a result, comfort features such as seat climate or the massage function, for example, can be activated or the seat settings adjusted to the passenger. The sensors embedded in the upholstery also record the incidence of light, the colour of the occupant's clothing and the ambient temperature. This information can be used to trigger new, emotional lighting effects in the interior.

The concept car aims to embody the ultimate in luxury, and this is underlined by the fact that the driver can switch to digital/autonomous mode. Another highlight is offered by the floating, transparent centre tunnel, which visualises the drive system's electrical energy flow for the occupants.

The target group for the Mercedes-Maybach brand is made up of status-oriented customers. The current vehicles include the Mercedes-Maybach S 500 and S 600 models. A special protection version, the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Guard, is the world's first passenger car to meet the highest ballistic protection level for civilian vehicles, VR10. The most recent top-of-the-line model is the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 Pullman with face-to-face seating.


New Nissan GT-R NISMO rides in

                NÜRBURGRING (Germany):  It was fitting that Nissan chose the famous Nürburgring race track to unveil the new GT-R NISMO. After all, this has been the place where the GT-R’s potent performance was honed, tuned and developed.

The latest GT-R NISMO features a freshened face highlighted by an aggressive new fascia. To help cool the car's high-output engine, the dark chrome "V-motion" grille has been enlarged to collect more air, without diminishing the car's aerodynamic performance.

A significantly reinforced hood avoids deformation at extremely high speeds, allowing it to keep its aerodynamic shape. Unlike the standard model, the front bumper of the GT-R NISMO feature layers of carbon-fiber sheets carefully overlapped to achieve the ideal amount of stiffness. The canards have been designed to improve airflow around the vehicle and generate a high level of downforce, while at the same time, direct air around the wheelhouse to enhance aerodynamics. Overall, the car's new shape generates more downforce than any other Nissan production car to date, resulting in exceptional high-speed stability.

The new GT-R NISMO also benefits from the 2017 GT-R's refreshed interior, whose cabin possesses a more upscale feel than ever before. The redesigned dashboard and steering wheel are covered with high-quality Alcantara suede. The centre stack layout has been improved and simplified, with the number of integrated navigation and audio controls reduced from 27 switches in the previous model to only 11 in the 2017 version. An enlarged 8-inch touch-panel monitor featuring large icons on the display screen make it simple to use, while a new Display Command control on the carbon fiber center console allows easy operation without having to touch the monitor. Unique to GT-R NISMO are the leather-appointed Recaro seats with red synthetic suede inserts.

The performance of the all-wheel-drive GT-R NISMO has also been upgraded, thanks in part to the standard model's significantly reinforced body. The stiffened body structure allowed the engineers to further refine the GT-R NISMO's shock absorbers, springs and stabilisers, all of which, when combined with the car's added downforce, result in a better handling car than the previous model. This is evidenced by the car's improved slalom times and superior cornering performance (both up by nearly two percent from the previous model). The GT-R's special Bilstein DampTronic driver-adjustable system – which uses multiple vehicle inputs to provide appropriate damping forces and high level of control for a variety of driving situations – features a special NISMO-tuned shock absorber that more effectively transfers the power of the twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6, which still produces 600hp, to the road surface.

Dubbed the "VR38DETT," the GT-R NISMO's engine is the result of the expertise that NISMO has gained from competing in motorsports events around the globe. Mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it features a pair of high-flow, large diameter turbochargers used in GT3 competition. As with the standard model, each GT-R NISMO engine is hand-assembled from beginning to end in a special clean room by meticulously trained technicians, with an aluminum plate added to the front of each engine showing the name of the Takumi engine craftsman.

Despite its more potent nature, the new GT-R NISMO boasts better overall balance than before, evolving into a car that can be enjoyed on a winding mountain road, as well as on the local race circuit.

 The 2017 Nissan GT-R NISMO’s front end features a freshened face highlighted by an aggressive new fascia. To help cool the car’s high-output engine, the dark chrome “V-motion” grille has been enlarged to collect more air, without diminishing the car’s aerodynamic performance. A new significantly reinforced hood avoids deformation at extremely high speeds, allowing it to keep its aerodynamic shape. Unlike the standard model, the front bumper of the GT-R NISMO – crafted with Takumi-like precision – feature layers of carbon-fiber sheets carefully overlapped to achieve the ideal amount of stiffness.


Britain set to stockpile metals for EVs to beat Chinese threat, says daily

Miners are seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China. — Reuters

LONDON: Britain is exploring the creation of a national stockpile of so-called rare earth metals amid rising fears that the country's efforts to adopt electric cars are at risk from a Chinese stranglehold on supplies, The Telegraph reported on Wednesday.

Officials at the Department for Business are discussing options to protect the United Kingdom's access to vital materials including lithium and cobalt, the report added.

Britain could build a national stockpile to avoid shortages, support attempts to create domestic sources such as potential lithium mines in Cornwall, or use its diplomatic network to secure supplies from abroad in partnership with private businesses, The Telegraph said citing government sources.


Beyond cars: Hyundai says 'metamobility' will link real and virtual worlds in the future

                LAS VEGAS: Hyundai Motor Co envisions an interactive and partly virtual future it calls "metamobility," where a variety of robotic devices interact with humans to provide a broad range of mobility services, from automated individual transportation to remote control of robots in "smart" factories.

Hyundai executives, led by chief executive Euisun Chung, elaborated on that vision in a media briefing at the annual Consumer Electronics Show here on Tuesday.

Buzzwords aside, Hyundai expects to leverage its growing expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence to build out a future mobility network that links human beings in the real world with objects and tasks in the virtual world.

The concept is related to the so-called metaverse, a term coined 30 years ago by author Neal Stephenson, but which gained attention recently when social media company Facebook changed its name to Meta Platforms Inc.

It refers to shared virtual world environments which people can access via the internet, and which can make use of virtual reality or augmented reality.

Hyundai offered several examples of how it might link the metaverse and the real world:

> A vehicle that can be transformed into a work space or an entertainment room that includes a 3D video game platform.
> A "smart" factory where humans outside the plant remotely control robots that interact with machines and products inside the plant.
> Automated personal transportation devices for people with disabilities or individuals who want to maintain social distances while travelling.

To make all this work, the automaker said it was building a Mobility of Things ecosystem that will link modular robotic platforms to perform different mobility services.

One module called Plug & Drive or PnD is a single-wheel robotics platform that combines intelligent steering, braking and suspension with in-wheel electric drive, cameras and lidar sensors for automated operation.

For larger logistics tasks and other mobility services, Hyundai can bundle four PnD modules, including one application that pairs with a robot dog called - what else? - Spot.


Perodua sold 20,399 vehicles in April

                KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua sold some 20,399 vehicles in April, with the newly-launched Ativa making up 4,624 units.

Ativa’s sales performance lifted the total units of the sport utility vehicle registered since its March 3 launch to nearly 9,000 units.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said demand for the Ativa remained strong with average bookings of nearly 290 daily.

"The waiting period for the Ativa is currently between two and four months, depending on the desired colour and variant,” he said in a statement today.

On a month-to-month comparison, Perodua’s sales dipped by 16.5 per cent to 20,399 units from 24,431 units in March, mainly due to the semiconductor shortage, which is affecting multiple industries globally.

However, the car maker managed to produce 20,278 vehicles in April 2021, pushing its year-to-date production to 80,661 units, Zainal Abidin said.

"The chip shortage is our top priority at present and we are deploying all our resources to deal with it, including working closely with the government and our business partners for viable solutions,” he said.

The April 2021 sales figure brings Perodua’s year-to-date sales tally to 78,304 vehicles, representing an increase of 74 per cent over the 45,034 units sold in the first four months of 2020.


BMW XM plug-in hybrid debuts,  priced at RM1.4mil

                KUALA LUMPUR: The first-ever BMW XM is finally launched today but the first batch of cars will only arrive in Malaysia from the company's US plant in June this year.

Pricing for the SUV is RM1,398,800 (on the road, without insurance). The price includes extended 5-year warranty and service package.

Since online pre-booking started last October, seven units have been spoken for. The first batch of 20 units are on the way to Malaysia. The XM is available in two trims: Night Gold Line and Shadow Line.

The sole unit shown at the launch event is a pre-production version of the XM but the left-hand drive car is largely production-ready with minor variations from the actual model.

Series production of  the XM only started last December at the BMW's Spartanburg plant in the United States.

For the first time since the introduction of the M1 in the 1970s, BMW M GmbH is presenting an independently-developed production model.

The XM is the first M model with a plug-in hybrid drive. It gets a BMW M Hybrid drive system, coupled with model-specific M suspension technology.

The XM launch comes as BMW marks the 50th anniversary of M in 2022.

Standard kit includes the M Aerodynamics Package and M High-Gloss Shadow Line, with Extended Contents available for the Shadow Line profile. Adaptive LED headlights with High-beam Assistant are also standard.

The SUV is fitted with 23-inch wheels. Two twin tailpipes are arranged vertically to set it apart from other BMW cars.

The cabin is defined by the BMW Curved Display, consisting of an information display and a touchscreen control display.

There are the usual M-specific displays to ensure that the driver has total control of all driving functions.

Visually denoting the M status of the SAV are the M Leather Steering Wheel, M Seat Belts and M Multifunctional Seats.

Luggage space is 527 litres, and is expandable to 1,820 litres.

For greater comfort, active seat ventilation and 4-zone automatic air conditioning control are included. Massage function is also available for the driver and front passenger.

Ambient light and BMW Iconic Sounds Electric further enhance the atmosphere within the cabin, while in-car entertainment is provided by the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.

The rear of the cabin is marked by the so-called M Lounge that comprises a full-width rear seat bench that curves and encloses the passengers.

Sophisticated upholstery lends the space an exclusive lounge feel.

According to BMW, Alcantara headliner with its prismatic 3D structure creates a visual highlight that contributes to a sense of space.

The 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine makes 360kW or 489hp and a maximum torque of 650Nm. It is paired with a 194hp/279Nm electric motor for a system output of 653hp and 800Nm, delivered via an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.

The dash from 0-100kph takes 4.3s. Top speed is capped at 250kph (270kph with the M Driver’s package, which is included as standard), while electric top speed is capped at 140kph.

An intelligent M xDrive all-wheel drive system contributes to optimum handling and maximum traction.

The Li-ion battery under the floor enables an all-electric range of up to 88km.

The SUV be charged at up to 7.4kW at an AC charging station. With a net battery capacity of 25.7kWh, a complete charge from 0% to 100% takes 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Colour choices are Cape York Green Metallic, Carbon Black, Marina Bay Blue, Toronto Red, Mineral White, Black Sapphire and Dravite Grey.

Interior upholstery can be specified in Leather Merino Deep Lagoon with exclusive content, Leather Merino Silverstone with exclusive content, Leather Merino Black and Leather Merino Sakhir Orange.

SPECIFICATIONS - Night Gold LineSPECIFICATIONS - Shadow Line


Nearly 30,000 Toyota cars recalled in Malaysia

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor is making another round of recalls to check for defective Takata air bags.

The Toyota distributor said 29,985 cars are involved in the latest round and covered the Vios, Corolla Altis and Yaris that were manufactured from April 2007 to December 2008.

As is standard policy, any change in parts will be done free of charge.

The local announcement is part of a worldwide recall Toyota and Nissan made as they expanded the recall previously confined to North America.

According to a Reuters report, Toyota recalled on June 16 1.37 million vehicles in the United States after Takata agreed to comply with an order by US regulators to declare more inflators defective and expand the recalls.

Nissan said it was calling back 198,000 vehicles including the Navara, Caravan, and Teana built between April 2007 and December 2008, after a corresponding recall in the United States and Canada previously.

The cause of the potential defect in these recalls remains unknown. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries from the expanded recalls, both automakers said.

Call Toyota at 1800-88-69682 or Nissan at 1800-88-3838 for more information.


Dubai cops' fleet of hypercars now includes fastest

Ferrari is one of the brands seen in the Dubai police fleet.
DUBAI: No matter what it is, if it is in Dubai then it is probably the biggest and the best. Whether it is property or fountains or artificial islands they go large and luxe, and it seems as if the local police have taken that ethos to heart with its fleet of cars, one of which has gained entry to the Guinness Book of Records.

When it comes to ordering their patrol cars they do not choose to go to the mainstream brands like other police departments — no, they buy hypercars. The fleet includes a Lamborghini Aventador and Ferrari FF among others. The most powerful though is a Bugatti Veyron.

The Dubai Veyron has now been pronounced the most powerful and fastest police car in the world — officially as it is now in the Guinness Book of Records. When it comes to records it doesn't get more official that that.

The Bugatti Veyron races to 100kph in just 2.5 seconds. If you try to outrun it at stop signals you will lose. With a top speed of 407kph, thanks to a 16-cylinder engine that produces a massive 1,000hp, it brings a whole new meaning to the words "hot pursuit". There is no getaway car that is its equal.

Three years ago in Los Angeles, USA, the police were gifted a 360kph Lamborghini Gallardo. At around the same time the Italian sports car brand donated a Huracan to an Italian police force but it all pales into insignificance against the Dubai line-up.

Any police force globally who want to try to take the title from Dubai will need to buy the quintessential ultimate super sports car, the Bugatti Chiron or perhaps a 427kph Hennessey Venom GT. There's a good chance though that Dubai police have already thought of this.


China search giant Baidu mulling own EVs, say sources

A logo of Baidu is seen during the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Zhejiang, last month. — Reuters

BEIJING: China’s Baidu Inc is considering making its own electric vehicles and has held talks with automakers about the possibility, said three people with knowledge of the matter, the latest move in a race among tech firms to develop smart cars.

The search engine leader, which also develops autonomous driving technology and Internet connectivity infrastructure, is considering contract manufacturing, one of the people said, or creating a majority-owned venture with automakers.

The initiative would be a step up from internet peers such as Tencent Holdings Ltd, Amazon.com Inc and Alphabet Inc, which have also developed auto-related technology or invested in smart-car startups.

Baidu has held preliminary talks — without reaching any decisions — with automakers including Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd and China FAW Group Corp Ltd’s Hongqi, on a possible venture, the people said, declining to be identified as the talks were private.

Baidu declined to comment. GAC said it has a strategic partnership with Baidu and that any further cooperation is subject to discussion. Geely said it was not familiar with the matter. FAW did not respond to a request for comment.

Baidu established autonomous driving unit Apollo in 2017. The unit mainly supplies technology powered by artificial intelligence and work with automakers such as Geely, Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corp and Ford Motor Co.

Baidu operates autonomous taxi service Go Robotaxi with safety drivers on board in Beijing, Changsha and Cangzhou, and plans to expand to 30 cities in three years. It gained approval last week to test five cars in Beijing without safety drivers.

Its talks regarding manufacturing come after Didi Chuxing last month launched a purpose-built van for ride-hailing services with automaker BYD Co Ltd. Meanwhile tech giant Sony Corp in January unveiled an electric concept car with self-driving functions.

Building cars would represent a dramatic development in Baidu’s push to diversify income streams as growth plateaus in its core search business, where revenue grew just 2% last year.


Ford's salaried employees can work from home rest of year

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co. is again extending its work-from-home arrangements for US salaried workers in response to employee requests to keep working remotely during the coronavirus pandemic.

The automaker will begin surveying salaried employees today to determine work arrangements for 2021, it said in a statement. For the remainder of this year, white-collar workers have the option to work remotely, in the office or a combination of both.

“As we make plans to bring back the remote workforce, many team members favoured these new ways to work and found them empowering, flexible and cost effective,” Ford said in the statement. “This has inspired us to expand the optionality for this work arrangement beyond September.”

This is the second time Ford has pushed back plans to bring salaried workers back into offices. Hourly workers returned to factories a month ago and some have tested positive for Covid-19, although Ford has said the virus was contracted outside its facilities.

Workers at two factories producing Ford’s top-selling vehicle, the F-150 pickup, have pushed back, saying the automaker isn’t doing enough to ensure their safety.

The automaker, which has denied that safety protocols are inadequate, said delaying salaried workers’ return helps ensure there’s enough personal protective equipment for factory employees, who can’t work remotely.

The decision was first reported by Automotive News.


Record sales for Mitsubishi cars

                KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has hit record high sales of 14,184 units for the financial year ended March 31, 2015 (FY14).

This was a year-on-year sales growth of 12.8% and MMM’s highest annual sales since it was set up in January 2005.

The company said in a statement that the record performance was partly due to strong demand for its first locally assembled vehicle in Malaysia, the Mitsubishi ASX (pic).

The ASX contributed 3,299 units or 23% of MMM’s sales in FY14, while the Triton pick-up truck accounted for 6,016 units or 42% of sales.

Presently, Mitsubishi Motors is represented by 58 showrooms, out of which 51 are 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centres and 54 service outlets in Malaysia.


Duta toll plaza roadblock in KL named best managed checkpoint in KL

                KUALA LUMPUR: Two movement control order (MCO) roadblocks here have been recognised as being the best in the city.

City police chief Comm Datuk Azmi Abu Kassim said the Duta toll plaza roadblock was selected as the best managed roadblock here.

"The roadblock in front of Cheras Eko Mall was the second best.

"We decided to run the Best Op Covid-19 roadblock campaign to evaluate the effectiveness of these roadblocks," he said in a statement today.
He said the roadblocks were evaluated on several criteria including operation, knowledge of duties and cleanliness.

"The campaign was also meant to motivate personnel in the field to continue to give their full commitment in performing their duties in facing the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Comm Azmi said his team would continue to increase the quality of service to the community as well as motivate its members through such campaigns.

"The prize was not as valuable as the recognition of winning, which will motivate our people to excel in their duties.

"I also want to thank the community for its cooperation in complying with the standard operating procedure in order to flatten the curve of Covid-19 infections," he said.


Pan Borneo Highway to be toll-free, says PM

                BINTULU: The Pan Borneo Highway will be toll-free, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.

He said the highway was the main artery connecting Sarawak and Sabah and there were no alternative routes between the two states.

This was unlike the case in peninsular Malaysia where the North-South Expressway was the main link and there were many alternative routes, he said when launching the first phase of the highway, the Pan Borneo Sarawak, that costs RM13 billion.

Najib said toll was imposed on the North-South Expressway in peninsular Malaysia but the people could choose to travel on the toll-free alternative routes.

He also said that the subsequent phases of the Pan Borneo Highway would be built also this year, with the next launch expected to take place in September.

Najib said that upon completion, the highway would not only improve the infrastructure of Sarawak but also open up economic opportunities for the people in the state.

The project would bring long-term benefits for the people of the state and was not a mega project that drained public funds, he said.

The whole Pan Borneo Highway, to be built at a cost of RM27 billion, involves the construction and upgrading of 1,663 kilometres of road in Sarawak and Sabah, with 936km in Sarawak and 727km in Sabah.

The current project in Sarawak involves the construction of 919 kilometres of a single carriageway from Tanjung Datu to Sematan and a dual carriageway from Sematan to Merapok.

The construction officially begins today in Sarawak, with the first phase of 43 kilometres from Nyabau to Bakun expected to be completed at the end of 2017, followed by the Tanjung Datu-Sematan-Miri-Limbang-Lawas stretch that is expected to be ready in the middle of 2023.

Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who also spoke at the launch, said negotiations with the highway concessionaires in Kuching, Sibu and Miri had yet to reach a decision on whether to reduce or abolish toll.

"If possible, we want to abolish the toll, but this has yet to be decided.

We want to reduce the burden on the road users who have to pay road tax, and reduce the cost of living now that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is to be imposed (from tomorrow)," he said.

Adenan said the federal government decision to waive toll on the Pan Borneo Highway was apt because the road was an important link for the people of Sarawak for economic and social reasons.

He also said that the construction of the highway reflected the strong commitment of the federal government in fulfilling the pledges made in the manifesto of the 13th General Election.

Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu; federal and state ministers; Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa; heads of departments and community leaders also attended the launch.


Final winter Detroit auto show a shadow of its former self

The Kia Telluride at the 2019 Detroit show. — AFP
DETROIT: As row upon row of automakers' latest models gleam in the bright lights of the Detroit auto show, the exhibitors ready to greet industry insiders and journalists are looking down — into their smartphones.

They surf social media to kill boredom in a mostly empty convention hall.

Swaths of valuable real estate — once occupied by sports cars and German luxury vehicles — are filled with cafe stands and pop-up restaurants.

This is the solution organizers came up with to fill space vacated by automakers who this year skipped what had once been the flagship US auto exhibition.

The Cobo Center, a concrete and glass bubble on the banks of the Detroit River, sheltered exhibitors this week during the final January edition of the auto show.

Starting next year, the show will be held in June, avoiding the frosty Detroit winter.

The transitional auto show this year has been a subdued one, more lightly attended by press and industry than in the past, with fewer new car announcements.

 The exhibit floor is seen through the General Motors Co. Cadillac 'The Evolution of the Tailfin' display. — BloombergA quiet hall

Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Audi, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Rolls Royce were all conspicuous in their absence.

The cavernous exhibition hall had an unusual amount of space occupied by refreshment stands, food booths, and tables and chairs, even as appetisers and glasses of champagne sat wilting.

In the past, a spectator may not even have found a place to sit down — unless it was inside a car — much less find food inside the hall.

At the Infiniti display, a striking new electric vehicle concept car filled with technology, stood unadmired, deserted on a riser. Had this car been introduced two years ago, there would have been a torrent of selfies.

South Korean automaker Kia Motors turned part of the showroom into a tree-lined country road to demonstrate the features of its new Telluride SUV but few were scrambling to try the experience.

The absences of Sergio Marchionne, the former CEO of Fiat Chrysler who died in 2018, and Carlos Ghosn, the jailed chief of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, were strongly felt in the media room.

The two industry captains with big ambitions could set the tone of the show or change the conversation in the blink of an eye.

 Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer touring the Detroit the show on Tuesday. — AFP'Running out of gas'

"It's run out of gas now," said analyst Michelle Krebs of Autotrader, adding she was hopeful the event would re-energise in June.

The famous Detroit auto show, which took on international importance in 1989, has been increasingly eclipsed in recent years by Silicon Valley.

Over the years, Detroit has been relegated to being the place to learn about big cars (pickups, SUVs and crossovers) that will be driven by American consumers in the near term.

But the future of the industry — innovations in autonomous driving and electric propulsion — is being discussed in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Meanwhile, luxury and upscale cars are being introduced at shows in New York, Los Angeles and Miami — even Pebble Beach in California.

In 2008 at the Detroit Auto Show, Dodge rolled out a big new SUV with bulls and cowboys on downtown streets. The spectacle stopped traffic.

The purpose of the change in schedule from winter to summer was to bring back some of that magic and put the show once again at the centre of the global automobile scene.

"Warmer weather, ride-and-drives, hill-climbs maybe, all sorts of kind of exhibitions, dynamic opportunities for people to be in and out of the cars, ride in them, for the manufacturers to show what they couldn't previously do inside," said Doug North, co-chairman of North American International Auto Show — the official name of the Detroit event.

 Pets allowed. A man walking his dog at the Detroit show on Tuesday. — ReutersHoping for the best

Many were rooting for the show to succeed.

"The influence of the Detroit auto show remains significant," insists Yu Jun, president of the Chinese group GAC Motor.

"The show is going to be able to try new things and deliver new experiences that it simply can't now," says Ford Chairman Bill Ford, while GM spokesman Patrick Morrissey said it was an "opportunity to re-imagine the auto show."

Detroit could appeal to tech companies, which have so far been a symbolic presence in the capital of the US car, even as their ambitions in transport are large.

Philippe Schricke, project manager at Velodyne LiDAR, which develops laser technologies used in sensors for autos, said that, while the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas remained the "priority," his company now had more time to prepare for Detroit.

"Detroit was an afterthought for us but since now it will happen six months after CES, instead of a few days after, we can think of new products to display," he said.


MINI gets new chief

                MUNICH: The BMW Group has appointed Stefanie Wurst to head the MINI brand starting this month.

She replaces Bernd Körber, who has moved on to handle product managment in the group.

Wurst was previously the CEO for BMW Group in the Netherlands.

Prior to joining the BMW Group, the graduate economist has held various senior positions internationally, including in Singapore.

In her new role, Wurst would have to realign the MINI product range, which includes electrified models as well as new offers in the crossover and premium compact segments.

The next generation of the Countryman will roll off the production line at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig from 2023 – with both electric and internal combustion engines.

In addition, MINI is stepping up its commitment to the Chinese automotive market, including the launch of local production. Production of a new generation of all-electric models from the brand will also begin there in 2023.

 Wurst.