Harley stops output of LiveWire electric bike key to revival bid

UPDATE: Harley-Davidson says LiveWire production has resumed following a charging system fix. It said the problem was limited to one unit.This is what the company said: "After completing rigorous analysis this week, we have resumed LiveWire production and deliveries. Customers may continue riding their LiveWire motorcycle and are able to charge the motorcycle through all methods. Temporarily stopping LiveWire production allowed us to confirm that the non-standard condition identified on one motorcycle was a singular occurrence. We take pride in our rigorous quality assurance measures and our drive to deliver the world’s best motorcycles."

NEW YORK: Harley-Davidson Inc has halted production of LiveWire, the debut electric bike it’s counting on to attract new riders.

The motorcycle maker recently discovered an issue during final quality checks, according to an e-mailed statement that doesn’t provide details. harley said it stopped production and deliveries as it conducts additional testing and analysis.

Chief executive officer Matt Levatich, who’s presided over 10 consecutive quarters of declining US retail sales, has positioned LiveWire as key to building a new generation of customers.

While it’s easier to operate — there’s no clutch or gears to figure out, just a twist-and-go throttle — analysts have questioned whether its US$29,799 (RM125,000) price tag will attract the younger riders the company seeks.

"We made a deliberate decision to launch a halo product to demonstrate what’s possible in electric — a no-excuses electric harley-Davidson — and we feel very good that we’ve done that,” Levatich said during an earnings call in July.

LiveWire deliveries were initially supposed to be delivered in August, but the company said during an investor day on Sept 24 that it was holding back the bikes to make sure they were perfect, according to James Hardiman, an analyst at Wedbush Securities. Pre-orders started in January.

harley shares briefly reversed gains and plunged as much as 2% before trading little changed as of 2:50 p.m. New York time. The stock has risen about 3% this year, trailing the 18% gain by the S&P 500.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier Monday that harley told some of its dealers last week it was suspending output as it conducted tests on the bike’s charging mechanism, citing a memo from chief operating officer Michelle Kumbier.

The company asked customers and dealers to only use a professional type of charger available at dealerships rather than home electrical outlets, the Journal said.


Ford’s battery bet says automotive testing will start in 2022

                DETROIT: Solid Power, a battery startup backed by Ford Motor Co., said it’s on track to begin testing solid-state batteries for automotive production in early 2022, a signal it eventually could help established car companies compete with Tesla Inc.

The startup, which was spun out of the University of Colorado in 2014, began making battery cells on a pilot line in its Colorado facility during the second quarter of this year.

Those first-iteration cells already pack 15% to 20% more power than the lithium-ion batteries used in today’s electric cars, chief executive Officer Doug Campbell said.

“Assuming everything remains unchanged, and the OEMs continue to operate at the pace that they do, we could support vehicle start-of-production as soon as 2026, but more probable 2027,” Campbell said in an interview. “We have a few OEMs we’re in discussions with that have inquired as to whether we could accelerate that.”

Taking a battery from the lab to mass vehicle production requires years of testing to make sure it meets automotive standards before the manufacturing process can begin.

Solid Power is in discussions with eight automakers but won’t have a contract until the technology is further along, Campbell said.

The time line could move up to 2025 if there’s “extensive cooperation” from a car company, he said. It has raised US$26 million in equity financing, including investments from Ford and Hyundai Motor Co.’s venture arm. It also has a joint development agreement with BMW AG.

The startup doesn’t intend to seek the billions needed to build a factory from scratch - it designed its batteries so they can be made in existing plants.

Solid Power potentially could partner with established manufacturers such as Panasonic Corp or Samsung SDI Co or form a joint venture with an automaker that wants to make its own batteries, as Tesla and General Motors Co already are doing, Campbell said.

Ford is weighing whether to produce its own battery cells to power the automaker’s new electric models, CEO Jim Farley said last month.

Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp has been working for years to bring vehicles with solid-state batteries to market by the early 2020s.

This type of battery uses solid materials instead of flammable liquids to enable charging and discharging. They could potentially pack more energy than lithium-ion batteries to extend driving range, lower costs, improve safety and cut recharging times - putting EVs on par with gasoline-powered vehicles.

There’s a crowded field of competitors attempting to deliver solid-state batteries, but so far no one has built a commercial product and put it in a mass-market car for consumers.

QuantumScape Corp, a startup backed by Volkswagen AG, reported new performance data this week for its solid-state technology, claiming the improvements could allow recharging to 80% of full power in 15 minutes, almost twice as fast as a Tesla Model 3.

The company estimates its first battery factory will cost US$1.6 billion to build. The 50-50 joint venture with Volkswagen is slated to start producing cells in 2024.


Audi releases more e-tron details

                INGOLSTADT: Ahead of a full reveal next month, Audi has released some firm details of its new e-tron electric SUV, including the crucial fact it will have a range on a single charge of more than 400km.

Though the e-tron won't be seen in its full glory without camouflage until September, we now know the electric SUV will have a maximum power output of 402bhp, that it will develop over 660Nm of torque and that its top speed will be an electronically limited 200kph.

However, the maximum ratings will only be available for up to eight seconds at a time, courtesy of a boost mode that unlocks the vehicle's full potential.

Under normal driving conditions the two electric motors of the e-tron will develop 350bhp and 563Nm of torque, which will be more than adequate for most buyers as it still gets the vehicle from 0 to 100kph in less than six seconds.

Audi claims that as much as 30 percent of the e-tron's total range is accounted for by energy recuperation, and that the overwhelming majority of recuperation is handled by the electric motors and not the brakes.

A prototype of the Audi added credence to this claim with its recent performance at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. After completing the climb, the e-tron prototype then did the 31 km downhill drive and recovered enough energy in the process to cover almost the same distance again.

The recuperation system uses the e-tron's two electric motors and the electro-hydraulically integrated brake control system to contribute up to 30 percent of the vehicle's range.

It manages this by combining three different recuperation modes: manual coasting recuperation using the shift paddles, automatic coasting recuperation via the predictive efficiency assist, and brake recuperation with smooth transition between electric and hydraulic deceleration.

A dual-motor powertrain with a 95 kWh lithium ion battery capable of 150 kW DC fast charging powers the e-tron. This reported charging prowess would be a world-first, and 30 kW more than Tesla's Supercharger network can offer, allowing the e-tron to charge in as little as 30 minutes.

Audi's e-tron will be unveiled on Sept 17 in San Francisco (CarSifu editor Hong Boon How will be there to cover this exciting chapter in Audi history).


What's in a name? Chinese automaker nixes 'Trumpchi'

                DETROIT: Chinese auto maker GAC is changing the name of models it plans to introduce in the US market next year, because "Trumpchi" sounds too much like its linked to President Donald Trump.

"The name will change for the US market to avoid the wrong connotation or misunderstanding," a GAC spokesman said on Tuesday at the Detroit auto show.

The Trumpchi models have been available in China for years, and the word actually means "legend" in Chinese, the spokesman said.

US media has previously reported that company executives had been deliberating over a name change.

GAC, which sells 500,000 cars in its native country and 13 others in Asia and the Middle East, has long announced plans to be the first Chinese auto maker to enter the US market by the end of 2019.

The company also plans to expand into Europe after trying to woo American consumers.

The cultural dissonance with its chosen brand name is something with which another auto maker can relate.

Tata Motors' "zippy car" abbreviation Zica was an unfortunate choice in 2016 for its new hatchback sedan, considering it debuted as the World Health Organization declared the Zika virus a global health emergency.

The Indian company renamed it Tiago after making marketing lemonade out of a public relations lemon by holding an online renaming contest.


Bigger is better in India’s nascent electric car market

                NEW DELHI: In India, where an increasing number of consumers aspire to own bigger cars to cope with the country’s notoriously potholed roads and bad traffic, automakers are betting on low-cost battery-powered SUVs to capture the budding electric vehicle market.

At the nation’s major auto show here earlier this month, there was a new breed of EVs taking centrestage, with predominately foreign companies looking to muscle in on the nascent electric scene. In a marked shift in rhetoric, local auto bosses were also excitedly talking up the sector’s prospects.

Homegrown manufacturers Tata Motors Ltd. and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. are now jostling with Chinese giants BYD Co. and SAIC Motor Corp. and South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co.

Even India’s biggest automaker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., which had previously largely pooh-poohed EVs, showed a compact electric SUV it says will hit the market in 2025.

Demand for smaller SUVs has been surging in India. They’re suited for the country’s driving conditions, which can vary vastly from smooth multi-lane freeways to rutted streets crowded with rickshaws, dogs and cows.

They also offer aspirational buyers an important, yet affordable, status symbol, perching drivers above the masses. And while larger electric SUVs tend to be inefficient (and expensive) because they require bigger and costlier battery packs, their compact equivalents are built on small-car platforms, making them more cost effective.

"The conundrum for electric vehicles is lighter is better, but customers want SUVs,” says Andy Palmer, the former CEO of Aston Martin who also helped spearhead Nissan Motor Co.’s creation of the LEAF, one of the first mass market EVs.

"Using a small-car platform to build an electric SUV meets the sweet spot for both manufacturers and consumers,” he said, citing the example of Volkswagen AG using the ID.3 hatchback platform to also build the ID.4 SUV.

After lackluster sales of a battery-powered sedan called the Tigor EV, Tata Motors in 2020 introduced an electric version of the Nexon compact SUV.

Priced at 1.4 million rupees (RM74,000) and with a range of around 300km, the Nexon quickly became India’s best-selling electric model.

Still, public adoption of anything electric in India when it comes to passenger transport has been slow.

Most local manufacturers have been reluctant to switch to electric cars because of their high upfront production costs, while a lack of public charging points has deterred buyers.

Just 1.2% of passenger vehicles sold in the six months through September were electric, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Even EV market leader Tata Motors, whose electric sales in the quarter through December were up almost 120% from a year earlier, only sold 12,596 units.

But India, which may have already surpassed China as the world’s most-populous nation, is also a market carmakers can’t afford to ignore.

At the same time, some foreign players are rethinking their strategies around China, the world’s other massive car market.

Stellantis NV, for example, has shuttered its only Jeep factory in China due to interference from local politicians while Volkswagen and General Motors Co. are struggling to preserve their positions as local Chinese manufacturers give them a run for their money.

India not only offers cheap labour but also a talent pool of largely English-speaking workers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the country, home to the world’s fourth-largest car market, will reduce emissions to net zero by 2070, and curbing transport pollution is key to meeting that goal.

China’s SAIC, which owns the British marque MG, started selling SUVs in India in 2019 after taking over GM’s plant in the western state of Gujarat.

SAIC plans to launch three EVs in India by the end of 2024 and expects as much as 30% of local India sales to eventually come from the segment.

BYD, backed by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, has meanwhile outlined a bold plan to capture 40% of India’s EV market by 2030. Stellantis brand Citroen on Monday started taking bookings for its eC3 electric compact SUV in India.

"The EV transition in India is coming through very strong and very fast, much faster than what people are expecting,” Tata’s chief financial officer PB Balaji said at the auto show.

"We see this morphing into an EV-led industry pretty soon.”


Toyota buys US mapping, road data firm to bulk up driverless tech

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp's research arm said today it acquired US-based Carmera, a provider of maps and data for driverless vehicles, marking the Japanese car maker's latest investment in autonomous technology.

The purchase, through newly created subsidiary Woven Planet for an undisclosed sum, underscores Toyota's push to bulk up its self-driving arsenal as traditional automakers compete with the autonomous ambitions of tech giants including Apple and Amazon.

Buying Carmera will give Toyota access to real-time, high-definition maps and crowdsourced inputs that are essential for autonomous vehicles to locate and navigate themselves, the companies said in a statement.

The two companies have collaborated since 2018 on projects including technology that updates repainted lane markings on high-definition maps with accuracy.

"It's very well aligned with our expansion globally as a company," Woven Planet chief executive James Kuffner said in an interview on Wednesday.

Woven Planet was established in January to invest in and develop mobility with artificial intelligence. It is building a prototype "city of the future" called Woven City at the base of Mount Fuji, powered by hydrogen fuel cells that would be a laboratory for autonomous cars.

With the acquisition, Kuffner said Woven Planet would look to develop and sell an open map platform to original equipment manufacturers and automakers who wanted accurate and fresh data.

"With Carmera, we're just accelerating. We'll continue to accelerate ... and look for strategic partnerships or acquisitions," Kuffner said, adding he wanted to "double or quadruple" the size of Woven Planet in the next couple of years via organic growth and acquisitions.

Earlier this year, Toyota bought ride-hailing service Lyft Inc's self-driving technology unit for US$550 million, and invested in Ridecell that provides automation for fleet businesses.

The Japanese firm has other self-driving partnerships, including a joint venture with SoftBank Corp, stakes in China's Didi Global Inc and Singapore's Grab, and is forming a consortium with General Motors Co, suppliers and chipmakers.

Moving into new and non-traditional car making such as driverless and electric technology, Toyota has increasingly married its storied manufacturing process with more recent acquisitions of startups and Silicon Valley know-how to develop the next generation of cars.

"There's so much uncertainty in the automotive space right now," said Kuffner.

"But the only thing that I am sure of is that it will look very different in 10 or 30 years. The only thing we can do is to try to create the future by investment ... take the profits from Toyota's existing business and invest it in the future, to create the future of the Toyota Group."

Most automakers including Toyota offer Level 2 automation where the car steers and accelerates but the driver must be ready to take the wheel, and experts say fully self-driven cars are years away.

Still, Tesla Inc CEO Elon Musk promised earlier this month that a beta version of its technology that supports fully autonomous driving with no driver intervention will be available in "a month or so".

Toyota rival GM showed off a fully autonomous all-electric flying Cadillac concept vehicle earlier this year.


Check out the 900hp Brabus-tuned Mercedes-AMG GT

                ESSEN: The fireworks are starting well before New Year's Eve: That could be the motto at Brabus, where the German muscle-car tuners have put a revised Mercedes-AMG GT four-door coupe rocket on wheels.

If the home market price of around €400,000 (RM1.9mil) doesn't frighten you off, you'll likely be blown away the 900hp of muscle in this Rocket 900s, which Brabus says is one of the strongest and fastest Gran Turismos in the world.

The company has completely redesigned the four-door Mercedes with a significantly wider and more bulky carbon fibre body and reworked the interior.

The engine has of course also been beefed up and instead of 4.0 litres, the V8 petrol engine now has a capacity of 4.5 litres, according to Brabus.

Two new turbochargers put extra pressure on the engine to up the output of petrol pumps, while the electronics are optimised with a few new lines of programming.

As a result, the output has increased from an already ample 639hp to a massive 900hp and the maximum torque climbs to 1,250Nm.

The starting power has to be reduced to 1,050Nm in order to protect the gearbox, and yet this Gran Turismo, which weighs a good two tonnes, still achieves super-sports-car-level performance.

From a standstill it accelerates to 100kph in 2.8 seconds, according to the manufacturer, and can hit 200 kph after 9.7 seconds.

The top speed is "just" 330kph, but only because there are no faster tyres available, Brabus says, shifting the blame somewhat.

All this excessive performance of course comes at a rather significant environmental cost. This GT consumes an average of 11.5 litres, resulting in CO2 emissions of 260 g/km.


Chromed-glass wine bottle debuts as world first

                SAN FRANCISCO: Vintage car fanatics who also happen to be wine lovers, take note: A California winery has launched what they're calling the world's first chromed-glass wine bottle in homage to the classic American automobile.

To twin its history as a former service station in the 1930s and its second life as a winery, Tank Garage Winery has debuted a limited edition, chromed-glass bottle with mirrored surface, embellished with a wing-wheeled emblem that evokes vintage cars and American metalwork.

Described as their love letter to the classic American automobile, Chrome Dreams was the result of a year's worth of work with a packaging manufacturer, perfecting the proprietary chroming process. Resin seals are formed and imported from Italy.

In evocative prose that waxes nostalgic about a time when cars weren't just cars but symbols of "America's greatest hopes and dreams" at a time when the world was disconnected, "living pump-to-pump with the windows rolled down."

"We went back to a time when cars weren't just cars, but artful vessels of freedom, carrying the American dream westward across Route 66," reads the description.

Bottles house a 2015 red wine blend, made of 87 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 8 percent Cabernet Franc and 5 percent Petite Sirah, for a wine layered with aromas of crème de cassis, vanilla and caramel, with hints of bay leaf and star anise in the background, says the winery.

It's not a big stretch to twin luxury cars with premium wine.

Classic convertible wine tours in antique cars have become increasingly popular from Napa Valley, to France.

Another car-inspired winery is Red Truck Wines in Sonoma, California.

Chrome Dreams will be produced in a limited run of 500 cases and each bottle will retail for US$75 (RM320).


All-new Ducati Monster introduced at RM69,900

                PETALING JAYA: The latest generation of Ducati's best-selling and longest running model - the Monster - has arrived.

Ducati Malaysia says the all-new Monster outprices its competition and is pound-for-pound the best value proposition with a limited-time launch price of only RM69,900.

This launch price matches that of its predecessor, thanks to extra costs that have been absorbed to ensure that owners enjoy maximum value.

Available colours are Ducati Red and Dark Stealth with black wheels and Aviator Grey with Red GP wheels.

For those who want extra sportiness, the Monster Plus Package adds on front fairings and a passenger seat cover.

The bike has been completely redesigned - subframe, rims, swingarm and above all the frame, which is now an aluminium front frame with load-bearing engine, conceptually similar to that of the Panigale V4.

The work carried out on the chassis, together with a weight reduction of 2.6kg on the engine, has taken the dry weight of the Monster to only 166kg (almost 20kg less than the Monster 821) and this translates into an agile bike in traffic and with excellent handling.

The ergonomics of the bike are also improved by moving the saddle closer to the handlebar, which allows the rider to maintain a more upright position, with less load on the wrists, and with greater control over the bike.

The steering angle has been increased to 36° (a full 7° more than the 821) to facilitate maneuvers and ensure maximum maneuverability even at low speeds and in urban environments, while the footrests have been repositioned to offer a more comfortable riding position.

The 937cc L-twin Testastretta 11° engine with Desmodromic distribution delivers 111hp (82kW) at 9,250 rpm with a torque of 9.5kgm (93Nm) at just 6,500rpm.

With a larger displacement compared to the 821cc version, torque has improved across the rev range, particularly in the medium-low range, which is the most commonly used portion of the powerband on the road and between curves.

While the punchier engine guarantees thrilling performance and riding pleasure, the Monster also gets a new gearbox and the Ducati Quick Shift Up/Down fitted as standard.

Its high degree of active safety and includes ABS Cornering, Traction Control and Wheelie Control, all adjustable to different levels of intervention.

The sporty character of the bike is also enhanced by Launch Control which ensures lightning-fast starts.

Standard equipment also includes a hydraulic clutch, radial brake and clutch pumps, and adjustable levers.

Its three riding modes of Sport, Urban, Touring make it possible to shape the character of the bike according to riding requirements.

Power delivery is especially smooth thanks to the Smart Power Modes, which provide specific torque curves in first and second gear (Urban and Touring) or only in first gear (Sport), making riding easier.

Handlebar controls and the 4.3-inch colour TFT dashboard ensured all features are easily managed, while Bluetooth allowed a smartphone to be linked to the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS).

The smartphone can also be recharged through an USB socket under the saddle.

Ducati Malaysia head Dennis Michael said the Monster was designed and built from the ground up as a bike that could be enjoyed by everyone from new riders right up to experienced ones.

“So we wanted to make sure the ownership possibilities in Malaysia reflected this ethos as well.

“Ducati Malaysia has gone great lengths to package the all-new Monster with immense value, making the new bike a pound-for-pound champ in terms of value proposition.

“Owners will be getting incredible bang-for-their-buck in terms of owning a machine that’s energized with style, technology, heritage, functionality, and absolute joy,"he said.

To receive timely updates and for more information about the Ducati brand, products and events, follow Ducati Malaysia on Facebook or Instagram.


Peugeot 4S centre opens in Kajang

                PETALING JAYA: Nasim, the official distributor of the Peugeot brand in Malaysia, continues its on-going nationwide network expansion with the opening of its latest 4S (sales, service, spare parts and spray paint) centre in Kajang today.

The new RM2.5mil centre in Kajang will help serve several corners of the Klang Valley, including Petaling Jaya, Bandar Baru bangi, Baru 9 Cheras, Beranang, Hulu Langat, Semenyih, Seri Kembangan, UKM Bangi, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.

The 43rd Peugeot outlet is a 12,000 square feet centre, which features a body and paint facility, 13 bays to accommodate up to 30 vehicles per day and a comfortable lounge area with free WiFi.

According to Nasim chief operating officer Datuk Samson Anand George, the number of vehicles Peugeot vehicles registered in Kajang and its nearby vicinity were recorded at 2,192 and growing and that in 2014, 47% of sales came from the Klang Valley alone.

“The setting up of more Peugeot centres will ensure sustainable sales growth with the support of innovative services and availability of parts at competitive pricing,” he said.

There are currently a total of 43 Peugeot outlets nationwide and the opening of the new 4S centre follows the launch of a 3S centre in Taiping, a 1S showroom in Petaling Jaya and a 2S centre in Klang.

With a target to sell 4,200 units annually, the company is now planning to open another outlet in East Malaysia by the end of this year as well as a new dedicated body and paint centre in Puchong that’s currently being built.

All Peugeot models come with a five-year warranty with unlimited mileage as well as Nasim’s 24-hour Peugeot Assistance service, complimentary access to the Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and the Peugeot Privilege membership.

Nasim chief operating officer Datuk Samson Anand George Automobiles Peugeot general director (ASEAN countries) Lionel Faugeres(From left): Automobiles Peugeot general director (ASEAN countries) Lionel Faugeres, Nasim chief operating officer Datuk Samson Anand George and MN Otomobil managing director Abdul Razak Montel.


No blinding light with DS Active LED Vision

                PARIS: Did you know that DS Active LED Vision is the first car equipped with turning headlamps?

This prevents dazzling of oncoming motorists that might lead to accidents. The smart headlights can even adjust its part of its lighting throw when vehicles behind overtake.

DS Active LED Vision is standard in the DS 7 Crossback. DS 3 Crossback is fitted with DS Matrix LED Vision beam system

DS 7 Crossback headlamps all feature a main projector headlamp in a sealed cluster of three LEDs that rotate 180 degrees. At night, the beam adapts in width and range to the road conditions and vehicle speed. Six lighting modes are available: Parking, Town Beam, Country Beam, Motorway Beam, Adverse Beam and High Beam.

By lighting up the road more effectively and over a greater distance, or more on the sides of the road, drivers and passengers alike benefit from greater levels of safety. Safety is also enhanced with the rear light LEDs that activate in an instant and benefit from a lifespan that is as long as that of the car.

On DS 3 Crossback, the available LED light system adjusts lighting, switching from full beam to dipped headlights automatically without dazzling oncoming drivers. The intelligent lighting recognises road and traffic conditions using a camera mounted in the windscreen and adapts automatically.

This system features three LED modules for dipped beam while a Matrix Beam uses 15 identical but independent LED units that illuminate and dim progressively depending on road conditions. In urban areas with dipped beams, the Matrix Beam switches off, before turning itself on in more rural settings. When following other cars on dual carriageways or approaching oncoming vehicles, the Matrix Beam adjusts to switch off the LED modules in the narrow field of the other road users helping to reduce dazzle while still safely illuminating the road ahead for the driver.

DS Matrix LED Vision works in conjunction with the Extended Emergency Braking System and Extended Traffic Sign Recognition to create a complete safety shield for drivers.


Don't leave your smartphone or deodorant in the car if it's hot

                BERLIN: Cars can become deadly in hot weather, for children and pets but also for your smartphone, electronic devices as well as any pressurised containers left behind.

Once temperatures soar past 50 degrees Celsius, flammable liquids or gases can cause explosions, so try and make sure you don't have any bottles or canisters lying around in the car, is the tip from the Auto Club Europe (ACE).

That may sound hot but your car can reach that temperature if it's parked outdoors for an hour and it's 28 degrees Celsius outside.

The blazing sun can be bad news for any deodorant spray, disinfectant, antifreeze or cleaning products you may have rolling around.

Meanwhile, don't leave any electronic devices such as rechargeable batteries, smartphones, power banks or e-book readers in your car when it's blazing summer, as they may explode in direct sunlight.

The boot is the best place to put your powerbank and other devices, says the ACE who points out it's cooler and any explosion is less likely to cause extensive damage.

Bear in mind too that water and other liquids also expand when they get warm, so in summer, it's best to take your shopping indoors right away if you've picked up olive oil, mineral water or other fizzy drinks.


Electric Jaguar SUV highlights auto industry's cross currents - VIDEO

                LOS ANGELES: A lot of strange things can be found in Los Angeles, but a battery-powered Jaguar sport utility vehicle is something new even for southern California.

The all-electric Jaguar I-PACE concept SUV, a preview of a vehicle Jaguar intends to start selling within two years, highlights how technology, regulation, shifting consumer tastes and cheap gas are converging to force automakers out of their traditional lanes.

Show visitors this week will also see the largest-ever MINI car offered by Germany's BMW AG and a bevy of trucks and SUVs that Detroit automakers General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV will promote in luxury electric car maker Tesla Motors Inc's home state.

FCA's Italian Alfa Romeo brand will also feature a new SUV, as will Germany's Volkswagen AG, which is trying to rebuild its image in California after the scandal over its cheating on diesel emissions tests.

With a mandate that zero-emission vehicles make up 15 percent of automakers' California sales by 2025, the state is driving carmakers to roll out carbon-free vehicles in an environment of uncertain future demand. At the same time, cheap gasoline is propelling a shift among US consumers towards larger vehicles, particularly SUVs.

The move by Jaguar is a response to those conflicting pressures, executives said.

Recent company research indicated one quarter of Jaguar drivers would consider a battery-powered vehicle.

"There's no doubt the market is shifting," said Joe Eberhardt, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America. "There are differing views of how rapidly that shift is happening and to what degree. We want to be prepared."

Twenty percent of Jaguar's North American sales come from California. The brand is owned by India's Tata Motors.

"It's a very fluid time in the industry and I don't think there is a right or wrong or specific answer to what the next 10 years will be," Eberhardt said. "Which means we have to be flexible enough...to see what direction the market will take."

Jaguar has enjoyed strong US sales of its 2017 F-PACE SUV, helping drive a 93 percent rise in year-over-year US Jaguar sales from January until October. Until the F-Pace debuted this year, Jaguar had sold only sedans and coupes, leaving the SUV business to Tata's Land Rover brand.

The electric platform of Jaguar's new SUV available in 2018, with its 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack and targeted range of 354km, had to be built from the ground up.

The I-PACE targets the same wealthy, environmentally aware consumers now driving Tesla's Model X SUV. But Eberhardt said Jaguar's vehicle will be "a much lower price point" than the most premium Model X offering, which fully loaded can cost about US$130,000.

Other luxury carmakers from Audi to BMW and Mercedes-Benz have announced, but not yet launched all-electric SUVs, and Eberhardt said he believed Jaguar would beat them to market.

"Out of the established car makers, we really are the first. Which has advantages but on the other hand it's unchartered territory."

 HyperFocal: 0


2017 Frankfurt Motor Show: Ferrari Portofino

                FRANKFURT: The Ferrari Portofino is the new V8 GT set to dominate its segment thanks to a perfect combination of sportiness, elegance and on-board comfort.

Powered by the Ferrari V8 turbo, a member of the engine family that won the overall International Engine of the Year Award in both 2016 and 2017, the new car punches out 600cv and sprints from 0-200kph in just 10.8 seconds.

The Ferrari Portofino is, in fact, the most powerful convertible to simultaneously offer a retractable hard top, roomy boot and generous occupant space that also includes two rear seats for short trips.

The new car takes its name from one of the most charming towns on the Ligurian Riviera, Portofino, which has, over the years, become an international icon of elegance and exclusivity.

The new model is also the most versatile model in the range - a Ferrari designed to be driven every day that also effortlessly converts from an authentic ‘berlinetta’ coupé to a drop-top in just 14 seconds, even when on the move at low speeds. A brilliant marriage of design, technological content and performance, it is the perfect car for any occasion.

Two examples are being shown on the Ferrari stand at Frankfurt. The first is in the new Rosso Portofino colour inspired by the picturesque town the model pays homage to. The second has a matte Grigio Alluminio Opaco livery referencing the lightweight metal used to build the entire car.

The two new Portofinos are flanked by the rest of the current Ferrari range: a GTC4Lusso in a Blu America livery, a 812 Superfast with new triple-layer grey paintwork from the Tailor Made programme, and the 488 GTB in glorious Rosso Formula 1.

The 488 Spider is showcased instead in the Tailor Made area. The version on display celebrates the company’s 70th Anniversary with a livery inspired by the Pinin Farina-bodied 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial spider once owned by Dominican gentleman driver Porfirio Rubirosa.

 The retractable hardtop.


Only 5 groups allowed to mount state emblems on their cars

                PETALING JAYA: Only five groups of people are allowed to put special state emblems on their vehicles.

They are the Anak-anak Raja Bergelar, the royal council members, the state executive councillors, the Orang-orang Besar Daerah and state assemblymen.

The enactment stated that no one is allowed to use the royal crest, Selangor royal title, royal emblem and yellow plates on their vehicles except for the Sultan and the Raja Muda.

Those who use the emblems on their vehicles without the consent of the Sultan could be fined up to RM1,000.

The Selangor Palace has never issued any royal emblem or document to the public to indicate that they are part of the royal household.

 Some of the seized items. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star

As such, the public is warned against offers of such items to them, said Selangor State Secretary Datuk Mohd Amin Ahmad Ahya.

“The people have to be careful as it is only a scam.

“There is no such emblem from the Istana,” he said when contacted yesterday.

He was commenting on the arrests of two men believed to be involved in selling memberships into the Selangor royal household.

Police also seized a car with yellow licence plates bearing the words “Istana Diraja Selangor” and “Y.M. Raja Empat Selangor Tengku Luthfi B. Almarhum Tengku Badli Shah.”

The car was also fitted with flashing lights and sirens, and had stickers with Selangor royalty emblems.

Mohd Amin said the state government was taking measures to stop such activities, including beefing up the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Enactment 1962.

“We are working to strengthen the enactment, which is to prevent irresponsible people from abusing the good name of the Selangor Palace and to punish those found involved in such scams,” he added.


CKD Proton X70: 4 versions from RM94,800 to RM122,800

                PETALING JAYA: Proton finally launched the locally assembled X70 today.

Only 4 variants are offered and they are all front-wheel driven. The 4-wheel drive version available in the fully imported batches has been axed.

The latest X70, built at Proton's Tanjung Malim plant, is priced at RM94,800 (Standard); RM106,800 (Executive); RM119,800 (Premium); and RM122,800 (Premium X).

Sabahans and Sarawakians enjoy the same prices as their peninsula peers.

As expected, the CKD prices of the X70 are lower than before but Proton has gone further by enriching the feature set, making the SUV even more attractive.

The X70 offers value-added packages of up to RM12,540. Prices have been reduced by RM1,000 to RM5,000, depending on variants when compared to the corresponding CBU variants previously.

Here is a run-down of what's new in the CKD X70.

> The 6-speed automatic transmission is gone. A 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission with manual mode is standard now
> 5% more torque: increase of 15Nm to 300Nm of torque at 1,750 to 4,000rpm.
> Fuel economy better by 13% to 7.6 litres per 100km.
> Rear reclining seats: offers a 2-step rear seat back reclining angle from 27 to 32 degrees.
> Top 3 variants get front ventilated seats with 3 fan speeds, controlled via voice command or touchscreen menu.
> Top 3 variants get a powered tailgate - only top 2 variants get a foot sensor offering hands-free operation.
> The Executive AWD (all-wheel drive) variant is gone. All X70 variants are two-wheel drive now. A new variant is the flagship Premium X 2WD.
> Slight improvement in ride and handling

Standard safety equipment for all variants consists of six SRS airbags, rear seat ISOFIX with top tether anchorage, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Hold Assist (HHA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC).

Standard kit across all X70 variants include voice recognition technology, an air purifier system, electric parking brake and auto brake hold, an 8-inch touchscreen with voice command, automatic dual-zone air conditioning and six USB ports.

The entry-level X70 has 17-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlamps, fabric seats, and a rear view camera.

The Executive 2WD variant gets better kit like 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps with daytime running lights, faux leatherette seats, a driver's powered seat and a 360-degree camera system.

The Premium 2WD variant gets 19-inch alloy wheels, Nappa leather seats, two front powered seats, Intelligent High Beam Control, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and Advanced driver assistance systems like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).

The flagship Premium X 2WD variant gets a panoramic sunroof.

READ MORE:
First drive of CKD Proton X70
Watch CKD Proton X70 launch live


Kona N performance SUV to rev up Hyundai N Day on April 27

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company will unveil the all-new Kona N at its first-ever Hyundai N Day, a digital showcase for its high-performance N Brand, on April 27.

Kona N is not only the latest addition to Hyundai’s growing high-performance N lineup but is also the first N model with an SUV body type.

Hyundai said Kona N would change what people expect from an SUV as it would offer a combination of versatility, spirited acceleration, agility and racetrack capability.

The SUV would be introduced by Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group.

The company would use N Day as a platform for sharing the N brand high-performance philosophy, introduce the new brand claim, make news about upcoming N models, and talk about its future e-performance direction.

https://www.youtube.com/hyundainworldwide


Mazda announces start of CX-60 production — its first PHEV

                HIROSHIMA: Mazda Motor Corporation held a ceremony earlier this week to mark the start of mass-production of the CX-60 SUV at its Hofu plant.

The most important model it has introduced for over a decade, Mazda’s new flagship — and its first plug-in hybrid SUV — represents everything that the company has built into its DNA over the last 100 years, from outstanding exterior and interior design to the finest Japanese craftsmanship, the latest innovations in human-centric technologies and a world-class powertrain.

The all-new CX-60 PHEV introduces full plug-in hybrid technology to the European SUV market with a powertrain that combines a Skyactiv-G 2.5, four-cylinder direct injection petrol with a large, 129 kW electric motor, an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 355V, 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery.

This combination of engine and motor delivers a total system output of 327PS and abundant torque of 500Nm, making it the most powerful road car Mazda has ever produced.

Conversely, the new Mazda PHEV displays outstanding environmental credentials: WLTP combined fuel consumption is 1.25l/100km and WLTP combined CO2 emissions only 33 g/km.

Mass production of European CX-60s started on March 15 and the vessel carrying the first shipment of CX-60s is due to depart for Europe on April 26.


BMW Group will produce drive components for electrified vehicles from 2021

                REGENSBURG: The BMW Group is further expanding its Germany-based production capacities for electric drives and from 2021, battery cells for high-voltage batteries will be coated at BMW Group Plant Regensburg and complete high-voltage batteries will be produced from 2022.

The new e-drive production location was announced by Michael Nikolaides, Head of Planning and Production Engines and E-Drives, and Frank Bachmann, Director of BMW Group Plant Regensburg, at an event with the Lord Mayor of Regensburg, Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer.

“Electric mobility is substantially driving growth for the BMW Group and this development is also reflected in our e-drive production. In 2020, we went full throttle on e-drive production,” explained Michael Nikolaides.

In July, the company opened the Competence Center for E-drive Production in Dingolfing and doubled the production capacity of high-voltage batteries at BMW Brilliance Automotive by opening another battery center in China.

As recently as September, the BMW Group announced it would be producing battery modules at BMW Group Plant Leipzig from 2021.

“Now Regensburg will see battery component production added in 2021, followed just a year later by high-voltage battery production. All of this demonstrates that we are consistently ramping up the production of e-drives,” stressed Nikolaides.

In total, the BMW Group is investing around 750 million euros (RM3.7bil) across its Dingolfing, Leipzig and Regensburg sites in expanding its production capacity for electrified vehicle drive components by 2022.


Uber loses London licence, plans to appeal

                LONDON: London stripped Uber today of its license to operate from the end of next week in a huge blow to the taxi service and 3.5 million users in one of the world’s wealthiest cities.

The capital’s transport authority said the Silicon Valley technology giant was not fit and proper to hold a private vehicle hire license and it would not be renewed when it expires on Sept 30.

Uber, whose 40,000 drivers in London account for a third of private vehicles hired, said it would contest the decision and regulator Transport for London (TfL) will let it operate until the appeals process is exhausted.

”Uber’s approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications,“ TfL said. ”TfL must also be satisfied that an operator is fit and proper to hold a license.

Specifically, TfL cited Uber’s approach to reporting serious criminal offences, background checks on drivers and software called Greyball that could be used to block regulators from gaining full access to the app.

“Transport for London and the mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice,” said Tom Elvidge, Uber’s general manager in London. “We intend to immediately challenge this in the courts.”

The loss of the license comes after a tumultuous few months for Uber, including a string of scandals involving allegations of sexism and bullying at the San Francisco-based start-up that forced out former CEO and co-founder Travis Kalanick.

Uber, which is valued at about US$70 billion and whose investors include Goldman Sachs, has faced protests around the world for shaking up long-established taxi markets.

The taxi app has also been forced to quit several countries, including Denmark and Hungary, and faced regulatory battles in multiple US states and around the world.

London’s traditional black cab drivers have attacked Uber, saying it has undercut safety rules and threatened their livelihoods. Uber has been criticised by unions and lawmakers too and been embroiled in legal battles over workers’ rights.
London police also complained in a letter published that Uber was either not disclosing, or taking too long, to report serious crimes including sexual assaults and this put the public at risk.

Uber said then its drivers passed the same rigorous checks as black cab drivers and it has always followed TfL’s rules on reporting serious incidents and it had a dedicated team that worked closely with London’s police.

London mayor Sadiq Khan, a Labour politician who has criticised Uber in the past, said he backed the decision to reject its application for a new license.

“It would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way that this could pose a threat to Londoners’ safety and security,” he said.

Drivers of London’s black cabs, who have snarled up the city’s streets in protest at the app over the last few years, welcomed Friday’s decision.

“Their standards are not up to scratch,” said 71-year-old Walt Burrows, who has driven a black cab for 39 years. “The black cab is an iconic part of London. What you get with a black cab is a metered fare and you know you’re safe.”

Uber is likely to come under more fire next week when it appears in court to appeal a verdict that granted two of its drivers rights such as the minimum wage, the latest “gig economy” battle between firms lauding the flexibility enjoyed by self-employed drivers and unions accusing them of exploitation.

Uber has, however, announced a series of changes over the last few months to improve conditions for its drivers, including the introduction of in-app tipping and plans to increase some fees.

Alongside Uber’s drivers, some of London’s 3.5 million registered users expressed concern as to how TfL’s decision would affect their lives.

“It will definitely impact my life,” said 43-year-old event planner Rimi Char, who users the app at least once a week. “I have got used to the ease and cost effectiveness of using Uber and I’ve always had positive experiences.”

One of Uber’s British competitors in London, Addison Lee, is also awaiting a decision from TfL about a longer-term license. The company declined to comment today.


Chip crunch to affect global auto production into Q3, says IHS

                LONDON: A shortage of auto chips could impact 672,000 units of global light vehicle production in the first quarter, data firm IHS Markit said on Wednesday, warning that the disruption could extend into the third quarter.

Ford Motor Co, General Motors, Toyota Motor Corp, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Nissan Motor Co had cut output due to the shortage, while Volkswagen has said the supply constraints would impact production at some of its plants in February.

“Because the cause of these constraints is the result of increasing demand from OEMs and limited supply of semiconductors, it will not be resolved until both forces are aligned,” said Phil Amsrud, senior principal analyst-ADAS, Semiconductors and Components, IHS Markit.

China will be the most hit in the first quarter at nearly 250,000 units, according to IHS.

AutoForecast Solutions, which tracks industry production plans, on Tuesday forecast production volume impact of 964,000 vehicles in 2021 due to semiconductor shortage.

Meanwhile, a group of 15 US senators on Tuesday urged the White House to work with Congress to address the global semiconductor shortage.


Volvo S90 T5 now available at RM339K

                PETALING JAYA: The Volvo S90 now comes with in a T5 option to complement the T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid.

The S90 T5 is priced at RM338,888 (on-the-road without insurance, including all applicable taxes) respectively and will be available in six exterior colours:Crystal White, Mussel Blue. Luminous Sand, Onyx Black, Bright Silver, and Maple Brown.

Powered by Volvo’s Drive-E drivetrain technology, the 2-litre turbocharged engine outputs 254hp and 350Nm of torque which enables the S90 T5 to reach 100kph in 6.8 s whilst consuming a frugal 7 litres of fuel for every 100 km travelled (NEDC, combined cycle).

Like the S90 T8 Twin Engine, the S90 T5 will be equipped with the full-suite of active safety and driver-assist systems which includes City Safety which comes with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, Run-off Road Mitigation with Road Edge Detection and BLIS (Blind Sport Information System) with Steer Assist.

The S90 T5 will also get Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert and the advanced semi-autonomous drive feature, Pilot Assist which gives steering input to keep the car properly aligned within lane markings up to highway speeds of around 130 kph.

On the exterior, the S90 T5 retains the 19-inch tyre profile albeit with a more aggressive wheel design – the 5-triple spoke Matt Tech Black diamond-cut alloys; new vertical front grilles to distinguish from the T8 Twin Engine; and round end-pipes with chrome sleeves.

“We are offering more variants to match the current needs of our customers, and we do this whilst retaining advanced safety systems across our model range," said Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Lennart Stegland.

The model is available for viewing at all authorised Volvo dealers nationwide.


Tesla launches two new vehicle safety features to keep you in your lane

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla has launched Lane Departure Avoidance and Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance safety features to ensure that drivers remain in their lane even when Autopilot is disabled.

According to Tesla's quarterly safety reports on Thursday, "drivers using Autopilot register fewer accidents per mile than those without it," in part because the mode keeps drivers from drifting from their lane, by ensuring that their hands are on the wheel.

As these two Autopilot precautions have been so effective at reducing the frequency of motor accidents, Tesla is launching two similar safety features that are active even when Autopilot is disabled: Lane Departure Avoidance and Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance.

Lane Departure Avoidance is an opt-in feature that will automatically apply corrective steering to make sure a driver's vehicle stays in its lane. When the car drifts out of the lane, a series of "hands-on reminders and alerts" will activate and, if a driver's hands are not detected on the wheel, the vehicle will automatically slow down to 24kph below the speed limit and turn on the hazard lights. This works at speeds between 40kph and 145kph.

Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance, on the other hand, will steer the vehicle back into the departing lane if a potential risk or collision is detected, or the car is near the edge of the road.

Unlike the former feature, this will automatically be enabled at the start of every drive and can be disabled for a single drive within the Autopilot Controls menu.

Both Lane Departure Avoidance and Emergency Lane Departure Avoidance became available yesterday via an over-the-air software update. They will roll out incrementally to all models built after October 2016, starting with Tesla Model 3 owners.


Diesel collapse gives automakers carbon headache

                GENEVA: The accelerating demise of diesel, long used by carmakers to boost fuel-efficiency, is undermining their plans to meet looming European Union CO2 goals, and avoid big annual fines.

Executives gathered today at the Geneva auto show are grappling with unpalatable choices: re-engineer existing vehicles at huge expense, restrict sales of some profitable models; or risk hundreds of millions of euros in penalties.

Others are clinging to the hope that the image of the latest Euro 6 diesels may yet be rehabilitated, and their fortunes restored.

“I am worried,” Volkswagen chief executive Matthias Mueller said in an interview. “But it’s our job to solve these problems,” he said. “I’m firmly convinced that diesel will experience a revival.”

But a fresh flurry of bad headlines and the growing prospect of outright diesel vehicle bans are already sending their sales into a steeper tailspin.

While diesels produce more toxic nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates than gasoline engines, their efficiency has been instrumental in cutting greenhouse gases. As consumers shun diesels, more carmakers are on track to miss tougher EU carbon dioxide goals taking effect in 2020-21.

Sales restrictions

Some industry insiders predict carmakers will be forced to rein in sales of larger models by raising prices to avoid overshooting the EU’s 95 grammes/kilometre CO2 target.

Ford is reviewing its European line-up in light of diesel’s slide and is likely to “restrict the sale of some vehicles that push us over the limit”, a company source said.

Steven Armstrong, the carmaker’s head of European operations, played down that prospect.

“We’re not having to rethink the model line-up,” he said. “Of course we’ll have to fine-tune the volume by powertrain by vehicle, but it’s not going to be a fundamental shift for us.”

Initially sparked by VW’s 2015 emissions test-cheating scandal and subsequent studies exposing the true levels of NOx emissions, the diesel slump has since deepened rather than stabilizing, as Mueller and others had hoped it would.

Sales of diesel cars fell 8 percent in Europe last year, reducing their market share to 44 percent from a 55 percent peak in 2011. Partly as a result, average new-car CO2 emissions actually rose in Britain for the first time in 17 years.

That was before the latest PR setbacks, in which VW admitted using monkeys and humans to test exhaust gas, and a court ruled that German cities were free to ban older diesel cars - joining Paris, London and a host of other urban centers that have vowed to run them off the road.

Diesel sales were down another 19 percent in Germany last month, and a whopping 24 percent in Britain, amid concern that the decline in second-hand values would give way to collapse.

Warning of auto recession

French carmakers, which have relied heavily on diesels to meet CO2 goals, are now scrambling for alternatives. Renault has stepped up development of a low-cost hybrid known as “Locobox”, but the powertrain won’t even begin rolling out until 2021.

PSA Group chief executive Carlos Tavares insisted last week the Peugeot maker remained on track. In a newspaper interview the same day, however, he urged governments to suspend penalties for non-compliance until electric car charging networks are better developed.

Fuel-saving 48-volt hybrids being rushed out across the Peugeot, Citroen and newly acquired Opel lineups are not expected to arrive before 2022 under current plans.

“It’s not just at PSA that it’s happening too late – it’s happening too late everywhere,” said Philippe Houchois, a London-based automotive analyst with investment bank Jefferies.

“The cost of CO2 compliance is one of the potential triggers of the next auto recession,” Houchois said. “Manufacturers are going to have to raise prices on larger petrol cars to meet their emissions targets, and that’s going to hit sales overall.”

Already last October, investment research house MSCI was warning that “all carmakers apart from Toyota are at risk of missing regulatory targets for fleet emissions in 2021”.

The Japanese carmaker is dropping diesels from its European fleet as it benefits from two decades of dominance in petrol-electric hybrids. Fiat Chrysler is expected to announce a diesel phase-out in its mid-term plan, due in June.

German premium automakers are also better resourced to absorb the shock, by ramping up sales of plug-in hybrids already in their portfolios or pipelines while rushing out 48-volt technology to curb emissions across existing model lineups - including the two-year-old Mercedes E-Class.

But the strategy of leaning on costly plug-ins for CO2 compliance has limits, as well as profitability perils.

BMW admits it is already taking a hit on the hybrid version of its X5 SUV, priced 600 euros below the diesel version at 72,500 euros (RM350,000), despite its higher cost.

“The profitability of plug-in hybrids is below that of cars with pure combustion engines,” a company spokesman said.

That spells bigger trouble for volume brands, which lack the lucrative luxury models to offset “compliance cars” sold at lower profit or even a loss to meet CO2 goals.

“If everybody wants to sell a lot of electrified vehicles, the prices are going to collapse,” said one PSA Group engineer.

“And since it’s a market that’s already quite unprofitable, people are just going to lose their shirts.”


It's Round 3 of the Toyota Gazoo Race in Penang this month

                SHAH ALAM: Penang sets the stage for an epic Round 3 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival (TGR) as racers in all three classes of the Toyota Vios Challenge vie in a strategic game of nerves to extend their lead in the championship.

The penultimate race at Stadium Batu Kawan from Feb 15-16, 2020 is critical in deciding the Super Sporting, Sporting and Promotional class championship. It is the last race of the season to be contested on a street circuit race before the finale moves to the Sepang International Circuit in April.

The first two races of the Season 3 were held at the Kuala Terengganu and Bandar Malaysia street circuits.

“Penang can essentially make or break a driver’s championship campaign this season. For some, it will be the last chance to capitalize on their experience competing on a street circuit and hopefully build an almost unassailable lead in the championship. For others, it will be about fighting to narrow the gap in order to keep their championship hopes alive, enough to cause an upset when the racing moves to a permanent circuit,” said Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer, Akio Takeyama.

In the Super Sporting class for professionals, Malaysia’s Drift King Tengku Djan Ley currently leads the point standings with 36 points, just 8 points adrift of Laser Motor’s Mark Darwin followed by Kenny Lee a further point behind.

With 17 drivers on the grid, every single Sporting class race meanwhile, has been nothing short of a dog fight. S&D Tama Motorsports’ and automotive journalist Tom Goh currently leads the standings with 28 points, just two points ahead of TGR debutante Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin.

One point behind him is Crestmax Motorsport’s Adam Khalid followed by another TGR newcomer and young driver Bradley Benedict Anthony with 22 points.

Leading the Promotional class for celebrities meanwhile, is television presenter and comedian Nabil Ahmad who has a four point advantage over Season 1 overall champion Shawn Lee at 28 points, and singer Khai Bahar in third position.

A total of 10 local celebrities will line-up on the grid in Penang who include Diana Danielle; Janna Nick; Shukri Yahaya; Nabila Razali; Wany Hasrita; Ain Edruce; and Syafiq Kyle.

“The excitement of the TGR Festival is not confined to thrills and spills on the track, but includes so many activities for the family. It will feature the display and test drive of Toyota’s fleet of new vehicles, a drift performance, a racing simulator challenge, stage games, celebrity performances, promotional activities, lucky draws, the sale of merchandises, and a Super Fans Signing Session for a chance to mingle with the celebrities racing in the Promotional class. Also on display will be the flagship GR Supra!,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.

The TGR Festival kicks off from 9am on Saturday (Feb 15, 2020) to Sunday (Feb 16, 2020).

Entrance is free.


2020 Kia Sorento images revealed

                GENEVA: Kia Motors has revealed the first official images of the 2020 Kia Sorento today, ahead of its first public appearance at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show on 3 March 2020.

The fourth-generation model is based on an all-new platform, raising standards in the midsize SUV segment for space, practicality, efficiency and quality.

The concept of ‘refined boldness’ inspired Kia’s designers, who sought to maintain the robust, tough-looking aesthetic of earlier generations of Sorento, while applying a greater degree of refinement and elegance.

The Sorento’s redefined design incorporates sharper lines and uninterrupted surfaces, making it noticeably more sculpted than its more round-edged predecessor.

It has more contemporary geometric details and swept-back, elongated proportions.

The assertive ‘face’ of the Sorento evolves, too, with a new interpretation of Kia’s hallmark ‘tiger nose’ grille.

Wider and more expansive, it wraps organically around the integrated headlamps on each side.

The headlamps themselves feature a new ‘tiger eye’ LED daytime running light, adding extra focus to the design by depicting the intense impression of the lines around a tiger’s eyes.

In profile, the proportions of the Sorento are subtly adapted to make it appear longer, with shorter front and rear overhangs and a longer wheelbase.

Its new proportions also extend the length of the bonnet, drawing the A-pillar 30mm further back from the front axle for a more ‘cab-rearward’ design.

The trailing edge of the hood wraps around the front wings and turns into a single, strong character line which extends along the side of the Sorento and flows into the new vertical taillights.


2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC: an attractive entry-level performer

                STUTTGART: The new 2019 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC expands the AMG model range with an attractive entry-level model.

The A 35 4MATIC costs 47,528.60 euro (RM226,035), while the limited Edition 1 sells for 55,364.75 euro (RM263,302).

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine generates an output of 306hp and produces a peak torque of 400Nm.

High driving dynamics are also ensured by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G dual-clutch transmission and the AMG-specific suspension.

The standard-fit AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive varies the torque distribution anywhere from pure front-wheel drive to a 50:50 ratio.

An acceleration time of 4.7 seconds for 0-100 km/h and the top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited) offers high driving dynamics in the compact segment.

Five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive modes enable a wide spread in the vehicle characteristics from comfortable to dynamic.

The interior gets the new MBUX multimedia system and another new feature is the distinct AMG centre console with Touchpad and additional switches for operating functions such ESP, manual transmission mode and adaptive adjustable damping.

Options include 19-inch wheels and a AMG Aerodynamics Package developed in the wind tunnel that improves handling at high speeds.

Edition 1 – for even more individuality

The limited Edition 1 is available from market launch for a period of 18 months.

On the Edition 1, the equipment list includes the AMG Aerodynamics Package and the AMG Night Package.

The denim blue paint finish and the "tech gold" accents on the side mirror housings and the lower sections of the doors produce an especially exclusive look.

The 19-inch Livorno wheels with high-sheen finish feature a wheel cover with centre-lock look and also sport that same "tech gold" hue.

The AMG Performance seats upholstered with black/grey ARTICO/DINAMICA featuring blue accents and medium-grey contrasting topstitching as well as the AMG Performance steering wheel emphasise the sportiness in the interior.

The Edition 1 also comes with heated seats and ambient lighting as standard. Aluminium trim elements and an 'Edition' badge on the steering wheel add visual highlights in the interior.


Enfield Continental GT ridden

Cafe racers have gained much popularity among bike aficionados in the last few years.

Some motorcycle manufacturers have seized this opportunity to produce these retro looking bikes with modern technology.

Triumph and Motto Guzzi have produced beautiful cafe racers in their line-ups that one cannot resist.

One iconic brand has decided to cash in on this mania ... it is none other than the British thoroughbred Royal Enfield with its Continental GT.

The Continental GT is a visual feast. It comes in two striking colours of red and yellow.

The one that I tested was red.

The retro design of this bike is very well highlighted by its elongated fuel tank with the side cut out, rounded tail, huge round headlight, side panels and naked chassis.

Meanwhile, spoked wheels and a touch of chrome further enhances the retro styling.

Besides good looks, the designers at Enfield also paid attention to seating comfort.

After going on a ride to Raub, Pahang from Kuala Lumpur, I must admit that the saddle was still comfortable enough.

As the seat area is firm and wide, I did not slide towards the petrol tank at all unlike with some other motorcycles.

The position of the foot pegs was right for my long legs and did not tire them during the long ride.

One thing I can assure you is that whenever you are out on the Royal Enfield Continental GT, you will receive many head nods and thumbs up signs, giving approval to the bike.

Many found it hard to believe that the test unit is a 2014 production bike.3

Few thought the standard Royal Enfield was customised to look like a café racer or a 1960’s GT.

The heart of this Continental GT is a 535cc, fuel-injected, air-cooled engine which outputs 29.1hp at 5,100rpm and 44Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

Practically all bike testers and motorcycle reviews admit that the Continental engine is the best ever to come out from Royal Enfield factory to-date.

The striking red café racer cruises comfortably on the Karak Highway at 100kph with the engine revs hovering around 3,500rpm.

But the minute I twisted the throttle to touching just over 110kph, I started feeling some mild vibrations which was fine with me.

At higher speeds, the handle vibration became too much for my liking.

The cafe racer is definitely steadier below 100kph but you would not want to do long interstate journeys at this speed.

The five-speed gearbox is smooth and responsive plus the cable-operated clutch is easy to handle.

I just need to have a light pull on the clutch while engaging the gear.

The sitting position complemented by agile double cradle frame, well-designed clip- on bars and the cut out on the tank that allowed my knee to hug the tank, challenged every twisties and sweeping corners in Raub between 60–80kph with a smile.

I could flick the bike easily without any hesitation.

It felt like GP rider on the race track…fantabulous feeling.

While cruising on the Bukit Jalil highway at 70kph, I had to encounter many potholes and rough surfaces, resulting in a riding experience that was not too pleasant.

A lot of improvement is needed on the suspension and damping to cushion the shocks from uneven roads.

The front (Brembo 300mm floating disc, two-piston floating caliper) and rear (240mm disc, single piston floating caliper) brakes are decent enough considering the weight of the bike is only 184kg.

It will be great if anti-lock braking system is installed in this café racer.

Overall, the RM39,888 Continental GT is a simple bike which is fun and exciting to ride.

It is an easy bike that almost anybody can handle.

A novice can go for care-free rides, while the more experienced riders can push the bike harder and tame winding roads which the bike does rather well.

One must remember that this bike’s forte is not on its performance but rather on its historic feel and retro flavour.

And of course, there is the instant crowd appeal that comes with it.


Over 140,000 Honda cars in Malaysia affected by recall

                PETALING JAYA: Six Honda models sold in Malaysia are the subject of a recall to replace defective airbags.

Honda Malaysia today said the 143,970 units include the City (2006-2012 YM), Civic (2006-2011 YM), Civic Hybrid (2007-2011 YM), CR-V (2007-2011 YM), Insight (2011-2012 YM), Jazz (2009-2012 YM) and Stream (2007-2012 YM).

Affected cars would have their driver front airbags replaced with newly produced inflators at no charge to the owners.

Honda Malaysia assured that  all current selling models did not have the dangerous flaw.

It said notification letters would be sent to affected customers and they should send their vehicles to the nearest authorised Honda dealer for inspection as soon as possible.

Honda owners can also check their vehicle’s product update status by calling Honda at 1-800-88-2020, log on to www.honda.com.my, or visit any authorised Honda outlets.

Honda's announcement followed a similar Toyota recall in Malaysia on Tuesday in which nearly 30,000 cars had been identified for recall.


Feb 1-7: RON97 petrol 8 sen lower, RON95, diesel unchanged

                PETALING JAYA: The price of RON97 will go down eight sen per litre, while RON95 and diesel prices remain the same for the week starting Saturday (Feb 1).

The Finance Ministry said the price of RON97 would go down from RM2.49 per litre to RM2.41 per litre.

Meanwhile, RON95 petrol and diesel prices remain the same at RM2.08 per litre and RM2.18 per litre respectively.

The fuel prices will take effect from 12.01am on Saturday until Feb 7.

"Based on the calculation under the Automatic Pricing Mechanism (APM), the retail prices for both RON95 and diesel should be RM2.11 and RM2.18 per litre respectively," it said in a statement on Friday (Jan 31).

It added that the estimated subsidy to be borne by the government between Feb 1 and Feb 7 would be about RM10.43mil.

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

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


2019 CarSifu Auto Show: It's all about family and practicality

Neo taking a look at the Subaru Forester 2.0i-P during the show.

KUALA LUMPUR: With families in mind, car buyers with a sense of practicality will naturally gravitate towards a sport utility vehicle (SUV) or multipurpose vehicle (MPV), which was the case for a certain visitor during the 2019 CarSifu Auto Show.

Held at the Ground Floor Concourse of Mid Valley Megamall, it was 33-year-old Neo Wie Xuan who found himself deep in thought in front of a Subaru Forester 2.0i-P.

"I just got married in August last year and my wife and I are planning to start a family in a year or two," said the farm production manager with a twinkle of excitement in his eye.

 Wie inside the Subaru Forester 2.0i-P.

"This brand is well-known for its all-wheel-drive system for off-roading and I quite like the 'boxer' engine with its low-centre of gravity. But more importantly, I like the space it offers for my future family," he added.

As for finance manager Muntasir bin Mohamed Zain from Negeri Sembilan, he was seen admiring the latest Nissan Serena J Impul MPV.

The 39 year-old father of three had travelled to Kuala Lumpur from Seremban for the day with his wife - 39-year-old Octover Marliana binti Abdul Rahman, for some shopping time.

 Muntasir and Octover inside a Nissan Serena J Impul MPV.

"We used to have a Naza Ria, but when that broke down and became too costly to repair, we decided to purchase the Serena S-Hybrid. But due to our desperation to find a replacement, we got the previous version to this current one," he said.

"Even though it's the previous one, it (the Serena) is still very spacious and not to mention very fuel efficient thanks to its hybrid-assist technology.

"I actually managed to reach Penang from Seremban on a single tank (of petrol) and still have enough to travel around. So I think it is very much worth spending the money for this," he added.

 Muntasir taking a look at the cockpit of the sporty Nissan Serena J Impul MPV with Octover looking on.

Among the other vehicles from the two Japanese makes are the Subaru XV crossover and Nissan X-Trail Hybrid SUVs.

There are currently 20 vehicles on display with other participating brands such as BMW, Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Proton and Volvo.

BMW has its latest G20 3 Series - the 330i M Sport, which was just recently launched.

Ford brought its new “heavyweight” pick-up contenders – the Ranger Wildtrak 2.0-litre Bi-turbo, and the Ranger Raptor which is the only factory-built performance truck across the Asia Pacific.

The Ranger Raptor, targeted at off-roaders, is now available in the new Absolute Black colour and made its public debut at the show.

A cash rebate of up to RM6,000 is being offered for the Ranger Wildtrak while those who book the Raptor will receive an exclusive limited edition Ranger Raptor bomber jacket and car air purifier.

Besides the popular City compact sedan, Honda is also showcasing its HR-V RS variant which comes with premium features such as a multi-angle rearview camera, eight-way powered driver's seat, full leather upholstery, Honda LaneWatch camera, cruise control and paddle shifters.

Isuzu brought in its line-up of D-Max trucks, which includes a new Z Prestige variant that has the latest design cues as well as two accessory packages for choice.

At the Mitsubishi showcase, there's the Outlander 2.0L SUV and Triton VGT Adventure X pick-up truck that's powered by its award-winning 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine.

Proton has two of its popular X70 SUVs on display and is also showcasing its Exora MPV and Saga CVT Premium compact sedan.

Together with the Volvo S90 T5 premium executive sedan is the Swedish marque's XC90 full-sized SUV along with the multiple-award winner XC60 plug-in hybrid, which won last year’s coveted “Car of the Year” title as well as the “Best Mid-size Luxury SUV/Crossover” and “Best Hybrid Vehicle” titles during the 2018 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards.

The first 1,000 customers to register for the new Triton will receive an exclusive limited edition Thule Subterra Luggage worth RM2,000.

The last day of the show is on April 7 until 10.00pm, so don't forget to bring the family along, with children getting the opportunity to be entertained by Cellworm Crax the clown and his free creative balloon statues.

Also, visitors who complete a CarSifu survey will receive a pack of Himalaya Pastilles peppermint candy that will help freshen up the breath.

The 2019 CarSifu Auto Show is organised by Star Media Group Bhd and the official tyre partners for both the show and the upcoming Editors’ Choice Awards are Toyo Tires and Silverstone.


BMW speeds up move to fully autonomous car by 2021

                MUNICH: BMW is hitting fast forward and has set itself the target of bringing a fully autonomous car to public roads by 2021.

At a press conference on Friday at its Munich base, the German carmaker revealed that it is partnering with Intel and Mobileye in order to accelerate technological, sensing and machine-learning development alongside the innovations already achieved.

"At the BMW Group we always strive for technological leadership," said Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG "Following our investment in high definition live map technology at HERE, the combined expertise of Intel, Mobileye and the BMW Group will deliver the next core building block to bring fully automated driving technology to the street."

Until now, the industry consensus has been that autonomous cars are still a decade away from becoming a reality -- that we will move, step by step from individual semi-autonomous features, such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping to vehicles that are akin to a robot chauffeur.

"Highly autonomous cars and everything they connect to will require powerful and reliable electronic brains to make them smart enough to navigate traffic and avoid accidents," said Intel CEO Brian Krzanich. "This partnership between BMW Group, Intel and Mobileye will help us to quickly deliver on our vision to reinvent the driving experience. We bring a broad set of in-vehicle and cloud computing, connectivity, safety and security, and machine-learning assets to this collaboration enabling a truly end to end solution."

The driving force behind this partnership and its ambitious goals is not the competition, but rather safety. BMW wants to be able to offer the technologies the partnership develops as a package or a platform that others can integrate into their future models.

And the first step towards that platform will be a new prototype car that can deliver level-3 autonomy (known as eyes-off driving) by 2017. It will then morph into a fleet of autonomous cars by 2021 capable of the next two steps - "mind-off" and then "driver-off" autonomy.

 The key players. They are (from left) Krzanich of Intel, Kruger of BMW and Shashua of Mobileye.

"Mobileye is proud to contribute our expertise in sensing, localisation, and driver policy to enable fully autonomous driving in this cooperation," said Mobileye Co-Founder, Chairman and CTO Professor Amnon Shashua. "Today marks an important milestone for the automotive industry as we enter a world of new mobility. [We are] laying the groundwork for the technology of future mobility that enables fully autonomous driving to become a reality within the next few years."


Ford announces most powerful Edge

                DETROIT: Ford says its upcoming Edge Sport has been officially certified as the most powerful Edge ever, with the highest horsepower and torque ratings yet.

Powered by Ford’s newest EcoBoost engine–a 2.7-litre V6 – the Edge Sport builds on its reputation as the modern utility vehicle for people who want to have fun behind the wheel and look good doing it.

Edge Sport’s 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine delivers a 10 percent increase in horsepower over the previous standard engine, a 3.7-litre V6, and a 25 percent increase in torque – for a total of 315 horsepower and 475Nm.

“Ford customer research showed there was a strong desire for more in terms of power and content, and with the redesign of Ford Edge, we wanted to give customers a true sport version, which meant bringing the 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 along for the ride,” said Ford Edge Consumer Marketing manager Cristina Aquino.

Peak torque output is available at 2,750 rpm, far lower in the performance band than the 2014 model, for a better performance feel. The previous engine generated peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

Even with improved performance, fuel economy estimates are either equal to or better than the 2014 model Edge Sport.

The Edge Sport suspension has been upgraded with front and rear antiroll bars that are 15 percent stiffer than the base model. Unique rear monotube dampers are larger in diameter, while coil springs are 10 percent stiffer and offer 20 percent less body roll than the previous-generation setup. Enhanced damping gives Edge Sport improved road-holding capability – providing the driver with more control, sharper steering and greater confidence.

Edge Sport rides on 20-inch standard polished aluminum wheels with magnetic low-gloss painted pockets; 21-inch premium painted tarnished dark low-gloss aluminum wheels are available, as well as a summer-only tyre option with the 21-inch wheels.

The vehicle is equipped with Active Noise Cancellation technology to manage and enhance the sound of the 2.7-litre EcoBoost engine. The system uses microphones strategically placed throughout the cabin to generate opposing sound waves. These waves are directed through the audio system to enhance overall cabin ambience.

The new Edge, which is bigger and positioned above the Kuga, has a stronger, more athletic shape with standard LED taillamps and LED signature lighting.

The interior features leather-trimmed sport seats with perforated suede inserts, aluminum brake and accelerator pedal covers, ambient lighting and metal-plated accents throughout. Other interior appointments include Ford SYNC with 8-inch LCD touch screen in the center stack, two configurable LCD screens in the instrument cluster and a media hub containing two USB ports, an SD card reader and an auxiliary input jack. A 12-speaker Sony audio system is standard.

The Edge will go on sale in the United States by spring. Two other engine options are available - the standard twin-scroll 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder and a 3.5-litre Ti-VCT V6.


Three kids caught on camera sticking their heads out of MPV sunroof

A screengrab of the offence that took place in Ipoh on March 1.
IPOH: Two videos have gone viral showing three young girls standing in a luxury MPV with their heads out of the vehicle's sunroof as it drives down a busy street supposedly in Ipoh.

Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm Yahaya Hassan said in a statement on Facebook that police have identified the driver and the passengers involved in the incident.

According to him, police first detected the two videos that went viral, one 24 seconds long and the other nine seconds long, on March 2 after they were uploaded to a Facebook group.

"In the video, three young girls can be seen behaving in a dangerous manner by standing in a vehicle and hanging out of the sunroof while it is moving on the road," said ACP Yahaya.

"We began investigations into the matter after a report was made.

"We found that the incident occurred on Wednesday (March 1) at 10.40pm at Jalan Sultan Idris Shah in Ipoh," he said.

"The girls involved were aged between 13 and 16. At the time of the incident, their parents were in the vehicle," he added.

"We are ascertaining the identity of the individual who took the video recording to assist with investigations," he said, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 336 of the Penal Code and Section 31(1)(A) of the Children's Act 2001.

ACP Yahaya urged members of the public with information concerning the case to step forward and call the investigation officer ASP Yap Siew Cheng at 012-909 3362.


Hummer EV with 1,000hp gets ready for debut

                DETROIT: General Motor Corporation (GMC) has announced that it will introduce the Hummer EV (electric vehicle) and promises a bold design and remarkable capability.

Dubbed “Quiet Revolution” this will be the American carmaker's first all-electric truck with the remarkable quietness inherent in the operation of an electric vehicle.

The Hummer EV looks to make its physical debut on May 20 while featuring 1,000hp and 15,592Nm of torque for a 0 to 100kph sprint time of about 2.9 seconds.

It is currently being built in Michigan, at the company's Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.

“GMC builds premium and capable trucks and SUVs and the GMC HUMMER EV takes this to new heights. We are excited to debut our revolutionary zero-emissions truck during the biggest night in TV advertising," said Global Buick and GMC vice president Duncan Aldred.

The Hummer EV will have a 30-second commercial that will be aired during the second quarter of the National Football League's 54th Super Bowl where the Kansas City Chiefs will meet the San Francisco 49ers to determine the champion.


Car chip shortage to abate, smartphones could be next, say players

                LONDON: The semiconductor shortage that has gripped the world could last well into 2022 and hit smartphone production next, foreshadowing deficient supply for a range of appliances and industrial equipment, industry executives and an economist said.

The automotive sector has suffered the most this year but supply to the sector could improve relatively soon, with China taking up some production demand that Taiwan could not meet, ING Greater China chief economist Iris Pang told Reuters Global Markets Forum this last week.

Taiwanese semiconductor companies have boosted production in China as blackouts and ongoing COVID-19 social distancing measures disrupted factory output and port operations in Taiwan, she said.

"China gained 5% on the chip shortage in terms of GDP - Taiwan semiconductor companies have planned well and built large factories in mainland China," Pang said, predicting that smartphone makers will be the next segment to face disruptions.

"Taiwanese semiconductor companies are tailoring making chips for autos, so the chip shortage should be solved for autos in a few weeks, but other electronics' chip shortage problem persists," Pang said, adding that could delay shipments of some new model smartphones.

Companies across industries globally have warned of an ongoing struggle to source chips.

ASML, one of the world's biggest suppliers to semiconductor makers, hiked its sales outlook this week on strong orders as chip giants such as TSMC and Intel raced to boost output.

The broader supply crunch could last until the second quarter of 2022, said Adam Khan, founder of AKHAN Semiconductor, although he noted this timeline was "aspirational."

Andrew Feldman, CEO of chip startup Cerebras Systems, echoed that view, saying vendors were quoting lead times as long as 32 weeks for new chips and components.

ING's Pang said even crypto miners are seeking ways to recycle "used" chips, which implies the shortage wasn't going away.

Higher demand for chips, fuelled by one-off purchases to meet work-from-home needs and continuous demand for smartphones and other electronics, is expected to spur investment and growth in the sector.

The chips industry could grow between 21% to 25% in 2021, with "electronics having its best showing since 2010," said Dan Hutcheson, CEO of chips-focused VLSI Research.


Highway concessionaires given full allocations for road repairs, Dewan Rakyat told

                KUALA LUMPUR: Highway concession companies are required to carry out road maintenance works periodically, says Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.

"The concession companies involved will be given full allocations," he said during his winding-up speech on Monday.

He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who said that maintenance costs are often overlooked when planning a new road.

"Many road shoulders are badly damaged and this is dangerous for the people.

"What are the new approaches by the ministry to ensure that maintenance costs are included and road repair are standard?" Dr Wee asked.

Abdul Rahman said heavy vehicles were among the causes of damaged roads.

"Sometimes, vehicles that weigh over 100 tonnes are driven on roads meant for 30-tonne vehicles.

"These are among the causes of road damage that are not expected by the technical team," he said.

He also said more damage to roads is expected during the ongoing monsoon season.

"There are also roads that have exceeded their lifespan. Some premixes used cannot last more than seven years.

"It requires maintenance by those appointed as concessionaires in charge of roads and road shoulders," said Abdul Rahman.


Malaysian firm Yinson invests in Oyika to promote use of electric motorcycles

                KUALA LUMPUR: Yinson Holdings Bhd's green technologies division has invested in Singapore start-up Oyika Pte Ltd to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) in Southeast Asia.

Yinson group chief strategy officer Daniel Bong said the investment, together with its recent investment into autonomous driverless solution company MooVita represents the group's first step towards building an integrated green logistics solution.

"Yinson is investing into green technologies to help mitigate global climate issues.

"We believe that being early movers in future-proof technologies, and capitalising on strategic partnerships with the public and private sectors, is an important way to continually bring sustained value to our stakeholders,” he said in a statement.

Oyika is a provider of a battery swap service bundled with an electric motorbike, made available through affordable subscription plans.

The start-up works with local e-motorbike manufacturers to adapt their brand-agnostic technology for local use, resulting in swappable batteries that work with most e-motorbike brands and models in Southeast Asia.

Subscribers to its pay-per-use, prepaid weekly or postpaid monthly plan can swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones at an Oyika swap station within a minute.

Oyika CEO Jinsi Lee said the company is glad to receive Yinson's endorsement and to leverage on its resources and global network to bring affordable EV solutions to developing countries.

“We look forward to rolling out Oyika’s subscription plans for EVs, to not only reduce the cost for riders but, more importantly, contribute towards mitigating climate change,” he said.

READ MORE: Taiwan's Gogoro to enter India scooter market with Hero tie-up


Anthony Loke says he misses driver the most at transport ministry

Loke posing with Hazril.
SEREMBAN: Former Transport Minister Anthony Loke says the individual he misses most at his former ministry was his driver, whom he referred to as Hazril.

"I have been with him almost every day for the past 21 months.

"Even when I had programmes till late nights, he would be at my house early the following morning," Loke said in a Facebook post on Monday (March 2).

Loke, who is Seremban MP, said Hazril was a reserved but dedicated employee and never once complained about the long hours he had to put in.

"He never once said he was tired. Hazril would always tell me YB, just let me know what time we have to go out," he said.

Loke said he was on many occasions commended by event organisers and media personnel for arriving earlier than scheduled.

"The credit actually has to go to Hazril.

"He was a good planner as he would on a daily basis, check my engagements for the next day.

"He was really good at time management," said Loke.

Reminiscing, Loke said he once surprised Hazril when he decided to sit next to him before they left for an event as his bodyguard was on leave.

"Hazril told me he had never seen a minister seated next to the driver.

"And I told him I never liked to leave the seat next to the driver empty and didn't care much about protocol," he said, adding that he always regarded Hazril as a member of his team.

Loke thanked Hazril for this dedication and expressed hope that his former driver and his wife, who is also an employee at the ministry, would continue to give their best.

"Thank you Hazril, and always be safe on the road," he added.


New Porsche 911 arrives, starting price at RM1.15mil

                SEPANG: Sime Darby Auto Performance, the official importer of Porsche sports cars, has launched the 911 (992) Carrera S (rear-wheel drive - C2S) and Carrera 4S (all-wheel-driven - C4S) at the Sepang International Circuit.

Paying upwards of RM1.15mil for this eighth-generation Porsche 911 will get buyers the C2S variant while the C4S costs RM1.22mil onwards and will include a four-year warranty with free maintenance (parts and labour too).

With two larger turbochargers and improved fuel injectors, the output of the bi-turbo 3.0-litre flat-six engine gets upped to 450PS (+30PS) at 6,500rpm and 530Nm (+30Nm) of torque from 2,300 to 5,000rpm against its predecessor - the 991.2 Carrera S. The rumble is released by integrated dual-exhaust ports at the rear.

Depending on model-variant, power delivery is managed by a new eight-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe - Double-Clutch gearbox), which allows it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 3.7 seconds (3.5 seconds with Sport Chrono Package) before reaching a top speed of 308kph (306kph in the C4S)

While weighing around 1.6-tonnes, the wheelbase of 2,450mm separates the front 20-inch and rear 21-inch wheels while measuring in at 4,519mm-long, 1,852mm-wide and 1,300mm-tall.

It now features larger front air intakes, integrated deployable rear-spoiler, new electrical-pop-out handles and LEDs for the main projector headlights, four-point daytime running lights and of course the rear light cluster, light bar and third brake light.

Not to mention, there's also the new Porsche Wet Mode that makes driving in the rain a lot safer and will be included as standard across all new 911 variants.

The system will warn the driver in advance, who can then adjust the vehicle's settings to emphasise on safety at the push of a button or simply use the mode switch on the steering wheel (Sport Chrono Package).

There's also an Emergency braking system that uses camera-based signals as well as a brake assist system (fitted as standard) which may subsequently be initiated if it detects that a collision is imminent.

Other added cost options include Night Vision Assist (with a thermal imaging camera), adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go function, reversible occupant protection and an autonomous Emergency Assist function.

Thanks to the efforts of Ivan von Hulten, the 2+2 interior has been redesigned extensively to now employ a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen display for the Porsche Communication Management as well as the newly designed electronic gear shifter, control switches and a pair of lighter front seats (-3kg).

“The new 911 remains a sports car icon that has retained the public’s fascination since its arrival in the automotive scene over half a century ago. Due to the passionate and loyal following here, it comes as no surprise that Malaysia is the top market for the 911 in 2018 within the Porsche Asia Pacific region," said Sime Darby Auto Performance chief executive officer Christopher Hunter.


A-Class to use what3words system as Mercedes ups startup funding

                STUTTGART: Daimler AG is expanding cooperation with the start-up what3words.

As part of the move, the company took part in a round of financing by what3words and acquired a share of around 10%. In addition, Mercedes-Benz will be the first car maker to integrate the new three-word address system and make it available to its customers.

With the A-Class as the first representative of the next generation of compact cars, a completely new infotainment system – Mercedes-Benz User Experience – will go into series production from as early as spring 2018. Navigation destinations can be entered and searched for with the help of three-word addresses. Using text and voice input, the driver enters his desired destination using just three words, such as remark.healers.heat, and arrives exactly at a specific nine square metres.

READ MORE: Mercedes views the world in three words

what3words has divided the entire world into 57 trillion squares of three metres by three metres and has allocated each of these squares a unique three-word address – including places where there are no regular street addresses. This means that every one of these locations is unambiguously identified and easy to memorise.

An algorithm applies the vocabulary list of 25,000 words per language in such a way that potentially confusing combinations are far away from one another and that both man and machine can easily notice input mistakes. In the meantime, the system is now available in 14 languages.

"With Mercedes-Benz User Experience, we have moved one big step closer to our goal of making the vehicle into a mobile assistant", said Sajjad Khan, Vice President of Digital Vehicle & Mobility at Daimler.

"Our collaboration with what3words is heading in exactly this direction: Inputting locations in a simple way makes life easier for our customers and ensures a special experience. For this reason, we will further expand out cooperation with what3words in future and develop new fields of application."


BMW reaches out with i Pure Impulse Experience

                MUNICH: The BMW Group has launched a world-first programme for extended dialogue with customers.

The BMW i Pure Impulse Experience Programme gives owners of a BMW i8 exclusive access to visionary personalities as well as cultural and travel experiences that reflect the forward-looking character of BMW i.

Recently, at its BMW plant in Leipzig, the birthplace of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, more than 120 people were granted an in-depth look at how the world’s leading premium car manufacturer is shaping the mobility of the future.

BMW eDrive plug-in hybrid drive technology, a passenger cell made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), innovative mobility services and laser headlights – available for the first time on a production model – all help cement the status of the BMW Group’s first plug-in hybrid model as a sports car of the future.

“BMW i has also adopted a pioneering role regarding a new dimension of dialogue with its customers,” says Henrik Wenders, Head of BMW i Product Management. “By staging exclusive events we bring together people with a visionary as well as sustainable way of thinking. The BMW i8 Pure Impulse Experience Programme thus stands for a contemporary and responsible lifestyle.”

The celebrity guest at the first event was 56-year-old Bertrand Piccard of Switzerland, one of the greatest adventurers of our time.

In Leipzig, where the BMW i3 and i8 were born, the visionary talked to BMW i8 customers about his quest to become the first person to circumnavigate the earth in a solar-powered aircraft.

Over the following months, the exclusive events that are open to BMW i Pure Impulse Card-holders on special terms include the Brit Awards in London and the Coachella Music and Arts Festival, along with the Art Basel show in Hong Kong in March 2015.

Beyond this, BMW i Pure Impulse Card-holders can avail themselves of attractive offers in select luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and renowned art galleries around the globe.