Mazda3, CX-3 and CX-30 updated for 2022

The CX-30 'Ignite Edition' in Polymetal Gray Metallic.
PETALING JAYA: Bermaz Motor has announced a new line-up of Mazda vehicles featuring new upgrades, features and styling for its Mazda3, Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-30 models for 2022.

The three models are fully imported from Japan. All prices includes the 50% Sales Tax Reduction (SST) on CBU models and are valid until June 30.

Mazda3
SPECIFICATIONS

The latest Mazda3 1.5L and 2.0L Liftback and Sedan variants have been enhanced with connectivity improvements. Both USBs located at the centre console and armrest enable users to connect to Apple Carplay and Android Auto, which is accessible via the 8.8-inch touchscreen display.

The model also receives additional upgrades to its technology and styling to help owners express their individuality. Termed as the new Mazda 3 “Ignite Edition”, the custom pack is only available on the 2.0 Liftback variant.

Exterior-wise, it features gloss black outer rear-view mirrors and 18-inch black metallic alloy wheels as standard. The interior features a Burgundy colored themed leather seating equipped with 360º View Monitor on its 8.8inch display.

The Mazda 3 “Ignite Edition” is equipped with the latest i-Activsense safety features, which include a Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) with Driver Monitoring and Cruising and Traffic
Support (CTS).

Available colours include Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Polymetal Gray, Deep Crystal Blue (Liftback Only) and newly added Platinum Quartz; making a total of 7 colours available for all variants.

The Mazda3 is available with two engine choices — SKYACTIV-G 1.5L and 2.0L.

The selling price starts from RM138,660.

Mazda CX-3
SPECIFICATIONS

Like the Mazda3 and CX-30, the CX-3 now comes with improved connectivity.

It gets wireless Apple Carplay along with Android Auto capabilities, Qi wireless charger and 8-inch capacitive sensing touchscreen display and front and rear seat-belt reminder as standard specification.

The main specifications remain unchanged, which includes front styling and LED headlamps and rear lamps, G-Vectoring Control, Power Sunroof, a host of advanced safety features such as High Beam Control (HBC), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) with Driver Monitoring, Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) for drivers and passenger’s comfort and safety.

The compact crossover SUV is also equipped with 360º view monitor reverse camera as standard equipment.

The colour line-up includes Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Polymetal Gray, Deep Crystal Blue and the new Platinum Quartz; making a total of 6 colours available.

The new CX-3 is now open for booking, with a selling price from RM131,929.

Mazda CX-30
SPECIFICATIONS

Both USB ports located the centre console and armrest now enable users to connect to Apple Carplay and Android Auto, which is accessible via the 8.8-inch touchscreen display.

Two new “Ignite Edition” variants have been added to the CX-30 lineup, which comes in both 2WD and AWD options.

The two new variants feature auto-folding outer rear-view mirror in black and are fitted with 18” alloy wheels in black.

The interior of the “Ignite Edition” features Burgundy themed coloured seats and black interior trim, as well as the 360º view monitor that provides an all-round view around the vehicle.

The CX-30 retains all the Mazda i-Activsense features in the High spec variants and above. The Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), Driver Attention Alert (DAA) with Driver Monitoring and Cruising and Traffic
Support (CTS) has also been added for the “Ignite Edition” as well.

The colour line-up includes Soul Red Crystal, Machine Gray, Snowflake White Pearl, Jet Black, Deep Crystal Blue, Polymetal Gray, and Platinum Quartz, making a total of 7 colours available.

The selling price of the CX-30 starts from RM145,759.
All new Mazda vehicles (except for BT-50 pick-up truck) comes with a 5-years manufacturer warranty + 5-years free maintenance according to manufacturer’s standards inclusive of labour, parts and lubricants.

Both manufacturer warranty and free maintenance have a coverage of period of five years and a mileage limit of 100,000 km, whichever comes first.


Hap Seng Star opens Mercedes dealership in Puchong South

PUCHONG: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia together with authorised dealer, Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd, recently launched the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus.To date, Hap Seng has invested a total of RM250mil in expanding its customer touchpoints nationwide, with an investment of RM6mil for the Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus alone.Part of an on-going partnership between principal and authorised dealer partner, Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus is located next to the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP – Puchong Barat Toll Plaza), providing easy access to customers staying in and around Puchong, USJ and Putrajaya.Speaking at the official launch, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner, said, "It gives us great pleasure to congratulate Hap Seng Star on the launch of Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus and wish the team all the success in both sales and after sales. We will continue enhancing our customer touchpoints nationwide while investing in developing key areas including talent, technology, production and services, as we remain focused on providing our customers with the Best Products and the Best Customer Experience.”With a built-up area of 21,577 sq ft, the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus conforms to the Mercedes- Benz Presentation System II (MPS II) Autohaus concept, the global autohaus benchmark of customer experience, complete with the latest Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI).“With the launch of this Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus, we are proud to announce our 10th authorised Mercedes-Benz dealership in Malaysia. While this is a significant milestone in our history as a passionate dealer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, we continue to reaffirm our commitment to deliver the highest standards of customer service to those who are part of the Hap Seng Star customer family,” said Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad, Group chief operating officer and Hap Seng Star Sdn Bhd, chief executive, Harald Behrend.Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus has a total display capacity of eight Mercedes-Benz vehicles; and although an interim facility, the Autohaus is a full-fledged 3S centre equipped with 12 work bays, capable of servicing up to approximately 500 vehicles a month, providing general and specialised repair solutions.To provide greater customer care and convenience, the 27 member team at Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus offers a one-stop solution in sales, financial and after sales services. This includes tailored services when a customer plans to buy a Mercedes-Benz, personalised interaction with a sales person on vehicle maintenance and repair, and financial services from Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia. Dr Weidner (fifth from left), Behrend (fourth from left) and other executives posing at the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus.All technicians at the Authohaus are Mercedes-Benz- certified and use Mercedes-Benz equipment and tools.  The new Autohaus also offers customers specialised maintenance and 24 hour roadside assistance.Customers can also opt for Service Differentiation – an exclusive range of personalised, which includes an express service and  door-to-door service.The Mercedes-Benz Hap Seng Star Puchong South Autohaus is located at Lot 14225, KM3.8, Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong, 47100, Puchong. For more information, please call 03 – 8051 5616.


Volkswagen unveils Asian ventures to secure e-battery materials supply

                SHANGHAI: Volkswagen Group China said today it will form joint ventures with Huayou Cobalt and Tsingshan Group to secure nickel and cobalt supplies, in a bid to control electric vehicle battery costs at a time of surging raw material prices.

The three companies have signed memorandum of understandings for two joint ventures, the first between the three firms in Indonesia, where they will jointly invest their respective advantages and resources for battery raw materials production, Volkswagen said in a statement.

More than 10% of the world's laterite nickel ore reserves are in Indonesia, added the German carmaker. Volkswagen plans to set up six large battery factories in Europe and is spending billions of euros in an effort to overtake Tesla as the world's top EV seller by 2025.

Volkswagen's second joint venture will be formed with Huayou in China's southwestern Guangxi region for the refining of nickel and cobalt sulfates, precursor and cathode material production, it said.

"The cooperation aims to achieve significant cost advantages, secure the raw material supply and achieve a transparent and sustainable supply chain," it said.

"The two partnerships target to contribute to the group’s long term target of a 30-50% cost reduction on each battery."

Global nickel prices have surged almost 400% this year due to the Ukraine crisis, as Russia is a major supplier and its invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent imposition of sanctions on Moscow by the West lit a fire under already an hot market for nickel.

Prices on the London Metal Exchange got a further boost on March 8 when they doubled to US$100,000 per tonne in a matter of hours, after Tsingshan bought large amounts of nickel to reduce its short bets on the metal and its exposure to costly margin calls.

Prices have dropped sharply since then however, after the LME was forced to halt trading for a period and reopened with new trading limits.

Privately owned Tsingshan has become the world's top nickel producer thanks to its development of a low-cost process to make the metal.

It already has major investments in Indonesia, including other joint ventures with Huayou.

Volkswagen's move comes as rivals, from Tesla to BYD, are raising prices for EVs due to higher raw material costs. read more

On Saturday, the chief executive of Chinese EV manufacturer Li Auto , Li Xiang, said on his official Weibo account that battery makers had increased prices at a rate he called "outrageous" in the second quarter, and warned that those EV makers that had not raised prices yet would likely have to soon.

Asked to comment on Li's remarks, Chinese battery maker CATL (300750.SZ), which supplies major car makers including Tesla, told Reuters on Monday that it had raised prices for some battery products due to rising raw material costs.


Malaysia can become regional automotive industry leader, says Anwar

Anwar and Geely chairman Eric Li pointing to the Proton logo of the newly launched X90. With them on stage are government ministers, Proton officials and other dignitaries.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has the potential to become a regional automotive industry leader, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said that plans are underway to further develop national car manufacturer Proton's Tanjung Malim plant into a regional hub with foreign investment from Chinese automaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd (Geely).

"I have discussed with the Perak Mentri Besar to ensure that there is ease of doing business and all processes are facilitated so that everything necessary will be done.

"This is to ensure the success of collaborative efforts of Geely and Proton to turn the Tanjung Malim plant into the focal automotive centre in the region, whether for training or research and development.

"The end goal is to eventually develop the entire enterprise and plant into an integrated automotive centre," he said in his speech during Proton's 40th anniversary celebration and launch of the new Proton X90 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) Kuala Lumpur today.

Anwar also took the opportunity to thank former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his contributions and role in making Proton a success.

Anwar said he was grateful that the national car company was able to survive despite facing various obstacles throughout its 40 years in the automotive industry.

"So it is appropriate in commemorating Proton's 40-year journey, that we in the current government administration say thank you to former prime minister Tun Mahathir, who has contributed and played a role in this."

Proton is the brainchild of Dr Mahathir, who was once the chairman of the national car maker.

Earlier, Geely chairman Eric Li Shufu said that they would continue to support Proton's growth and transition into new energy vehicle technology, such as electric vehicles.

"We will spare no effort to support Proton with new technologies, products and business models to enable them to become a leader in new energy vehicles in the Asean market while also building the new energy vehicle ecology in Malaysia.

"The plan now is to help Proton launch at least one new energy vehicle model every year while also cultivating 5,000 local talents in the field of new energy vehicles in the company within the next five years," he said.

Geely currently owns a 49.9% stake in Proton through its affiliate, Linkstate Overseas Ltd.

The newly launched Proton X90 will be a three-row SUV and be the national automaker's first mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) with a 48-volt electric motor synergy (EMS) system. In addition to including features from its previous X70 model, the new X90 will also feature increased safety features such as increased back sensor range and a parking assistant system.

The X90 will come in four variants with prices starting at RM123,800 for the Standard (seven-seater) variant.

The Executive (seven-seater) variant is priced at RM130,800 followed by the Premium (seven-seater) variant at RM144,800, while the range topping Flagship (six-seater) version is priced at RM152,800.


Proton mulls local assembly in Egypt, left-hand drives models arrive

                CAIRO: A total of 246 Saga and Exora in left-hand drive configuration Proton sent to Eqypt arrived at its destination in time for the opening of the distributor’s newly-refurbished 4S outlet in Smart Village, Abbou Rawash, Giza.

The cars were shipped out of Malaysia in September. Distribution will be handled by the sole importer for Proton cars in Egypt, Alpha Group Ezz Elarab, with cars being sent to the seven branches and dealers that serve the market.

The importer is targeting a sales volume of 1,400 units for 2019, a target it is confident of achieving
as revised versions of the Saga and Exora Plus start to become available from the middle of next year.

Speaking at the launch Hisham Ezz Elarab, the owner of Alpha Ezz Elarab, said he was excited the newer Proton models have arrived in Egypt as now he and his team could get to work to re-establish the Proton brand.

 Hisham of Alpha Group Ezz Elarab presenting a memento to Xu.

Aside from being the sole importer, Alpha Group Ezz Elarab is the first company to carry Proton’s latest corporate identity in a showroom outside Malaysia.

Open to the public on Nov 10, the outlet will feature sales, service, parts and state of the art repair facilities in an area covering 15,000 square metres. Other Proton outlets in Egypt to feature the
new corporate identity are located at Al-Battal Street, Mohandessee and Nahas Street, Nasr City.

“Egypt has the potential to play a big role in helping Proton achieve its future sales targets by increasing our export sales volume," said Proton international sales director Steven Xu.

"The company and our Egyptian importer have to work closely to ensure their market needs are met when addressing the product and pricing fit to buyers here. If we get that right and deliver cars in a timely manner then we can be successful,” said Xu.

Proton and its Eqyptian partner are considering locally assembly in 2019 to take advantage of incentives as Egypt could be used as a regional hub for producing cars to be sold in the Middle East and North Africa.

The idea was mooted as Eqypt will reduce import tax gradually for European cars from 2019. This would lead to lower prices and consumers shifting their purchase preferences to such cars.


Old but gold: Tokyo's retro car owners revel in modern classics

Cars lining up during a gathering by auto enthusiasts in Urayasu, an eastern suburb of Tokyo. — AFP
TOKYO: Fast and furious they aren't, but for a group of Japanese retro car enthusiasts the sleek lines and high shine of their old-school models hold a much more special charm.

A loose club of fans rolls up most weekends in central Tokyo to show off their Cadillacs, Chevrolets and other modern classic vehicles from the mid to late 20th century.

"Each time I drive it, I still get a thrill. There aren't many vehicles that give you that feeling," Masamune Isogai said of his Knight Rider replica - a Pontiac Trans Am, the car made famous by the hit 80s TV drama.

Sliding into the driver's seat - which he calls the cockpit - he is surrounded by futuristic displays, illuminated buttons and a wheel that looks like an oversized gaming controller.

These sci-fi touches were installed to give the ride the look and feel of the show's AI-powered talking car called Knight Industries Two Thousand, or KITT.

"I speak to the car when I drive," laughed the 46-year-old, who has owned the streamlined black vehicle - complete with sound effects and a "KITT scanner" light on the front - for around a decade.

These days, Japan is known for its practical cars that economise on fuel and space, and rarely break down - a world away from the group's painstakingly maintained wheels.

The casual society has around 10 members and the oldest cars they own are a 1941 Cadillac and a restored 1929 Ford Model-A.

People cheer and take snaps as the cars go by, from the 1956 Ford F100 Pumpkin to the 1961 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia.

"The shape of old cars is very charming, impossible with today's mass production," said Hiroyuki Wada, 49, next to his red 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville.

"When you get older, you are more likely to appreciate a car that requires lots of care," Wada said.

"Old engines often need 10 minutes or so to warm up before you can drive them. That's what's really charming about them."

Wada, who runs a car valet business near Tokyo, will spend three to four days on each old-fashioned ride to give it a shiny new look.

He says his heart belongs to American vehicles including old police cars, which he rents out for film and photography shoots.

"Someday I want to valet old fire engines in the United States. That is my dream," he said.


Groupe PSA unveils new eVMP platform for future electric vehicles

                PARIS: Groupe PSA has announced that from 2023 onwards, it will launch vehicles in the C and D-segments ranging from sedans to sports utility vehicles in different regions of the world.

The company added that its vehicles will benefit from its new reference platform - Electric Vehicle Modular Platform (eVMP).

The platform is said to concentrate all of its engineering know-how with 60 to 100kWh batteries to take up the entire sub-floor of the platform.

By restoring 50kWh per meter within the wheelbase, it is the benchmark in the electric vehicle market and will, therefore, be able to offer an all-electric range from 250m/400 km to 406m/650 km (WLTP cycle) depending on the body.

In order to provide a high-performance solution adapted to each mobility need anywhere in the world, hybrid derivatives may be offered on certain markets on the basis of this state of the art electric platform.

In addition to a high level of technical performance, the efficiency of eVMP also lies in the optimisation of R&D and industrialisation costs.

This is achieved through the use of certain sub-assemblies and existing high-performance battery modules.

In addition, the industrial process has been studied to obtain maximum synergies with the existing means in our plants, therefore limiting investments.

In the same logic of making in-house electrical components, this platform compliments parts developed and manufactured with Groupe PSA or with its e-motors or ACC Joint venture.

"With this eVMP platform, Groupe PSA once again demonstrates its ability to innovate by developing for its customer’s state-of-the-art and affordable technologies thanks to the frugality that has enabled a significant reduction in R&D and industrial investments.

"This global platform will make it possible to offer a range of vehicles that are perfectly respectful of the environment, meeting the changing expectations of our customers and guaranteeing driving pleasure and safety on board, values that are the basis of the Group's reputation today", said Groupe PSA research and development director Nicolas Morel.

Groupe PSA is a French multinational manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles that are sold under the Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel and Vauxhall brands.


Honda, GS Yuasa to team up on lithium-ion batteries

                TOKYO: Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co Ltd and battery maker GS Yuasa Corp said today they will collaborate in the high-capacity, high-output lithium-ion battery business, and plan to establish a joint venture by the end of this year.

The partners said they will join in the research and development of lithium-ion batteries and production methods, and will also establish a supply chain for key raw materials and a battery production system.


Honda Malaysia introduces City Hatchback variant with V-SENSING

The City Hatchback line-up is equipped with Honda SENSING, which is the most complete advanced safety features in its class.
Honda Malaysia has recently introduced a new variant of its City Hatchback lineup, the V-SENSING.

The car is the perfect addition for young executives and young families that enjoy an active lifestyle, as it is more than just a cool and sporty vehicle to look at, with a number of advanced safety features added.

This new variant, along with the RS e:HEV variant, in the City Hatchback line-up are equipped with Honda SENSING, which is considered to be the most complete advanced safety features in its class.

Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Hironobu Yoshimura said the City V-SENSING variant has been well received by consumers since its introduction to the City line-up in November 2021.

This led the company to introduce the City Hatchback variant which now comes with Honda SENSING.

 The City Hatchback V-SENSING utilises its front wide view camera to better recognise road boundaries during both day and night driving conditions.

“Throughout the years, the City is well-known for its safety and advanced technology,” he said.

“For the first quarter of 2022, the City V-SENSING contributed 34% to the total City sales, which shows a positive trend for this variant and also the recognition of our advanced safety technology – Honda SENSING.

“We are now excited to introduce the V-SENSING variant to the All-New City Hatchback. We believe that with two All-New City Hatchback variants now available with Honda SENSING, it will further add value for our customers while raising the benchmark in the segment.”

Priced from RM95,600, the City Hatchback V-SENSING is the ideal price point for younger drivers, fresh graduates and young executives.

The car is also perfectly balanced between performance and exceptional fuel efficiency for a hatchback as it is equipped with 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, coupled with continuous variable transmission (CVT).

You’ll never have to settle for the ordinary either with the City Hatchback V-SENSING as it features premium yet cosy leather black interior seats with a light grey stitching.

The versatile ULTRA seats, which come in four-modes – utility, long, tall and refresh – are now standard across all variants of the City Hatchback.

It even comes with ample room inside the car cabin for those who need a little more space when commuting and also makes for great storage space to fit all your luggage, especially on those long road trips or when you ‘balik kampung’.

You’ll also be able to commute easily and comfortably in more urban settings.

 The versatile ULTRA seats, which come in four-modes – utility, long, tall and refresh – are now standard across all variants of the City Hatchback.

Not only is it powerful and enjoyable for all, the car is also fitted with the top-class safety features of Honda’s SENSING technology which was developed to realise the vision of a collision-free mobile society.

The technology utilises the front wide view camera to better recognise road boundaries during both day and night driving conditions.

With safety being a priority while driving, the City Hatchback V-SENSING also features a number of other driver assistance safety systems including collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist system, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation and auto high beam.

It also has adaptive cruise control which makes driving long distances and in traffic that much easier, as the car is able to match the speed of the car in front of it, while maintaining a safe distance. All the driver has to do is keep their hands on the steering wheel while the car does all the leg work.

 The 8-inch display audio is pairable with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

For extra convenience while driving, the V-SENSING variant is also furnished with a wide 8-inch display audio that is perfect for drivers to use when listening to their favourite songs or podcasts.

Being a touchscreen display also makes it easier for drivers to use and switch between applications like music and navigation apps, so you won’t have to look at your phone while driving.

You won’t have to worry about downloading all your favourite songs on a hard drive either as the 8-inch display is also pairable with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The 7-inch interactive TFT metre fitted in the car can also provide easy access to information, according to the driver’s needs, which lets the driver know exactly what’s going on under the hood.

For more information on the City Hatchback V-SENSING, customers can visit their nearest Honda authorised dealerships nationwide.

Alternatively, customers can log onto www.honda.com.my for more info.


Proton has collected RM61,000 for Tabung Harapan Malaysia so far

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton will donate over RM61,000 to Tabung Harapan Malaysia to help pay off the national debt of over RM1 trillion. And that's just a start as it will give even more to the trust fund in coming months.

It managed to collect RM61,730 in the first month. It had previously said that it would contribute RM10 for every car sold from June 1 June to Dec 31. As of today, Tabung Harapan Malaysia has over RM142mil in the till.

“Proton is proud that we have managed to earmark over RM61,000 for Tabung Harapan Malaysia in just the first month of our contribution initiative. It is our intention to sell even more cars for the rest of the year so as to contribute as much as possible to the fund that will eventually benefit all Malaysians,” said Proton Edar CEO Abdul Rashid Musa.

Proton also said it posted strong sales in June and achieved a 10% (+0.5%) market share with Saga and Persona leading sales. Sales grew by 50% over the previous month as 6,173 Proton cars were sold during the tax holiday period that is set to end in Auguest. Of the 6,173 cars sold, nearly half were the Saga.

Proton claimed overall car quality has improved three times in the past eight months as measured by Volvo quality standards.


Singapore raises taxes on wealthy residents, homes — and cars

                SINGAPORE: Singapore is increasing taxes aimed at the city-state’s richest residents with levies on some incomes, property and cars all set to rise in a move expected to eventually raise a combined S$600 million (RM1.87bil) a year.

Increased personal income taxes for those earning more than S$500,000 (RM1.6mil) a year will raise an additional S$170 million (RM530mil), while new property taxes will net an extra S$380 million (RM1.2bil) and car levies will give the government another S$50 million (RM156mil) a year.

The tax raises come as the government looks to boost revenue in an effort to help fund a vast array of spending programs.

Higher taxes on wealth generate revenue and "help to circulate a portion of the wealth stock back into our economy and in so doing help mitigate social inequalities,” Finance Minister Lawrence Wong told parliament today.

"Wealth taxes are therefore needed to help build a fairer society where everyone can aspire to succeed regardless of their backgrounds.”

Taxing the one percenters

Residents with annual income of over S$320,000 currently pay 22% in tax. From 2024 onwards, incomes between S$500,000 and S$1 million will be taxed at 23% while those above S$1 million a year will pay 24% in a move expected to affect the top 1.2% of personal taxpayers and raise S$170 million.

Singapore, already one of the world’s most expensive places to drive a car, will further increase that cost.

A new tier of tax on vehicles with a market value above S$80,000 is expected to raise S$50 million in revenue a year.

But the bulk of the new funds will come from taxing high-end properties.

For owner-occupied residential properties, the tax for the portion of annual value in excess of S$30,000 will be increased to between 6% and 32% - from the current range of 4% to 16%.

For non-owner occupied residential properties, the current tax rates of 10% and 20% will be increased to 12% to 36%.

Once fully implemented, the changes will raise singapore’s property tax revenue by about S$380 million a year, Wong said.

"Ideally, we would want to tax the net wealth of individuals but such a tax is not easy to implement effectively,” he said.

"Many forms of wealth are mobile and as long as there are differences in wealth taxes across jurisdictions, such wealth can and will move.”

A growing fear among locals that social mobility has slowed is pushing the government to re-examine some of the policies that have made it one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

Singapore’s considerable wealth has been built on its status as a stable, open, technologically advanced economy with low taxes.

Inheritance, dividends, investment income and capital gains are all untaxed.

That’s made it a hub for the world’s richest, from Facebook Inc co-founder Eduardo Saverin to gaming billionaire Forrest Li.

It’s also spawned a boom in private banking, family offices and asset management.


Audi debuts new A5 and S5 Coupé

                INGOLSTADT: Audi celebrated the world premiere of the new A5 and S5 Coupé with a spectacular 3D light show at the company's headquarters here.

Both cars boasts sporty elegance and deliver loads of high-tech features. Designers have thoroughly revamped the appearance of the A5 Coupé, showcasing the elegant and athletic two-door car. At 4.67 metres long and 1.37 metres high, it claims the sportiest proportions in the premium segment. The hood is long; the low roof flows gently to the short rear end. Especially distinctive: the wide, flat Singleframe, the Matrix LED headlights, the wavelike side lines and the flared wheel arches. The exterior mirrors are placed on the door top shoulders, like a racing car – one more indicator of the sporty nature of the A5 Coupé.

 Audi S5 Coupe.

Its newly developed steering features a direct ratio, responds spontaneously and provides precise road feedback. The A5 winds its way nimbly through tight curves. The body features even greater torsional rigidity than its predecessor and is among the lightest contenders in its class. It also takes top position in terms of aerodynamics and aeroacoustics. As a result, the Coupé glides quietly through the wind and its newly designed suspension offers greater comfort, especially for long-distance driving. The icing on the cake is the suspension with damper control, which switches its focus at the push of a button from comfort to sporty dynamics.

Engineers have boosted the performance of the new petrol- and diesel-powered engines by 17 percent while also improving their fuel economy by almost a quarter. A six-speed manual transmission sends power to the front axle. Drivers can also choose to leave the selection of gears to the swift seven-speed dual clutch transmission or the equally proficient eight-speed torque-converter transmission, now available in the A5 for the first time. The optional quattro drive system can distribute power to all four wheels.

 Audi A5 Coupé InteriorWATCH:The Audi Late Light Show (video mapping event - external link)

The ultimate highlight is the new turbocharged V6 engine in the S5. With 354hp, it delivers 500Nm of torque to the crankshaft, sending the speedometer from 0 to 100kph in just 4.7 seconds. And, thanks to its S sport suspension, the top model sits even closer to the road. At higher speeds, the optional sport differential – also available for the TDI with 286hp – pushes the car into curves while curtailing understeer.

The power contained within the trim exterior is emphasised by the S5 logo with a red rhombus on the flanks, grille and tailgate. The logo is also found on the interior – as the welcome screen on the MMI display, on the chrome trim around the gear selector and on the door sill trim.

In terms of connectivity, the A5 displays traffic information, interesting locations, fuel prices and news, streams audio files from your smartphone, transfers its calendar to the MMI and automatically summons help in an accident, among other things, using LTE/4G. Drivers can also use an app to lock and unlock the Coupé as well as to find out where it is parked. Support is provided by a list of assistance systems that set new standards in the class.

In congested traffic the A5 drives in a semiautomated mode, maintains a distance to the car in front, helps avoid rear-end collisions and evades obstacles. It also monitors oncoming traffic when turning left, recognises traffic signals, warns of cars in the blind spot and if your car leaves its lane, and parks autonomously. Seats with a massage function, three-zone climate control, steering wheel heating, electrically extending and retracting seat belt feeders, 3D sound system and a large, panoramic glass roof round out the premium features of the A5.

The new Audi A5 and S5 Coupé are built here and will be available from autumn.


PLUS boss sets record straight on debt

Azman.
PETALING JAYA: PLUS Malaysia Bhd was already a debt-ridden company when Khazanah Nasional Bhd took over the highway operator from Renong Bhd in 2001, says the company.

In a statement to clarify claims about its debt, PLUS managing director Datuk Azman Ismail said there have been misleading and inaccurate news reports relating to the company’s debt and operational efficiency.

He said a report had claimed that since the takeover, PLUS’ debt has risen almost 10 times the tender price of RM3.4bil in 1988 and that only RM700mil of the debt has been paid.

The report also said that when Tan Sri Halim Saad, who was Renong’s former executive chairman, left the highway operator nine years ago, PLUS’ borrowings stood at RM6bil, five times less than its current debt.

“When Syarikat Danasaham Sdn Bhd, which subsequently transferred all assets to Khazanah, took over UEM Group Bhd from Renong and privatised UEM in 2001, PLUS was a wholly owned subsidiary of UEM and was already a debt-ridden company with a total borrowing of RM16.5bil on its balance sheet as at Dec 31,2001.

“This is almost three times higher than the figure quoted in Halim’s statement, ” Azman clarified.

He said UEM under the new shareholder Danasaham successfully listed PLUS on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange via an initial public offering in 2002 at the value of RM12.75bil, then pared down PLUS’ debts substantially to RM7.2bil.

He also dismissed the notion that private companies could run PLUS more efficiently, stating that PLUS is considered the largest and most experienced toll concessionaire in South-East Asia.

“It is also among the top-10 toll highway companies in the world, and always benchmarks itself against the yardstick of operational and cost excellence, ” Azman said.

PLUS manages over 1,100km of highways with 8,303 slopes, two tunnels, 741 bridges (including major bridges like the First Penang Bridge, JB causeway and Linkedua) and 6,187 drainage/culverts, all of which need constant maintenance, with PLUS undertaking more than 10,000 inspections annually.

“We continue to rejuvenate and enhance our 29 rest and service areas as well as 50 lay-bys, four overhead bridge restaurants, 114 interchanges, 104 toll plazas and 1,212 toll lanes, of which the cost of maintenance works and upgrading projects are fully borne by PLUS, ” he said.

Azman stressed that PLUS has not increased its toll rates in 14 years since 2005 and the current toll rate per kilometer on the North-South Expressway and ELITE Highway is one of the lowest in Malaysia.

“The profits received by PLUS are distributed to its shareholders, the Employees Provident Fund and Khazanah, via its wholly owned subsidiary, UEM Group, to benefit EPF contributors of about 14 million members including the rakyat and the government, ” he said.


Toyota Gazoo Racing Esports Championship ends on a high note

                PETALING JAYA: The Grand Finals of the Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) Velocity Esports Championship held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Centre Court) on Sept 22 saw top 40 qualifiers challenging each other in the final round of the biggest national Esports racing event in Malaysia.

The 2019 Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) Velocity Esports Championship saw about 700 enthusiastic participants racing against each other in time-trial qualifying rounds at Cove Esports Hub in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor which took place on Aug 31, Sept 1, 14 and 15.

And the top three winners are Mohammad Afif Suhaimi (2nd runner up), Muhammad Uzair Abdul Nasir (1st runner up) and  Mohd Shahril Nindar (Champion).

This year, the overall winners share a bigger prize pool of RM70,000: Champion - RM20,000; 1st Runner up – RM10,000; 2nd Runner up – RM5,000; 4th – 10th place – RM2,000 each; 11th – 20th place – RM1,000 each.

There was also a Lucky Draw that offered RM11, 000 worth of gaming products.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) Velocity Esports Championship virtually complements the high-performance activities of Toyota, including the on-track racing of Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival which takes place four times a year at various locations across the country.

“In this digital age, it’s not surprising that Esports has become a fast-growing industry, not only in Malaysia but also globally. It offers the thrills and excitement familiar to the generation that has grown up in the digital age of videogames and racing simulators,” said President of UMW Toyota Motor, Ravindran K.


Ford and Toyota form telematics bloc to erode Google and Apple influence

                LAS VEGAS: Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. have formed a consortium with four medium-size automakers to speed development of auto-industry standards for in-vehicle apps, a step toward preventing Apple Inc. and Google from controlling how drivers connect smartphones to their cars and trucks.

Ford and Toyota said that Mazda Motor Corp., PSA Group, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. and Suzuki Motor Corp. joined their SmartDeviceLink Consortium. The non-profit group’s goal is to promote more choice in how smartphones get connected to in-vehicle technologies like dashboard displays and voice recognition, and in other programming, Ford and Toyota said in a joint statement today.

Toyota has resisted offering Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto in its vehicles, citing concern that doing so would diminish safety and security. Ford offers them on all its 2017 model vehicles. But the No. 2 US automaker still wants an open-source software platform that all app developers can use as an alternative to those of Google and Apple.

“Encouraging innovation is at the centre of Ford’s decision,’’ said Doug VanDagens, global director of Ford Connected Vehicles and Services.

Suppliers Elektrobit Automotive GmbH, Luxoft Holding Inc., and Xevo Inc. also joined the consortium, according to the statement. Honda Motor Co. had contemplated the move but wasn’t mentioned in today’s announcement.

Carmakers, auto industry suppliers and technology companies such as cloud computing specialists are forming a range of partnerships to develop autonomous cars and vehicles that can communicate over the Internet. On Wednesday, Peugeot-maker PSA, communications-equipment manufacturer Ericsson AB and French phone company Orange SA said they’ve agreed to try using 5G wireless technology to improve self-driving features and road safety. Updating Internet access is crucial in helping autonomous cars gather and exchange information about street conditions and traffic.

Toyota first agreed to collaborate with Ford on car telematics systems in 2011. The automakers worry that if CarPlay and Android Auto establish themselves as must-have options, the influence of Apple and Google over the industry will grow.

Ford’s version of the SmartDeviceLink technology is already available on 5 million vehicles globally, and provides drivers with popular apps like Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and AccuWeather.

By enlarging the consortium, the automakers hope to maintain control over how much access infotainment apps have to vehicle data, according to the statement.

“We are excited to collaborate with many auto manufacturers who share our view," said Shigeki Tomoyama, president of Toyota’s Connected Company.


Oct 20-26: No change in fuel prices

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will remain unchanged from Oct 20-26.

According to a Finance Ministry statement today, RON97 petrol will be retailed at RM3.95 per litre, RON95 remains at RM2.05 per litre and diesel price stays at RM2.15 per litre.

The prices are set through the Automated Pricing Mechanism.


McLaren gets new CEO

                LONDON: British carmaker McLaren Automotive has appointed Michael Leiters as its new chief executive officer from July 1.

German-born Leiters, 50, has held senior positions at Porsche AG and, more recently was Ferrari's chief technology officer.

Leiters, who has a doctorate in engineering, will be based at McLaren’s global-headquarters at the McLaren Technology Centre and the adjoining McLaren Production Centre in Surrey, England where all the company’s supercars and hypercars are hand-built.

He will head the 3,000-strong workforce spanning all global activities, including the McLaren Composites Technology Centre, instrumental in innovating technology for the high-performance hybrid McLaren Artura supercar whose production are to commence soon.

McLaren Group executive chairman Paul Walsh said Leiters' extensive industry experience combined with his passion for engineering and future technology would help guide and develop the McLaren team as the company enters an exciting second decade.


Ostrich stuns motorists as it sprints down Federal Highway

Update: The tale of the runaway ostrich ended on a happy note when it was reunited with its owner who calls it Chickaboo. The latest video below outlines the happy ending tinged with sadness. The owner, Darren Chow, plans to give Chickaboo to the ostrich farm he bought it from, as it has grown too big for him to keep. The farm owner has promised not to slaughter it for meat.

PETALING JAYA: An escaped ostrich caused a commotion when it was spotted bolting down the Federal Highway.

The video of the flightless bird speeding down the fast lane at about 3.20pm was uploaded by Jeff Sandhu on social media website Instagram.

"When I came by it, the ostrich was running from the Universiti Malaya bus stop heading towards the Federal Highway. It blocked traffic at the bus stop as cars stopped to see what was happening," he told The Star Online today.

"After the bus stop, it started running on the road. And the next thing you know, it ran all the way to the RTM building," he said.

It appeared that the ostrich also had no regard for rules, and ran "afowl" of basic road etiquette.

"It blocked up five lanes on the Federal Highway," said Sandhu, who explained that it took up so much space because the indecisive ostrich kept switching lanes.

"Everyone wasn't sure whether to overtake it or not so we stayed behind it," he added.

However, the ostrich adhered to at least one road rule.

"It was running within the speed limit, so that's OK," said Sandhu, who estimated the bird's general speed at about 35kph before it grew tired and slowed down.

Sandhu stopped tailing the feathered fugitive at the RTM building because he had a meeting to attend.

"I had to stop following it by then because I had a meeting. I don't think anyone would believe me if I told them I was late because I was chasing after an ostrich," he said.

He also expressed some worry for his new friend, hoping that the bird finds its way home unharmed.

"I hope the ostrich doesn't get hurt and finds its way back home! Raya is coming and I'm sure everyone wants it to be home safe," he said, echoing the concerned sentiments of netizens who commented on his video.

There is no information yet on what the ostrich was doing or where it came from.

The Star Online is in the midst of contacting the Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) and the Department of Veterinary Services to the status of the ostrich.

All attempts so far to apprehend the ostrich have been futile.

"We sent a team to locate and capture the ostrich but it could not be detected. It is likely that the bird has run to another area," an officer at the Seksyen 7 Petaling Jaya Fire and Rescue Department told The Star Online.

However, catching the bird was a delicate manner as it required some "interstate coordination".

"It is difficult as the bird was spotted at the border (between Kuala Lumpur and Selangor)," he quipped.


Electric Skoda Enyaq iV heralds its presence with unique acoustic sound

                LONDON: Škoda has revealed details of the new Enyaq iV’s acoustic signature – a specially composed harmonic sound that forms the car’s Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS).

Developed in-house at Škoda, the sound motif was created in collaboration with a team of composers and will be unique to the Enyaq iV.

Under current European legislation, all new electric vehicles must be fitted with AVAS system that emits an artificial sound.

The Škoda sound was created under the direction of Pavel Orendáš and his team from the Škoda development centre. They sought to ensure the sound would be noticeably different from that emitted by plug-in hybrids.

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The sound was designed with the help of professional music composers and will be unique to the Enyaq iV. Unlike other brands that have tried to imitate the sound of internal combustion engine, the Enyaq iV’s sound signature has a more electronic and futuristic feel that is easy on the ear yet noticeable enough to make other road users and pedestrians aware of its presence.

The sound is emitted from a special speaker system built into the front of the Enyaq iV.

The wide-frequency speaker and electronics are integrated into a tiny one-litre box that is mounted onto the battery cooling module via three rubber bushes. Its position and mounting design means that no additional speakers are required, saving weight while ensuring that the distinctive sound signature is audible at the correct volume required by the regulations.

Series production of Škodas first purpose-built electric car has already started at Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic following its unveiling earlier this year. It will be available with two battery sizes offering a WLTP range of up to 508km (provisional figure).


Car theft ring busted, 13 nabbed in raids by police

                KUALA LUMPUR: A car theft syndicate was busted after city police seized five stolen vehicles worth about RM1mil.

A total of 11 men and two foreign women were also arrested following raids in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan between May 1 and Monday (May 10).

Kuala Lumpur deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Yong Lei Choo said the vehicles seized were an Alphard, two Toyota Hilux, a Ford Ranger Raptor and a Toyota Fortuner.

"We believe the syndicate has been active since 2018 and is responsible for 62 thefts of vehicles worth a total of RM6.2mil.

"They also have a network of members in the Klang Valley and a neighbouring country," she told a press conference at Sentul police headquarters on Monday.

The syndicate would target a vehicle and copy its remote's frequency before breaking in, she added.

"The syndicate would then use a jammer to block the GPS signal when the car is being transported to Kelantan before it is smuggled into a neighbouring country," she added.

A syndicate member is paid up to RM2,500 for each stolen car, DCP Yong said.

"We believe among those arrested is the syndicate's mastermind.

"We are still working to hunt down the remaining syndicate members," she said.

DCP Yong said each stolen vehicle smuggled into a neighbouring country is sold for about RM35,000.

"However, the price would certainly increase if a vehicle is in high demand," she added.


Three new Mercedes-AMG compact cars launched: A 35 Edition 1, A 45 S  Edition 1 and CLA 45 S Coupe

                PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today launched three new Mercedes-AMG compact cars in a digital live premiere.

The cars are A 35 Edition 1, A 45 S  Edition 1 and CLA 45 S Coupe. All are four-wheel driven.

Prices are RM379,888, RM459,888 and RM448,888 respectively.
AT A GLANCE: The three compact Mercedes-AMG cars

“These three are aggressively bred for both, the road and racetrack. With the new generation Mercedes-AMG cars, we are redefining the standards of sports, performance and luxury in Malaysia by combining a different level of mobility and innovation," says Dr Claus Weidner, president and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

“We have completely redesigned our AMG models – from the engine and transmission through the chassis, the elaborately constructed drivetrain to the body structure and of course the design itself – all with one goal: to raise vehicle dynamics and the sporty driving experience to a level previously unimaginable in the compact class,” said Michael Jopp, vice president, sales and marketing passenger cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

Both the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC and A 45 S 4MATIC+ come in the limited Edition 1 package, which underline their proximity to motor racing.

AMG Track Pace, the virtual race engineer, is available in all three models.

The software is part of the MBUX infotainment system, and when negotiating a race circuit it continuously monitors more than 80 vehicle-specific data (such as speed and acceleration).

After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyse and, if necessary, improve their driving skills.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes me connect app gives the driver a total control over the vehicle, housing all remote access services from remote start to vehicle tracker.

It also provides a quick snapshot of the mileage, fuel level, tyre pressure, fluids and more.

Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1 is priced at RM459,888 while the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is priced at RM448,888. Prices are on the road, without insurance.

Both cars share the same M 139 engine producing 421hp at 6,750rpm and 500Nm at 5,000 to 5,250rpm, mated to a 8-speed AMG Speedshift DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission.

This new 2.0-litre engine is the world's most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder manufactured for series production, with an output per litre of up to 211hp.

Produced in Affalterbach on the "One Man, One Engine" principle, it is more powerful than the preceding engine by 40hp, and maximum torque has also increased by 25Nm.

To reduce friction between the pistons and cylinders, the linings are coated using patented Nanoslide technology.

This gives the linings a mirror-like surface for minimal friction, is twice as hard as conventional grey cast-iron liners and therefore makes them much more durable.

Nanoslide was developed by Daimler AG, and was first used in AMG's M 156 V8 engine, has enhanced other AMG engines for many years and can also be found in the Formula 1 engine of Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport.

The new compact sports cars absolve the sprint from zero to 100kph in record time: the A 45 S 4MATIC+ requires only 3.9 seconds (CLA 45 S 4MATIC+: 4.0 seconds) and are capable of up to 270kph.

Both cars also come with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control, which result in consistently optimum traction, even in adverse road conditions and during extreme cornering manoeuvres, for example on the racetrack.

This allows Drift mode (standard in the S-models, included in the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package for the basic models), which makes "powersliding" possible for even more driving pleasure.

Drift mode can be called up in the "RACE" driving mode using the shift paddles, provided that ESP (electronic stability programme) is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode.

PHOTO GALLERY: Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1PHOTO GALLERY: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Edition 1

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Edition 1 is priced at RM379,888 and has a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbocharged engine producing 306hp at 5,800 to 6,100rpm and 400Nm at 3,000 to 4,000rpm.

With a AMG Speedshift DCT 7G transmission, this hot hatch can do the 0 to 100kph sprint in 4.7 seconds.

Highlights of the front end include the radiator grille with twin louvres, the AMG Line front apron with flics on the air intakes, a front splitter and silver chrome trims on the louvres in the outer air intakes.

Other highlights are 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, and AMG Performance seats along with the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather.

The rear view is dominated by the rear apron with a new diffuser insert, the spoiler lip on the roff and the two round tailpipe trims.

Agility and AMGPro Financing by Mercedes-Benz Financial packages are available, with a guaranteed future value of the car, unlimited mileage breakdown and accident towing, tyre and rims replacement.

With the MobilityPlus programme, a guaranteed temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement car is provided when the car is sent for service and maintenance or warranty claims, for 48 hours or more.


Five things to get right when driving a bike-mounted car

                BERLIN: There are lots of things that can go wrong when a bicycle is mounted to your car, from unexpectedly long braking distances to something falling off and hitting the car behind you.

That's why you should pay attention to a few things when you've mounted a bicycle to the roof or rear of your car.

1: The most important thing is to make sure nothing falls off. First, make sure to remove anything that could come loose, like a basket, water bottle, clip-on light or battery.

2: To prevent the frame coming loose from your car, before a long journey double check that all the mount's screws are tight. An additional strap can help reduce the amount the bike will be rattled during the trip.

3: If you're using a rear mount, try to keep the heaviest wheel lower. This keeps the rear load as low as possible, which will make driving safer.

4: If you're carrying two electric bikes on a mount fixed to the car's draw bar, you might want to check the draw bar's maximum load. That's because a mount and two electric bikes with batteries can easily amount to 70kg, while some cars can only manage 50kg. The same goes if they're being mounted on the roof, which also has its weight limits.

5: If you're driving with bikes on the roof, remember the car's centre of gravity will now be higher. That means you should take extra care in sharp turns and when it's windy out. Your braking distances will also become longer and acceleration slower.

If you're still deciding between roof or rear mount, it helps to remember the pros and cons of both approaches. The main advantage of transporting bikes on the roof is that both the rear and the boot can still be used.

The list of disadvantages, however, is long. The high wind resistance leads to increased fuel consumption, while the mounting height of roof racks are usually awkward and uncomfortable. But then again, roof systems are also among the cheapest options.

A disadvantage of the rear carrier, meanwhile, is the limited rear visibility – and you shouldn’t use the rear window wiper. But they make up for that with ease of use, as you won't have to heave any heavy bike onto the roof.


Renault Fluence 'Big Deal' campaign

                KUALA LUMPUR: Under the Renault Fluence ‘Big Deal’ campaign, selected units of the 2017 model year Fluence Dynamique variant are specially priced at RM89,888 (without leather seats) or RM93,888 (with leather seats).

This is a substantial offer as the normal retail price of the Fluence Dynamique is RM119,888.

Prices are on-the-road inclusive of GST, without insurance.

The campaign is till October 31, 2017, or while stocks last.

It includes the five-year full manufacturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage.

For an extra RM3,500, one can also opt for a five-year / 100,000km service package (inclusive of parts and labour), which comes with the "5-in-Fluence" after sales package that provides free 24 hours roadside assistance, pick-up and delivery during scheduled maintenance at Renault service centres, and mobility service of replacement car in the event any part is not available for over 48 hours at authorised service centres.

The 2.0 litre Fluence C-segment sedan has a generous 530-litre boot, 17-inch two-toned alloy wheels, a seven-inch touch screen display with navigation, USB, and Bluetooth, as well as keyless entry with start, stop and walkaway lock functions.

There is also a reverse camera, automatic dual zone air conditioning, follow-me-home lighting, automatic wipers and headlights, rear air-conditioning vents, daytime running lights, and cruise control with speed limiter.

Safety features include six airbags, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with ASR (traction control) and ISOFIX child seat anchors.


Uber and GrabCar riders not covered by insurance, says association

                PETALING JAYA: Uber and GrabCar riders are putting themselves at risk, taxi drivers have said, with an online poll showing the public favoured regulating these service.

Federal Territories and Selangor Taxi Association president Datuk Aslah Abdullah said Uber and GrabCar riders were not covered by insurance.

“If an accident happens, who will pay? They want nice cars (and service that comes in) five minutes. But the consequence ... who will pay?” he told The Star.

An online poll set up from Nov 25 to Dec 3 by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) showed that 70.3% of 46,265 voters were in favour of the Government regulating these rider-sharing service.

It also showed that 89.1% of voters were unhappy with taxis overcharging their riders, or not using their meters.

To this, Aslah said taxi drivers would not do this if enforcement on them was a lot stronger.

He also implied that people should not encourage these drivers by getting into their cars and paying the high prices.

Malaysian Taxi Drivers’ Transformation Association (Pers1m) deputy chairman Kamarudin Mohd Hussain said SPAD failed to better taxis which led people to choose Uber and GrabCar over them.

“Who can guarantee that these illegal activities are safe?” he asked, referring to the ridesharing services.

He said that there were still many problems with the industry, and asked if SPAD could actually fix them.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Application Taxi Drivers Association (Pertapps) secretary Apriman Darlis admitted that drivers who didn’t use meters led to the public hating taxis.

He said it was SPAD’s responsibility to educate these drivers into not cheating their customers.

Still, he did not support ridesharing, adding that their rides were lower than taxi meter rates, which Apriman said was bad business for taxis.A portal reported that Uber and GrabCar drivers and their riders would not be able to claim insurance as ridesharing was a commercial activity.

The report added that Uber was working with an insurance company that seemed to cover rides with a third-party contingent liability of up to RM1mil.


Karma Automotive opens new design studio

                LOS ANGELES: Southern California-based luxury electric vehicle automaker and high-tech incubator Karma Automotive unveiled its new dedicated design studio at its global headquarters in Irvine, California before a group of local stakeholders, business leaders, and employees.

The state-of-the-art studio further establishes Karma Design as a dedicated business unit for the company, to both drive the company’s unique design identity and syndicate its styling services.

“Karma Design plays an important role in Karma’s diversification efforts as we embrace new market opportunities and evolve toward the next phase of our future,” said Karma CEO Dr Lance Zhou.

The 12,000 square-foot design studio represents a multimillion-dollar investment and underscores Karma’s efforts to enhance and grow its design services.

The new studio strengthens the company’s design capabilities as it readies itself for both future Karma design projects and those on behalf of other OEMs and startups.

The new business unit is also tasked with offering luxury-lifestyle design services beyond automotive and developing and guarding the unique Karma’s design language.

The new studio is designed to offer Karma’s signature luxury offerings to others and features a customization room for clients to tailor jewels, colours and materials to their unique specifications, in addition to a trim shop.

A floor-to-ceiling power wall provides designers with the opportunity to show full-scale concepts digitally, while clay modelling is completed on a new surface plate and state-of-the-art measuring towers.

Led by the company's global vice president of design and architecture Andreas Thurner, Karma Design’s dedicated team encompasses skilled designers from across the globe with experience in a variety of industries including automotive, fashion, luxury goods and more.

In addition to designing the company's future product, its designers will also lend their creative expertise and signature luxury offerings to OEMs, startups and design projects beyond automotive.

Karma’s design team is responsible for the iconic design language exhibited in the company’s striking SC1 and SC2 concept cars, and its reimagined 2020 Revero GT, which recently received the 2020 Luxury Green Car of the Year Award.

The new design studio is part of a wider investment of more than USD$10mil (RM42mil) in new infrastructure at Karma’s global headquarters, including a new dynamometer test facility and conference centre.

“As Karma moves forward in new and exciting directions, our new design studio is equipped to deliver luxury design services to both discerning Karma customers and business enterprises. The architecture of the new studio is minimalistic and modern; it is certain to bring fresh inspiration to our designers, partners and customers,” said Thurner.


GM still working on Nikola deal

                DETROIT: General Motors Co and Nikola Corp have not finalized their deal to jointly build electric pickup trucks and hydrogen fuel cell tractor-trailers, one day ahead of the date targeted, and are continuing discussions, GM said today.

“Our transaction with Nikola has not closed,” GM spokesman Juli Huston-Rough said in a statement. “We are continuing our discussions with Nikola and will provide further updates when appropriate or required.”

Huston-Rough declined to comment further when asked if GM was renegotiating any terms of the deal. A Nikola spokesman did not have an immediate comment.

When the deal was announced, Nikola said it expected it to close before Sept 30, adding either side could terminate the agreement if it wasn’t finalised by Dec 3.

The alliance, announced Sept 8, included plans for GM to receive an 11% stake in Nikola then worth about US$2 billion and payments up to US$700 million for building the startup’s Badger pickup.

With Nikola shares now trading below US$19 a share, GM’s potential stake is worth less than half the initial value.

In return, GM agreed to supply Nikola with electric batteries, a chassis architecture and a factory to build the Badger pickup, as well as GM’s fuel cell system for Nikola’s planned heavy trucks.

As part of the deal, GM also would keep 80% of EV regulatory credits generated by the Badger and have the right to buy the rest at market rates, which would help GM offset sales of its gasoline-powered vehicles.

Short-seller Hindenburg Research then released a scathing report on Sept 10 that called Nikola a “fraud” and said Nikola founder and then executive chairman, Trevor Milton, had made false claims about Nikola’s proprietary technology.

Milton denied the allegations and Nikola threatened legal action while referring the matter to the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC and the US Department of Justice have reportedly opened investigations into the matter, although neither has confirmed that to Reuters.

Milton, who owns 25% of Nikola, resigned on Sept 21, citing a desire to not be a distraction. He was replaced by board member and former GM vice chairman Steve Girsky, whose firm VectoIQ took Nikola public earlier this year through a reverse merger.

Hindenburg previously said Milton’s exit was “only the beginning of Nikola’s unravelling” and warned GM to “carefully evaluate” the potential damage to its brand.

GM, instead, has said it would stand by the deal, which it said made strategic sense by giving the Detroit automaker scale to cut costs.


Thailand International Motor Expo 2017: Nissan Leaf

                BANGKOK: Nissan's latest ell-electric Leaf hatchback made the scene at this year's Thailand International Motor Expo featuring a new e-POWER technology.

It was in September that the Japanese carmaker decided to bring the Leaf to Thailand.

The new electric powertrain has a power output of 110kW - 38% more than the previous generation of the Leaf, with torque having been increased by 26% to 320Nm for better accelerative properties.

Along with the added performance, its driving range has also improved, allowing the car’s new 40kWh lithium-ion battery pack to deliver an estimated claimed range of 400km, which should satisfy the daily driving of many customers.

The car also features the latest e-Pedal technology that allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate, stop, and hold the car just by using the accelerator pedal.

There's also ProPILOT - a single-lane autonomous driving technology, and ProPILOT Park which automatically controls the vehicle and guides it into parking spots.

The company's smart e-POWER technology refers to a further innovation under the ‘Nissan Intelligent Mobility.’

The e-POWER is an adaptation of electric vehicle technology that was perfected in the Leaf first and then paired to a small petrol engine to help recharge the vehicle’s high-output battery when necessary - eliminating the need for an external battery recharger.

The show will be open to the public from Nov 30 to Dec 11 at Impact Arena, Muangthong Thani from 12pm to 10pm daily.


Digital ageing threatens to kill off older cars

                HAMBURG: Forget about rust and worn-out engines. Digital ageing is more likely to spell the death knell for old cars, as the circuit boards and transistors used in them degrade to the point where they simply no longer work.

The problem lies in a car's ECUs, shorthand for the electronic control units. These tiny circuit boards are programmed to operate many different aspects of a car from regulating fuel injection through to winding electric windows.

When introduced in 1967, the ECU units were hailed as a triumph of new technology. These days they are cursed by many a cherished-car owner who cannot track down spares.

When an ECU stops working as a result of a defect or physical ageing, it needs replacing and there is the rub.

 An example of an ECU.

Many cars from the 1980s, 1990s and some only 15 years old are considered worthwhile classics, but electronic control items for these are no longer available. Stocks have dried up and making new ones is prohibitively expensive.

Anything up to 100 different ECUs can be found in an upmarket saloon or sports car built say 25 years ago. If the defective programmed boards cannot be replaced, these cherished vehicles could end up as static exhibits with no chance of them ever being used again on roads.

"You can get an old purely mechanical engine to run again and rusty metal can be replaced, but software is not so easy to repair," said expert Stephan Joest. He works for the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA), an international body which supports owners of older road vehicles and lobbies on their behalf.

ECUs are crucial to the smooth running of a car, whether it be a bread-and-butter model or something rare and exotic such as an Aston Martin Lagonda wedge or a Mercedes-Benz 250 Coupé.

The ECU used for the German car's fuel-injection system contains 270 separate electronic components.

To keep upcoming generations of classic cars running is a challenge to carmakers. Some like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have enlisted the help of parts suppliers such as Robert Bosch, which produced the original electronic gubbins and can sometimes supply replacement kit.

 The McLaren F1.

FIVA expert Joest wants to see the setting-up of a comprehensive register of ECU circuits before it is too late to save cars which are still in daily use, but which are destined to be future classics.

"We must save the digital source-codes used by these devices so that they can be used in future," said the FIVA expert. His concerns have not fallen on deaf ears, and component and tyre supplier Continental is already working on a solution.

"This problem is certainly on our radar and we are looking for the best way to solve it," said Continental's Enno Pigge.

The software is not the only problem, points out Klaus Reichert, who heads Mercedes-Benz Classic Service and parts. Items can be recoded, yet electronic regulating parts are not designed to last for ever.

"The half-life of an ECU is a lot less than that of a front wing or bumper," he said. Physical damage is much easier to detect and predict.

Digital ageing means a lot of electronic components kept in reserve as spare parts are simply dead in the box, although they have never been used. The same applies to diagnostic equipment used to pinpoint ECU faults.

"We first got to grips with this problem in 2012," said Reichert and since then Mercedes-Benz has establish a network of specialists and companies capable of refurbishing ECUs just like engines.

Circuit boards for more recent cars are already being stockpiled and should be available as spares for some time to come. Volkswagen has embarked on a similar strategy, said the company's classic car guru Joern Schwieger.

Reichert said he was confident that a current S-Class limousine or an AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz sports saloon will enjoy the same kind of retro-parts service as modern rarities like the 600 Pullman from the 1960s or the even more venerable gull-wing 300 SL sportster.

It is worth noting that manufacturers and their parts suppliers are under no obligation to maintain spare parts once a vehicle is no longer in production. Some firms do however keep a back catalogue of key electrical parts for owners of modern classics.

Digital ageing can even affect fairly new cars. The McLaren F1 supercar can only be maintained and its software updated using an obsolete Compaq computer from the 1990s. McLaren has scoured the world for the device, buying up as many as it can find in order to keep F1s on the road.


Shell Rimula distributes face masks to truck drivers

                KLANG: Shell Rimula’s #HeroKami campaign recently saw the brand distributing free face masks to truck drivers in the Port Klang area.

Shell Rimula salutes the efforts of many hardworking truckers who continue to tirelessly move essential goods across the country.

Shell Rimula has distributed 20,000 face masks to truckers so far.

A tribute video is also available for viewing online at https://www.facebook.com/Shell/videos/223020512125532/.

The masks were handed over at selected participating truck service centres and Northport recently.


Mitsubishi gets ex-Audi man as new design chief

                TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today announced that Alessandro Dambrosio is to join MMC as executive design director of advanced design.

He will lead teams at three design studios - Okazaki, Tokyo in Japan, and Frankfurt in Germany. He will report directly to Tsunehiro Kunimoto, Corporate Vice President of Design Division.

Dambrosio, from Milan, started his career at Fiat, in Centro Stile Lancia, and he spent almost eight years at Alfa Romeo as chief designer. He was subsequently head of Maserati Design before joining the Volkswagen Group as head of the Audi Concept Design Studio in Munich.

He will join Mitsubishi Motors in October.

"Alessandro is a very experienced and skilled designer with a long career at leading car companies," said Kunimoto. "I look forward to having him inspiring our teams to shape the next generation of Mitsubishi design and contributing to rebuild and enhance the Mitsubishi Motors brand as we aim for global growth.

"Alessandro is joining at an exciting time when we are working on concepts for the future of Mitsubishi Motors styling. With his passion and well-developed understanding of brand values, he will be an extremely valuable addition to our design team."


Hyundai Kona N a hot SUV that aims to be a 'corner rascal'

                SEOUL: Hyundai today unveiled the all-new Kona N as well as its high-performance philosophy and ambition for sustainable driving fun at Hyundai N Day, a digital showcase dedicated to introducing Hyundai’s N Brand.

Kona N is not only the latest addition to Hyundai’s growing high-performance N lineup but is also the first N model with an SUV body style. It promises a winning combination of versatility, spirited acceleration, agility and racetrack readiness.

Through the showcase, the company also shared N brand’s high-performance philosophy and introduced a new brand claim while also hinting at future N models in the pipeline. Hyundai also highlighted its commitment to sustainable e-performance, giving a glimpse of the future direction for motorsport initiatives and how it will serve as a basis for upcoming N models.

“We are thrilled to share the mindset, spirit and vision of the N brand to be a leader in the high-performance category powered by traditional internal combustion engines as well as our proven industry-leading battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicle technologies,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Division at Hyundai Motor Company.

“Our continuously growing and more balanced N portfolio will open new high-performance options, delivering the ‘grin factor’ no matter what the propulsion technology or body type may be.”

With technology inspired by motorsports, the N brand is touted as excelling at delivering driving enthusiasm by providing racetrack capabilities and "corner rascal" ride and handling in everyday sports cars. The Kona N unveiled at Hyundai N Day is no exception.

“Kona N is a true hot SUV with the performance level of a hot hatch. It breaks the rule that SUVs are less fun to drive. As an N model, it goes beyond the limits of an ordinary SUV,” said Albert Biermann, President and Head of R&D Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “Kona N can carve corners on the racetrack and bring excitement to everyday driving.”

The Kona N is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged GDI engine with an 8-speed wet dual clutch transmission (N DCT). N DCT is the enhanced version of Hyundai’s in-house developed 8DCT, an eight-speed wet-type dual-clutch transmission.

To make it suitable for N models, the 8DCT received improvements in durability, allowing it to handle the demands of high-performance vehicles. With the 2.0-litre T-GDI engine, it gives the best performance by applying unique gear ratios. The transmission control unit is calibrated for N, resulting in faster shifting and enabling a range of exclusive driving features including N Grin Shift (NGS), N Power Shift (NPS) and N Track Sense Shift (NTS) — that maximise driving exhilaration.

The powertrain delivers a maximum output of 280 PS / 40.0 kg-m. With N Grin Shift, the power is enhanced to 290 PS, maximising driving fun. The engine offers flat power that ensures high responsiveness and improved acceleration for even more fun on the road or on the racetrack, thereby using more of the engine’s potential. Kona N has a maximum speed of 240kph and can accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds, when Launch Control is activated.

Hyundai implemented N Corner Carving Differential, an electronic limited slip differential (E-LSD) on Kona N for control of torque distribution to driving wheels, delivering maximized fun when carving corners. Kona N also is equipped with 19-inch lightweight forged wheels with high-performance brakes and tyres.

Even in base trim, Kona N comes with Launch Control, Variable Exhaust System and most notably N Grin Control System, offering the same driving fun at all levels. N Grin Control System offers customers a high level of customisation, with five distinct drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and Custom. These drive modes change the character of the Kona N by adjusting the operating parameters of the engine, Electronic Stability Control, exhaust sound, and steering to optimise them for a variety of driving conditions.

The body’s extra welding points, improved strut ring structure and reinforced skeleton enhance rigidity to minimise body roll during maneuvers.

Kona N is equipped with a new 10-inch infotainment and digital cluster system featuring an exclusive racing head-up display (HUD) that adds a game-like dimension to every driving experience under N or Sport drive modes.

The new infotainment system’s "N mode design", which provides game-like experience with digitalised elements, communicates updates such as lap time and N track maps that help place the driver’s location within the circuit along with other information. The Kona N also maximises driving fun and excitement using various widgets with excellent readability and visibility which allow monitoring of driving information in real time.

Just like popular racing video games, Kona N has customisable N buttons that can be set to toggle custom modes. The custom modes can be pre-set according to the driver’s preferences. The buttons can also turn on and off the lap timer.

For Europe, Kona N is equipped with N Road Sense that automatically recommends the activation of N mode when double-curved road signs are detected, enabling drivers to enjoy every second of their drive to the fullest.

The combination of body-coloured fenders and 19-inch wheels provides Kona N with its wide, confident stance. The body-coloured fenders emphasise the volume of the B-SUV’s muscular body, giving Kona N a close-to-the-ground appearance.

The N-specific, 19-inch wheels that have wider track than other wheel options are pushed to all four corners to ramp up Kona’s already powerful visual impression.

The newly developed, N-exclusive Sonic Blue exterior colour is a new spin on Performance Blue, the colour most associated with N brand to date. That means Kona N is the only car that can wear Sonic Blue at the moment but previews a possible SUV lineup expansion. Sonic Blue creates an exciting contrast with the N-exclusive red accent that skirts the lower edge of the body.

Kona N’s front lip spoiler, double-wing roof spoiler and side skirts enhance aerodynamic efficiency and provide styling cues that declare its racetrack readiness. The wide lower air intake dominates the front bumper with a shape inspired by an aeronautic fuselage, providing much-needed engine cooling during hot laps and spirited driving. The double-wing roof spoiler, which is integrated with an N-specific triangular brake light, enhances downforce while providing visual flair.

Kona N’s interior also conveys the N spirit with brand-specific details such as the Performance Blue colour accents, seats, steering wheel, shift knob and metal pedals.

To ensure safe and convenient daily drives even as a high-performance vehicle, Kona N is equipped with a full array of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Alert (RCCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).

Also available in the Kona N is Bluetooth Multi-connection support and an enhanced natural language voice recognition system that incorporates Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technologies.

Kona N is equipped with traction control to handle a variety of terrain and surfaces, including snow and mud.

N’s mission is to push the limits of performance to help drivers discover how fun driving can be. With that in mind, Hyundai Motor also revealed the N Brand’s new brand claim, ‘Never just drive.’, on Hyundai N Day. This claim is said to capture the N mindset and spirit: “Do more than simply drive. Enjoy every second of it.”

Since its debut in 2013, the N brand has built a fervent following with its winning combination of everyday sports cars and its rapid rise in rally and customer racing. Together with its Motorsport division, N brand has logged victories at multiple races, including the FIA World Rally Championship, the TCR International Series, Pirelli World Challenge and Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race.

Every high-performance N model — including i30 N, i30 Fastback N, Veloster N, i20 N and Kona N — is designed by experts and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Namyang R&D Centre. Throughout the development, they go to the Nürburgring in Germany, one of the world’s most demanding racetracks, to undergo rigorous testing and validation. Through this painstaking process, N technology has been refined and born. N brand takes its name from Namyang and Nürburgring.

Hyundai is expanding its N and N Line lineup to 18 models through 2022. The flow of new N and N Line models will include variants in each major vehicle segment, suiting the needs of all types of car enthusiasts.

Hyundai Motor said future N cars could even be fully electric or be powered by hydrogen.

Hyundai’s dedicated battery electric vehicle platform, E-GMP, which was recently introduced on the all-new Ioniq 5, offers flexibility and possibilities. And, its proprietary hydrogen powertrain is at the heart of its new HTWO fuel cell system brand.


Rally driver and YouTube star Ken Block dies in snowmobile accident

                LOS ANGELES: Pro rally driver Ken Block, who later became an Internet sensation with his daring stunts behind the wheel, died aged 55 after a snowmobile accident, his team Hoonigan Racing said on Monday.

"It's with our deepest regrets that we can confirm that Ken Block passed away in a snowmobile accident today," Hoonigan said in a statement on Instagram.

"Ken was a visionary, a pioneer and an icon. And most importantly, a father and husband. He will be incredibly missed."

The accident occurred in Utah's Wasatch County and the Sheriff's Office said that Block was riding on a steep slope when the snowmobile upended and landed on top of him.

"He was pronounced deceased at the scene from injuries sustained in the accident," they said in a statement, adding that he was riding in a group but was alone when the accident occurred.

Having begun his rallying career in 2005, Block was named Rookie of the Year in the Rally America Championship. He competed in the World Rally Championship and won several rallycross medals at the X Games.

The American also co-founded sportswear company DC Shoes and produced the Gymkhana video series, which featured him driving on dangerous tracks and obstacle courses. The series racked up millions of views on YouTube.


Mercedes to launch new SL convertible just in time for summer

                BERLIN: Almost 70 years after the launch of its legendary sports car, Mercedes is launching a new SL convertible.

The model's seventh generation will go on sale just in time for the start of the summer season, the manufacturer announced when presenting the vehicle in Los Angeles.

Mercedes has yet to reveal prices but the latest SL - initially offered exclusively as a V8 model - is likely to be more than US$170,000 (RM712,000).

For the first time entirely developed at Mercedes subsidiary AMG, the new SL version is more closely modelled after the 1990s R 129 series rather than its two current predecessors.

This means the two-door model, which now measures 4.70 metres, comes with a soft top again instead of the retractable hard top. The new SL also has two emergency seats in the second row, but they are only suited for passengers smaller than 1.50 metres, according to the company.

While the fabric roof gives the SL a little bit of a retro element, its technical features are all up to the latest Mercedes standards, including roll stabilization and all-wheel drive, a first for the series, as well as rear-axle steering from the new S-Class.

With the SL 63, the familiar 4-litre-volume V8 engine produces 430 kW/585 hp and accelerates from a standstill to 100kph in 3.6 seconds with up to 800Nm. The SL 55 has a maximum of 350 kW/476hp, 700Nm and can manage the sprint in 3.9 seconds, according to AMG.

The two versions make it to a maximum speed of 315 and 295kph, respectively, with consumption at 11.8 litres in each case (268 g/km CO2 emissions).

Mercedes is also planning to launch the AMG six-cylinder at a later date - for luxury car buyers with a smaller budget.

The company has already confirmed a version with a plug-in hybrid, for more power with less fuel consumption. It reportedly comes with around 588 kW/800hp.


Buying a car? Don't forget your smartphone

                LONDON: Consumers are increasingly relying on digital before buying a car, so much so that it is already impacting on the traditional concept of the car dealership.

According to BMW, 97% of consumers now rely on the Internet for identifying and researching a new car.

In 1998, a consumer would visit a car retailer an average of four times before making or completing a purchase. Today, the average is just 1.4 visits.

The changing nature of the car dealership is why Hyundai has started to do away with showrooms and sales assistants steeped in knowledge about horsepower in favor of interactive touch screens and personnel who specialise in luxury item retail.

Even the most exclusive brands are looking at how digital can change the car-shopping experience. Bentley has a configurator app that uses images and video in concert with a smartphone or tablet's front-facing camera to analyse a person's emotional response to visual stimulus and use that data to automatically create a bespoke color and materials scheme, before setting foot in the building.

In November BMW took things one step further, by becoming the first car company to bring every aspect of car ownership - from selecting and specifying a model to finance, sales and servicing - to the web. And although you can go from initial enquiry to collection in under 10 minutes, BMW wants the service to complement rather than replace the traditional notion of the car dealership.

But of course people are moving away from traditional dealers for information and increasingly they're also moving closer to mobile devices for assistance as a result.

Over the past 12 months, one third of all online interaction across manufacturer and automotive websites relating to new and used cars was mobile.

According to British online publication AutoTrader, this activity spiked at 41% in November. That's an eight-fold increase since 2012.

AutoTrader commissioned an in-depth study of more than 1,000 British carbuyers and found that when the hunt for a new car begins, it's unusual for a consumer to reach immediately for a smartphone. A desktop or notebook's greater screen size makes it the ideal tool for comparing brands or models side by side.

However, by the time a consumer is at a car dealership, a smartphone is indispensable. "Buyers are increasingly drawn to their mobiles for timely answers to specific questions on areas like price and specifications, and to reassure themselves that the retailer is one they can trust," said AutoTrader insight director, Nick King.


Audi to completely reinvent the R8

The current R8.
INGOLSTADT: Although it appeared Audi had ditched plans for a new generation of the R8 after sales of the current model proved relatively disappointing, it seems the end isn't nigh for the R8 after all. Instead, the Audi supercar is going to be completely reinvented as an all-electric, all-wheel drive hypercar with stunning performance courtesy of an electric powertrain with around 1,000bhp.

British publication Autocar is reporting that a complete reinvention of the R8 as an all-electric supercar is planned for 2022, but the bad news for some enthusiasts is the move will also signal the end of the German automaker's love affair with V10 petrol engines.

While V10's are incredibly potent and much-loved by many, they face what appear to be two unstoppable and consequently inevitable trends: the continuing rise of electric power and the end of the big, brash, high-revving, and undeniably polluting naturally aspirated engines without a contribution from at least some sort of electric motor.

 The PB18 e-tron concept.

It's not just V10s becoming an endangered species either, as V8 engines are also in decline in Europe as models like the latest RS4 and RS5s are increasingly moving towards smaller displacement V6 turbos instead. Audi still employs V8 power in the A6, A7 and A8 ranges at the moment, as well as in the mighty SQ7 SUV, but surely its days are numbered there too?

We did see the change coming with the R8 though, with the limited-production run e-tron version back in 2015. That was Audi's first foray into the realms of the electrified performance car, but the new model will go the whole way and move beyond hybrid power to full-blown all-electric propulsion.

Further inspiration will inevitably also be taken from the PB e-tron concept recently revealed at last month's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California. That one is a 764bhp EV beast with a theoretical top speed of more than 296kph and a 0-100kph time of what Audi describes as "scarcely more than two seconds," but which also boasts a shooting brake-like rear end design making it more practical than the current R8.

Audi wants to position itself as a genuine leader in the electric car market, and has plans in place to sell 800,000 electrified vehicles by 2025. Those plans will obviously include some much more affordable and more practical models than a third-generation, all-electric R8, but it's the R8 everyone will be wanting to hear about most.


SEAT and CUPRA get new chief designer

                MARTORELL (Spain): Former Audi designer Jorge Díez has been appointed as design director for both SEAT and CUPRA as of Dec 1.

Díez has extensive automotive experience spanning almost 20 years. He led SEAT’s Exterior Design department from 2011 to 2014, and has also worked at the Audi and Volkswagen headquarters in Germany.

In his new position, he will report to the company’s Executive Vice-President for Research and Development, Dr Werner Tietz.

During his previous time with the brand, as Head of SEAT Exterior Design, Díez was one of the creators of some of its most successful models, including the third-generation SEAT Leon, the fourth-generation SEAT Ibiza and the SEAT Ateca, the first SUV in the history of the carmaker.

In his stint at Audi, he created models such as the second-generation Audi TT and the first-generation Audi A7.

Díez is a technical engineer in Industrial Design from the Cardenal Herrera University of Valencia and holds a Master’s degree in Car Design from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and a Master’s degree from the London Royal College of Art.


Drive-in Christmas services allow Germans to worship despite pandemic

                HAMBURG: A church in Hamburg is hosting a Christmas service at a drive-in cinema to enable Germans to worship safely without fear of catching the novel coronavirus.

Some 80 cars signed up to attend the "drive-in Christmas service" hosted by a church here on Christmas Eve.

Participants watched a church service described as an "Online Christmas Experience," with a production of the Christmas story and musical highlights at ICF Hamburg at Horner racecourse. Viewers could also follow the service on YouTube.

Attendees were also invited to honk a Christmas carol together.

"As a church, we love to touch people's hearts with art and creativity," said ICF pastor Andreas Pantli. As it was not possible to host a full service this year, he said, "we decided to break new ground and offer an online experience."

There has been growing pressure on churches to call off Christmas services amid an increase in infection numbers in Germany.


2017 Geneva Motor Show: Pininfarina goes from one extreme to the other

                GENEVA: On its stand at this year's Geneva Motor Show, Italian automotive design studio Pininfarina is showcasing the full extent of its skills by debuting a bespoke dream car built to a racing driver's exact requirements and a luxury plug-in electric sedan for the Chinese market.

The driver in question is former F1 and Indy 500 champion Emerson Fittipaldi and the car, the Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina, was developed in collaboration with German engineering firm HWA AG. Like a genuine racing car, its naturally aspirated V8 engine has an integrated gearbox and they're pretty much the only elements of the vehicle that aren't carbon fiber.

As for its styling, Fittipaldi used a shark as his touchstone in the briefing sessions -- he wanted a ferocious predator that is also graceful and beautiful, if a little frightening to look at.

"I have tried for years to explain to others what it truly feels like to be behind the steering wheel of a championship racecar. There is adrenaline and elation all rolled into an awe-inspiring inner fulfillment that leaves you craving for more. This is what our dream team created in the EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina," said Fittipaldi.

Now that it's finished, it will go into a limited production run under the newly formed Fittipaldi Motors marque. As part of the ownership experience, each buyer will gain exclusive membership to the Fittipaldi Racing Club where they will get one-on-one driving tuition from the man himself and get to compete in race days at some of the world's most famous circuits.

While for those that can't get on the waiting list, the car will also be appearing in the popular PlayStation game Gran Turismo later this year as a guest car.

Pininfarina's other world debut is the H600, a luxury sports sedan built for Hybrid Kinetic Group (HK), a Hong Kong company specializing in electric and hybrid powertrains.

The 5-metre-long car uses a combination of electric motors, a battery pack and a turbine engine that spins to recharge the battery on the go and extend range. As a result it can travel for up to 1,000km before the battery and fuel tank need replenishing. And because this drivetrain is compact there is much more cabin space available (plus a 500-liter truck) than in any of its potential competitors.

This car also represents the start of an ongoing partnership between the two companies that will see Pininfarina design and build cars for the Chinese market.

"Pininfarina has always had sustainable mobility in its DNA. With the H600 it responds once again to the need for zero emissions, felt more than anywhere in Hybrid Kinetic Group's home market, China," said Pininfarina CEO Silvio Pietro Angori.