Tesla plan to keep factory open thrown up in air by sheriff

Tesla's Fremont plant employs 10,000 workers. — Bloomberg
SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc.’s claim that it qualifies as a critical business was disputed by the sheriff of the California county where its lone US assembly plant is located, casting doubt over whether the company will be able to keep running the factory.

"Tesla is not an essential business as defined in the Alameda County Health Order,” the county sheriff wrote Tuesday from its verified Twitter account. "Tesla can maintain minimum basic operations per the Alameda County Health Order.”

Tesla’s head of North American human resources wrote in an e-mail to staff earlier Tuesday that vehicle manufacturing and energy infrastructure are critical sectors and cited the US Department of Homeland Security.

Valerie Capers Workman, the regional HR chief, said the designation allows Tesla to keep running its factory in Fremont, despite San Francisco Bay Area orders for people to stay home to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Alameda County doesn’t see it that way.

"Tesla is directed to comply with the Alameda County health order, and can operate their business at minimum basic operations,” said Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the county. "This decision was made by public health and other high-ranking county officials.”

Tesla shares slid more than 5% in after-hours trading. They have tumbled 36% since the start of the month.

The virus is moving far faster than companies, or local governments, can respond.

Though the Bay Area has taken a leading role in trying to fight the spread of the coronavirus, much remains fluid.

California governor Gavin Newsom said in a press conference Tuesday that the state has considered and is in the process of amending its directives on what is considered essential. He didn’t mention Tesla specifically.

It’s not clear if Tesla will comply with the order, defy it or fight it in court. The automaker hasn’t responded to multiple requests for comments this week.

Tesla has more than 56,000 employees globally, including an estimated 10,000 who work at the factory in Fremont. Alameda County had 27 confirmed positive cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, as of Tuesday.


EV demand in US is so hot that Tesla owners are flipping their cars like houses

                LOS ANGELES: Dennis Wang lost money on his first try, but then he learned from his mistakes.

On his second effort as an electric vehicle flipper, Wang made US$4,000 (RM17,628). On his third, he hit what he considered the sweet spot, a US$7,000 (RM30,849) profit. All the deals involved Teslas that Wang bought and resold, flipping them like tickets to a hot concert.

"I have a Model S currently that I'm probably going to sell within another three months, pending the market," Wang said. "I also have another Model Y and a Model X on order."

Buying and reselling stuff is as old as commerce itself, complete with cautionary tales and questionable legality. House flipping has become so alluring that multiple reality TV shows hype the process and personalities involved.

Now a new breed of flipper has emerged hoping zero emissions equal big profits. Helping them is an unusual confluence of factors plaguing EV manufacturers (supply chain problems, semiconductor shortages, unmet production goals, an emerging scarcity of lithium batteries) as well as car shoppers (record fuel prices, high used car prices, long waiting lists for electric vehicles).

Some like Wang, a 33-year-old automotive buff with mad spreadsheet skills, have learned that they can flip cars, with a recent emphasis on electric vehicles. Some EV flippers are finding buyers willing to pay sometimes exorbitant sums, tens of thousands more than the retail price, to acquire the vehicles.

Consider the person trying to sell a practically new 2022 Hummer EV1 for US$220,000 (RM969,540) on Facebook. It had been retailing for less than half of that, at US$105,000 (RM462,735).

Also on Facebook are two 2022 Rivian R1T electric adventure vehicles listed for US$123,000 (RM542,061) and US$220,000. On the Rivian website, the same vehicle starts at US$67,500 (RM295,269).

Buyers on Cars & Bids, an online auction site, could find them listed for US$97,000 (RM427,479) and US$103,000 (RM453,921). Although the more outrageous asks for double to triple the value of some EVs are either ignored or severely flamed online, some less lofty listings are having success.

Cars & Bids, for example, lists 14 recent sales of the R1T, between April 12 and June 28, for prices that ranged from US$106,000 (RM467,142) to US$138,000 (RM608,166).

In June, Tesla raised the price of its Model Y by 5%, to US$65,990 (RM290,817), but that hasn't stopped the flippers. A Model Y with less than 2,800 miles was recently up for sale on Edmunds for US$70,995 (RM312,874). Edmunds considered that a "good price," at US$1,739 (RM7,663) "below market," as in what the market says such a car is worth.

Eddie Gribust, who makes a living outfitting Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans for off-grid use, recently unloaded the Tesla Model Y he'd used as the family car for nine months.

Gribust was so excited about the sale — the buyer flew from Las Vegas to Boise, Idaho, for the transaction — that he posted a YouTube video titled: "Flipping my Tesla for US$5,000 (RM22,035) profit! Here's How."

"Since my business is buying and selling these Sprinters, I'm aware of things like the microchip shortage," Gribust said. "And everybody has been talking about how the secondary market especially has grown 20% to 30%.

"I was about to order a (Tesla) Model X and the Cyber Truck. The delivery times were nine months to a year, and that would obviously signal high demand, and therefore, low supply. From there, it was taking advantage of simple economics."

Former Securities and Exchange Commission Chief Economist Larry Harris teaches that exact lesson to students at USC's Marshall School of Business.

"When supply and demand are not in alignment, you get these opportunities where clever people can take advantage," Harris said. "We've seen this in all kinds of markets. When prices change significantly for scarce goods, some buyers realise that the item has a greater value to others than it does to them, and they will sell to the people willing to pay more than they would, and profit from it."

Or, as Gribust put it in his video, after expressing regret about giving up the Tesla, "I have a simple rule: If somebody places profit in your hand, all you have to do is close that hand and walk away."

Recurrent, which tracks the used EV market and provides car shoppers with independent reports on EV performance and battery life, noted in its most recent market evaluation that 2021 used EVs "make up a surprising 17.5% of inventory."

The Seattle startup found that used EVs had climbed 25% in price since March 2021. On average, it said, a 2021 Mustang Mach E was selling for 60% more than it was last year. Citing what it called "the new normal, inflated prices are here to stay," Recurrent said that the used EV sales trend was skewed heavily toward the most recent model years available.

"Anecdotally, we've heard of many owners who sold pretty new cars to dealers and made back more than their purchase price, and the numbers show this makes sense," Recurrent said. "Reselling a barely-owned car works differently for different cars. In terms of Teslas, the price of new vehicles increased so much last year, and waiting periods are so long for new vehicles, that the value of used cars skyrocketed."

If you've got a relatively new EV, Recurrent's advice is to jump into the game now.

"If you are an EV owner or a dealer, now is as good a time as any to list a used EV. Since we speculate that prices will not change much in the coming months, by holding on to your car, you risk higher inventory flooding the market."

If you're one of the many hoping to obtain an EV, "it may not pay to wait for prices to come down," Recurrent said.

The restrictions on flipping an EV depend on where you live.

In France, where flippers have been reselling nearly new EVs for a profit of US$10,000 (RM44,070) or more, the government in June changed its energy code to prevent the immediate resale for profit of electric vehicles purchased using state incentives. EV owners must now keep their cars for a year before reselling.

Germany has a six-month hold on reselling EVs but is considering an increase to a yearlong wait starting in 2023.

In the US, several states limit how many cars — EV or not — a person can buy and resell in a year before needing a vehicle dealer license, which in California requires taking an online course, passing a DMV-administered test, paying fees and meeting other requirements. The states are trying to protect consumers from car thieves and unscrupulous sellers and protect auto dealers from street-level competition.

If you are selling a car for profit in California, for example, you have to have a retail car seller's license, said the California DMV's occupational licensing office, even if you are using an auto selling auction site as an intermediary.

In California, obtaining such a license requires a six-hour course, passing a test and paying fees. Most EV flippers can't do high-volume sales anyway because it takes too long to get the cars in the first place. In terms of enforcement, according to California DMV investigations offices, the agency's main targets are those running volume sales without a license or a car-selling lot. Still, it will pay — no pun intended — to play by the rules; breaking them can result in fines and possible imprisonment, based on the severity of the case.

Los Angeles resident Wang, a digital marketing consultant for the automotive industry who said he is getting a license to sell, said he's heard about several EV buyers on waiting lists already negotiating to sell them upon delivery. Some want an even quicker buck, he said.

"I've heard of some people transferring their reservation into your name for a price," Wang said. "There's ways to do it, but it's like super hard."

It's also possible to aggravate the golden goose here. Wang recently posted a video on his YouTube channel citing examples of people who appeared to be banned from buying new Teslas because they were reselling them too soon and too often.

As far as cars are concerned, Wang is a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy.

Although his recent focus is EVs, Wang has flipped several dozen cars over the years, at first buying them off Craigslist and doing minor upgrades before selling them. Of course, he remembers the first car he flipped — the car and the profit, exactly.

"It was a Lexus ES 300. I bought it for US$3,000 (RM13,221) and sold it for US$4,000," Wang said.

Wang insists he really doesn't do it for the money; he just wants to drive as many cool cars as he can.

"Life is about experiences, right? I like cars. And so it just really fulfils my enjoyment of being able to drive a bunch of different kinds," Wang said. "Before this, I used to work for BMW, and I had 20 BMWs at different times. So it's the same thing I'm just doing with Tesla."

Wang said his best customers are car dealers.

"I sold one to a private buyer, then I realised that dealerships would just cut you a check, and that's even easier" than a private sale, Wang said.

His advice for would-be car flippers?

"Don't pay for a lot of add-ons if it's not a car you're going to keep," he said, "and don't wait too long to sell it." – Los Angeles Times/Tribune News Service


Singapore International Motorshow 2019 - Top selections

                In a blink of an eye, the annual Singapore Motorshow held at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre from Jan 10 to 13 has ended, but fret not fellow motorheads, for CarSifu has compiled a selection of choice picks that was showcased this year on the island republic.

Hailing from Japan, the new Subaru Forester e-Boxer - a hybrid version of the fifth-generation sport utility vehicle, was unveiled during the show with a slightly de-tuned naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre direct-injected flat-four boxer engine.

With 145PS (-11PS) at 6,000rpm and 188Nm (-8Nm) of torque at 4,000rpm on tap, the engine is further supplemented by a 14PS/65Nm electric motor that gets its electrical juice from a 4.8Ah lithium-ion battery placed under the boot (reducing it from 520 to 509 litres).

The electric motor is able to help the e-Boxer get going for a short distance before the engine takes over and is also able to supplement the engine when more performance is needed.

Power is sent to the e-Boxer’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system via a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) with X-Mode and SE Drive modes.

For differentiation, the hybrid variant of the Forester gets fitted with the e-Boxer badges and that’s about it while rolling on a set of 18-inch wheels.

Everything else in the looks department is pretty much status quo - even when taking a peek inside the leather upholstered cabin that’s been equipped with a sunroof, powered seats with driver memory function, 8.0-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate controls and the Japanese carmaker’s Eyesight active driver aids to name a few.

Looking closer and the centre display is now dedicated to showing the hybrid system’s flow of energy, which includes power being sent to the wheels by the electric motor, engine or both as well as to the battery when it is being recharged.

However, according to Tan Chong International managing director Glenn Tan, it is unlikely that the e-Boxer will be joining the Forester lineup - which is expected to arrive in Malaysia in the third quarter this year, during an interview following its unveiling.

Also on display, after having arrived from Munich, Germany, was the highly anticipated all-new BMW 3-Series (G20) with a 330i badge and dressed up in the M Sport Package that has been coated in Portimao Blue. The cabin receives Vernasca Cognac leather upholstery with black contrast stitching.

The G20 is due to arrive in Singapore sometime this year and will feature larger front air intakes that doubles as a home for the fog lights while redirecting air to cool the blue M Sport brakes that have been obscured by the 19-inch lightweight style 791 bi-colour five double-spoke M wheels.

With a 2.0-litre (1,998cc) turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as its heart, the G20 is able to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 5.8 seconds and onwards to an electronically limited top speed of 250kph thanks to the power output figures of 258hp at 5,000rpm and 400Nm of torque from 1,550 to 4,400rpm.

It comes equipped with an adaptive M suspension system, sport leather steering wheel, eight-speed automatic from ZF, electronic parking brake, new 10.25-inch iDrive screen with navigation, aluminium Tetragon interior trim, powered seats and a 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit instrument cluster as well as adaptive cruise control to name a few.

Another popular showcase was the latest Mazda3 sedan that’s due to arrive in Singapore sometime in the second half of this year with its all new design and infused with greater amounts of that ‘jinba ittai’ (horse and rider as one) feel when driving.

The Mazda3 in mention arrived in Singapore from last year’s LA Auto Show and hence, sports US specifications that include the SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the front wheels wearing (like the rear as well) 215/45 series tyres.

The body (measuring in at 4,662mm-long, 1,797mm-wide and 1,455mm-tall, has the Japanese carmaker’s latest ‘Kodo’ (soul of motion) design language integrated into its a coupe-like side profile (long nose, short rear) and is suspended by front MacPherson struts and rear torsion beam combination.

To go along with the new design is an enlarged front grille, slimmer LED headlights with daytime runners, newly designed rear light clusters, and rear protruding badge that incorporates the release button beneath it to give access to the larger boot.

Other than that, the new Mazda3 is almost status quo for the cabin, but there is a larger more sophisticated looking display on the redesigned dashboard with the buttons and controls feeling more ergonomic, intuitive and somewhat ‘Germanic’.

More importantly, the extra dimensions have given the car more room than its predecessor with improvements to the cabin’s spaciousness and more rear passenger knee room.

Mazda says that the new ’3’ rides on its next-generation SkyActiv-Vehicle architecture that helps to dramatically enhance the car’s fundamental driving attributes.

In addition, sound absorbing material was used throughout to further enhance its ‘high-quality quietness’.

From Wolfsburg, Germany the Volkswagen camp had on display its Polo (Mk6) beats Edition that came with a price tag with COE of SGD$100,900 (RM303,000), which is SGD$8,500 (RM26,000) more than the standard Polo at SGD$92,400 (RM278,000).

The Polo beats features a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox that manages a turbocharged 1.0-litre (999cc) TSI direct-injected three-cylinder engine producing 115PS from 5,000 to 5,500rpm and 200Nm of torque from 2,000 to 3,500rpm.

This allows the front-wheel driven hatch with a 40-litre fuel tank to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 9.5 seconds, travel at a top speed of 200kph and consume 4.9-litres per 100km on the combined cycle.

Fittings include 16-inch wheels with 195/55 series tyres, LEDs (for the automatic front, rear and daytime running lights), panoramic sunroof, power adjustable and folding external mirrors, keyless entry with push-start button, dual-zone climate controls, paddle-shifters, 10.25-inch active information display, and of course a Beats Audio six-speaker (and woofer) sound system.

Inside, the cabin gets Velvet Red decorative inserts, ‘Tracks’ fabric seat upholstery and an eight-inch colour touchscreen, while six airbags, anti-lock braking system with brake assist, electronic stability programme with anti-slip regulator, driver steering recommendation, electronic differential lock with electronic drag torque control, ‘Rest Assist’ fatigue detection system and auto-dimming rear view mirror takes care of safety.

As for the Tiguan, this mid-sized sport utility vehicle is seen here as the range-topping 2.0 R-Line Black Edition priced with COE at SGD$193,400 (RM580,000) which sits above the mid-range 1.4 HL at SGD148,400 (RM445,000) and the entry-level 1.4 CL at SGD$137,400 (RM412,000).

The Black Edition uses the more powerful 2.0-litre (1,998cc) turbocharged engine producing 220PS from 4,500 to 6,200rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,400rpm and managed by a seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission to manage power delivery to the 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive system.

It also wears larger 19-inch (+1-inch) gloss black alloys with 255/45 series tyres and sports LEDs for the front, rear, fogs and daytime runners, as well as a panoramic sunroof, black roof rails, powered tailgate, rear spoiler and a Black Edition R-Line body kit with R-Line badges.

Other key fittings and features include Vienna leather upholstery, tri-zone climate controls with rear air vents, Dynaudio Excite Surround sound system, powered front seats (with lumbar support, heating function and memory function), Active Info Display, heads-up display, voice control and keyless-entry with push-start button.

Further bolstering the Tiguan’s standard safety features are adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, front assist with city emergency brakes, active bonnet and park assist.

The Kia Stonic was also showcased along with its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission mated to its 1.0-litre (998cc) turbocharged engine producing 120PS at 6,000rpm and 171Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,000rpm - giving it the ability to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 10.6 seconds and travel up to a top speed of 185kph.

This sub-compact sport utility vehicle is seen here in the range-topping SX trim (also available in entry-level EX trim) and comes fitted with 17-inch wheels, front and rear LEDs as well as a sun roof.

The cabin has been upholstered in leather and equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with reverse camera, 3.5-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic wipers and headlights as well as keyless entry with push-start button to name a few.

On the French front is Peugeot’s second-generation 508 Fastback flagship sedan that got unveiled during the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, and is expected to arrive in Singapore towards the end of the year.

The upcoming 508 poses with predominant inspiration from American muscle cars for its design cues that brings about a sporty elegance from a combination of frameless doors and large alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin features the French carmaker’s i-Cockpit system, leather upholstery, 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch heads-up digital instrument panel.

It contains the three main characteristics of the Peugeot i-Cockpit, including the compact, full-grain leather-trimmed steering wheel, a large 10-inch capacitive touchscreen angled towards the driver and a 12.3-inch heads-up digital instrument panel. The new 508 is expected to go on sale in Singapore from Q4 2019.

Probably one of the most exciting newcomers is the two-seater Alpine A110 Pure Edition with its double-bubble roof, LED headlights, rear diffuser and chrome centre exhausts.

The A110 isn’t available just yet to Singaporeans, but once it is it may be priced around SGD$285,000 (RM860,000) for this mid-engined, rear-wheel driven high-powered lightweight.

The A110 is a resurrection of the previous A110 Berlinette of 1973 and - like its predecessor that uses Renault’s powertrain, includes the use of a 1.8-litre (1,798cc) turbocharged mill producing 252hp at 6,000rpm and 320Nm of torque from 2,000rpm onwards.

With a seven-speed Efficient dual-clutch transmission managing power delivery, the A110 takes 4.5 seconds to get from 0 to 100kph and onwards to a top speed of 250kph.

This 1,094kg (kerb) sporty little car has a wheelbase of 2,420mm and measures in at 4,180mm-long, 1,798mm-wide and 1,248mm-tall - all of which sits on a front and rear double wishbone suspension system.

The A110 rolls on 18-inch Otto Fuchs lightweight alloy wheels with staggered 205/40 (front) and 235/40 (rear) series tyres which partially hides the aluminium brake callipers that have been painted Alpine Blue - just like its body panels.

Although this is an ode to the Berlinette, the A110 has a very modern cabin which sports its transmission controls on the centre tunnel (Drive/Neutral/Park/Reverse) and even has paddleshifters.

Furthermore, owners will have the convenience of one-touch powered windows, an audio system by Focal which can be controlled by a 7.0-inch multimedia touchscreen and if performance analysis is required, the car is able to provide real-time technical and performance data.


Volvo Car Malaysia sets new sales record in 2020 amid pandemic

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia which saw a downturn in the first half of 2020, managed a strong rebound in the second half to set a new sales record for the company.

The company reported a 56.1% decrease in sales as the pandemic took hold of the automotive sector and local economy in early to mid-2020.

However, but Volvo Car Malaysia quickly recovered in the last six months of 2020 with total sales of 1,950 units, a 3.6% increase over 2019's sales of 1,883 units and setting a new record for the highest sales performance since the establishment of the company.

Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Nalin Jain said the company was very proud of its achievement despite the turbulent time and challenges faced.

"Through the collective efforts of our dealers and staff, as well as the opportune timing of the government’s sales tax holiday, we were able to finish a challenging year strongly.

"For us, seeing the results of our efforts has further recharged our drive to bring more premium, safe and sustainable cars to Malaysians,” he said.

During the government’s sales tax holiday, Volvo Car Malaysia saw their sales recover and recorded its second-highest sales of the year in July, indicating that the demand for luxury cars remains high as the car market began to normalise and the country headed towards recovery.

The renewed interest was driven by the sales tax holiday announced in the Malaysian Government’s Short-Term Economic Recovery plan, and also made possible with Volvo Car
Malaysia reinforcing its customer service channels and adopting new digital practices.

Volvo Car Malaysia also introduced a new Online Ordering System for customers to make online bookings from the comfort of their homes and implemented the Digital Silent Salesman (DSS) 2.0 – a platform that digitally displays all necessary details about the cars – across all Volvo showrooms in Malaysia.

The new digital practices are part of the company’s push for digital transformation across the entire value chain of its business and reflect its commitment towards
its sustainability goals by eradicating printed brochures.

With sustainability as the forefront of its goals in the coming years, Volvo Car Malaysia kicked off the Volvo Green Planet in the third quarter of 2020, a campaign aimed at driving awareness about the impact of high carbon footprint, which can be calculated via a Greenterest Calculator, and bringing the conversation to its customers with fully-electric test drives of their cars – Green Drive – and dispensing Green Seeds as a token to champion cleaner air.

As a leader in safety, 2020 saw Volvo as a group opening a much needed and controversial conversation on the perception of safety with its A Million More campaign, which came off the heels of the 180kph speed cap announcement in March.

Much like the initial reception towards the three-point safety belt, the speed cap was the topic of debate in 2020 in the automotive sector, to which Volvo takes a stance in its decision to ensure the safety of the people in cars and on the road, and save a million more lives.

Based on the past year’s performance, Volvo Car Malaysia aims to ride on the momentum from 2020 and is entering 2021 with renewed purpose and recharging all areas of its business, to continue to provide more Malaysians with a premium experience and freedom to move in a personal, sustainable and safe way.

Nalin said 2021 would be a big year for Volvo Car Malaysia as the company looked to switch all aspects of its business to incorporate more sustainable solutions and also bring in more products offerings to suit the different needs of Malaysians while helping them make more sustainable choices.

“We will continue to push for digital transformation to build a strong digital system to support our customer’s journey seamlessly – from the beginning of the buying process to owning a Volvo and the aftersales care that they need, while upholding our promise of professional service, leading safety technology, and a caring mindset in everything we do,” Nalin added.


Mazda CX-3 driven in Australia - Full report and new video

Built by the returning Australian servicemen of World War I, the Great Ocean Road is also touted as the world’s longest war memorial.

Besides a breathtaking sea view of Bass Strait, one can also see native Australian wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas, and the spectacular must-visit Twelve Apostles limestone stacks along this 243km-long road.

 The Twelve Apostles limestone stacks.

The eastern point of this coastal stretch starts from Torquay, which is 95km south west of Melbourne.

As Australia’s second largest city and one-time capital, Melbourne’s skyline is filled with steel and glass skyscrapers.

Although a modern city, the local authorities have done a fine job of preserving a number of heritage buildings to give Melbourne its distinctive looks.

This lively cosmopolitan city of 4.5 million and its nearby Yarra Valley wine-producing region were the backdrop for our recent media test drive of the equally lively Mazda CX-3 compact crossover.

Said to embody the next generation Kodo - Soul of Motion styling, the CX-3 appears more intense and aggressive.

Key exterior looks include a bold face, side moulding, curvaceous body with high beltline and large 18-inch wheels.

Its LED head lamps are slim, casting an angry and menacing expression.

The black-out centre and rear pillars give the compact crossover a “floating roof” appearance which is avantgarde and innovative.

Featuring the “Kodo – Soul of Motion” styling, the CX-3 comes with a bold face, side moulding, curvaceous body with high belt line and large wheels for an aggressive look.

During our 300km plus test drive from Melbourne city to the wine-producing region of Yarra Valley and back, the Australian CX-3 variant we drove came with a tad less powerful and torquey 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol engine compared with the Malaysian model, producing 145PS and 192Nm.

For our 300km plus test drive from Melbourne city to Yarra Valley and back, we got the CX-3 in the Akari trim line, the highest specification for Down Under.

Powering the CX-3 is a punchy 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G petrol direct injection engine with 146PS and 192Nm.

Transmission is a six-speed SkyActiv automatic with Sport and manual select mode.

Our unit was the front-wheel drive type although all-wheel drive variants are also sold in Australia.

Power comes in immediately with the transmission shifting gears smoothly.

The CX-3 feels refined on highways and twisty trunk roads, thanks to a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension that has been tuned for firm handling.

The ride on highways and twisty trunk roads feels refined thanks to a front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension that has been tuned for firm handling.

However, the CX-3 still has sufficient amount of comfort dialed in so rough roads can be driven on without much of the harshness being felt by the passengers.

Even when the CX-3 is taller than most sedans, the crossover’s bodyroll at fast corners is minimal and well controlled.

The planted feel of the CX-3 and its comfortable seats easily conspires to make you want to drive it till the last drop of fuel.

Good sound insulation and aerodynamics also resulted in a quiet drive at cruising speed.

At higher speeds, the 18-inch wheels will start to make their presence known although their noise levels are not intrusive.

Perhaps, a quieter set of tyres could be the fix for this.

If you drive slowly, the exhaust sounds muted and ordinary.

Rev the engine beyond 4,500rpm and a sporty note appears, making the driving experience thrilling and fun true to Mazda’s zoom zoom philosophy.

The electric power steering is nicely weighted to give smooth steering and feel.

Brakes bite well and are progressive.

These inspire confidence whenever you need to bring the CX-3 to a quick halt.

The i-Stop automatic idle engine stop feature feels smoother at engine restarts compared with those in earlier Mazda models.

Inside, the use of high-quality materials and well-thought out design gave the cabin an upscale appearance and ambiance.

The dashboard is similar to that of the Mazda2, featuring a 7.0-inch free standing colour monitor, circular air vents, and an instrument panel with a mix of analogue and digital displays.

Mazda officials with us at the test drive said the CX-3’s centre console and instrument panel came from the Mazda2.

We were also surprised when told by Mazda that the CX-3’s wing mirrors are similar to those used by the larger CX-5 sports utility vehicle.

While the CX-5 wing mirrors might appear a bit oversized for the CX-3, we did not mind this as they accorded us with good rearward visibility.

Though not as big as the CX-5, the CX-3 is still roomy enough for five persons.

Bootspace is 264 litres and can be increased to 1,174 litres if needed.

According to Mazda distributor for Malaysia, Bermaz Motors, the CX-3 will be available in Malaysia sometime next month.

The model for Malaysia will be completely imported from Japan and comes with front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive.

The logic is that all-wheel drive system is not necessary for light and compact crossovers.

The CX-3 model for Malaysia will get a more powerful 2.0-litre SkyActiv-G direct injection engine with 165PS and 210Nm of torque.

Among its features are the i-Stop, a sunroof, LED head lights and rear combination lamps, fog lamps, automatic head lights, rain sensing wipers, radio/CD player with Bluetooth connectivity, six speakers and a 7.0-inch central colour display with Command dial.

Other items include six airbags, dynamic stability control, sat-nav, reverse camera and sensors, head-up display, cruise control, half leather seats, paddle shifters, smart keyless start/go, and 18-inch wheels.

The CX-3’s tentative pricing is from RM130,000 to RM135,000, which seems to be on the high side, but this can be justified by the extra features and premium build quality.

From looks alone, the CX-3 has won some of its battles.

Its good driving performance and handling dynamics add a few more points to its score sheet.

The CX-3 is definitely a tempting buy for those wanting a smart-looking crossover with a high driving position and easy city manoeuvrability without the extra bulk of a full-size sports utility vehicle.

READ ALSO: Deja Vu! 2013 Mazda3 drive in Melbourne


Tesla now second largest US automaker as competitors’ sales falter

                CHICAGO: Tesla on Monday became the second-largest US car maker in terms of market capitalisation, displacing Ford, whose sales lagged amid concerns about the ability of the US market to keep growing.

Many major auto makers reported US sales declines in March compared to a year ago, but Tesla over the weekend said it saw a huge jump in vehicles delivered to consumers in the first three months of the year.

That was enough to send the electric car maker’s stock soaring Monday, even as investors punished major car brands for reporting lower-than-expected March sales.

Tesla said it delivered 25,000 of its high-tech vehicles in the January-March period - a 69 percent surge compared to the first three months of 2016 - indicating it was on its way to meeting its goal of 50,000 vehicle deliveries by mid-2017.

Late last year, the company reported its first quarterly profit in more than three years, but then slipped back into unprofitability in the following quarter.

Investors still rewarded the company on Monday, with stock movements reshuffling the hierarchy among US carmakers. Tesla Motors overtook Ford for the number two spot and closed the gap with GM, the biggest US automaker by market capitalisation.

At market close, Tesla was up 7.3 percent to US$298.52 for a market capitalisation of US$48.63 billion.

Ford, which at one point was down as much as three percent, had a market capitalization of US$45.47 billion. At its low, GM fell 4.4 percent, but maintained a market capitalization above US$50.9 billion.

Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk marked the occasion on Twitter with a dig at short sellers, investors who bet that a company’s stock will decline.

”Stormy weather in Shortville,” Musk wrote.

For the industry as a whole, it may indeed be stormy weather.

Car companies failed to meet forecasts of an overall March sales increase, which fell instead industry-wide by 1.6 percent, according to an estimate by the tracking firm Autodata.


Think safety when driving with heavy luggage

                BERLIN: It sounds romantic: throw your luggage in the car and head off on your roadtrip vacation. However, there are a few rules to packing your car that, while not so spontaneous, help keep you safe.

Heavy suitcases and bags should be loaded first into the boot, and then any extra luggage should be packed tightly as possible onto the backseat, according to Tuv, a leading inspection agency in Germany.

To stop things from moving around, secure them with a net or straps.

Loading your car incorrectly is not only dangerous while you're on the road, but in some places can lead to fines if you're caught.

Restraining systems or protective bars between the backseat and the luggage compartment in station wagons prevent the luggage from becoming a deadly projectile should you need to suddenly brake.

If you don't have such a protective barrier in your car, stack your luggage no higher than the upper edge of the backseat.

Loose items, such as a small umbrella, a smartphone or keys, should be securely stored in the corresponding trays or in the glove box.

And lastly: Make sure your first-aid kit or hazard triangles are stored where they're easily reachable - ie, not under a luggage pile.


WATCH: Gran Turismo gets new 410kph Jaguar Vision GT SV with 1,903PS

                LONDON: Meet the Jaguar Vision GT SV all-electric virtual racecar developed for Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo racing simulation video game which has also been built in the real-world as a full-scale design study.

This new streamlined coupe is said to be capable of reaching speeds of up to 410kph thanks to the combination of having a lightweight composite body structure that houses four  Jaguar Racing and Special Vehicles (SV)-designed electric motors to generate a combined output of 1,903PS and 3,360Nm of instant torque.

Traction and vehicular dynamics are managed by an intelligent all-wheel-drive system along with torque vectoring - allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in just 1.67 seconds before reaching a top speed of 410kph.

The GT SV gets its good looks from the DNA of Jaguar's C-type and D-type fenders while also maintaining the GT Coupe's wheelbase at 2,721mm.

Measuring in at 5,540mm-long (+861mm over the GT Coupe), this hyper EV is longer due to aerodynamic changes that now help deliver an increase in downforce for added traction, cornering speeds and overall high-speed stability.

Such an attribute comes from the inclusion of a new front splitter to produce downforce on the front axle, deployable rear wing (for the rear axle).

Apertures in the front valance help to channel air across the face of the front wheels to reduce turbulence and help air to flow cleanly towards the rear of the car. Meanwhile, air passing through the wheel wells is also smoothed towards the rear via exit vents in the fenders.

The completely enclosed, sculpted underbody – which includes a keel element behind the front axle to aid high-speed stability – accelerates the airflow to reduce its pressure and therefore help to reduce lift before exiting at the rear via a large venturi.

The single most effective aero feature developed for the GT SV is its deployable rear wing, inspired by endurance racing cars from Jaguar (XJR-14).

Developed from concept to final design through many iterations, the wing’s main fixed section wraps over and around the back of the car to blend smoothly into the rear haunches.

The wing is designed as an integral element of the sculpted bodywork while also providing the aerodynamic performance required for endurance racing with two moveable sections that automatically rise at speed to deliver extra downforce when needed but drop back to their nominal positions to minimise drag.

As a result, the GT SV has a drag coefficient of 0.398Cd which is remarkably low for a race car but yet manages to generate up to 483kg of downforce at 325kph.

Power comes from a reworked lithium-ion battery pack low down in the GT SV’s body structure for a low centre of gravity, low roll centre and near-perfect weight distribution.

The thermal management system is enhanced by an additional liquid nitrogen circuit which provides extra capacity to enable the battery to provide maximum power for longer time periods while remaining within its ideal temperature range.

The nitrogen cooling is also linked to the boost button within the cabin to ensure that even during the most demanding operating conditions the battery will not exceed its upper-temperature limits.

For presence, the GT SV generates a sound that builds to a crescendo at its 40,000rpm redline as the cockpit envelopes its driver which sits in one of the two sculpted composite seats made with the British carmaker's Typefibre fabrics as an alternative to leather for added comfort and durability.

Typefibre fabrics will be tested by Jaguar Racing in the I-TYPE 5 during season seven of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.


BYD US$11,450 Seagull EV set to reshape China’s first-car market

                SHANGHAI: A new electric hatchback starting from just 78,800 yuan (US$11,450/RM51,000) from BYD Co. is set to intensify competition in China’s already crowded entry-level car market.

Unveiled at the Shanghai auto show last week, the Seagull drew big crowds with its neon yellow exterior and budget price tag.

The 55kW motor provides around 300km of charge at a top speed of 128kph, while the 75kW motor bumps the range up to 400km. Features include a 10.1 inch rotating touchscreen, four air bags and bluetooth car keys.

The Seagull has several competitors in the compact hatchback market, including the Bingo from General Motors Co.’s joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. and Wuling Motors Holdings Ltd., which starts from 59,800 yuan (RM39,000), and EV upstart Leapmotor’s T03, which goes for 65,800 yuan (RM43,000).

The launch of the sharply-priced Seagull comes as a price war embroils China’s car market, with some automakers discounting slow-moving models by up to 40%. BYD already dominates China’s EV market, accounting for six of the top 10 selling models in 2022.

“BYD is adding pressure for other carmakers in the segment,” said Tu Le, managing director of automotive consultancy Sino Auto Insights. The Bingo is a strong competitor and has a lower price point, but the Seagull offers good value, he added.

One drawback is that the Seagull didn’t launch with sodium-ion batteries — which are cheaper and safe than lithium ion cells — as anticipated.

However, Chinese online media outlet 36kr reported the car will eventually be the first to carry BYD’s sodium-ion battery, which is expected to go into mass production in the second half of this year.

That could make it a “wild card” for the auto industry, said Le.

So far, BYD hasn’t announced plans to export the Seagull. An earlier, larger model known as the Dolphin, has been launched in markets from Southeast Asia to Europe and South America.

And BYD chairman Wang Chuanfu has ruled out entering the US passenger car market for now.

For the Seagull to sell in Europe, it would likely require modifications to pass the European New Car Assessment program.

The made-in-China Dacia Spring EV from Renault SA, dubbed Europe’s most affordable EV, went through a process where it was re-engineered for Europe with a reinforced chassis, six airbags and other modifications, according to Jochen Siebert, the managing director of consultancy JSC Automotive.

In Europe, the Seagull would compete with the Dacia Spring and would have to hit a price point of around €22,000 (RM109,000), which may not be possible after going through the approval process, said Siebert.

For instance, the Dolphin is expected to start from €30,000 (RM148,000) in Europe, about 80% more expensive than its price in China.

Bridget McCarthy, a market research analyst at hedge fund Snow Bull Capital Inc., said she expects the Seagull to sell extremely well in China and in other markets if it’s exported.

“No other company can offer a car with that level of technology at that price point,” she said.


MARii and Bank Muamalat to help 500 aftermarket vendors

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) and Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd are continuing their partnership to offer financial aid to the automotive aftermarket sector, which is expected to benefit 500 aftermarket businesses.

The partnership is a continuation of the partnership that was set up in May 2021 on a special financing programme for automotive vendors in Malaysia, the two organisations said in a joint statement on Monday.

Bank Muamalat has tailor-made financing of up to RM500,000 for the aftermarket vendors at a competitive rate of 3.5 per cent per annum over a seven-year tenure, by leveraging on the Targeted Relief and Recovery Facility offered by Bank Negara Malaysia.

The financing scheme includes a 12-month moratorium on monthly instalments for the first year.

The terms are designed to be SME-friendly, as Bank Muamalat only requires a company to be operational for two years to be eligible.

Aftermarket business owners interested to apply can contact MARii at info@marii.my.


'Book appointment' ruling lost on many flocking to post offices

                GEORGE TOWN: Many hoping to renew their road tax or driving licence at the local post office were caught off-guard by the need to book an appointment first.

Many of those interviewed were either unaware or unable to book an appointment online.

At the same time, post office staff had their hands full trying to enforce physical distancing.

Some staff members stationed themselves outside the building to ask visitors about the nature of their business. Those who needed to pay bills, send mail or documents were allowed in.

But those who wanted to renew their road tax or driving licence had to be shown how to book an appointment online.

“Many are confused and have not seen the notice on the website of Pos Malaysia. They come here thinking it is open for normal walk-ins,” said a staff member at Komtar’s Pos Malaysia office here.

Pos Malaysia, in a statement on Sunday, said customers could book an appointment through the Outlet Finder feature at www.pos.com.my or through Pos Malaysia’s mobile application.

It added that an appointment was necessary to avoid overcrowding.

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) last week announced the end of all moratorium and deadline extensions for road taxes and driving licences.

All these documents must be made valid by Sept 30.

Since the first movement control order last year, JPJ had given much leeway to motorists, allowing them to drive with an expired licence and road tax provided that the motor insurance was valid.

Aini Mohamed Tajuddin, 32, was among those unaware that an appointment was needed.

“I took time off to come here as my licence expired on Aug 6. The Pos Malaysia staff showed me how to book an online appointment and I will have to wait a few more days to renew my licence,” she said.

M. Kumaravelu, 66, also got help from the staff to make an appointment using his phone.

“Maybe there should be some leeway for walk-in services. It is difficult for retirees like me to make appointments online,” he said.

There was also a queue outside the Rifle Range Pos Malaysia office in Ayer Itam, with a single staff member handling the crowd.

A Pos Malaysia official said while the notice about making appointments online was posted on the website on Aug 7, there was a glitch as too many people tried to book appointments at once.

The official said the glitch was fixed yesterday and people could now book appointments smoothly.

The notice on Pos Malaysia’s website stated that each customer could book only one appointment slot per day and perform a maximum of three transactions related to road tax and driving licence.

State JPJ director Adenan Md Isa said all renewals would be carried out only after an appointment has been secured online.

“We grant around 50 appointments every hour and a total of 400 appointments from 9am to 3.30pm every day to prevent people from crowding the counters.

“People should adapt to the present situation and use the online method as we do not want crowds at the JPJ and Pos Malaysia offices,” he said.


Honda CBR250R available from RM22k

                PENANG: Boon Siew Honda (BSH) has introduced its new four-stroke single-cylinder CBR250R.

The bike is available in three colours and comes priced with GST without road tax, insurance and registration at RM21,941 (Black) and RM22,259 (Millennium Red, Lemon Ice Yellow).

It is also accompanied by a two-year or 20,000km manufacturer's warranty (whichever comes first).

The bike uses a front telescopic suspension with a caster angle of 25.05-degrees and the rear has a pro-link suspension with a trail distance of 98mm - bringing the wheelbase to 1,380mm.

With a diamond frame chassis, the bike weighs in at 161kg (kerb) while measuring 2,035mm-long, 720mm-wide and 1,120mm-tall.

Power comes from a 250cc liquid-cooled four-stroke four-valved DOHC single-cylinder motor with a lubricating oil capacity of 1.8 litres that's fed by a 13.0-litre fuel tank.

In terms of performance, the motor will provide 27.1hp at 8,500rpm and 23.3Nm of torque at 7,500rpm, while being managed by a six-speed manual gearbox.

For more information log on to www.boonsiewhonda.com.my or visit www.facebook.com/HondaMotorcyclesMalaysiaBoonSiewHonda or call toll-free 1800-88-3993 (Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, except on Public Holidays).


UK group introduces world's first pop-up mini solar car park and EV charging hub

                LONDON: There's pop-up showrooms, so why not pop-up charging points for electric vehicles (EVs)?

3ti, the team behind the UK’s largest solar car parks, set out to prove critics wrong by launching Papilio3, the world’s first pop-up mini solar car park and electric vehicle charging hub, deployable in 24 hours.

Papilio3 is a modular unit providing up to 12 fast EV charge points, designed to expand EV infrastructure rapidly and provide a much improved, more reliable, safer destination and workplace charging experience for EV drivers.

The unit is built around a recycled shipping container and can support up to 12 fast EV charge points. The solar and battery-boosted charging system optimises the speed of charge and reduces the carbon intensity of electricity used. Papilio3 is available from 3ti on a rental contract and requires no capital investment by customers.

“Overnight charging at home generally provides the most cost effective, carbon efficient, sustainable form of EV charging, but in the UK, around 50% of households will not be able to do this,” said Tim Evans, 3ti founder & CEO, and leader of the teams responsible for the two largest solar car parks in the UK, at Bentley Motors, Crewe and JP Morgan, Bournemouth.

“If you live in a flat, a tower block, a rented house, in temporary accommodation or even in a £10m terraced town house in Chelsea, you’re probably not going to be able to charge an EV at home.

“We believe that solar and battery boosted destination and workplace charging will become the best EV charging solution for drivers, irrespective of the type of home they live in,” he said.

“By utilising dwell times of several hours, when cars are parked at work or when the driver is visiting a shopping or leisure venue, for example, 3ti’s system ensures that EVs can achieve a level of charge that covers day to day driving needs and does it in the most low carbon way.”

The first Papilio3 facility, located at the Surrey Research Park in Guildford, is fitted with three modular canopies that support 36 solar panels and has battery storage capacity of up to 250 kWh. It has been developed by 3ti with Cambridge Design Partners, and has been designed for roll-out at workplaces and public destinations such as hospitals, hotels, meeting venues, sports or shopping centres, tourist attractions and town centres.

Each unit offers sheltered, illuminated and secure parking, plus a convenient, available and reliable EV charging experience that supports a mixture of 7, 11 and 22 kilowatts.

Papilio3 integrates three technologies that are more usually considered individually: solar photovoltaic electricity generation, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and EV charge points.

Combining the three offers a range of benefits, including the ability to use grid energy, solar power and battery storage to optimise the speed and carbon intensity of EV charging. Onsite renewable energy generation from solar panels also reduces energy costs and gives businesses greater control over energy supply.

“Papilio3 isn’t just about providing the UK with a broader range of EV charge points,” concludes Evans. “It also focuses on the capture and management of renewable energy, as a way of reducing the country’s draw on carbon-intensive energy for EV charging at peak times.”

Papilio3 is tackling the UK’s need to expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure ahead of the government’s proposed ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles in 2030.

A typical solar car park with 350 spaces, will produce around 900,000 kWh of electricity a year and would save the equivalent of 6,000 tonnes of carbon emissions (tCO2e) over a 30 year period, according to UK government figures. This equates to powering around 7,000 homes or planting 100,000 trees.

The UK requires 2.8 million public EV charge points by 2035. There are currently just 52,000.


Prolintas uses smart system to monitor its highways

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Prolintas Group of Companies has launched the Prolintas Smart Surveillance System (S3) Highway Monitoring System, which uses artificial intelligence and machine learning, on all highways under its supervision on Aug 19.

In a statement on Monday, it said this made it the first highway concessionaire in the country to use smart technology in operations management.

Among the group’s highways are the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway, Guthrie Corridor Expressway, Kemuning-Shah Alam Expressway and Kajang SILK Highway.

Group chief executive officer Datuk Mohammad Azlan Abdullah said the S3 was developed with the aim of improving the efficiency of highway operations, covering matters such as road surface monitoring as well as the detection of damages to highway assets, accidents, presence of foreign objects and wildlife, and stagnant water areas.

"This is part of the system's capabilities in addition to video streaming, real-time integrated notification and reporting.

"The main thrust of S3 is the use of artificial intelligence system analytics technology in the role of processing images and identification, classification, data analysis and digital reporting, and then providing notification to staff through mobile and web applications," he said in the statement.

Since its launch, S3 has detected 1,303 cases in the first month and 440 in the following month, with more than 50 per cent of cases of damaged highway surfaces and assets being repaired through S3's real-time notification, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, Prolintas has also launched the Prolintas Integrated Maintenance Escalations (PRIME) highway management application system developed using the Microsoft Kaizala and Flow platform.

PRIME development assists in the process of generating automation modules for scheduling maintenance and digitisation work where manual forms will be replaced with action cards through the Microsoft Kaizala platform,” said the statement.


Ferrari to stick with F1 as CEO says racing drives innovation

                MILAN: Ferrari NV isn’t giving up on auto racing. Even after another disappointing season on the Formula 1 circuit, the supercar maker says it will continue to pour resources into the sport.

“A lot of technologies can go from the track to the road,” chief executive officer Benedetto Vigna said Monday in an interview at Bloomberg’s Italy Capital Markets Forum. That will drive the Maranello, Italy-based producer to continue investing in racing, he said.

Ferrari, which hasn’t won the Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship since 2008, is running fourth among manufacturers in the 2023 rankings after a tepid result in last weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Overall, the company team has won 15 drivers’ championships and sixteen Constructors’ titles, making it the series’ most successful franchise.

The carmaker has been synonymous with competition since it was founded in 1939 — “RACE” is its stock ticker — and racing “has been and will be in the DNA of our company,” Vigna said.

Results aside, the CEO said competition provides a learning experience for the carmaker. “There is a way to improve, there is a way to learn. We have to make a car that is better always than the past one.”

Despite its struggles on the track, Ferrari has been lapping the competition on the stock market as demand for luxury cars has held up while mass producers lose pricing power. Ferrari’s market value has now surpassed that of Stellantis NV — the conglomerate that includes its one-time parent Fiat.


Lamborghini's iconic Diablo turns 30 this year

                SANT'AGATA  BOLOGNESE: Automobili Lamborghini is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Diablo this year.

The Diablo is considered to be one of the most iconic models in the history of super sports cars which rumbled into market in January 1990.

The Diablo story began in 1985 (codenamed Project 132) with the aim of replacing its flagship Countach.

The clean and aggressive lines are the result of a project by Marcello Gandini that was partially revised by Chrysler's design centre, which in the meantime became the majority shareholder of the Italian supercar builder.

The Diablo managed to win the hearts and appreciation of fans since officially making its debut and was officially the fastest production car in the world at that time with a top speed of 325kph.

Its dynamic behaviour was the result of intense development work involving the rally champion Sandro Munari.

Power came from a longitudinal rear-mounted 5.7-litre V12 with four overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, equipped with multi-point electronic injection - all of which contributed to a rated output of 485hp and 580Nm of torque.

The twist was sent to the rear wheels and no electronic driving aids or power steering was made available until 1993.

The cabin featured luxury details that included leather, air conditioning, powered windows and power-adjustable seats

In 1993, the company launched the Diablo VT - the first Lamborghini Granturismo (GT) to be equipped with four-wheel drive, which also brought a series of mechanical improvements and stylistic changes also to be soon adopted on the rear-wheel-drive version.

In the same year, the special SE30 series was presented to commemorate 30 years since the birth of the company, with a power increase to 523hp.

In 1995, the Diablo SV made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show wand was made available only as a two-wheel drive version with 510hp and an adjustable rear wing.

In December, the Diablo VT Roadster came to light to mark Lamborghini's first mass-produced V12-powered vehicle with an open-roof, mass-produced Lamborghini, with slightly revised lines and offered with the four-wheel-drive transmission only.

By 1999, following the purchase of Automobili Lamborghini by the Audi Group, there was the unveiling of the Diablo SV "restyling" designed by Luc Donckerwolke, Lamborghini's first in-house designer.

It followed the VT and VT Roadster: all three models evoked clear signs of modernization through its revised lines and interior.

From a mechanical point of view, the engine - now with 529hp and 605Nm, was equipped with the variable valve lift system and, for the first time on a Lamborghini, the brakes were completed by ABS.

The Diablo, also launched in special series or for competition with 6.0-litre engines, was Lamborghini’s "most produced" car to date with 2,903 units in total and remained available until 2001 when it was succeeded by the Murciélago.


CarSifu drives BMW M850i xDrive coupe in Melbourne

                Driving the BMW M850i xDrive coupe in chilly autumn weather on countryside roads near Melbourne, Australia is certainly an exhilarating experience.

The two-door, four-seater grand-touring sports coupe is big and loud at full throttle, with a mighty 530hp 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbocharged petrol engine.

Mated to a eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, you get a heart-thumping maximum torque of 750Nm from a low 1,800rpm and a adrenaline-inducing zero to 100kph sprint in just 3.7 seconds.

This luxury athlete was launched by BMW Group Malaysia in March at nearly RM1.1 million without insurance, and we understand that it has seen no shortage of orders from Malaysians with very deep pockets.

And this is perfectly understandable as the new 8 Series is a very fast, yet luxurious creature with an aggressive personality that is brought to the fore when we select the Sport or Sport Plus drive modes.

This is where your ears are thrilled by a distinctively sporty exhaust roar as you step hard on the accelerator pedal, and the car takes off like a thoroughbred racehorse.

To sample the charms of BMW's ultimate grand tourer, we were sent to Melbourne, Australia where a media drive for the M850i xDrive coupe had been arranged on country roads surrounding the Mitchelton Winery Estate, located near Nagambie town which is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne city.

Developed alongside the BMW M8 GTE race car, the new 8 Series coupe has a strikingly long bonnet with a low-slung, sporty design and a powerful-looking shoulderline.

It certainly looks like it is meant to slice through air, with its athletic contours and sleek LED headlights - the slimmest headlights ever on a BMW.

It also came fitted with the optional BMW Laserlight technology which provides a high beam range of around 600 metres - meaning you can see twice as far down the road compared with traditional light systems.

Our test drive unit had big 20-inch M light alloy wheels wrapped with French made Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ultra high performance tyres sized 245/35 (front) and 275/30 (rear).

While it's built for speed and driving thrills, it also provides practicality with a 420-litre boot to store our luggage, as well as a storage compartment with a USB port between the front seats and cup holders in the centre console.

The fine-grain Merino leather upholstery feels luxurious and fantastic, and we could hardly wait for our 50-minute dynamic drive session on a 56km route on narrow country roads in the late autumn chill.

We roared past huge pastures with cows and sheep munching contentedly on the grass, and the M850i xDrive coupe negotiated the backcountry tarmac with poise and precision at decently high speeds.

This is expected as the car was developed on the race track, and has a rear-biased BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive for top-notch handling during dynamic driving.

Our test drive unit also had the M Performance-tuned Adaptive M Suspension Professional which provides active anti-roll stabilisation, for flatter cornering and even better handling at high speeds.

It also has Integral Active Steering which reduces the car’s turning circle when manoeuvring and improved agility.

There is an impressive amount of technology here, including a BMW Carbon Core centre transmission tunnel for lower weight and extra rigidity, resulting in even better ride and handling.

BMW took special pains to tell this narrative, with the words "Carbon Core" positioned proudly below the M50i written on the door sill.

The short drive on south-eastern Australian roads also took us through Seymour, a small and quiet town, where we slowed down and cruised at a relaxed pace.

The powerful 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbocharged petrol engine provides abundant low-end torque, and once we hit the town outskirts, the M850i sped off like a hungry cheetah sprinting after prey.

Delivering all the monstrous power is the smooth-shifting ZF eight-speed automatic which has been improved with lower weight, a new controller and an increased gear ratio spread for an even more refined drive at higher speeds.

We used Sport mode most of the time, and in this mode, the exhaust roar and sprinting response are particularly aggressive.

The M850i feels quite planted when driven at speed on twisty roads, and despite the big wheels, sports suspension and performance tyres, still provides plenty of comfort on bumpy surfaces.

We never felt any discomfort on the 56km drive and enjoyed the high ride quality, even on the rougher stretches of the countryside roads.

Of course, one quirk is the rear seating which is perhaps only comfortable for small kids.

Overall, the new 8 Series is exceptionally comfortable for two adults who want to do some high-speed travelling in a flamboyant and strikingly expensive sports coupe.

BMW M850i xDrive coupeEngine: 4,395cc V8, M Performance TwinPower Turbo petrol

Maximum power: 530hp at 5,500 to 6,000rpm

Maximum torque: 750Nm at 1,800 to 4,600rpm

Transmission: eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic

Features: Adaptive M Suspension, BMW Laserlight, Harman Kardon surround sound system with digital amplifier (464W, 16 speakers), Integral Active Steering, 19-inch M Sport brake with blue painted M Calipers, Head-Up Display, Parking Assistant (automatic parking for parallel and perpendicular manoeuvres)

Safety features: Front airbags, side, curtain, head and knee airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Active cruise control with Stop&Go function, rear ISOFIX child seat mounts, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Pedestrian Collision Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning (front and rear), Emergency Stop Assistant, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with Active Side Collision Protection and Evasion Aid, Rear-view Camera

After-sales highlights: BMW 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, 2-year/ 24-month tyre warranty

Price (on the road, without insurance): RM1,088,800


Flood bags to protect your car?

                PETALING JAYA: With all the flooding that has been happening in the country, people living in flood-prone areas who worry about potential damage to their cars may want to consider enveloping their vehicles in a plastic bag to protect their rides.

Simply called flood bags, it is being marketed by a seller who claims that the watertight properties of his product ensure that cars using them are protected.

You would need to anchor your car, though, to ensure it doesn't float away.

In one video shared on social media, a completely wrapped Tesla is seen floating in flood waters, snug, dry and protected.

Hiew Yit Thang, 21, who has sold 20 flood bags online, said he started selling them online three years ago. This was after his parents, who runs a school furniture business in Kajang, Selangor, saw firsthand how flood victims in Terengganu suffered from property loss due to water damage.

Hiew, who is now in charge of business development, said sales would drop to zero during the hot season. But, come the rainy season, he gets enquiries on his online sales sites every day.

“The flood bags are not only for cars but furniture and electrical items as well,” said Hiew, who sells his bags for RM350 a piece.

Hiew believes he is the sole supplier for the product – for now. The flood bags are made of plastic and are covered with a waxy coating as protection against punctures. They are manufactured locally under the label Floodsafe Carbag.

Car enthusiast Nicholas GomezIt said it was understandable why flood bags had come under the radar what with the current rainy season. Water damage from floods can be horribly expensive.
Depending on the make of the car, repairs can easily run into the tens of thousands.

But one question remains. While owners who live in flood-prone areas might be given ample warning on rising water, Gomez wondered if those at risk of flash floods were willing to go through the trouble of encasing their rides in a waterproof bag time and again, only to find their place is unaffected.

“I had friends whose cars were damaged in flash floods at the Dataran Merdeka car park while they were in town during working hours. So, if you have bought a bag but is keeping it at home, it won’t help,” said Gomez.

Davy Woo, a veteran from the automobile industry said it would be more convenient for the owner to get flood insurance.

Woo’s reasoning is that flooding is not a frequent event, and owners are going to find it tiresome to wrap and unwrap a car after the novelty has worn off.


Visions of the future - What's the point of concept cars?

                BERLIN: They look like something out of a science fiction movie: Daring concept cars catch the eye at any motor show, providing a glimpse into the future of mobility. But is it all just just a gimmick and a bit of fun for designers?

"Cars have a development time of between three and four years," explains Paolo Tumminelli, a professor of design concept at the Technical University of Cologne. A sleek concept car bridges the waiting time, builds tension and generates attention.

Concept cars are proof of "what is technically and visually possible," adds Professor Stefan Bratzel from the Center of Automotive Management in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. Manufacturers also test the reaction of the public, which helps them draw conclusions for when it comes to starting production.

Concepts have changed over the years

The nature of the concept car has changed over time. In the 1970s the focus was on safety, in the 1980s things switched to aerodynamics, while the 1990s were all about tradition. For a few years now, the trend has been moving towards electric vehicles and self-driving cars.

If a concept car has too much of a space-age look and feel, and seats, safety belts or doors are missing, it has little chance of going into mass production.

The vehicles should be a vision of urban mobility in the future, for example. The current generation of visionary concept cars include Audi AI:ME, Renault Trezor, Nissan Ariya Concept, Nissan IMQ Concept, Toyota ME.WE and Toyota Mirai Concept.

From 'wow car' to production line

For automobile manufacturers such as Mercedes, concept cars whet the appetite and send a message. "These concepts are based on later production vehicles and are intended to arouse interest in the new car," says Gorden Wagener, chief design officer for Daimler.

A concept car can also convey a message. With the new Vision AVTR, Mercedes is marking a shift towards sustainability. It's a vehicle that acts as a living organism, that can be experienced with all the senses, that wants to bring together technology and sustainability and that is made of recyclable materials.

"We think of show cars as wow cars; innovative vehicles that are design-oriented and not directly related to series production, but which attract a lot of attention," says Wagener. "In addition, we designers use concept cars to get inspiration, because we are looking up to 10 years into the future. This increases creativity - something that is also reflected in vehicles that go into mass production.

A billion-dollar car vs reality

A vehicle project costs a lot of money - between half a billion and a billion dollars, depending on the model. This includes development costs, construction, production adjustments and the design.

"The design team may be small, but it is immensely important," says Volkswagen chief designer Klaus Bischoff. VW employs around 400 designers and more than 10,000 engineers, who have to first convince their internal colleagues and later customers about a new design.

"We take note of the reactions and keep developing the concept cars until the vehicle goes into production," says Bischoff. Certain elements can be anticipated in advance of series production. The virtual exterior mirrors with camera technology, first shown almost a decade ago, are now part of the new Audi e-tron.

For Bischoff, the work on the retro I.D. Buzz minivan is the continuation of almost 20 years of development. "Legal regulations such as pedestrian safety did not initially allow for series production. Now, with the new electric kit, we've finally managed it." The VW I.D. Buzz is due to be launched in 2022.


Jaguar Land Rover puts ‘Noodle’ on the menu

                LONDON: How do you attract young people to work for your company?

Jaguar Land Rover thinks it has the answer by associating itself with something "cool" and hoping it rubs off on its brands.

Jaguar Land Rover announced last week its new global ambassador Noodle, Japanese guitarist and founder member of virtual British band Gorillaz.

Noodle is the 21st century Japanista and founding member of Gorillaz. The band have released five albums since 2000, selling over 100 million records globally.

Panasonic Jaguar racing will spearhead a campaign that will help underline the important role Formula E will play in developing the next generation of electric vehicle technology. Noodle will help to highlight the opportunities this gives young people to get involved and be a part of the biggest change the car industry has ever seen.

Britain is facing a dire shortage of engineers and Jaguar hopes to address the need to fill vacancies using the latest campaign.

“By 2022, we’re facing a shortfall of 300,000 skilled engineers in the UK alone. It is our responsibility to change this future by inspiring young people,” said Jaguar Land Rover global PR communications director Fiona Pargeter.

“Yes we want to be successful on track, but Formula E can be a once in a generation opportunity to inspire the future generations of engineers. A global platform to inspire and attract young children to a career in innovation and engineering – through Panasonic Jaguar Racing’s partnership with Noodle we hope to inspire millions of young people to help invent the future.”


New Hyundai Veloster packs a bigger punch

                DETROIT: Hyundai unveiled its new Veloster and Veloster Turbo models at this year's North American International Auto Show thanks to the collaborative efforts of Hyundai designers from Seoul, South Korea and the U.S. design centre in Irvine, California.

The new Veloster features a comprehensive exterior and interior redesign, powertrain enhancements, and a bevy of new and improved infotainment and connectivity features and will begin production in March in Ulsan, Korea.

Colour options include Ultra Black, Chalk White, Sonic Silver, Thunder Gray, Sunset Orange, Racing Red, and Space Gray while the interior can be had in fabric, fabric/leather combinations or full leather.

Externally, it comes fitted with 18-inch wheels, integrated rear diffuser LEDs for the front, daytime running lights and rear light cluster as well as a newly designed front grille, functional air curtains and center chrome exhaust tips - single outlet for 2.0-litre model and dual-outlets for the Turbo and R-Spec models.

Under the hood lies a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine delivering around 147hp at 6,200rpm and 179Nm at 4,500rpm and features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, electronic throttle control while mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with three modes of Normal, Sport, and Smart.

The Gamma 1.6-litre Turbocharged direct-injected engine produces an estimated 201hp at 6,000rpm and 264Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500rpm. It also has an overboost function that raises torque to 274Nm.

The Veloster Turbo's engine is paired to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) with paddle shifters and Shiftronic. Both transmissions were developed in-house by Hyundai.

Additionally, the turbo model features Active Sound Design, which enhances the intake and exhaust powertrain sounds inside the cabin as well as three selectable driving modes pf Normal, Sport and Smart.

All Veloster models are equipped with Torque Vectoring Control, Electronic Stability Control, quicker-ratio steering rack and a revised steering calibration system for the electric power steering system and Hillstart Assist Control.

Furthermore, the Veloster Turbos are also fitted with 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4, front McPherson strut suspension, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a 24mm diameter front stabilizer bar.

The rear suspension uses a lightweight independent multi-link design with a 19mm stabilizer bar with gas-pressurized shock absorbers, 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted with Michelin® Pilot Sport 4 summer tires.

For entertainment, the infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay offers SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, next-generation Blue Link LTE-powered connectivity, a 7.0-inch colour LCD display with radio/MP3, touchscreen, auxiliary input, rear view monitor.

Optionally available is the floating-design 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation and Infinity premium audio with eight speakers, including a subwoofer and Clari-Fi music-restoration technology and Smartphone integration.

The cabin also features a Heads-Up Display system and Qi wireless-charging.

For added safety, there's Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA) for the available LED headlights.

There's also Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), Smart Cruise Control and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control, reverse camera with dynamic guidelines and Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS).

Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Stepping things up, Hyundai also made available a high performance variant of the Veloster with the introduction of a 2.0-litre turbocharged N variant with a compression ratio of 9.5:1, producing an estimated 275hp at 6,000rpm and 353Nm of torque from 1,450 to 4,700rpm.

Managing power delivery to the front wheels is a six-speed manual transmission with downshift rev-matching.

The N variant gets fitted with a high-flow active sport exhaust system with a variable exhaust actuator that helps provide exhaust cracking and pop sounds.

To differentiate, the exterior gets dedicated front air ducts for improved cooling function for the brakes that are obscured by the standard 18-inch wheels with 225/40 Michelin Pilot SuperSport tyres or the optional 19-inch wheels with 235/35 Pirelli P-Zero tyres.

The rear of the Veloster N sports a larger N-design rear spoiler, rear fascia design with integrated diffuser, and performance-diameter high-flow dual exhaust system.

Inside, the cabin offers exclusive N-design front fabric sport seats, N-design steering wheel, shift knob, N-logo door sill plates, and N-design instrument cluster.

Interior details are accented by an N performance blue accent theme and as the engine speed approaches redline, the N-design instrument cluster displays a progressive sequential shift indicator to alert the driver when an impending shift point for maximum acceleration is about to be achieved.

For improved traction, the Veloster N comes with a Power Sense Axle geometry that features a zero-scrub radius for more precise steering, quicker response, and a direct on-center feel, with increased steering linearity.

The geometry is further optimized for linear torque build up and corner-exit precision.

Roll angle is also decreased due to a shorter roll-moment arm, resulting in enhanced grip.

The motor-driven power steering system is rack-mounted and secured at three locations for reduced flex and more direct handling, when during high-performance driving.

For even greater body rigidity and suspension precision under high dynamic cornering loads, a specially designed, unobtrusive rear strut brace reinforces the rear multi-link suspension mounting points.

The unique suspension tuning is derived from a multi-mode electronically-controlled suspension with a track-focused N mode available.

The suspension uses a load transfer control system that reduces dive during braking, enhances roll control during cornering and reduces rear suspension compression under hard acceleration.

Cornering is further enhanced via an optional electronically-controlled N Corner-Carving Limited-slip Differential, which helps improve launch performance, reduces acceleration slip understeer and increases maximum cornering speed via precise torque-vectoring.

Veloster N offers a wide range of driver tuning preference via its N Grin Control System drive mode selection system such as Normal, Sport, N, Eco and N Custom.

Braking comes from the front 13.6-inch performance rotors and rear 12.4-inch rotors.

Standard Veloster N brake rotors are 13.0 inches in the front and 11.8 inches in the rear.

But if those Veloster variants do not tickle the fancy, perhaps a Marvel-themed one might that pays homage to the upcoming movie: Ant-Man and the Wasp, by Marvel studios that showcases the Veloster as an escape vehicle.

The movie is due to hit the big screens on July 6 in the United States.


John Goodenough, Nobel laureate and battery pioneer, dies at 100

Goodenough was 97 when he received the 2019 Nobel Prize for Chemistry together with two other scientists. — Reuters
DETROIT: Nobel laureate John Goodenough, a pioneer in the development of lithium-ion batteries that today power millions of electric vehicles around the globe, died on Sunday just a month short of his 101st birthday.

The American “was a leader at the cutting edge of scientific research throughout the many decades of his career," said Jay Hartzell, president of the University of Texas at Austin where Goodenough was a faculty member for 37 years.

Goodenough was 97 when he received the 2019 Nobel Prize for Chemistry - along with Britain's Stanley Whittingham and Japan's Akira Yoshino, for their respective research into lithium-ion batteries - making him the oldest recipient of a Nobel Prize.

"This rechargeable battery laid the foundation of wireless electronics such as mobile phones and laptops," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said on making the award.

"It also makes a fossil fuel-free world possible, as it is used for everything from powering electric cars to storing energy from renewable sources."

In recent years, Goodenough and his university team had also been exploring new directions for energy storage, including a “glass” battery with solid-state electrolyte and lithium or sodium metal electrodes.

Goodenough also was an early developer of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes as an alternative to nickel- and cobalt-based cathodes. LFP is rapidly overtaking more-expensive nickel cobalt manganese in electric vehicle batteries, experts say, because it uses materials that are more abundant and sustainable at much lower cost.

He was born on July 25, 1922, in Jena, Germany, to American parents.

After completing a bachelors in mathematics at Yale University, Goodenough received an masters and a PhD in physics from the University of Chicago.

He became a researcher and team leader at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and later headed the inorganic chemistry lab at the University of Oxford.


PLUS: Federal Highway concession period only ends in 2038

                PETALING JAYA: It looks like the government announcement yesterday on toll being abolished on the Federal Highway from next year isn’t what it appears to be.

PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) has come forward to state that the concession period for the Federal Highway would only end in 2038.

The highway operator, in a statement today, said the 2011 revised Concession Agreement stated that collection at both toll plazas was scheduled to end on Dec 31, 2038.

As such, the abolishment of toll collection at the Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau plazas in Selangor comes 20 years early.

"The 2011 Concession Agreement, which was restructured following the privatisation of PLUS in the same year, saw toll collection being harmonised on all toll plazas under PLUS and this includes Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau.

"In addition, no toll increase was implemented by the Government and/or PLUS on all its highways since 2005.

"As discussions are ongoing, we will make the necessary announcement upon receipt of further details from the Government," it said.


McLaren Taipei named 'Global Retailer of the Year 2022'

                LONDON: McLaren Taipei has been named as the brand's "Global Retailer of the Year 2022".

Announced at McLaren’s annual Global Retailer Conference at its global headquarters in Woking, UK, the award marks the fourth time that McLaren Taipei – managed by Yun San Motors – has been named Regional Retailer of the Year for Asia Pacific and China and the second time they have been crowned as overall winners of the global title.

For the first time in McLaren Retailer of the Year history, retailers were benchmarked within their sub-regions, driving an additional competitive edge across all 41 territories in which the marque is sold.

This is the seventh year of the McLaren Retailer of the Year awards.

To determine each winner, McLaren Automotive benchmarks multiple areas of business on a monthly basis using a digital scorecard.

Representatives from each of McLaren Automotive’s 102 retailers travelled to its headquarters in Woking, England to attend the company’s Global Retailer Conference between April 24 and 26.

Retailer representatives met with McLaren Automotive’s CEO Michael Leiters for a detailed look at the brand’s future model line-up and business strategy.

As well as being acclaimed as the world’s top McLaren retailer, McLaren Taipei will see their name engraved on the Retailer of the Year trophy which will go on display in the famous McLaren Technology Centre trophy cabinet at the heart of McLaren Automotive alongside trophies from the brand’s 60 years since it was founded in 1963. Regional winners will each receive a Premier Club trophy to display in their showrooms.

“On behalf of McLaren Taipei, I am delighted to have won the prestigious title of McLaren Automotive Global Retailer of the Year 2022," said McLaren Taipei brand general manager Jerry Lin.

"Our entire team works hard to excel in every area when measured against the incredibly high standards set by McLaren and to deliver every day for the growing number of customers attracted to the luxury marque, whether that is for new supercar sales, aftersales or pre-approved.”


New Honda Accord Hybrid goes on sale in Thailand

                BANGKOK: Honda has launched the new Accord Hybrid in Thailand. It is offered in two variants — the Hybrid at 1,659,000 baht (RM194,000) and Hybrid TECH at 1,849,000 baht (RM216,000).

The car features an advanced hybrid technology called the Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD), which Honda says delivers powerful performance with a maximum output of 215hp in full hybrid mode.

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Atkinson Cycle Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, which is combined with two powerful electric motors, an E-CVT transmission, and an ultra-high 1.3 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery that offers better electrical transmission and charging performance, to create a maximum output of 215hp.

The driving mode switches intelligently to match all driving conditions, such as an EV Drive Mode that uses only the electric motors to reach speeds up to 120kph, a Hybrid Drive Mode, and an Engine Drive Mode. For a sportier and more exciting drive, the new Honda Accord Hybrid includes a Sport Drive Mode. By pressing the “sport” button on the center console, Sport Drive Mode uses the battery to help boost the electric motors for better acceleration. The Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive (i-MMD) is a full hybrid system that provides power for performance and fuel economy of 23.8 km/L with carbon emissions of only 99 gram/km.

In terms of safety, the new Accord variant comes with six airbags and “Honda SENSING,” which combines a radar and a monocular camera to detect and alert the driver. It also helps control the vehicle when there is a risk of a collision involving pedestrians. The Honda SENSING package features Adaptive Cruise Control system; Collision Mitigation Braking System; Lane Keeping Assist System; and Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning.

LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL); newly-designed blue-frame LED taillights; a Clear Blue accented front grill; rear trunk spoiler; and sporty new alloy wheels give the Accord Hybrid a luxurious yet sporty exterior design.

Inside the cabin, the Accord Hybrid features a range of standard equipment with premium functions. This includes an Engine Remote Start; a touch-screen audio system that supports Apple CarPlay; a Multi-function Steering Wheel with simple fingertip control of the car’s systems; and brown leather seats.

Honda provides a 10-year warranty on the battery and a 5-year warranty on the entire hybrid system with no limit on mileage. Honda is also offering a Privilege Package to extend the warranty period for Ultimate Care for an additional two years or 40,000km, which means total coverage of five years or 140,000km and free maintenance (labour/parts/check up) for five years or 100,000km for customers who buy a Accord Hybrid from now until Aug 31.

The Accord Hybrid is available in a choice of four colours: Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl. The interior is available in three colours: ivory, black, and the new brown colour.

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Merkel's heir as chancellor to get new bombproof Mercedes-Benz limo

                BERLIN: While politicians wrangle over who will succeed Angela Merkel as German chancellor following last month's elections, one thing is certain: Whoever gets the job is set to use a brand-new armoured Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousine.

The bulletproof, bombproof and flat tyre-proof sedan is expected to serve as personal transport for either the SPD's Olaf Scholz or CDU leader Armin Laschet, both of whom are vying to lead the next coalition government.

Both Audi and BMW offer armoured versions of their top saloons, but government officials here are expected to return to Mercedes-Benz model used by Merkel, with her successor to get the recently announced Mercedes-Benz S-Class S680 Guard 4Matic.

With a level of security that Mercedes says is beyond that of "the Beast" used to chauffeur US presidents, their armoured S-Class offers VPAM VR10 certification - the highest level of ballistic protection for a civilian vehicle.

The bodywork can withstand all manner of gunshots and explosions, including armour-piercing bullets. The Guard can also make a fast getaway even if its heavy duty Michelin tyres are shot to pieces since they will run flat for 30km.

The windows of this car are almost 10cm thick and the Guard comes with its own oxygen supply and automatic fire extinguisher system on board. The features push the weight of the car to a hefty 4.2 metric tons which means the chauffeur needs a truck licence to drive it.

The combination of luxury and security also costs €547,400 (RM2.7mil) or three times as much as a regular S-Class limo.

Performance comes from a Maybach-sourced V12 engine with a massive 612hp on tap. Top speed is limited electronically to 190kph.

The Guard may be the last petrol-powered bombproof limousine for the German chancellor since the three-pointed star is mulling an armoured version of its new EQS electric saloon, said protection division head Andreas Zygan.


Grab exploring regional air taxi service with Volocopter

                SINGAPORE: Ride-hailing firm Grab and German air mobility start-up Volocopter will conduct a joint feasibility study to explore the prospect of offering airborne rides in South-east Asia.

In a memorandum of understanding, the two will look into the most suitable cities and routes to deploy air taxis, evaluate the best-use cases for air taxis, and explore the possibility of joint flight tests.

Volocopter is among a number of players looking to deploy autonomous electric drones which can carry passengers.

The findings will lay the groundwork for potential cooperation between both companies which could include launching air taxi services.

The Volocopter chief executive said in a statement Tuesday (Feb 18): "This cooperation is another important step towards the commercialisation of urban air mobility in one of the most traffic-congested regions of the world."

Grab Ventures head Chris Yeo said: "This partnership will enable Volocopter to further develop urban air mobility solutions that are relevant for South-east Asian commuters so they can decide on their preferred journey option based on their budgets, time constraints and other needs, in a seamless way."


Eagle i dashcams now available

                PETALING JAYA: Eagle i, has introduced its latest range of car video recorders (CVRs) allowing motorists the ability to provide irrefutable proof of the goings-on during commutes, with prices starting from as low as RM88.

O&G 8lectricals (M) Sdn Bhd, the distributor of CVR brand Eagle i, has launched four new camera models with a complimentary 8Gb micro-SD card, starting with the range-topping EG-6019 costing at RM458 – now at a promotional price of RM428.

The range continues with the EG-6018 at RM328 (now RM298), the EG-6008 at RM228 (now RM198) and finally the EG-218 at RM118 (now 88).

The EG-6019 comes with a 5.0-inch HD LCD screen, a built-in microphone and dual cameras for 1080p full HD records for both front and rear views and includes parking mode as well as video playback capabilities.

Next in line is the EG-6018, which sports a smaller 4.3-inch screen and comes equipped with a front-facing wide-angle camera and has 4 x digital zoom capability as well as six infrared LED lamps for improved low-light recordings.

The EG-6008 has a smaller 2.7-inch HD LCD screen and records in 720p resolution and has motion detection function, as well as a screen saver.

Lastly, the entry-level EG-218 has a 2.5-inch TFT LCD screen, a built-in microphone for audio recordings, can be repositioned up to 270-degrees and records in VGA-image resolution - up to 720p, via a wide-angle lens

All Eagle i CVR models can also be used as digital cameras.

A user-friendly mobile app has been developed by O&G for vehicle owners to register and receive a 12-month e-warranty via App Store and Google Play.

Other features of the app include a shop locator, product information and the company’s latest promotions.