Musk reopens Tesla’s plant, dares authorities to arrest him

Newsom (left) and Musk are seen in a combination photo. — Reuters
SAN FRANCISCO: Elon Musk said Tesla Inc is flouting the California county that blocked the company from reopening its only US car plant by restarting production at the facility.

“I will be on the line with everyone else,” the chief executive officer said in a tweet Monday. “If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.”

Tesla told production workers earlier that it was getting back to work at its factory in Fremont, California, after local officials stood in the way of the reopening last week.

Musk drew words of support from the US Treasury Secretary and several CEOs after he threatened to pull the company out of the state.

Musk’s attack has made local officials in Alameda County, which neighbours the location of the first confirmed death of Covid-19 in the US, the latest to come under fire for their handling of reopening the economy from the coronavirus outbreak.

President Donald Trump pressured governors last month to “liberate” their states, then second-guessed leaders for reopening both too fast and too slowly.

Valerie Capers Workman, Tesla’s head of North American human resources, said in an email to production workers that their furlough ended Sunday and that managers will contact them within 24 hours with their start date and schedule.

Those who aren’t comfortable returning to work can stay home on unpaid leave but may no longer be eligible for jobless benefits, she said.

In conflict

The email conflicted with remarks California governor Gavin Newsom made during his daily press briefing Monday, which took place before Musk’s tweet. Newsom said he expected the company’s plant would be able to reopen as early as next week.

“My understanding is they have had some very constructive conversations,” Newsom said, referring to Tesla and Alameda County, where Fremont is located. “My belief and hope and expectation is as early as next week, they will be able to resume.”

Tesla sued the county over the weekend after it told the company on May 8 that it didn’t meet criteria to reopen.

Newsom, who allowed manufacturing in parts of the state to restart that day, said Monday that the county was allowed to enforce stricter rules around reopening. The health officers for Alameda and six other San Francisco Bay area counties and cities decided late last month to extend their restrictions on businesses through the end of May.

‘Green light’ claim

Capers Workman told employees that the state had “given the green light for manufacturing to resume,” which was at odds with Newsom’s remarks.

When asked about Tesla reopening its Fremont plant regardless of Alameda’s order, Newsom said he was unaware.

“It was my understanding when I walked up to the podium today that that wasn’t the case,” he said.

Alameda’s public health department declined to comment.

Musk, 48, tweeted over the weekend that Alameda’s refusal to let Tesla reopen the Fremont factory was “the final straw” and that he’d immediately move Tesla’s headquarters to Nevada or Texas.

Newsom said Monday the state has a strong relationship with Tesla, calling it “a company that this state has substantively supported for now many, many years.” Musk then thanked the governor in a tweet.


New Toyota paint atomiser has world's highest coating efficiency

                TOYOTA CITY: Toyota today announced that it has developed a new type of paint atomiser that uses static electricity instead of air, to replace the conventional air paint atomisers used in the vehicle body painting process.

The newly developed airless painter, the first of its kind in the world, achieves over 95% coating efficiency, the highest in the world from conventional efficiency of 60% to 70%.

Coating efficiency is a measure of the amount of paint sprayed versus the amount that actually sticks onto the painted surface.

Toyota expects the improved painting technique would reduce the group's CO2 emissions by about 7%. In addition, the collection device located at the bottom of the paint booth can be made smaller, enabling painting production lines to be more compact.

The new paint atomiser is part of Toyota's goal to achieve its "Plant Zero CO2 Emissions Challenge", one of the targets included in the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 announced in 2015. The paint atomiser would be introduced at its plants in Takaoka and Tsutsumi. It would also be installed at other plants, with Toyota also eyeing the licensing of the technology to other companies.

Conventional air paint atomiser sprayed paint using aerodynamic force, then paint the vehicle body with the atomised particles using an air paint atomiser. For this reason, paint particles are scattered by the air bouncing off the vehicle body, resulting in a coating efficiency of 60%-70%.

By comparison, the new airless paint atomiser uses electricity to sprayed the paint (electrostatic atomisation), and the statically charged particles coat in such a way that they gravitate towards the vehicle body (electrostatic painting).

Electrostatic atomisation and electrostatic painting technologies greatly reduce the number of atomised particles that scatter, thereby achieving a higher coating efficiency.

While electrostatic painting usually refers to painting on metal surfaces, it can also be used on plastic parts and wood. However, a primer must be applied first to make the parts conductive so that the electrostatic effect can work.


GM, Ford to settle suit over use of 'BlueCruise' name for hands-free driving

                WASHINGTON: General Motors Co and Ford Motor Co have agreed to settle a legal battle over the latter's use of the name "BlueCruise" to market its hands-free driving technology.

In a notice filed in court late on Friday, the two automakers said they are in the "process of settling all claims and counterclaims at issue."

A judge agreed to dismiss the suit on condition the automakers finalise a settlement within 60 days. No details were released.

A Ford spokesman said the settlement has not been finalised but said the No. 2 US automaker will "continue to use the BlueCruise name, as we do today for F-150 and Mustang Mach-E and next for the 2022 Expedition."

GM said both automakers "have resolved the case and related proceedings amicably. At this time, we have no further comment."

In July, GM and its Cruise robo-taxi subsidiary filed a lawsuit to stop Ford from using the name BlueCruise. GM said in July the automakers had held "protracted discussions" over the matter but failed to resolve it.

"Ford knew what it was doing," GM said in the lawsuit. "Ford's decision to rebrand by using a core mark used by GM and Cruise will inevitably cause confusion."

GM announced in 2012 it would use the name Super Cruise for its hands-free driver assistance technology, and has been marketing the technology using that name since 2017.

Ford previously called the lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, "meritless and frivolous," saying "drivers for decades have understood what cruise control is, every automaker offers it, and 'cruise' is common shorthand for the capability."

Automakers are racing to deploy technology to enable drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel in traffic jams or on highways.

The so-called Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, such as Tesla Inc's semi-automated Autopilot technology, are not supposed to allow drivers to disengage fully from driving for extended periods.

Automakers have used the word "cruise" for decades to describe systems that allow drivers to set a speed the car will maintain, usually in highway driving.

GM's majority-owned Cruise self-driving vehicle unit has been operating since 2013.

Ford announced it would use the name BlueCruise for its hands-free driving technology in April this year.


montune and fifteen52 launch new VW performance brand

                LONDON: mountune has collaborated with automotive wheel powerhouse fifteen52 to launch a new aftermarket brand for Volkswagen AG vehicles.

Combining its rich heritage in performance engineering with the design flair of fifteen52, m52 will offer VW enthusiasts the same level of service, care and performance that mountune’s Ford customers have enjoyed for more than a decade.

“It is an exciting chapter in our history,” explains Alec Pell-Johnson, director of mountune and m52. “We are building a new brand for a group of automotive enthusiasts that are equally dedicated and passionate. While mountune performance began over a decade ago with the 2008 mk6 Fiesta ST, the opportunity to work with fifteen52 and build a distinct, new brand was an opportunity to jump at.

"We are one of the very few tuners that have ever been OEM-approved to modify vehicles within warranty – it is this level of dedication and expertise that we are bringing to m52 and VAG models.”

It is not the first time the UK-based mountune has worked on a VAG project. Aside from the occasional personal commission, the company has had extensive past experience with Audi engines for the Formula 2 racing series.

m52 launches in the UK and USA with a number of products for the Mk7/7.5 Golf GTI and Golf R. The X3 complete induction system and stage 1 calibration are available now from the m52 store.

Promising to add more performance to the pair of iconic VW hot hatches, the calibrations have been developed and thoroughly tested in line with the rigorous standards and processes developed by mountune.

“This will be an epic brand in the performance aftermarket and offer something new to the VW community,” explains Matt Crooke, owner of 1552.

“We are excited to partner with mountune on this ground breaking collab’. It’s a partnership that has been a long time coming and was always just a matter of when, not if. mountune have always done amazing work with Ford vehicles and we are super pumped to show the world what happens when that engineering expertise is combined with our unique aesthetic.”

The m52 store will also launch with exclusive merchandise, including keyrings, lanyards and air fresheners. T-shirts, jumpers, caps and hoodies will soon follow to allow proud owners and fans to show their allegiance to the new kid on the block.

As part of the brand’s launch, m52 is offering all customers 5% off until the end of May, using the checkout code ‘m52’.


Porsche to join Germany's DAX as index expands

                FRANKFURT: German carmaker Porsche and sportswear maker Puma will join the nation's premier DAX stock index, as it expands to 40 from 30 companies in the biggest overhaul of its 33-year history, the exchange operator Deutsche Boerse said on Friday.

The expansion, contemplated for years, got a push in reaction to the collapse of German payments company Wirecard, which dramatically fell from grace in 2020, just two years after promotion to the benchmark index.

A bigger index means greater diversification and potentially more stability for investors.

The move promotes an array of companies to an index previously reserved for German corporate titans like Volkswagen and Siemens.

Other new entrants include the plane manufacturer Airbus and the online fashion retailer Zalando.

The changes are effective on Sept 20.

Wirecard's demise embarrassed the German government and stained the nation's reputation as a safe haven investment, accelerating the reform initative backed by Deutsche Boerse chief executive officer Theodor Weimer.

Deutsche Boerse announced the overhaul plans last November, saying the changes would improve quality of the DAX indexes and align them with international standards. .

Over the past year, Deutsche Boerse has also imposed more stringent membership criteria in financial reporting and profitability.

Manfred Schlumberger, portfolio manager at Starcapital, said he doubted the expansion would make the index more attractive.

US indexes are more attractive than their European counterparts because they have a high portion of future-oriented industries like technology and communication, he said.

"The DAX doesn't get that through the overhaul because those industries simply don't exist here," he said

The remaining new entrants include: health technology company Siemens Healthineers, flavour and fragrance maker Symrise, lab equipment maker Sartorius, chemicals distributor Brenntag, meal-kit company Hellofresh, and genetic testing specialist Qiagen.

The number of constituents in the mid-cap index will shrink to 50 from 60.


All-new Kia Carnival price unveiled at RM196,340

                SHAH ALAM: After its first public preview in December, the price of the all-new Kia Carnival multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in Peninsular Malaysia for private ownership has been announced at RM196,340.

Selling price includes import duty, sales tax, standard accessories and SkyTint.

Fully-imported from South Korea, the fourth generation of Kia's flagship MPV features an 11-seating capacity in a spacious vehicle with innovative styling.

The new model comes with a longer wheelbase and gets an unique ‘island roof’ appearance design, with blacked-out A- and B-pillars supporting the body-colored roof.

The MPV also a new ‘tiger face’ grille design which extends across the width of the vehicle and integrates with the LED headlamps.

Other key features include Smart Power Sliding doors and Smart Power Liftgate, Smart Key with one-button open/close functionality for rear sliding doors and liftgate.

Also included are a class-leading 12.3-inch High-resolution LCD Touchscreen Infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, multi-Bluetooth connectivity and up to seven USB ports.

Powering the Carnival is a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine with 199hp and 440Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with an electronic shifter.

Standard safety equipment includes seven SRS Airbags (Front Driver & Passenger, Driver Knee, Side and Curtain), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Multi-Collision Brake Control (MCB), ISOFIX Child Restraint Anchor Points and Top Tethers as well as Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

It also comes with advanced safety features such as Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA).

The Carnival is offered with a 5-Years Manufacturer Warranty + 5-Years Free Maintenance and a mileage limit of 100,000km, whichever comes first.

Kia brand in Malaysia is distributed by Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd, an unit of Bermaz Auto.


New BMW 4S Centre opens in Kota Baru

                KOTA BARU: A new BMW dealership in the state of Kelantan has opened its doors to its new 7,800 sq ft facility.

Operated by Raza Premium Auto, the new dealership is also a 4S centre (Sales, Service, Spare-parts and Spray) and is located at Lot 493 & 183, Jalan Kuala Krai, Seksyen 20, 15050 Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

The new facility is able to house up to three vehicles at the front with up to three vehicles available for test-drives, while the rear houses four service bays.

In terms of amenities, the new facility also has a customer lounge area, Isetta Bar, meeting rooms and discussion rooms.

During the opening of the new 4S centre, Raza Premium Auto managing director and dealer principal Datuk Seri Abdul Razak said that they are confident of providing the best ownership experience with their team of highly skilled professionals.

“Being committed to introducing new and relevant technologies as well as being responsible to our customers should also be a main priority and having these values should also be a criteria of being premium,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO Alan Harris.

For more information, logon to www.bmw.com.my or call BMW Voice at 1-800-88-3000 or Raza Premium Auto at +609-744 5333.


Honda Malaysia debuts new TEI series merchandise

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has introduced its new line of official merchandise, the TEI series.

It represents "Trust, Equality and Individuality" which is inspired by Honda’s philosophy.

TEI also means shape or form in Japanese.

Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Toichi Ishiyama said, “Honda Malaysia’s official merchandise has always been well-received by Honda enthusiasts and fans in this country for its trendy and appealing designs. We are confident that Honda customers will appreciate the high quality and uniqueness of the new collection.”

The TEI series feature 21 items in four different collections namely Corporate, Lifestyle, Activewear and the newly introduced Travel.

The Corporate collection features smart casual clothing to supplement the working adult’s wardrobe while the trendsetters can choose stylish items from the Lifestyle collection such as the Reversible Bomber Jacket that offers two interchangeable designs in one jacket.

Other items in the Lifestyle collection include the unique water-activated TEI fine print 30-inch Umbrella where the TEI print will appear embossed when it comes in contact with water.

Under the Activewear Collection, fitness enthusiasts will like the new Sports Hijab and reflective Activewear Shirt that provides high visibility and safety especially at night.

For travellers, the Travel Collection features reflective Travel Jacket and a 2-in-1 Detachable Travel Luggage Bag that is practical yet trendy.

The exclusive 2-in-1 luggage bag features a stylish backpack that can be attached to the cabin size luggage bag or detached as a backpack.

Shop for Honda official merchandise, the TEI series at Honda’s 92 authorised sales dealerships nationwide or Honda mobile roadshows.

For more information, customers can call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log on to www.honda.com.my to discover more about Honda’s latest TEI merchandise collection.


BorgWarner positive on hybrid car growth in China

                DETROIT: BorgWarner Inc has projected growth of up to 6% in the next three years, largely due to a growing demand for hybrid vehicles in China.

The global leader in clean and efficient technology solutions for combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles said it has a three-year net new business backlog of US$2 billion to US$2.4 billion, with about 50% of that expected to be from China.

About 70% of the net new business backlog are expected to come from hybrid vehicles, followed by 20% from combustion engined vehicles and 10% from electric vehicles.

BorgWarner has estimated that by 2023 it will have content on about half of the hybrids and over 30 percent of the electric vehicles (EV) produced globally.

BorgWarner is a leading supplier of 48-volt mild hybrid technologies with an expanding lineup of products, including the eBooster electrically driven compressor, eFan, and efficient motor generator units.

BorgWarner’s high-performance 48V electric fan portfolio creates a foundation for current and future automotive cooling requirements including mild and plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicles.

The 48V light weight eFan delivers high airflow with minimal speed and low noise. The innovative integral motor concept with active cooling permits operating temperatures of up to 120 degrees Celsius (248 degrees Fahrenheit) which results in an extended operating life.

With a potential power range of 500W to 1,500W, 48V eFans are a solution for passenger cars, sport utility vehicles or light commercial hybrid and electric vehicles.

The company was also one of the first to launch a fully integrated electric drive module (eDM) by combining two of its superior EV components: the powerful High Voltage Hairpin (HVH) 250 electric motor and eGearDrive electric-drive transmission.

As a result, the eDM is a compact, easy-to-install, high-efficiency solution that features class-leading power and torque to enable more miles per charge for battery-powered and P4 (the hybrid motor is located on the rear axle of the front-wheel-drive vehicle) hybrid vehicles.


Honda announces first buyer for new Civic Type R

Adrian (in red jacket) with Akkbar at the official handover cermony in Klang today.
KLANG: Honda Malaysia whipped up more publicity for the Civic Type R by announcing its first sale to a regular Honda customer, Adrian Salleh Hashim.

Apart from taking delivery of the car, Adrian was presented with Honda merchandise, a GoPro HERO 5 and Honda Ultra Glass Body Coating with Ultra Window Coating valued at RM5,300.

The fully imported Civic Type R is priced at RM320,000 on-the- road without insurance.

READ MORE:
CarSifu drives the Honda Civic Type R in Dresden
Honda Civic Type R arrives in Malaysia
Honda selling Civic Type R crate engine

On his new car, Adrian said: "The feature I find most unique is the 3-way driving modes, which are COMFORT, SPORT and +R Modes that allows me to set the
preferred driving mode to experience different dynamic performance in different driving environment. I can’t wait to get behind the wheel."

Honda Malaysia group vice-president  Akkbar Danial handed the car to him at the Botanic Auto Mall Honda dealership here today.

The Civic Type R was launched locally in early November. Since bookings open on Oct 1, Honda Malaysia has received more than 70 booking for its most powerful model.

 The first buyer of the new Civic Type R. Says so on the jacket.


BMW Concept X7 iPerformance in Bangsar: July 18 till 22

                KUALA LUMPUR: The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance will be showcased exclusively at Bangsar Shopping Centre from July 18 till 22, during the BMW X Range Roadshow.

This is the first time that the Concept X7 iPerformance is being shown in South East Asia.

The concept exemplifies BMW’s new definition of visionary mobility and progressive luxury, and is also a case study in modernity, luxury and presence that aims to set a new benchmark in the luxury segment.

The ‘iPerformance’ badge denotes a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and the concept has a generously-sized, six-person interior with high-class materials and a state-of-the-art infotainment system, with a large panoramic glass roof, housed in a luxury-class BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) body.

The six amply proportioned seats are arranged in three rows, and four of them have an exclusive individual design.

On the exterior, it has a prominent vertical kidney grille and slim, elongated twin headlights with BMW laser light, as well as slim rear lights with a sharp three-dimensional L shape.

The circular wheel arches – a first in the BMW X series – bring out the sophisticated aesthetics of the flanks.

Interior features include a 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen and central touchscreen information display, and second-row passengers also get rear-seat touch screens.

Content can be shared with others on board. For instance, passengers can send a track to the car’s music system by touch gesture, forward an interesting article to the next-door display for the person sitting beside them to read, or transfer an address from their email directly to the car’s navigation system.

The forthcoming BMW X7 production car forms part of the largest model offensive in BMW’s history and is slated for launch in 2019.

Harald Hoelzl, managing director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The progressive take on luxury is closely linked to the number 7 in the BMW model scheme. The BMW 7 Series luxury saloon has served as a paragon of exclusive driving pleasure for over 40 years now. Taking it a level higher is the BMW Concept X7 iPerformance.”

Meanwhile, in the first half of 2018, BMW Group Malaysia recorded deliveries of over 6,400 vehicles to new BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad owners and an impressive 11% of growth compared to the same period last year.

BMW charted an 11% increase having delivered over 5,300 cars while MINI grew significantly by 18% with a delivery of over 550 MINIs.

BMW Motorrad also enjoyed a rise of 8% with over 540 new owners.

BMW Group Malaysia’s portfolio of Plug-In Hybrid deliveries in Malaysia now accounts for more than half of the total vehicle deliveries at 56% with over 3,200 new owners.


Russia’s Yandex aims to double self-driving fleet with Hyundai

A Yandex self-driving car. — Bloomberg
MOSCOW: Yandex NV will test a driverless car it developed with Hyundai Motor Co. in Detroit as the Russian technology giant makes plans to double its fleet of self-driving vehicles.

Yandex plans to buy 100 of the cars, which are souped-up versions of Hyundai’s Sonata, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. The test-drives, which had been planned around the now-cancelled Detroit Auto Show, will start on public roads in the city once lockdown restrictions are lifted, it said.

Yandex and the South Korean company announced their partnership last year, seeking to create both a prototype of a driverless car and an autonomous control system that could be marketed to rival car manufacturers and car-sharing startups. The new, fourth-generation Hyundai model has been tweaked to help the system better detect what’s around the vehicles.

The new Sonata has nine sensors, up from six, and has moved the radar system from underneath the bumpers to the roof, improving the system’s ability to distinguish objects around the car. Lidars, laser-based systems for measuring distance from a target, have also been moved to improve visibility.

A human driver will be present in the car, but the vehicle should operate autonomously.

Yandex operates a taxi service with its autonomous vehicles in the Russian city of Innopolis, though most of its fleet is currently occupied with test runs, which will gradually teach its driving software the skills it needs to react to incidents on the road.

The company’s autonomous fleet, which recently exceeded 100 cars, have run 3 million autonomous miles, in cities including Moscow and Tel-Aviv.

The road to mass-market robo-taxis has been fraught, with developers burning cash to create cars that can safely operate without a driver and win regulators’ approval. And the Covid-19 pandemic and accompanying lockdowns have hit the industry hard.

Competitors including General Motors Co.’s Cruise and Uber Technologies Inc. have cut staff recently, while Ford Motor Co. shifted plans to start self-driving services by a year to 2022.

Self-driving trucks startup Starsky Robotics shut down in March with its founder saying that “supervised machine learning doesn’t live up to the hype.”

Still, the promise of driverless vehicles and the revolution they could bring to everything from personal transportation to logistics, means the technology is still attracting investors.

Amazon.com Inc. is in talks to acquire autonomous vehicle startup Zoox Inc., the Wall Street Journal reported last week. Analysts from Morgan Stanley estimate that Amazon could save $20 billion a year with the technology, which would also allow the e-commerce giant to compete in ride-sharing and food delivery.

Yandex, Russia’s largest Internet-search engine and ride-hailing operator, has spent US$35 million over the past three years to develop its self-driving cars, using technologies such as machine learning and image recognition from its other businesses.


VW panel set to discuss CEO's future, say sources

                HAMBURG: Volkswagen Group’s executive committee is convening today to discuss chief executive Herbert Diess’ demand for a contract extension, three sources familiar with the matter said on Monday.

“The options will be put on the table,” one of the sources said, adding that the outcome of the deliberations remains unclear.

Volkswagen declined to comment.

Reuters reported on Friday that Diess had asked the families who control a majority voting stake in Volkswagen to back extending his contract as a vote of confidence in his leadership.

Diess’ has encountered opposition from the board to his efforts to reform the multi-brand car and truck maker and he may review his position if his attempts continue to be stifled, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Diess was appointed head of the VW brand in 2015 and group chief executive in April 2018. His contract is due to expire in 2023 and German companies tend to deliberate over contract extensions only a year before they expire.

The company’s executive committee is chaired by Hans Dieter Poetsch, and includes Wolfgang Porsche and Hans Michel Piech, as well as VW’s labour chief Bernd Osterloh and Lower Saxony premier Stephan Weil.


Aprilia SR Max 300 unveiled

                PETALING JAYA: Naza Premira, the sole and official importer of Aprilia brand of motorcycles in Malaysia, introduced the new Aprilia SR Max 300 - a maxi scooter that embraces the Aprilia sporting spirit.

Inclusive of GST, the scooter is priced at RM31,800, but the first 50 customers only pay RMRM28,800, and comes with a two-year or  20,000km manufacturer's warranty - which ever comes first.

The scooter is equipped with 15.5-litre fuel tank and has a 1,515mm wheelbase while measuring 2,110mm-long and 780mm-wide.

The chassis uses high strength tubular steel for its double cradle trellis frame that houses a 278cc four-cylinder four-stroke engine.

Aprilia says its 161kg (dry weight) scooter is suitable for every day use and comes combined with agility and practicality, thanks to a CVT automatic gearbox mated to the engine, which produces 22hp at 7,250rpm and 23Nm of torque at 6,000rpm.

The 815mm-high saddle is made from an ergonomic sport fabric with lumbar support and the front features a screen to enhance convenience and comfort levels.

It rides on a 15-inch wheel with a 260mm disc brake mounted on it and uses a 120/70 tubeless tyre at the front, while the rear's 14-inch wheel gets 240mm disc brake and uses a 140/60 series tubeless tyre.

Taking on uneven roads are the scooter's hydraulic shock absorber with a 35mm traditional telescopic fork at the front and a pair of three-position adjustable spring preload shock absorbers at the rear.

The Aprilia SR Max 300 is available in two colour schemes of Nero Aprilia and Bianco Glam.

“Like all previous Aprilia scooters, the SR Max remains a loyal companion and is a bike to be kept and loved as it does more than just satisfy the need for transportation, it becomes part of the family,” said Naza World Group of Companies group executive chairman & group CEO Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin.


Audi beefs up A8 luxury flagship

                WASHINGTON: Audi’s flagship A8 received a revision that’s seen its luxury levels upped as well as its power – by strapping on two turbo units for its 4.0-litre V8 engine, and slapping on a Sport badge.

The A8 L 4.0T Sport’s engine now dishes out 15hp more at 450hp and costs US$90,500 (roughly RM400,000).

The Sport model also gets revised in the looks department with less chrome accents, a more muscular outlook as well as a revised front fascia with larger air intakes, lowered front bumper, revised rear bumper and redesigned rocker panels.

There are three 20-inch design options that are fitted with all-weather tyres – the standard being a five-double spoke set, and a larger 21-inch five-arm wheel option is also available, which comes with sticky summer tires.

Owners have the option of upping comfort levels by upgrading the standard Executive package to the Luxury one, which offers a 22-way powered ventilated with massage option front seats upholstered in Valcona leather with diamond pattern stitching.

As standard, there’s also an Alcantara headliner, panoramic sunroof and acoustic glazing on the windows.

Safety includes the Audi driver assistance functions consisting of Audi side assist with pre sense rear, adaptive cruise control with start-stop and a head-up display with navigation information.

For more information log on to www.audiusa.com.


Proton teases large SUV as production starts

Saarani (fifth from left) was the guest of honour at the X90 teaser session in Tanjung Malim today. He was accompanied by, among others, Syed Faisal (sixth from left) and Roslan (fourth from left).
TANJUNG MALIM: Proton today teased its large SUV as it began production of the seven-seater widely referred to as the X90.

The new model is a mild hybrid and is set to launch soon when Proton gears up to celebrate its 40th anniversary in May.

Members of the media were only allowed to view the front and side view of the SUV from afar and the photo you see here was provided by Proton.

What is obvious is that the X90, as the top SUV of the marque, features a concave grille with a concentric pattern of chrome pins radiating from the Proton logo in the centre. Its headlights are also designed differently from those of the X70 and X50 and come with L-shaped daytime running lights.

The first look of the X90, based on China's Geely Haoyue, was provided at a line-off ceremony that followed the launch of the company’s new stamping line.

As Proton has confirmed that the X90 will be a mild hybrid, its powertrain would mimic the Haoyue sold in the Philippines as the Okavango with front-wheel drive. In that example, thrust is provided by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder 48V hybrid system making 187hp/300Nm - a few more horses and same torque as the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder TGDI engine.

Following the start of production, Proton will soon hold a media preview and nationwide customer familiarisation sessions of the SUV before launching it in the coming months.

The X90 represents Proton's first model to offer hybrid technology, marking its debut in the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) space.

This is another step taken by Proton in its commitment to introduce more NEV models to its range in the lead up to its first locally produced Electric Vehicle (EV).

Prior to this, the company had already inked a deal to distribute smart EVs in Malaysia and Thailand and had sent 16 engineers to China for a six-month work attachment for them to learn and handle everything about EVs.

Proton's new stamping line features machines that can stamp out parts using up to 2,500-tonnes of force and capable of producing 50 unique components. The company said the RM140 million stamping line is the largest in Malaysia and potentially reduces its annual use of imported parts by 115,000 units.

Construction works for Proton’s new stamping line began in early April 2021 with machinery installation beginning in July 2022 and was completed by December.

There are five stamping machines with a single machine capable of exerting 2,500-tonnes of force and two machines each with a pressing force of 1,200-tonnes and 1,000-tonnes respectively. The stamping line uses six robots to transfer parts between workstations and uses IR 4.0 technology based on real-time data and machine learning to improve the quality of parts produced.

The new line can produce up to 50 unique components, boosting local content for Proton’s SUV models as items such as body panels can now be produced at Tanjung Malim.

This carries an additional benefit of reducing the company’s reliance on imported parts, insulating it against any potential disruptions to global trade, and improving local parts supply.

“The launch of our new stamping line in Tanjung Malim is a major addition to Proton’s car production capabilities," said Proton deputy chief executive officer Roslan Abdullah.

"As a national automotive brand, the increased use of locally sourced parts in our production activities is vital to the national automotive ecosystem and helps reduce the outflow of funds from the country.

“Aside from potentially reducing our use of imported parts by 115,000 units per year, the stamping line also allows for greater flexibility when deciding our production mix every month and improves the speed by which we can locally produce new models.”

Present at the event were Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Proton chairman Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar.


Ford F-150 Raptor SuperCrew to be sold in China from 2017

                BEIJING: Ford said today that the new F-150 Raptor SuperCrew will be available in China in 2017.

The F-150 Raptor is unique among off-road performance vehicles, with a purpose-built engine, chassis and suspension – all of which enable it to travel fast over challenging desert landscapes or crawl over rocky terrain, from Baja to the Gobi Desert.

“F-150 Raptor represents the very best of what Ford can accomplish with its world-class engineering and design teams, and its long history of building tough, capable and versatile trucks,” said Jamal Hameedi, global chief program engineer, Ford Performance. “We are thrilled to offer our customers in China the chance to experience new levels of off-road performance with the all-new F-150 Raptor.”

Advanced materials – including a fully boxed, high-strength steel frame and high-strength, military-grade aluminum-alloy body – help to improve durability while greatly reducing the weight of Raptor for improved off-road prowess. Combined with all-new EcoBoost engine technology, F-150 Raptor SuperCrew has a power-to-weight ratio that makes it even more agile off-road.

The F-150 Raptor is powered by Ford’s new, second-generation high-output 3.5-litre EcoBoost that produces more power with greater efficiency than the previous Raptor’s 6.2-litre V8, which was rated at 411hp and 588Nm of torque. An F-150 Raptor exclusive, the engine is paired with an all-new 10-speed transmission for improved efficiency.

An all-new four-wheel-drive, torque-on-demand transfer case manages power distribution between front and rear wheels. It combines the best attributes of clutch-driven, on-demand all-wheel drive with durable, mechanical-locking four-wheel drive to send power to the wheels in slippery conditions.

The truck’s pioneering off-road driving mode technology has evolved into an all-new Terrain Management System that enables the driver to select from among six preset modes to optimise driving dynamics to environmental conditions. Driving modes include:

>Normal mode for everyday driving
>Street mode for high performance, on-road driving
>Weather mode for rain, snow or ice
>Mud and sand mode for muddy and sandy trails and terrain
> Baja mode for high-speed desert running
>Rock mode for low-speed rock crawling

An available Torsen front differential improves off-road capability further. The system increases front-end grip significantly and allows F-150 Raptor to pull itself over obstacles and up steep grades – even when traction is split between the front tyres.

F-150 Raptor comes standard with new FOX Racing Shox with custom internal bypass technology that works to damp and stiffen suspension travel over rough terrain – helping prevent the truck from bottoming out. Large-diameter front and rear shock canisters are designed to improve performance and increase suspension travel.

F-150 Raptor sports a dual exhaust system and new 430-millimeter wheels with next-generation BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres designed for off-road performance.

“F-150 Raptor is the ultimate showcase of the tough capability available throughout Ford’s family of trucks and SUVs,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford Motor China. “By introducing it to the world’s largest auto market, we hope to inspire a new generation of off-road enthusiasts, and demonstrate how we are always bringing our customers new innovations.”

The F-150 Raptor will be built at Dearborn Truck Plant in North America and be available as a SuperCrew in China in 2017. The F-150 lineup will be available in 96 markets around the globe.


2020 Alpina B7 gets refreshed V8, 330kph top speed

                MUNICH: BMW has announced that the B7 is getting the Alpina treatment for 2019 with a higher top speed and advanced driving assistant safety systems.

Since BMW unveiled the facelifted 7 Series with a set of larger-than-life kidney grilles, it was clear that German tuning company Alpina - which creates exclusive vehicles for "automotive gourmets" - would be adding its own luxurious flair to the model in no time, and the companies recently announced the 2020 BMW Alpina-edition B7.

While this souped-up model sports the same 4.4-litre V8 engine with Bi-Turbo charging as the previous generation Alpina B7 does, it's been enhanced to bring the top speed up to 330kph from 312kph and shortens the 0 to 100kph acceleration time to 3.6 seconds from 3.7 seconds thanks to a new cooling system and engine management software.

Basically, regarding powertrain, the output is identical to that of the 7 Series M760i trim, except that the M760i is powered by a V12.

The Alpina B7 trim comes standard with additional automated driver assist systems to enhance safety and overall driver comfort including Active Comfort Drive with Road Preview, Dynamic Damper Control, and Active Driving Assistant Professional which can monitor driver blind spots, offer frontal collision warnings, and provide speed limit information.

When the Alpina-trimmed 7 Series launches during Q3 of this year, it's expected to start around US$141,700 (RM579,000), almost US$60,000 (RM246,000) more than that standard 7 Series starting price; however, if you're debating between this model and the M760i and care mostly about the performance, this price is a steal.


Maserati presents limited edition Levante Vulcano

MODENA: Maserati today announced a limited edition of the Levante Vulcano, produced in a series of just 150 units for the European and Asian markets.

The Vulcano limited edition is available with both twin-turbo V6 petrol engines, 350hp and 430hp, designed by Maserati Powertrain and built at the Ferrari factory in Maranello.

The tones of the exclusive matte "Grigio Lava" exterior highlight the Trident SUV's sporty lines to greater effect.

The exterior look is completed by the Nerissimo pack details (dark look rear light clusters, black chrome front grille and logos, glossy black window surrounds, body-coloured door handles and dark exhaust tailpipes), the laminated privacy glass, the 21-inch Helios wheels, also with matte finish, and the red brake calipers.

The 6-piston Brembo Dual Cast braking system guarantees excellent braking performance.

Inside the Levante Vulcano, the heated, ventilated full grain leather seats, featuring electrical adjustments and a memory function, complete with contrasting embroidered Trident logo on the headrest, can be ordered in black with red stitching or vice-versa, to underline the model's "volcanic" personality.

The interior trim comes in high gloss carbon fibre, also used for the gearshift paddles and the insert on the electrically adjustable sport steering wheel, and the chromed aluminium badge on the central tunnel bearing the Trident, together with the new Vulcano logo and the wording "one of 150".

The standard equipment also includes the Bowers&Wilkins premium sound system, the soft close door closure system, the front and rear parking sensors and the full-LED Matrix adaptive headlights.


Petaling Jaya's one-way loop steps into Phase 2

                PETALING JAYA: Phase 2 of the one-way loop (OWL) here will be implemented at the end of February.

Among work to be done for the phase are removing road medians at some parts of the route, creating pedestrian walks and cycling lanes, installing closed-circuit television cameras, building bus stops and landscaping.

Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Puasa Md Taib said the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) had engaged the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety (Miros) to conduct road safety assessments before, during and after the construction of Phase 2.

“The council engaged the contractor through open tender and was awarded by the state’s tender committee to conduct the Phase 2 construction work at RM23mil,” Puasa said at the council fullboard meeting yesterday.

MBPJ also planned to engage opinion research firm Merdeka Centre to conduct a survey on OWL stakeholders, especially business owners who complained of a drop in business since the system was implemented last year.

If the problem was real and widespread, the council would hold a dialogue before Chinese New Year, with the business owners to see what the former could do to help rejuvenate business traffic, he added.

Puasa also said that although the review on the proposed Kinrara-Damansara Elevated Expressway (Kidex) was put online since Tuesday, MBPJ would also upload the document to its website for residents to download and read.

“I will also bring it to the state executive council for discussion as soon as possible,” he stated.

The review, he clarified, was not a fresh study on Petaling Jaya’s traffic numbers and other data, but was an independent consultant’s review of the studies compiled by Kidex Sdn Bhd’s own consultants.

“Even if Kidex was approved by the state and Federal governments, the proposed highway will still have to be included in the local plans and undergo the amendment and objection exercises,” he said.

On his deputy mayor post, Puasa said he would continue to serve until both the state government and Public Service Commission decide on the candidate for the post of mayor and deputy mayor for the city.


Volkswagen steps up development of Industrial Cloud

                WOLFSBURG: The Volkswagen Group is pressing forward with the integration of its plants into the Volkswagen Industrial Cloud (VIC) with the main goal of further improving efficiency and reducing production costs.

The Industrial Cloud is built on Amazon's Web Services (AWS) with Siemens being the integration partner.

Since 2016, the German carmaker is targetting a 30% boost in overall productivity by 2025.

It also expects cost savings totalling several billion euros when the data of all 124 plants can be evaluated in a standardized way.

In 2019, integration started with its Chemnitz, Wolfsburg and Polkowice (Poland) plants, in line with its plans.

This year, up to 15 further plants from the Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Porsche and Components brands are to be connected.

These include the plants at Brunswick, Emden, Hanover, Ingolstadt, Kassel, Leipzig, Neckarsulm, Salzgitter, Zuffenhausen and Zwickau (all in Germany), Martorell (Spain), Palmela (Portugal), Györ (Hungary), and Mladá Boleslav and Vrchlabi (Czech Republic).

The company defined 15 different applications which are now being made available as standardized apps for all plants.

The main focuses include the predictive maintenance of machines and the reduction of reworking on vehicles through artificial intelligence (AI).

The implementation of the first 15 applications alone is already expected to bring cost savings of about 200 million euros up to the end of 2025.

In the “brownfield” approach, data from several hundred thousand machines and plant items will be recorded by sensors and analyzed by standardized apps on the Cloud while each machine, equipment item and system, will be connected manually.

In the case of older machines, it will also be necessary to install sensors.

In the final stage of development, the total quantity of information to be processed each day will correspond to the volume of data from a small town in Germany.

Currently, 220 experts within the Group are working on the project and the number is due to rise to about 500 by the end of this year.

The solutions and applications currently being developed by Volkswagen are also to be made available to other companies within an open ecosystem; development work on these applications will then continue together with the other companies.

In this context, there is no focus on the automotive sector.

Apparently, discussions with a number of other partners from various sectors have already reached a very advanced stage.

The company says that joint utilization and development will offer considerable advantages for those participating because there will no longer be a need to develop the platform and services and can benefit directly from synergies within the system.


Are tiny electric cars the future of urban mobility?

This ultra-compact runabout from Artega is inspired by the 1950s Isetta from BMW.
FRANKFURT: Electric cars are finally becoming more pervasive as people buy vehicles like the VW ID.3 or the electric Opel Corsa.

Carmakers, meanwhile, are a step ahead, looking to make new electric cars that are even smaller.

Compact electric cars with modest mileage and short ranges that suit city traffic could mean more people paying less for e-cars - and leading to a larger market while hopefully making cities more liveable too.

 The Citroen Ami can reach speeds of up to 45kph. Not much but enough for daily commutes.

Citroen is the latest to launch a small e-car, the Ami, named after a popular 1960s model. You could say that the French have made a sort of shoebox on wheels, with a plastic body that measures just 2.41 metres in length with a 1.39-metre width.

That means it takes up even less space in traffic than a Smart, and with a teeny turning circle of 7.20 metres, it's even handier, too.

The Ami has an electric motor that allows a speed of 45kph, meaning in some countries, youngsters aged 16 can drive it too with the right licence.

Powered by a 5.5kWh battery, the Ami can travel up to 70km. After that, the car, which weighs less than 500kg, needs to be plugged into a household socket for three hours.

Citroen hasn't revealed international pricing yet, but spokesman Christopher Rux says to look at France to get an idea of the cost. There, the Ami starts at just €6,000 (around RM30,000) and if you're lucky, you'll be able to lease it for €20 (RM99) a month.

Citroen opted for charm in the race for a clean car but two less well known manufacturers are hoping to make it big with cars inspired by the legendary Isetta bubble car.

 The Microlino looks like an updated Isetta from the 1950s and can put back 200 kilometres on battery power.

Microlino, of Switzerland, and Artega, a supplier from Delbrueck, are both planning to launch compact electric cars this year.

Their Artega Karo and Microlino are based on the same idea: an extremely short, nippy little two-seater, with a single door that opens out at the front like a refrigerator.

Technically, too, these cars are similar. For a starting price of €12,000 (RM59,000), the Microlino offers an 11kWh motor with a maximum speed of 90kph, with the options of two battery sizes, for a range of 125km or 200km.

The Artega also promises a top speed of 90kph and identical ranges, with prices in Europe starting at just under €14,000 (RM69,000).

These cars might be somewhere between vehicle and mobility aid but they're already making waves on the road. Just think of the Renault Twizy, an unconventional microcar with a narrow track and free-standing wheels.

If you ask Andreas Radics, a management consultant, for a forecast, he says the new electric interpretations of the Isetta will win the hearts of lifestyle buyers with their emotional design, like the Fiat 500 or the MINI. They'll also win spots in shared and mobility services fleets.

 The Twizy from Renault wants to offer younger buyers a low-cost way into electric mobility.

"But such vehicles won't really help electromobility make a major breakthrough," says Radics who works for Berylls Strategy Advisors.

There was scepticism to be heard from Stefan Moeller, too, who works for Nextmove, an e-car rental company. "As niche products for individualists, the little cars will certainly find fans. But we don't believe there'll be a breakthrough in the short term - not least because of manufacturers and politicians."

There's only an environmental bonus for "real" cars - microcars like the Twizy and others are excluded from the €6,000 (RM30,000) subsidy, meaning there's not much of a price difference to a Smart or a VW E-Up, he said.

Electric cars face painful hurdles as the start-up "e.Go" can attest. Its small car Life was praised to the high heavens, but couldn't be made economically and enough models sold with a price tag starting at €22,701 (RM112,000) and a 140km range.

The makers are full of hope but sadly, e.Go has just filed for bankruptcy.

 The maker of the e.GO Life has gone bankrupt.


New Infiniti infotainment system improves driver connectivity

                HONG KONG: Infiniti has developed a new-generation infotainment system for its key 2020 models.

With the 2020 model year updates for Q50, Q60, QX50 and the flagship QX80, owners in selected regions will have access to an array of new functionality. The HD twin-screen system, which keeps the name "Infiniti InTouch", will improve the driving experience and keep motorists better connected while on the road.

With Infiniti InTouch, vehicles with navigation become a Wi-Fi hotspot, with up to seven devices able to connect at any one time, meaning all passengers can stay online without using up their data allowance on a personal device*.

Owners can more conveniently update their vehicle infotainment systems. Infiniti InTouch enables drivers to complete over-the-air updates, including maps, when connected to their home Wi-Fi network. The updated navigation system will also keep drivers moving with detailed real-time traffic information, dynamic rerouting based on live traffic conditions, and seamless turn-by-turn directions.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will feature as standard on 2020 Infiniti models that adopt the updated system (Android Auto not available in all regions).

Users can connect compatible smartphone via USB to access a range of apps and selected smartphone features on the car's infotainment touchscreen, including making calls, sending and receiving messages, navigation and listening to music.

For Apple users, they can enjoy all the features of their iPhone while keeping their hands on the steering wheel with Siri Eyes Free. Drivers can use voice commands to control Siri Hands Free and operate their smartphone, meaning they don't have to look at the touchscreen to change a track, or make a phone call.

For models that feature Infiniti InTouch with Navigation, functionality expands to incorporate 3D maps, Street and satellite view imagery and Destinations by Google, making it easier to select and identify points of interest.

Infiniti InTouch also features an improved interface with the adoption of a new, faster processor for an enhanced user experience for drivers.

The new Bluetooth module allows for easier pairing, prioritised connection and higher stability between the user's smartphone and the vehicle, while the newly adopted HD microphone delivers better voice quality during phone calls and voice commands.

With the Bluetooth connection manager, drivers can now also select their favourite device from the multiple phones paired with their car – each time the car starts, their phone is prioritized for connection.


Govt plans to revive mega road project bypassing Brunei

This mountain settlement of the Bakelalan highlands in interior northern Sarawak may be connected to the outside world via a major road project proposed by Works Minister Baru Bian. - Photo by Stephen Then

MIRI: The Federal Government is looking into a plan to revive a mega road project linking Miri to Limbang and Lawas, and the rural northern frontiers, without passing through Brunei.

Works Minister Baru Bian said his ministry will look into the project financing, adding that the move will open up vast economic and tourism potentials for northern Sarawak.

"At present, road travellers from Miri planning to visit Limbang, Lawas and the Bakelalan highlands have to pass through Brunei.

"They face a lot of immigration procedures and Customs requirements at the various checkpoints," he said at a press conference here today.

These two checkpoints serve the existing Pan Borneo trunk road leading from Miri into Brunei and Limbang.

This issue of a direct land route from Miri to Limbang - bypassing Brunei - has been discussed by the state and Federal governments since the 1980s.


2018 Geneva Motor Show: Subaru VIZIV Tourer Concept debuts

                GENEVA: Subaru has unveiled the Subaru VIZIV Tourer Concept at the Geneva Motor Show.

Since the debut of the VIZIV Concept in 2013, Subaru has produced a series of themed concept models embodying the brand’s vision for the future of making cars that are safe and fun to drive.

The VIZIV Tourer Concept has a hexagonal grille for a rigid, forward-thrusting body that combines with four muscular fenders to highlight its driving fun intentions while conveying a sense of security. It comes rigged with 20-inch wheels.

Designed with a tourer theme, the 4-seat Subaru VIZIV Tourer Concept merges a Symmetrical AWD layout powered by a boxer engine, with Subaru’s expertise in offering driving performance, practicality and safety.

As a precursor to automated driving technologies, advanced driver-assist functions combining the next-generation EyeSight system with other devices have been installed in the car to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. Subaru said the driver-assist functions are expected to show up in its cars by 2020.

The name VIZIV has been coined from the phrase “Vision for Innovation”. The dimensions of the new concept that has crossover elements approximates those of the current Outback and points to possibly a new Outback in development.

As wagons go, the concept shows its practical side with generous luggage space.


Third-gen Kia Forte makes global debut

                DETROIT: The new Kia Forte or Cerato is on display at the Detroit auto show, and has evolved into a more refined car with design cues inspired by Stinger.

The third generation Forte now offers drivers a higher level of comfort, fuel efficiency and advanced driver assistance technologies that are aimed to make the journey

The Forte has evolved with a number of visual and feature enhancements, inside and out. The cabin is now more comfortable and “class above,” and integrates new driver assistance technology. In addition, the Forte ups its game with an all-new powertrain that uses Kia’s first Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).

While the third-generation Forte retains its sporty and youthful image, it has graduated to a more sophisticated appearance thanks to a number of sleek and dynamic styling cues inspired by the Stinger fastback sport sedan.

Peter Schreyer’s global team of designers translated elements of the Stinger’s design language onto the compact to give it a commanding road presence. Like the Stinger, Forte’s long hood and short deck lend it an overall fastback-like shape. The cowl point was moved back five inches, creating a more athletic stance that makes the Forte appear well-planted to the ground.

Creases in the hood contribute to the Forte’s muscular appearance and distinctive design traits on the front fascia, including a fresh approach to Kia’s signature tiger nose grille and an aggressive black lower valance, enhance its presence and individual character. The front clip is flanked by a Stinger-esque headlamp design and layout. Separate turn signal indicators are mounted below on the front bumper, where air curtains improve aerodynamic performance and enhance the Forte’s technical appeal.

Around back, the rear bumper gets the same treatment with separate reverse and turn signal indicators located beneath available LED taillights. Similar to the Sportage compact crossover, a sleek horizontal trim piece connects the taillights.

Creating the fastback shape strengthened the Forte’s exterior appearance, but it also gave engineers an opportunity to expand the occupant compartment in several key areas so passengers are treated to a comfortable space no matter how long the journey.

Overall length has increased by 8.1 cm to 464cm, allowing for more legroom and additional cargo in the boot. With 428 litres, cargo room is among the largest in the segment and generous enough to accommodate gear for a group of friends on a road trip or a growing family managing a busy schedule. Additional headroom results from increasing the overall height nearly 1.3cm to 144cm, while the overall width has grown to 180cm.

While the extra 1.8cm of width may not be noticeable to the naked eye, the layout of the dashboard paints a picture of a wide interior space.

Again drawing inspiration from the Stinger, a horizontal theme creates a sense of openness and avoids clutter with clean lines and minimal buttons that are intuitively placed below an 8-inch color touchscreen. Aeronautically inspired spoked circular vents adorn the dash and increased soft-touch points create a comfortable and visually appealing cabin. Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate easier ingress and egress, plus improved outward visibility.

Building upon an already solid structure that helped the current 2018 Forte sedan achieve an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick Plus rating, the all-new 2019 Forte strengthens its bones with additional hot-stamped components and 54 percent Advanced High-Strength Steel.

Stronger seat frames are lightweight and provide a more comfortable seating position with increased lumbar support and denser seat foam for more pleasurable long-distance drives. The all-new Forte offers projection or full LED headlights and is targeted to receive the highest ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and IIHS.

Steering feel is upgraded compared to its predecessor’s thanks to enhancements within the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system that reduce artificial steering feel and friction. Reworked suspension geometry provides a quick and nimble behind-the-wheel feel and evolutionary improvements were made to throttle and brake feel performance, yielding a smoother initial response at tip-in and a shorter stopping distance than the previous model.

Housed underneath the Forte’s longer hood is a second-generation 2.0-litre Nu four-cylinder engine that benefits from Atkinson Cycle technology and a cooled EGR system. Typically applied to hybrid and electric vehicles, the Atkinson Cycle and cooled EGR technologies are designed to help boost fuel efficiency. The new powerplant can be paired with either a six-speed manual or Kia’s all-new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The engine and in-house-built IVT are the first of a new line of highly efficient “Smart Stream” powertrains that will make their way into the Kia lineup in the future.

Waiting before developing Kia’s own continuously variable transmission (CVT) allowed engineers to research issues often associated with CVTs and apply their findings in the application used in the Forte. One of the main criticisms is that they can create a rubber-band-like feel, and in an effort to address this issue, engineers built the IVT with adaptive style shift logic with a chain-type belt instead of push belt, a first in the compact class. This results in smooth and linear acceleration, and for a more enjoyable and sporty driving experience, a step-shift-like feel mimics a conventional automatic at wide-open throttle or when more acceleration is needed.

Noise is another issue CVTs can sometimes face and engineers worked hard to reduce this in the Forte by wrapping the transmission case in a sound-insulating cover to help quiet the typical “drone” associated with this tech from other OEMs. In doing so, NVH levels are also reduced by 5dB.

Horsepower and torque are expected to remain unchanged from the 2018 Forte, delivering an estimated 147hp and 180Nm of torque. Efficiency was the top priority and the IVT, together with the 2.0-litre engine, is estimated to return up to 6.7l/100km combined, a slight improvement over the current vehicle.

The Forte comes standard with an 8-inch colour touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With select smartphone devices, the system also has the capability to read SMS texts aloud through Bluetooth. Eliminating the need for a charging cord is an available wireless charging tray on the center stack for compatible Android devices, as well as Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone X.

Another welcome feature in this segment is an available 320-watt premium sound system developed with Harman Kardon that pumps out music through a unique speaker hole pattern on the door panels and throughout the cabin.

Kia’s suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) offered in many of the automaker’s more expensive vehicles make their way down into the Forte, making it an even more value-laden option for cost-conscious shoppers. In addition to Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), the all-new Forte is available with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).

Smart Cruise Control is designed to maintain a pre-set distance between the Forte and the vehicle in front and can slow the vehicle slows with traffic in certain circumstances.


Hyundai to make Santa Cruz pickups at Alabama plant

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor will start making its Santa Cruz pickup trucks at its US factory in 2021, with an investment of US$410 million, as it seeks a foothold in the popular, but highly competitive, segment led by US rivals.

The Alamaba factory expansion was announced as President Donald Trump is expected this week to push back a self-imposed deadline on whether to put tariffs of up to 25% on imported cars and parts.

Hyundai has invested more than US$1.1 billion in the Montgomery region in the last 18 months, with the latest move expected to add 200 new jobs and 1,000 people employed by regional suppliers and logistics companies.

The factory, which began production in 2005, was Hyundai’s first assembly and manufacturing plant in the United States and now has 2,900 full-time and 500 part-time employees.

Hyundai, whose late response to the SUV market took a heavy toll on its sales in the United States, China and other markets, has expanded its SUV offerings in recent years.

The Santa Cruz pickup truck, introduced as a concept vehicle four years ago, will be its first for the US market, joining three models - the Sonata, Elantra sedans and the Santa Fe SUV, now made in its sole US factory.

Last year, the United States and South Korea agreed to revise a trade pact sharply criticised by Trump, striking a deal to extend US tariffs on Korean-made pickup trucks by 20 years, until 2041.


BYD beefs up autonomous driving credentials with new unit, hiring spree

                SHANGHAI/BEIJING: BYD Co Ltd may be China's biggest electric vehicle maker by a country mile but it knows it lags rivals in autonomous driving, and has set up a new division and embarked on a huge hiring spree to rectify that shortcoming.

Between 4,000 and 5,000 software engineers have been hired recently, BYD senior vice president Stella Li told an investor forum this month when quizzed why the automaker was behind in automation and intelligence technologies.

"We are not ahead of others but we will come up with various types of innovation in two to three years," she said according to a transcript that was confirmed as accurate by the company.

Current BYD recruiting advertisements for engineers specialising in autonomous driving that target top Chinese universities such as Zhejiang University, indicate that the hiring is ongoing.

BYD set up an intelligent driving research division in Shanghai last year, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter.

Previously, engineers working on autonomous driving had been scattered across various parts of the company and the new division will bring more focus to BYD's efforts in high-level automated driving technologies, they said.

The sources were not authorised to speak to media and declined to be identified. The automaker, which is 9.87% owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc and had some 660,000 employees as of April, declined to elaborate on its autonomous driving strategy.

BYD sold some 510,000 pure electric and plug-in hybrid cars in China during the first quarter, accounting for nearly 40% of sales of such vehicles and nearly four times more than Tesla Inc.

Most of its cars are currently equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) developed by Bosch.

By comparison, rivals like Tesla, Xpeng, Nio and Li Auto have developed their own automated driving features that are more advanced and can, for example, allow drivers to cede control of the car when on highways.

BYD has also this year teamed up with autonomous driving chip technology firms Nvidia and Horizon Robotics, saying it wanted to develop more intelligent vehicles.

Nvidia's Orin, one of the world's most powerful autonomous driving computing platforms, will be used in its next-generation Dynasty and Ocean series of cars, the companies said.

Both are high-volume models and further advances in BYD autonomous driving features would popularise the technology within China.

Horizon Robotics' Journey 5, a lower-cost alternative to Orin, will be used in BYD's Han sedans in the second half of this year, according to one of the three sources.

That will help equip the model with new features that are on par with Tesla's Navigate on Autopilot, the source added.

Founded just 28 years ago in southern China, BYD has outdone rivals in electric vehicles by employing a high level of vertical integration, developing and manufacturing batteries and other key components on its own.


Lamborghini Urus Performante comes with Rally mode to intensify fun

                BOLOGNA: Lamborghini has taken the wraps off the Urus Performante, raising the bar on Super SUV sportiness and performance with design emphases that reflect the new Urus’ prowess on street, track and loose surfaces.

Ahead of its premiere the Urus Performante set a new record in the production SUV category on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb Road, crossing the finish line at 4,302 metres in 10:32.064 and beating the previous 2018 record of 10:49.902.

A sharper, more prominent bonnet and bumper design highlights the Performante’s super sports genetics yet retains the Urus’ innate elegance.

The Urus Performante’s extensive use of composite materials makes it the car with the highest number of carbon fibre parts in its segment.

With deep cuts in the hood lines down to the new front bumper, the bonnet including air outlet is forged from lightweight carbon fiber in body colour or partially visible carbon fiber as an option.

A roof in optional carbon fiber references Lamborghini super sports models such as Huracán Performante and Super Trofeo.

The front bumper and splitter in carbon fiber sport assertive new lines: new black front air-intakes deliver increased engine cooling and maximum expression of the SUV’s super sports heritage.

A new air curtain draws airflow over the front wheels, within an aerodynamic design theme that decreases drag the new bonnet’s air outlet contribute to the overall aerodynamics efficiency and helps the engine cooling. The newly-designed rear spoiler, increases rear downforce of the Urus Performante by 38%.

New steel springs lower the Performante’s chassis by 20 mm, with a wheel track that is broader by 16 millimeters, over which wider carbon fiber wheel arches embrace new optional 23” or forged 22” lightweight wheels with titanium bolts and specially developed Pirelli tires.

In profile, the Urus Performante’s lowered stance is accented by its prominent front, and rear wing and bumper, increasing its overall length by 25 mm. The rear of the Urus Performante is equally distinctive by its purposeful high-performance design. A rear spoiler with carbon fiber fins takes design inspiration from the Aventador SVJ and contributes to the increased downforce.

The lower rear bumper and diffuser is also in carbon fiber with a lightweight titanium Akrapovic sports exhaust as standard, developing its characteristic Lamborghini resonance depending on the drive mode selected. The bi-colour livery scheme accentuates the dynamism of this Performante model: against the body color, features such as black painted door handles, CFK air outlets over the bonnet and CFK spoiler lip.

Inside, the cockpit features Nero Cosmus black Alcantara as standard with a new hexagonal seat stitching design, the “Performante trim”, and further options including a leather interior.

Dedicated color and trim options include extension of the Performante trim on doors, roof-lining, seat backrest and rear wall, with further Ad Personam customisation including interior matt carbon fiber details, red door handles, and a customized kickplate with Ad Personam logo.

The black Alcantara/leather steering wheel is trimmed in matt black as well as the Aluminum interior trim in black anodized. With the optional “Dark Package”, the matt black treatment can be extended to other interior details including the lever of the Urus’ central ‘TAMBURO’, hosting controls such as the start/stop button and drive mode selector.

A new HMI graphic, with a dedicated design for the Urus Performante, features on both the centre console screen and in a large arc across the main display.

The Performante’s power is increased by 16hp to 657hp, and its weight reduced by 47kg, giving it a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio of 3,2.

Accelerating from 0-100kph in just 3.3 seconds, and braking from 100 km to standstill in 32.9 m, the Urus Performante produces 850 Nm of torque at 2,300 to 4,500 rpm, with its benchmarking longitudinal abilities including a top speed of 306kph matched by its responsiveness, handling and stability.

Aerodynamic efficiency is improved, and overall downforce increases by 8%. Torque distribution is optimized thanks to a new differential, delivering a ratio increase from 3.16 to 3.4 in drive conditions and from 3.02 to 3.33 when coasting.

The tyres Pirelli P Zero (sizes 285/40 R22 and 325/35 R22) come alongside with an evolution of the Urus Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R: for the first time, the Pirelli semi-slick tyre has been developed to meet the characteristics of an SUV, with this particular variant developed in co-operation with Lamborghini.

The result of the collaboration is a tyre that promises high performance both on dry asphalt with high ambient temperatures and on wet surfaces with colder temperatures.

At the wheel, the Urus Performante allows the driver a new intimacy with the road beneath him, with enhanced agility, feedback and sports orientation. A recalibration of the front wheel steering enhances connection with the road with precise inputs and direct feedback.

The rear-wheel steering’s faster intervention increases turn-in agility complemented by torque vectoring of the rear differential both on-road and in off-road mode.

The re-engineered drive modes allow the Urus Performante pilot to select the right set-up: in STRADA, the Urus provides a comfortable and luxurious ride with smooth damping. In SPORT mode the driver enjoys enhanced throttle response, with the rear-wheel steering more agile at low speeds and stable at high speed, with oversteer fun-to-drive characteristics and a faster gear-shift: the sportier chassis set-up including new stiffer steel springs and specific dampers’ tuning, maximises feedback to engage the driver.

In CORSA, the Urus Performante’s race car persona is let loose with supreme handling: high-speed stability, flat cornering supported by the active anti-roll bars and maximum damping, while the sports exhaust reminds those inside and out that this is a Lamborghini.

Alongside the standard drive modes, the Urus Performante introduces a new RALLY selection, elevating the Super SUV’s fun-to-drive sportiness to a thrilling new level on dirt tracks.

Its oversteer character is amplified with anti-roll and damping systems optimised for steel springs on rough and more extreme surfaces, raising the bar for a new level of Super SUV performance.

First delivery to customers is by the end of 2022.

The price in Europe is €218,487 (RM982,000).

The Chinese market will enjoy the technical upgrades delivered by the new Urus Performante, with engine power set at 631hp for homologation reasons.


BMW targets higher margins while investing in electric cars

                MUNICH: BMW aims to return to its pre-pandemic operating margin target as the global economy recovers, but big investments in electric cars mean the automaker will have to simplify its vehicle portfolio, says its finance chief.

Nicolas Peter said orders had fallen because of the latest pandemic-related lockdowns, but added: “if activity starts again after the middle of February, we should be able to deliver a reasonable first quarter.”

Improving market conditions, a Brexit deal and the German company’s plans to increase its share in its Chinese joint venture to 75% from 50% in 2022 should all help push BMW back to its pre-pandemic operating margin target of 8% to 10%.

“We’re not talking about far away in the future, but it is a goal that we’re looking at systematically in the short term,” Peter said during an interview at BMW’s Munich headquarters. The company will publish its 2021 margin target in March.

A surge in premium car sales in China, the world’s largest autos market, provided much-needed help for BMW’s business - it also boosted German rivals Daimler and Volkswagen - and it should report a 2020 operating margin of between 2% and 3%, Peter said.

Changing car line-ups from petrol and diesel to electric versions to meet emissions targets in China and Europe, not to mention trying to compete with electric carmaker Tesla, is hugely expensive, and was a driving factor in the recent merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler to form Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest carmaker.

Further consolidation is expected as carmakers struggle with electrification and investing in self-driving technology, but Peter said BMW could handle the transition.

“We are very confident we can make it alone,” he said.

But because electric vehicles (EV) are expensive to develop and still account for a small portion of sales, they are less profitable for BMW, Peter said.

“That’s why investment is so important,” he said. “We have to find ways to get to a different cost level, especially with cells and batteries.”

So the premium carmaker is embarking on a push to cut complexity - reducing engine variants and options for different vehicles, scrapping features customers don’t use, plus overhauling software to focus on a simpler, more efficient way of building vehicles.

In 2020, BMW’s global EV sales rose 31.8% versus 2019 and the carmaker says it plans to double its sales of fully-electric vehicles this year.

Traditionally, BMW has considered Germany’s other carmakers as its rivals, but Peter said increasingly it is looking to San Francisco and companies like China’s Nio Inc - with its focus on interaction between car and driver - for inspiration.

He said that in polls two thirds of Chinese consumers have said they will switch to other brands and products if they provide a better digital experience.

“Those are the themes that have to be in focus,” Peter said.


Kobe Steel plant loses remaining industrial quality badge

The logo of Kobe Steel (Kobelco) is seen at the company headquarters in Kobe. — Reuters
TOKYO: A Kobe Steel plant, which is at the centre of a data falsification scandal that has roiled supply chains around the world, has been stripped of all its industrial quality certifications, Japan’s government said on Wednesday.

The government-sanctioned seal on insulated copper tubing from Kobe’s Hatano plant was revoked after an investigation by a certification firm into its quality controls, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in a statement.

The plant, located southwest of Tokyo, has also lost its ISO 9001 quality certificate from the International Standards Organisation, Japan Quality Assurance Organisation said.

Earlier, the plant’s Japan Industrial Standards (JIS) seal for its seamless copper pipe products was removed, as part of the fallout of one of Japan’s biggest industrial scandals.

Japan’s third-largest steelmaker, which supplies producers of cars, planes, trains and other products across the world, said last month that about 500 of its customers had received products with falsified specifications.

The company is planning to make a statement on the standards revocation soon, a Kobe Steel spokesman said.

Having the quality seals revoked means the company can no longer sell the products with the JIS label, potentially restricting the number of customers that can buy them.

Japanese manufacturing prowess has taken a hit in recent weeks due to the Kobe Steel scandal and news of improper final domestic inspection procedures at Nissan.

Nissan said earlier today it had been informed that the ISO 9001 certification of its plants and those of affiliate Nissan Shatai had been revoked for production of Japan-bound vehicles.

JIS-certified products account for about 40 percent of Hatano’s sales by weight, Kobe Steel said.

Kobe Steel has an extensive role in global supply chains. It produces engine valve springs found in half the world’s cars, according to its website.


GM to discontinue six models in 2019

The Cruze is one of six GM models on the chopping block.
DETROIT: In an effort to accelerate the company's "vision of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions, Zero Congestion" and save US$6 billion by the end of 2020, General Motors announced plans on Monday to discontinue the production of six passenger vehicles and shut down five plants in 2019.

On Monday General Motors revealed plans to close five assembly and propulsion plants across the US and Canada and completely restructure its vehicle portfolio.

A handful of slow-selling sedan models are scheduled to be discontinued next year, allowing GM to more completely shift their focus to higher selling trucks, crossovers, and SUVs, as well as the development of their electric portfolio as promised in October of last year.

"We believe the future is all-electric," GM announced in 2017 while outlining their plans to introduce 20 completely electric models to the global market by 2023.

Among those undergoing production discontinuations are the Chevy Volt and Cruze, the poster models that represented the company after recovering from their 2009 bankruptcy.

New models of those as well as of the Buick LaCrosse will cease to exist after March.

Production for the Cadillac CT7 and Chevrolet Impala will end in June, followed by the Cadillac XTS in the fourth quarter.

At the end of the day, GM is planning on a completely electric future and even plug-in hybrids like the Chevy Volt did not make the cut. The auto industry is shifting in a big way towards electric power, and GM is hoping this strategy will help it keep up.

In a Reuters report, US president Donald Trump is threatening to eliminate subsidies for General Motors Co in retaliation for the automaker cutting US jobs and plants.

“The US saved General Motors, and this is the THANKS we get! We are now looking at cutting all @GM subsidies, including ... for electric cars,” Trump said on Twitter.

Trump did not explain what “subsidies” he was referring to.

GM electric vehicles are eligible for a US$7,500 tax credit under federal law, but it is not clear how the administration could restrict those credits or if Trump had other subsidies in mind.

Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau “discussed their disappointment in the announced closures of General Motors plants in their respective countries” during a phone call on Tuesday, White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said.

The wrath of the leaders of the United States and Canada dramatised the challenges GM and its Detroit rivals will face as they restructure to cope with the most dramatic technology and market shifts in decades.

Trump has made boosting auto jobs a key priority during his almost two years in office and has often attacked automakers on Twitter for not doing enough to boost US employment.

GM said in a statement following Trump’s comments that it was “committed to maintaining a strong manufacturing presence” in the United States after investing US$22 billion in operations here since 2009 and will add new jobs in electrification and autonomous vehicles.

The cuts will “position the company for long-term success and maintain and grow American jobs,” GM said, adding that many workers at affected plants will be able to move to other GM factories.


Bentley's ‘Car Zero’ makes debut as first new Blower since 1930

                LONDON: After 40,000 hours of work, Bentley Mulliner has just completed the first new Bentley Blower in 90 years, with the delivery of Car Zero – the prototype car for the Blower Continuation Series.

This exclusive run of 12 customer cars – all pre-sold - will be crafted from the design drawings and tooling jigs used for the original four Blowers built and raced by Sir Henry "Tim" Birkin in the late 1920s.

Specifically, Bentley’s own Team Car (Chassis HB 3403, engine SM 3902, registration UU 5872 - Team Car #2) has provided the master model for the Continuation Series, with every single component laser-scanned as part of a wheels-up restoration.

From this data, 1,846 individual parts have been designed and hand-crafted to create the new Blower.

A total of 230 of those parts are actually assemblies – one of which being the engine – taking the total part count to several thousand when fixings and interior trim parts are included.

Each of these parts and assemblies have been created by a project team of Bentley Mulliner engineers, craftspeople and technicians working together with a number of British specialists and suppliers.

Blower Car Zero is a dedicated test and development prototype, built in advance of the 12 customer cars, and will be subjected to months of durability and performance testing.

The test programme is designed to achieve the equivalent of 35,000km of real-world driving across 8,000km of track driving, and simulates the undertaking of famous rallies such as Peking to Paris and Mille Miglia. The testing will also have a particularly brave driver taking the car to its top speed – with Adrian Hallmark first in the queue.

Finished in gloss black, with an interior in Oxblood red leather from Bridge of Weir, Car Zero made its debut on Wednesday to officially mark the creation of the new Bentley Motors campus in Crewe.

Made possible by the closing of Pyms Lane – Bentley’s address since 1946 – the campus extends Bentley’s headquarters to a new expanded footprint.

Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, Adrian Hallmark, had the honour of driving Car Zero down Pyms Lane to mark the occasion, and comments:

The Blower Continuation Series is the first customer project delivered by the new Bentley Mulliner Classic portfolio, one of three new divisions of Mulliner alongside Coachbuilt (currently developing the Bacalar) and Collections (responsible for the Continental GT Mulliner).


Mini Tesla Cybertruck for Europe?

                LOS ANGELES: Tesla CEO Elon Musk keeps people guessing and the latest is all about the size of the upcoming Cybertruck.

This is related to the production size for the European market and its going to be smaller, maybe.

According to the reply from this tweet, Musk said it is "highly likely" although it is a very brief and general statement.

So let's all wait for an official announcement or more cryptic messages from Musk about the Cybertruck.


Next Hyundai i30 N to feature new design and dual-clutch transmission

                LONDON: Hyundai Motor has revealed the first information about the latest generation of its best-selling hot hatch, the i30 N.

In a series of low-lit images which were released yesterday, viewers can see that the new i30 N will have an updated design focused on dynamic performance, emotion and statement.

The new i30 N features new, aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers, two large exhaust pipes, a wide centre grille with the N signature, and new rear lamps and new LED headlamps with V-shaped DRLs. The new design makes the car look fast even when it is standing still.

The images also show newly-developed 19-inch forged alloy wheels, which are lighter than those of the previous i30 N, contributing to weight reduction in the car.

Hyundai has also revealed that the new i30 will be available with the company’s eight-speed dual clutch transmission (N DCT), including dedicated N performance shifting functions – the first Hyundai car in Europe to do so.

More details are to be revealed soon.


Snarl-ups to start-ups: Cairo's jams inspire tech solutions

With only three metro lines and overcrowded, run-down buses servicing the capital, public transport is stretched to its limits. — AFP
CAIRO: In gridlocked and heavily polluted Cairo, start-ups are searching for technological solutions to solve the transport headaches for an expanding megacity already struggling with over 20 million people.

With only three metro lines and overcrowded, run-down buses servicing the capital, public transport is stretched to its limits.

"The problem of traffic in Greater Cairo has resulted in very low average speeds, not exceeding 10kph," said traffic expert Osama Okail, from Cairo University, who says the solution to the capital's woes must lie in fixing public transport.

Cairo, the most populous Arab city where a fifth of all Egyptians live, is ranked 30th worst in the world for congestion, according to TomTom, the Dutch vehicle navigations systems maker.

Runaway growth has pushed the ancient city to breaking point.

Egypt's government has embarked on an ambitious urban transformation, but that is mainly focused on the construction of a new administrative city some 50km east of here.

In Cairo itself, several giant road flyovers have been built to avoid jams in densely populated suburbs, criticised by some for the architectural damage done in historic areas.

For middle-class consumers, ride-hailing and delivery giant Uber and its Middle East subsidiary Careem have moved to plug the gap of poor public transport.

But tech-savvy Egyptians are also looking for their own homegrown solutions.

Five days in traffic

They include the start-up Transport for Cairo (TfC), which launched a detailed mapping of the city's routes including informal transport networks to provide "actionable and high quality data."

The data is used "to improve urban mobility", to help commuters best navigate the city and cut down journey times.

"By mapping large cities and using the data for future planning, we are hoping to change them for the better," said TfC co-founder Mohamed Hegazy.

"We are working with the authorities to change the way the system works."

For now, an informal system of minibuses, motorised rickshaws, taxis, and millions of personal cars clog the city's urban arteries bumper to bumper.

TomTom calculates that a Cairo driver wastes over five days a year sitting still in traffic.

That has a dramatic impact on work productivity, adding up to as much as $8 billion lost each year, according to a 2014 World Bank study.

It estimates Cairo's traffic congestion could cost Egypt as much as four percent of its entire GDP.

Heavy cost of pollution

Making travel simpler is one way to get commuters out of private cars and onto public transport, reducing congestion on the roads.

Another start-up, Ocra Wallet, is trying to digitise the estimated $30 million circulating as cash daily in commuter fares through its phone app, creating contactless payment to pay for tickets.

"We are working to make payments for transport easier," Ocra founder Khalid Khaleel told AFP.

Ocra, which means fare in Arabic, is subsidising ticket prices by selling advertising to private bus companies.

"The money that comes from that we use to help users as well as drivers," Khaleel said, adding he believes that by stopping the handling of cash, the app can help cut coronavirus transmission too.

Meanwhile, ridesharing service Tink hopes to break into the carpooling sector, with an app that creates social networks of common friends going to the same destination.

"We have turned carpooling more into social gatherings," said one of Tink's founders, Adel al-Mahrouky.

Traffic snarl-ups mean higher levels of harmful emissions, with air pollution costing some one percent of GDP, the World Bank estimated.

For Egyptian tech experts, the hope is online solutions can help make much bigger changes.

Map-maker Hegazy believes his data can set Cairo on the path towards "the ultimate goal" - of decarbonising the transport network.

"Everything must be electric," he said.


Ford's incoming COO focuses on cost cuts, launches, change

Farley says part of his strategy is to grow the electric vehicle business.
DETROIT: Ford's incoming chief operating officer outlined his priorities for the company’s turnaround today, including cost cuts and more efficient new-vehicle launches in a year in which it will introduce a redesigned F-150 full-sized pickup truck.

Other key plans include speeding up Ford’s push in vehicle connectivity and its commercial vehicle business, strategy chief Jim Farley, who begins his role as Ford COO on March 1 after being appointed earlier this month, said at a Wolfe Research conference in New York.

“We have to fix a number of things,” he told investors, citing a need to cut US$5 billion in warranty costs, successfully launch 10 key global vehicles in the next two years, and slash material and logistics costs.

Ford has acknowledged that mistakes proved costly in its introduction of the redesigned Explorer SUV.

Electric carmaker Tesla Inc has shown how connected vehicles and over-the-air updates can build customer loyalty, Farley said, and Ford could better profit from the data generated in vehicles and improve its customer service.

Ford also will focus more heavily on advantages in commercial vehicle sales.

“This is the signature execution opportunity for Ford and growth opportunity for Ford,” Farley said.

He also cited a focus on growing the electric vehicle business of the No. 2 US automaker.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based company named Farley its COO on Feb 7, and promised investors it would kick a slow-moving turnaround into higher gear.

On Tuesday, shares hit their lowest in more than a decade as a rapidly escalating coronavirus epidemic that began in China threatened sales outside the United States.

Ford is restructuring globally and faces slumping demand in China, its second-largest market. Chief executive Jim Hackett has said the No. 2 US automaker needs to move with greater speed.

It has booked US$3.7 billion of a projected US$11 billion in charges it previously said it would take, and expects to book another US$900 million to US$1.4 billion this year.

As part of its restructuring, Ford formed a wide-ranging alliance on commercial, electric and autonomous vehicles with Volkswagen AG and sold its money-losing operations in India to a venture controlled by India’s Mahindra & Mahindra.

In China, Ford lost US$771 million last year, about half the 2018 loss, and its market share there has shrunk.

Ford has been struggling to revive sales since its business began slumping in late 2017, and prospects look more cloudy now that the world’s largest market has been hit by a fast-spreading coronavirus.


Ford Edge ST modified as camera car to film high-speed chase scenes

                DETROIT: Lights. Camera. The new Ford Edge ST will capture the action.

Ford has teamed up with camera car company Pursuit Systems to leverage Edge ST’s combination of performance and utility. Together, Ford and Pursuit have built an Edge ST camera car designed to film high-speed chase scenes and other hard-to-capture action footage for upcoming movies and commercial projects.

Camera cars are high-performance vehicles capable of supporting a remote-controlled, roof-mounted crane that might weigh up to 450kg. The vehicles are often required to travel in excess of 160kph, offer precise braking and handling, and ideally provide enough space to accommodate a film crew and equipment.

Features that drew the crew at Pursuit to Edge ST were its specially tuned, twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, ST performance brake system, quick-shifting 8-speed transmission and selectable traction control – all made available in a roomy midsize SUV package. Edge ST, available in US showrooms now, is the first-ever SUV from the Ford Performance team.

“Speed, acceleration, braking, handling, even roominess – Edge ST has it all,” said Mike Johnson, racer, stunt driver and Pursuit Systems president and CEO. “Our shoots often demand a lot of the equipment we use, and especially the vehicles. In every way, Edge ST measures up.”

Transforming Edge ST into a camera car meant adding structural support to its roof to accommodate equipment, including the over 450kg Pursuit Arm. This arm, typically equipped with a gyro-stabilised remote-control camera, can extend far away from the vehicle, giving filmmakers the ability to capture unique angles of high-speed action.

Other conversion work included:

> Retuning the twin-turbo 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine to counter the weight of the crane and other film equipment
> Adding individual-wheel air suspension to manage the weight increase
> Adding roll cage support to protect passengers
> Gutting the interior to accommodate film equipment
> Adding wiring for video monitors so crew members can see footage in real-time
> Wrapping the exterior in matte black vinyl so it doesn’t reflect in other vehicles

This one-of-a-kind Edge ST camera car will join the Pursuit Systems stable of high-performance vehicles, taking its place along camera cars converted from a BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo and a Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG. Pursuit plans to use it in future film and commercial projects.