Carsifu drives the BMW Z4 M40i in Melbourne

                The new third-generation Z4 open-top two-door roadster was provided for quick test drives during our recent Australian BMW media test drive of its latest family line-up of roadsters, coupes and convertibles.

We sampled both the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engined sDrive30i and the more powerful 3.0-litre six-cylinder M40i variants.

In July, BMW Group Malaysia had launched only the Z4 sDrive30i M Sport variant priced at RM479,800, on-the-road without insurance.

It was beautiful weather for open-top driving Down Under, with a cool autumn wind and a sunny morning overcast with dark clouds threatening rain later in the day.

The wide, open sky surroundings in the rural countryside of Melbourne city provided the best wind-in-your-hair experience in the Z4 sDrive30i M Sport, which was fitted with an M Aerodynamics package, Adaptive M Suspension, M sports brakes, and M sport seats.

It’s also interesting that we were driving the new Z4 in the homeland of Australian BMW designer Calvin Luk, who was responsible for penning the third-generation Z4 roadster.

It should also be noted that the new Z4 was co-developed with the new Toyota Supra, and they both share platforms and powertrains.

However, beyond some of the mechanical underpinnings, both cars are very different, and this is also underlined by the fact that the Supra is a hardtop while the Z4 uses only a soft-top, unlike its predecessor.

The powered soft-top roof comes in Black as standard and can be opened or closed in 10 seconds, while travelling at speeds up to 50kph.

As BMW Group Australia product and pricing manager Howard Lam pointed out, the BMW and Toyota development teams went their separate ways some years ago after the initial collaboration stages on the two cars.

“The Z4 also had a track focused development and was designed to celebrate the thrill of driving. Notably, its wheelbase is shorter (for sharpened agility) while the length is longer,” said Lam.

BMW Group Asia CEO Christopher Wehner also said the design brief for the new Z4 was the creation of a muscular, powerful and sporty car.

“The soft top enables weight reduction. This also ensures we achieved a ideal 50:50 weight distribution,” said Wehner.

We also found more rear space for our luggage bags, as boot capacity has increased by over 50 per cent (to 281 litres) compared to its predecessor.

The Z4 sDrive30i M Sport has 19-inch M light alloy wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport high performance tyres sized 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear), and we found slick cornerng and good grip on the narrow countryside roads.

The variable sport steering communicates well and provides effortless low-speed manoeuvring.

Our Z4 sDrive30i M Sport test drive unit was also fitted with the optional M Sport rear differential for even more nimbler handling when cornering.

We also drove the more powerful Z4 M40i armed with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder M Performance TwinPower Turbo engine producing 340hp and 500Nm of torque.

Power is also delivered via a eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic.

Extra kit on this include the M Sport differential as standard, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound system.

We kept the Z4 M40i in Sport mode and the powerful 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine constantly revved eagerly whenever we felt the need for fast sprints as we sped past the scenic rural spots in Victoria state like Kerrisdale, Strath Creek and King Parrot Creek.

The Z4 M40i can do the 0 to 100kph sprint in 4.5 seconds, which is a tad faster than the 5.4 seconds on the sDrive30i.

Suffice to say, our brief drive in Australian countryside gave us a very good idea of the new BMW roadster’s exhilarating, sporty performance and agile handling as well as a marvellous wind-in-your-hair driving experience.

BMW Z4 sDrive30i M SportEngine: 1,998cc 4-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo
Maximum power: 258hp at 5,000 to 6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 400Nm at 1,550 to 4,400rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic
Features: Adaptive LED headlights with High Beam Assist, Adaptive M Suspension, BMW head-up display, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, 10.25-inch digital instrument display, 10-speaker Hi-fi system, M Aerodynamics package, M sports brakes, M sports seats, Parking Assistant, Rollover Protection System, wireless smartphone charging, 19-inch M light alloy wheels
Price (on-the-road without insurance): RM479,800

BMW Z4 sDrive30i M SportBMW Z4 M40i


Chevrolet sets out to woo younger, more socially savvy buyer

                DETROIT: Chevrolet is launching ChevySmallCars.com, a new lifestyle-oriented website focused on its small car offerings, the Spark minicar, Sonic and Trax small SUV.

“The Spark, Sonic and Trax all target a younger, more socially savvy buyer,” said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet director of cars and crossovers. “When we looked at reasons for purchase, cross consideration and demographics, we found a number of similarities. By aligning these products we can be more strategic and create more engaging, sharable content that speaks directly to this audience.”

ChevySmallCars.com will host content designed with a younger customer in mind and do it in a way that allows visitors to engage and discover Chevy on their own terms. At the heart of it is “Small Talk,” three short episodes featuring the Sonic, Spark or Trax, produced by Funny Or Die and hosted by comedian Al Madrigal. The videos will also be hosted on Funny Or Die.

“Sonic, Spark and Trax customers are likely to be first-time new car buyers and traditionally are more likely to stay with the brand as their needs and lifestyle changes and they need to move up to a bigger sedan or SUV,” said Majoros. “We’ve introduced a lot of new vehicles in the last few years and the new website is a great way to expose a portion of our portfolio that not everyone knows about.”

As part of the new small car initiatives Chevy will also partner with media outlets such as .Mic, Complex and Thrillist in concentrated key markets.

Additional content coming for ChevySmallCars.com includes:

> Customizer – visitors get to choose from a variety of whimsical features to customize their small car such as rabbit ears, cool designs and backgrounds and then share it socially
> Custom Podcast with John Hodgman
> Mini Mix Tape – includes three up-and-coming artists
> Upgrade Me – influencers ”hack” small living spaces
> Small Victories – celebrating the everyday greatness of small.


Even OPEC+’s deep cuts couldn’t keep oil markets from plunging

                NEW YORK: Some of the world’s largest oil producers are finalising a deal that would take an unprecedented 10 million barrels a day of crude off the market in an bid to resuscitate prices pummeled by the coronavirus pandemic.

The market’s crashing anyway.

A marathon OPEC+ video conference that’s still ongoing after eight hours has so far yielded an end to Saudi Arabia’s price war with Russia, established the contours of an historic supply-curb agreement, and laid the foundation for an even broader global accord to trim production.

Yet futures in New York ended the day 9% lower while crude in London closed down 4%.

Oil’s seemingly unstoppable collapse underscores just how dramatically demand has deteriorated as the virus ravages world economies and brings modern life to a standstill.

More than two-thirds of the world’s population is in lockdown - not driving, flying or otherwise burning fuel.

Consumption is falling faster than anyone predicted, with demand losses seen reaching 35 million barrels a day by some estimates.

Against that backdrop, an agreement to eliminate 10% of global crude supply - while extraordinary - isn’t a panacea.

The stakes could not be higher: OPEC+’s ability to correct the worst market rout in nearly two decades could bend the fortunes of energy players across the globe, from petro-states and Big Oil to traders and oilfield workers.

Billions of dollars in spending and countless industry jobs are at risk as prices tumble, triggering shale bankruptcies and shutting oil fields all over the world.

The group’s success is far from certain. The last round of talks to balance the oil market ended with the collapse of the coalition in early March and kicked of a bitter war for market share.

This time around, Saudi Arabia and Russia have both agreed to cut production substantially.

Opposition now comes from Mexico, which has threatened to withdraw from OPEC+ over a disagreement with the supply-cut proposal, and is holding side talks with the US and Canada.

Eight hours into the meeting, US President Donald Trump held a private call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia’s King Mohammed Salman.

If the OPEC+ virtual gathering does result in a deal, that will form the basis of Friday’s discussions on further supply cuts from G-20 nations, with US involvement seen as key.

The Kremlin has insisted that America must do more than just let market forces reduce its own record production.

Trump, meanwhile, has said America’s cut will happen "automatically” as low prices put shale in dire straits, a sentiment reiterated by his energy secretary on Thursday.

The alliance is seeking reductions of as much as 5 million barrels a day from the G-20, but will reduce output even if the bigger group doesn’t join in, delegates said.

Meanwhile, oil demand in India has collapsed by as much as 70% and some American refineries face closure as consumption falls to the lowest in at least three decades.

The monthly rollover by the biggest oil ETF and index funds put additional pressure on the front of the WTI market, which has already been hit by concern that storage tanks in the US will soon fill up.

While OPEC and its allies, along with the G-20, face a huge task in trying to drain the large oversupply, there are signs that the market is banking on improved balances down the line.

Volatility for the second half of 2020 has fallen sharply in recent days, indicating that the market has faith in OPEC+ restoring price stability, brokerage Marex Spectron wrote in a report.


French and Greeks are Europe's rudest drivers, poll shows

                PARIS: Drivers in most of Europe say they have adopted safer and more courteous behaviour behind the wheel, with the notable exception of the French and Greeks who share the top spot for hurling insults at other road users, polling data showed Wednesday.

In a poll of self-reported behaviour, drivers in most European countries said they were less likely to resort to insults than a year ago, to lean on the car horn, to overtake on the right, or to drive too closely to the car in front of them.

However, the poll found the Greeks were most likely (47 percent) to drive on the tail of the car in front of them and, with the French, to insult other drivers (70 percent).

The Spanish, at 66 percent, were quickest to jump on their car horn, according to the research conducted in 11 countries by the IPSOS polling agency for roads operator Vinci autoroutes.

The Greeks, the study found, topped the list for dangerous road behaviour while the British came last.

Overall, 88 percent of European drivers admitted to exceeding the speed limit on occasion -- one percent down from 2019, and 61 percent -- a drop of three percent -- to not respecting the safety distance.

The Swedes were the most likely to drive too fast or too close to another car, or to take their eyes off the road, the poll found.

Dutch drivers were the most likely — almost half of them — to overtake on the right in lanes meant for slower traffic.

Not on target

On a positive note, the poll found that only two of the 14 indicators of dangerous driving behaviour were on the rise — speaking on the telephone and setting the GPS while driving.

A fifth of drivers — a rise of one percent from 2019 — said they had gotten out of their car to settle an argument with another road user. The Poles, at 37 percent, were most guilty of this.

A fifth of French drivers, compared to 16 percent in Europe, said they were "not really the same person when driving", and judged themselves to be more nervous, impulsive or aggressive than otherwise.

According to EU data, some 22,800 road traffic fatalities were recorded in the 27 European Union countries in 2019. This was about 7,000 fewer than in 2010, representing a decrease of 23 percent.

The number fell by two percent from 2018.

While the underlying trend remains downward, progress had slowed in most countries since 2013, and the EU target of halving the number of road deaths by 2020 from 2010 would not be met, the European Commission said in a report.

“Year 2020 still may prove to be an outlier with early indications that the number of road fatalities is likely to drop significantly in view of the measures taken to tackle coronavirus but not by enough to meet the target," it said.


Lister previews Storm II

                LONDON: The Lister Motor Company was revived back in 2014, and since then the British company's boss, Lawrence Whittaker, has made no secret of his desire to see the company produce a hypercar capable of taking on the likes of McLaren, Pagani and Koenigsegg.

It now appears those plans may finally be coming to fruition after the automaker's CEO revealed a sketch of a sleek two-door sports car, accompanied on social media by the words: "A glimpse into the future of Lister... the Storm II."

Lister resumed vehicle production in the last few years with a track-only recreation of its most iconic creation, the Lister Jaguar 'Knobbly' D-Type. That was followed by the Thunder, which is a road-legal 335kph sports car based on the current Jaguar F-Type. Both of those models attracted strong early interest, and that seems to have bolstered the company's confidence about what it can achieve in the future.

British motoring publication Autocar has reported in the past about the willingness and eagerness of the company's CEO to develop the company's own all-new Lister model.

 Thunder.

Lister has already looked for investors to help with the development of such a car, which it's believed could use a Jaguar-derived 7.8-litre V-12 engine producing around 1,000bhp.

The original Storm was in production during the mid-1990s by a previous incarnation of the Lister Motor Company. Under the bonnet of that one was a 7.0-litre V-12 Jaguar engine that meant it was regarded at the time as the fastest four-seat GT available.

To be considered in the same class as the models Lister wants to rival with the new car, the Storm II would need to deliver a zero-to-100kph time of less than three seconds, and a top speed heading towards the 400kph mark.

Both road-going and track-only variants would be offered, although production of both is likely to be limited. That could mean as few as six cars produced each year by the company, although that's probably only to be expected as prices are likely to be around £2 million (RM11mil) each.


Nissan and E.ON power up the grid

                LONDON: Nissan and E.ON have successfully deployed 20 vehicle-to-grid (V2G) chargers as part of a trial to demonstrate how electric vans and cars could play a role in supporting the UK's electrical grid and provide a profitable and sustainable solution for business fleets.

The installation at Nissan’s European Technical Centre in Cranfield is the first in a large-scale V2G trial co-funded by Innovate UK.

The project will test and demonstrate how storing and sharing electricity in fleet vehicles’ batteries can generate additional revenue for participating companies as well as supporting the power grid.

Having validated the technology at Nissan’s Cranfield site, the project is now recruiting further participants for the trial and plans to deploy V2G chargers for organisations across the UK.

V2G technology allows electricity to flow in both directions to and from electric vehicle batteries, allowing the energy stored in a battery to be sold back to the grid when demand for power is high.

Vehicles can then charge when demand is lower or renewable generation is high, reducing reliance on fossil-fuelled generation, giving V2G a role in the efforts of carbon reduction.

The technology can also release capacity on the electricity networks which distribute power around the country.

In collaboration with UK Power Networks, the trial will go on to explore opportunities for customers to earn revenues from this as a service.

The V2G package for participants in the trial will be offered at a heavily subsidised price through grant funding made available through Innovate UK. Vehicles compatible with the technology being used in this project are currently the Nissan e-NV200 and the Nissan LEAF.

As well as E.ON and Nissan, the V2G project consortium (known as e4Future) includes Newcastle University, Imperial College London, Northern Powergrid, UK Power Networks and National Grid ESO.

The V2G platform used on the trial utilises a combination of E.ON’s existing Virtual Power Plant software as well as a charger operating system provided by E.ON’s e-mobility partner Virta.

The project is part of the V2G programme, funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), in partnership with Innovate UK. Part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency investing in science and research.


Seven 'Car of the Year 2019' finalists revealed

                STOCKHOLM: Seven finalists have been selected by the European "Car of the Year" jury for the prestigious 2019 title. The winner will be announced Monday, March 4, 2019, and will succeed the 2018 "Car of the Year," the Volvo XC40.

The seven finalists are the Alpine A110, the Citroën C5 Aircross, the Peugeot 508, the Ford Focus, the Jaguar I-Pace, the Kia Ceed and the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

The jury will test the seven vehicles in February before revealing the winner on the eve of the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, March 4, 2019.

Every year since 1964, the Car of the Year organising committee has crowned the year's best car based on criteria such as value for money, design, comfort, safety, onboard technology and environmental performance.

This year's jury comprises 60 journalists from 23 European countries.


GM expects renewable energy-powered US sites by 2025, ahead of plan

                DETROIT: General Motors Co said on Thursday it plans to have its sites in the United States run on renewable energy by 2025, five years ahead of its original goal.

The company also said it was working with US power grid operator PJM Interconnection and energy firm TimberRock to track carbon emissions from electricity use at its US facilities.

Eventually, GM plans to expand that effort to track emissions from the electric vehicles it sells, the company said.

 As GM works toward fulfilling its climate commitments, the company is focusing its renewable energy efforts on four pillars: Increasing Energy Efficiency, Sourcing Renewables, Addressing Intermittency and Policy Advocacy.

GM in June outlined plans to boost global spending on electric and self-driving vehicles to US$35 billion from US$27 billion through 2025.

The Detroit automaker in 2019 was one of several carmakers backing the Trump administration in its bid to bar California from setting its own fuel-efficiency rules or zero-emission requirements for vehicles.

GM later withdrew its support for the lawsuit as it sought to work with President Joe Biden.


MCO is back in FT, five states from Jan 13-26

                PUTRAJAYA: The government will enforce the movement control order (MCO) in the Federal Territories and five other states effective midnight Jan 13 to curb the spread of Covid-19 as the number of cases continues to rise.

This was announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin in a special televised address to the nation today.

The MCO will be enforced for 14 days until Jan 26.

The Prime Minister said the MCO will be implemented in Penang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Labuan in the Federal Territories, Melaka, Johor and Sabah.

He also said the conditional MCO will be enforced in Pahang, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.

The recovery MCO will be implemented in Perlis and Sarawak.

Only five sectors are allowed to operate during the movement control order. They are factories and manufacturing, construction, services, trades and distribution along with plantation and commodities.

Last March, the government first imposed the MCO under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and well as the Police Act 1967, which covered a range of activities.

The order then entailed a ban on all mass gathering for religious, sport, social and cultural activities.

All houses of worship and business premises were closed, with the exception of supermarkets, public markets, and sundry and convenience shops which sell daily essentials.

However, as the curve was flattened, the government slowly relaxed and opened up most industries and allowed most social economic activities.

Under various types of MCO which included the conditional MCO, targeted MCO and recovery MCO, the situation was brought under control but a third wave in October pushed the cases up to more than 3,000 on Jan 7.

The third wave mostly comprises migrant workers in manufacturing industries.

Malaysia has recorded more than 135,000 cases of Covid-19 so far, with more than 2,000 daily cases recorded in the past few days.

Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah has warned that the number of daily Covid-19 cases could reach 8,000 a day in March if the infectivity rate – known as the R-naught (R0) – stayed at 1.2.


Boosting ties with Volvo Family Bond policy

                KUALA LUMPUR: One year onward from the introduction of its global Family Bond policy, Volvo Car Malaysia continues its pursuit in advocating equal parental leave entitlement, to narrow the gender gap and provide equal opportunities for career growth.

The Family Bond policy gives all employees across Volvo Car Malaysia’s offices and plants with at least one year’s service a total of 24-week parental leave, in which during this period they will be paid at 80% of their salary by default.

The Policy is applicable to mothers and fathers, including adoptive parents, which can be taken at any time within their first three years of parenthood.

Volvo Car Malaysia CRM manager Veena Menon, in sharing her personal experience, said she could not fully express her gratitude of having 24 weeks of paid parental leave when she had her newborn.

The mother of three said: “I value the importance of early attachment in a child’s development, which is why I am grateful I can utilise the benefits from our Family Bond policy to bond and connect with my newborn during the most crucial period of her life.”

“I must say it is indeed empowering to be part of such a modern and progressive organisation.

“At Volvo, the focus has always been on the people, and through Family Bond, the company has
provided both mother and father the opportunity to play an equal role in their child’s upbringing.

“As we advance as a society, gender equality is of utmost importance and so the conversation of
whether one should choose between career or family should never exist.

“I hope to see more organisations follow in the footsteps of Volvo Cars to offer extended paid parental leave for the betterment of the family unit,” she said.

The Family Bond policy is currently offered to all Volvo Cars employees who number more than 40,000 strong around the globe, in all plants and offices.

To date, over 160 employees have benefitted from the policy globally.

Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Charles Frump said the Family Bond policy embodied the company’s culture and values.

“The Malaysian government recently announced an extension to the current parental leave policy, which now allows seven days for working fathers and 98 days for working mothers.

“This is already a positive step towards the right direction, to build further consideration for equal parental leave entitlement,” he said.

For details, visit https://www.volvocars.com/intl/about/family-bond/ or follow Volvo Car Malaysia on Facebook at http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-FB and Instagram at http://bit.ly/VolvoMY-IG for more updates.


Hyundai offers first look at all-new Sonata

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor today revealed images of its next-generation Sonata, showcasing a sporty four-door-coupe look.

The eighth-generation Sonata embodies Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design concept. It is a fully transformed vehicle following the release of the previous generation Sonata in 2014.

“Sonata celebrates innovative coupe-like silhouette,” said Sang Yup Lee, senior vice president and head of the Hyundai Design Center. “A short overhang, sloping roofline and low deck lid create a balanced feel, and Hyundai’s signature chrome accent now goes all the way into the hood, making it look even longer. It also has LED lighting built in. These cues bring the Sensuous Sportiness design to life.”

The all-new Sonata takes its inspiration from the award-winning Le Fil Rouge concept, which debuted at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. Like the concept car, the production Sonata attracts immediate attention with its Sensuous Sportiness design.

The new Sonata has a much sportier look than its predecessor, with a 30 mm lower height and a width extended by 25 mm. Its wheelbase is enlarged by 35 mm, and its whole length by 45 mm.

The new Sonata’s frontal section is defined by two elements: a bold, voluminous shape evoking a smooth sphere and a cleanly demarcated hood.

The Digital Pulse Cascading Grille, which resembles the grille of a sports car with its rhythmic visuals, is sleekly connected to the hood, strengthening the overall perception of the front.

The Daytime Running Lights, embedded with Hidden Lighting Lamps — the first for a Hyundai vehicle — are a chief design innovation that incorporates state-of-the-art lighting technology, forming the Sonata’s light architecture. The Hidden Lighting Lamps appear to be of a chromic material when switched off and become dramatically lit when turned on.

The light architecture was initially revealed through Hyundai’s HDC-2 concept car at the Busan Motor Show in June last year. It was created by fleshing out the form of the lamp and making it into a powerful design element. Along with the Sensuous Sportiness concept, the light architecture defines the design identity of future Hyundai cars.

The side sections of the Sonata are accentuated by the light architecture, which connects two chromic lines seamlessly linking the windows and daytime running lights. Through these two characteristic lines, the Sonata effuses an athletic and elegant charm.

The all-new Sonata has a wide, layered long hood, a very low stance and a sleek roofline. The feeling of width is also achieved with ultra-wide taillights.

The light architecture is also applied to the interior space with the ambient mood lamp illuminating dashboard and doors.

In the interior, the instrument panel is modern, and the recognisable winged shape is inspired by a Stealth aircraft. This shape almost levitates or floats when looked at, and this philosophy carries into the long armrests.

Designers compressed the height of the dashboard and HVAC vents as much as possible to aid the light-weight feeling, while modern, light fabric colors and leathers provide a fresh and freeing ambience for the driver.

The clean and sleek design is carried through the centre-gauge cluster display. Designers aimed to alleviate the distracting large screens featured in many luxury cars today and instead threaded the two displays together on the 2020 Sonata, using an S curve.

These displays are seamless, with no parting lines, and have capacitive touch buttons. Additional features include a satin chrome accent on the steering wheel, which looks like an aircraft yoke, and shift-by-wire transmission controls to free up storage space.


Isuzu D-Max 1.9-litre engine succeeds in 1,145km fuel economy challenge

                PETALING JAYA: The 1.9-litre single cab model of the Isuzu D-Max, loaded to its maximum permissible capacity of a tonne, has succeeded in yet another fuel economy challenge.

The fully-loaded pick-up truck was driven through some of the highest accessible hills along the Titiwangsa Mountain Range, and reached its destination after clocking 1,145km without needing to refuel – with two bars of fuel remaining in the tank.

Prior to starting its journey from the Isuzu-Hicom Malaysia factory in Pekan, Pahang, a thorough inspection of the test Isuzu D-Max 1.9-litre Single Cab model was conducted by Puspakom to verify its conformity as a showroom-standard unit before ensuring the weight of the load exceeded the 1,000kg target.

With its crates, bonnet and fuel tank sealed, the Isuzu D-Max headed north for its first challenge – the East-West highway linking Jeli in Kelantan and Gerik in Perak with a climb to the peak of 1,052m before heading to Ipoh for the night.

The next day, the challenge was even more daunting as the lone white Single Cab embarked on the arduous climb up 1,112m to Tanah Rata in Cameron Highlands before heading on to Fraser’s Hill (1,222m) via Raub.

From there, the journey took on an even-bigger challenge; the 1,604m-high climb up to Genting Highlands before ending the journey at the Isuzu Service Centre in Shah Alam after clocking 1,145km.

Consuming an average of just 7.2L100km (13.7kmL) based on the reading from its on-board computer, the 1.9L Single Cab arrived through the gates of the finish point with ample fuel to spare in its 76-litre tank.

“Through advanced technology, the new 1.9-litre RZ4E-TC engine is by far the most fuel efficient engine ever produced by Isuzu Motors and this was clearly demonstrated in this exercise. Perhaps some vehicles can travel long distances on a tank of fuel, some can probably manage to carry a ton of weight or climb mountains. But to achieve all three criteria with one vehicle is a true feat of a competent vehicle,” added CEO of Isuzu Malaysia Koji Nakamura.

Powered by the latest 1.9-litre Blue Power diesel engine that produces more power and torque than the 2.5-litre model it replaces, the Isuzu D-Max Single Cab model maximizes its performance through innovative technologies including a novel combustion chamber and intake manifold design, a new fuel injection system that provides more accurate fuel atomization and a newly-developed Variable Geometry (VGS) Turbocharger that delivers better engine response over a wider rev range.

Combined with low-friction parts that have been coated with Molybdenum and Graphite, the engine is able to provide enhanced reliability while reducing stress on individual components.

These combine to reduce the engine weight by 56kg making new Isuzu D-Max 1.9-litre Blue Power models one of the most dependable and affordable pick-up trucks on the market due to its lower maintenance costs and reduced road tax.

All Isuzu D-Max models including the 1.9-litre Single Cab come with a 5-year 150,000km warranty, ensuring that owners enjoy an ownership experience that enable them to enjoy the most of their dependable and efficient Isuzu pick-up trucks.


FIAT to introduce C-segment Tipo

                TURIN: FIAT’s new C-segment contender, as previewed by the FIAT Aegea Project unveiled in May at the Istanbul Motor Show, is to be known as the new Tipo. The historic name has been used by FIAT since its earliest days and is now making a comeback on a global model.

The new Tipo saloon measures 4.5m in length, 1.78m in width and 1.48m in height, with a wheelbase of 2.64m and boot capacity of 510 litres, meaning it can accommodate five passengers and their luggage with ease. As is the case with all FIAT products, a range of engines will be available - two MultiJet II turbo-diesel engines and two petrol units with power outputs ranging from 95hp to 120hp, offered with manual and automatic transmissions (depending on engine).

Inside, the new Tipo promises a build of the highest standards and is also available with the latest technological features including FIAT Chrysler Automobiles' touch-screen Uconnect infotainment system with hands-free Bluetooth calling and audio streaming; a rear parking camera and TomTom satellite navigation.

The new Tipo saloon sports balanced proportions and a distinctive design. It will be a member of the “Functional Family” within the FIAT Brand, with an emphasis on value for money and practical features, as well as a straightforward model range and pricing structure.

Designed in Italy at the FIAT Chrysler Automobiles Centro Stile, and developed in Turkey together with Tofas, R&D, one of FCA's largest research and development centres, the new Tipo will be manufactured in the Bursa plant in Turkey. It will retain the FIAT Aegea name in the Turkish market only.


Affin Hwang raises estimates on Malaysian auto sales

                KUALA LUMPUR: New car model launches and year-end promotional campaigns may lead to higher sales volume for December, says Affin Hwang Capital research.

The research house raised its 2018 total industry volume (TIV) forecast to 600,000 units from 594,000 units previously due to the higher sales expectations.

It maintained overweight on the sector, expecting sector earnings to remain healthy amidst top-line growth and sustained strength of the ringgit.

Its top sector picks are UMW Holdings for Toyota, Bermaz Auto for Mazda and both UMW and MBM Resources for Perodua.

For the month of November, Perodua sold 21,100 vehicles, up 26.9% year-on-year, while January-November sales reached 208,800 units, up 13.1% year-on-year.

"As such, Perodua can certainly exceed its 2018 sales target of 209k units. Perodua remains as the market leader with an 11M18-market share of 37.9% (11M17 at 35.4%), said Affin Hwang.

However, Proton's November sales volume was flat year-on-year at 4,800 units due to supply constraints during the month.

Affin Hwang expects Proton sales to improve in December as teh all-new Proton X70 launched on Dec 12, coupled with the zero SST pricing policy and year-end promotions.

Meanwhile, the foreign car brands dominated the Malaysan market for the June to November period with 51.3% market share.

"Mazda continued to shine for the fifth consecutive month - achieving another strong monthly sale of 1.9k units in Nov 18 (only 59 units lesser from the tax holiday high in Aug 18).

"We believe Mazda’s sales momentum will remain healthy, considering the order backlog of ~3k units."

Toyota sales in November, however, were down to 3,900 units or 43.3% lower year-on-year as consumers awaited the all-new Camry and Vios, which will be launched in 4Q18-1Q19.

European carmakers' 11M18 sales volume grew 12.6% to 24,400 units from highers sales volume from Mercedes Benz and BMW.


Another extension for learner’s driver licence, says Wee

                YONG PENG: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has granted seven more months to applicants taking their learner’s driving licence (LDL).

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said that this would help those who are unable to go through their driving test due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Previously, we extended the validity of the LDL, which was only three months, to November this year.

"We have been receiving feedback and calls from younger people holding LDL about the expiry of the licence.

"As the Transport Minister, I have agreed to give an extension for the LDL to June 30 next year," he said.

He said this when met after visiting a JPJ mobile counter here in Kampung Kangkar Baru today.

"Those with LDL no longer have to rush to go through their driving test with the extension. They have more time to make the necessary arrangements," he said.


Artist Maurizio Cattelan creates a BMW Spaghetti Car

                PARIS: To mark the opening of this year's Rencontres d'Arles Festival of Photography BMW has let Maurizio Cattelan put a twist on its usual tradition of approaching artists to create Art Cars.

In fact, according to Cattelan, who is technically retired from the concept of art, what he has done with the battery-powered BMW i3, with the help of BMW France, photographer Pierpaolo Ferrari and Toilet Paper, the publication Ferrari and Cattelan co-created is neither an art car, nor art.

"This is by far the best Spaghetti Car I have tasted!" said Cattelan. "All those years of perfecting definitely paid off!"

And because it is not an art car, its design will be destroyed once the show, which this year runs until Sept 25, comes to an end. The show is held in Arles, a city 745km south of here.

"The long-term cultural commitment of BMW France evolves around photography. It comes natural to count us among the admirers of Maurizio Cattelan. As for creating "art," we love what he does and we love it just as much when he does not do anything," said BMW France president Serge Naudin.

However, BMW's Art Car series is alive and well with the next editions, by John Baldessari and Cao Fei, set for reveals over the next 12 months.


Gentari rolls out S-E Asia’s first 350kW public EV charger, pricing based on consumption

                PETALING JAYA: Clean energy solutions provider Gentari Sdn Bhd today launched South-East Asia’s first 350kW public charger for electric vehicles (EVs) at X Park Sunway Serene located in the Sungai Way Free Trade Industrial Zone here.

The EV charging hub, rolled out by Gentari in partnership with EV Connection Sdn Bhd (EVC), comprises one 350kW super charger – the fastest public charger in South-East Asia, as well as two 180kW DC fast chargers and five AC chargers made up of two 22kW and three 7kW chargers.

Gentari also said the hub would be the first to offer a kilowatt-hour (kWh)-based pricing mechanism, as opposed to the time-based pricing currently practised by other players in the charging space. It said the new pricing model is fair to customers as they pay for how much electrons they pump into their batteries.

The fee is RM1.20 per kWh to use the 350kW charger, which has two charge points to "fuel up" two cars at the same time. In this case, the charger would split the power into 175kW for each car and the fee is still the same. The rate is RM1 per kWh for the 180 DC fast chargers. AC charging is 55 sen per kWh.

Depending on existing charge of cars, the 350kW charger will make light work of charging, with users expected to wait less than 30 mins to top up to 80% charge - which is pretty good for now. That's enough wait time to freshen up in the washroom or grab a cup of coffee.

The chargers at X Park are free to use for EV owners until Dec 14, according to a Gentari official. After that, users have to pay for charging via the Jomcharge or Setel app.

The DC chargers can be set up to support dynamic charging, which is a way for charging operators to share and optimise charging capacity.

In dynamic charging, the power released from the charging session of electric car A can be transferred to electric car B when car A asks less and less power towards the end of the charging session as is typical of EV batteries.

The charging cables are liquid-cooled and hence are narrower and lighter for users to handle.

X Park is notable for being the first EV charging hub in Malaysia to be licensed by the Energy Commission (EC), which ensures the safety of the facility’s structure and operations with an aim to improve confidence in Malaysia’s EV charging ecosystem.

X Park was chosen as an EV charging hub because of its strategic location. It is well-positioned to serve residential and business EV users around Petaling Jaya who are looking for reliable and convenient charging facilities with a shorter charge time. X Park is also equipped with F&B and entertainment options offered for the convenience of drivers while they charge their EVs.

Gentari and EVC’s upcoming charging hub currently under construction at the Bangi Golf Resort also received a licence from the EC. It is set to open next month.

Following the launch of the 350kW charger here, Gentari arranged a fleet of EVs for members of the press to drive to the Bangi resort to check out the charging hub facilities. The cars heading to Bangi included BMW iX and iX3; Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kona Electric; Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric; Tesla Model 3;  and the Ora Good Cat.

A highlight at the Bangi hub are the three Kempower DC fast chargers from Finland configured with four charging guns. Between them, they share 200kW and are able to charge dynamically as well. One cool feature of the slim advanced chargers is the ability to mirror the information on a user's smartphone by scanning a QR code on the Kempower display.

The information on the phone is exactly the same as shown on the Kempower display and the user can flip through the different layers of charging info as if he was at the display - useful when one is away from the charger and wants to get an updated status.

“Gentari’s new high-speed charging hub at X Park Sunway Serene is expected to contribute significantly towards supporting a viable EV ecosystem by improving range confidence for EV drivers with a focus on the urban charging experience," said Gentari’s chief green mobility officer Shah Yang Razalli.

"As the first charging system to be licensed by EC, we are pleased to support efforts to standardise and govern Malaysia’s emerging green mobility sector, towards boosting consumer confidence."

Shah said Gentari is looking to establish more DC fast chargers along highways, adding that ideally such chargers should be set up every 80km along the stretch. He said the fast chargers would initially be installed at Petronas stations but Gentari is also open to working with other fuelling operators and premises with high traffic flow.

“We hope that the provision of a diverse range of affordable and accessible fast-charging infrastructure at X Park, Bangi Golf Resort and future licensed installations nationwide will help spur the EV adoption rate among Malaysians," said EVC managing director Lee Yuen How.

With the upcoming hub at the Bangi Golf Club soon to join its network, Gentari is focused on offering a mix of hubs in quick-moving high traffic areas such as X Park as well as leisure destinations such as Bangi Golf Club, to seamlessly blend EV charging with other routine activities.

Since its formation in June 2022, Gentari has made notable progress in providing range confidence among EV users by deploying 117 charging points across 20 locations in Malaysia and a total of 133 charging points in India.

With a mission to be Asia Pacific’s preferred green mobility solutions provider, the Petronas subsidiary aims to capture 10% market share (circa 25,000 charging points based on current estimates) across key markets in Asia Pacific by 2030.

In the mid-term, Gentari aims to install 9,000 public charging points by 2026, with an anchored presence in Malaysia and India.

Oh, if you are wondering how the name Gentari was coined, it's like this. The name Gentari is a combination of the English word "Generation" and Malay word "Lestari", which means sustainable. Mesh the two words together and a new company is founded.

READ MORE:
Here comes 600kW chargingGentari gets its first CEO Shah (left) and Lee posing with the 350kW charger.Bangi EV charging hub (set to open in late December 2022)


Dr M: If you are 90, don’t drive

Dr Mahathir and Loke appear together in the Raya road safety message. - Screengrab from jkjrgovmalaysia video
PETALING JAYA: Perhaps no one exemplifies the “can-do spirit” better than Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad but there is something that the Prime Minister doesn’t want you to do.

“Those who are 90, better not drive! I enjoy driving but I only get to do so on the weekends,” said the 93-year-old.

Even then, he said there would be someone seated next to him and that person was always gesturing to him to be cautious.

The Prime Minister said this in a light-hearted moment during a brief video appearance with Transport Minister Anthony Loke on road safety in conjunction with Hari Raya.

As for those with outstanding traffic summonses, he said they should be responsible and pay up.

Asked about discounts for summonses for the fest˘ive season, he quipped: “If there are discounts for summonses, I think it will not be a deterrent to us.”

Loke noted that the Government did not intend to penalise road users with traffic summonses but said it was a reminder for them to be aware about road safety issues.

“I recently issued a directive for affected cars to replace airbags, otherwise they will be issued a summons,” he said.

Asked if the Government would implement new road regulations, Loke said the ministry was studying whether there was a need for it.

“What’s important is that when we drive back to our hometowns, we must remember that we want to be with our family.

“If you are sleepy while on the road, try listening to some music to liven up the mood,” he said.


Ministry may use e-manual to end Highway Code book shortage

                MALACCA: The Transport Ministry will look into an online option to address the shortage of Highway Code books for learner drivers during peak seasons, says its minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

Liow said the recent shortage in Selangor was due to the surge in registration at driving schools by those completing their SPM examination and also the school holidays.

“I have instructed the Road Transport Department director-general to overcome the shortage.

“We are looking at other options including the e-manual to address the insufficient supply,” he said after launching the “Jom Teguh” carnival at SJK (C) Yu Ying, Jalan Bukit Godek in Semabok, here.

The acute shortage also affected other driving schools nationwide.

Driving schools have an average of between 1,000 and 1,200 applicants for “L” licences each month and the scarcity of books has delayed scheduled tests across the country.


2015 Tokyo Motor Show: Toyota to debut 3 new concepts

                TOKYO: Toyota will present its vision for the future of mobility at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.

Making their global debuts will be three very different concept cars, namely the Toyota S-FR, a fun-to-drive entry-level lightweight sports car, and the FCV Plus, a fuel cell concept that embodies Toyota's vision of a hydrogen-based society and the Kikai, a concept that encourages us to appreciate the beauty of machines.

The Toyota S-FR has a FR (front engine/rear drive) format, and a six-speed manual transmission which adds to the car's fun, responsive drive.

 Toyota FCV Plus

As for the the FCV Plus, its fuel cell stack is mounted between the front tyres, and the hydrogen tank behind the rear seat.

Together with the adoption of independent in-wheel motors in all four wheels, this allows for a spacious cabin despite the FCV Plus' compact vehicle body.

In addition to the FCV Plus' own hydrogen tank, the car can also generate electricity directly from hydrogen stored outside the vehicle.

 Toyota Kikai

Meanwhile, the Kikai concept takes the machinery, normally hidden beneath the vehicle body, and makes an open display of its beauty.

Directly expressed in this way, the Kikai concept's inner workings become part of the exterior.


UK ends subsidies for electric cars on surging demand

                LONDON: The UK said it would scrap the last remaining subsidies for electric cars, saying the move would free up cash to expand the charging network and encourage sales of other battery-powered vehicles, such as vans, taxis and motorcycles.

The £300 million (RM1.6bil) grant-funding program is closing to new orders today, the Department for Transport said in a statement. The scheme “has succeeded in creating a mature market for ultra-low emission vehicles,” the department said.

Previous reductions in the grants haven’t had an impact on the strong demand for EVs, showing that the time was right to shift the resources to charging infrastructure and sales of other types of vehicles, the department said.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders faulted the move, saying it would make the UK the only major European market without any incentives for EVs at a time when new car sales have been plunging.

“With the sector not yet in recovery, and all manufacturers about to be mandated to sell significantly more EVs than current demand indicates, this decision comes at the worst possible time,” said SMMT chief executive officer Mike Hawes.


BMW joins Toyota, Kia and Hyundai on hydrogen bandwagon

                MUNICH: Despite having invested heavily in battery technology for electric vehicles, BMW has also been dabbling in the alternative hydrogen fuel cell powertrain technologies.

The German carmaker offers first virtual insights into the powertrain system for the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT for emission-free mobility.

This approach also takes into consideration different market and customer requirements as part of the company’s Power of Choice strategy.

The company has been working with Toyota Motor Corporation on fuel cell technology since 2013.

It will be some time before a production car powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology can be offered due to the lack of infrastructure and hydrogen needs to be produced using green electricity in sufficient quantities for it to be priced competitively.

Only then can hydrogen will then be used primarily in applications that cannot be directly electrified, such as long-distance heavy-duty transportation.

The company is already bringing battery electric vehicles to market with sustainable energy and will soon be offering its customers a wide range of electrified vehicles.

A total of 25 models have been slated for launch by 2023, including at least twelve with an all-electric powertrain.

BMW and Toyota are looking into fuel cell powertrain systems with components that are scalable and modular for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles under a product development cooperation agreement.

Fuel cells from the cooperation with Toyota will be deployed in the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT, alongside a fuel cell stack and overall system developed by the BMW Group.

The fuel cell stack generates 170hp from the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen sourced from ambient air and emits nothing but water vapour.

The electric converter located underneath the fuel cell adapts the voltage level to that of both the electric powertrain and the peak power battery, which is fed by brake energy as well as the energy from the fuel cell.

The vehicle also accommodates a pair of 700 bar tanks that can together hold 6kg of hydrogen which can be refuelled in three to four minutes.

The fifth-generation eDrive unit set to make its debut in the  iX3 is also fully integrated into the  i Hydrogen NEXT.

The battery positioned above the electric motor injects an extra dose of dynamics when overtaking or accelerating with a total output of 374hp.

This hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrain will be piloted in a small series based on the current X5 that BMW plans to present in 2022.

A customer offering that's powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology will be brought to market at the earliest in the second half of this decade by the Bavarian automaker, depending on the global market conditions and requirements.

As well as partnering on the development and industrialisation of fuel cell technology for the mass market, the two companies are also founding members of the Hydrogen Council.

Other leading companies in the energy, transport and industrial sectors have joined the council since 2017, bringing the total number of members to 80.

BMW is currently involved in research to make compact hydrogen storage tanks that can carry an optimum volume of fuel.

This alliance is between BMW AG, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Leichtbauzentrum Sachsen GmbH, the Technical University of Dresden and WELA Handelsgesellschaft mbH.

The collaboration seeks to develop high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks designed to allow easy integration into future universal vehicle architectures.

The project aims to develop tanks with a flat design. Set to run for a period of three-and-a-half years and receives funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy,

Additionally, the project looks to help lower the cost of manufacturing hydrogen tanks for fuel cell vehicles, enabling them to compete effectively with battery electric vehicles.


Porsche and Audi unveil electric cars to take on Tesla

FRANKFURT: The high-performance electric car market is shaping up to be a high-profile battleground featuring some of the world's most glamorous brands after Porsche and Audi unveiled models to challenge US pioneer Tesla Motors.

Consumers have largely shunned electric vehicles because of their high price tags and limited driving range, as well as the scarcity of charging stations, though many analysts predict sales will rise sharply by the end of the decade.

Tesla, however, has enjoyed success and managed to stay ahead of the pack with new technology, which has extended driving range and reduced costs.

Germany's Audi and Porsche - Volkswagen's two premium flagships - showcased purely battery-powered cars at the Frankfurt auto show on Monday.

The impact on Tesla is not clear cut, according to analysts. As two of the world's most sought-after auto brands, they represent heavyweight competition for the attention of wealthy, environmentally conscious buyers. But they also boost the credibility and cachet of the all-electric market, which could benefit Tesla.

"It will certainly sharpen the public focus on electric vehicles and raise overall awareness. Consumers are also set to gain from growing offerings of electric cars, especially in the performance segment," said Commerzbank analyst Sascha Gommel.

Audi unveiled its e-tron quattro sport-utility concept - its first electric model designed for series production - and Porsche its first-ever battery-powered sports car in Frankfurt.

Neither car will be available to buy until around 2018, but the launches are perhaps aimed at stealing the limelight from Tesla's first luxury electric crossover, the Model X, ahead of its planned start of deliveries on Sept. 29.

Audi had initial misgivings over whether to launch dedicated electric vehicles, a reticence which some analysts said risked making them look like a laggard in an industry where innovation is a major draw for customers.

The all-electric venture represents a change of course for Audi, which had previously focused on developing electric variants of existing models such as its two-seater R8 sports car rather than committing to serial production like German rival BMW with its "i" brand electric series.

While the two car brands did not reveal many specifics about their models, they are set to match Tesla - whose prices start at around US$77,000 - in the crucial driving range department.

Audi said its e-tron quattro, to be launched by 2018, would have over 500km per charge. That compares with about 483km for Tesla's new Model S P90D saloon, which is already getting rave media reviews.

Porsche's Mission E also boasts over 500km of range with its first all-electric concept sports car, two sources close to the company said, adding that it was roomier than the 911 and predicting a market launch in 2018-19.

"The largest challenge set forth by Tesla against all entrants into the pure electric market is that the benchmarks have already been set, and the bar is rather high," said Ivan Drury, senior manager at US automotive website Edmunds.com.

"The fascination with Tesla is not that they were the first to introduce an all-electric vehicle, it stems more from the first electric vehicle without compromise to styling, performance metrics and range," Drury said.

Audi has paid heed with the electric R8 which it dropped in 2012 due to poor range but revived earlier this year after doubling the range to 450km.

The German brands may rapidly close the gap with Tesla on engine and battery technology, said Laurent Petizon, an automotive consultant with AlixPartners.

Audi and Porsche can make "a better car than Tesla in terms of driving experience, balance, suspension and road handling", Petizon added.

"They have been doing it for 100 years and it's their job."


Toyo Proxes tyre wins award

                KUALA LUMPUR: Toyo Tyre Sales and Marketing Malaysia has been selected as winner of The BrandLaureate Best Brands Award 2016 - 2017 “Corporate Branding: Automotive –  Proxes High Performance Tyres".

This honour is bestowed to very select brands that have demonstrated strong brand values and good social and business conduct.

Candidates are judged with a stringent 300-point selection criteria consisting of brand strategy, brand culture, integrated brand communications, brand equity and brand performance.

As a brand, Toyo Tires is synonymous with 'high performance' having built a legacy of delivering innovation, performance, quality and excellent service for more than 72 years.

With that reputation, Toyo Tires and their Malaysian subsidiary, Toyo Tyre Sales and Marketing Malaysia further reinforces this reputation with their renowned Proxes High Performance tyres as well as Tranpath MPV tyres, Open Country SUV / 4X4 tyres and the Energy Efficient Nano Energy 3 tyres.

Toyo Tires are also the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vehicle tyre of choice for manufacturers internationally with tyres being exported to the U.S., Japan, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and South East Asia.

Toyo Tyre Sales and Marketing Malaysia has established a strong and comprehensive network of “One-Stop Tyre Sales and Service” centres throughout Malaysia.

Its top advantage is superior customer service at all Toyo Premium Auto centres, Toyo Auto centres and Toyo Tyre centres, which offer modern facilities, the latest state of the art automotive equipment, ample parking and air-conditioned waiting rooms.

Toyo Tyre Sales and Marketing Malaysia is also very active with its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives like organising and sponsoring defensive driving courses for Government agencies, sponsoring major sports events across the country and providing educational scholarships for deserving students.

Toyo Tyre Sales and Marketing Malaysia chairman Kanji Kasai received the award on behalf of the company at a gala dinner held at The Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

"I would like to thank everyone involved for their dedication and effort that has made this possible," said Kasai.


Peugeot Lounge enters Malaysia Book of Records

                SUBANG JAYA: Nasim Sdn Bhd, the purveyor of Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia, had its Peugeot Lounge at the Subang Skypark Terminal in Subang Jaya entered into the Malaysia Book of Records for being the nation’s “First Automotive Airport Lounge”.

The premium automotive airport lounge is the first of its kind to provide an exclusive experience for all Peugeot owners on outbound flights from the Subang Skypark Terminal.

Other than exclusive Peugeot merchandises, the lounge also offers amenities such as complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi and Internet services, Astro channels, flight information display, newspapers and magazines, a meeting room and a VIP room.

According to Nasim, the lounge has hosted more than 11,000 Peugeot owners over the last two years and also includes prominent figures such as ministers, corporate leaders and celebrities.

Due to its growing popularity at the airport, the Peugeot Lounge is now affiliated to premium international lounge operators such as Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, Angel Airport UK and Skypark.

Additionally, the lounge has also played host to numerous other events, which includes the Selangor Ministry of Tourism Bloggers Day, Launch of Minister of Tourism's Visit Year Malaysia and the Opening Ceremony of Circle K convenient store from Japan amongst others.

Peugeot owners visiting the lounge are required to present their valid boarding pass together with their Peugeot Privilege card or Peugeot car key for verification purposes in order to enjoy the complimentary facilities and may bring in one guest at no charge.

The lounge is open from 6.00am to 8.00pm daily and is located on the first floor of the Subang Skypark Terminal.

“It is a proud moment for the Peugeot Lounge to be recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first automotive airport lounge and we are thankful of this recognition,” said Nasim chief operating officer Datuk Samson Anand George

For more information about the Peugeot Lounge call +603-7734 1075.


Toyota hooks up with NVIDIA in move to speed up self-driving development

                SAN JOSE: Toyota Research Institute-Advanced Development and NVIDIA announced on Monday a new collaboration to develop, train and validate self-driving vehicles.

The partnership builds on an ongoing relationship with Toyota to use the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Xavier AV computer and is based on close development between teams from NVIDIA, TRI-AD in Japan and Toyota Research Institute (TRI) in the United States. The broad partnership includes advancements in AI computing infrastructure using NVIDIA GPUs; simulation using the NVIDIA DRIVE Constellation platform; and in-car AV computers based on DRIVE AGX Xavier or DRIVE AGX Pegasus.

The agreement includes the development of an architecture that can be scaled across many vehicle models and types, accelerating the development and production timeline, and simulating the equivalent of billions of miles of driving in challenging scenarios.

“Our vision is to enable self-driving vehicles with the ultimate goal of reducing fatalities to zero, enabling smoother transportation, and providing mobility for all,” said Dr James Kuffner, CEO of TRI-AD. “Our technology collaboration with NVIDIA is important to realising this vision. We believe large-scale simulation tools for software validation and testing are critical for automated driving systems.”

NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang added, “Self-driving vehicles for everyday use and commercial applications in countless industries will soon be commonplace. Everything that moves will be autonomous. Producing all these vehicles at scale will require a connected collaboration for all elements of the system. Our relationship with TRI-AD and TRI is a model for that collaboration.”

AI, and specifically deep learning, has become a vital tool for the production of next-generation automated vehicles, particularly because of the need to recognise and handle the nearly infinite number of scenarios encountered on the road.

Simulation has proven to be a valuable tool for testing and validating AV hardware and software before it is put on the road. As part of the collaboration, TRI-AD and TRI are using the NVIDIA DRIVE Constellation platform for components of their simulation workflow.

DRIVE Constellation is a data centre solution, comprising two side-by-side servers. The first server — Constellation Simulator — uses NVIDIA GPUs running DRIVE Sim software to generate the sensor output from a virtual car driving in a realistic virtual world. The second server — Constellation Vehicle — contains the DRIVE AGX car computer, which processes the simulated sensor data. The driving decisions from Constellation Vehicle are fed back into Constellation Simulator, aiming to realise accurate testing.


US advances New York City vehicle congestion pricing plan

                WASHINGTON: A New York City plan to charge a daily toll on vehicles entering or remaining in the central business district got a boost on Monday from the US Department of Transportation, which said the city had adequately assessed how the congestion charge would help the environment.

The department's Federal Highway Administration said the planned change will have no significant environmental impact and that a more comprehensive environmental analysis was unnecessary.

The decision allows the sponsors of the plan, the first of its kind in the US, to advance their application to the US agency's Value Pricing Pilot Program which "provides transportation agencies with options to manage congestion through tolling and other pricing mechanisms," the FHA said.

Three Democratic lawmakers from New Jersey - Senator Bob Menendez and representatives Josh Gottheimer and Bill Pascrell blasted the decision saying the plan was "nothing more than a cash grab to fund" the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Menendez has introduced legislation that would cut 50% of federal highway grant funding to New York state if the plan goes ahead.

In May, USDOT approved release of the final environmental assessment for New York's congestion pricing plan for public review.

The city wants to charge a daily variable toll for vehicles entering or remaining within the central business district, defined as between 60th Street in Midtown Manhattan and Battery Park on Manhattan's southern tip.

Following entry into a tolling agreement, tolling could begin up to 310 days later, the city said in May.

New York City, which has the most congested traffic of any US city, would become the first major city in the US to follow London, which implemented a similar charge in 2003.

New York lawmakers approved the plan in 2019 to provide funding to improve mass transit by using tolls to manage traffic in central Manhattan.

The plan was originally projected to start in 2021 but the federal government under President Donald Trump took no action.


Five things CarSifu likes about the Mercedes-Benz GLE

1. The look
The revised exterior styling, designed by the good people at performance-minded Mercedes-AMG, will make anyone stand up and notice this vehicle. Its brawny and muscular presence with chrome skid plates attached to the front and rear bumpers means this car ain’t no pushover.

2. The cabin
Step inside the newly revised cabin and there’s no mistaking the luxury and style the GLE400 exudes. This review unit is covered in leather and dark wood trim which gives it a sense of stealth. Most importantly, it’s comfortable and quiet.

READ ALSO:
Bam! Mercedes-Benz serves up 3 SUVsFirst drive of the Mercedes-Benz GLEAre you 'Hungry for Adventure'?3. The safety
Customer safety is always on the mind of Mercedes-Benz which is why it comes standard with its radar-based system which will warn you if a collision is imminent and even brake for you with its Collision Prevention Assist Plus. And that’s not all, the Pre Safe feature will even tighten the seat belt, close the windows and sunroof to better protect its occupants moments before collision. This is simply priceless.

4. The cupholders
Really? Cupholders? What’s so fancy about that? Well, the cupholders in the centre console keeps your drinks warmer or cooler at the touch of a button. Not your average upholder, huh?

5. The puddle lamps
This light is situated underneath the wing mirrors and lights up when you are getting in and out of the car. While this is a common feature, this lamp is like a reverse Bat-signal, illuminating the ground with its laurel-wreath Mercedes-Benz logo, which first appeared in 1926.


635hp BMW M5 CS is king of M cars

                MUNICH: BMW M GmbH is expanding its ranks of ultra-sporty CS models with the introduction of the M5 CS.

The limited-run, exclusive special-edition model treats four people to an extraordinary driving experience and blends standout performance attributes with an exclusive and luxurious appearance.

It builds on the recently established presence of the M3 CS, M4 CS and M2 CS. This is the first time a limited-run, exclusive special edition of the legendary M5 has been created.

As the flagship model in the range, the M5 CS represents the highest rung of the BMW M ladder and sets new standards with its performance attributes combined with an exclusive and luxurious appearance.

The 4.4-litre V8 engine with 635hp makes the M5 CS the most powerful car in the history of BMW M. Standard features include the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which also offers a 2WD mode for pure rear-wheel drive.

It is 70kg lighter than the M5 Competition. With retuned bearing springs at the front and rear axle and further refined damper control, the chassis has been adapted to the lower vehicle weight and the increased performance potential of the standard mixed-size Pirelli P Zero Corsa track tyres (front: 275/35 R 20, rear: 285/35 R 20).

The M5 CS sprints from 0 to 100kph in 3.0 seconds, and from 0 to 200kph in 10.3 seconds. Top speed is an electronically capped at 305kph.

The exceptional driving experience on board the M5 CS can be enjoyed by four people – the driver and front passenger in M Carbon seats and two other passengers in the individual rear seats.

The black Merino leather covers (fine-grain for the front seats) also feature eye-catching contrasting panels and decorative stitching in Mugello Red. The integral head restraints – with illuminated M5 logos for the front seats – display an outline of the legendary Nürburgring circuit.

The centre marker perforation with red background on the M Alcantara steering wheel is a classical racing car touch; the gearshift paddles are made from carbon fibre and the steering wheel spokes have Black Chrome trim.

A fixed lightweight cover on the centre console replaces the usual armrest with opening lid. Its black Merino leather is complemented by red double stitching. The colour red is used again for the “CS” badging on the instrument panel and between the bucket-style seats in the rear.

The BMW kidney grille surround on the M5 CS, the “M5 CS” badges on the kidney grille, the M gills on the front wings and the boot lid are finished in the bold colour shade Gold Bronze, as are the 20-inch M forged wheels in Y-spoke design (front: 9.5 J x 20, rear: 10.5 J x 20). The door sill finishers come with illuminated “M5 CS” badges.

The L-shaped light tubes of the BMW Laser headlights illuminate yellow instead of white when low beam, high beam or the Welcome Light is switched on, bringing successful GT racing cars to mind.

The bonnet, front splitter, exterior mirror caps, rear spoiler, rear diffuser, M Power engine compartment cover and intake silencer are made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Some elements feature exposed carbon fibre.

Standard specification for the M5 CS includes its stainless-steel sports exhaust system with four unadorned tailpipes and the M Carbon ceramic brakes, whose callipers are painted in Red as standard or Gold as an option.

Available alongside the Brands Hatch Grey metallic paint shade are the exclusive BMW Individual matt paint finishes Frozen Brands Hatch Grey metallic and Frozen Deep Green metallic.

The market launch of the new M5 CS will get under way in spring 2021; in Germany it will be priced at €180,400 (RM887,000).


TomTom completes move to new map platform

                AMSTERDAM: TomTom said it has completed its move to a new transactional-based mapmaking platform that is critical to bringing users real-time maps.

The platform is the first of its kind in the map industry and a leap forward in mapmaking technologies, said TomTom.

TomTom’s new transactional mapmaking platform promises big advantages in efficiencies and minimises the time between detecting changes in the real-world and updating the map on an end-user’s devices.

A change can pass through TomTom’s mapmaking process, be fully quality assured in real-time, and end up in a customer’s map in just minutes. This new platform can scale to process new sources of sensor data efficiently, furthering TomTom’s lead in optimising professional and community input mapmaking techniques. End-users using TomTom’s real-time maps are assured of accurate and up-to-date maps across automotive, mobile and location-based online applications.

“We are the first to deliver a global platform that allows for map updates to be continuously released to users,” said Harold Goddijn, CEO at TomTom. “The era of map updates in batches is over, now we can update maps as changes are detected. This puts TomTom in a unique position to start providing the real-time quality and accuracy needed for the future use-cases such as driver assistance applications and highly automated driving.”


Toyota tunes the GT86 so that you won't have to

                LOS ANGELES: Toyota is launching a new special edition of its affordable sports car complete with a unique paint finish and some transmission tweaks.

The standard Toyota 86 (or GT86 depending where in the world you live) is a huge favorite with the Japanese tuner community thanks to its sprightly boxer engine, rear-wheel drive, classical wedge-shaped styling and the huge choice of aftermarket parts and accessories available for it.

However, with the new 860 Special Edition, Toyota is offering the car "tuned" as standard. It will come in either supernova Orange or Halo White (just 860 examples in each color) and with a host of external aerodynamic adjustments including a special rear spoiler, underbody aerodynamics, 17-inch alloy wheels and contrasting black racing stripes.

Inside there's a leather interior, the infotainment system has been uprated to measure track performance including g-force in corners and torque curves and if you plump for the paddle-shift gearbox it comes with automatic rev matching to replicate heel-toeing the throttle and brake while downshifting.

"The 86 is recognized by enthusiasts for its impressive driving performance and its value-oriented price tag," said John Myers, Toyota national manager vehicle marketing and communications. "The 860 Special Edition will amplify these core elements with an added dose of premium styling mixed with performance technology."

The new model will cost from $29,155 when it goes on sale in the US at the end of March.


UPS orders 125 all-electric trucks from Tesla

                ATLANTA: UPS announced Tuesday it will buy 125 of Tesla's all-electric semi trucks, the largest such order since the vehicle was unveiled in November.

The order by UPS, one of the biggest operators of commercial trucking fleets, comes on the heels of a PepsiCo announcement two weeks ago to buy 100 of the Tesla trucks.

The vehicles are designed to run up to 804km on a single charge, helping UPS meet its targets for reducing carbon emissions and gasoline use, the company said.

"These groundbreaking electric tractors are poised to usher in a new era in improved safety, reduced environmental impact, and reduced cost of ownership," said UPS chief information and engineering officer Juan Perez.

The vehicles will cost between US$150,000 and US$200,000 (up to RM816,000) and will be available in 2020. Tesla plans to begin production in 2019.

Led by Elon Musk, Tesla has been at the forefront of the electric car industry. But the company has come under scrutiny of late for pushing back the timeframe for building the Model 3 sedan, its first aimed at the middle market.

German carmaker Daimler last week delivered its first fully electric trucks to companies in Europe, selling to express delivery service DHL and to German logistics and transport firms DB Schenker, Rhenus and Dachser. UPS has also ordered electric trucks from Daimler.


Harman buys up Bang & Olufsen’s auto audio business

                NEW YORK: High-end Danish car audio maker Bang & Olufsen Automotive has been acquired by US-based Harman International Industries, Inc.

Harman announced the completion of its US$156mil acquisition last Friday.

Bang & Olufsen branded audio products are available in a wide range of Audi, Aston Martin, BMW and Mercedes-Benz car models.

“The additions of Bang & Olufsen and B&O PLAY as distinctive and renowned brands will complement our existing premium branded offerings and strengthen Harman’s position as a leader in this segment,” said Harman chairman/president/CEO Dinesh Paliwal, whose company is based in Stamford near here.

“With this acquisition, we are continuing Harman’s drive to offer our customers the strongest portfolio of brands and technologies.”

B&O PLAY is Bang & Olufsen’s portable range of audio products comprising headphones and speakers.

Harman brands are in more than 25 million cars, and the Bang & Olufsen and the B&O PLAY brands will join HARMAN’s portfolio of car audio brands, including Bowers & Wilkins, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon, Mark Levinson and Revel.


BMW wants RM1.3mil for new-gen X6 M

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia has unveiled the second generation of its high-performance all-wheel-drive Sports Activity Coupé (SAC), the new BMW X6 M.

The new vehicle retails at RM1.24mil (on-the-road, without insurance) and comes with BMW Malaysia’s latest five-years unlimited mileage warranty and free scheduled service programme.

The new BMW X6 M, which body is lowered by 10mm, now sports M-specific chassis modifications, which include stiffer springs. It is also equipped with a pneumatic rear suspension featured as standard.

These enhancements and the dynamic damper control with electronically adjustable damping for comfort, sport and sport + modes ensure a perfect balance between high-level dynamism and comfort.

With its new axle design, specially developed non-runflat tyres and an M-tuned xDrive all-wheel drive system, the new BMW X6 M also ensures road-gripping traction and delivers perfect distribution of drive between the front and rear axles, allowing for optimal traction in all situations.

Managing director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia Alan Harris said five years ago, the introduction of the first generation BMW X6 M marked yet another significant BMW success story in terms of dynamic excellence, distinct M design and outstanding efficiency.

“Today, with its revolutionary design that combines the agility and athletic design of a BMW Coupé with the versatility and seating capabilities of an SAV, and the pure performance capabilities typical of the creations from the BMW M division, the new BMW X6 M will not only deliver the ultimate premium experience, but also prove BMW’s ability to continue taking its vehicle concepts to an even higher level,” he said.

The BMW X6 M is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 M TwinPower turbo engine, which delivers 575hp, which is 20hp more than its predecessor, and a 10% increase in torque to 750 Nm.

The new vehicle boasts acceleration power from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds. Despite this, fuel consumption and C02 emissions has been reduced by more than 20% to just 11.1l/100km and 258g/km respectively.

The power delivery of the new BMW X6 M is transmitted via the new eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic which is bound to set new benchmarks in dynamics and shifting.

The Drivelogic function allows for unusually fine increments between gears and extremely rapid shifts which facilitate optimum force delivery at all speeds, guaranteeing the ultimate in power and efficiency.

As an M exclusive feature, there is no automatic force-transmitting connection between the engine and the transmission when the vehicle is at a standstill. This prevents the vehicle from moving immediately after selecting Drive and releasing the break; the car will only move with a short tap on the accelerator.


2020 Honda BR-V refreshed: RM90K (E variant), RM97K (V variant)

                PETALING JAYA: The seven-seater Honda BR-V has been refreshed for 2020, with new exterior and interior enhancements.

It is priced on-the-road without insurance at RM89,900 for E variant and RM96,900 for V variant (update: see table below for revised lower prices valid until Dec 31, 2020) .

To complement the “Active-Solid Motion” design concept, both variants get a new front grille, front bumper with lower bumper garnish, 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheel, a new shark fin antenna, new rear bumper with lower bumper garnish, tweeter speakers, cargo light, and cabin filter.

The E variant is also enhanced with automatic air-conditioning, keyless entry and engine push-start button.

Meanwhile, the V variant is refreshed by new front fog light garnish, a 7-inch display audio system, paddle shifters, leather seats with red finishing and a gear knob with red stitching.

A brand-new colour is Marine Purple Pearl.

The full colour line-up includes White Orchid Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Lunar Silver Metallic and Passion Red Pearl.

READ MORE:  Honda kicks off two community relief campaigns

“When first introduced in Malaysia in 2017, the Bold Runabout Vehicle (BR-V) revolutionised the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment. The growing popularity of the BR-V is attributed to its combination of versatile and practical features, good product quality and fuel efficiency, as well as customers’ trust in the Honda brand over the years. With improvements in this New BR-V, we believe the model will continue to receive positive market acceptance,” said Honda Malaysia managing director and CEO Toichi Ishiyama.

The BR-V remains powered by a 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine mated to a CVT (continuous variable transmission), and produces 120ps, the highest in its class.

To maximise space for passengers and cargo, it offers multiple configurations enabled by the 60:40 one-touch tilt and tumble in the second row and 50:50 tilt and full tumble in the third row.

It has the biggest trunk space at 223 litres when all the seats are up and 539 litres when the third-row seats are folded down.


Nasim kicks off year-end promo for Peugeot SUVs

                PETALING JAYA: Peugeot distributor Nasim Sdn Bhd is offering more reasons for car-buyers to become new owners of its 3008 and 5008 sports utility vehicles (SUVs) with its year-end promotion.

The deals are valid from now until Dec 31.

Customers are able to trade-in their vehicles and get up to RM10,000 extra from their current vehicle’s appraised value.

Those who buy the 3008 or 5008 SUV Plus will be entitled to a three-year free maintenance service, which includes parts and labour charges.

Customers can also inquire for a special ownership financing with Affin Bank that allows them to own the SUVs from a low monthly repayment of RM1,300.

Both SUV Plus models feature the signature Peugeot i-Cockpit to help maximise driver engagement through its minimalist design as well as safety features including Active Lane Departure Warning and Correction, Driver Attention Alert and Blindspot monitoring Information.

Budding owners are invited to drop by any Peugeot outlets nationwide to peruse and take advantage of this year-end promotional package.

All Peugeot models are accompanied by a 5 Years Peace of Mind or 120,000km warranty (whichever comes first) that has been bundled with Nasim’s 24-hour Peugeot Assistance service, complimentary access to the award-winning Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and Peugeot Privilege membership.


Kia shows off first exterior shots of new Sportage

                FRANKFURT: Kia Motors has today revealed the first official exterior images of the all-new Sportage. The SUV will make its global debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show on Sept 15.

Entering its fourth-generation, the Sportage features a bold, progressive design, with the vehicle’s designers creating a sense of power and agility from every angle. Echoing the contrast of smooth and sharp shapes found on some of the most iconic modern fighter jets, the Sportage creates visual harmony out of the tension between sharp, defined feature lines and smooth surfacing.

The ‘face’ of the all-new Sportage represents the biggest change to the car’s design, with the car’s headlamps no longer integrated with the grille for the new model, instead sweeping back along the outer edges of the more sharply-detailed bonnet and bolder wheel arches.

Immediately recognisable as a Kia, the Sportage’s lower, wider ‘tiger-nose’ grille adds more volume to the lower half of the Sportage’s face, resulting in a more imposing appearance and a more stable-looking stance.

The Sportage is characterised by its sportier, more raked profile. From the side, the Sportage retains the swept-back silhouette of the outgoing model, with a roofline that tapers slightly towards the rear of the car, longer front overhangs, shorter rear overhangs and longer wheelbase. Smooth bodywork, bolder wheel arches and sharp lines confer on the Sportage a more dynamic, muscular look.

At the rear, the horizontal forms and surface volume emphasise the car’s width and give the compact SUV a more stable appearance. Inspired by the 2013 Kia Provo concept car, the slim combination lamps are joined by a strip that runs the width of the rear, while turn signals and reversing lights are separated, relocated lower down to add more visual weight and a greater sense of stability to the lower half of the car.

The design of the new Sportage has been led by Kia’s European design studio here, with input from the brand’s Namyang, Korea and Irvine, California design centres.


2017 Tokyo Motor Show: Honda's electrification challenges

Hachigo posing with the Riding Assist-e self-balancing motorcycle.
On the sidelines of the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Honda Motor president and CEO Takahiro Hachigo spoke to journalists about the challenges in expanding green vehicle sales, his love for sports cars, and the automaker's efforts to reduce its environmental footprint.

Earlier in June, the Japanese automaker had outlined its vision which aims to have green vehicles forming two-thirds of its global sales by 2030.

"Two-thirds or 65 percent of our sales in 2030 will be hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), full battery EV (electric vehicle) models and hydrogen powered/fuel cell (FCV) vehicles," said Hachigo.

Electrification challenges

Hachigo does not think that major oil producing nations or regions like the United States, Russia and the Middle East will oppose the expanding use of green vehicles.

"Electrification is not a purpose in itself. Our objective is to conserve natural resources, and reduce CO2 emissions. Ultimately, consumers have freedom to decide on what they want."

He said the challenges are improving EV technology, reducing the cost of production, and building infrastructure for EVs.

"Regarding the first two challenges, it depends on us. Regarding infrastructure, we have to work with governments."

Collaborations and diesel cars

Honda Motor has no plans to strike deals that involve mergers or acquisitions with other automakers.

"On co-operation with other automakers, we do not intend to enter into any deals involving equity or shareholding," said Hachigo.

He said, however, Honda was happy to build win-win partnerships involving technology or products.

Hachigo cited as an example, Honda's joint venture with General Motors (GM) on hydrogen fuel technology. In January 2017, Honda and GM announced the setting up of the auto industry’s first joint venture to mass produce an advanced hydrogen fuel cell system that will be used in future products from each company.

Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) can operate on hydrogen made from renewable sources such as wind and biomass. Water vapour is the only emission from FCVs.

Hachigo also said Honda would continue making diesel cars since there is still market demand. "For diesel vehicles, our top market is Europe. But diesel cars in Europe will be phased out gradually, as the shift to EVs happens.

However, it does not mean we will stop making diesel cars. There is good demand for diesel cars in India and other countries."

READ MORE:
2017 Tokyo Motor Show: Honda bullish on hybrids for Asians
2017 Tokyo Motor Show: Honda passion for sports cars


BMW celebrates 50th anniversary of the 5 Series bike with the R nineT /5

                MUNICH: In production since 1969, the 5 Series cemented its legacy with iconic models such as the R 50/5, R 60/5 and R 75/5. And with the R nineT /5 anniversary model, BMW Motorrad is paying homage to the entire lineage by marrying vintage style with resolutely contemporary tech.

The references to models past are plentiful, with chrome rear-view mirrors and exhaust manifold, as well as with the two-person seat's white piping. The 1,170cc opposed two-cylinder engine delivers 110hp. The production run is also equipped with ABS brakes and an ASC stability system, as well as heated handles.

BMW Motorrad is yet to announce the price and release date of this limited-edition model from its Heritage range.


China targets 35 million vehicle sales by 2025, NEVs to make up one-fifth

Beijing traffic. — AFP
BEIJING/SHANGHAI: China is targeting 35 milion vehicle sales by 2025 and wants new energy vehicles (NEVs) to make up at least one-fifth of that total, the industry ministry said today.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in a market "road map" that China's urbanisation drive and the overseas expansion of its automakers would help drive annual vehicle sales up around 25 percent from last year's total.

Automakers in China, the world's largest automobile market with sales of 28 million vehicles in 2016, are increasingly pushing into electric and hybrid vehicles to meet stringent new government quotas.

Sales of new energy vehicles should reach 2 million by 2020 and account for more than 20 percent of total vehicle production and sales by 2025, the ministry said. That implied annual NEV sales of over 7 million within the next decade.

Green energy car sales have risen dramatically on the back of government policies, but still represented less than 2 percent of China's overall auto market last year.

The government body also said it would push to create local champions in the industry who would be increasingly competitive with overseas rivals in China as well as in overseas markets.

"The quality of Chinese brand vehicles has clearly risen, while brand recognition, reputation and global influence are much stronger," the MIIT said. "By 2025, we should have some Chinese vehicle brands that are in the global Top 10 by sales." China's domestic automakers, including SAIC and Geely Automobile Holdings Co, are already challenging better-known global rivals with new models and marketing strategies.

The ministry added that Chinese carmakers would also look to increase exports to developed nations over the next decade, and improve battery technology for electric vehicles.


Metro aims to break new ground in car-mad Qatar

Doha's metro will run hundreds of kilometres across the city, along the coast and into its expanding suburbs. - AFP
DOHA: Qatar's metro, once completed, will run hundreds of kilometres across ultra-modern Doha, along the coast and into its expanding suburbs.

But whether car-mad Qataris will actually use it remains an open question. Driverless three-car trains are to serve 100 stations, easing into gleaming newly-built destinations with names such as Ras Bu Fontas, Al-Shaqab and Legtaifiya.

Now the main task for those behind the approximately US$18-billion project - in a country where car is king - is to ensure it draws enough passengers to justify the huge outlay.

"We are not a culture that is used to the metro, not like Europe," said Khaled Al-Thani, a civil engineer with Qatar Rail, the state-owned company responsible for the metro. "This is all new for us."

The Doha Metro is a massive venture even by the standards of the energy-rich Gulf desert emirate where infrastructure mega-projects are commonplace.

Officials at Qatar Rail are cagey about terming it the world's biggest ongoing engineering project, preferring to call it one of the largest.

Since ground was broken in the summer of 2013, a workforce of 41,000 has been digging, tunnelling and building. Large tracts of land in Doha have been set aside for a network of tunnels and stations.

Qatar even set a world record for using 21 tunnel boring machines at the same time in November 2015, the highest number ever recorded.

Ninety percent of the metro will run underground when operational. The station designs have been approved by the emir himself, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.

Qatar Rail says its target is to have completed 70 percent of the network by the end of 2017, with the opening due in late 2019 or early 2020.

"With metros in other developed countries, when they develop a metro they introduce a new line, but for us in Qatar, we're introducing a whole network system," said Khaled Al-Thani.

Probably the most symbolic part of the Doha Metro will be a station around 20km north of the capital.

Lusail, the final stop on the Red Line, will serve the US$45-billion city emerging from the desert that will be the venue of football's 2022 World Cup final.

"We are actualising a vision," said Abdulla Abdul Aziz al-Subai, managing director of Qatar Rail.

The company has begun holding special classes for Doha residents to make them aware of the metro and to encourage them to use it.

"I'm very confident that the metro will be a hit," said Thani on an upbeat note.

"It takes me approximately one hour every day to go to work. So, with the metro you have a safe and dependable transportation to reach from point A to point B."

The target is to remove 190,000 cars a day off Doha's heavily congested roads.

A report from the Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre (QMIC) found that commuters spent an average of 109 hours in traffic on the country's roads in 2016.

That was an increase of seven hours over the previous year and equivalent to around US$1.5 billion in losses for the Qatari economy, according to QMIC calculations.

Many question whether Qataris will swap their beloved cars for public transport, and say foreign workers - as in Dubai - are more likely to fill the carriages.

The country's population could rise to 3.6 million by 2031, from 2.6 million today, and Qatar Rail wants 1.65 million people at year to be using the metro by that time.

"To change this culture, it will take time," said Abdulla Alsayed Zahran, a manager with Qatar Rail.


BMW drivers are out of excuses as app says when it's time to go

                MUNICH: BMW drivers will need to find other excuses besides traffic to justify lateness as the German automaker starts a smartphone service that tells car owners the best time to leave.

Real-time departure alerts sent to the driver's smartphone are part of the BMW Connected mobile application introduced Thursday in the United States. The system, based on Microsoft Corp.'s Azure cloud-computing platform, will tap into a range of sources for traffic data, BMW AG said in a statement. The Munich-based luxury-car manufacturer plans to roll out the technology in other markets later this year.

BMW is striving to take the lead as digitization transforms the automotive industry, chief executive officer Harald Krueger said in a strategy presentation this month. He's also responding to customers who want seamless connectivity whether they’re in their vehicles or elsewhere, and to new competition from cash- rich technology companies, such as Apple Inc., which are readying their own mobility products.

“The value creation is shifting from the actual hardware toward software and services,” Krueger said in a speech on March 16. “Established carmakers are now confronted with competitors from outside the industry.”

BMW Connected will also include the company's existing remote services, such as vehicle location, remote locking and unlocking and fuel-level information. Once inside the car, the driver can shift data access from the smartphone to the vehicle's on-board display system.


BMW sales fall 8.4% in 2020 as coronavirus bites

                BERLIN: BMW said it saw a 8.4% drop in vehicles sales in 2020 as the outbreak of coronavirus took its toll and many retail outlets around the world were closed for months.

However, customer demand picked up in the fourth quarter, rising 3.2% year-on-year, BMW said today.

“We succeeded in concluding the year with a strong fourth quarter and once again we lead the premium segment worldwide,” BMW board member Pieter Nota said in a statement.

In total, the Munich-headquartered company sold 2,324,809 vehicles last year. In Europe, 2020 sales were down 15.7% and in the United States 18%.

In China, where the pandemic started and where it was brought under control faster than elsewhere, 2020 sales bucked the trend and increased 7.4%.


Bentley Flying Spur V8 in full production

                LONDON: Bentley Flying Spur V8 is considered the “world’s best luxury four door grand tourer”, is now in full production at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters and will be making its way to consumers soon.

Manufacture of the new V8 is at 100% capacity thanks to Bentley's proven Covid-19 protocols which have prevented any cases of on-site transmissions.

A team of crafts people assemble the Bentley Flying Spur V8 by hand taking over a 100 hours across 84 individual stages.

The Bentley Flying Spur V8 consists of a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine and develops 550PS and 770Nm of torque.

It takes 4.1 seconds from 0-100kph. It can also shut down four of its eight cylinders under light-load conditions to maximise fuel economy.

The Bentley Flying Spur V8 is 100 kg lighter than the W12 model, with improved weight distribution and increased agility.


New Alfa MiTo creates work of art captured by iPhone 7 - VIDEO

                LONDON: To launch the new Alfa MiTo in Britain, Alfa Romeo pushed the performance of the three door subcompact hatch to the limit with a driving challenge with a twist.

A masked pro-driver used Alfa Romeo’s D.N.A driving mode selector to create a MiTo Work of Art, all captured using the new dual camera on the iPhone 7 Plus. The car had to tackle a warehouse course of colourful powder and paint, and ultimately create the artwork.

Once the All-Weather mode was selected in the MiTo, the slippery paint proved no challenge to the car, thanks to the mode’s improved control and handling in adverse weather conditions. The paint stage also put the iPhone 7’s new water resistant handset to the test.

The new MiTo comes with a new sports grille, new alloy wheel designs and new badging emulating the style of the highly anticipated Alfa Romeo Giulia. It gets interior updates including enhanced detailing, new upholsteries and improved technologies.

The MiTo uses an updated 1.3-litre JTDM-2 diesel engine with increased output of 95hp and lower emissions of 89g/km.

The model is selling in Britain from £12,960 (around RM67,000).