Toyota taps wells to beat water supply disruption in central Japan

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp is using well water at its factories to avoid the impact of an industrial water supply disruption in central Japan, a spokesman said today.

A leakage at a water facility in the Aichi prefecture has disrupted industrial water supply, affecting more than 130 business establishments, local government officials said.

Those establishments include firms and factories with ties to Toyota.

Japan's largest automaker will be able to operate as usual for Wednesday and will continue to monitor the situation after that, the spokesperson said.

Media reports had said industrial water supply would stop by around 9am today at 131 businesses in 12 municipalities in the Aichi prefecture, including the city of Toyota where the automaker's headquarters is located.

But supply had not completely stopped as of 11:15am, an official at Aichi Public Enterprise Bureau told Reuters, adding it was uncertain when the disruption would be fixed.

Some major assembly lines at Toyota's factories in the area had already planned to suspend production, prior to the water supply issue, due to parts shortage stemming from the Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai.


Former Japanese PM Abe visits Toyota Bukit Raja factory

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor hosted former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his delegation at the company's manufacturing plant in Bukit Raja, Klang.

Abe visited Malaysia as a special government envoy of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, commemorating the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Japan, and the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said Abe's visit is extremely valuable to the company and timely.

 Abe being briefed on UMW Toyota Motor's operations.

“Abe was able to witness for himself the exciting transformation of Malaysia’s automotive sector towards sustainable mobility through the introduction of Toyota’s Hybrid Electric Technology, which is an essential step to quickly propel Malaysia towards the goal of Carbon Neutrality.

“Along with our partners in Malaysia and Toyota Group Companies, Toyota will continue to take a leadership role to contribute to the development of the Malaysian automotive industry, as well as developing human resources and the environment towards fostering a sustainable society,” said Ravindran.


Tesla delays truck launch, eyes battery power for Puerto Rico

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla said it is delaying the planned launch of its electric transport truck, diverting resources to step up production of its Model 3 sedan and to produce batteries for storm-ravaged Puerto Rico.

The electric carmaker's chief executive Elon Musk announced Friday the news on Twitter, pushing back the launch of its semi-truck which had been set to be unveiled Oct 26 in California.

The news comes after a slower-than-expected debut for Tesla's Model 3, the US$35,000 sedan - half the price of earlier models - which aims to bring electric vehicles to a broader market.

The company said earlier this week it had received some 450,000 pre-orders for the Model 3 but that production has been hobbled by a bottleneck in "manufacturing subsystems."

"Tesla Semi unveil now Nov 16," Musk tweeted Friday.

"Diverting resources to fix Model 3 bottlenecks & increase battery production for Puerto Rico & other affected areas."

In a series of exchanges on Twitter Thursday and Friday, Musk said the company could help restore electricity to Puerto Rico - whose power system was decimated by Hurricane Maria - by using solar panels and batteries.

Responding to a tweet asking if Tesla could help, Musk answered: "The Tesla team has done this for many smaller islands around the world, but there is no scalability limit, so it can be done for Puerto Rico too."

Puerto Rico governor Ricardo Rosello joined the conversation, tweeting to Musk: "Let's talk. Do you want to show the world the power and scalability of your #TeslaTechnologies? PR could be that flagship project."

Musk then responded: "I would be happy to talk. Hopefully, Tesla can be helpful."

Tesla and Musk have for years been seeking to push the auto industry to electric to reduce the use of fossil fuels, and more recently have introduced residential and commercial solar batteries which can operate off the electric power grid.


SPONSORED: Silverstone rolls ahead with confidence

                RIDE comfort, fuel savings and safety are usually the key factors that car owners look out for in tyres.

Silverstone’s latest addition to the Kruizer 1 series family – the NS800 – is a well-balanced performer that is suitable for everyday driving.

Developed using the latest tyre making technologies, the NS800 features low rolling resistance coefficient and Silverstone’s Advanced Micro Beta Silica formulation.

The result is a tyre that is quiet while providing good fuel economy without any reduction in road grip.

Also with high molecular polymer compound, the NS800’s durability is further enhanced for performance on wet and dry roads.

Its 3D Multi Wave Sipes helps reduce pattern noise and prevent degradation of brake performance.

The rib type tread-pattern and silica compound combination works well to reduce rolling resistance and improve performance in wet and dry.

The wide straight grooves, meanwhile, enhance the NS800’s resistance against aquaplaning by channelling out water.

NS800 tyres with size width of 195 and above will come with four grooves.

Its five pitch variable pattern is designed to reduce pattern noise, making driving a pleasant experience.

The NS800 is also the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) passenger car tyre for Perodua Bezza, and Proton Saga and Persona models which complies with R117 Stage II Regulation that improves wet grip while reducing noise and rolling resistance.

The tyre is also suitable for a wide range of passenger cars in Malaysia such as hatchback and sedans.

The NS800 is available from 13- to 16-inches.

Silverstone will increase the NS800’s line-up to cater to more types of passenger cars on Malaysian roads.


Porsche holds Sportscar Together Day at SIC

                SEPANG: Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP), the authorised importer of Porsche in Malaysia, recently held its Sportscar Together Day at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

The sportscar brand from Stuttgart, Germany continued this tradition which was first held during the brand's 70th anniversary last year.

Porsche owners and enthusiasts converged at SIC on Aug 3 to celebrate the brand and its heritage which showcased Porsche race cars, supercars and sports cars.

It was estimated that over 2,000 patrons visited the family-friendly event that was catered to all ages and interests while enthusiasts were treated to a closer look at Porsche’s iconic models over its 70-year heritage.

Such cars on display included Porsche Carrera Cup Asia's 911 GT3 Cup race cars, eight generations of the 911 as well as the 919 Hybrid and the Mission E 1:3 scale model.

Visitors were able to learn about the historical milestones of the brand in the Fascination Porsche showcase that provided insights into the past and future of of the brand.

In conjunction with the event, it also marked the arrival of the new Macan S 3.0 V6.

Also, the Largest Porsche Gathering was recorded for Malaysia at SIC with 320 Porsches gathered on the track and was subsequently given a victory lap around the circuit.

Additionally, enthusiasts who participated in the Porsche Experience left with a better understanding of the dynamics of driving a Porsche.

Parents who signed their child up for the Porsche Junior Experience programme took place on a customised replica of SIC track.

Also, members of the media were treated to a quick lap around SIC in the 911 Carrera S and 4S (all-wheel drive) model variants, albeit in left-hand drive versions.

During the event, SDAP took the opportunity to introduce its new 360 Leasing programme.

The programme has added the latest Cayenne and Panamera to its list of vehicles with the new Macan S soon to join.

The new 360 Leasing programme is an alternative to conventional ownership models via financing and provides customers and companies with the financial flexibility to drive away a new Porsche every three years with only a 10% or 25% refundable security deposit (for company lease or individual lease respectively) based on the selected vehicle value.

As part of the peace-of-mind ownership, Porsche vehicles under the programme come equipped with warranty and maintenance package including service, parts and labour by an authorised Porsche Service Centre.

The pricing under this programme also includes a 'full comprehensive insurance package' for all drivers, inclusive of coverages for windscreen and natural disasters as well as road tax.

Additionally, customers will enjoy 24-hour roadside assistance offered by Porsche Assist in the event of any emergency.

“We are thrilled to be able to share the experience of driving a Porsche with more people than ever before, or even for new enthusiasts to start their journey with Porsche with the introduction of our new 360 Leasing programme," said Sime Darby Auto Performance chief executive officer Christopher Hunter.


Tesla may open Berlin plant by mid-March

                BERLIN: Production at Tesla's Berlin factory will not start until mid-March at the earliest, German TV channel RBB reported on Wednesday.

Tesla is still awaiting final approval from local authorities to begin production.

RBB reported, without citing any sources, that authorities are currently still reviewing the factory's safety precautions.

A spokesman for the state environment ministry said "we do not specify a concrete date," but "we are in the final phase of the approval process."

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk has tweeted that he would visit the Berlin factory in mid-February.

A spokesman for Tesla in Germany didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.


New York premiere for Mercedes-AMG GLC43

                NEW YORK: The new Mercedes-AMG GLC43 will celebrate its world premiere in March 2016 at the New York International Auto Show.

The new GLC43 gets a 362hp 3.0-litre V6 Biturbo engine with 521Nm of torque, 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shortened shift times and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive configured with a rear bias.

"With the new AMG GLC43, we are offering an AMG model in the mid-size SUV segment for the first time. The new SUV from Affalterbach marks the pinnacle of the GLC product range and in the AMG portfolio it closes the gap between the GLA and GLE," says Tobias Moers, CEO at Mercedes-AMG.

The AMG powerplant can be identified by the red aluminum insert on the engine cover.

For the GLC43, developers in Affalterbach designed a sport suspension based on the AIR BODY CONTROL air suspension.

Also specifically adapted, the Adaptive Damping system ADS PLUS can be adjusted in the three stages: "Comfort," "Sport" and "Sport Plus."

High-sheen 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels dominate the side view, with mixed-size tyres with the dimensions 255/45 R20 (front) and 285/40 R20 (rear) emphasising the sporty appearance.


2021 Audi e-tron SUV slashes price and increases range for US

                WASHINGTON: Audi is giving the 2021 e-tron SUV family a host of updates and a new, compelling price point for the 2021 model year.

The e-tron SUV is now offered at US$65,900 (RM277,000) starting price for the model year 2021, a drop of nearly US$9,000 (RM38,000) from the starting price of the model year 2019 Premium Plus e-tron.

The e-tron lineup also receives a number of technical spec enhancements for improved utility.

Through optimised drive system hardware and software adjustments, the updated e-tron achieves efficiency improvements resulting in an EPA-estimated range of 357km, an increase of 28km. Meanwhile, the e-tron Sportback delivers an EPA-estimated range of 350km.

The technical enhancements and price cut were to make Audi's EVs more competitive to what Tesla has to offer. Volkswagen AG-owned Audi has had trouble selling its electric cars in the volumes expected. It sold less than 17,000 e-trons in the first half of this year, slightly more than 2% of its worldwide total.


Cashless toll collection system promises to reduce jams

                KUALA LUMPUR: Toll collection at three major highways in Kuala Lumpur and seven toll plazas around the country goes cashless from today under a move that promises to smoothen traffic flow.

Toll plazas at Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (Akleh), Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) and Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (DUKE) highways, will be the first in Kuala Lumpur to have a fully electronic toll collection (ETC) system.

They will also be joined by those in Jitra, Bukit Kayu Hitam, and Lunas in Kedah, Kubang Semang and Penang Bridge in Penang, and Gombak and Bentong at the KL-Karak highway.

In the city alone, having fully electronic toll collection is expected to help reduce traffic congestion by about 20% to 30%.

 Motorist Izuwan Nor Wahid collecting several Touch ’n Go cards at the Penang Bridege toll plaza office. - Bernama

To encourage motorists to pay electronically, many concessionaires have been throwing in offers.

The AKLEH and DUKE concessionaires were offering a 5% rebate for Class One motorists (cars, vans and small trucks) for three months.

SmartTAG units would also be sold at a special price of RM99, from today until the stocks last,

AKLEH general manager Engku Mohd Fauzi Engku Hatim said: “We have 22 lanes in total and we have been switching the mixed mode lanes (cash and Touch ’n Go) to only Touch ’n Go lanes in stages.

“Rela officers will also assist highway patrol officers to control the traffic situation.

“We have also increase our support staff to promote the ETC and to sell Touch ’n Go cards,” he said.

He said a smooth transition was expected with electronic toll collection rising from 65% in January to 89% at present for the Datuk Keramat toll plaza.

Ekovest Berhad managing director Datuk Lim Keng Cheng said ETC penetration at DUKE reached 85.8% after they started publicising the conversion to the cashless system and the sale of Touch ’n Go cards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=lEkigEB4nvM

He said that their staff would also be on standby to assist motorists by selling RM5 Touch ’n Go cards.

PLUS Malaysia Bhd general manager (operations) Norbayati Manap said top up service and purchase of electronic access cards would be available 24 hours at the extreme left booth, as the final phase of the cashless system is imposed in the last five open toll booths in the northern region.

She said motorist can also top up their MyKad which have the Touch ’n Go features.

She said the implementation of the fully electronic payment system in the northern region today marks the completion of the cashless system in all the 14 open toll plazas nationwide.

Thousands of people made a last-minute dash to the Penang Bridge toll plaza sales office in Prai to buy Touch ’n Go cards before the implementation of the fully electronic system nationwide.

Office clerk Tan Lai Ghim, 42, said he took leave to get a PLUSMiles card.

“It’s troublesome having to wait for so long but hopefully the electronic system will help ease traffic congestion at the bridge,” she said.

Businessman Ismail Ghazafar, 56, from Kulim, had to wait for an hour before getting his PLUSMiles card and SmartTAG.


Proton Exora sets new record for 'Most People in an MPV'

                SHAH ALAM: Proton has broken a 17-year-old record in the Malaysia Book of Records for “Most People in an MPV” with 55 people in the Proton Exora.

The record was set by Team Girls Power from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP) which won RM10,000.

Each team member won a Proton sales voucher worth RM1,000 as well as a smartphone, two TGV movie tickets and an invite to the launching ceremony of the new Proton SUV later this year.

The new record was recently set in the final round of Proton's Ace The Space contest, held at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya.

The other competing teams in the final round included all-female teams from Kolej Vokasional Temerloh and Politeknik Port Dickson, and each team managed to squeeze 53 people in the Exora.

An all-male team from UiTM Shah Alam also did well by squeezing 45 people in the Exora.

In the first round held earlier this year from May till July , teams from Selangor, Perlis, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan had competed in the Proton Ertiga.

The premise was simple - participants were given 10 minutes to squeeze themselves in the Ertiga and nnce doors are closed, a five-second countdown is done.

The objectives of the contest included creating a fun platform for Proton fans and to allow consumers to explore and discover the spaciousness of a Proton MPV (multi-purpose vehicle).


Mercedes expands C-Class line-up

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has announced the expansion of the C-Class family with the C160 Saloon replacing the C 180 as the new base model. The others are the C 300, C 200 4MATIC, C 220 d 4MATIC and C 450 AMG 4MATIC.

The five models enable Mercedes-Benz to up the stakes and straddles different price points across this segment. All new versions are available in both sedan/saloon and estate bodystyles.

The new models share the same C-Class characteristics, giving them a sporty interior with a high-quality look and feel and enhanced sense of spaciousness, the lightest bodyshell in this segment, fuel-efficient and responsive engines, high efficiency, a comprehensive range of safety features and an agile and comfortable suspension, along with many other innovations.

 The C 450 AMG 4MATIC, V6 Biturbo engine.

The C160 Saloon and C 300 represent the additional 4-cylinder cars,  while the C 200 4MATIC and C 220 d 4MATIC introduce new cost-efficient four-wheel-drive variants.

For the C-Class customer who wants even more power, Mercedes directs his attention to the new V6 C 450 AMG 4MATIC.

At the same time, Mercedes-Benz will be introducing new equipment options for the C-Class.

Options available are a head-up display, a touchpad and a wide range of intelligent driver assistance systems. Mercedes-Benz has also very recently extended the range of equipment and appointment options, which now include a heated steering wheel and a revised choice of trims.

A new package of online services under the name "Mercedes connect me" is available from Mercedes-Benz in Europe for the Saloon and Estate models via an integrated on-board KOM module. These services include, for example, Accident Recovery, Maintenance Management and Breakdown Management.

Also now available from dealers are the two new V8 AMG models, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S, which have already celebrated their world premiere. These high-performance rear-wheel-drive sports cars are powered by a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, making this top-of-the-range V8 model the most powerful car in its segment.


As if by magic, this BMW front grille repairs itself

                MUNICH: The new BMW iX - deliveries of which are due to start before the year's end - has one rather incredible asset.

The front grille of this electric SUV can automatically erase marks and scratches, without any human intervention. This innovation relies on an additional polyurethane coating applied by the manufacturer.

The imposing front grille of BMW's new all-electric SUV can easily be subject to small bumps and scratches. However, its future owners can rest assured that any such minor damage will be repaired very quickly and, what's more, without any effort on their part.

This is all thanks to a special polyurethane coating that can automatically "repair" light scratches within 24 hours at room temperature, or even in less than five minutes under hot air (such as from a hair dryer). And this feature is not an optional extra!

In addition to this surprising technology, the grille also contains a camera, radars and sensors dedicated to the safety and semi-autonomous driving systems offered by BMW.

This large family SUV, lined up to compete with the Tesla Model X, has a range of 370km to 630km, depending on the version. Pre-orders are now open.


2016 Geneva Motor Show: Performance and power mark new model introductions

                GENEVA: From ultra-luxury sports cars to 4x4 urban conquerors, the Geneva International Motor Show opens to the media as gas guzzlers see their popularity rebound amid the oil price slide.

More than 120 new models from manufacturers across the world will be introduced at the 86th edition of Europe’s flagship auto show, with industry leaders boasting of a positive mood after the financial crisis of 2008-2013 fades for some consumers.

That optimism comes despite the ongoing fallout from the Volkswagen pollution scandal.

The show opens to the public on March 3, but offered a tantalising peek at what would be on view with a ceremony awarding Opel/Vauxhall the coveted Europe’s Car of the Year title for its 2016 Astra.

READ ALSO:BMW sees radical new futureHow carmakers strive to keep pace with technology SsangYong SIV-2 hybrid concept.

While more practical, even modestly priced cars often win the top award the Geneva show is synonomous with luxury and performance and the 2016 edition is unlikely to disappoint.

Bugatti is set to unveil the Chiron - successor to the Veyron - which aims to take its place among the most powerful and fastest cars in the world. At an estimated price of some two million euros (US$2.2 million) it is also one of the most expensive.

Appealing to a broader market, the Geneva show includes a full lineup of 4x4s - or SUVs - catering for urban driving band which have captured more than 22 percent of the European market since they were introduced a decade ago.

With oil prices plummeting from over US$100 in 2014 to below US$35 a barrel on Monday, analysts said cheap fuel was making hybrid cars less of a priority for some buyers.

Last year’s Car of the Year winner was the Volkswagen’s Passat, but the company is expected to keep a low profile this year, amid the scandal that followed revelations its diesel engine cars were secretly outfitted with devices to cheat US emissions tests.

Analysts said the plight of the German car giant, which controls nearly 25 percent of the European market, will dampen the mood in Geneva.

Organisers expect 650,000 to 700,000 visitors at the show which runs through March 13, with 200 exhibitors from more than 30 countries.


VW Tiguan Allspace opens up more room

                WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen will launch an extended version of the Tiguan next year.

The Tiguan Allspace will be the lengthened version of VW's best-seller which will mark its world premiere at the Detroit auto show in January. From the early part of summer, the Tiguan – with up to seven seats – will be launched successively in North America, China and Europe.

The European version of the lengthened Tiguan will be given the added designation “Allspace”, while the models for North America and China will simply be called "Tiguan".

As the name suggests, this long version of the Tiguan boasts more room inside, and a longer wheelbase (+ 11 cm). Both aspects ensure greater flexibility in the interior. In addition, the Tiguan Allspace comes with an attractive range of equipment features.


Rain can change race dynamics at Malaysia F1

                SEPANG: There is a high chance of rain at the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday.

In the opening leg in Australia two weeks ago, Mercedes were dominant on a dry track with Lewis Hamilton a runaway winner and team-mate Nico Rosberg second.

There was no rain-tyre testing during the off-season. And if it rains on race day, it will make for an interesting outcome.

Pirelli chief Paul Hembery is keeping his fingers crossed heavy rain does not fall in the early stages of the race.

Pirelli are the official tyre supplier this season.

“There have been no rain testing of tyres. If we had that, Pirelli would have had more opportunity to perfect the wet weather designs to allow the drivers to get used to the tyres,” said Hembery, adding that managing the tyres carefully would be the key to success in Sepang.

“Wear and degradation is traditionally very high in Sepang ... The Malaysian GP is the toughest challenge on the F1 calendar,” he said.

McLaren driver Jenson Button has experience driving in all weather conditions in Sepang. He said the unpredictable weather “is what makes the race interesting”.

He won on a wet track in 2009 for Brawn GP and went on to lift the world drivers’ title.

“Malaysia will be another tricky step in the learning process for us. It is often an unpredictable race and the extreme temperatures will test our car and tyres to the limits.

“With the possibility of rain added to the mix, it will be interesting to see how our car behaves in changeable conditions,” said Button, who finished 11th in Australia.

Williams driver Felipe Massa, who finished fourth behind Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull in the season-opener, believes all the drivers are ready for the challenging conditions.

“Malaysia is not just hot and humid, the rain is also an issue. It always rains during race day, but we are prepared for it,” said the Brazilian.

Mercedes’ Rosberg said the weather can change extremely quickly in Sepang.

“We may see our first running on full wet tyres this weekend although bringing the start time forward by one hour may help avoid the regular late afternoon storms,” said the German.


MCVE 2022: Scania unveils smart and clean tech

                KUALA LUMPUR: Scania in Malaysia has unveiled its line-up of its New Truck Generation (NTG) that features advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) along with sustainable Euro V emission standard.

Also showcased at Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) at the Mines International Exhibition Convention Centre were the B100 FAME-prepared coaches and the test & drive competition called ‘A Good Driver’ MCVE Edition.

Deputy Transport Minister Henry Sum Agong was the guest-of-honour of the MCVE which is open to the public and ongoing until March 12.

Chemtrax Sdn Bhd’s P410A6x2NA is the first ADR Specification NTG customer that subscribed to the ADAS – the two of many safe and smart transport technologies are the Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and also comes with the award-winning rollover side curtain airbags, for the latest 10 units delivered.

 Heba (left) handing a mock key Chemtrax senior manager Hairul Anuar and witnessed by Henry (centre).

LDW is a practical aid that warns the driver if the vehicle is about to cross the lane markers, without activating the indicators.

The system automatically detects the lane markers and advises the driver when the vehicle combination is too close to the oncoming lane or verge/ditch markings.

AEB is a system that uses camera and radar to register what is happening in front of the vehicle.

The purpose of the system is, as far as possible, to prevent a collision with the vehicle in front through automatic braking.

The implementation of ADAS in heavy commercial vehicles together with proper and authorised maintenance reduces traffic accidents and casualties, reduces repair of road infrastructure caused by accidents and reduces traffic congestion as a result of accidents.

Other features of the NTG include new chassis design, extended storage options, and enhanced safety features such as the rollover side curtain airbags, which is a first in Malaysia.

 Heba (left) presenting a mock key to Xin Hwa group operations manager Mohd Yusoff Rahman and witnessed by Henry.

Xin Hwa Holdings Bhd became the first customer to receive Scania NTGs with Euro V engines.

A key feature among many Scania engine technologies in the Scania NTG Euro V R620A6x4NZ is the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that reduces local emissions that contribute to smog and haze.

In accordance with the EU emission standard, local emissions are measured in Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), a toxic gas, and particulate matter (PM). Extra High-Pressure Injection (XPI) enhances performance and fuel economy.

 Billion Stars Express CEO Edward Lim (left) receiving the mock key from Heba and witnessed by Henry.

Scania also showcased Billion Stars Express Sdn Bhd’s FAME-prepared coaches K360IB4x2 that can run on B20 to B100.

It is environmentally-friendly – lowering global emissions by reducing CO2 to limit the effects of climate change.

FAME is the abbreviation for Fatty Acid Methyl Esters which is the technical term for the biodiesel that is produced in Malaysia.

In addition, Scania coaches come with safety technology, great comfort and reliability.

Meanwhile, the ‘A Good Driver’ Competition MCVE edition was also the highlight at this year’s expo that allows the public to experience driving a Scania truck or bus and win some prizes.

Winners were awarded prizes every two hours daily (up to four times) with the prize-giving ceremony held at the main Scania exhibition area.

As the first major manufacturer of heavy commercial vehicles, Scania’s far-reaching climate targets have officially been approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi).

Scania Southeast Asia managing director Heba El Tarifi said profitability and sustainability could go hand in hand.

“That is why Scania continues to be a leader in driving the shift towards a sustainable transport system together with our partners.

“We hope more will join us on this journey towards reaching our SBTi targets,” Heba said.


Biden to pitch his US$174bil EV plan in Michigan

Biden fielding questions from the media on Monday, with vice-president Kamala Harris in the background. He is pushing for new battery production facilities, which are key to ramping up US electric vehicle manufacturing. — AP
WASHINGTON: US president Joe Biden will make the case for his US$174 billion (RM718bil) electric vehicle plan today, calling for government grants for new battery production facilities during a visit to a Ford Motor electric vehicle plant in Michigan.

He will also rule out consumer incentives for high-priced electric luxury models, according to a White House fact sheet reviewed by Reuters, as he argues for dramatic government spending to prod Americans to buy electric vehicles at a preview of Ford's new EV F-150 pickup truck.

The White House wants to encourage new battery production facilities, which are key to ramping up US electric vehicle manufacturing.

Biden's plan "proposes cost-sharing grants to support new high capacity battery facilities in the United States, recognising that new businesses may not be able to access tax credits but can pitch in their fair share as they scale their operations," the previously unreported White House fact sheet said.

It also backs grants to fund the retooling of shuttered factories "to build advanced vehicles and parts."

The centrepiece of Biden's EV plan is US$100 billion in consumer rebates, according to an April US Transportation Department email to lawmakers.

The White House fact sheet says Biden's plan provides "point-of-sale incentives that encourage EV deployment.

These incentives will not go towards expensive luxury models and will also incentivise manufacturers who use good labor practices."

The existing US$7,500 EV tax credit applies to vehicles regardless of price but phases out after a manufacturer sells 200,000 EVs. Credits for both Tesla and General Motors expired after they hit the cap.

The White House has declined to say how Biden wants EV tax credits restructured or if he wants to hike credits.

Biden will argue that the United States is falling behind China on EVs.

"Despite pioneering the technology, the United States is behind in the race to manufacture these vehicles and the batteries that go in them," the White House says.

Biden faces resistance from many congressional Republicans on his EV focus.

Biden backs new tax credits for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, which the White House notes "are major contributors to poor air quality" and the administration pegs as costing US$10 billion.

Biden wants US$15 billion to build 500,000 EV charging stations by 2030 — including in apartment buildings and public parking — and US$45 billion to electrify a significant number of school and transit buses.

He also wants to fund shifting the federal fleet to more EVs, including for the Postal Service to begin using EV delivery trucks.


New Zenvo Aurora V12 hypercar to debut in August

                COPENHAGEN: Zenvo Automotive has announced a new hypercar called Aurora.

Just 100 Aurora units will be built with over 30% already reserved.

The V12 hypercar features a modular design chassis with carbon monocoque and carbon subframes, plus Zenvo’s own gearbox with integrated hybrid drive.

At the heart of Aurora will be an all-new 6-litre, twin turbo, V12 engine. Aurora Tur will deliver a road focused, GT driving experience with a limited top speed of over 400kph, while Agil will feature more aggressive aero designed for maximum capability on the racetrack.

Both cars will focus more on driving engagement than headline numbers.

High-profile commercial partnerships will be revealed as Zenvo Automotive heads towards the global reveal of Aurora in August.

“This car has come from the passion that runs deep in the Zenvo family and very much aligns with our ethos of ‘smiles per mile’," said Zenvo’s chief commercial officer and board chairman Jens Sverdrup.


VW expands warranty coverage to more US models

                WASHINGTON, D.C.: Volkswagen is extending its People First Warranty for more models sold in the United States.

First introduced for the 2018 Atlas and Tiguan, the warranty now covers additional 2018 VW models: Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, and Golf SportWagen, Jetta and Passat.

The warranty, a six-year or 72,000 miles/115,872km (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout its duration.

It includes powertrain coverage for engines, transmissions and optional 4Motion all-wheel-drive systems. Additionally, all the elements of the warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners for up to six years or 72,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date it was first sold new.

“Expanding this warranty beyond two models gives our dealers another compelling argument for the rest of our lineup, and we believe it will lead to a reduced overall cost of ownership for buyers,” said Volkswagen of America sales and marketing executive vice president Derrick Hatami.

Reuters reported that Volkswagen is taking another US$3bil charge to fix diesel engines in the United States, lifting the total bill for its emissions-test cheating scandal to around US$30bil.

The German group is struggling to put the two-year-old “Dieselgate” scandal behind it, and working to transform itself into a maker of mass-market electric cars.

Last year, VW agreed with US authorities to spend up to US$15.3 billion to buy back or fix up to 475,000 2.0-litre polluting diesel cars.

On Friday, VW said it was setting aside an additional US$3bil as hardware fixes for the models were proving tougher than expected and would take significantly longer. Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst said the complications would amount to 5,200 euros per car.

 Tiguan SEL Premium Atlas Passat R-Line.


UMW Toyota Motor donates Toyota Camry Hybrid  to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with the Japan Day celebrations this year, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has made a donation of a Toyota Camry Hybrid to Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

The vehicle will be used for technical research and development study by the researchers and students who are studying under the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

The handover took place during the Japan Day 2017, celebrating 60 years of Japan-Malaysia Diplomatic Cooperation held at UTM in Kuala Lumpur.

It was witnessed by the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh, and the Japanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr. Makio Miyagawa.

Also present were top officials from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia led by Tan Sri Abdul Halim Ali, Chairman of UTM’s Board of Directors, Datuk Ir. Dr. Wahid Omar, Vice Chancellor, senior officials from various educational institutions and the top management of UMWT.

To signify the handover of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Suichi Ishii, Executive Director, UMW Toyota Motor presented a mock key to Wahid who received it on behalf of the MJIIT, UTM.

”We are pleased to have the opportunity to donate a Toyota Camry Hybrid to MJIIT, UTM. This is in line with UMW Toyota Motor's Corporate Social Responsibility in social outreach, that involves the development of students,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

Under this project, the researcher and students will develop new system for future vehicle technology. MJIIT, UTM is the pioneer and the only research group working in autonomous vehicle research in Malaysia focusing on driving behaviour, advance driver assistance system and self-driving vehicle.

The research also has close collaboration with Smart Mobility Research Center, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology. The Hybrid vehicle is best candidate for this project due to its large capacity of battery supply to the self-driving system.

The MJIIT, UTM began its activities in September 2011 based on the concept of establishing a Japanese-style institute of technology in Malaysia.

Offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in engineering, it uses a feature of Japan's engineering education known as the ’koza’ system.

MJIIT strives to become the engineering education hub in ASEAN and is expected to develop into the leading higher education institution in Asia.


Polestar launches 2022 global Design Contest

                GOTHENBURG: Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand led by CEO and renowned car designer Thomas Ingenlath, has launched its 2022 vision of future mobility Design Contest under the theme of "Performance".

Deadline for initial design submissions is Aug 31. Winning designers would be announced on Nov 11.

Launched in 2020, the annual Polestar Design Contest challenges aspiring designers, both professional and students, to create exciting visions for future Polestar concepts. The designs do not need to be a car. But they do need to be a Polestar.

Uniquely, the Polestar Design Contest features designers from Polestar coaching shortlisted participants one-on-one, a modelling team that provides digital modelling support to finalists, and hard model production of the winning designs.

This year, Polestar plans to produce the winning design as a full-size 1:1 scale model, expected to be showcased on the Polestar stand at Auto Shanghai in April 2023.

“For a design to be presented on the world stage in much the same way as one of Polestar’s own concept cars is a money-can’t-buy opportunity for any designer," said Polestar design chief Maximilian Missoni.

"We want to encourage, support, and celebrate innovative design, and the people who realise it. What better way to do that than to present a full-size model (unless their design is larger than a car, then it would be produced as a scale model) their creation centre stage at one of the largest automotive shows in the world?”

Following the previous two themes of ‘Pure’ and ‘Progressive’, the 2022 Contest brief is to design a Polestar that is the antithesis of the classic idiom of high-consumption performance routed in the 20th century. It must visually show a new form of "Performance" and tell the advanced technical story that enables this in a sustainable way.

 Polestar Design Contest 2020 winner.

Since the start, the Polestar Design Contest has featured a variety of vehicles and cutting edge concepts, and draws entries from students and professional designers across the globe.

The designs have previously included a car which tackles local pollution with on-board and externally visible air filters, an electric-and-helium airship, prosthetic springboard blades for walking and a luxury yacht that exuded Polestar’s minimalistic design tonality.


MCO extended in KL, Selangor, Johor and Penang until March 4

                PETALING JAYA: The movement control order will be extended in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, and Penang from Feb 19 until March 4, says Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Senior Minister said that Kedah, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Putrajaya, Labuan and Sabah will be placed under the conditional MCO from Feb 19 until March 4.

Speaking at a press conference today, he said Perlis has been placed under the recovery MCO also from Feb 19 until March 4.

Sabri also said the 10km radius travel limit within the same district has been lifted. He said this is regardless whether the states are under the movement control order (MCO), the conditional MCO, or the recovery MCO.

However, inter-district and interstate travel restrictions are still in place, he added.

He said that states under the MCO still have a restriction of two people in a car while the other states have no restrictions on the number of people in a vehicle, based on its capacity.


Thailand's 'floating' crosswalk makes drivers stop and look

People painting a 3D pedestrian crossing in Bangkok on Nov 16. — Reuters

BANGKOK: The Thai children walking on the zebra crossing look as if they are stepping from one white board, floating well above the road, to the next - but it is just an optical illusion, created by a volunteer group aimed at making roads safer for pedestrians.

Up close, the trick of perspective is lost, but for any driver approaching the crossing the sight of people apparently walking on free floating white boards should make them slow to a stop.

The zebra crossing outside the main entrance to Wat Bueng Thong Lang school on the outskirts of Bangkok, was painted by students and volunteers, with funding from Thailand's Government Savings Bank.

During the past few months they have painted six near schools and temples, where there is always a heavy footfall, Natthapong Jiravijit, the project manager said.

Parent Uthit Sak-Udom, who drives his daughter to school each day, thinks it is a good idea.

"When I look at it, it looks like people are levitating above the road. It attracts my attention," the 42-year-old dad said. "And I think the kids like to walk over it, as it makes them feel like they are walking on air."

According to statistics from the past four years published this month by the National Health Security Office (NHSO) there were 10,672 accidents involving pedestrians in Thailand, and over 900 people died.

A survey done by Super Poll in 2016 reported that about 90 per cent of 1,204 people surveyed said they felt "unsafe" crossing a road, even when using a zebra crossing.

The group behind the novel approach to zebra crossings has at least three projects to complete in the next six weeks before the venture will be reviewed by the government bank to assess whether to extend further support


Touch ‘n Go targets 2 million RFID tag users

Syahrunizam explaining that the RFID tag could in future be used to pay parking charges and petrol, among other things.
PETALING JAYA: Touch ‘n Go (TnG) is targeting to double the number of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag road users to two million by the end of 2020.

“We would like to be more aggressive to actually get more people to use this RFID tag.

It is a faster cashless environment with this. Hopefully with the numbers we can have more RFID lanes with the help of the government and the highway concession companies to increase the usage, ” Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Syahrunizam Samsudin said on the sidelines of the company’s Chinese New Year media luncheon on Thursday.

Its pilot test phase for the programme had seen TnG deploying the RFID tag onto one million vehicles so far.

It will also start charging for new RFID tag placements at a fee of RM35 from Feb 15 following the completion of its pilot test phase.

Syahrunizam said he believes the RM35 price tag is competitive when compared to other countries’ pricing for a similar product.

“Right now, we are pricing it as being the most price competitive compared to the other countries as we want to ensure everyone has access to it at a reasonable price. I think this is a fair price but it is up to the consumers to judge that, ” he said.

“The prices (for a similar product) ranges from RM400 plus in Singapore to RM58 in Taiwan, so there are different ranges. Generally it’s priced because of country specific requirements or different services offered, ” he added.

TnG said it aims to spearhead the country’s mobility agenda through inclusive technology that addresses the needs of connected communities in smart cities of today.

It noted in its press release that RFID is an important component of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and propels Malaysia to the level of countries such as Singapore, Taiwan and China.

Moving forward, the company is eyeing an expansion of service offerings with the RFID tag to eventually deploy them for usage on other platforms.

“Now it is time for us to move forward and continue to expand the use of RFID technology together with our partners across the mobility ecosystem. This includes fuelling, parking and retail drive-thrus, ” he said.

“For petrol stations, we are targeting deployment by the end of the year as we have to do additional tests on safety but it is being done in Brazil and Europe as well. So it is not something new, but we just have to ensure that it will work well in our environment (weather), ” he added.

Syahrunizam said TnG is working with a partner for the time being but hopes to deploy this with more petrol dealers moving forward.

It is targeting to deploy into selected mall’s parking lots in the third quarter of this year and in the first quarter of next year for drive-thrus.

“We expect the first announcement for deployments in parking lots by the third quarter. We are talking to the top ten malls which currently have the TnG access enabled, ” he said.

 Bright future for RFID tag. Its use will go beyond paying toll.

He also assured that in the company’s new plan, there would be no more additional 10% surcharges on top of the parking fee and a 15-minute grace period when using this RFID tag.

“We will move away from the old plan and it is also a commercial arrangement that we will work on including the Consumer Affairs Ministry to ensure that the consumer will get the best service possible. We will have to impute all the business rules as at the end of the day, the car parks are also the companies’ assets and we have to take into account their business rules, ” he said.

“We want Malaysians to be part of a global RFID community. RFID technology will be a key enabler to access daily use-cases more conveniently, improve traffic enforcement and management capabilities, and support the government in providing better mobility services to Malaysians, ” Syahrunizam added.

The introduction of RFID is aligned with the government’s efforts towards multi-lane free flow and improving the highway experience for Malaysians, it said.


Woman arrested in connection with fatal collision on DUKE

                KUALA LUMPUR: Police have arrested a 35-year-old woman who is believed to have been driving the Myvi which crashed into and killed a family of three along the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE) on Saturday.

Police are now on the hunt for another Myvi, who eyewitnesses said was racing with four others, during the 1.05am incident which also left two young girls orphaned.

Kuala Lumpur staff officer for Traffic Investigation and Regulation Deputy Supt Markandan Subramaniam said the woman was arrested while she was seeking treatment for a bruised lip at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL).

"She was driving the Myvi which hit the victims' Mitsubishi Pajero. We have also identified the driver of the other Myvi which crashed into the victims' car before it spun around," he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act for reckless driving.

Eyewitnesses at the scene said that the suspects were racing with four other Myvis before the accident, though representatives of the "Myvi club" of which the suspects belong to denied the claim.

The driver of the second Myvi which crashed into the victims and the other racers fled the scene.

Fairuz Nizam Husain, 35, his wife Nova Safitri Azhari, 27 and their seven-month old daughter Nur Firuza Annisa were all thrown from their vehicle as it spun on the highway.

Fairuz Nizam was killed at the scene while Nova Safitri and Nur Firuza died at HKL.

The three of them were reportedly returning home from a wedding reception in Putrajaya.

The couple has two other daughters, Nur Firuza Amira, 7, and Nur Firuza Akila, 3.


Henry Ford III is rising to top of dynasty in deep trouble

Ford English and Ford III are still years away, if ever, from assuming the uppermost leadership roles.
DETROIT: When Wall Street analysts call Ford Motor Co.’s investor relations department these days, they’re likely to be greeted by Henry Ford himself.

It’s not the founder, of course, and it’s not a recording of him either. It’s Henry Ford III, the patriarch’s great-great grandson, who at age 39 has been thrust into the crucial role of liaison between the faltering automaker and its anxious investors.

The III’s ascent - along with that of his cousin, the 32-year-old Alexandra Ford English, just named to the board of electric-truck maker Rivian Automotive Inc. - marks a coming of age for the fifth generation of the Ford dynasty.

For all but 20 of its almost 117 years of existence, Ford has been led by a family member. And while critics lay much of the blame for the company’s current struggles on the Fords, the family sees Henry and Alexandra as their best hope of maintaining control for years to come.

“They’ve moving above the radar line now,” Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, associate dean at the Yale School of Management, said of the automotive heirs.

“This is what they were destined for when they entered the company. When we look at their dads, they’re on the same trajectory, with at least one, if not both, ending up on the board.”

The changes come as the company endures another existential crisis, with losses mounting and North American factories idle in the face of coronavirus shutdowns.

But after Ford shareholders gathered for their virtual annual meeting Thursday, the founding family remains firmly in control, aided by a special class of stock that gives them 40% voting power.

The arrangement once again came under scrutiny at the annual meeting. A shareholder proposal to strip the family of its special class of stock and go to a one-share, one-vote arrangement garnered 35% support, up from 34% last year.

Some investors have long complained that super-power voting weighs down the value of publicly traded companies, while giving founding families sometimes unwarranted control.

“That’s why we don’t have kings and queens anymore - it’s a roll of the genetic dice,” said Nell Minow, vice chair with ValueEdge Advisors, a shareholder advocacy firm.

“We’ve seen in companies like Motorola and Anheuser Busch that it hasn’t worked out to continue to pass the baton from generation to generation.”

Since Bill Ford became chairman in 1999, the automaker’s shares are down 91%, while the S&P 500 index is up 129%. Unlike General Motors and Chrysler, however, Ford avoided bankruptcy in 2009.

Bill Ford expressed disappointment on Thursday in the stock performance but confidence that the shares will rise as the company executes its turnaround efforts, which include new models such as the electric Mustang Mach-E and the revived Bronco sport-utility vehicle.

“We feel very good about our plan,” Ford said. “Management’s compensation is heavily tied to our stock, so it’s in everyone’s interest to get our stock price back up.”

And for all their problems, the Fords have earned a reputation for not meddling in the corporate decision-making process.

“The Fords, in general, have a pretty good history of letting the executives run the company,” said Rob Du Boff, environmental, social and corporate governance analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence.

Henry Ford III and Ford English are likely years away, if ever, from assuming the uppermost leadership roles.

Jim Farley, promoted March 1 to chief operating officer, is the clear heir apparent to current CEO Jim Hackett. But each is now moving through a variety of jobs at the company.

Henry, known as “Sonny” among friends and family, was director of corporate strategy before taking the investor relations job. He is the son of Edsel Ford II, a board member and now a company consultant.

Ford English, the daughter of Bill Ford, assumed a corporate strategy position similar to the one previously held by her cousin, while also being named to the board of Rivian Automotive, the electric-truck maker in which Ford has taken a significant ownership stake.

Each declined an interview request through a Ford spokesman.

Their seasoning is similar to what their fathers received while rising in the ranks in the 1980s and ’90s.

Bill and Edsel Ford landed on the company’s board of directors in 1988 while still in their 30s and agitated successfully for more prominent roles as directors. Edsel eventually rose to president of Ford’s highly profitable credit unit before retiring in 1998, and Bill became company chairman in January 1999 and served as CEO from 2001 to 2006.

For Henry and Ford English, working in the family business may not have been pre-ordained, but close to it. After graduating from Dartmouth in 2002 with a degree in history, Ford III taught middle and high school math and history.

Then in 2006, at the age of 25, he joined Ford in labour relations. He helped to negotiate a contract with the United Auto Workers, similar to Bill Ford’s first job at the company in 1979.

Henry III went on to work in purchasing, dealer relations, as a vehicle program analyst and as global marketing manager for Ford’s high-performance sports cars, drawing on the company’s racing heritage highlighted in last year’s Academy Award-winning “Ford v Ferrari.”

“In the back of my mind, I knew I always wanted to work for Ford,” Henry Ford III told Automotive News in 2014.

“Our family’s legacy and heritage are very important to me and I knew it was something I wanted to carry on.”

In investor relations, the young scion will face tough questions about Ford’s falling stock and growing losses.

“Investor relations is the best place that you can put somebody that you’re trying to groom for leadership because they are going to be dealing with complaints all the time,” Minow said. “It will give him a real reality check.”

Unlike some children of famous people, he has no qualms about using his name in business, recalled Los Angeles Ford dealer Beau Boeckmann. Ford III worked at his store selling cars during the summer of 2009 while getting an MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“When he walked through the door, he said I want to be called Henry Ford and have it on my name tag,” Boeckmann said. “Customers would say, ‘Wait a minute, your name’s Henry Ford, are you any relation?’ And he’d laugh and say, ‘Yeah, I’m Henry Ford III.’”

Ford English also tried out another industry after she earned a bachelor’s in human biology, physiology and neuroscience at Stanford and an MBA at Harvard. She worked in retailing in the merchandising divisions of Tory Burch in New York and Gap Inc. in San Francisco.

Her first job at Ford, in 2017 at the age of 29, was in a department helping to find new mobility solutions for crowded cities, and then she moved on to Ford’s self-driving vehicle unit.

“I was originally hesitant to join Ford because I don’t have a technical background and it’s a company built upon engineering,” Ford English said in a 2018 company-sponsored video. “But I knew what I could bring to the company and I was very aware of those skills.”

Joining the company and rising to the top are two different things, of course. Henry Ford II, the outsize and colorful leader of the company for 35 years until his 1981 retirement, once famously declared “there are no crown princes at Ford.”

The latest Henry has said he works hard not to appear “to have any sense of entitlement.” That may be what drove him to turn down an invitation to a Fourth of July party from dealer Boeckmann back in the summer of 2009. Instead, the scion remained in the showroom all day, selling cars in the California heat.

“I said, ‘Hey Henry, why don’t you come join us for the family picnic?’ But he said, ‘Thank you, but I’m here selling cars,’” Boeckmann said. “He’s extremely humble and he is aware that he needs to work harder because of his name.”


Men need not apply to world’s largest e-scooter factory

                BANGALORE: Ola Electric Mobility Pvt’s new electric-scooter factory aims to build 10 million two-wheelers annually, or 15% of the world’s e-scooters by 2022, in an operation run and managed entirely by women.

Led by Bhavish Aggarwal, the e-mobility business is a follow-up to ride-hailing startup Ola, which is expected to make its debut on public markets next year.

The vision for his newest venture is to provide the world "clean mobility, a carbon-negative footprint, and an inclusive workforce,” the founder said.

The first group of workers started this week at the factory, which will cost US$330 million to complete.

"At full capacity, Futurefactory will employ over 10,000 women, making it the world’s largest women-only factory and the only all-women automotive manufacturing facility globally,” he wrote in a blog on Monday.

Backed by SoftBank Group Corp. and Tiger Global Management, Ola Electric looks to roll out a scooter every two seconds after completing a planned expansion next year.

The factory will be substantially automated and include 3,000 robots working alongside the all-female workforce.

Aggarwal’s goal is to eventually assemble a full lineup of electric vehicles including three-wheelers and cars.

Ola’s inaugural S1 e-scooter will be priced at 99,999 rupees (RM5,660) to compete with traditional two-wheelers in India. Exports are to begin later this year.

"Enabling women with economic opportunities improves not just their lives but that of their families and indeed the whole community,” Aggarwal said.

Women’s participation in the local manufacturing industry stands at just 12% and "for India to be the world’s manufacturing hub, we must prioritise upskilling and generating employment for our women workforce,” the founder said in the blog.


Fit for the King: Elvis Presley's BMW heading to Pebble Beach

 Presley in front of his BMW 507.
SAN FRANCISCO: If you're a classic car fan and you're heading to Monterey this August for the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, prepare to get all shook up.

Elvis Presley's 1957 BMW 507 Series I Roadster is heading to this year's event as part of BMW's Centennial Display.

The King's love affair with cars is almost as well documented as his life in music. And while he's most famous for an obsession with Cadillac and for shooting his De Tomaso Pantera — such was his frustration at the car's complete lack of reliability — his first automotive crush was on the Albert Graf Goertz-designed 3.3-liter V8-powered roadster.

The story goes that while completing his national service in Germany, Presley traveled to France where he saw the 507 race at the Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry. It was love at first sight and in December 1958 he leased the actual car.

Unfortunately the car was finished in feather white, meaning that every time he parked it, its color made it easy for fans to cover it in phone numbers, pledges of devotion and lipstick kisses.

To counter this issue and to hide the marks, Elvis had the car repainted a bright red. Elvis sold the car in the early 1960s, but not before he'd been photographed in it many times — the car even appeared with him on film — raising the 205kph sportscar's profile significantly in the US.

Two years ago, it came into BMW Group Classic's possession and it has now undergone a complete ground-up restoration including returning it to its original white exterior finish.

And on Aug 21 at Pebble Beach, the finished car will be revealed to the public for the first time alongside a host of other BMW classics including two of its Art Cars (standard BMWs painted by famous artists Alexander Calder and Jeff Koons).

The 507 Roadster and its rarer Series II convertible sister are among the most sought-after and collectable BMW cars. So much so that when the company wanted to build a luxurious yet incredibly fast modern-day convertible the end result, the Henrik Fisker-designed Z8, was essentially a contemporary reimagining of the 507 Series II.

However, unlike the Z8, only 254 BMW 507 Series I and 525 507 Series II models were built, and most of them are still on the road. In terms of value, a pristine example, without the provenance of being once owned by ‘The King' is worth upwards of US$2 million.

The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance takes place Aug 21 in Monterey, 188km south-east of here.


Hyundai Ioniq HEV Plus - the electric bullet

                Before it was realised, the petrol engine was already working to power the Hyundai Ioniq HEV Plus up to a cruising speed of 110kph along the PLUS highway - slipping past the senses and charging up the lithium-ion battery.

It’s quiet and comfortable on the inside as the car slices through the wind with its class-leading low drag efficiency of 0.24Cd.

Not to mention, Hyundai’s hybrid that’s priced on-the-road with GST and insurance at RM117,429, also has a “peppy” throttle when in sport mode.

Depending on how heavy that right foot is, the Ioniq will move with silent grace or with engine-screaming haste, but either way the trip computer displays 1,000km of range after having just filled up on a full tank of petrol.

Inside, the cabin has an adequate amount of room to accommodate a few tall friends and their lanky legs, only the 488-litre boot seem to have a slight restriction on height.

But what annoyed the most was that the Ioniq had no proper place to stow a hazard triangle anywhere within the boot and was instead left to freely slip and slide about.

Visually, the Ioniq doesn’t seem much to look at, only that it’s somewhat wedge-like and is often-times equated to being a Toyota Prius trapped within a Honda Insight.

Aside from its case of mistaken identity, it’s very much “K-Pop” under the sheet-metal with those familiar to the brand finding it easy to acclimatise to the cabin’s features and fixtures.

It’s fairly inviting inside, with an animated instrument cluster, cool blue ambient lighting and seats that look well-bolstered.

Under the hood, this 1,477kg (kerb) of South Korean pride and joy has married a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox to a 1.6-litre (1,580cc) Atkinson-cycle Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine to provide 105hp at 5,700rpm and 147Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

Additionally, there’s also a 43hp / 170Nm electric motor that takes care of the car’s inertia and can go onwards to a top speed of 40kph while feeding off a 1.56kWh lithium-ion polymer battery with 42kW of output hidden beneath the rear bench.

Upon ‘unifying’ both petrol and electric motors, the estimated total system output comes to 139hp and 264Nm, and gets sent to the 17-inch front wheels with 225/45 series tyres.

The interior is readily identifiable as belonging to the Hyundai family and the seats are somewhat comfortable as long as you don’t mind the slight lack of suppleness, but at least they are supportive.

The driver’s seat is the only one that gets 10-way power adjustability along with a sporty steering wheel that’s not too girthy for more petite fingers to wrap around.

On the highway, the steering wheel’s weight will increase for a more sportier feel, and to make things a little more interesting, turning on the smart cruise control will have most drivers instantly spoilt as the car automatically keeps a safe distance from the vehicle in front.

After coming to a full stop, the driver will need to significantly raise their left knee in order to get to the foot-actuated parking brake, something to note for the ladies in skirts.

But, at least after that it’s shut the door behind you, press that black button on the door handle to secure the car and walk away.

Just repeat the process in reverse upon returning, get in, push that big blue button on the left of the steering wheel and away we go.

The inclusion of a wireless charging pad does well to keep appearances clean and uncluttered, while a multifunctional centre storage console (where the centre arm rest is located) is able to fit a tablet, laptop or something more analogue like an A4-sized file.

In city traffic, the Ioniq is both responsive and zippy, but floor the throttle and the engine will be wailing and straining to give what’s being asked, but when moving off from standstill, the 1.6-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine seems to have quite a bit of “pep”.

When transitioning from electric mode to petrol, it’s nearly impossible to detect when that happens with nary a judder of some sort - it’s almost seamless, just like how its lightning-quick dual-clutch transmission performs throughout the rev-range.

Rear-seated passengers will definitely rejoice to the supple ride it offers, as well as the rear air-conditioning vents and accommodating rear leg room.

The front suspension is communicative and relatively firm - able to hold its traction well, only the rear is the polar opposite.

It’s comfortably pliant at the rear and able to soak up any of the road’s misgivings, but when at mid-corner, it’ll waddle over uneven surfaces, give drivers the silent treatment and leave them nervously guessing about where the grip levels are.

At least the brakes seem to have a decent amount of bite to them with a direct feel.

However, switching to sport mode won’t help improve the handling situation, because all that’s being done is getting both petrol engine and electric motor to supply their combined outputs.

Meanwhile, the instrument cluster changes from simple speedometer to sporty red-ringed rev-counter with a digital speed indicator in the centre.

The Ioniq is something that’s of typical hybrid cars, only it’s got a touch of sportiness that its rear-end can’t seem to handle very well but only to a certain degree - beyond that might mean heading into crash-test territory.

Aside from such misgivings, as long as the car is confined to legal speed limits, it’ll do just fine while bringing about some joy with its zippy nature, comfortable cabin and that insane amount of range on a full tank, which might just enable new owners to average-up or down their fuel costs now that it’s on a weekly float.

SPECIFICATIONS - Hyundai Ioniq Hev Plus
Engine: 1,580cc, Kappa Atkinson Gasoline Direct Injection
Max power: 105PS at 5,700rpm
Max torque: 147Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch transmission
Fuel tank: 45 litres

Electric motor: Permanent magnet synchronous-type
Maximum power: 32kW
Maximum torque: 170Nm

Battery: 1.56kWh Lithium Ion
Polymer Power output: 42kW
Voltage: 240V

Combined system output (estimated):
Maximum power: 139hp
Maximum torque: 264Nm

Features: Seven airbags, anti-lock braking system, brake assist, electronic stability assist, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, blind spot detection, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control, automatic HID Bi-Xenon, automatic wipers, LED front / rear / daytime running lights, chrome door handles, electric folding mirrors, leather seats, eight-way powered seats with two-way lumbar support, electrochromic rear view mirror, 7.0-inch LCD digital cluster, dual-zone climate controls, rear air vents, 7.0-inch LCD audio system with radio / CD / MP3 playback, USB and AUX ports, reverse camera, Bluetooth connectivity, keyless entry with push-start button, wireless charging pad, park assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, blind spot assist, lane keeping assist, bee-sting antenna, 17-inch wheels with 225/45 series tyres.

Price (OTR with GST and insurance): RM117,429


F1 still faces a challenge with revised season plan

                LONDON: Formula One plans to start its stalled season with two races behind closed doors in Austria in July before more of the same at Britain's Silverstone circuit, insiders said on Monday.

If they go ahead as planned, it will be a first for a sport that has yet to see a circuit host two races in a single season or any grand prix without paying spectators since the championship started in 1950.

The bigger challenge will likely be stringing together a championship of up to 18 races from continent to continent in a world still wrestling with the COVID-19 pandemic and mass fatalities.

"We still have to work out many issues like the procedures for the teams and our other partners to enter and operate in each country," Formula 1 chairman and chief executive Chase Carey recognised on Monday.

"All of our plans are obviously subject to change as we still have many issues to address and all of us are subject to the unknowns of the virus."

Ten races have been postponed or cancelled so far and the 10 teams and commercial rights holders Liberty Media are understandably keen to get going with television money and sponsorship at stake.

The target of 15-18 races, down from an original record 22, looks an ambitious one in the light of travel restrictions, government bans on mass gatherings and popular opinion.

Races in Azerbaijan, Spain, the Netherlands, Vietnam, China and Canada are among those hoping to be rescheduled with Bahrain and Abu Dhabi set to be paired at the end of the season in December.

Races in Hungary, Belgium, Italy, Texas, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Japan and Singapore also remain in play.

Monday's announcement, coming after the French Grand Prix followed Monaco in cancelling, at least provided some grounds for hope.

Control the train set

"Starting in Austria makes sense, a venue where maybe we can control the train set because Red Bull own that circuit," said Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle.

"A smaller country, a smaller government to deal with, because the hoops to jump through and the logistics we need to sort out before we can get Formula One up and running again are pretty significant and challenging."

Austria, with fewer reported deaths in total from the new coronavirus than some larger countries have suffered daily, has already started to loosen its lockdown and has said it is not against the race being held.

The Red Bull Ring also has a nearby airport at Zeltweg capable of handling charter for F1 personnel, who would all likely be tested before departure.

Even with teams reduced to minimum staffing level and most media absent, marshals and medics and security would still likely take the on-site tally to well over 1,000 people.

Britain is home to seven teams and six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton but Silverstone would also be off-limits to spectators.

Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle said he wanted the race to happen and the circuit was very flexible.

He was also encouraged that the authorities had indicated over the weekend that they were keen to start a dialogue between medical officials and sport.

"This is a situation which is unfolding and quite what the costs associated with that, the logistics, the complications - all of that is still being worked through," he told Sky Sports television.

"I think the challenge is much more around knitting together a season that will flow naturally and have the certainty that it will run," he added.


Ford reverses course, will keep AM Radio in EVs

                WASHINGTON: Ford Motor Co will not remove AM broadcast radio as a feature in new vehicles after lawmakers introduced legislation to require them, the company's chief executive said Tuesday.

Ford CEO Jim Farley said on Twitter Ford will include it on all 2024 Ford vehicles, and for existing Ford EVs "without AM broadcast capability, we'll offer a software update. ... Thanks to our product development and manufacturing teams for their quick response to make this change for our customers."

Last week, a group of bipartisan US lawmakers introduced legislation to bar automakers from eliminating AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles, citing safety concerns about emergency alerts.

Senator Ed Markey, one of the sponsors of the bill, said last week at least eight automakers had opted to remove AM broadcast radio from their electric vehicles, including Tesla Inc, BMW, Ford and Volkswagen AG.

Markey on Tuesday praised "Ford for tuning into the concerns of millions of listeners, thousands of broadcasters and countless emergency management officials who have called for automakers to keep AM radio in their vehicles."

The bill would direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to issue regulations to mandate AM radio in new vehicles without additional charge.

"Carmakers shouldn't tune out AM radio in new vehicles or put it behind a costly digital paywall," Markey said.

Lawmakers say losing AM radio undermines a federal system for delivering key public safety information to the public.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a trade group representing major automakers, said "mandating AM radios in all vehicles is unnecessary. Congress has never mandated radio features in vehicles ever before."

Automakers pointed to an existing system that distributes warnings across AM, FM, internet-based or satellite radio and over cellular networks.

"This is simply a bill to prop up and give preference to a particular technology that's now competing with other communications options and adapting to changing listenership," the automaker group said.


Perodua to ensure Myvi S-Edition sold in Brunei meets standards

                PETALING JAYA: The release of a Myvi S-Edition in Brunei caught Perodua by surprise and it says it is working with its Brunei distributor to find out details of the Myvi variant.

Perodua Brunei introduced on July 4 its own version of the Myvi 1.3L G variant, dubbed the S-Edition, which included enhanced body kits which were sourced independently by distributor GHK Motors.

“We are engaging with GHK Motors for more details about this variant to ensure that the additions to this variant meet the required standards,” said Perodua president and CEO Dauk Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

GHK Motors had told Perodua that the Myvi S-Edition was its attempt to introduce a variant that was "better suited to their market needs."

“We understand that the introduction of the Myvi S-Edition has created some confusion with our loyal customers and we hope that this statement has given some clarification to this matter,” said Zainal.


BMW Group Malaysia to get new boss from March 1

Hoelzl  will head BMW's Malaysian operations from March 1.
CYBERJAYA: Come March 1, Harald Hoelzl.will start his posting as BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO.

He will take over from Han Sang Yun who will become the new president of BMW Group Korea.

Hoelzl began his career with the BMW Group in 2002 and has served in various functions in the sales, marketing, dealer development and IT departments.

He was appointed marketing head at BMW Group Central South Eastern Europe in 2011 before leading the BMW Group’s operations in the Czech Republic.

In his time in Malaysia, Han led BMW to its best-ever performance growth in 2017. He was also credited with growing the brand's portfolio of plug-in hybrids to 55% of its total volume delivery in the country.


Ford to build next-gen EVs in Canada

                OAKVILLE, Ontario, Canada: Ford Motor Company is investing C$1.8 billion (RM5.9 billion) in its Oakville Assembly Complex in Canada, to transform it into a high-volume hub of electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.

The site transformation is key to Ford’s plan to reach a global production run rate of 2 million EVs annually by the end of 2026.

The campus, to be renamed Oakville Electric Vehicle Complex, will begin to retool and modernize in the second quarter of 2024 to prepare for production of next-generation EVs.

This marks the first time a full-line automaker has announced plans to produce passenger EVs in Canada for the North American market.

Ford is taking a diverse strategic approach to transforming its industrial system to expand EV production: building new greenfield sites and also transforming existing manufacturing sites like in Oakville and Cologne, Germany.

The current 487-acre Oakville site includes three body shops, one paint building, one assembly building.

The transformed campus will feature a new 407,000 square-foot on-site battery plant that will utilize cells and arrays from BlueOval SK Battery Park in Kentucky.

Oakville workers will take these components and assemble battery packs that will then be installed in vehicles assembled on-site.

 Oakville Electric Vehicle Complex will begin to retool and modernize in the second quarter of 2024 to prepare for production of next-generation EVs. This marks the first time a full-line automaker has announced plans to produce passenger EVs in Canada for the North American market.

“Ford’s transformation from petrol to electric vehicles is well underway. Once complete, the Oakville Electric Vehicle Complex will secure thousands of well-paying jobs,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development of Canada.

Ford is also creating an all-new EV manufacturing ecosystem in West Tennessee – called BlueOval City – the home of a battery plant and the future home of Ford’s next-generation EV pickup.

Together with two battery plants in Kentucky, which are part of a joint venture with SK On, these sites will create 11,000 new U.S. jobs and expected to begin production in 2025.

Through a wholly owned subsidiary, Ford is building a lithium iron phosphate battery plant in Marshall, Mich. Production is slated to begin in 2026, with 2,500 employees.

Ford is the first automaker to commit to build both lithium iron phosphate and nickel cobalt manganese batteries in the U.S., helping America’s No. 2 EV company in 2022 diversify its U.S. supply chain.

It is modernizing its vehicle assembly campus in Cologne, Germany, transforming it to become the Ford Cologne Electrification Center – the company’s first EV center of excellence in Europe.
 This site will be the production home of the electric Ford Explorer for European customers; production begins later this year.

Ford, LG Energy Solution and Koç Holding have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to build one of the largest commercial electric vehicle battery cell production facilities in the European region.

The project is on track to break ground near Ankara, Turkey, later this year, with production to start in 2026.

Ford this year is expanding production of the F-150 Lightning at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn and the Mustang Mach-E at its Cuautitlan facility on Mexico.


Five things to watch at CES tech megashow

                LAS VEGAS: The world's biggest tech megashow, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), gets underway here this week, with organisers hoping to recapture the excitement of years past after two years marred by the coronavirus pandemic.

Here are some things to look out for in this year's edition.

How big?

In January 2020, more than 117,000 people attended the Las Vegas extravaganza just weeks before Covid-19 would send much of the globe into lockdown.

The 2021 edition took place virtually and a hybrid version held last year saw about 40,000 visitors, after a sudden upsurge in the Omicron variant kept attendees away from the Nevada desert.

"People are excited to head back to Las Vegas for CES 2023, and it will rock," said Gary Shapiro, President of the Consumer Technology Association and organizer of the annual jamboree.

The organisers are hoping to reach more than 100,000 participants.

Auto show

The presence of auto companies will be the biggest ever this year, with nearly 300 exhibitors grouped in a dedicated hall with keynote events by Stellantis, BMW and other heavyweights.

"This year, it's going to feel like you're almost at an auto show," said Kevan Yalowitz, global software & platforms lead at Accenture, the consultancy.

Even though the promise of driverless cars is taking longer than expected to materialise on the roads, companies will once again be promoting innovations that mainly involve replacing the human driver.

Another highlight will be software for cars: auto operating systems that can be updated remotely, much like for a laptop or smartphone.

These programs could "tweak the user experience (like speed limits or maintenance) at a moment's notice and identify issues that can be addressed without consumers even really knowing that they were addressed," said Yalowitz.

Meta's metaverse

Last year's CES was dominated by the idea that virtual reality, accessible through a variety of headgear from a wide group of companies, would be the internet of the future.

A year later, the blind faith in the metaverse has taken a blow, brought down by the difficulties suffered by Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, that gambled its future on building a virtual world embraced by all.

Despite Meta's big bet, the metaverse "is still not a mainstream category just yet," said Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi.

However, virtual worlds will continue to be a big part of the CES as Meta and others keep trying to convert the skeptics, she added.

'Connected' revolution

Last year, a quiet revolution took place far from the headlines and experts believe it will make a big difference when it comes to connected devices.

A new norm known as Matter was agreed in October meaning that devices built specifically for Amazon's Alexa or Google's Nest are now interoperable - creating a massive opportunity for developers that can innovate and reach the widest possible audience.

"The first version of the standard is out, a handful of products have passed certification, and there are going to be many more on the floor at CES," said Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart.

"We will really see the Matter devices come together with door bells, vacuum cleaners and more," he added.

Green tech

The importance of consumer technology in facing the challenges of climate change has been a recurrent theme at CES, though events rarely draw the crowds of connected automobiles or the latest gaming gadgets.

Given the higher priority put on the environment by companies and governments, green tech will be given a bigger place and even its own venue at CES this year.

Companies will also tout their sustainable outlook, pointing to recyclable material in products and their low carbon footprint.


New govt policy allows fully darkened rear windows and windshield

                PUTRAJAYA: Motorists can now tint their rear windshields and passenger windows as dark as they want under new regulations.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said these changes were in response to demands from motorists who want darker windows to block the sun and heat from vehicle cabins.

The changes are also in line with the UN Regulations on safety glazing materials installation on vehicles (UN Regulation No. 43).

However, front windshields, as well as the driver and front passenger side windows need to remain transparent, allowing 70% and 50% light through respectively for safety reasons.

Previously, rear car windows tints had to allow at least 30% of light through.

It is also possible for motorists to have all windows fully tinted for security and health reasons, but permission is needed to do so.

He said those who want this for security reasons would be charged a RM50 service fee for each application.

If their application is approved, they would be charged RM5,000 for a permit to have all their car windows fully tinted.

"Each approval will last for two years, and they need to reapply each time," he said, adding that the approval would be determined by a special committee headed by RTD director-general Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid, which will meet monthly.

READ MORE:
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 Loke checking the level of visible light transmittance through the windscreen tint of a demo car.

The committee will vet each application and do cross checks with the police to determine if applicants have a clean record and no outstanding summonses.

However, those applying to have all windows fully tinted for health reasons are exempt from charges.

The new regulations come into effect on May 8 and will only apply to private vehicles, including those used for e-hailing services.

Road Transport Department (RTD) enforcement officers will start their checks on vehicles under the new regulations in three months.


F1 cannot be a dictatorship, says new chairman

                LONDON: Formula One cannot be run like a dictatorship, even if many people in the sport are used to that, according to the new chairman appointed to work with commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

Chase Carey (pic), who took on the role as part of Liberty Media's takeover of the sport this month, said also that Formula One's US expansion should ultimately look at big cities like Los Angeles, New York or Miami.
The primary concern, however, was building long-term value and investing in the future.

"Realistically what I am doing in the next few months is probably more listening to what people have to say," he told the official formula1.com website before Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix.

"You cannot make everybody happy all the time, but you've got to understand what everybody wants and then find a path," added the American.

"That is not a task for a committee, as commitees tend to become bureaucratic - but there also can't be a dictatorship, even if probably here they are used to it." Carey, former executive vice-chairman of Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox, said he would be working for Formula One and not Liberty.

He saw opportunities for stepping up investment "in all sorts of areas" including marketing and new digital platforms as well as making tracks more exciting.

Carey said he was too old to be an apprentice to Ecclestone, who has run Formula One for decades, but "hopefully by working together we can figure out how to get the best out of the sport." He reiterated that nothing was written in stone.

"Bernie is the CEO, so Bernie is going to lead it and I will work with Bernie to establish some kind of strategic plan to where you want to go," he said.

Ecclestone separately told Sky Sports television that he did not see a problem with the new chairman.

"We will work together. He has got expertise that I haven't, we need to be in America, he knows America, he knows television and he can help us a lot. So I'm sure that is what is going to happen," said the 85-year-old.
He indicated, however, that he would not stick around regardless.

"Thank God at the moment I don't quite need the money, I don't need a job and if by chance things aren't going the way I think would be the right way then I will disappear for sure," said the Briton.

In a related development, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) is to investigate an incident that saw cars cleared to race while a marshal was still on track following a Singapore Grand Prix safety car period on Sunday.

Autosport.com quoted a spokesman saying procedures were not "properly executed" by the clerk of the course and team of officials.

The marshal was helping remove track debris after the safety car was deployed at the end of the first lap following Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg's crash into the pitwall at the start. The cars were released again at the start of lap three but, despite race control confirming three times with the clerk of the course that the track was clear of people and material, a marshal was still out there.

Pictures showed him sprinting to the side of the circuit as the field, led by the Mercedes' race winner Nico Rosberg, bore down on him.

"It was very dangerous," Mercedes motorsport head Toto Wolff told reporters. "I'm really happy it ended up with nobody being hurt." The Austrian said race control had been asked to re-start races sooner, rather than cars having to spend too long behind the safety car, and that request had been heard. Rosberg said the incident had been "pretty hairy".

Last year, a lone intruder ambled across the floodlit track midway through the race and then strolled by the metal fences as cars came past.

A 27-year-old British national was later sentenced to six weeks in jail for breaching the security fences.


Budii concept future of automotive mobility

                ZURICH: Extreme would usually best describe this trans-urban SUV concept from Rinspeed that heading to the Geneva Motor Show, and this year it’s going to be the company’s Budii (buddy) that’s packed with autonomous driving technology.

Although the company, helmed by Swiss automotive visionary Frank Rinderknecht, is known to build its concepts from the ground-up, it tends to use current production models as its base and this year it’s the BMW i3.

The Budii possess a periscope camera and a laser scanner called TrackView that extends itself upward by as much as 70cm - to map the terrain and road ahead.

It uses a drive-by-wire steering system, which can be switched between driver and passenger via seven-axis unit or stowed away at the centre of the dashboard – allowing the electronics to do the driving.

Under autonomous control, the concept’s occupants are left to explore the many touchscreens scattered throughout the cabin, including an automatic watch-winder as well as accessories provided by Mansory.

The concept uses an entirely new operating and display system, which features a host of innovative entertainment, safety and service functions, and is based on the next-generation scalable platform from Harman Kardon.

In addition, the concept has a radar with Vehicle-to-X solutions, NFC automatic payment, inductive charging, keyless entry and starting-up and LED lights

The Budii uses an air suspension with a 100mm ride-height adjustment range and works with the TrackView to deliver a more comfortable journey, while it rolls on 19-inch eight-twin-spoke Borbet alloy wheels.

As a bonus, the two-wheel mini vehicles have been incorporated into the vehicle by engineers and are housed in retractable drawers on either side of the Rinspeed Budii.


UK firm aims for electric land speed records with prototype motorcycle

                LONDON: A British engineering company has unveiled a revolutionary prototype motorcycle that will attempt to break both the British and world electric land speed records over the next 12 months.

The WMC250EV high-speed demonstrator is the brainchild of Rob White, the founder and chief executive officer of White Motorcycle Concepts.

White himself will attempt the land speed records.

The prototype motorcycle, which is capable of speeds exceeding 400kph, features three disruptive technologies including WMC’s ultra-low drag system called V-Air.

This innovation features a large duct at the centre of the bike which forces air through the vehicle, rather than around it. Incredibly, V-Air reduces the WMC250EV’s aerodynamic resistance by as much as 70% compared to that of the market-leading high performance road bike according to the results of wind-tunnel testing at MIRA.

The duct also increases the axial load on the front of the motorcycle allowing the WMC250EV utilise a D-Drive motor unit that powers the front wheel, which in-turn makes it possible to harness regenerative braking energy – something unachievable with a conventional motorcycle. Finally, the bike carries a unique F-Drive final drive system fitted to boost power and enhance efficiency; a technology that could be retrofitted to improve existing roadgoing bikes.

WMC’s concept has already been granted a UK patent and expects Europe, the USA and Japan to follow suit by the end of August. If adopted by major manufacturers, these British devised technologies have the potential to vastly reduce CO2 emissions across the industry and rapidly accelerate the mass-market de-carbonisation of motorcycles globally.

WMC is already working on a real-world application for the innovation and is producing a 300cc three-wheel hybrid scooter – the WMC300FR – that includes V-Air technology and reduces drag by 25%. That equates to 18% improvement in fuel efficiency, from aerodynamic improvements alone and when coupled with a small hybrid system enhances the performance to somewhere near 500cc levels, but with 50% less CO2 emissions.

“What we’ve managed to do is create something for the world market sector where people can use these vehicles in a city where the population is most effected by CO2 output and pollution – and we’ve managed to cut CO2 by 50% through aerodynamics and hybridisation.”

The land speed record programme meanwhile is fully under way, with shakedowns continuing through the summer and an attempt on the Motorcycle Electric Semi Streamliner British Record planned for later on this year.

Then the focus for WMC switches to the world’s largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, where White will attempt to set a new mark for the Electric Semi Streamliner World Record in July 2022.

White has more than 25 years’ experience in world championship level motorsport, including Formula 1 and Le Mans.


JPJ issues 24,708 summonses since Jan 25

                KOTA BARU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued 24,708 summonses to errant motorists within six-days of the operation, code-named Ops TBC 2022, held in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration since Jan 25.

JPJ director-general Datuk Zailani Hashim said a total of 67,265 vehicles were inspected during the period and the summonses were issued for offences which included driving with no valid driving licence, expired road tax, not wearing seat belts, beating the traffic lights, overloading and using mobile phone while driving.

He said more than 2,200 personnel from various agencies, namely JPJ, the Police, National Anti-Drug Agency, Immigration Department and highway concessionaire PLUS Sdn Bhd, were involved in the integrated operation.

The operation involved patrol, inspection on buses at terminals and depots, disguising as bus passengers, video recording through Dash Cam Enforcement Action Camera, mobile weighing scales, Smart Enforcement Device and other related assets," he told reporters after the operation at the Lembah Sireh Bus Terminal here last night.

Zailani said the operation was focused on bus inspections at depots and public terminals, aiming to stop any vehicles that were not roadworthy from plying the roads and to ensure drivers were drug-free.

In last night's operation, he said, four bus drivers tested positive for taking drugs, adding that the relevant authorities would take further action against them.

He advised road users to obey traffic rules and take appropriate self-control measures to reduce the rate of accidents and deaths on the road.

"Based on the trend during previous festivals, no less than 200 accidents involving public and private vehicles are reported daily," he added.

He said JPJ had identified 10 accident hotspots in Kelantan.