EV startups hunt for an edge as big automakers roll out vans and trucks

Whitehead with Boyner in front of a Bedeo van operated by Ocado and a black fossil-fuel van Protean which has been converted to electric using its motors, in Farnham, Britain. — Reuters
LONDON: As traditional automakers prepare to churn out electric vans and trucks, startups are focused more than ever on finding a competitive or technological edge to stay on the road once their bigger rivals start moving through the gears.

Spurred on by looming bans on combustion engines in China and Europe, major automakers are striving to bring their commercial electric vehicles (EV) to market fast and ensure they don't get caught out again by another Tesla.

To survive in a world where the likes of General Motors, Ford, Renault or Stellantis can make hundreds of thousands of vans a year, superior software or technology could make all the difference for newer entrants.

"The startups all bring something to the party," says Jean-Michel Renaudie, senior vice president for industrial and commercial transportation at auto supplier TE Connectivity.

"The question is, what's your unique selling point?"

For British EV startup Bedeo, the answer changed last year due to an unexpected turn of events.

When property developer China Evergrande Group ran into debt trouble, its National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS) subsidiary put in-wheel electric motor startup Protean Electric on the block - and Bedeo bought it.

Up until then, Bedeo had been turning vans such as Peugeot's Boxer and Opel's Movano into EVs for Stellantis by adding electric motors, batteries and operating system at a factory in Turkey. It was also selling its own electric vans to customers such as FedEx's TNT and Deutsche Post's DHL.

Now, Bedeo and Protean plan to develop new EV platforms for commercial vehicles and passenger cars using in-wheel motors, Bedeo chief executive Osman Boyner told Reuters.

In-wheel motors - stand-alone electric motors that can be housed in all or some the wheels of an EV - don't need axles and powertrains so they free up more space inside vans and trucks, as well as extend battery range by reducing vehicle weights.

At Protean's headquarters in Farnham outside London, chief executive Andrew Whitehead shows off a production-ready sports car developed under NEVS with in-wheel motors that has a range of 1,000k, far greater than EVs available now.

"Every vehicle some day will have in-wheel motors because it's a no-brainer," Boyner said. "We already have this technology on the road and now we just have to market it."

'Gorilla in the marketplace'

The stakes are high. About 9 million delivery vans are sold worldwide each year and with global distribution and retail companies under increasing pressure to go green, bumper commercial EV orders are set to come thick and fast.

Boyner said Bedeo was talking to major vehicle manufacturers about building commercial EV platforms for them under contract, but also to its own investors about whether to go it alone, with a decision expected by the end of June.

"Should we invest half a billion and compete with the manufacturers, or should we just provide components?" he said. "These manufacturers are so big, they're like governments."

Major automakers such as GM and Ford are a massive challenge for startups because they can leverage their large factories, global sales, service and distribution networks, and long-standing customer relationships.

"Knowing how to do supply chain at scale is a huge, huge advantage," said Travis Katz, chief executive of BrightDrop, GM's commercial EV business, which has announced major orders from FedEx and Walmart for its mass-produced EV600 van.

Ford is a leading brand in the United States and European van markets and Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at AutoForecast Solutions, said its Transit van is "the gorilla in the marketplace".

"They're ready to cater to any commercial buyer," Fiorani said. "That's a lot to overcome."

US startup Rivian Automotive, which makes electric pickups, SUVs and commercial vans, has been touted as the next Tesla and its valuation leapt 53% to surge past US$100 billion the day it listed shares in November.

Rivian has landed a 100,000 van order from Amazon but its shares took a hit after the online retailer said last month it was teaming up with Stellantis in a host of areas, from software to cloud computing - to electric vans.

Ross Rachey, Amazon's director of global fleet and products, said the company partners with established players such as Stellantis and Rivian because there "isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, there's room for many players".

Know-how and network

Some investors, however, say startups are a riskier bet because they might fail.

"What happens if five years from now these startups just disappear?" said Scott Schermerhorn, managing director at Mariner Wealth Advisors, which owns GM shares.

FedEx was burned last year when EV startup Chanje, which had promised it 1,000 vans, subsequently went out of business.

The package delivery company has ordered thousands of electric vans from GM's BrightDrop because it had the "know-how, the scale, the easy access to capital" and network to support big fleets, Richard Smith, FedEx's head of the Americas, said.

But he said FedEx remained open to startups with "innovation and new technologies".

Ed Sun, managing director and portfolio manager at investor Engine No. 1 in San Francisco, said startups may lack size, but can survive because they often have better software, range, vehicle technology, or a niche.

"The new players are clearly going to take share," said Sun, whose firm owns GM and Ford shares.

For British electric van startup Arrival , low-cost innovation is the way forward.

It plans to develop "microfactories" and use a low-cost, lightweight plastic composite for van bodies. Backed by its own fleet management software, its executives say it's a better van than a diesel equivalent for the same price.

Swedish startup Volta Trucks has a head start over traditional truck makers as its 16-tonne electric truck goes into production this year. It has a low, central seat and wrap-around windshield, putting drivers at eye level with pedestrians to improve road safety in busy cities.

'Future proof'

British electric truck maker Tevva, meanwhile, is going for the niche.

It buys "gliders" - the truck frame and cab - from an established automaker to benefit from their networks. Then it adds its own electric motors, battery packs, software and in some cases hydrogen fuel cells, effectively turning those models into clean fuel double acts with a greater potential range.

"We don't need to invest hundreds of millions on parts someone else already does well," said chief executive Asher Bennett.

Tevva, which has been testing trucks with UPS, will launch production this year of two versions of a 7.5-tonne (7,500 kg) vehicle at its plant in Tilbury, England.

One will be an electric model with a range of 257km but the other will have a reserve hydrogen fuel cell, boosting its range to 500km. Tevva plans to roll out 12-tonne and 19-tonne models with hydrogen boosters.

Tevva has short-listed sites a US factory and one in mainland Europe, each able to produce some 3,000 trucks a year.

Many in the trucking industry believe hydrogen cells, which only emit water, are the future because they are lighter than batteries, though the fuelling infrastructure is in its infancy.

Bennett said the combination of hydrogen technology, low-cost manufacturing and cloud-based software to optimise vehicle range will "future proof our company".

US delivery giant UPS, meanwhile, said working with startups such as Arrival has allowed it to shape the type of EVs that will join its global fleet of 130,000 vehicles.

UPS worked with Arrival on designing a chassis, powertrain and van bodies and has now ordered up to 10,000 vans.

"We saw that as a solution we can scale up to support our global operations," said Luke Wake, UPS vice president of maintenance and engineering.


WATCH: Walkaround of 2020 Honda Accord

PETALING JAYA: In case you missed the launch of the Honda Accord last week, here's an overall look at the latest model. The Accord was launched alongside the refreshed Civic.

CarSifu has shot a walkaround video of the Accord, which has a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine producing 201PS and maximum torque of 260Nm, which is more powerful than a 2.4-litre engine performance.

The 10th-generation Accord flagship executive sedan, priced at RM185,900 (1.5-litre TC variant) and RM195,900 (1.5-litre TC-P variant).

The new Accord is said to raise the benchmark in the D-segment with its elegant design, refined ride quality, powerful performance, and premium features.

Among the new features are Driver’s Seat Memory that allows drivers to set and quickly access their preferred seating position, Driver Attention Monitor that monitors and alerts driver when it detects a diversion of driver’s attention, Walk Away Auto Lock, as well as Remote Engine Start.

In the cabin, there is the 8-inch Advanced Display Audio at the centre console and 7-inch Interactive Thin Film Transistor Meter Cluster.

In terms of dimensions, the wheelbase has increased by 55mm; the rear legroom is now roomier by an additional 48mm.

READ MORE:
Walkaround of Honda Civic
Facelifted Honda Civic and 10th-gen Accord launched


McLaren 650S GT3 set to contest the 2016 Total 24 Hours of Spa - VIDEO

                LONDON: The McLaren 650S GT3 will return to the world-famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes Forest later this month as three examples line up to take on the 2016 Total 24 Hours of Spa from 28 to 31 July – run by McLaren GT customer team Garage 59.

The regular Blancpain Endurance Cup driver line-of of Factory Drivers Rob Bell, Côme Ledogar and Shane van Gisbergen in the number 58 car and Academy Drivers Alex Fontana, Struan Moore and Andrew Watson in the iconic number 59 will be joined by Bruno Senna, Duncan Tappy and Luis Felipe ‘Pipo’ Derani in the third entry running as number 60.

The 650S GT3 made its 24 hours race debut at the headline event of the Blancpain GT calendar last year, securing a front row start and a hard-fought top 10 finish.

Bell currently leads the overall Blancpain GT Series Drivers Championship with a 44-point margin, with wins at Monza and Paul Ricard with van Gisbergen and Ledogar in the Endurance Cup and, most recently, at the Nürburgring alongside Alvaro Parente in the Sprint Cup.

Customer team Garage number 59 is looking to build on this success, and to extend the points lead in the Blancpain GT Teams Championship. The Total 24 Hours of Spa sees points awarded at the six, 12 and 24 hour marks.

McLaren GT Driver Academy trio of Fontana, Moore and Watson return to the number 59 650S GT3 race car for the fourth round of the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup, with each of them making their 24-hour race debuts.

The third 650S GT3 will be anchored by McLaren P1 GTR driver mentor - Bruno Senna, returning to the cockpit of the 650S GT3 for the first time competitively in 2016.

The Brazilian ex-Formula 1 driver’s last race in a McLaren was a part of the team who claimed tenth place at the 24 Hours of Spa last year.

Senna will be joined by Garage 59 International GT Open race winner Tappy and 2016 Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring 12 Hours winner Derani in the number 60 McLaren 650S GT3.

Commenting on the confirmed line-up ahead of the official 24 Hours of Spa test day, Andrew Kirkaldy, McLaren GT explained: "The McLaren 650S GT3 has proven itself as the car to beat across the world this season in all championships and across all distances. With improvements on performance and reliability, and strong driver line-ups in each of the cars, it should be another stellar race befitting the iconic location."


Porsche ranks highest overall in J.D. Power Apeal study

                ATLANTA: US customers have rated Porsche highest among all automotive brands in the J.D. Power 2020 US Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

It was the second year in a row that Porsche took the top position in the annual study of customer experience with owning and driving a new vehicle.

“I am gratified at how excited our customers are with their new dream cars,” said Klaus Zellmer, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. “Porsche believes in continuous improvement and winning the top spot again just encourages us to find new ways to delight our drivers.”

The 2020 US Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study measures owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement with their new vehicle across 37 attributes, ranging from the sense of comfort and luxury on climbing into the driver’s seat to the power they feel when they step on the gas. These attributes combine into an overall APEAL index score measured on a 1,000-point scale.

Porsche earned 881 points on the 1,000-point scale, compared to the premium brand average of 861.

The study, now in its 25th year, is based on responses gathered from February through May of this year from more than 87,000 buyers and lessees of new 2020 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership.


Honda Dash 125 introduced from RM5,999

                PETALING JAYA: Boon Siew Honda has introduced its latest offering with the recent unveiling of the Dash 125.

The 125cc cub comes in three variants of the Dash 125 S with single disc brake at RM5,999, Dash 125 R with double disc brakes at RM6,299 and the Dash 125 Repsol Edition with double disc brakes at RM6,499. All prices mentioned are recommended showroom price with 0% GST excluding of road tax, insurance and registration.

The new cub comes with a two-year or 20,000km manufacturing warranty (whichever comes first) as well as a four colour options of Pearl Magellanic Black, Vivacity Red, Pearl Nightfall Blue and Respsol Edition.

In terms of equipment, the new cub features new LED headlights, leg shield, rim lining, mirror design as well as a new speedometer.

A 4.0-litre fuel tank feeds the 124.89cc single-cylinder four-stroke single-overhead cam motor to provide 9.86hp at 8,000rpm and 9.54Nm of torque at 6,500rpm and is managed by a four speed manual transmission.

The 103kg (wet) Dash 125 has a ride height of 142mm and a wheelbase of 1,237mm - due to the 26.15-degree front caster angle and 108mm rear trailing arm, while standing 1,894mm-long, 707mm-wide and 1,124mm-tall.

It rides on 17-inch wheels with front 70/90 and rear 80/90 motorcycle tyres and for stopping power it uses a front disc and rear drum (S) or front and rear disc brakes (R and Repsol Edition).

In addition the launch, the company also announced that it has appointed two-time Asia Road Racing Championship (ARRC) winner Zaqhwan Zaidi - the first Malaysian to have competed in the All Japan Road Race Championship (AJRRC), as the ambassador for the new cub.

"Boon Siew Honda has been refining our model offerings to meet the expectation of Malaysian riders for superior riding experience, we are excited to introduce the new Dash 125 that is set to push the benchmark higher in the cub segment," said Boon Siew Honda managing director and CEO Keiichi Yasuda

The new cub will be the new racing machine of the Honda One-Make Race in the Malaysian Cub Prix.

The previous Honda Wave Alpha Challenge for the Honda Wave Alpha cub bike will now be known as the Honda Dash 125 Challenge” in line with the migration to the new Dash 125 cub model.

The One-Make Race has proven to be the ideal platform for talented young Malaysian riders to take their first step into the world of motorsports and receive the guidance and support needed towards becoming an international champion.

For more information, log on to www.boonsiewhonda.com.my or call toll-free 1800-88-3993 from Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, except for public holidays.


Tesla says sorry as disquiet in China climbs after protest

                SHANGHAI: After a dream run that saw it receive backing from the highest levels of the Chinese state, Tesla Inc. is getting a reality check, with the automaker coming under fire for how it treats its customers in the world’s largest, and increasingly most competitive, car market.

The Palo Alto, California-based company earlier this week found itself on the pointy end of missives from two government entities, both of which criticised its attitude toward consumer service.

The drubbing came after Tesla endured an embarrassing outbreak at the Shanghai Auto Show on Monday, during which the owner of one of its electric cars said she almost died because her car’s brakes failed.

The unwanted publicity comes at an uncomfortable time for Tesla, which since breaking ground on its Shanghai Gigafactory in early 2019 has enjoyed an enviable run in China, receiving all-important support from the government and appearing to skirt the tensions between Washington and Beijing.

The world’s biggest maker of EVs has extracted perks other international companies have struggled to obtain, including tax breaks, cheap loans and permission to wholly own its domestic operations.

The first rebuke came early Tuesday when China’s state-run Xinhua news agency published an article that said the quality of Tesla’s EVs must meet market expectations in order to win consumer trust. Tesla should address consumer hesitation over buying its cars after issues ranging from malfunctioning brakes to fires during charging emerged, the article said.

A few hours later, the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee weighed in, posting a commentary on its WeChat account saying Tesla should respect Chinese consumers and comply with local laws and regulations.

Making an effort to find the cause of problems and improve features is something any responsible business should do, and Tesla hasn’t done that, the Communist Party body that oversees China’s police, prosecutors and courts said.

The blowbacks stem from an incident Monday at the Shanghai Auto Show when a woman climbed on one of Tesla’s display vehicles shouting that her car’s brakes had lost control. Her protest was captured by scores of onlookers who then uploaded the footage to social media, helping it go viral. Tesla’s booth at the show had a noticeably increased security presence the next day.

After initially pushing back against the woman’s claims, saying she was “widely known” for protesting against Tesla, the automaker struck a more conciliatory tone in a statement late Tuesday, apologising for the delay in resolving her problems.

“Tesla appreciates the trust and tolerance given by our car-owners, netizens and media friends, and actively listens to the suggestions and critics,” it said.

“In order to make up for the discomfort of the owner as much as possible and the negative impact on her car using experience and life, we are always willing to try our best to actively communicate with her and seek solutions with the most sincere attitude.”

On Wednesday, the Communist Party’s discipline commission said in a separate commentary that Tesla’s apology shows a better attitude than before. The woman who protested meanwhile is being detained for five days.

It isn’t the first time Tesla has had to defend itself and its actions in China, which is now one of its largest markets. In fact demand from Chinese buyers helped Tesla report estimate-smashing deliveries of EVs in the first quarter, promping Dan Ives at Wedbush to note that the “eye popping” numbers coming out of China cannot be ignored.

In March, Tesla had its cars banned from military complexes in China because of concerns about sensitive information being collected by cameras built into the vehicles.

And in February, it was forced into issuing a public apology to China’s state grid after a video purportedly showed staff blaming an overload in the national electricity network for damage to a customer’s vehicle.

After the military order, chief executive officer Elon Musk strenuously denied the company would ever use a car’s technology for spying, and Tesla’s Beijing unit said cameras that are built into its EVs aren’t activated outside of North America.

Tesla’s China honeymoon appears to be coming to an end right as the US automaker is facing increasing competition from a slew of younger, cashed up local EV players like the New York-listed Nio Inc. and Xpeng Inc.

Their presence at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show was telling, with their large, shiny booths overshadowing exhibits from some of the more traditional carmakers.

Chinese EV makers like Nio and Xpeng not only enjoy the support of municipal governments in China but are also riding a wave of nationalistic sentiment that has ensnared other international names.

Earlier this year, Swedish clothing giant Hennes & Mauritz AB was criticised by state entities for an old statement on its website about forced labour in the contentious Chinese region of Xinjiang.

In September, Nio chief executive officer William Li, speaking at the Beijing Auto Show, waxed lyrical about customer service, saying that it’s more important than volume.

Freeman Shen, the founder and CEO of another EV upstart WM Motor Co., noted that Tesla in China is “just like Apple in the early days, they educate the whole market.”

Tesla has also come under fire for its perceived arrogance towards car owners. Many have taken to social media to complain about its lack of customer service and seeming disinterest in addressing problems.

Others are angry that they’ve bought a Tesla only to discover the company has steeply discounted the same model weeks later.

However for all the grumbling, Tesla’s cars remain hugely popular in China.

A record 34,714 China-built and imported Teslas were registered in the country in March, almost double the 18,155 registrations in February, when the week long Lunar New Year holiday slowed sales, and almost triple the number a year earlier, when the nation was in the grip of coronavirus lockdowns.


Banks to remain cautious on loan approvals

                KUALA LUMPUR: Banks will remain cautious on loan approvals as approval rates fell to 40.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 44.1 per cent in the same period in 2020, said MIDF Research.

It said this could be due to higher loan demand as opposed to last year’s, as banks may not have been able to keep pace with the approvals.

The banking system loan growth as at end-March 2021 rose at a slightly faster rate of +3.9 per cent year-on-year (yoy) versus +3.7 per cent yoy as at February 2021.

Stronger industry performance was mainly contributed by the higher pace of growth for its top three loans segment, namely auto, mortgage and working capital loans, which expanded +5.5 per cent yoy to RM1.24 trillion from +5.3 per cent yoy to RM1.23 trillion in the previous month.

As with loans demand, MIDF Research said the main drivers for the higher loan approvals were for the purchase of passenger vehicles (+22.7 per cent yoy to RM12.7 billion) and residential properties (+35.6 per cent yoy to RM28.1 billion).

Loans approved for purchase of non-residential properties also expanded strongly at +21.1 per cent yoy growth to RM7.5 billion.

"Again, we view this as an encouraging sign. While banks may still be cautious, we do not believe that it is at a level where credit will be curtailed in the system,” MIDF Research said in a research note today.

Meanwhile, Maybank Investment Bank said the upside risks for improving loans growth and lower credit risks were stronger-than-expected economic growth this year due to improved liquidity, which would help sustain interest margins.

However, the downside risks were weaker-than-expected GDP growth, which could lead to slower loan growth and asset-quality issues, potential interest rate cuts that could negatively impact interest margins in the short term; and a slowdown in current account and savings account growth, which could exacerbate deposit competition.


Alpha Romeo 4C gets wild with animal-inspired wrap

                ROME: A two-seater Alpha Romeo 4C coupe gets wrapped in an animal-inspired print that's similar to that used by the X15 and Ace 16 football boots that form the Deadly Focus Pack, which are part of Adidas' Limited Collection range.

The company that undertook the wrapping was Garage Italia Customs, whose founder is Lapo Elkann - the same person along with fashion company Italia Independent that came up with the shoes to begin with.

Although the 4C is already three years old, the coupe with a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, composite body, 17-inch wheels and 895kg of dry heft from Modena, Italy looks reborn.

There's no other upgrades in terms of performance, handling and aerodynamics other than its new-found looks to go together with its 240PS at 6,000rpm and 350Nm of torque from 2,100rpm that's produced for the rear wheels by a 1,750cc turbocharged all-aluminium mid-mounted engine with a twin-clutch-transmission.

Such figures will get occupants up to 100kph from standstill in 4.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 258kph while allowing them to experience up to 1.1 times the weight of their bodies around corners (1.1g) with the help of Pirelli P Zero AR tyres.

While fans of Garage Italia Customs are venting their praise for the 4C's new coat on Facebook, let us know what you think in the comments below.


Will climate change doom US truck habit? Detroit says no

                DETROIT: The US consumer's love for enormous vehicles has been seen by outsiders as a curiosity and sometimes a sign of profligacy.

Either way, rising concerns about climate change seemed to create a reckoning for the behemoth-sized pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles that recently have sustained US automaker profits.

Not so, according to Detroit auto giants, who have responded to the climate crisis by launching all-electric versions of the Ford F-150 pickup, the Chevrolet Blazer SUV and other best-selling giants that seemingly promise the possibility that consumers can have it all: address global warming without sacrificing the appeal of larger autos.

Leading US environmentalists, along with the Biden administration, have praised announcements of the electric vehicle (EV) rollouts as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Absent has been any discussion of the environmental toll of large EV trucks, which require more energy to recharge and more critical materials than do smaller EVs.

In showcasing trucks, Detroit automakers are setting the groundwork for an EV era that mirrors the current profile of US roadways and distinct from Europe, where sedans dominate.

Industry insiders like Alan Amici, president of the Center for Automotive Research, see little appetite among American consumers to go small.

"People are still clamouring for big pickups and SUVs," Amici said. "I don't expect a return to sedans."

The trucks, often marketed in advertisements navigating rugged landscapes, provide lucrative profit margins to automakers and have become so ubiquitous on US roads that some consumers avoid smaller vehicles out of fear of how it would handle a crash with a much bigger auto.

Ford and General Motors, both of which report earnings this week, are positioning the vehicles as environmentally friendly based on how they contrast with gas-guzzling equivalents.

Luke Tonachel, who heads the clean vehicles program at environmental group NRDC, said electric pickups and SUVs represent a critical step in addressing climate change.

"It's incredibly important that we eliminate tailpipe pollution from all cars as soon as possible," Tonachel told AFP.

"We need broad acceptance and adoption of EVs across the market. And that's why it's encouraging to see automakers starting to make EVs on all types of car segments, including the most popular ones."

Customer 'has spoken'

The focus on large vehicles was apparent at last month's Detroit Auto Show, where Biden test drove the EV Cadillac Lyriq, an SUV made by the GM brand. In previous trips to Detroit, Biden cheered on production of GM's EV Hummer and the launch of Ford's F-150 EV.

While GM's display at the Detroit show included the Bolt, an EV sedan, greater prominence went to electric versions of three larger Chevies: the Silverado pickup, and the Blazer and Equinox SUVs.

"The customer has spoken. SUVs and trucks are what the customer wants," Chevrolet Vice President Steve Majoros told AFP at the show.

NRDC's Tonachel notes that some sedans still sell at substantial levels in the United States, but that they are made by companies like Japan's Toyota and South Korea's Hyundai.

"The different manufacturers are sort of carving out what they see as their specialty," he said. "The Detroit three automakers, they left the compact car and most of the sedan market years ago."

Bertrand Rakoto, global automotive practice leader at Ducker in Detroit, a consultancy, said it makes more sense to focus on trucks to fight climate change.

"You're removing the emissions for the large vehicles that are the most emitting," he said.

Rakoto, who is originally from France, said the contrast between the United States and Europe reflect different geographic qualities and transportation systems, with space in Europe more precious and public transit more integrated into regular life.

Energy drain

A December 2021 International Energy Agency report bemoaned the rise of SUVs, not only in the United States, but in India and Europe.

Most of the vehicles still run on gasoline, meaning that "if SUVs were an individual country, they would rank sixth in the world for absolute emissions in 2021, emitting over 900 million tons of CO2," the IEA said.

The analysis said SUV electrification helps, but noted larger vehicles require more critical materials for bigger batteries and consume around 20 percent more energy than a medium-sized car.

For Benjamin Stephan, of Greenpeace in Germany, limiting global warming remains critical, meaning "you sort of have to pull every lever available."

"Obviously an all-electric pickup truck will have a much better carbon footprint," he said. "But you could reduce that footprint even more by having no car at all, or a much smaller car."


VW 'Sedanza' starts tomorrow at 1Utama

KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia said it will be celebrating a 5-day "Sedanza" promotion at the Volkswagen Sales Tour from Oct 18-22 at 1Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya.

Cars on display will be the Polo, Vento, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and Beetle. The company said a number of models would be available for test drives.

Visitors who test drive and book a Volkswagen at the event would be rewarded with a gift.


City simulator wins venture capital backing as investors seek driverless car exposure

                LONDON: Venture capital investors backed Immense Simulations, a British software company which creates interactive replicas of cities, today in the latest sign of money pouring into firms that stand to gain from driverless vehicles becoming more mainstream.

Immense Simulations raised US$4.6 million in its Series A funding round co-led by British venture capital firm Amadeus Capital Partners and Japan’s Global Brain Corporation.

The deal underscores the global focus on shifting mobility which has driven massive venture capital investment. Some US$3.1 billion had been raised this year already by companies in the autonomous driving space, according to CB Insights data.

Immense sells its simulation software to carmakers and autonomous vehicle outfits seeking to test their plans for fleets of autonomous cars and run scenarios in a model city as similar as possible to the real thing.

Using data from mobile phone operators combined with public transport and telematics databases, Immense makes simulations of cities which aim to show where and how people and vehicles might be moving on any given day.

The company’s clients include big US carmakers and autonomous vehicle specialists, co-founder and CEO Robin North told Reuters in an interview. He declined to name the firms, citing non-disclosure agreements.

Immense has partnered with companies including British taxi firm Addison Lee, and worked on research and development with US auto company Ford, Tata Motors-owned carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, and Germany’s Bosch.

London, Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford, and Cambridge in Britain are among the cities Immense has built simulations of in collaboration with local authorities and transport companies including Transport for London.

In North America the company created simulations of San Francisco, Chicago, and Montreal for clients and for public demonstrations.

Immense also built a simulation of Barcelona as part of a project on last-mile delivery in collaboration with Spain’s Ferrovial and the City of Barcelona.

The company, with 24 employees, has office space in Silicon Valley, at mobility tech incubator PlanetM in Detroit, Michigan, and in Barcelona. It is incorporated in the United States, Britain and Spain.

“With the backing of investors such as Amadeus with expertise in the mobility software sector, and the international perspective of Global Brain, we can capture the growing market for intelligent transport solutions,” said North.


Revealed: The 10 most in-demand cars from 2018 Geneva Motor Show

Aston Martin Valkyrie .
LONDON: A 500kph hypercar built by an aristocratic Italian family and the successor to the supercar famously crashed last year by the Grand Tour’s Richard Hammond are among the most in-demand cars unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, according to JBR Capital.

The British finance provider has revealed the 10 cars for which it has received the most finance enquiries since the Geneva show opened a week ago.

And, while some of the top 10 will set you back nearly double the price of a rail season ticket between Cheltenham and London every month, others you can own for less than the monthly cost of a mortgage and household bills for a three-bedroom house.

 Bugatti Chiron Sport.

As well as established names like Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Bugatti, the biggest interest has been in the Corbellati Missile, created by an Italian family better known for their jewels and fine art and the Rimac C Two, the electric supercar that replaces the Croatian brand’s Concept One, in which Hammond had a fiery crash during a rally.

Of the top 10 cars that JBR has already received enquiries for, the most expensive to finance is the Aston Martin Valkyrie GTR, which would require a £600,000 (RM3.3mil) deposit and 48 monthly payments of £25,972 (RM143,000) – nearly twice the £13,244 (RM73,000) rail season ticket between Cheltenham and London.

 Rimac C Two.

“Clearly, the cars that generated the most interest from prospective buyers in Geneva are the most extreme, the most extraordinary that the show had to offer," said JBR Capital chief operating office Stephen Halstead.

“It’s easy for them to seem like nothing more than mouth-watering but unattainable fantasy cars.

“These cars are never going to be cheap things to own but it may surprise people how little – in relative terms – they need to find per month in order for some cars this special to be actually within grasp.”

£1 = RM5.50

 Corbellati Missile.


One customer, two McLarens

                LONDON: One customer will shortly be taking delivery of two unique McLarens, created to his individual specification by McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

Called the MSO R Coupé and MSO R Spider, they are the latest in a lineage of McLarens produced as personal commissions, a service that sees the customer working closely with MSO to agree the direction, scope and specification of a project.

“An MSO Personal Commission is the highest level of partnership between a customer and McLaren Special Operations, undertaken to design, develop and create unique interpretations of McLaren cars, expertly tailored to meet the exact requirements of the owner.

"A typical MSO Personal Commission extends beyond paint colours and materials and finishes to encompass changes to body and interior design and also dynamic and powertrain enhancements as required. The result is a McLaren personalised by MSO to become a car that is literally one of a kind – or in the case of these stunning MSO R cars, one of a matched pair,” said Jolyon Nash, Executive Director, Global Sales and Marketing, McLaren Automotive.

One of the first McLarens commissioned at this level was the McLaren X-1. Unveiled during the weekend of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2012, the X-1 was produced for an anonymous buyer, which is not unusual for a personal commission.

McLaren Special Operations is currently seeing an increasing number of customers enquiring about bespoke and unique cars.

The two MSO R cars, which have the same external, internal and mechanical specifications, are finished in a striking yet understated Liquid Silver – the Coupé in satin and the Spider in gloss finish – with a carbon fibre central stripe. Immediately identifiable as a matched pair, both have the same design of twin-element rear wing, with front dive planes to further enhance aerodynamic performance.

The front bumper, bonnet, louvered fenders, roof scoop and rear deck are all MSO Visual Carbon Fibre (VCF) components, as are the side mirror arms and casings and wiper scuttle.

Pinstriping in Delta Red features on the front splitter and side blades, while the splitter, side skirts, sill panels, rocker panels and plenum cover carry MSO R branding.  The wheels of both cars are the same 5-spoke design, finished in satin black on the Coupé and gloss black on the Spider.

The interior design of the cars is arguably even more distinctive than the exterior.  Both cabins feature Alcantara trim material throughout. Primarily in black with red stitching, the theme is reversed for the seats, which are red with black stitching and feature an MSO R logo embroidered in black on the headrest.

The steering wheel has a carbon fibre upper and lower, with black Alcantara grips and a Delta Red centring stripe.  Switches are in gloss black and vent mechanisms are satin black, with bezels in carbon fibre.

This MSO Personal Commission did not stop at visual and design changes.  The engines of both cars have been blueprinted and the heads and exhaust ports hand-polished, helping to give the M838TL twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine maximum power of 688PS and up to 700Nm.

The exhaust system, which has a ‘crossover’ muffler to increase pipe length and optimise gas flow, features titanium end pipes.

Started with an MSO R-branded key, both the Coupé and the Spider feature bespoke IRIS screen and instrument cluster displays and gear-shift lights.

The final visual touch is a dedication plaque on each car identifying them as McLarens designed to an MSO Personal Commission, taking them from being a rare car to a unique one – or in this case, a unique matched pair.


Volvo Trucks Malaysia to deliver 28 trucks to Konsortium PD

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Trucks Malaysia recently handed over 17 brand new Volvo trucks to Konsortium PD Sdn Bhd in an official handover ceremony held at their headquarters in Lukut, Port Dickson.

Another 11 trucks are set for delivery in 2019.

Of the 17 trucks handed over during the ceremony, two were Volvo FH440, seven were Volvo FM370 and eight were Volvo FM440. The remaining eleven will be five Volvo FM370 and six Volvo FM440.

Konsortium PD Sdn Bhd is a road transportation logistics company established in 2001 and was a result of the merging of several companies and their fleets to form one consortium.

The business primarily operates in Port Dickson, Westport, Puchong/KVDT, Kapar, Kempas/Johore and HICOM/Shah Alam with Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd as their main customer.

Konsortium PD Sdn Bhd is one of the best haulage companies in the region based on their safety and operational excellence, with acknowledgement coming from many industry players.

Richard Tee Chu Wong, managing director of Konsortium PD Sdn Bhd said, “The addition of 28 new Volvo trucks are a testament to our commitment to provide even better services to our customers and to help them achieve their business goals efficiently. Having also signed the Volvo Service Agreement, we now have the ease of mind when it comes to maintenance of our Volvo trucks. I am confident that our choice of including these additional trucks to our fleet will allow us to go further in the oil and gas transportation industry.”

Konsortium PD Sdn Bhd presently owns and operates 15 Volvo Trucks.

The addition of 28 new trucks from the handover will see Konsortium PD Sdn Bhd boast a total of 43 Volvo trucks in their fleet, servicing clients in several location across Malaysia.

With a good record of performance, Konsortium PD Sdn Bhd has further grown its business by diversifying to industrial gases, other oleo chemical products as well as retail petrol stations.

In the future, Konsortium PD Sdn Bhd also hopes to expand into the warehousing business.


How Chicago wants to get its citizens to rely less on cars

                CHICAGO: In the illustration, a sun-splashed residential block is lined with spindly trees as tall as the buildings, a bike lane bustles with riders, people cross the street by foot or wheelchair — and there’s not a driver in sight.

“Make streets safer for Chicagoans who walk, bike, roll and ride,” the picture’s label reads.

The image was part of the city’s recent pitch to aldermen about a sweeping transit-focused development ordinance, dubbed “Connected Communities,” which passed in July as part of mayor Lori Lightfoot’s bid to combat segregation and gentrification.

Tucked into the ordinance are a series of provisions that advocates hope could help convince more people to turn to walking, cycling and public transit over personal cars. Among the provisions: restrictions on residential parking near public transit.

“Fundamentally, we want a city that’s designed for people,” housing Commissioner Marisa Novara said in an interview. “Where some cities have erred is in emphasizing driving above all else, … the human connection is what we lose when we prioritize cars over people.”

The sentiment that cities focus too much on vehicles, at the expense of other transportation modes, has long been a rallying cry of cycling, public transit and environmental advocates.

Recent demands for less car-centric city planning have coincided with a rash of traffic fatalities in Chicago, whose victims included toddlers,leaving some City Council members outraged at the deference they say is given to cars.

In its more extreme form, the antipathy towards driving has fuelled a “car-free” movement. But that’s not realistic in the eyes of most city leaders. When rolling out a free prepaid gas card plan in the spring, Lightfoot shrugged off criticism that the measure encouraged fossil fuel usage by saying “back on planet reality,” many residents live in public transit deserts and need a car to get around.

Novara said her ideal vision is one where each Chicagoan has the choice among walking, public transit, biking and driving. She added there is “abundant” public transit on the South, Southwest and West sides, though some areas may be richer in bus routes than trains.

“I don’t think that we are in a position where we’re saying there’s something wrong with owning or driving a car,” Novara said. “We’re simply saying that it has its place, and people should have lots of options around how they get around this city.”

‘Making driving less attractive’

The idea behind Connected Communities centers on what’s known as “transit-oriented development,” originally meant to boost homes and businesses along rail stations, and more recently along bus routes.

The concept gained momentum in Chicago in a 2013 ordinance under former mayor Rahm Emanuel, but from then until 2019, nearly all the development it led to was concentrated on the North and Northwest sides, downtown and the West Loop, according to Department of Housing statistics.

In addition to measures intended to accelerate development near public transit, the Connected Communities ordinance implements a novel cap on the amount of parking for new residential buildings near train stations — one spot per two units. Developers need city approval to build at a higher one-to-one ratio.

The ordinance also expands the reach of existing limits on parking requirements near transit stations to four blocks, and near certain bus corridors to two blocks, and it eliminates on-site parking mandates for affordable housing citywide.

In addition, the legislation bans new curb cuts and driveways within a half-mile of rail stations without city approval and requires pedestrian-friendly design within that same perimeter.

The parking provisions in the new ordinance could play a role in getting Chicago residents to go carless, and likely signal that the city is moving toward incentivizing other ways besides vehicles of getting around, said Audrey Wennink, transportation director for the Metropolitan Planning Council.

It will take other measures to make those efforts work, she said, but she believes less car use is a realistic goal for Chicago. The city has the bones of an extensive public transit system in place, and even with CTA challenges, that gives Chicago a leg up, she said.

“I don’t think people recognise that when we build housing, there’s a significant proportion of the cost of that housing historically that goes to the parking,” Wennink said.

“You need to make driving less attractive and make these other options more attractive so people make that choice.”

Steven Cain, a Chicago landlord who is part of the Neighbourhood Building Owners Alliance, said the ordinance is “certainly more good than bad” in that it expands incentives for transit-oriented development rather than forcing it.

For example, the elimination of on-site parking requirements in affordable housing serves as a “financial incentive,” Cain said.

“The less parking you have to provide is the less money you have to spend on building parking lots, or the more land that you have available for housing versus somebody’s car,” Cain said.

“So there’s sort of financial incentives to make it more attractive to include affordable housing. … Seems like a worthy goal.”

‘I’m part of the problem’

But it could take work to make other options more attractive than driving. Just ask Seth Blumenthal.

Blumenthal, 47, spent several years carless in Chicago. He sold his vehicle around 2015, feeling like he’d been paying a lot of money to keep a car he wasn’t using much, and instead favoured public transit and walking.

Blumenthal became a near-daily CTA rider. He continued riding after the pandemic hit, though he was going fewer places.

But by 2021, he found train trackers were becoming less accurate and that the quality of trips was declining. When he got off his bartending shift late at night, his wait for a Blue Line train was sometimes longer than his trip home. Increasingly unwilling to wait, he shelled out for ride-shares instead.

“I was getting more and more irritated with depending on CTA,” he said. “The value of my time was not being served well.”

He caved, bought a car and reserved a parking spot near his home.

“I’m part of the problem,” he said. “I’m in traffic, and I’m complaining about traffic.”

Getting Blumenthal to sell his car again would come down to better bus and train service, he said, and that includes express buses or bus priority lanes. Faster connections between downtown, where he lives, and the Milwaukee Avenue corridor, where he spends much of his time, would also persuade him. And, of course, there’s persistent safety and cleanliness concerns, he said.

“I feel helpless; there’s so little I can do,” he said. “I’m not personally contributing to transit anymore by riding it, so I kind of feel bad as an active citizen and transit enthusiast, but I have to live my life.”

CTA has been facing widespread complaints about service reliability and safety. Both violent and nonviolent crimes on CTA were up compared to last year, leading to a 42% increase in total crime through mid-August, according to Chicago police.

CTA has said many of its service challenges are because of staff shortages, and recently unveiled a plan to address those and other concerns through hiring, schedule tweaks, upgraded train and bus trackers and other measures.

CTA also highlighted recent work with Chicago police to add more officers to address safety, among other security measures.

“CTA ridership will continue to grow, and serve as a catalyst for opportunity and investment across the city,” the agency’s officials said in a statement.

Going car-free: a tough sell

Research shows the availability of free parking is one major impetus of car use and ownership, said Yonah Freemark, a researcher at the Urban Institute who focuses on land use and transportation. To that end, the new city ordinance is strong in curbing such habits.

Although Chicago’s share of carless households is far higher than the rest of the country — 26.8% according to a 2020 census estimate, compared with 8.5% nationwide — it also crept down from 34.3% in 1990. To reverse that trend would mean investing in the CTA, protected bike lanes and more, he said.

“I think there is no question that it is hard to get people to give up their cars when they feel like they can’t rely on the transit system, when they feel unsafe biking around their communities, when they think crime has increased,” Freemark said.

“There is no question that people seek out their cars because it’s kind of a safety blanket.”

Ald. Nick Sposato, 38th, said he voted no on the Connected Communities ordinance because, among other things, he believes the parking restrictions will lead to a “firestorm” of criticism from residents with cars in his Far Northwest Side ward. He would know, given he is one of them.

As someone who uses a wheelchair, Sposato said he takes the train a lot less and finds it simply unrealistic for Chicagoans to embrace policies that he believes “force” people to give up their cars.

“This is America,” Sposato said. “I don’t think there’s enough people in the city that are that gung-ho about becoming carless. … If they feel that way, great. Do your share.”

But Chicago Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Vig Krishnamurthy said there are signs the city is relying less on cars, including census data that shows in 2019 the share of residents driving alone to work was its lowest in more than a decade, at about 48%.

“That’s to me a signal of there’s a latent demand, or a latent interest, in getting around in different ways,” Krishnamurthy said.

“Increasingly we’re seeing people are using a variety of modes, kind of like a delicious salad, if you will. And I think that actually is great because we’re not then wedded to seeing a transportation system or a city from just the perspective of one modality, but rather it’s this mix.” — tca


For Mercedes-Benz Museum, it's 'mission accomplished' with visitor arrivals

Büdke (right) welcoming the visitors from Guyana and from St Kitts and Nevis on Aug 22.
STUTTGART: Target: get citizens of all 193 member states of the United Nations to visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum here.

Aug 22 was a special day for Mercedes-Benz when it achieved its goal with four foreign visitors to the museum.

They were Melissa Khan, Faraaz Munshi and Wagar Sahid from Guyana and Cecil Rawlins from the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, who represented the two final countries that had been missing from the museum’s statistics.

The guests from Guyana and the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis are STIHL dealers from the Caribbean and South America. The chainsaw and motorised equipment maker STIHL is represented in 160 nations and regularly organises visits for about 40 dealership groups annually to the headquarters in Waiblingen and to the production locations in Austria and Switzerland. The Mercedes-Benz Museum is regularly part of the visiting programme.

Since February 2017 the Mercedes-Benz Museum had been running a campaign aimed at visitors from the seven countries which were not yet represented in the official visitor statistics: Benin, Botswana, Guyana, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St Kitts and Nevis as well as Suriname. The campaign proved successful. Visitors from five of the countries came to see the Mercedes-Benz Museum in 2017.

On Aug 22, the STIHL visitors from Guyana and from St Kitts and Nevis filled in the final blanks. The museum flew the two countries’ flags to mark their visit. After being welcomed by the museum's management board member, Monja Büdke, the visitors explored the museum and were then invited for a snack in the museum restaurant.

The Mercedes-Benz Museum uses regular surveys to collect information about where its visitors come from. Since the museum re-opened in 2006, the proportion of international visitors has continued to rise steadily. Last year, figures reached a height: 60% of the visitors coming from other countries. After Germany, China was once again the next top country of origin with more than 10%, followed by the US, France and Switzerland.

The Mercedes-Benz Museum is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday (9am to 6pm).


Porsche 918 Spyder on 1,000km road trip to celebrate feat

                LONDON: A dream drive for one Porsche enthusiast will become a reality this week when Ingo Georges Vandenberghe from Austria joins a special road trip around England and Wales in a Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid super sports car.

Ingo, 27, won the prize in a competition hosted on the Porsche Facebook page to celebrate the landmark of reaching 10 million Facebook fans worldwide. Now, he will visit a series of top cultural and motoring landmarks from the unique vantage point of the cockpit of the 918 Spyder.

At each stage on the car’s 1,000km journey, Porsche owners and enthusiasts will be invited to sign the car as a memento of its historic trip. The 918 Spyder will be joined by a Cayenne S E-Hybrid and Panamera S E-Hybrid, underlining the position of Porsche as the only premium marque offering three plug-in hybrid cars.

The 918 Spyder will drive from central London and tour through Oxford, Wales and the Cotswolds before finishing at the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone. The route has been chosen to demonstrate both the power and efficiency of Porsche E-Hybrid technology.

To encourage people to share in this special moment, the car has been specially wrapped so it can be signed at stops during the journey.

The choice of Bourton-on-the-Water as a stopping point was inspired by the Facebook contest. Fans were asked to identify the country and location of a landscape photograph, and the closest guess won the "once in a lifetime" experience.

Featuring a bespoke 608hp 4,593cc V8 petrol engine supported by a 115 kW electric motor driving the rear axle, and a 95 kW electric motor powering the front wheels, the 918 Spyder produces a total output of 887hp. This power offers the potential for acceleration from 0 to 100Kph in 2.5 secs and a top speed of 344kph. Such performance is combined with the potential to accelerate to 150kph in pure electric drive mode, and fuel economy of up to 2.5l/100km with emissions as low as 70 g/km CO2.

Built in a limited series of 918 examples priced from €781,155 (RM3mil), every example of the carbon fibre two-seater 918 Spyder has been sold.


Toyota RAV4 versus rivals: More tech and circa RM200K prices

                KUALA LUMPUR: The new fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 enters a crowded arena of mid-sized Japanese SUVs (sport utility vehicles) that are fitted with advanced driver's assistance technologies.

These technologies, unheard of just a few years ago, improve road safety with automatic assist for braking and steering.

Carsifu takes a quick look at the new 2.5-litre RAV4, imported from Japan, and made a few comparisons against its Japanese rivals.

The RAV4 is billed as offering best-in-class space and it certainly has a class-leading 580 litres (seats up).

However, with the rear seats down, the Subaru Forester leads the pack with 1,775 litres against the RAV4's roomy 1,690 litres.

While the RAV4's 2.5-litre naturally aspirated powertrain is smooth and refined, it is quite outmuscled by its turbocharged and hybrid rivals, particularly the 2.5-litre turbocharged Mazda CX-5 with 228hp and 420Nm of torque.

Meanwhile, while its Japanese rivals are also packed with a tonne of smart driver's assist features, especially the CR-V and Forester, we think the RAV4 nudges ahead with a more complete package with its Toyota Safety Sense suite of systems.

These include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) for All Speed as well as Automatic High Beam (AHB).

PCS alerts the driver and automatically applies the brakes when there is a risk of collision.

LDA alerts and assists when you are out of the lane unintentionally, and LTA keeps the vehicle centered either by detecting the lane or the car in front.

DRCC maintains a safe distance with preceding vehicle and brakes automatically when the car ahead stops.

There are also an Electro-Chromic (EC) rearview mirror to cut dazzle from vehicles behind and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), both of which alert the driver when other vehicles are in the blind spot.

The RAV4 also has Dual Digital Video Recorders that can retain visual evidence in the event of an accident.

Still, the RAV4's price tags is quite high and it is the only SUV here that is priced at the RM200,000 level.

Prices are RM196,436 (2.0-litre) and RM215,665 (2.5-litre) and these already factor in the 50% reduction in sales tax from June 15 till December 31, 2020.

Its rivals are considerably cheaper and the 2.0-litre Nissan X-Trail Hybrid in particular offers both good fuel economy and value, priced at a more accessible RM157,451.

In summary, while the new RAV4 has a premium and roomy interior, and an advanced safety package, its buyers will be the sort that have deeper pockets and can appreciate its finer qualities.

READ MORE:
First drive of Toyota RAV4Fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 launched: RM196K (2.0L) and RM215K (2.5L)


VIDEO: Land Rover's giant 1km drawing

                WHITLEY, ENGLAND: Land Rover has gone back to the place where it all began to start a year-long celebration of the iconic Defender.

A unique 1km sand drawing at Red Wharf Bay in Anglesey, UK, marks the launch of three exclusive limited edition models.

As UK production of the current Defender enters its final phase, Land Rover will use 2015 to celebrate its global automotive icon.

“Passion and enthusiasm surround everything we do with Defender, and that will never change. With a history stretching back 68 years, this is a Land Rover that has thrived for decades on its unquestionable capability and iconic shape," said Land Rover Vehicle Line Director Nick Rogers.

To mark the announcement, Land Rover has created the largest sand drawing ever produced in the UK.

A Defender outline measuring a staggering 1km across was drawn on the beach at Red Wharf Bay in Anglesey using a fleet of six Land Rovers.

The unique image is a tribute to the moment in 1947 when the engineering director of Rover, Maurice Wilks, first sketched the shape for the original Land Rover in the sand of Red Wharf Bay and proposed the idea to his brother Spencer, Rover’s managing director.

“My father met his brother on the beach at Red Wharf Bay and made a drawing in the sand of how he thought the Land Rover could be made,” said Stephen Wilks, son of Maurice.

“That was the start of it all, the conception of Land Rover.”

 Land Rover's trio of Defender Limited Editions

The Wilks family owned land on the Welsh island and Maurice wanted a versatile vehicle that could double as a light tractor and off-roader.

His forward-thinking design was christened the ‘Land Rover’, the outline of which we now recognise as the Defender.

Creating the giant piece of temporary artwork at Red Wharf Bay required a fleet of six Land Rovers, each towing an agricultural 12-foot harrow to draw the unmistakable outline of the Defender in the sand.

The vehicles chosen for the race against the Anglesey tides chart the evolution of the Defender from its introduction in 1948 to the present day.

A Land Rover Series I, II and III were joined on the beach by a Ninety from the Eighties, a Defender 90 Hard Top and a Defender 110 Station Wagon.

The immaculate Series II once belonged to the Wilks family and in memory of the moment originally enacted by their fathers, cousins Stephen and Nick Wilks, the sons of Maurice and Spencer Wilks respectively, were on hand to take part.

They helped to draw the continuous 4.52km line – the length of 1,118 Defender 90 Station Wagons – into the sand with just minutes to spare before it was erased by the incoming tide.

The event witnessed the debut of the Defender Celebration Series; three exciting new limited edition models which each celebrate a different element of Defender’s unique history.

The Heritage, Adventure and Autobiography Editions are all powered by Land Rover’s proven 2.2-litre diesel engine.

Land Rover is also investigating the possibility of maintaining production of the current Defender at an overseas production facility, after the close of UK manufacturing.

Any continuation would see low volume production maintained for sale outside the EU.


Proton vendors to work with foreign vendors in run-up to X70 SUV production

                TANJUNG MALIM: Proton took another step for the local production of the X70 SUV when a number of its vendors signed collaboration agreements with their overseas counterparts at a ceremony here today.

Local assembly of the X70 will start in the later part of 2019, and it will be the first model jointly developed by Proton and Geely to be manufactured at the Tanjung Malim plant.

The first batch of agreements to be signed, ranging from joint ventures to technical assistance, will attract an initial investment of RM170 million to Malaysia. The amount is expected to multiply over the years in tandem with increases in Proton's manufacturing volume.

Investing for the future

The signing of agreements between Malaysian and overseas vendors is the first step in establishing a supplier base capable of meeting the technology and quality standards required to build the next generation of Proton cars to be jointly developed with Geely.

It is also a commitment by Proton to grow its sales locally and via export markets as Tanjung Malim is transformed into a research and development as well as production hub for right-hand drive models within the Geely Group.

To achieve this, Proton is investing RM1.2 billion in plant expansion initiatives to cater to the manufacture of all new models here in line with the strategic partnership agreement signed between Proton and Geely in 2017 to rejuvenate Proton and its model offerings.

The long-term goal is to re-establish the brand as a market leader domestically while growing its presence internationally, particularly in Asean right-hand-drive markets.

 The X70 plant is in the early stages of construction.

"Proton would like to urge its vendors to grab this opportunity to build partnerships with their overseas counterparts in order to reach a world standard for technology advancement and quality," said Proton chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar.

"This will enable them to compete internationally and lead to the development of a Malaysian automotive industry vendor community that is able to compete on a global scale. The participation of Malaysian vendors is a key component to achieving the long-term goals of the company. We want Proton products that are built right here in Tanjung Malim, using (competitive) parts made in Malaysia for the domestic market as well as for our export models."

The eight collaborations in automotive component supplies to Proton are between Hubei Tri-ring Auto-electric Appliance Co Ltd and Delloyd Industries (M) Sdn Bhd; Jiangsu Xinquan Automotive Trim Co Ltd and Hicom Teck See Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd; Tianjin Bodun Electronics Co Ltd and MTV Digital Technology Sdn Bhd; SH SIIC Transportation Electric Co Ltd (STEC) and Multi-Code Electronics Industries (M) Bhd; Ningbo Xinpin Auto Parts and Delloyd Alpha Sdn Bhd; Avic Guiyang Wanjiang Aviation Electromechanical Co Ltd and Delloyd Electronics (M) Sdn Bhd; Ningbo Fushi Automotive Components Co Ltd and Proreka (M) Sdn Bhd; and Shenzhen Jiuzhou Zhuoneng Electric Co Ltd and Xenso Electronics Sdn Bhd.

Another automotive vendor from China, namely Ningbo Tuopu Vibro-acoustics Technology Co Ltd, has decided to make a solo investment in Malaysia in supplying insulation and acoustic-related parts to Proton.

About 450 new jobs are expected to be created initially as a result of these collaborations and investments.

X70 off to good start

Proton said customer response to the X70 has been encouraging with many placing bookings with a deposit of RM1,000 since the order book was opened on Sept 8.

Prior to its launch, it will be displayed at a series of customer previews designed to introduce Malaysians to Proton's first SUV.

"The X70 will feature new technology that will be new to Proton models as well as a level of luxury and quality that, together with our new 3S and 4S outlets, will elevate the brand. We are confident many Malaysians will rediscover their love for Proton models after they have experienced this new SUV," said Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong.

The event at Proton's plant here was attended by Tanjung Malim MP Chang Lih Kang and Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin who is Perak state exco for investment and corridor development. They were hosted by Proton chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar, Dr Li, Proton deputy CEO Datuk Radzaif Mohamed and other senior management staff of Proton and DRB-Hicom.


All-electric Opel set for Paris Motor Show premiere

                FRANKFURT: Opel promises a revolutionary new electric car with its Ampera-e, set to premiere globally at the Paris Motor Show.

The Ampera-e will be the first fully electric vehicle unveiled under the Opel brand, and is essentially a European version of the Chevrolet Bolt, shown January 2016 at the Detroit Auto Show in the US.

Although initially expected at the Geneva Motor Show, the Opel Ampera-e is set to make its debut at the French capital's auto event.

"The Opel Ampera-e makes electromobility fully feasible for everyday use and ready for the future," says Opel CEO, Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. "The Ampera-e demonstrates impressively how well sustainability and driving pleasure can form a unity. And with its strong-as-an-ox electric motor, it delivers pure fun to drive."

With Opel promising range of over 300km, the Ampera-e rivals the best electric cars on the market, such as the Nissan Leaf, while offering a cheaper alternative to Tesla's sedans.

Loading the battery pack under the vehicle floor makes for a spacious interior, with seating for five passengers and trunk space comparable with other cars in the compact class. The Ampera-e will also come with the brand's latest-gen technologies, such as the IntelliLink infotainment system (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and the Opel OnStar connected onboard system.

There shouldn't be much difference in specs between the Chevrolet Bolt and the Opel Ampera-e. The hatchback, which promises 204 horsepower, is set to sell at a competitive price, expected to come in under €30,000 (RM137,000) including relevant government subsidies.

The Paris Motor show runs Oct 1-16.


VW revs up CNY promo

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is kicking off its Chinese New Year (CNY) promotion with attractive rebates.

Customers who book via the eShowroom will enjoy additional online savings on top of the ongoing ang pao rebates. Those interested in the Passat range will also get free additional 1-year insurance or RM5,500 savings.

Volkswagen owners can also enjoy the latest deals under the CNY aftersales service campaign with savings on parts replacements and genuine engine oil.

A list of other offerings include complimentary 5 Star Service Check, up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres, and complimentary Volkswagen ang pao packets. Service appointments can be made online here.

The Volkswagen CNY sales and aftersales promotion is valid from now until Feb 28.

All Volkswagen models come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.


New road rage report ranks the most reviled types of drivers in the US

                SEATTLE: Do you text and drive? Stay glued to the bumper of the car in front of you, throwing death glares into the back of the driver's head until they get the picture and switch lanes? Congratulations, you are among some of the most annoying and infuriating drivers on the road.

For the third year in a row, in Expedia's annual Road Rage Report, texters were rated the most unpopular type of driver, taking the biggest percentage of the vote at 22 percent.

The survey, conducted by market research company GfK, polled 1,000 Americans about their biggest driving pet peeves ahead of Memorial Day weekend, when more than 30 million drivers are expected to hit the roads.

READ MORE:
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After texters, the tailgater was identified as the second-most aggravating driver, taking 14 percent of the vote, followed by the “last-minute-line-cutter” at 13 percent.

“Many of us have been guilty of these behaviours behind the wheel – it's easier to notice poor driving when it isn't you,” said John Morrey, Expedia vice-president and general manager in a statement.

“But Memorial Day will put many millions of drivers in close proximity, and it's important to be particularly sensitive to one another. The same is true on a plane, in a hotel, anywhere – consideration for your fellow traveler helps everyone.”

If you're particularly prone to erupting into fits of road rage while driving, best avoid New York, home to the least courteous drivers in the US, according to survey respondents.

After the Big Apple, which took 43 percent of the vote, Angelenos were identified as the second-worst drivers, followed by Chicago.

On the flip side, Portland, Oregon was identified as the most courteous driving city, where drivers are more prone to respect right of ways, send friendly waves of thanks for being let through, respect speed limits and personal space.

Minneapolis/St. Paul fell in second place.

Back-seat driving was also cited as the most offensive behaviour among passengers by 61 percent of respondents, followed by reluctant co-pilots who won't help navigate (11 percent), and the radio hog (9 percent).

Here are the top 10 most annoying types of drivers according to Expedia:

1. The Texter
2. Tailgater
3. The Last-Minute Line-Cutter
4. The Left-Lane Hog
5. The Crawler
6. The Multitasker
7. The Swerver
8. The Speeder
9. The Drifter
10. The Honker
11. The Inconsiderate
12. The Red Light Racer


Cheaper parking at Sg Buloh MRT terminus from today

                KUALA LUMPUR: Starting today, new parking rates will be imposed at the Park & Ride facility operated by the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) along MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) Line.

MRT Corp said on Thursday that the new rate would reflect the reduction of the Goods and Services tax (GST) to zero per cent.

“From June 1, the parking rate at the Park & Ride facility for MRT users will be at RM4 per entry per day, while motorcyclists will be charged RM1 per admission per day.

“Those using the parking facility but not the MRT services will be charged a different rate depending on the location of the Park & Ride facility used,” the statement said.

“From June 1, the parking rate at the Park & Ride facility for MRT users will be at RM4 per entry per day, while motorcyclists will be charged RM1 per admission per day.

“Those using the parking facility but not the MRT services will be charged a different rate depending on the location of the Park & Ride facility used,” the statement said.

The Park & Ride facilities run by MRT Corp are at Sungai Buloh, Phileo Damansara, Maluri, Taman Midah, Taman Suntex, Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, Bukit Dukung and Sungai Jernih.

Other parking facilities along the SBK Line such as Kwasa Damansara, Kwasa Sentral, Bandar Utama, Bandar Damansara and Kajang are managed by external parties.


Oct 25-Nov 1: RON97 down nine sen to RM2.59

                PETALING JAYA: The fuel price of RON97 will go down by nine sen per litre, while RON95 and diesel prices remain the same for the following week.

The Finance Ministry said the price of RON97 would be set at RM2.59 per litre from RM2.68 beginning Saturday (Oct 25) until Nov 1.

The prices of RON95 and diesel will stay at RM2.08 per litre and RM2.18 per litre respectively.

"Based on the calculation under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), the retail prices for both RON95 and diesel should be RM2.29 per litre respectively," it said a statement Friday (Oct 25).

It added that the estimated subsidy to be borne by the government between Oct 26 and Nov 1 would be about RM87.28mil.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism was reintroduced on Jan 5 under the APM.

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


Cut queue and it's back to Singapore, MB warns motorists

                JOHOR BARU: Vehicles entering Malaysia via the two land checkpoints with Singapore have been told not to cut queue or risk not being allowed to enter the country, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

The Johor Mentri Besar also thanked the police for being on duty to control traffic congestion at the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB), which connects to the Second Link in Iskandar Puteri.

“Thanks to the police who are in charge of controlling traffic congestion at KSAB.

“I have been made to understand that vehicles that have been found to cut the queue cannot enter Malaysia and will be directed back to Singapore,” he said in a Facebook post here today.

It is a long weekend for the island republic with Vesak Day being celebrated in Singapore on June 2 and a month-long school holiday there.


Pioneer DMH-ZF8550BT in-dash receiver launched

                SINGAPORE: Pioneer Corp has launched the DMH-ZF8550BT, its latest in-dash receiver featuring a 9-inch touchscreen display and compatibility with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and WebLink.

Pioneer says the unique design of the DMH-ZF8550BT (Pioneer, please simplify product names for ease of recall like Maestro 100 as an example) greatly increases installation flexibility due to its universal 1-DIN size chassis and 9-inch display that can be installed as a floating type, protruding from the front surface of the dash, or as an in-dash type, mounted flush in the radio location of compatible vehicles or installation dash kits.

When installed as a floating mount type, the screen offers horizontal, vertical and tilt adjustability.

Featuring a large 9-inch WSVGA resolution(1024×600) touchscreen, the DMH-ZF8550BT also offers a split screen mode.

 Android Auto - Split Screen Display (PRNewsfoto/Pioneer Corporation)

The DMH-ZF8550BT features a custom high-performance 48-bit dual-core DSP (digital signal processor) that enables advanced sound quality tuning and adjustability.

Pioneer-developed audio enhancements such as Time Alignment and Network Mode can provide adjustment of each speaker to create an optimal sound field specific to the user's listening position, while the 13-band graphic equalizer allows fine-tuning of output across the audible frequency spectrum.

The DMH-ZF8550BT is also equipped with Pioneer's Advanced Sound Retriever, which enhances compressed sound sources.

Other connectivity characteristics include:

- Rear USB 2.0 port for smartphone connectivity (1.5A maximum current capability), audio playback of MSC/MTP devices, and software updates
- Rear AV input
- Rear camera input with parking guidelines compatible with many original equipment (OE) rear-view cameras (aftermarket adaptor required, sold separately) and most aftermarket universal rear-view cameras, including Pioneer's rear-view camera (sold separately)
- Rear seat entertainment monitor video output terminal (RCA)
- RCA preamplifier outputs (front/rear/subwoofer)
- An additional input where you can add a second camera

 Apple CarPlay Split Screen Display. Pioneer DMH-ZF8550BT - WebLink Infortainment System.


Proton-Geely tie-up may evaporate

                KUALA LUMPUR: Proton's quest for a strategic partner might be hitting a road bump?

Billionaire Li Shufu has been reported as saying he’s planning to pull Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. out of a bid for Proton Holdings Bhd.

Bloomberg reported Li as saying DRB-Hicom, the parent of Proton, keeps changing its plans.

“They keep changing, today it’s this, tomorrow’s it’s that,” Li said in an interview in Beijing Friday, before attending the opening of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

“They haven’t decided what they want.”

Hangzhou, China-based Geely Group and France’s PSA Group have submitted bids to buy a stake in money-losing Proton, which needs to bring in a foreign partner to help in research and development as part of conditions it agreed to in order to receive a loan last year.

Bloomberg reported that Proton CEO Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali and a company spokeswoman both declined to comment on Li’s comments.

Last week, PSA CEO Carlos Tavares said last week that a decision on the Proton bid is expected in spring.

Proton owns British sports car maker Lotus Cars Ltd.

In the second half of 2016, Proton had launched four new models in quick succession as it strived to regain market share.

The Proton Ertiga compact MPV was the fourth and final product from Proton in 2016 to be rolled out after the new Perdana, Persona and Saga.


35 years later: How BMW's M5 went from executive saloon to muscle car

                BERLIN: These days, drivers have become accustomed to business saloons that pack the same kind punch as a sporty two-seater. Particularly among German luxury manufacturers, it’s par for the course to produce an extra sporty version of the flagship company car.

But things were a bit different in 1985. In those days, brands like Ferrari, Maserati or Porsche dominated the fast lane – that is, until BMW suddenly unveiled a seriously souped up version of its executive car: the first M5.

A 3.5-litre engine and 286hp at a weight just over 1.4 tons offered performance that took testers’ breath away: 6.1 seconds for a sprint from 0 to 100kph was unthinkable for a saloon at the time.

Decades later, BMW has halved that sprint time in the new 2020 edition of the M5, which can reach 100kph from a standstill in just 3.3 seconds.

But even back in 1985, the M5 could already hold its own against many speedsters with a top speed of 245kph. And where sports car drivers had to squeeze into tight coupes that rumbled over bumps on the highway, BMW’s muscular saloon offered plenty of space and luxury.

The sports seats for driver and front passenger were comfortably shaped and upholstered, while the doors, floor and boot were covered fine velour.

But the prestige came at a price: at 80,750 Deutschmarks, the BMW M5 cost more than twice as much as a BMW 528i, putting it firmly at the top of the German manufacturer’s price list. Even a Porsche 911 would cost less.

Even so, this didn’t seem to affect the M5’s success, says Bernhard Santer, spokesman for the BMW’s M branch. Just two years after M began production, it produced its 1,000th vehicle. And by 1987, with the last M5 of the first-generation basis of the E28, over 2,200 had been produced.

READ MORE: Incoming facelifted BMW M5

To this day, the original M5 is a highly sought-after model, not least because of its understated appearance. Whereas the current model’s design conjures images of a bodybuilder flexing his muscles, the classic edition did without spoilers on the outside or bucket seats and carbon accents on the inside.

Despite the great appreciation for its restrained design, many fans and collectors still consider the model to be a bargain that often trades below value, and which is significantly cheaper than the more common M3.

On the usual online platforms, an M5 in good shape from the first few years of production can hardly be found under US$60,000 (RM257,000) – meaning it has long since exceeded its original factory price.

 The current M5.


Electric vehicles confront the leap to the mass market

                DETROIT: The past year was sobering for investors who poured money into Tesla Inc and rival electric vehicle startups that hoped to emulate Tesla CEO Elon Musk's success.

As interest rates rose and financial markets gyrated, shares in many EV startups deflated. Rivian Automotive Inc, which had a higher market value than Ford Motor Co shortly after it went public in 2021, lost more than 70% of its value over the past year.

Other EV startups fared worse. Electric van maker Arrival warned it could run out of cash in less than a year. Lucid Group Inc, backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, struggled to build its sleek Air luxury EVs.

Chinese Tesla challenger Xpeng Inc's shares lost more than 80% of their value.

Now comes the hard part: Persuading more mainstream consumers to come along for the ride.

Why it matters

The automobile industry is pouring more than US$1 trillion into a revolutionary shift from combustion engines to electric vehicles guided by software.

From Detroit to Shanghai, automakers and government policymakers have embraced the promise of electric vehicles to provide cleaner, safer transportation.

European countries and California have set 2035 as the deadline for ending sales of new combustion passenger vehicles.

Tesla Inc's surge to become the world's most valuable automaker - achieving a US$1 trillion valuation last year - humbled established automakers such as Toyota Motor Corp and Volkswagen AG that once were reluctant to go electric.

Starting next year, a wave of new electric vehicles from pickup trucks to middle market SUVs and sedans will hit the world's major markets.

Industry executives and forecasters do not agree on how rapidly electric vehicles could take over half the global vehicle market, let alone all of it.

In China, the world's largest single automotive market, battery electric vehicles have captured about 21% of the market. In Europe, EVs account for about 12% of total passenger vehicle sales. But in the United States, EV market share is only about 6%.

Among the barriers to EV adoption, industry executives and analysts said, were a dearth of public fast-charging infrastructure, and the rising cost of EV batteries, driven by shortages of key materials and uncertainty over government subsidies that have buoyed EV purchases in major markets including the United States, China and Europe.

By 2029, electric vehicles could account for a third of the North American market, and about 26% of vehicles produced worldwide, according to AutoForecast Solutions, a consultancy.

Electric vehicle sales likely will not increase in a smooth, ever-ascending curve, said AFS President Joe McCabe. If there is a recession next year, as many economists forecast, that will slow EV adoption.

Wards Intelligence forecasts that combustion vehicles will make up just under 80% of North American sales in 2027. Based on automakers' product plans, Wards analyst Haig Stoddard said at a recent conference that manufacturers "expect strong ICE (internal combustion engine) volume heading into the next decade."

What does it mean for 2023?

Throughout 2022, established automakers such as Mercedes, Ford and General Motors Co unveiled dozens of new electric vehicles to challenge Tesla and the upstarts.

Mass production of most of these vehicles kicks into gear starting in 2023 and 2024.

By 2025, there could be 74 different electric vehicle models offered in North America, McCabe said. But he predicts fewer than 20% of those models are likely to sell at volumes above 50,000 vehicles a year. Automakers could be stuck with too many niche models and too much capacity.

Slowing economies threaten overall vehicle demand in Europe and China, too.

During the early years of the 20th Century, new auto companies sprang up, backed by investors eager to catch the wave of mass mobility that Henry Ford and other automotive pioneers started.

By the 1950s, the global auto industry had consolidated and once-heralded brands such as Duesenberg had disappeared.

The next few years will determine whether the 21st Century's crop of electric vehicle brands will follow a similar path.


From car-jacking to car-hacking

                FRANKFURT: A connected car may be catching everyone’s attention and imagination at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show, but there’s word that with such new technology, it also opens the door to new dangers – hacking.

Carmakers at this year’s motor show are keen to show off their brave new world of intelligent, digitised models, but an incident in the US earlier this year involving computer hackers remotely took control of a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The vehicle was still being driven on a motorway at that time and following the hack, it was subsequently brought to a standstill.

The car industry must now find way of convincing consumers that these new super-computers on wheels are both safe and secure.

After the incident, Jeep was forced to recall 1.4 million vehicles in the US.

Around 150 million connected cars will be on the road worldwide in 2020, according to estimates by consultancy firm Gartner.

For the moment, analysts say that there isn’t a clear economic model for hacking cars, but once a car starts storing sensitive data, then this will start attracting criminals who vigilantly keep pace with any technological advancements.

For example, such a risk could arise if connected cars are synchronised with drivers' smartphones containing personal credit card or bank account details.

In London, for example, around 6,000 cars were stolen in 2014 without being broken into, but simply by hacking their electronic locks, according to the city's police.

Nevertheless, the industry is not always moving at the same pace on the matter.

Daimler boasts that the data collected by the group is stored on its own secure servers, rather than those of third parties, contrary to come of its rivals, according to Daimler chief executive officer Dieter Zetsche.

PSA Peugeot Citroen is collaborating with IT giants such as Cisco on an electronic architecture for its cars, as well as "some players from the military sector," says the company’s director of connected services business unit Brigitte Courtehoux.

US manufacturer Tesla is taking the bull by its horns and working together with hackers themselves.

This week, US giant Intel set up a new research group, the Automotive Security Review Board, to look into ways of reducing the risks of connected car hacking.

In Germany, Volkswagen announced a similar cybersecurity research project with insurer Allianz, and chemicals giants BASF and Bayer.

"A connected car is only secure for a short time" until a chink in the armour can be found, said Kaspersky director of futures technologies projects Andrey Nikishin.


Piloti Ferrari 488 Pista launched, limited to racing customers

                MARANELLO: If you thought the Ferrari 488 Pista is fancier than the standard 488, hold that thought.

Ferrari last week introduced a unique “Piloti Ferrari” specification for the Pista as a tribute to the FIA World Endurance Championship world titles exclusively for client racing drivers.

This special custom creation, the latest from the exclusive Tailor Made programme, was designed to recognise the success of clients who race Ferraris and made its debut last Friday, the eve of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Inspired by AF Corse's no. 51 car, with which Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado won the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles, this special finish for the new Pista is available only for customers involved in the company's motor sports programmes.

The powertrain remains the same as the Pista’s.

The exterior features a new livery with stripes in the colours of the Italian flag recalling the racing version of the 488 GTE, embellished by a laurel celebrating the WEC title, the logo of the championship and the word "PRO" indicating the class the car raced in.

The Italian flag livery features again along the car’s flanks which are also adorned with the personal race number each client will be able to add.

The version that will be unveiled at Le Mans carries the number 51 used by the world championship drivers. The matte black S-Duct and the natural carbon-fibre “dovetail” suspended rear spoiler and vent surrounds round off the personalisation of the exterior.

The “Piloti Ferrari” Pista will be available in four different colours inspired by the world of racing: Rosso Corsa, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona and Argento Nürburgring.

The interior, in black Alcantara, includes seats upholstered with a special perforated version of the same material that incorporates the Italian flag in the central band of the backrest. The national colours are also clearly visible on the edge of the gearshift paddles and on the floormats which, like the carpeting itself, are made of a special technical fabric.

The number that features on the external livery also appears on the base of the steering wheel, while all the carbon-fibre trim parts have a matte finish. The personalisation of the interior is completed by an exclusive identification plate and sill trim in carbon-fibre, the latter with the Tailor Made logo.

The new Pista version is powered by the latest 720-cv version of the 3.9-litre turbocharged V8 which has been voted best engine in the world for the third consecutive year at the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards.

> CarSifu is now in Maranello to test-drive the Pista and will have the first drive story shortly.


New Renault Koleos driven in Paris, launched in Malaysia today

                An entourage comprising select media members from the Malaysian motoring community was invited by French marque, Renault, to the iconic city of Paris to experience the new Koleos, its flagship D-segment SUV.

The all-new SUV was revealed at the Beijing Motor Show 2016 back in April as part of its global line-up. At that time though, it was yet to be officially called the Koleos which originally began life as a compact SUV in 2000. While the name remains the same, the new Koleos has now grown in size and has added the level of refinement and features found in premium cars. Not to mention robustness and off-road capabilities on its all-wheel drive variant.

The Koleos’ architecture is derived from the Common Module Family (CMF-CD) modular platform which was developed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. This architecture is shared among other models in the Renault and Nissan range such as X-Trail and Qashqai for the latter and the Espace, Talisman and Kadjar for the former.

As the new Koleos is set to storm markets across the globe, a slate of variants have been prepared in order to meet worldwide demands. A presentation was held at the Mortefontaine test circuit located just north of Paris where it was revealed that the Koleos will be available in 2.5-litre petrol and diesel engines matched to X-Tronic automatic continuously variable transmissions (CVT), with 4X2 and 4X4 options.

READ MORE:
Renault Koleos launched in Malaysia
Renault Koleos open for booking now

The new Koleos is expected to be officially launched in Malaysia today and will be offered in the 2.5L petrol 4X2 variant only and is already open for booking priced at RM172,800 in Peninsular Malaysia (on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance and for private registration).

The restricted grounds at Mortefontaine is situated literally in a dense forest with various on- and off-road tracks. Its natural location is ideal from prying eyes and its tranquillity is only interrupted by the sound of the occasional tyre screech. This is where we got a good look at the new Koleos and got to drive it off-road as well.

At first glance, the Koleos comes off as stylish and elegant. The bold front-fascia featuring the very prominent diamond-shaped insignia, chrome slats and the tall and slim C-shaped daytime running lights (DRL) gives it a sense of presence. Its slender body is accentuated slightly by the front and rear wheel-arches which gives it an athletic appearance. The roofline, accented by aluminium bars, tapers towards the rear at an angle which instantly screams shooting brake profile.

And it’s equally enticing at the rear with its eye-catching long and wide taillamps which wraps around the body and covers almost the entire width of the car, breaking only in the middle for the Renault logo. There is also the chrome inserts which outline the twin tail pipes.

It is also an enticing proposition in the cabin. There is no mistaking the interior’s upmarket look, feel and design. The leather upholstery, soft touch material and spaciousness (a wheelbase of 2,705mm) is undoubtedly inviting. On top of that, the centre dash exudes contemporary styling especially the centre console which houses the 8.7in portrait display akin to that of a tablet.

The cool thing about this display is that it is a touchscreen and it behaves like a tablet (not just touch but also two-finger zoom, page scrolling etc.). The Koleos is fitted with the R-Link 2 multimedia system which includes radio, infotainment, navigation, hands-free telephony and driver aids.

The driver has an instrument panel which features a 7in digital display right in the centre hemmed in by two analogue displays for fuel and temperature. The Koleos’ cabin has all the modern conveniences one expects for an SUV including connectivity and charging ports, temperature controlled seats, stowage and safety features such as six airbags, anti-whiplash front and rear headrests and ISOFIX anchorage for child seats.

Then it was time to get behind the wheel and see how the Koleos handled off-road duties at Mortefontaine. The terrain was mostly soft sand and we went through the course which consisted of uphill climbs and downhill descents and through uneven terrain. Overall, it was a pleasant experience because the Koleos offers a comfortable space to be in and its got enough power to get the momentum going.

The next morning, after breakfast at the Molitor Hotel, located in the 16th district of Paris (the city consists of 20 districts) and the 16th is the more affluent neighbourhood, we set out for our test drive. Suffice to say, driving in the Koleos with a perched view around Paris is very distracting because everywhere you look it’s like a scenic landscape out of a postcard.

Of course, you are bound to see the Eiffel Tower in the distance; and all around the varied architectural landscapes from the medieval age such as Gothic structures (most famously the Cathedral of Norte-Dame) and the Lourve, which was originally a fortress and is now one of the largest art museums in the world.

Navigating through Paris city streets can be tricky as well as adopting the local driving etiquette. We had the help of the navigation system on the Koleos to take us around and still we took wrong turns but that only meant spending more time with the Koleos. We soon left the city and headed out towards the countryside where the roads were narrower, windier and hilly too.

We found the Koleos easy to handle and drive around these parts. We couldn’t accelerate too many times as there were pedestrians and cyclists, not to mention cameras observing one’s speed limit. Whenever we did though, the car proved to be confident and stable. We turned back to Paris for our final destination as a barge awaited us at the River Seine for lunch.

For a city that is known the world over for its art, history, architecture, fashion and literature, designing an SUV that is distinctively French is no easy task. Yet, after driving the Koleos around that morning, it felt as if it naturally belonged there.

WATCH ON-SITE VIDEOS:
Walkthrough: A Thursday afternoon in Paris
Offroad demo


2017 Kia Rio hatch arrives at RM79,888

                PETALING JAYA: The new 2017 Kia Rio boasts attractive features packaged in a sleek and aerodynamic design, and is priced at RM79,888 on-the-road without insurance.

The wraps were taken off the fourth-generation Kia Rio today at 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

The 2017 fourth-generation 1.4-litre Rio is offered in four colours, namely Clear White, Signal Red, Smoke Blue and Silky Silver.

It has a 1.4-litre Kappa MPI DOHC D-CVVT petrol engine with 100ps at 6,000rpm and 133Nm of torque at 4,000rpm mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Its bold dynamic design features the trademark ‘Schreyer’ tiger-nose grille, while the tailgate handle also doubles as the housing for the rear-view camera.

The new Rio has 4mm more headroom for the rear passengers, 8mm more legroom up front and 4mm more legroom at the back.

It also has 25mm more shoulder room between the front passengers, and 31mm more shoulder room for the rear passengers.

The tailgate is now wider by 71mm and lowered to the ground by 26mm - this allows owners to store wider, bulkier items than ever before.

The dashboard has a five-inch LCD touchscreen mated to a six-speaker audio system with MP3, Bluetooth and USB features, as well as a rear view camera.

Other attractive features include 60:40 folding rear seats, a sunroof, automatic air-conditioning, keyless entry, push start button, powered windows, automatic headlights with static bending lights, and LED daytime running lights.

Safety features include all-round disc brakes, six airbags, speed sensing automatic door lock, impact sensing automatic door unlock, ISOFIX baby seat mounts, ESC (electronic stability control) and HAC (hill start assist control).

2017 Kia Rio hatchback

- 1.4-litre Kappa MPI DOHC D-CVVT engine
- 100ps/133Nm of torque
- 4-speed automatic gearbox
- 205/45 R17 tyres
- All-round disc brakes
- Projector halogen headlights
- Automatic headlights
- LED daytime running lights
- LED rear lamps
- Sunroof
- rain sensing wipers
- powered folding wing mirrors
- Black fabric seats
- 5-inch LCD touchscreen
- Radio/CD/MP3/RDS/Bluetooth/USB/Aux
- 6 speakers
- Rear view camera
- 60:40 split folding rear seats
- Automatic air-conditioning with cluster ioniser
- Tilt and telescopic steering
- Steering wheel audio controls
- Keyless entry/Smart key
- Push start button
- One-touch auto up/down driver's window
- 6 airbags
- ISOFIX child seat points
- ABS (anti-lock brake system)
- ESC (electronic stability control)
- HAC (hill start assist control)