Build or buy? Automakers chasing Tesla rethink dependence on suppliers

                DETROIT: Automakers racing to develop battery-powered, software-driven vehicles to compete with Tesla Inc are confronting a new challenge: what technology to build themselves, and what to keep buying from suppliers.

Becoming more vertically integrated by doing more manufacturing in-house represents a major shift for most global automakers, who have relied for decades on suppliers to produce critical parts and software, and manage sprawling manufacturing networks in low-wage countries.

But some established automakers are embracing drastic changes to their longstanding build-or-buy calculations.

One factor is the success of Tesla's electric vehicles, which rely on proprietary technology the company develops and manufactures itself. Another is the financial damage done by supply-chain breakdowns during the pandemic.

"The most important thing is we vertically integrate. Henry Ford ... was right," Ford Motor Co's CEO, Jim Farley, said at a conference earlier this month.

Farley's reference was to company founder Henry Ford's Rouge manufacturing complex in Dearborn, Michigan, which in the early 20th Century took in iron ore and other raw materials at one end, and churned Model Ts off the assembly line at the other.

Farley said the company had to move away from its early EV strategy of buying components off the shelf. Now, he said, Ford aims to control the supply chains "all the way back to the mines" that produce battery materials.

Rivals including Volkswagen AG, General Motors Co and Mercedes-Benz AG are pursuing similar strategies.

Mercedes last year acquired British high-performance electric motor manufacturer YASA, and has retooled a factory near Berlin to produce motors based on YASA technology.

The German luxury car maker in March opened a new factory in Alabama to build battery packs for US-made electric vehicles, and said it will partner with Japanese battery maker Envision AESC to build battery cells in the United States.

"We are going deep into sourcing," Mercedes-Benz chief executive Ola Kaellenius told reporters during a briefing in Alabama.

Winning strategy

The investments by automakers in mines, motors and batteries are a departure from decades of handing control over development and production to suppliers, who could produce steering controls, semiconductors and electronic components at greater scale and lower cost for multiple vehicle manufacturers.

In the new world of electric vehicles, however, investors have decided that Tesla's approach of buying raw materials directly, building its own batteries and engineering its own software is the winning strategy.

Tesla's market capitalisation has soared back above US$1 trillion in recent weeks, outweighing that of Toyota Motor Corp, Volkswagen, GM and Ford combined.

"Major players have realised electric vehicles are the future, but they have yet to widely recognise that they have to up their game in terms of motors, transmissions, battery technologies, inverters and electric powertrains," Peter Rawlinson, CEO of EV startup Lucid Group Inc, said in an interview with Reuters.

Rawlinson previously was vice president of vehicle engineering at Tesla.

Between the 1970s and the 2010s, the share of automaker-owned intellectual property in their vehicles decreased from 90% to 50%, according to Guidehouse Insights analyst Sam Abuelsamid.

That meant many automakers lacked the in-house engineering expertise to develop their own electric vehicle platforms, powertrains and battery packs when EV pioneer Tesla showed its vertically integrated cars were a hit with consumers.

"We're designing and building so much more of the car than other OEMs who will largely go to the traditional supply base and [execute] like I call it, catalog engineering," Tesla CEO Elon Musk said during a 2020 earnings call.

Tesla's approach is costly and the company has raised vehicle prices repeatedly in the last few years. Despite promising to deliver a model that could start at about $25,000, Musk earlier this year said "we're not currently working on the $25,000 car. At some point, we will. But we have enough on our plate right now."

Technology race

There is also a gap between what automakers say about their vertical integration strategies, and what happens as engineers try to meet deadlines to deliver new vehicles, supplier industry executives said.

"There's a lot of narrative about in-sourcing and vertically integrating, especially in areas like software," Kevin Clark, chief executive of auto supplier Aptiv Plc, told analysts in February.

"Virtually all the OEMs that we are doing business with are struggling with software development."

Xavier Mosquet, a senior adviser at Boston Consulting Group, said many manufacturers still prefer to buy EV technology to avoid the cost and complexity of manufacturing in-house.

"There are a number of automakers who in a way want to continue buying and manage the final integration," Mosquet said, adding that it would take several years to determine which approach is successful.

Many automakers are also hesitant to completely in-source EV manufacturing at a time when EV purchases still make up only a fraction of total vehicle demand.

Today, only Tesla, EV startup Lucid Group Inc and Chinese BYD Co Ltd are completely making their electric motors in-house, according to IHS Markit, followed by Hyundai Motor Co and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.

Other carmakers, including Mercedes-Benz Group, Ford and Porsche, are using electric motors by suppliers for their current EV models.

"The electric powertrain cannot be bought off the shelf at a world-class standard, it is not a commodity," Rawlinson said.

"This is a technology race and the market doesn't see it yet."

Mercedes said it plans to make electric motors, battery packs and electronics in-house starting in 2024.

The company is also working to reduce costs by securing raw materials directly from miners, chief technology officer Markus Schaefer told Reuters.


Ford introduces Ranger Life with unique getaway packages

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford in Malaysia, has unveiled a new brand experiential programme called “Ford Ranger Getaways” to allow enthusiasts to experience the versatility of the Ranger Life.

The series of handpicked local adventures, can be done with like-minded individuals or be guided, will allow participants to discover the potential of their Ranger themselves.

The new brand experience platform was crafted based on customer feedback, is open to all Ranger customers from Feb 5.

Each getaway has been thoughtfully curated to showcase the multiformity of the Ford Ranger lifestyle – from fun city outings and outdoor or off-road excursions to foodie trails and even flying a plane through Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).

There is also a one-of-a-kind on and off-road experience within the vicinity of Sepang, which will be held on Feb 26 for performance-certified Ranger Raptor owners and on Feb 27 for all other Ranger owners.

The programme also simultaneously aims to help boost domestic tourism, which have been hard-hit by the pandemic and to support as many local businesses as possible.

Over the years, the Ranger has transformed from a purely utilitarian workhorse and is now leading the pack as a versatile and premium truck that is sought after for work, family and play, while maintaining its Built Ford Tough DNA.

An industry first, there are a total of 15 experiences to choose from and these activities will be refreshed from time to time to ensure the outings are kept interesting.

The getaways on offer include half-day, full-day or overnight trips and prices start from as low as RM98 per person and ranges up to RM2,133, depending on the package of choice.

In conjunction with the launch of the Ford Ranger Getaways, customers can enjoy 50% savings for the on and off-road experience within the vicinity of Sepang, which will be held on Feb 26 for Ranger Raptor owners and on Feb 27 for all other Ranger owners.

Each participant can also bring along a companion for free.

Customers are encouraged to sign up quickly for this one-of-a-kind experience as only 36 slots are available on each day, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Ford Ranger Getaway can be easily booked a online through SDAC-Ford’s new e-commerce platform – www.sdacford.com.my/shop.

Through the platform, customers can select their desired adventure and travel date as well as complete the payment transaction, all from the comfort of their home.

Confirmation will be sent via email from the time the booking is processed.

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year, SDAC-Ford will be showcasing six featured Ford Ranger Getaways, which will be aired every Friday starting Feb 12 on all Ford Malaysia social media channels.

Find out more about the Ranger Life by following the Ford Malaysia  Facebook ,  Instagram , Twitter and  channel.

Over the years, the Ranger has transformed from a purely utilitarian workhorse and is now leading the pack as a versatile and premium truck that is sought after for work, family and play, while maintaining its Built Ford Tough DNA.

SDAC managing director Turse Zuhair said Ford Ranger Getaways aimed to offer experiences that push the boundaries of what people perceive a pick-up truck to be.

“We also believe that this attracts new customers to our Ford Ranger brand,” said Turse.


Diesel trucks can be saved with new hydrogen conversion, says German firm

                MUNICH: Tesla believes all-electric trucks are the key to a green road haulage future, while South Korea's Hyundai is backing the hydrogen fuel cell.

A new German company has come up with an attractive-sounding third option.

Instead of using hydrogen in a fuel cell, Munich-based Keyou has developed technologies that can convert conventional diesel engines to run on pure hydrogen.

CEO and founder Thomas Korn said such hydrogen-fuelled trucks boast a better range than fuel cell trucks, although hydrogen consumption is slightly higher.

"Our vehicles demonstrate that hydrogen engine technology also works practically and is a cost-effective and robust alternative to battery electric or fuel cell vehicles," said Korn.

The hydrogen-fuelled engines are as durable as regular diesels and straightforward to service, said Korn. They also use none of the scarce rare-earth metallic elements that are an essential part of many high-tech devices and battery-electrics.

 Keyou (inset) says its hydrogen-fuelled engines are as durable as regular diesels and straightforward to service.

The company recently completed a €16 million (RM73mil) financing round and is working closely with a number of OEM manufacturers in the auto and truck industry.

Keyou said truck engines could be converted to run on hydrogen swiftly so that instead of belching black fumes, big articulated rigs and delivery trucks would soon emit just wisps of harmless water vapour.

One of the biggest hurdles along the way is the lack of re-fuelling infrastructure and a range of 500km between top-ups.

Germany has only a few hydrogen refuelling stations while France for example has hardly any.

The hydrogen fuel option proposed by Keyou is not new but it has become realistic again as the race to clean up road transport gathers pace.

Converted engines would run on hydrogen gas injected into the combustion chambers just like diesel fuel, instead of using a fuel cell to convert the hydrogen into electricity for traction

Carmaker BMW went down this road for some years and its hydrogen-powered 7 Series limousines were regular features at international car shows. Korn worked as an engineer on the programme.

One problem was the huge fuel tank in the boot which left little space for luggage. In 2009, BMW abandoned work on hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines, saying the technology had run its course.

The tank in the Hydrogen 7 chilled the gas to a liquid at -253 degrees, but the highly-inflammable gas was so unstable in the onboard storage that it evaporated from full to empty within three weeks.

For a few years, Berlin's BVG transit company operated 14 MAN buses which ran on hydrogen but they broke down frequently and the experiment was later abandoned.

Keyou has opted for compressing the hydrogen to 350 bar. By doing so, existing diesel engine designs can be easily adapted to run on the gas, provided certain components are beefed up to take the strain, the firm says.

This means the technology is more suited to new engines being assembled on a production line rather than for retro-fitting second-hand units in existing trucks.

Lorries with hydrogen-driven engines are lighter than both electric and fuel cell trucks since there are no heavy batteries, while delivery delays caused by charging are also no longer an issue.

Tesla claims a range of 800km for its truck and the battery is said to have a capacity of one megawatt hour. On the down side, this means that, even when using a 350-kilowatt fast charger, it takes about three hours to fully recharge the lorry's battery.

Keyou has just unveiled prototypes of an 18-tonne truck based on a Daimler Actros underpinnings and a 12-metre urban city bus based on a Polish-built Solaris vehicle.

Both use diesel motors converted by Keyou to run on hydrogen and will go on display at the IAA Commercial vehicle show in Hanover this September. Test drives on public roads around Munich will take place beforehand.


Indonesia Battery Corp eyes surge in electric scooters sales on incentive plan

                JAKARTA: State battery company Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC) is targeting a local market share of up to 30% for electric motorbikes, its chief executive said today, as the government tries to jumpstart the adoption of electric vehicles.

The government is aiming to reach 2 million sales of electric motorbike in 2025 as the Indonesia attracts billion of dollars of investment in processing its rich nickel reserves into battery materials.

Indonesia sold less than 40,000 electric motorbikes between 2019 and 2022, while its total motorbike sales in 2022 alone were 5.22 million units, industry data showed.

IBC last year acquired majority stakes in PT Wika Industri Manufaktur, producer of electric scooters Gesits, which currently has production capacity of 40,000 units per year.

"In the next few years the capacity could reach 75,000 to 100,000 units. So of the total government target, our target is to have 25% to 30% market share, which is already pretty good," IBC chief executive Toto Nugroho told Reuters.

Indonesia is planning to contribute 7 million rupiah (around RM2,000) to the purchase of each electric scooter to incentivise sales, which Toto said would result in a demand surge.

"This is what happened in China 10 years ago. Now their (annual) electric motorbike sales have reached more than 30 million," he said.

Indonesia's government is targeting as much as 300,000 units of electric motorbike sales for 2023.

An IBC study found pricing was one of the main issues affecting electric scooter adoption, followed by concern about charging infrastructure and higher interest rates on EV loans, Toto said.

IBC is a local partner for global battery maker giants such as China's CATL Group and South Korea's LG, who are planning to build major facilities in Indonesia to develop batteries.

LG in 2021 started construction of its US$1.1 billion battery plant, which Toto said had reached around 70% completion and was on track to start production in 2024.

The plant would have 10 Gigawatt hour capacity which would be enough to power 200,000 electric cars or up to 2.5 million electric scooters.

IBC would also assemble its own battery packs which could help lower the price of its electric bikes by around 15%, Toto said.


2021 Honda Odyssey to debut at NY Auto Show

                LOS ANGELES: Honda's 2020 New York International Auto show exhibit will feature the world debut of its refreshed 2021 Odyssey, the retail best-selling minivan (multi-purpose vehicle or MPV to Malaysians) in America ten years running.

The 2021 version of Honda's "Ultimate Family Vehicle" gets numerous upgrades to styling, technology and safety features including an upgraded suite of Honda Sensing safety and driver-assistive technologies for all grades, and an innovative industry-first Rear-Seat Reminder system integrated with the vehicle's CabinWatch rear-seat camera system.

Major upgrades to the 2021 Honda Odyssey include more powerful and efficient LED headlights, a redesigned blackout grille topped by a chrome strip, and a redesigned lower front facia and fog light housings.

New gloss-black trim under the rear window, accented by a chrome strip, echoes the new grille treatment. Odyssey Elite receives newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels and auto-dimming side mirrors.

Changes inside include updated climate controls and second-row seatbacks that fold flat for easier seat removal.

All 2021 Honda Odyssey trims will come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, previously standard on EX and above trims. Honda Sensing is now enhanced with new features that include Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, and Pedestrian Emergency Braking.

Also new for the 2021 model year is Odyssey's Rear-Seat Reminder system which is designed to prompt drivers to check their rear seating area before exiting the vehicle, with an audible alert and a warning message in the driver's display.

On Touring and Elite trims, the system uses the CabinWatch camera to display the rear seating area on the Display Audio screen, the first integration of a rear-seat camera with a rear-seat reminder system in the industry.

American families have purchased more than 1.1 million Odyssey minivans, and Odyssey has consistently set the standard for family-friendly features, space and sporty driving performance in a minivan.

Odyssey was the first to introduce minivan staples such as third-row seats that fold into the floor, the first built-in vacuum cleaner (HondaVac), and the first in-cabin rear-seat camera system, CabinWatch.

Powered by a 3.5-litre i-VTEC V6 engine with 280hp, Odyssey comes exclusively with Honda's advanced 10-speed automatic transmission along with push-button start. The Odyssey's powerful and refined V6 engine also utilizes Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), with the capacity to seamlessly switch between three- and six-cylinder operation.

The 2020 New York International Auto Show is slated to open from April 10-19. The show's president, Mark Scheinberg,  said recently the show would not be called off because of the Covid-19 epidemic.


As electric car production falls short, flippers step up

                NEW YORK: In the wee hours of the morning in October 2020, Brent Estes turned his insomnia into US$35,500.

The 39-year-old Californian was in bed, scrolling through Hummers on his phone - specifically, the GMC Hummer EV, one of the rarest and most coveted machines in a parade of all-new electric vehicles.

Estes happened to be awake during a tiny window in which a US$100 deposit reserved the right to buy one of the first models off the assembly line.

Within 10 minutes, all of the first editions were spoken for, including the one he managed to secure.

It wasn’t until almost two years later that Estes, vice president of a commercial heating and air-conditioning contractor, finally got the truck.

He shelled out about US$125,000 under strict instructions from his wife: Don’t let her drive it, or she might want to keep it. So Estes drove the Hummer directly to his father’s garage, where it sat for three weeks. On Sept. 28, he sold it at auction for US$160,500.

"It’s kind of like winning a mini lottery,” he says. "It’s an amazing truck, but to me it’s not worth what other people are willing to pay.”

In the car world, flipping a brand-new vehicle is a practice as old as seat belts, and one historically confined to sports cars made in small batches.

However, the emergence of electric vehicles has led to a flipping frenzy of sorts.

Demand is at an all-time high for both mass-market and higher-end models, and factories are struggling to keep up.

That means EV owners savvy or lucky enough to have secured an early edition of a highly coveted car are often choosing an immediate sale (and a handsome profit) over the street cred of being an early adopter.

And the practice is picking up speed, as the staggering sales figures lure more recent buyers into immediately listing their cars.

"The collective car market and the enthusiast market has been expanding and appreciating so quickly over the last two years and this fits right into it,” says Brian Rabold, vice president of auto intelligence at Hagerty Inc., an underwriter that specializes in collectible cars.

"If you wanted an electric pickup, you literally didn’t have an option until now.”

Rabold cites several factors as priming the market for short-term sales. For one, electric cars are still a relatively new phenomena, a step-change in technology arguably unlike any to date.

Secondly, these battery-powered cars and trucks are arriving in concert with a crowd of online peer-to-peer sales platforms like Facebook Marketplace; Bring a Trailer (launched in 2007), and Cars & Bids (launched in 2020).

These sites have created a much more liquid market for used cars, and particularly coveted collectible ones.

Finally, there’s a dearth of new cars industry wide, and particularly of battery-powered models only just entering production.

General Motors Co. spokesman Mikhael Farah says those reserving early versions of the company’s hottest new cars - for instance, the Hummer that Estes flipped - generally intend to drive them.

There’s no evidence of bots or other digital hijinks hoovering up car reservations like concert tickets, and Americans are actually keeping their cars longer than ever these days - the average age of a car in the US is just over 12 years, according to S&P Global Mobility.

Still, for many new EV owners, the potential profit trumps the actual utility.

"My take is it’s very opportunistic,” Rabold says. "I would expect a lot of these folks are going to get back on the waitlist.”

Consider Ford Motor Co.’s new electric pickup, the F-150 Lightning. In the first half of the year, Ford made about 2,000 Lightnings and at least 31 of them have sold at auction online.

The Lightning has a starting sticker price just shy of US$40,000 and fancier versions have been selling at dealerships for around US$80,000, but the vehicles fetched an average of US$97,000 on the secondhand market.

The flipping is even more frantic with Rivian automative Inc., which assembled almost 5,000 of its R1T pickup between January and June.

In March, Rivian raised the price of the truck 17% to almost US$80,000, essentially locking in a profit margin for early customers who bought at the original price.

At least 51 of the trucks have sold at auction online, for US$106,000 on average.

"It’s just sort of a reality of the car world,” says Doug DeMuro, the founder of Cars & Bids and host of a popular YouTube series reviewing vehicles.

"You can spend US$100,000 and get a Rivian today or US$91,000 and get one in two years. It just makes sense.”

Tesla buyers tend to hang onto their cars, in part because the company’s fine print says it will cancel any order from a suspected flipper. However, DeMuro expects Tesla’s long-promised Cybertruck will be well suited to quick-turn profits if and when it arrives.

Tesla isn’t alone in frowning on flippers: DeMuro’s site and its rash of Hummers and Lightnings incites no shortage of heartburn in Detroit’s C-suites.

Not only do automakers miss out on a big chunk of potential profit when a new car is resold, but customers waiting for their own buying opportunity get chuffed watching affluent drivers skip the line.

This friction most famously came to a head in 2017, when Ford sued actor/wrestler John Cena for selling his Ford GT supercar a few months after taking delivery.

Ford’s filing said Cena was among 500 handpicked buyers who were under contract to keep the vehicle for at least two years. The case was settled when Cena paid an undisclosed sum, which Ford reportedly donated to charity.

GM, for its part, recently rolled out a policy that voids the warranty on any Hummer resold within six months.

At the dealer level, stores often blackball flippers from future orders, but there’s not much more they can do. "It’s definitely not something that we encourage,” says Farah. "This is to protect the brand, protect the customer and protect the dealer.”

Car flipping usually runs its course quickly: The new, new thing in the auto industry typically lasts 12 months at most, until the next model-year arrives. But EV fever is running hotter than many auto executives expected, and it will likely be years before assembly lines catch up with order books.

Likewise, those hoping to pay anywhere close to sticker price for one of the new batch of EVs are in for a wait.

Ford, for example, hopes to have the capacity to make 150,000 Lightnings a year by the end of 2023, but by December 2021 it had more than 200,000 orders. GM just stopped taking orders for its Hummer EV at 90,000; by July, it had produced only 1,510 of them.

The shortage is even more stark among EV startups. Rivian said this summer it has more than 98,000 orders for its debut pickup and SUV, but is aiming to bolt together just 25,000 vehicles this year as it scrounges for parts. Around the same time, Lucid Group halved its production target for the year to between 6,000 and 7,000 vehicles.

Knowing full well the sluggish pace of shipments, the dealer who sold Estes his Hummer offered to buy it back on the spot for US$150,000, but Estes declined, figuring he could do better on the open market.

He was right. The winning bid went to Brett Jensen, a real-estate developer who lives just outside of Houston. Jensen recently bought a souped-up 2022 Cadillac Escalade-V, which came with a contract saying the warranty would be void if it was resold within six months, a stipulation he described as "a little goofy.” His new Hummer has no such restrictions.

"I just knew it would take forever to order one,” Jensen says. "The entire car market is crazy right now.”


Pininfarina to unveil brand's future design philosophy next month

The Battista undergoing wind tunnel testing.
TURIN: Automobili Pininfarina's design director Luca Borgogno will be giving the world a peek at the Italian company's design vision for its future electric models next month.

Over the weekend, Automobili Pininfarina announced that the brand will be getting a new design philosophy in the near future — a vision that will be revealed by the brand's design director Luca Borgogno in August at The Quail during California's annual Monterey Car Week.

The design vision is called ‘PURA,' a philosophy that was described in November as "inspir(ing) the styling of (Pininfarina)'s future range of high-performance EVs" which, according to Borgogno, will "define everything (the brand does) in the coming years."

A model sporting the new design styling, the P40 hypercar prototype, was first revealed last year sporting a sleek aerodynamic design emulated in the company's first commercially-produced all-electric hypercar, the €2 million (RM9.2mil) Battista, deliveries of which will begin at the end of 2020.

Accompanying Borgogno's presentation of the PURA vision, Pininfarina will also have an "enhanced" version of the Battista on display for potential clients at the brand's private residence in Monterey.

Based on the results of the final performance testing — including wind tunnel and simulation testing
— of the Battista, the range of the model on a single charge is expected to be well above 450km. Power will measure in at 1,900hp and 2,300Nm of torque.

Only 150 units of the electric hypercar will be available within Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia for €2 million.

Monterey Car Week 2019 takes place August 9-18.


Oct 24-30: Petrol prices down 4 sen, diesel unchanged

                PETALING JAYA:  The retail prices of both RON97 and RON95 petrol will drop by four sen to RM1.94 per litre and RM1.64 per litre respectively for the period between Oct 24 and Oct 30.

The Finance Ministry latest update on fuel prices also said that diesel price would remain unchanged at RM1.74 per litre.


On top of zero-emission vehicles, GM looks to clean up its own ops

                DETROIT: General Motors Co is targeting not only the elimination of tailpipe emissions by 2035 on all light vehicles it sells, but the largest US automaker also is looking to clean up its own operations with goals it outlined on Friday.

The Detroit automaker released a series of new goals in its 2020 sustainability report, including reducing how much energy it takes to build vehicles and using returnable packaging.

"In addition to addressing tailpipe emissions, we're focused on reducing emissions from the inside out," GM chief sustainability officer Kristen Siemen said in a statement.
 Siemen.
"That means reducing the amount of electricity, water and waste associated with the production of all vehicles and sourcing more sustainable materials, like those using recycled content and more efficient processes."

In January, GM said it aimed to sell all its new cars, SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks with zero tailpipe emissions by 2035, marking a potential dramatic shift away from gasoline and diesel engines. The company also plans to be carbon neutral by 2040.

In Friday's report, GM said its new sustainability goals include reducing operational energy intensity - or the energy used to make its vehicles - by 35% by 2035 against a 2010 baseline of 2.31 megawatt hours (MWh) per vehicle. That figure was 2.06 MWh per vehicle last year.

A megawatt hour is equal to 1,000 kilowatts of electricity used continuously for one hour, or the equivalent of the amount of electricity used by about 330 homes in that period, according to CleanEnergyAuthority.com.

GM said it also wants to divert greater than 90% of waste sent to landfills and for incineration globally by 2025. Last year, GM sent more than 176,000 metric tons of waste to landfills and for incineration, down from almost 300,000 metric tons in 2016, according to the report.

The company said it wants to make packaging 100 percent returnable or made from mostly sustainable content by 2030. It did not have comparable numbers from 2020.

GM previously said it will source 100% renewable energy to power its US sites by 2030 and global sites by 2035, five years ahead of a prior goal.

Separately on Friday, Ford Motor Co said it has established a supplier code of conduct relating to expectations for human rights, the environment, responsible material sourcing and lawful business practices, expanding on guidelines established since 2003.


A joystick and a swivel chair: Hyundai's SUV of the future

                LOS ANGELES: With quirky features like a joystick in the cockpit, a swivelling driver's chair and a chaise longue that sweeps around the rear, Hyundai's plans for the next electric model in its Ioniq range are far-fetched to say the least.

Unveiled at the LA Auto Show, the new show car Seven is the company's attempt to lay the foundations for a new kind of electric SUV that's all about luxury on the inside.

A big brother to the Ioniq 5, the Seven has given a first glimpse of Hyundai's high-life and high-tech ambitions and is set to be launched in two to three years as the Ioniq 7.

The manufacturer puts range at around 600km, although Hyundai is hopeful that advances in battery technology may even enable an operating range of over 1,000km by the time it is launched.

Just like the Ioniq 5, the 5.30-metre-long off-roader is built on its own platform with the battery in the floor of the car and therefore offers a lot of interior space at a wheelbase of 3.20 metres.

As is usual with concept cars like this one, the designers have used this space in a somewhat more liberal and unconventional way.

In anticipation of self-driving cars, the driver's seat swivels around, there's a kind of ottoman for the front passenger and instead of rear seats there is a wrap-around chaise longue.

All in all, it feels like a lounge on wheels, and is not unlike other visions of how the interior of cars will change once the driver no longer needs to focus on steering.

Instead of a glass roof, there's a digital screen covering the headliner area, and Hyundai wants to show you dreamy images of forests instead of the real-world concrete jungle rising above you.

And because developers imagine the Seven will drive largely or even fully autonomously, the controls are also unconventional.

Instead of a conventional cockpit with steering wheel and pedals, there's only a kind of joystick on the driver's seat. Instead of classic instruments, just a long display under the windscreen.

The masterminds in South Korea have taken up another issue in this car: hygiene. Because the car was developed in the middle of the pandemic, the car has infrared interior cleaning and a particularly powerful air filter.

There's even a special drawer into which you can put your shoes, smartphone or face mask for disinfecting. How much any of this becomes reality in the not-too-distant future is anyone's guess.


Lexus UX 300e makes Guangzhou debut as brand's first EV

                GUANGZHOU: Lexus will introduce its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the UX 300e, at the 2019 Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition in China (Nov 22 to Dec 1).

As the first production model under the Lexus Electrified banner, the all-electric UX 300e has a electric motor producing 204ps and 300Nm of torque and a 54.3 kWh lithium Ion battery that delivers a driving range of up to 400km.

It is due to go on sale in the Chinese and European markets in 2020, and in Japan early in 2021.

The batteries are equipped with a temperature management system that operates at low and high ambient temperatures.

Reliability is also increased with the use of multiple monitoring systems that regulate charging and prevent conditions like overcharging.

Also, by linking to a smartphone using a dedicated app, drivers can check the battery state of charge and driving range.

Charging controls are also included such as timer function to inform the owner when the vehicle will be fully charged or to schedule the charging according to when the vehicle is expected to be driven next.

The app also allows the owner to remotely control various convenience functions such as the A/C, seat heaters, and window defrosters.

A Drive Mode Select function lets drivers manage smooth acceleration and deceleration according to their situation.

It is said to deliver excellent dynamic performance thanks to the low center of gravity resulting from motor and battery placement underneath the vehicle body.

A focus on sound management lets drivers enjoy comfortable tranquility in the cabin, and Active Sound Control (ASC) transmits natural ambient sounds to allow for understanding of driving conditions.


'Dude, That's My Car!' book pays homage to Perodua Myvi

                KUALA LUMPUR: Get this! The bestselling model for Perodua has a book written about it.

Perodua is introducing its first book titled Dude. That's My Car! which will be sold in major bookstores and Malaysian airports from today.

The book signals the conclusion to the Myvi's 10th anniversary celebration this year.

 Ahmad Tamimi proudly showing the fruit of his labour earlier today.

Written by Perodua media relations head Ahmad Tamimi Omar, a former reporter, the 120-page book tells the story of the Myvi; the best-selling Perodua model with 870,000 units sold between May 2005 and October 2015.

It traces the Myvi origins and how it rose to become so well accepted by the Malaysian public.

"As a finale for the Myvi's 10th birthday, we have decided to capture its history, present as well as a glimpse of its future in this book." said Perodua president and CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

Perodua produced a total of 2,000 books and has collaborated with MPH Group Malaysia Sdn Bhd to distribute it in major bookshops nationwide. The book sells for RM29.90.

The Myvi 10th anniversary celebration began early this year with Perodua inviting members of the public to share their Myvi experiences in the "Love of the Nation'' campaign.

The celebration reached its peak during the Myvi Gathering event in Shah Alam last May which saw the largest Myvi gathering of 2,613 cars joining the event. The gathering made it into the Malaysian Book of Records for the biggest car gathering in Malaysian history.

"During the celebration, we had invited the public to participate in many programmes and even introduced a special Myvi variant to commemorate this historic milestone," said Aminar.

On a different note, Aminar said the national carmaker has no plans to increase Perodua car prices for now despite rising production costs caused by a weakened ringgit.

"Yes, there is impact on our costs. There are imported parts, paid in either US dollar or yen," he said.  "We will continue to absorb the higher costs."

However, he said if it reaches a level where "we cannot continue to absorb the costs, there is a possibility we will increase prices."


'The Rock' gives away 2018 Ford Mustang

                LOS ANGELES: With a little help from Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Ford on Tuesday officially took the wraps off what could be the company's best pony car yet.

As well as being a Ford ambassador, Johnson is also one of social media's biggest stars and he used his influence across Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to launch the new car digitally.

"Tapping Mustang's enormous fan base, we're bringing the new Mustang straight to the people -- and introducing the new car across multiple social media channels, reaching millions," said Joe Hinrichs, president of The Americas.

Following the 2018 EcoSport, the new Mustang is the second Ford to make its debut via a social media rather than real-world channel.

However, it is the company's first passenger car to come with a MagnaRide suspension set-up and a 10-speed automatic gearbox -- even the latest generation Mercedes sports coupés can only offer their drivers a choice of nine forward gears.

The new car also gets sharper exterior lines. The front and rear bumpers have been reworked as have the air intakes and as well as providing a slightly more aggressive look, the improvements should help the car's aerodynamic profile.

However, some things have been left unchanged, the most notable of which being the option of a 5-litre normally aspirated V8 engine in the GT model. Ford says that its performance is improved for the new model year, but is yet to reveal any data.

Like the V8, the four-cylinder 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine option also remains for the new year but regardless of powerplant choice, owners will get a host of latest generation active aids including lane departure warning and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection.

"The new Mustang is our best ever, based on more than 50 years as one of the iconic sports car in America and now, the world," said Hinrichs.


Nine features pick-up truck buyers should look at

                Pick-ip trucks are no longer just spartan workhorses, as today’s consumers want passenger car-like comforts and safety kit with their work wheels.

The new Nissan NP300 Navara, which is expected to arrive in Malaysia this year, is a prime example of a pick-up truck that combines the traits of a versatile workhorse, lifestyle and family vehicle.

Nissan had designed the NP300 Navara to provide the cabin quality and premium features of a mid-sized Japanese sedan.

Another popular pick-up is the Thai-built Ranger which is billed as offering an unmatched safety package in Malaysia, including Ford’s ESP (electronic stability programme) across all variants and ISOFIX mounts for child seats in the Wildtrak, as well as all XLT and XL Double Cab variants.

Ford engineers had also designed the Ranger for more convenience, with over 20 smart storage spaces.

The 2015 updated Ranger is due to be launched in Malaysia soon.

Meanwhile, the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Triton also offers a level of cabin comfort that is on par with family sedans in the RM100,000 price bracket.

According to Mitsubishi Motors, the Triton has top-notch cabin noise insulation due to the strategic placement of sound insulation, absorption and vibration damping materials.

Meanwhile, this year, the perpetual best-selling Toyota Hilux was enhanced with refreshed looks and kit such as daytime running lights (DRLs), and leather seats for the 2.5G AT variants.

As for the second-generation Isuzu D-Max, it is billed as having a stylishly-finished cabin that provides an SUV (sport utility vehicle)-like feel.

Isuzu engineers also embedded a pair of class-first “exciter” tweeters into the roof lining for high-quality audio reproduction.

It is interesting to note that the D-Max shares origins with the Chevrolet Colorado, due to an old General Motors and Isuzu Motors relationship.

A pumped-up 2.8-litre Colorado Muscle Power is priced from RM133,706 and it boasts the highest torque in its class at 500Nm.

The Mazda BT-50 is another interesting pick-up, as it shares a platform with the Ranger – due to a partnership between Ford and Mazda.

1. Cargo capacity
Those who use their pick-ups for commercial purposes would want to carry as much cargo as possible, to maximise profits.

This is where the buyer has to consider the dimensions or every millimetre of the length, width and height of the pick-up’s rear deck.

For example, the new Nissan NP300 Navara is touted as having class-leading cargo deck space at 1,560mm (width) x 1,510mm (length) x 474mm (height), with a cargo area of 2.36 square metres.

The NP300 Navara can handle a payload of up to 1,050kg.

2. Handling tough terrain

In plantations and off-road conditions, it is crucial that transport vehicles are able to handle difficult terrain without getting bogged down and losing valuable time.

This is why Ford took pains to emphasise that its 2015 updated Ranger pick-up can handle extreme terrains with ease, with its class-leading ability to wade through water up to 800mm deep, and with 230mm of ground clearance.

For taking on steep obstacles, the latest Ranger also has a 28-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle.

3. Shift-on-the-fly
Pick-ups such as the Isuzu D-Max and Nissan NP300 Navara provide more driving convenience with a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system.

With a simple twist of a push-button dial, at speeds of up to 100kph, drivers can switch from 2WD mode (meant for city roads or highways) to 4WD.

4. In-car connectivity
The smartphone generation wants to stay connected on the move, and automakers like Ford responded with the SYNC 2 in-car connectivity system that has voice control and touchscreen features.

In the 2015 Ford Ranger with SYNC 2, voice commands can be used to control the air-conditioning, and entertainment and navigation system.

In the Toyota Hilux (TRD Sportivo and G variants), a DVD-AVN (audio-video-navigation) system has a seven-inch touchscreen with connectivity options such as HDMI, USB, Bluetooth and AUX.

This DVD-AVN system also has voice control function and Miracast, which allows selected navigation apps from a smartphone to be mirrored on the screen and used.

5. Reverse camera
Reversing or parking a long and huge pick-up truck, especially in tight spaces, can be a nightmare.

This is where a reverse or rear view camera is really handy, and UMW Toyota Motor gives a free DVD-AVN (audio-video-navigation) system which has a reverse camera to buyers of the Toyota Hilux (TRD Sportivo and G variants).

The camera has a wide viewing angle, and it is also possible to select left or right views.

Guide lines on the colour screen provide assistance in judging distances to other vehicles or obje

6. Driving conveniences
More pick-ups are akin to passenger cars nowadays in terms of the kit level.

For example, the new 2015 Mitsubishi Triton has segment first-in-class features such as engine push-start button, keyless operation, xenon HID headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, tilt and telescopic steering and paddle shifters.

The top-grade Triton even has automatic headlamps and wipers.

7. Safety and extra features
Pick-ups are also more amply stuffed with safety features.

For example, LTZ models of the Chevrolet Colorado have electronic stability programme (ESP), panic brake assist, hydraulic brake fade assist, cornering brake and traction control, and childproof locks on rear doors.

The new Nissan NP300 Navara can come with seven airbags, vehicle dynamic control, active brake limited slip, hill descent control and hill start assist.

8. Refined interior
Pick-ups have many cabin comforts nowadays, and they can easily double up as family or recreational vehicles.

For example, LTZ models of the Chevrolet Colorado, billed as a “everyday companion” have Electronic Climate Control and a CD, USB, Bluetooth and MP3-capable audio system with 3D Sound Stage and six speakers.

Another example is the top-grade Mitsubishi Triton which is generously packed with automatic dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, leather seats, a touch-screen audio system and even voice command capability.

In Thailand, the top grade Nissan NP300 Navara has a executive car-like cabin with leather upholstery, a powered driver’s seat, rear air-conditioning vents and lighted vanity mirrors.

9. Powertrain
In the 2.5-litre diesel pick-up category, the Nissan NP300 Navara gets the crown of the most powerful workhorse with 190hp at 3,600rpm and 450Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and also, a smooth 7-speed automatic transmission.

Pick-up buyers will also like the 3.2-litre, five-cylinder turbo diesel of the range-topping Mazda BT-50 which produces a hefty 197bhp at 3,000rpm and a massive 470Nm of torque from 1,750-2,500rpm.

Mazda’s MZ-CD 3.2-litre engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, has plenty of effortless mid-range grunt on tap.


Bram Schot made permanent Audi chief

                INGOLSTADT: Audi's interim CEO Bram Schot (pic) has been appointed chairman of the management board with effect from Jan 1, 2019.

Schot has headed the company since June 2018 as interim CEO. He will continue temporarily to be in charge of sales and marketing from Jan 1. His responsibilities also include other brands in the Audi stable namely Ducati, Lamborghini and Italdesign Giugiaro.

Schot, 57, had told Manager Magazin in October that he was angling to secure the top job for the long term.

He was promoted to interim CEO in June after incumbent Rupert Stadler was arrested for his alleged role in bringing diesel cars with devices to cheat emission tests to European markets.

The Dutchman has been Audi AG board of management member for sales and marketing since September 2017. On June 19, 2018, he was additionally appointed as the interim board of management chairman.

“As interim CEO, Bram Schot has already done a convincing job in recent months," said the Audi supervisory board chairman and VW Group CEO, Dr Herbert Diess.

"He is pushing forward with the cultural change in his team and is effectively tackling the current challenges. With the benefit of a strong mandate, he will further accelerate the transformation of the company and lead the Four Rings to new successes.”


Measures needed to alleviate Hanoi parking woes

                HANOI: With the public transport system unable to fully cope with demands of commuters, an increasing number of personal vehicles in Hanoi is putting further pressure on the city’s infrastructure, especially parking facilities and services.

According to the Traffic Police Department of Hanoi, the capital city saw 239,045 newly-registered vehicles in 2021, of which, 60,926 are cars, 171,797 motorcycles, and 6,322 electric motorbikes.

These figures took the total number of vehicles in Hanoi to more than 7.5 million, along with over 1.2 million others from nearby localities also joining the traffic flow in the city.

While the number of personal vehicles continues to rise, parking lots and stations only account for 0.12 per cent of the area of the inner districts, meeting just 10% of the demand.

The situation has led to numerous unregulated parking lots appearing in vacant spots: from alongside pavements and alleyways, to the yards inside schools, office buildings, apartment blocks, residential areas, as well as empty lots of new and unconstructed projects.

According to Hanoi Department of Transport, developing parking spaces in the city is an issue that departments of all levels are focusing on. Private investments are also mobilised to mitigate the problems.

However, implementation still meets multiple obstacles related to policies, budget, and the capacity of investors.

Dang Tien Nam, head of the Hoan Kiem District Traffic Inspection Team, said: “Hoan Kiem District has more than 300 authorised parking lots, and the rest are unregulated.

“These illegal spaces are taking up the space of streets, pavements and alleyways. Violations occur most often during holidays and major events.

“In the first six months of this year, the Traffic Inspection Team of Hoan Kiem District has addressed 72 violation cases and issued 200 million Vietnamese dong (RM37,900) in fines.”

A recent case around Giap Baa Station was brought to light after local residents reported that unregulated parking spots sprung up along the roads and pavements in the area, and were imposing a much higher fee than the city’s regulations.

They were charging up to 20,000 Vietnamese dong (RM3.80) per vehicle, while the regulations state that parking fee is 5,000 Vietnamese dong (90sen) during the day, 8,000 Vietnamese dong (RM1.35) during the night, and 12,000 Vietnamese dong (RM2.20) for the whole day.

Nguyen Duc Chinh, deputy chairman of Giap Bat Ward People’s Committee, said: “The ward’s committee and police are aware of the violations in this area and have conducted multiple inspections, but are yet able to eradicate this difficult issue.”

There are similar situations in other districts. Ba Dinh District last year saw 35 illegal parking lots, while this figure in Hoang Mai District was 82.

Along the narrow Hoa Ma Street in Hai Ba Trung District, cars can be seen lining up right next to a no-parking sign in front of Ngo Thi Nham Elementary School.

Other vehicles were also parked along the two sides of the road, and on the Thi Sach Street nearby.

According to Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong, director of Hanoi Parking One Member Co. Ltd, the large number of unregulated parking areas is having a negative impact on the city’s budget. Stringent and immediate measures from authorities are needed to address the issue.

Assessment from the Hanoi Department of Transport also revealed that parking lots in the city centre are very limited due to high population density and enormous demands.

To relieve the pressure on infrastructure, the city’s focus is to put on calling private investors to build new parking lot projects in annual investment promotion conferences.

Other measures include administration reforms and rapid land clearance to attract more qualified investors.

Hanoi Department of Transport also issued a temporary permit to 31 service providers to use parts of the roads for parking, with a total area of 31,705sq m across 134 streets.

In addition, 12 out of 30 districts were granted permission to use a combined area of 91,930sq m for parking services, with fee collection and submission to the State budget as per regulations.

This measures aim to not only reduce the pressure on parking services but also contribute to State coffers.

The traffic inspection unit is also tasked with developing annual plans and coordinating with the city's police and finance department, and local People's Committee to conduct reviews and address parking violations.

In 2019, the city People's Council also issued a resolution that addresses issues related to investment, aiming to ensure feasibility as well as a balance in interests among the stakeholders.

Notable policies include incentives on loans and access to capital sources, land lease and allocation, import tax support for advanced technology and equipment, and diversifying investor profiles.

Underground and multi-storey parking garages in the city, funded by private investors, have been built and gone into operation, receiving a positive reaction from the people.

Dao Ngoc Nghiem, architect and deputy chairman of Vi?t Nam Urban Planning and Development Association, said: “The main reason why parking lot projects are not yet attractive to investors is the undefined key objective of these spaces.

“If we consider this matter a profitable industry, a comprehensive and feasible policy is needed.

“Organising underground spaces needs to be completed soon to increase parking areas, alongside mobilising people’s resources and a penalty policy for violations.”

Hanoi People's Committee recently approved a master plan for urban underground construction by 2030 with a vision for 2050.

According to the document, there will be 78 parking lots in four old inner districts, taking up a total area of 104 hectares.

From now until 2025, Hanoi will focus on 204 public parking projects within the city, with a budget of 29.8 trillion Vietnamese dong (RM5.66bil). — Vietnam News/ANN


Renault names Luca de Meo as new head of Ampere electric vehicle unit

                PARIS: French carmaker Renault appointed on Monday its group chief executive Luca de Meo as the future chairman and CEO of Ampere, the electric vehicle division, which Renault is aiming to list on the stock market.

Renault added that its board of directors had also set up an ad-hoc committee, chaired by Jean-Dominique Senard, to oversee the envisaged initial public offering of Ampere.

Aside from the Ampere EV unit and the combustion engine division, Renault will have an additional three businesses - the Alpine sports-car brand, financial services and new mobility and recycling activities.

De Meo told investors last year that "we are creating independent businesses, focused on structurally more profitable activities, open to external investments, each of built around an indigenous set of technologies."

An early mover in the electric car race, Renault has fallen behind newer, more agile rivals like Tesla. After needing emergency state cash during the Covid pandemic, the group is looking to extend on a turnaround following losses in 2019 and 2020, and increase the valuation of its different parts.

The main plank of the car maker's strategy is separating its combustion engine business - which will partner with Geely in a 50-50 joint venture - from its electric vehicle unit.


West Coast Expressway to be completed by 2024

The West Coast Expressway passes through Tanjong Karang.— Bernama
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor State Legislative Assembly was today told the route of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) in the state would be completed in 2024, a slight delay from the initial projection.

State Infrastructure and Public Facilities, Agricultural Modernisation and Agro-based Industry, Izham Hashim said based on the original schedule, the WCE route in the state is expected to be ready by the end of 2022 or early 2023.

However, he said the project is slightly delayed due to issues on land acquisition in Banting apart from a new route in package seven at Tanjong Karang following a land acquisition problem which has not been resolved.

“Apart from land acquisition, the implementation of the Movement Control Order in March also contributed to the delay in completing the project,” he said when replying to a supplementary question by Lau Weng San (PH-Banting) at the assembly here.

Earlier, Lau asked about the status of WCE construction in Selangor especially in Kuala Langat.

Izham added that the state government, Malaysian Highway Authority and Public Works Department (JKR) are keeping an eye on the development of the highway project to ensure it is carried out according to set targets.

Commenting on the new route at Tanjong Karang, Izham said the government would ensure the highway construction in the area would not burden the people involved.

“We would monitor closely to ensure minimal disruption to residents during the land acquisition as the area is quite densely populated,” he said.


James Bond's Aston Martin DB10 sold

                LONDON: The incredibly rare Aston Martin DB10 made for the latest James Bond film, Spectre, has been sold for 2.43mil British pounds (RM14.68mil).

The car went under the auctioneer’s gavel at Christie’s in London recently.

The buyer now owns a true piece of automotive history; the only Aston Martin DB10 to be made available for public sale.

Production of the DB10 was strictly limited to 10 models which was hand-built for the movie.

Eight of the DB10’s were modified for filming, but two of those produced were kept back as show cars for display purposes only and the DB10 auctioned is one of them.

The money raised by the auction of the Aston Martin DB10 will benefit Médecins Sans Frontières.

MSF - or ‘Doctors without Borders’ – is a global humanitarian aid organisation that provides medical care and support to victims of armed conflict, epidemics and other disasters.


New Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ arrives, price from RM1mil-plus

                PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today announced the availability of the new Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+.

The fully imported model boasts a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine with a sprint from 0-100kph in just 3.4 seconds.

That level of performance will cost dearly, starting from RM1.12mil (OTR with insurance and includes 10% SST).

“The new Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ is the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars collection. Not only has the vehicle become more powerful, comfortable and intelligent, it will also provide our customers with a new level of driving experience," said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia marketing and sales vice-president Michael Jopp.

Engine

The AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC continues to make 612hp and a maximum torque of 850Nm.

It is available across a wide engine speed range from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm, thus conveying the feeling of effortless performance with every accelerator pedal position.

To ensure optimum output and response from the AMG 4.0-litre V8 engine, the two exhaust gas turbochargers feature twin-scroll technology.

They reduce the exhaust gas backpressure and optimize the gas cycle.

Thanks to the standard cylinder shutoff and further measures, the performance models are highly efficient.

When the driver has selected the "Comfort" drive program, the cylinder deactivation system is available in a wide engine speed range from 1000 to 3250 rpm.

A special display in the instrument cluster indicates whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in four or eight-cylinder mode.

Mercedes-Benz said the transition between these two operating states is immediate, fast and torque-neutral, and would not compromise comfort.

Fitted with dynamic engine mounts, the car is said to solve the conflicting goals of achieving as soft a connection as possible to the powertrain for high comfort and as rigid a connection as possible for optimum driving dynamics.

The dynamic mounts are quickly and variably able to adapt their stiffness to the driving conditions and requirements. These measures enhance the vehicle's precision when driven dynamically, while the soft setting increases comfort tangibly.

Transmission

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission tuned especially to the requirements of the performance models.

The autonomous software enables extremely short shift times and fast multiple downshifts while the double-clutching function makes for an emotive gear shifting experience.

A wet multi-plate start-off clutch replaces the torque converter. It saves weight and optimizes response, especially when accelerating or coming off the power.

The all-wheel drive system combines the advantages of different drive concepts: torque distribution on the front and rear axles, which is fully variable for the first time, ensures optimum traction on any surface.

It is still possible to drift thanks to fully variable torque distribution with the Drift Mode integrated into the E 63 S 4MATIC+.

This activates through the "RACE" drive program using the shift paddles, once the ESP deactivates, and the transmission is in manual mode. When Drift Mode is active, the vehicle becomes a purely rear-wheel drive vehicle. Drift Mode remains engaged until the driver deactivates it again.

For improved traction and driving dynamics, the performance models are equipped with an electronically regulated rear axle-locking differential. This reduces the slip on the inside wheel when cornering, without any control intervention in the braking system.

The driver is able to accelerate out of bends earlier and more powerfully. The car remains more stable when braking from high speeds; the locking differential improves traction when moving off.

AMG drive modes

With the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, up to six options are available including "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+", "Individual" and "RACE".

The characteristics of the new models influences at the tap of a finger. The available range extends from efficient and comfortable to very sporty.

The modes modify key parameters, such as the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering.

Independently of the DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs, the driver has the option of switching directly to manual mode, in which gearshifts execute exclusively using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The suspension set-up selections can be as specific as needed.

Exterior

The car gets redesigned LED headlamps, a new expression of the vertical-bar AMG grille, and a deep front apron with aggressive air intakes, adding up to a more commanding presence.

The rear is dramatically reshaped, as well, with new horizontally oriented LED tail lamps adding sporty distinction. Flared side sills, twin power domes in the hood, and a rear apron with functional diffuser assert the extensive attention to aerodynamic and visual detail.

The reshaped rear apron emphasises the broad effect on the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+, and has a positive effect on aerodynamics.

The lower part is in high-gloss black, elegantly structured with a trim strip in Silver Shadow high gloss black with AMG Night Package.

The 20-inch, 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels are also aerodynamically optimized with a wider aero rim edge.

New body colours include, polar white, obsidian black metallic, graphite grey metallic, mojave silver metallic, nautic blue metallic, selenite grey metallic, high-tech silver metallic, designo selenite grey magno, designo spectral blue magno, designo diamond white bright, designo and hyacinth red metallic.

Custom touches

Further individual focuses can be set with the AMG Night Package.

The exterior mirror housings, window frames, trim insert in the longitudinal members and trim elements in the front and rear apron are kept in high-gloss black here.

There are also tailpipe trim elements in black chrome. The AMG-specific radiator grille is also available in a darkened design.

Exclusively available for the 63-series models, the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package I comprises a front splitter, trim insert in the longitudinal member and the trim element in the rear apron in carbon fibre.

Interior

The interior combines a luxurious ambience and high-quality materials with AMG performance.

Upholstery for the AMG seats are in nappa leather, combining secure lateral support with high comfort on long journeys and have an AMG-specific seat upholstery layout with an "AMG" badge in the front seat backrests.

The trim for the dashboard and beltlines as well as seat belts are in crystal grey. Nappa leather in black/titanium grey pearl with yellow contrasting topstitching is in the range as a new AMG-specific upholstery.

With a distinctive twin-spoke design and seamlessly integrated buttons, the three-rounded twin spokes of the new AMG Performance steering wheel combine stability with lightness.

The cover is in a combination of leather and DINAMICA microfibre. In the steering wheel rim there is also a sensor mat to detect "hands-on".

If the driver does not have his hands on the steering wheel for a certain time, a warning cascade starts, which then activates Emergency Brake Assist if the driver continues to be inactive.

The two displays for the instrument cluster and multimedia displays blend visually beneath a shared glass cover to form the Widescreen Cockpit.

Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up various special AMG displays such as Engine Data, gear speed indicator, Warm-up, Set-Up, G-Meter and RACETIMER.

With individual AMG displays such as visualization of the drive programs or telemetry data, the touchscreen multimedia display likewise underscores the dynamic configuration.

Improved voice assist and MBUX

The "Hey Mercedes" voice control assistant is part of the standard specifications along with an enhanced MBUX infotainment system with a touchscreen and touchpad.

Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognizes and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if expressed indirectly.

In many countries MBUX now addresses the customer with the familiar form of "you" rather than more formally.

As a further new feature, it is possible to have the weather forecast for specific regions read out – in virtually all languages.


Chinese automakers expected to take majority of home market for first time

                SHANGHAI: Chinese auto brands are on track to account for just over 50% of the cars sold in their home market this year, thanks to a growing dominance in electric vehicles, consultancy AlixPartners said on Wednesday.

It would represent the first time Chinese automakers have controlled a majority share of China's car market - the world's largest.

For the past four decades, China's auto market has been dominated by established global brands such as VW and Toyota operating in joint ventures with Chinese partners.

But competitive pricing, faster rollouts of new models and the rise of domestic electric carmakers like BYD, Nio and Xpeng Motors have changed the dynamic for made-in-China auto brands.

China passed Japan as the world's largest auto exporter in the first quarter of this year.

AlixPartners forecast China's overall auto sales would grow 3% this year to 24.9 million vehicles, recovering to the level of sales before Covid-19. It forecast growth to 30.6 million vehicles in 2030, when it projected more than half of vehicles sold in China would be EVs.

China's market for what it calls "new energy vehicles" (NEVs), including plug-in hybrids and pure electrics, has benefited from the equivalent of US$57 billion in subsidies from the government during 2016 to 2022, the consultancy said.

By contrast, the US government has provided US$12 billion in subsidies over that time, AlixPartners said.

But Chinese EV makers have also gained ground from a focus on features such as advanced driver assistance systems even on cheaper cars, the firm said.

That competitiveness will make Chinese automakers as disruptive to established global automakers in coming years as Tesla has been, said Stephen Dyer, who heads AlixPartners automotive consulting in Asia.

"It would be the best for foreign brands to learn from new Chinese EV startups if they want to survive in China or face the disruptive impact from those brands in their home markets," Dyer said at a briefing.

Dyer forecast annual sales of Chinese-branded cars in overseas markets would grow to 9 million vehicles by 2030. That would give Chinese brands 30% of global share and a market share of 15% in Europe, 19% in South America and 19% in South-East Asia and South Asia.

China's market also faces massive overcapacity, and Dyer forecast a wave of consolidation. Only 25 to 30 out of the 167 NEV brands can survive by 2030, Dyer said. Over two-thirds of those brands haven't recorded any sales last year, he said.

"Even with best-in-class operations, it takes up to 400,000 units of annual production to reach breakeven," he said.


Indonesia to revamp palm oil levy to support biodiesel

A laboratory technician working on Biodiesel 40% (B40) as he holds a bottle of oil at the Research and Development Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta. — Reuters
JAKARTA: Indonesia, the world's largest palm oil producer, plans to revise its palm oil export levy rules to allow higher collection when prices increase, a senior cabinet minister told Reuters, as part of moves to underpin an ambitious biodiesel programme.

Since June this year, Indonesia has collected a maximum US$55 levy per tonne on palm oil exports, regardless of the price.

But the new levy collections will hinge on export prices, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said in an interview on Tuesday.

"So every increase by US$25, it will increase the levy by US$5," Hartarto said.

Indonesia collects the levy to finance the gap between the production cost of fuel made from palm oil and from the crude oil price.

A historic drop in crude oil price this year has widened the gap and forced the government to changed its levy rules. Prior to June, levies were only collected when the crude palm oil reference price rose above US$570 per tonne.

Hartarto said as long as the crude oil price stayed around $40 per barrel, the price gap was "manageable".

The government is currently discussing details of the planned new rules, including the price that would trigger the higher levy, according to another official.

Indonesia currently has a mandatory biodiesel programme known as B30, which has 30% palm oil-based fuel content, and aims to increase the content to 40% next year.

The programme pushed through by President Joko Widodo has a dual target of propping up consumption of the vegetable oil and at the same time slashing expensive imports of fuel into South-East Asia's biggest economy that has strained the current account deficit.

"I think with this programme, the price of palm oil is stable. So the net (effect) for the farmer is better," Hartarto said.

Farmers however are concerned that the higher levy will erode their income as exporters pass on the costs, said Mansuetus Darto, secretary general of the Oil Palm Farmers Union.

"The US$55 levy already reduces the palm fruit price by around 130 rupiah per kilogram at the farmers' level," he said, while also calling for wider distribution of the funds raised from the levy.

Other than to subsidise the biodiesel programme, the fund is also used to finance things such as a programme to replant crops with better quality seeds.


Škoda releases sketches of new Fabia Monte Carlo

                PRAGUE: Skoda Auto has released several official design sketches, offering a first glimpse of the new Fabia Monte Carlo.

The sporty lifestyle variant made its debut 11 years ago in the second-generation Fabia.

The signature black Monte Carlo elements show off the fourth-generation Fabia’s considerably more emotive lines and dynamic proportions.

Carbon-style elements and red decorative trim strips provide accents in the sporty interior.

The exterior sketch of the new Škoda Fabia Monte Carlo shows how the signature details of this model version enhance the emotive design and dynamic appearance of the new Fabia.

The frame of the Škoda grille features the same black finish as the spoiler lip on the exclusive front apron, which is characterised by a large air intake.

The diffuser in the sporty rear apron and the lettering on the tailgate are also finished in black, as are the exterior mirror caps, the window frames, the side skirts and the rear spoiler; the wings feature Monte Carlo badges.

The interior is predominantly black. The height-adjustable sports seats benefit from integrated headrests, while the 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel bears the Monte Carlo badge.

The leather trims for the steering wheel rim as well as the handbrake and gear stick feature black stitching. Stylish red accents appear on the seat covers and the horizontal dashboard trim, on the centre console and on the bold door handles.

Carbon-style elements accentuate the armrests of the front doors and the lower part of the instrument panel.

Sporty Škoda lifestyle models have carried the Monte Carlo designation since 2011.

Their black body elements, sporty interior design and extended standard equipment recall Škoda’s successes at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally.

Later, a Monte Carlo version would also be produced for its successor as well as the Citigo, the Yeti and the Rapid Spaceback.

Škoda currently offers the Scala Monte Carlo and the Kamiq Monte Carlo and will soon be expanding the line-up to include the new fourth-generation Fabia.


Volkswagen to showcase large plug-in SUV concept in Beijing

WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen has announced that it will be revealing a luxury SUV concept at the April 25-May 4 Beijing Motor Show.

According to a terse statement from the German car maker, it would be a sporty and elegant vehicle with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain that's capable of 376hp and 700Nm of torque. It said the fully electric range of the SUV is up to 50km, with a predicted NEDC combined fuel consumption is 3l/100km.

 Autodesk VRED Professional 2014 SR1-SP7

The concept is also said to be able to sprint from standstill to 100kph in 6 seconds and has a top speed of 224kph.

Volkswagen described the cabin as adopting a lounge-style and digitised operation are centered on passengers and offer a new level of interactivity.

As is trending now in Volkswagen and its Audi division, the concept will also showcase a fully digital instrument cluster that integrates the infotainment system.

 Autodesk VRED Professional 2014 SR1-SP7


2017 Tokyo Motor Show: Is Mitsubishi about to evolve the Evo for the electric age?

                TOKYO: At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi will be taking the wraps off something called the e-Evolution Concept, and it promises to pick up where the company's legendary but now defunct EVO models left off.

The original Mitsubishi EVO range was based on the otherwise sensible Lancer family car and was inspired and informed by the company's World Rally cars and used a host of phenomenal electronic aids to enable even the most inexperienced driver to negotiate a complex of corners and bends without lifting their foot off the accelerator and without throwing the back end out so much that the car ended up spinning in circles.

The cars gained such a cult following, particularly in the Japanese tuner community that when the final 10th-generation Mitsubishi Evo rolled off the production line in September 2016 and was auctioned off for charity, bidding surpassed US$76,400 (RM324,000).

The new EVO, which the company has dubbed the e-Evolution Concept for its Tokyo motor show debut, takes everything about the original range and catapults it forward into the next decade in terms of technology.

The biggest single change is that rather than a 2-liter heavily turbocharged engine that meets current World Rally Championship criteria under the hood calling the shots, this car is a plug-in electric vehicle.

However, it's one with three motors -- one driving the front axe and one driving each of the rear wheels. This not only allows for perfect torque vectoring -- i.e., sending exactly the right amount of power to exactly the right wheel at exactly the right moment, it also ensures that even at the limits the car stays flat and roll-free in the bends. The rear motors work proactively to eliminate yaw -- i.e., the body roll that's common in any car when it's being pushed quickly in one direction and then the other.

However, that's just the start. In concept form, at least, the car is imbued with Artificial Intelligence. But rather than being an AI system designed to learn how to autonomously negotiate certain driving situations, it's a system that learns the driver's capabilities and shortcomings as well as the upcoming road conditions and then combines all of the collected data so that the car can deliver confidence to the driver and occupants.

And the longer it's driven the greater the understanding it has of the owner's driving style. So much so that it can offer coaching sessions and assistance to improve the driver's skill levels. The idea being that at some point in the future, all of the active stability systems can drop into the background as the driver's skill levels mitigate their need.

The 45th Tokyo Motor Show opens its doors to the press on Oct 25 and to the public on Oct 27.


Inspecting and starting your vehicle during MCO

                Vehicles in general, be it regularly used or kept in storage, will always require some sort of maintenance.

Since this is hopefully going to be a shorter time frame - at least until the end of the Movement Control Order (MCO) on April 28, here are a few things people can perform on their car(s) themselves while at home.

No doubt, there are numerous queries currently floating about and while we can't address them all, we'll try to answer as many as possible.

For those generally spending the majority of their time at home during the MCO, make it a point to head over to your vehicle and give it a good inspection if it hasn't already been done.

If parked in the same spot for a prolonged period of time, owners are advised to check under the car for any puddles of liquid, oil or fuel.

Pop open the front hood and check that fluid levels (eg. coolant, washer fluid and brake fluid among others), are where they should be and not at or below the minimum line and if they are top them up where possible.

Look around the engine bay for any white crystal-like residue (possible coolant-leak) which can appear around the radiator or coolant expansion tank.

Also, do look out for any black sticky patches around the engine block which could be an indication of an engine oil leak due to a bad gasket seal. If found, check the engine oil level and top up if possible with the manufacturer's recommended lubricant and nothing else.

If any of these are to be found, note them down so that it can be brought to the attention of your service adviser once the MCO is lifted.

After inspection, it's time to step into your vehicle and turn the key to the ignition position which makes all the lights in the instrument cluster come on and wait for a minute or two.

This gives the fuel and oil lines some time to properly prime themselves prior to starting the engine.

Meanwhile, if it has been more than a week, leave the climate controls and audio system off so as not to rob the battery of its charge to help start the vehicle.

Finally, turn the key (or press the Start button) to start the engine. It isn't uncommon to have the engine experience a slight hesitation before starting after which leave it to idle for a minimum of 20 minutes.

This hesitation just means that the battery has lost quite a bit of its charge from the last time it was used.

Ideally, owners should actually drive their vehicles out for a while (either around the apartment complex or the neighbourhood) in order to ensure that everything is working the way it should.

Also, driving out will not only be healthy for the vehicle's engine and its components, but also for the tyres.

Parking for prolonged periods of time will allow the tyres to develop a flat spot that can and will affect the alignment and balancing of the wheels as well as create vibrations in the steering.

After the quick spin, head straight home - do not pass "Go", do not collect... you know what I mean.

By starting and/or driving the car around the area every three days will help to ensure that your vehicle will be working once the MCO is lifted.

Till then, stay safe and stay home everyone!

READ MORE: Missed a Scheduled Service?


Facelifted BMW 3 Series launches, 3 variants from RM284K

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia today introduced three updated variants of the latest 3 Series – the new 320i M Sport, 330i M Sport and 330e M Sport.  Two more variants are expected in March.

An updated MINI Electric and a BMW K 1600 B were also unveiled along with the preview of the BMW CE 04 electric scooter.

Prices for the 320i, 330e and 330i are RM283,800, RM298,800 and RM317,800 respectively.

The MINI is selling for RM199,164, while the K 1600 B is going for RM173,500.  The CE 04 price would be finalised and announced in March, with estimated pricing ar around RM65,000.

Locally-assembled, the latest iteration of the G20 3 Series features a more focused exterior and an innovative, modernised interior.

The facelifted 3 Series offers innovation with a completely redesigned and modernised interior featuring the BMW Curved Display for the first time.

On the outside, the 3 Series is now enhanced with a new, expressive front section and updated rear.

The kidney grille takes on a modified outline for an even more muscular look. The LED headlights have been redesigned to further emphasise the width of the sedan, with revised daytime running lights arranged in the shape of an inverted L.

The front apron has a new look, while still housing the lateral Air Curtains that are a signature BMW feature.

READ MORE:
MINI Electric updated for 2023
BMW CE 04 electric scooter previewed
With over 14,000 cars sold, BMW stays on top in Malaysia

The aprons flank the central air intake that houses a honeycomb pattern, courtesy of the M Sport Package that arrives as standard for all three variants.

From the side, the 3 Series takes on the tried-and-proven silhouette that conveys the sedan’s sporty character at a glance – featuring a long wheelbase, long bonnet and short overhangs.

The 3 Series is complemented by 18-inch M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 848 M Bicolour with staggered tyres.

As part of the standard M Sport Package, the 3 Series also feature the M designation on the side profile, along with M Sport Suspension for both the petrol variants, while the 330e M Sport will arrive with the Adaptive M Suspension.

The rear of the 3 Series is defined by two distinctive tailpipes which have been increased to 100mm in diameter for a sportier look, accompanied by a strongly contoured diffuser.

Accentuating the overall dynamic look of the sedan are the M Aerodynamics package and M High-gloss Shadowline – both standard inclusions of the M Sport Package.

The big update in the cabin is of course the display.

 The 330i M Sport interior.320i330e

The introduction of the BMW Curved Display lends a new level of sophistication and digitalisation to the interior of the new 3 Series, with a 12.3-inch Information Display and 14.9-inch touchscreen Control Display integrated into a slender, unframed form. On the front passenger side, a larger and wider trim strip creates a particularly elegant effect.

While the BMW Curved Display houses a myriad of functions, safety-related and frequently used functions are still button-controlled by the driver – seamlessly integrated under the redesigned air vents in the centre of the instrument panel.

All variants come with steering wheel paddles as standard. Making for a sportier seating experience, the tall centre console establishes clearly defined areas for the driver and front passenger.

With the standard inclusion of the M Sport Package, elements of M furnish the interior, making for a sportier driving feel.

These include M entry sills with a stainless-steel look, M driver’s footrest and M pedals with a stainless-steel look, sport seats for driver and front passenger, hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in Walknappa leather, vehicle key with exclusive M designation, M Anthracite headliner, instrument cluster with M specific display and M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim.

Upholstery is offered in the standard Vernasca leather Black, while the 330i and 330e will also be offered an additional Mocha variant.

 330e rear seats.

The 320i comes with an inline four-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum of 184hp (135 kW) and 300 Nm of torque, accelerating the sedan from a standstill to 100kph in 7.4 seconds with top speed capped at 235kph.

As for the 330i, its inline four-cylinder engine delivers a maximum of 258hp and 400 Nm of torque, 0 – 100kph is achieved in 5.8 seconds while top speed is capped at 250kph.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the 330e brings a maximum combined output of 292 hp (215 kW) and 420 Nm of torque, with an electric motor that delivers 109 hp (80 kW) and 265 Nm of torque on its own. This allows for a century sprint time of 5.8 seconds, while top speed is capped at 230kph (electric top speed is capped at 140 kph).

As standard, the 3 Series variants all come equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

Standard equipment includes the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, powered by the latest version of the BMW Operating System 8. As part of BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the BMW Head-Up Display is also included.

Other standard digital features of the 3 Series are Comfort Access, Remote Software Update and BMW ID. The Connected Package Professional, which includes the digital services such as Remote Services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also be seen in the new 3 Series – an offering that is now standard equipment in all BMW models from 2023 onwards.

The Driving Assistant that comes standard with the new  3 Series includes features such as Lane Departure Warning with active steering interventions, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Speed Limit Info and manual Speed Limit Assist. On the other hand, the Parking Assistant features Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control (PDC), Lateral Parking Aid and Reversing Assist Camera. Also standard is the Reversing Assistant, which keeps a record of up to the last 50 metres driven forward and is able to drive back the exact same way in reverse if desired.

"The BMW 3 Series remains our best-selling model to date, with over 2,300 units delivered to customers in Malaysia just last year,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser.


Sooner than expected - experts predict 20 million cars to be autonomous by 2025

                LONDON: The latest report into the future of autonomous and self-driving cars from Juniper Research sets 2021 as the date when the technology, which until recently was confined to sci-fi thrillers and James Bond films, starts to become a real-world reality.

The research firm forecast this week that by 2025, some 20 million self-driving vehicles will be traversing the world's roads. That would be the equivalent of 28% of all the cars sold globally in 2014 (72 million according to JATO).

From the outside as consumers looking into the world of the automobile, progress towards a self-driving, road-accident-free future may seem like light years away, but RandD budgets are huge, and testing is reaching its final stages. At October's Tokyo motor show, Japanese car makers from Toyota to Nissan pledged to bring their first autonomous driving features to the market by decade's end.

In November, Ford became the first carmaker to start using the newly opened Mcity, a city center space in Michigan, created just for testing autonomous car technology. "[It provides] another challenging, yet safe, urban environment to repeatedly check and hone these new technologies," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "This is an important step in making millions of people's lives better and improving their mobility."

In recent days, the first self-driving prototype from Peugeot Citroen also completed a 3,000km round trip crossing the French border for the first time and passing through Madrid before returning to Paris via pubic roads with little or no driver involvement. "I am proud to see the autonomous vehicle developed by our teams in the Paris region technical centers crossing borders in Europe," said Gilles Le Borgne, Executive Vice President, Research and Development for PSA Peugeot Citroen. "This technological feat is a critical step towards shaping the mobility of the future."

However, according to Juniper and to fellow insights and research firm IHS, it's Google rather than any of the traditional car companies that is firmly in the driver's seat in terms of test miles covered and technological developments.

IHS's latest data suggests that Google will be offering driverless cars as a service - taxis, policing, deliveries, etc - before any car company can bring its driver aids to market. "No other company has as much relevant technology to advance autonomous driving software," said Dr Egil Juliussen, senior research director at IHS Automotive. "Google is in a unique position to leverage adjacent technologies for developing self-driving car software."


Some five million vehicles expected on roads during Aidilfitri

                KUALA LUMPUR: Some 4.7 million vehicles are expected to hit the roads nationwide in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri next month, says Bukit Aman.

Its Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director, Comm Datuk Mat Kasim Karim, said his department would mobilise 6,559 traffic officers and personnel members at state and district levels to ensure traffic flows smoothly and safely.

"The Raya holiday this year is quite long and many are expected to celebrate in their hometowns after two years of not being allowed to cross borders, in 2020 and last year, when the country was still struggling with a spike in Covid-19 cases," he said today.

Comm Mat Kasim said as with previous years, road safety operation Op Selamat 18 with the theme 'Rumah Selamat, Selamat Sampai Ke Destinasi' would also be conducted from April 29 to May 8.

He said it would focus on the prevention of burglaries as well as minimise the rate of road accidents during the festive season.

"In this Op Selamat 18, the department will focus on Op Motosikal (motorcycles), Op Had Laju (Speed Limit) and Op Perdagangan (trade) which will be carried out in all-out enforcement, where no appeals will be considered to ensure road users comply with the laws," he said.

He added that the department had also done careful planning to ensure that the accident rate could be reduced and minimised by at least 50 per cent.

"Use of department assets such as motorcycles and patrol cars will also be optimised for enforcement duties and 'omnipresent' patrols in hotspots throughout the country," he said.


Radford Lotus Type 62-2 sportscar cabin revealed

                LONDON: British luxury coachbuilder Radford has revealed the interior design for the Radford Lotus Type 62-2 sportscar at an exclusive showcase at Bremont’s new 35,000 sq ft state-of-the-art Manufacturing & Technology centre in Henley-on-Thames, UK.

Fulfilling the promise that every Radford will be bespoke, it has partnered with Bremont Watch Company, to integrate analogue dials in the dashboard.

The interior features blacked-out window tinting with carbon fibre accents throughout, including A-pillars, headliner and floor lining, capturing the light, agile essence of its sportscar underpinning. The centrepiece of the cabin is a pair of Bremont dials, a clock and a stopwatch.

The interior design features a sweeping line that tracks all the way around the interior of the car, from the back of the driver’s shoulders through and around the screen display. This key element can be customised in any kind of finish desired, from precious metals through to carbon fibre, as shown on the interior reveal car.

The door opening is a design element from the original Lotus Type 62, with a high sill and cut out roof. Once inside, the closeness of the glass gives the driver the feel of being in the cockpit of a Le Mans prototype.

For the purists, Radford has designed a fully exposed gear linkage for the manual transmission, an embracing homage to the "last of the manual" era of motor cars.

The start-stop button on the console is housed in a design that echoes the double ducktail exterior; a small visual queue to the spectacular iconic body shape. The interior also reflects elements of the JPS livery, with a perfectly balanced 2.5% blacked out cabin and subtle accents of gold.

Keeping to the philosophy of a lightweight, driver-oriented sportscar, the UI screen is subtle and all the in-car controls are physical toggles and switches.

The digital screen has a user interface that is designed bespoke for the Type 62-2 and has customisable elements for each client.

External cameras are built into the small wing “mirrors” and at the rear of the car, as there’s no rear glass.

Another element of technology in the interior is hidden behind the build plaque, which will designate the build number of the strictly-limited 62 examples. It is sculpted from a floating, glass fronted mounting piece, behind which is a magnetised mobile phone dock and wireless sheet charger.

Drivers can connect via Bluetooth for navigation and audio - and specify their preferred position for the plaque, or request it to be deleted entirely for a completely uninterrupted driving experience.

The Lotus Type 62-2 coachbuilt by Radford will be the world’s first modern Radford.

The mid-engined two-seater coupe has been created using Lotus technologies.

Powered by a 3.5-litre supercharged V6, shared with Lotus's new Emira sports car, the Classic Type 62-2 produced 430bhp. Radford Gold Leaf models are upgraded to 500bhp, and the limited-edition John Player Special models, with upgraded supercharger, take the output to 600bhp. Only 62 units of the  Classic Type 62-2 and 12 units of the Gold Leaf would be built for the world.

Originally founded in 1948 by Harold Radford, creator of bespoke vehicles for sixties icons including the Beatles, the Radford name has been revived as a coachbuilder for the 21st century by leading British car designer Mark Stubbs, TV presenter and mechanical engineer Ant Anstead, business expert Roger Behle, and former Formula One World Champion, Jenson Button. Dan Burge has been recently appointed as CEO.

To register interest, visit: https://radford.co/


Baidu CEO says EV arm's autonomous driving tech will be ahead of Tesla

                BEIJING: Baidu's electric vehicle (EV) firm Jidu Auto will be one-generation ahead of Tesla in terms of autonomous driving technologies, Baidu chief executive Robin Li said in a statement today.

"Our understanding of smart vehicles is that being electric is the semi-final while being intelligent is the final," Li added.

Jidu aims to be to be able to deliver 800,000 of its "robot" cars in 2028, Jidu chief executive Joe Xia Yiping said in the statement.

Jidu also plans to deliver its second model for mass production in 2024, Xia said.

Jidu revealed its first "robot" concept car, which has no door handles and can be fully controlled via voice recognition, in June, with the plan to mass produce the model in 2023.

Besides equipping the car with autonomous driving software technology powered by Baidu, Jidu's "robot" vehicles will have two lidars and 12 cameras. Lidars are detection systems, similar to radars, that use pulsed laser light rather than radio waves.

Tesla does not use lidar censors.

Baidu's EV-making plan comes as tech companies around the world race to develop smart cars after Tesla's success in commercialising EVs.

Smartphone maker Xiaomi Corp and Didi Global are among other Chinese tech giants pursuing automaking ambitions.


Ford previews new Focus RS

                COLOGNE (Germany): Ford has previewed its Focus RS that’s equipped with a 317bhp, 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine and all-wheel drive (AWD).

The Ford Focus RS is effectively in its third generation and is also the 30th car to wear the RS badge since 1968 (beginning with the Ford 15M RS) and will be assembled at Ford’s Saarlouis, Germany, manufacturing plant towards the end of this year.

Gymkhana and World Rallycross star Ken Block was brought on as a consultant who teamed up with the Ford Performance team.

Ford has revealed that its latest Focus RS will have a six-speed manual transmission mated to the same all-aluminium engine as the latest Mustang – a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine with direct-injection that red-lines at 6,800rpm and produce more than 317bhp.

To help keep it on the ground, the front splitter, rear spoiler, rear diffuser and underbody all help to eliminate lift and provide for optimum high-speed handling and stability.

The latest Focus RS also gets AWD with torque vectoring and can divert 70% of its maximum torque to the rear axle entirely or to one of the rear axle’s 19-inch wheels with 235/35 Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres (or optional Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres).

During cornering, the rear drive unit is able to divert torque to the outer rear wheel immediately based on inputs such as steering wheel angle, lateral acceleration (capable of more than 1g), yaw and speed.

Inside, owners will be constantly reminded that this hot hatch wears the RS badge with its blue stitching on the seats, steering wheel, floor mats and interior trim, while the RS logo can be found on the seats, steering wheel and door scuff plates.

The Recaro sports seats have been partially upholstered in leather, however the signature RS Recaro shell seats with microfibre fabric panels will be available as an option for Europe and Asia.

The list of standard equipment includes electronic stability control as well as stiffer parts such as the sports suspension, bushes, anti-roll-bars and dual-mode dampers for track days, while an electronically controlled valve in the tailpipe controls backpressure and noise output.

Also included in the list is auto-start-stop function, electric power-assisted steering system (EPAS), bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting, active city stop and automatic braking technology (up to 50kph).

Four colours for the Ford Focus RS is being made available, starting with Nitrous Blue, Stealth Grey, Absolute Black and Frozen White.

The car revealed in Cologne features the same special Liquid Blue colour scheme first seen on the all-new Ford GT revealed last month at the North American International Auto Show.

Ford will debut the Focus RS for the first time at the 2015 Geneva Show.

“The new Focus RS represents Ford at its passionate best – delivering innovation, unmatched driving dynamics and stunning performance that was previously the sole province of high-priced performance luxury marques and exotics,” said Ford president (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Jim Farley