New Audi A4 range - order books opening soon

                KUALA LUMPUR: Three new variants will be added to the current Audi A4 2.0 TFSI model-range, starting with a new entry-level 1.4 TFSI, a 2.0 TFSI Tech Pack sitting above the S-Line variant and a new 2.0 TFSI quattro now sits at the throne.

The new trio of A4 sedans will be on display at all authorised Audi showrooms from April 14 onwards, allowing interested parties the opportunity to make a booking, with deliveries starting in May.

 From left: Audi 2.0 TFSI quattro, 2.0 TFSI Tech Pack and 1.4 TFSI.

The 1.4 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI Tech Pack and 2.0 TFSI quattro hav been priced from RM218,900, RM273,900 and RM314,900 respectively.

However, as long as there are enough units of each to go around, the cars are currently sporting an introductory price tag that’s now from RM199,900 (-RM19,000), RM249,900 (-RM24,000) and RM294,900 (-RM20,000) respectively.

Each vehicle gets seven colour options with the 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI Tech Pack being offered in Glacier White, Floret Silver, Scuba Blue, Tango Red, Monsoon Grey, Argus Brown and Mythos Black.

The range-topping 2.0 TFSI quattro has the same colour options too, but drops Argus Brown in favour of Daytona Grey instead.

Currently, all Audi vehicles now come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Under the hood, the A4 1.4 TFSI uses a 1,395cc turbocharged engine, producing 150hp from 5,000 to 6,000rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1,500 to 3,500rpm, and gets mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission.

In terms of performance, the front wheels will accelerate it from 0-100kph in 8.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 210kph, while able to consume 5.2 litres per 100km of fuel and emit 119g/km of CO2 on the combined cycle.

Comparing to the 2.0 TFSI’s standard equipment, the 1.4 TFSI uses a different steering wheel and does away with front and rear LEDs for Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and halogen bulbed tail-lights.

As for the 2.0 TFSI Tech Pack, it uses sport Matrix LED headlights and comes fitted with the virtual cockpit system, smartphone interface, MMI Navigation plus, Audi connect and a reverse camera.

The range-topping 2.0 TFSI quattro’s turbocharged engine has been uprated to 252hp from 5,000 to 6,000rpm and 370Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,500rpm - managed by a seven-speed S tronic transmission for the “quattro” all-wheel drive system.

It rolls on 18-inch cast aluminium wheels of five twin-spoke ‘Star’ design with 245/40 series tyres gripping the road as it sprints from 0-100kph in 5.8 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph.

At 1,585kg (unladen), its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are 5.9L/100km and 136g/km respectively.

The car will come with S-Line interior and exterior parts as standard, such as the sportier front and rear bumpers, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, sports front seats, Alcantara upholstery, matt brushed aluminium inlays, Audi smartphone interface for apple Carplay and Android Auto and Audi connect to name a few.

“The Audi A4 has always been a cornerstone of our presence not just in Malaysia, but globally as well and we are excited to now have the full Audi A4 range in Malaysia,” said Audi Malaysia head of corporate communications Isaac Lee Mathew.


Ban sale of turtle helmets, Govt urged

                LARUT: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry has been urged to stop the sale of half-shell helmets, better known as turtle helmets, which could endanger the lives of motorcyclists.

State Public Amenities, Infrastructure, Energy and Water Committee chairman, Datuk Zainol Fadzi Paharudin said these helmets, which only covered the top half of the head, were favoured by many motorcyclists although they did not meet the safety specifications.

“The public should not buy and use turtle helmets as they do not have safety features,” he told reporters after launching a road safety campaign in Selama, near here, Tuesday.

 A motorcyclist wearing a half-shell helmet.

The campaign was held in conjunction with the five-day Perak Mentri Besar Retreat Programme in the Larut parliamentary constituency from Tuesday.

At the event, Zainol Fadzi distributed 100 helmets, 100 light reflective jackets and 30 children’s helmets to motorcyclists.

Asked on the campaign, Fadzi Zainol said it was aimed at educating the public, especially motorcyclists and car drivers, to give priority to their own safety and that of others while on the road.

“We found that many motorcyclists were not wearing their helmets properly, while car drivers and passengers refused to wear the seat belts,” he said.

The call for a ban on the helmet has been a longstanding one.

In December 2008, The Star reported that the Road Safety Department had said laws were being drafted for the ban. But until now, such helmets continue to be available to the public.


BMW Group builds new Driving Simulation Centre

                MUNICH: The BMW Group’s new Driving Simulation Centre is taking shape in Munich’s Milbertshofen district.

In mid-August, the company began construction of the world’s most advanced facility for the simulation of real-world driving situations at the FIZ Research and Innovation Centre in the north of the city.

The new building provides unique possibilities for virtual testing of advanced driving assistance systems and innovative display and control concepts.

This will, above all, strengthen the development expertise of the BMW Group in the field of autonomous driving.

A unique feature of the facility is the high-fidelity simulator, in which longitudinal, transverse and rotational movements of a vehicle can be represented simultaneously and therefore very realistically. This allows the BMW engineers to “bring the road into the lab,” in order to conduct studies just as if they were taking place in real-world road traffic.

For the first time, urban driving situations – which represent a particular challenge in the context of autonomous driving – can now also be reproduced realistically, allowing vehicle responses to be constantly enhanced.

The foundation stone for the first phase was laid in autumn 2017 and now the start of work on the new Driving Simulation Centre marks a further stage in the project.

It is being built in a central area between the Projekthaus and the Aerodynamic Test Centre. Covering a total floor area of 11,400 square metres, the facility will comprise 14 simulators and usability labs employing 157 people. BMW Group Research is planning to start work here in 2020. The investment in the new Driving Simulation Centre is estimated at around 100 million euros (RM481mil).

At the heart of the new Driving Simulation Centre are two innovative driving simulators specifically designed to meet requirements for testing highly complex automated driving systems.

The new high-dynamic simulator is able to generate longitudinal and transverse acceleration forces of up to 1.0 g. It is used to test new systems and functions by replicating highly dynamic evading manoeuvres, full braking and hard acceleration.

An extremely detailed rendering of real-world driving characteristics is provided by the second unit, the high-fidelity simulator: braking and accelerating while cornering, driving in roundabouts and rapid series of multiple turn-off manoeuvres can be reproduced with high precision in this simulator’s almost 400-square-metre motion area.

This means that, for the first time, complex urban driving situations – which present a particularly wide range of challenges for automated driving systems – can now be replicated under laboratory conditions.

The new Driving Simulation Centre is therefore ideally placed to meet the ever greater requirements arising from the growing complexity of systems for automated driving.

In future, it will allow different driving situations to be reproduced in significantly greater numbers and in more detailed form.


Subaru recalls 400,000 cars in Japan

                TOKYO: Subaru recalled nearly 400,000 vehicles from its domestic market on Thursday due to an inspection scandal — the latest to hit the beleaguered Japanese car industry.

The recall concerns nine models, including a sports car that Subaru manufactures for Toyota, but vehicles sold overseas were not affected, said a spokesman.

Subaru admitted last month that uncertified staff had conducted vehicle inspections at two factories northwest of here.

It said at the time it would likely have to recall 250,000 cars at a cost of some 5.0 billion yen (RM183mil). It is not immediately known how much the wider recall of 395,000 vehicles will cost the group.

The affected cars were produced at the two factories between January 2014 and October 2017.

Cars bought before then will have been subject to compulsory inspections three years after purchase, a transport ministry official said.

"There is no problem with older cars as they have already been confirmed to meet safety standards," said this official.

A Subaru spokesman said the group had decided to reinspect all vehicles produced domestically from 2014, not just some models believed to have been checked by uncertified staff.

The recall is the latest blow to the once flawless reputation of Japan Inc, after a similar case at bigger rival Nissan.

Last month, Nissan recalled some 1.2 million cars in Japan that had failed to meet domestic rules on final vehicle inspections. This put a major dent in its operating profit forecast this year, the firm said last week.

The embarrassing admissions have hurt Japan's auto industry, once the envy of the world for its just-in-time manufacturing and near-obsessive focus on constant improvement.


June 13-19: Fuel prices keep rising


BMW recalls 53,000 X3s in China on risk of short circuit

                BEIJING/FRANKFURT: BMW AG will recall 53,317 imported X3 models in China because a fault in the engine wiring harness and fuel supply system could cause the vehicles to short circuit, the country's top safety regulator said Wednesday.

The cars' engines could slow, shake or turn off as a result, according to a statement on the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine's website.

The recall affects xDrive20i, xDrive28i and xDrive35i X3 models produced between October 2011 and December 2013.


Hackett teams up with Aston Martin for exclusive collection

                LONDON: Aston Martin and menswear retailer Hackett today announced a new, long-term global partnership.

In line with the reveal of Aston Martin’s highly anticipated DB11, the first fruits of the new partnership will be revealed when Hackett launches an exclusive capsule collection for Autumn/Winter 2016 entitled "Aston Martin by Hackett".

READ MORE: Xmas is coming and so is Aston Martin DB11

Hackett’s relationship with Aston Martin stretches back years through a successful partnership with Aston Martin Racing, the company’s global sportscar racing operation.

The luxurious 14-piece Aston Martin by Hackett collection includes outerwear, knitwear, shirts, trousers and accessorises. Reflecting on the British brand values of both Hackett London and Aston Martin, the new collection is touted as being innovative, luxurious and the epitome of style.

The Aston Martin by Hackett collection will be available to purchase from Sept 5 on the Hackett site  and across global Hackett flagship stores.


Volkswagen gets dedicated body and paint centre

                KUALA LUMPUR: The first stand-alone Volkswagen Body and Paint centre has officially been added to the German carmaker's Malaysian network.

The new centre, operated by Wing Hin Autohaus, provides a 12-month warranty on all paint jobs performed, which are, in addition to repairs, in accordance and compliance to Volkswagen Group Malaysia's standards as well as JPJ and PUSPAKOM.

The new Wing Hin Volkswagen Body and Paint centre operates from Monday to Saturday from 8.00am to 5.30pm and is equipped with specific tools and equipment that include a chassis realignment machine with a computerized chassis measuring repair system and spray booths with infra-red heaters that control temperature and humidity to ensure a dust free environment.

Additionally, a 50,967 square feet Volkswagen 3S (sales, service, spare parts) centre, also operated by Wing Hin, is available just around the corner with 20 service bays that are manned by 15 trained specialists.

The 3S centre also provides services that include minor and major body repairs, chassis realignment, genuine parts, windscreen replacements, body spray and paint jobs as well as assisting Volkswagen owners with insurance claims.

It is advised that Volkswagen owners send their vehicles to an authorized Body and Paint Centre to ensure that only genuine parts and compliant services are carried out to their vehicles to ensure that their warranties are intact.

“We congratulate Wing Hin on the launch of their stand-alone Body and Paint centre. Our customers are our top priority and with such investments and dedication from our partners here at Wing Hin, we are one step closer to improving our services and offerings,” said Volkswagen Group Malaysia managing director Armin Keller.

For more information log on to www.volkswagen.com.my


Russia lowers car production safety standards after sanctions

                MOSCOW: Russia has eased safety standards for cars produced on its territory — such as dropping the requirement for airbags — after Western sanctions over Ukraine caused a shortage of electronic components and car parts.

In a decree signed on May 12, the Russian government announced a list of reduced requirements to certify some types of new vehicles produced in the country.

It includes the production of cars without Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) sensors, airbags or Emergency Locking Retractors (ELR) for seatbelts.

The decree is in effect until Feb 1, 2023.

According to the same decree, Russia will also significantly reduce its environmental standards for cars, the Kommersant business daily said in its Monday edition, bringing them back to standards for vehicles produced in 1988.

After Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in late February, Western countries hit Russia with a barrage of sanctions, banning the import of car parts among other measures.

Numerous car makers have stopped sales of their cars or parts to Russia — including Audi, Honda, Jaguar and Porsche, while BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Volvo halted Russian production.

Earlier this month, Russia allowed for hundreds of categories of goods, including major car brands and spare parts, to be imported without the agreement of the intellectual property owner in order to bypass restrictions imposed over the Ukraine conflict.

President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that Russia's economy has weathered the sanctions well, but economists believe that the worst economic impact is still to come.


Smart charging may be key to saving power grid in world of EVs

                LONDON: As electric vehicle (EV) sales rise, the big question for power grid operators, charging companies and governments is how to run tens of millions of vehicles without crashing local networks or spending billions on grid upgrades.

The answer: smart charging.

Simply put, smart charging software allows EV owners to plug in during expensive peak hours, without the vehicle drawing power until cheap off-peak hours. This eases strain on the electric grid, makes better use of renewable energy and saves drivers money.

Without it, millions of EV owners plugging in after work - auditing firm EY estimates Europe will have 65 million EVs by 2030 and 130 million by 2035 - could overload local grids, causing blackouts.

"The shift to electric will be nigh on impossible without smart charging," Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of British EV charger company Connected Kerb, told Reuters while demonstrating a pilot project on public chargers in Hackney, a London borough.

Using Connected Kerb's smartphone app you can set your charging speed, charge time and exact price down to a low, slow "Eco" rate of 19 pence per kilowatt.

"It's so much cheaper and simpler," said Ged O'Sullivan, a 65-year-old pub owner who cut his plug-in hybrid's charging bill by 30% with Connected Kerb.

Smart charging for public chargers is a significant challenge because so few are available for people who cannot charge at home because they park on the street.

According to a report from EY and Eurelectric, Europe alone will need 9 million public chargers by 2035, up from 374,000 today.

The near future should also bring "bidirectional" or "vehicle-to-grid" charging, where millions of EV owners could sell their EV batteries' juice back to grid operators during peak hours.

Even in Britain where smart charging at home is widely available, many EV owners are unaware it exists, according to Britain's energy regulator, Ofgem. In the United States, only a tiny fraction of utilities offer it, according to utilities group the Smart Electric Power Alliance.

And few cars today beside Renault and Hyundai's upcoming Ioniq model are capable of bidirectional charging - though more are coming.

"Most cars, at this point, do not support this bidirectional charging yet," said Robin Berg, CEO of We Drive Solar, which has supplied hundreds of bidirectional chargers for a pilot project in the central Dutch city of Utrecht and worked with Renault SA  and Hyundai Motor Co on their vehicles. "Other carmakers will follow."

Nearly 20% of new cars sold in the Netherlands and almost 12% in Britain in 2021 were fully electric.

State support has put Norway at the forefront of electrification, where EVs made up almost three-quarters of sales in the capital Oslo. Some local substations were built in the 1950s and without smart charging Oslo would need massive, costly grid upgrades.

"To handle this we need smart charging solutions because we don't want to over-invest in the grid," said Sture Portvik, who heads Oslo's charging infrastructure efforts.

'Awareness is low'

Connected Kerb aims to have 190,000 UK on-street chargers by 2030, enabling it to predict consumer charging patterns for grid operators and offer lower rates when the available renewable energy is abundant, said Pateman-Jones.

"Today when there's too much wind on the grid, wind farms are told to turn the wind turbines off," he said. "With smart charging we can pull more of that power."

Some UK energy providers already offer low off-peak rates for home smart charging, but few EV owners use them.

"The perception is smart charging at home is a done deal," said Charlie Cook, CEO of Rightcharge, a UK firm that helps EV owners find low tariffs. "But the reality is awareness of these tariffs is surprisingly low."

Rightcharge estimates smart charging could save UK drivers 10 billion pounds by 2030.

British car dealer network Lookers guides EV buyers to Rightcharge's website to check their options.

Lookers' business development director, Andrew Hall, said "early adopter" EV buyers are "pretty savvy about smart charging."

"But that is changing as EV sales rise," he added.

Utilities group the Smart Electric Power Alliance estimates only 50 out of 3,000 US utilities offer smart charging.

EV charging company ChargePoint's US chargers can all smart-charge, but it wants more utilities to offer it.

"We see a lot of positive response from customers when their utility is offering those rates," said Anthony Harrison, ChargePoint's North American head of utility partnerships.

Charging provider Blink Charging Co has one set rate until smart charging is widely available.

"We decided to keep it simple for our customers," said Blink CEO Michael Farkas.

'Horrendously expensive'

Bidirectional charging may be crucial.

"The whole idea behind bidirectional charging is to balance the grid," said We Drive Solar's Berg, who estimates a fully charged EV can power the average home in the Netherlands for a week.

Serge Colle, EY's global energy resources leader, said smart and bidirectional charging are better than "horrendously expensive" power grid upgrades.

"We can't possibly open up streets quickly enough to add more copper and do the necessary reinforcement," Colle said.

Regulator Ofgem estimates that peak power reductions from smart and bidirectional charging by 2050 could match "10 Hinkley Point C Nuclear Plants" - a two-reactor plant under construction in England.

The US market has more than 10 vehicle-to-grid pilot projects using school buses under way.

California-based vehicle-to-grid company Nuvve Holding Corp has formed Levo, a joint venture with private equity firm Stonepeak - which chipped in US$750 million - to enable EV fleet owners to sell power to utilities.

"Because our customers are able to generate revenue we're able to reduce the total cost of ownership for those vehicles, at times completely cost-neutral," said Nuvve CEO Gregory Poilasne.

Charger makers like Brisbane, Australia-based Tritium Dcfc Ltd are also developing bidirectional chargers.

CEO Jane Hunter said Tritium will launch a bidirectional, fast-charging wall unit in 2023 for fleets and homeowners.

More automakers are embracing bidirectional charging. Ford Motor Co has partnered with solar power company Sunrun Inc to use its F-150 Lightning pickup truck to power homes.

But Oslo has invested extra money in pilot projects for bidirectional chargers because it believes in the concept. So far, however, it has been disappointed that more carmakers have not yet introduced vehicles that can feed power back into the grid.

"The limitations for bidirectional charging has been the car producers," infrastructure chief Portvik said. "The big carmakers have to step up."


Ford rolls out what may be the classic Mustang’s last stand

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co.’s glitzy introduction of a redesigned Mustang sports car powered by fossil fuels runs counter to the industry narrative of ditching gas-burning cars to make way for electrified models.

Ford is betting there’s enough life left in the 58-year-old Mustang to help pay for the company’s electric-powered future, in which chief executive officer Jim Farley is investing US$50 billion to build 2 million EVs annually by 2026.

With the Mustang, Ford is also offering a plug-in version, the Mach-E, which has seen sales soar 49% this year.

Even so, gas-fuelled Mustangs still outsell those powered by electrons. That helps explain why Ford invested in a new version to give the low-slung deuce coupe what it calls "sexy and edgy” styling and its most powerful V-8 engine ever.

"We definitely see a marketplace there and that’s why we’ve invested in this product,” Kumar Galhotra, president of the newly created Ford Blue unit that focuses on traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, said in an interview.

"The entire Ford Blue portfolio is the profit engine and will continue to fund future needs for the company.”

Beginning of the end?

Despite the splashy introduction of the seventh-generation Mustang along the banks of the Detroit River at the North American International auto Show Wednesday, sales of the classic Mustang this year are expected to be less than half what they were six years ago.

By 2027, it will be outsold by the Mach-E, according to a forecast from researcher LMC automotive.

Analysts see this as the beginning of the end for the storied car with a roaring engine under the hood.

Ford is already preparing for the day when it puts the old warhorse out to pasture to make way for plug-in ponies.

"People have asked me if this will be your last internal combustion Mustang? And the answer is, ‘we’ll see,’” Bill Ford, the company’s executive chair and great-grandson of the founder, told reporters at the car’s introduction.

"The customers will let us know when that day will come. Personally, that day will come with a tear in my eye.” Farley has said he expects more than half of Ford’s overall sales worldwide to be electric vehicles by 2030.

"Ford is walking a tightrope,” Jeff Schuster, LMC’s president of the Americas said in an interview.

"They’ve got a competitive and successful Mach-E and that allows them to slow the transition of the regular Mustang to an electrified version. And they can get some near-term benefit from that.”

That’s because by mid-decade, it appears Ford will have the gas-fired muscle car market to itself. Stellantis NV, maker of the Dodge Charger and Challenger, announced last month it is doing away with its gas-fuelled hot rods at the end of next year to make way for electric muscle cars.

And General Motors Co. has no plans to build its Chevrolet Camaro past 2025 as it switches to an electric lineup.

"We would expect a certain number of those customers, the ones who truly want that type of a product, to consider Mustang,” Galhotra said of current buyers of the Charger, Challenger and Camaro.

While muscle cars only accounted for 1.4% of the US market last year -- down from 2.1% in 2015 -- they remain a lucrative proposition, selling primarily to wealthy Baby Boomers willing to spend big to feel the rumble of an open throttle.

With this Mustang, they can get that feeling before they even get behind the wheel: Its key fob features a button that will rev the engine as they approach the car.

Ford has also carried over the Mustang’s most expensive components -- its two engine options and its mechanical platform -- from the previous version.

The automaker’s engineers enhanced, but did not replace, the 2.3-litre 4 cylinder and 5.0-litre V8 engines that have powered the Mustang for years. Ford said the V8 has been souped up to generate more power than ever.

 Dark Horse.

It also introduced a new line of Mustangs it dubbed "Dark Horse” that features a 500-horsepower V8 and can be equipped as a track-ready race car.

Bill Ford announced the company will race that car at the 24 hours of Le Mans, the race it won in 1966 that was featured in the 2019 film "Ford v. Ferrari.”

Most of the Mustang’s exterior sheet metal is new, with the exception of its roof and door openings, giving the car a more athletic look.

But it’s built on the same chassis that underpins the car’s previous generation.

"Why would we continue to make drastic changes when we can take this existing platform and really further refine it?” said Eddie Khan, the new Mustang’s chief engineer.

Boosting margins

The frugal approach to redesigning the Mustang is emblematic of how Ford will selectively invest in gas-burners to help Farley realise his goal of transforming the company’s top-selling combustion engine models, such as the F-150 pickup and Bronco sport-utility vehicle, into the "profit and cash engine” of the company.

"We were very thoughtful about where we invest” on the Mustang, Galhotra said.

"The investment had to be where the customers are going to appreciate it the most.”

Farley has pledged to boost margins throughout Ford’s lineup in part by cutting US$3 billion in costs from its combustion engine side of the business.

It cut 3,000 employees earlier this month, primarily from its Ford Blue unit, and may cut thousands more.

In a move that may offend traditionalists, Ford deleted the double brow dashboard design that’s been on the car since the beginning.

Instead, it installed an expansive, curved touchscreen that flows from behind the steering wheel to the middle of the dashboard and oriented it toward the driver.

It also eliminated every knob except the volume dial to appeal to those used to swiping and pinching on their smartphones.

"We’re trying to bring in a new set of customers, from the later millennials to the Gen Z folks,” said Jim Owens, the Mustang’s brand manager, who identified himself as a Baby Boomer.

"Our generation is getting older and maybe not buying as many cars as they once used to.”


Electric car interest soars as Britons confront fuel shortage

                LONDON: Britain’s fuel shortage has intensified interest in electric vehicles, based on the record level of inquiries at one online auto marketplace.

Auto Trader Group Plc said on Monday that dealers received direct inquiries for electric cars every 1.8 minutes this past weekend, almost twice the average pace in August. Total EV queries jumped 36% from the weekend before.

Views of advertisements for new and used electric vehicles, meantime, rose by 28% and 61%, respectively, on Auto Trader. EVs made up four of the top five new cars in terms of ad views, with Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ford’s Mustang Mach-E leading the pack.

The spike “suggests that people aren’t simply flirting with the idea of electric but have been encouraged to actively pursue a purchase,” said Ian Plummer, Auto Trader’s commercial director. Dealers with electric cars in stock are likely to do “particularly well” this week, he added.

In an analysis of Google search data, Carguide.co.uk found that online searches for electric cars in the UK rose by 1,600% on Sept 24 - the date when fuel shortages became widespread across the country.


China to loosen up control of manufacturing, including auto industry

                DALIAN: China will further open its manufacturing sector, including the auto industry, while reducing its negative investment list that restricts foreign investment in some areas, Premier Li Keqiang said today.

China will also end ownership limits for foreign investors in its financial sector in 2020, a year earlier than scheduled, Li told the World Economic Forum in the northeastern Chinese port city of Dalian.

Beijing’s signal that it is quickening the pace of opening up came after the presidents of China and the United States agreed over the weekend to restart trade talks in another attempt to strike a deal and end a bruising tariff war.

But analysts doubt the ceasefire will lead to a sustained easing of tensions, and warn lingering uncertainty could dampen corporate spending and global growth.

Where the auto industry is concerned, China had announced in April last year that it would permit foreign automakers to own more than 50 percent of local ventures, giving a boost to global companies seeking to capture a greater share of the world’s largest car market even as as its own manufacturers prepare to expand abroad.

READ MORE: Chaotic execution of new emission rules blamed for plunge in China auto sales

The government is also receptive to cutting import tariffs on vehicles.

On Sunday, China cut the number of sectors subject to foreign investment restrictions, a widely expected move, to 40 from 48 in the previous version, published in June last year.

China is moving forward the schedule to show the world that it will not stop opening up its financial sector, Li said, adding the government will also reduce restrictions next year on market access for foreign investors in the value-added telecoms services and transport sectors.

“We will achieve the goal of abolishing ownership limits in securities, futures, life insurance for foreign investors by 2020, a year earlier than the original schedule of 2021,” Li said.

In recent months, China has allowed many foreign financial firms to either set up new businesses onshore or expand their presence through majority ownership in domestic joint ventures across mutual funds, insurance and brokerage businesses.

Sources with direct knowledge of the matter previously told Reuters that Morgan Stanley is likely to get regulatory approval for owning a majority stake in the second half of this year.

The US-China trade war has hit business confidence worldwide, disrupted supply chains and shaken financial markets, adding to worries about a global economic slowdown.


Here's what lawyers say in case you are involved in a road accident

                KUALA LUMPUR: Being in a road accident can be a traumatic time as we have to juggle our thoughts between the damage and our next course of action.

Do not panic when caught in the situation. The most important thing to do is to lodge a police report.

Lawyer Prakash Babu Balakrishnan advised motorists to inform the nearest traffic police station about the accident and said the parties are required to remain at the scene of the accident assuming both parties could not reach an immediate settlement.

"They can wait until the arrival of the traffic investigation officer (IO). Depending on the severity of the accident, he will then decide the next course of investigation and action,” he said.

Prakash said it is always advisable to lodge a police report whenever a person is involved in any road accident.

"It is an offence under Section 52(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), if a police report is only lodged later than 24 hours from the time of accident without valid reasons, regardless of the agreed manner of settlement," he said.

While it is prudent for the matter to be brought up to the authorities, Prakash said an amicable settlement on damages on the spot is also an option for minor accidents.

Once a police report is lodged, he said the IO shall investigate and decide which party is at fault and traffic summons would be issued.

"The classification and punishment of the cases will be decided by the IO upon the outcome of the investigation and would usually be under but not limited to Act 333," he said.

Prakash also warned against paying heed to any independent towing agents who usually be the first at the scene without first verifying with the driver's own vehicle insurance company.

"Also in cases involving fatalities and injuries, it is advisable not to sign any documents brought by any agents or touts at the hospital or at the scene of the accident without consulting their lawyers, if any," he added.

Another lawyer, Patwant Singh Sohanpal, said when two or more vehicles are involved in a motor vehicle accident without any injury to persons, it is categorised as property damaged collisions.

"In the Malaysian context and irrespective of the number of vehicles, all parties should first move their vehicles to the most left side of the road for safety and (to avoid) causing road congestion assuming that the vehicles are still able to move.

"The motorists should then safely exit their respective vehicles and inspect the damages as well as start recording details of the accident ranging from the condition of the vehicles, registration numbers and motorists' particulars," he said, adding that it was to ensure that there is substantial proof at hand.


Fuelled by bullsh*t

                LOS ANGELES: Sometimes reality stinks. Toyota has tapped award-winning documentary filmmaker Morgan Spurlock to show how calling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles “bullsh*t” isn’t far from the truth.

“Fueled by Bullsh*t” is the first online video in a multi-part “Fueled by Everything” series aimed to educate a broad audience about the innovative ways hydrogen fuel can be made from renewable sources. Spurlock directed the three-minute piece which features a dairy farmer and mechanical engineer as they follow cow manure  from a mooing supply source to its ultimate use in powering the hydrogen fuel cell electric Toyota Mirai.

“This project gave us the opportunity to dive into a world that most people don’t understand but has the potential to change our world,” said Spurlock.

“Witnessing manure, something most of us view as being pretty disposable, being transformed into hydrogen fuel to power a car was pretty remarkable.  I think this short film is pretty compelling evidence of what could be possible in the years ahead.”

Beyond high quality dung, hydrogen can be manufactured from other renewable energy sources like solar, wind and biogas from landfills. These production methods can result in a domestic and locally sourced fuel that powers the Mirai while emitting only water vapour from the tailpipe.

The multi-series video campaign is launching through the Toyota Mirai website www.toyota.com/mirai and additional digital properties with paid online media support.

“We’re putting hydrogen in the spotlight for its exciting potential as a renewable fuel source,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president, automotive operations, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

“This is the beginning of the road for hydrogen, but we see the potential and we’re making a long-term investment in the future.”

The four-door, mid-sized Toyota Mirai delivers performance similar to traditional internal combustion engines – re-fuelling in about five minutes and a range of up to 483km on a full tank. The Mirai will go on sale in California later this year.


First Honda NSX hybrid supercar lands in Melbourne

                MELBOURNE: The all-new Honda NSX supercar has landed in Australia. A sleek pre-production model arrived at Melbourne dealership, Yarra Honda, on Friday and will be showcased around Australia at five nominated Honda Australia dealerships that will sell the hybrid supercar.

The two-seater NSX is packed with the latest hybrid and petrol engine technologies and is built from a multi-material space frame, featuring extensive use of aluminum. Inside is a luxurious leather and alcantara interior, hip-hugging sports seats and driver-oriented cockpit controls designed to minimise potential distractions. The airy cabin is both functional and designed to ‘wrap’ around the driver and passenger.

Powering the NSX is a 3.5-litre twin turbo V6 combined with a Direct Drive Motor and two parallel high-performance electric motors in the front, which provide instant torque. The longitudinally mounted, twin-turbo, six-cylinder DOHC engine is rear mounted, combined with dual clutch transmission (DCT) and nine speed gearbox, developed specifically for the NSX. The combined output of the 3.5-litre twin turbo V6 engine and hybrid motors is estimated to be more than 570hp.

At the rear, the Direct Drive Motor is housed between the engine and gearbox and enhances performance during acceleration, braking and gear changes. In addition, the front wheels of the NSX are powered independently by two parallel high-performance electric motors. Combined, the engines provide all-wheel grip.

Development of the next-generation NSX involved a global team of engineers and designers, with development of the Sport Hybrid power unit centered in Tochigi, Japan. The development of the body, chassis, electrical, interior and other vehicle technologies including total system integration, was concentrated in Raymond, Ohio.

The initial styling design for the NSX was conducted at the company’s Wako design studio in Japan, and was evolved for production by Honda’s Acura Design Studio in Los Angeles.

The NSX is manufactured exclusively in the United States at the Honda Performance Manufacturing Centre (PMC) in Marysville, Ohio, where 100 production experts are responsible for manufacturing the full bodywork, paintwork and final assembly. Between six and eight are produced each week.

The Honda NSX goes on sale in Australia late in 2016 with pricing and full specifications to be announced closer to launch.

The five dealerships are located at Yarra Honda (VIC), Scotts Honda (NSW), Austral Honda (QLD), Nordic Honda (SA) and Burswood Honda (WA).

Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said the NSX would play an important role as a halo car for the brand.

“We expect the NSX to be a very exclusive car and as a technology and design statement, it represents the pinnacle of Honda automotive expertise,” Collins said. “It’s already gained rave reviews in other markets."

Honda Australia last sold the NSX in Australia between 1991 and 2002 when it sold 280.


All-new Isuzu D-Max: Still tough but more refined and smarter than before

                PETALING JAYA: Known for its rugged-build quality, robust dependability and fuel efficiency, Isuzu's D-Max 4X4 pick-up truck series is back in the latest all-new third-generation with all its well-loved features now in a more stylish and intelligent package.

So whether your weekend plans are for a tough off-road jaunt to a secluded beach or for an evening commute to your favourite downtown restaurant, the all-new D-Max has what it takes to be the vehicle of choice for these and any journey between.

Officially available now, the all-new D-Max has been designed from the ground up marches in with a distinctively bold and sporty outlook that elevates the image of this rugged pick-up truck to offer a more SUV-like appeal, features and refinement.

Owners will get to know that the all-new D-Max is stylish and comfortable without losing any of the line-up's off-roading capability, toughness and reliability.

 The X-Terrain is the most well-equipped variant.

Isuzu Malaysia chief executive officer Koji Nakamura said Isuzu engineers had set out to create a stronger, more able and durable machine with this new model.

"They invested years in development and over four million kilometers in testing the new model to achieve the best Isuzu D-Max they have ever created.

“They then added the soft touches and high-tech features to satisfy the discerning owners who desire comfort and sophistication in their modern day vehicles,” Nakamura said.

The all-new D-Max line-up comes in seven variants and available in single or double cab, six-speed manual or automatic transmission and a 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre Blue Power turbodiesel engine.

Entering the high-end lifestyle pick-up truck segment is the flagship X-Terrain variant that gets a revised 3.0-litre engine which has been re-engineered and refined with numerous advancements to improve performance and engine response while reducing noise and vibration.

The new engine produces 190PS ensures X-Terrain drivers enjoy more relaxed performance from its revised torque curve that peaks at 450Nm from as low as 1,600rpm, stretching all the way till 2,600rpm while the new 6-speed automatic gearbox matches the gearshifts to the engine’s performance characteristics.

 Luxurious interior.

Built on a new Isuzu Dynamic Drive Platform, the all-new D-Max gets a new ladder frame that is stiffer and stronger for better handling and durability.

A new suspension configuration with a longer wheelbase allows the engine bulk to be located further behind the front wheels, the result is a more dynamic handling and comfortable ride.

Available in Valencia Orange or Sapphire Blue, the X-Terrain comes with exclusive features including remote engine start, rear differential lock, wet wiper system, brown leather seats with 8-way electronic adjustment including lumbar support, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen panel that incorporates Android Auto and wireless Apple Carplay.

It also comes with the Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) that includes Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Turn Assist, Pedal Misapplication Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop & go function, Automatic High Beams (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Manual Speed Limiter (MSL) and Multi-Collision Brake that applies the brakes should any of the seven airbags be deployed.

 Bold and sporty lines.

Also in the line-up are two Premium variants – a 1.9-litre 4X4 Auto and 3.0-litre 4X4 Auto – that offer outstanding motoring and comfort while remaining the dependable workhorse Isuzu is famously renowned for.

Aimed at the discerning motorists whose applications lean towards daily duties, the Premium variants are an ideal model for drivers who spend significant hours in the saddle as the new comfort features and safety equipment in the cabin make it ideal for hours of fatigue-free motoring.

For the price conscious, there are two offerings of the Standard variants.

Powered by the immensely-capable 1.9-litre engine that produces a hefty 150PS of power and 350Nm of torque is paired either with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, the Standard models are a boon for the business community who aim to lower running costs and maintain good efficiency.

Also available will be two Single Cab variants offered with either the 1.9-litre or 3.0-litre engines.

 Powerful new 3.0-litre engine.

These go-anywhere, do-anything pick-up trucks offer significant carrying capabilities and come with an array of safety features that has earned the entire range of D-Max a 5-star Asean NCAP safety rating.

The X-Terrain comes exclusively in Valencia Orange or Sapphire Blue while other variants share a choice of the colours including Silky White Pearl, Mercury Silver, Onyx Black and Splash White.

All D-Max models enjoy a five-year or 150,000km warranty while the X-Terrain enjoys a class-leading seven-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Isuzu Malaysia Light Commercial Vehicle Division COO Masayuki Suzuki said the all-new D-Max has found many new fans in all the markets it had been launched in.

“It appears to be the case here too in Malaysia where we have garnered over 1,000 bookings even before its official launch

“With the strong interest in the all-new D-Max, I believe that our target of 6,400 units this year will be achievable,” Suzuki said.

The all-new D-Max Breaking Boundaries Test Drive Campaign runs until May 31 at authorised Isuzu showrooms where visitors can get to know the remarkable new model up close and there will be exclusive Isuzu merchandise giveaways and a chance to win cash prizes.

Prices of the all-new D-Max on-the-road for private registration without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia are:

● D-Max 1.9L Single Cab (MT) RM88,599.20
● D-Max 3.0L Single Cab (MT) RM95,538.40
● D-Max 1.9L Double Cab Standard(MT) RM99,599.20
● D-Max 1.9L Double Cab Standard (AT) RM106,999.20
● D-Max 1.9L Double Cab Premium (AT) RM121,549.20
● D-Max 3.0L Double Cab Premium (AT) RM128,038.40
● D-Max 3.0L Double Cab X-Terrain RM141,938.40

To know more about the all-new D-Max, visit pickuptruck.isuzu.net.my


Toyota sales reach record on recovering demand for cars

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp.’s global sales in March rose to a record, as the automaker’s ability to keep churning out vehicles amid a global shortage of chips puts the company in prime position to capitalise on a resurgence in demand for cars.

Toyota’s global sales in March rose 44% to 982,912 units, a record for a single month, the company said in a statement today.

The world’s largest automaker produced 843,393 units that month, up 32% from a year earlier, when the pandemic was forcing global automakers to suspend production in factories.

Toyota’s exhaustive monitoring of its supply chain and stockpiling of chips have allowed it to keep churning out cars to meet rising demand.

The bright sales figures come as consumers, flush with cash and emboldened by signs that the Covid-19 crisis may be waning, snap up cars. Sales were particularly strong in China and North America, a Toyota spokesman said.

While appetite for cars recovers in many regions of the world, some automakers are proving unable to fully capitalise on that demand due to a lingering global shortage of semiconductors used in vehicles.

Chip shortages knocked about 1.3 million units off global car output in the first three months of the year, according to IHS Markit.

Japanese rival Nissan Motor Co. also reported strong March sales, up 51% year-on-year, but down significantly from two years prior. Honda Motor Co.’s domestic sales were up 3% for the month.


Toyota to supply hydrogen fuel-cell tech to China's FAW, Higer Bus

                BEIJING: Toyota Motor Corp will supply key hydrogen fuel-cell parts to Chinese automakers FAW and Higer Bus, as the Japanese automaker tries to promote the technology it continues to view as superior to rapidly spreading battery-powered vehicles.

Toyota is betting the move, part of a broader offensive, will help push rapid adoption of fuel-cell technology in China. Fuel-cell cars use a stack of cells that electro-chemically combine hydrogen with oxygen to generate electricity to propel the vehicle, with water being the only byproduct.

Toyota, along with peers Honda Motor Co Ltd, South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co and Germany’s Daimler AG, has been trying to promote the technology for nearly two decades. But efforts have been hampered by the technology’s high price tag and lack of refueling infrastructure.

“Toyota hopes to cooperate with more Chinese commercial vehicle companies,” Toyota said in a statement today, to “promote the application and popularisation of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCV) in China.”

The Japanese carmaker will supply fuel-cell components to China FAW Group Corp Ltd and Higer Bus Co, with Shanghai Re-Fire Technology Co acting as local supplier.

Re-Fire will be system integrator and develop fuel-cell powertrain technology that the Chinese automakers can use to make hydrogen buses, said Toyota officials.

Similarly, Toyota in April said it had started supplying fuel-cell parts to Chinese commercial vehicle makers Beiqi Foton Motor Co Ltd and Beijing SinoHytec Co Ltd.


Panasonic to begin mass producing new Tesla battery by end-March 2024

                TOKYO: Panasonic Corp said today it will begin mass production of a new lithium-ion battery for Tesla Inc before the end of March 2024 at a plant in Japan.

Unveiled by the Japanese company in October, the 4680 format (46mm wide and 80mm tall) battery is around five times bigger than those currently supplied to Tesla, meaning the US electric vehicle (EV) maker will be able to lower production costs.

The new powerpack is also expected to improve vehicle range, which could help Tesla lure more drivers to EVs.

Panasonic will set up two new production lines at its Wakayama factory in western Japan to build the batteries, the company said in a news release.

The company did not say how much it will spend on the expansion.

The Nikkei newspaper reported earlier that Panasonic planned to invest 80 billion yen (RM2.9bil) in the plant.


Tesla and Chinese rivals signal truce in brutal EV price war

                SHANGHAI: Tesla Inc. and China’s top automakers pledged to maintain fair competition and avoid "abnormal pricing” in the world’s biggest EV market, signalling a possible end to a price war that’s rattled the industry this year.

Executives from 16 companies took part in a signing ceremony at the China Auto Forum here today, acknowledging and committing to four points laid out in the pledge.

They included BYD Co., Nio Inc., Xpeng Inc., Geely and Chery Automobile Co., while Tesla was the only foreign brand.

The Austin, Texas-based electric-vehicle maker started cutting prices in China late last year, prompting other major brands to join in with steep discounts in the earlier part of 2023 as sales slowed.

Weak demand in China partly stemmed from the legacy of Covid, and also from expectations that car prices would continue falling.

The resulting inventory build-up paved the way for discounts and exacerbated concerns in government, which is in the midst of a campaign to promote EV adoption in rural areas, among other measures to lift the auto industry and wider consumption.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology directed the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers to bring the 16 companies together to sign the pact, Communist Party official Miao Wei said at today’s event.

The companies also vowed to help stabilise growth and avoid risk.

Battle stations

Among EV makers, Elon Musk’s Tesla and BYD, China’s biggest car brand, were at the forefront of the price war in the cut-throat market.

As early as March, some models made at Tesla’s Shanghai plant were 14% cheaper than in 2022.

The reductions angered customers - Tesla owners complained at stores and distribution centres, with some even ransacking a so-called Experience Center.

There were already signs that the trend was easing prior to today’s signing.

Cuts had become less aggressive and in some cases prices were revised upward as sales regained momentum.

Deliveries from Tesla’s Shanghai plant in June climbed almost 20% from a year earlier, and shipments from Chinese automakers such as BYD and Li Auto Inc. also jumped.

Authorities expect last month’s new-energy vehicle sales to have risen 30% from June 2022.

"The agreement comes at a time when the price war is already at the point of pause,” China Passenger Car Association secretary-general Cui Dongshu said.

The other firms involved today were: FAW Group Group Co., BAIC Group, JAC Motors, Dongfeng Motor Co., GAC Group, SAIC Motor Corp., Sinotruk, Great Wall Motor Co., Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. and Chery Automobile Co.

"The market probably had already expected the end of the price war, as we do see pretty solid EV demand in recent months,” Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Joanna Chen said.

"Automakers will rely more on new models to lift sales.”


Volvo has plans for smaller electric SUV than XC40

                PETALING JAYA: Volvo has plans for a smaller SUV positioned below the XC40, according to a report by autoexpress.co.uk,

It might be called the XC20 and would be based on the new pure-electric platform called Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) developed by Geely.

Geely had unveiled the electric platform at the recent Beijing Auto Show.

Volvo's chief executive officer, Hakan Samuelsson, admitted that his engineers are also working on models based on SEA.

READ MORE: Geely debuts its first EV-focused architecture
 Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd.'s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) open-source electric vehicle platform is displayed during a launch event in Beijing. — Bloomberg

“We will also use SEA,” Samuelsson said. “We’ll use it for a smaller car, where I think it’s very practical and smart for us to share that, so we can have a cost structure for a smaller car that’s very competitive. "

As for the name of the new model, it's still up in the air so we'll call it the 'XC20 for now.

No timeframe has been given for the XC20, but Samuelsson confirmed that it is one of the cars with pure-electric variants to roll out by 2025.

At the other end of the scale, Volvo is hatching a plot to take on the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7 with a bigger and an even more luxurious SUV than the XC90. Likely to be called the XC100, the 4-seater SUV is expected to be based on the SPA2 platform, an evolution of the SPA architecture for the 60 and 90 series Volvos. The SPA2 platform is said to be able to handle bigger vehicles of up to 5.5m long.The XC100 is scheduled to head into showrooms in 2024.


Lamborghini and Ferrari in 'Furious 7’ Beijing crash

                BEIJING: A Lamborghini and Ferrari crashed in a high-speed road race here as the seventh stunt-filled “Fast and the Furious” movie opened in China, the latest luxury car accident to provoke controversy today.

Pictures of the mangled wreckage of a lime green Lamborghini, a damaged red Ferrari and other high performance cars in a tunnel in the Chinese capital emerged online following Saturday’s crash, which police said left one person injured.

A high-speed Ferrari crash in the capital in March 2012 killed the son of Ling Jihua, a close ally of then-president Hu Jintao. Two women passengers, one of them naked, were both injured.

The incident added to public perceptions in China of corrupt and high-living officials, and Ling has since been investigated for graft and dismissed from his post.

“What are their names? Who are their fathers?” one poster asked on Sina Weibo, China’s version of Twitter, after the latest crash.

It happened at about 10pm, police said, during heavy rain, two hours before “Furious 7” broke the record for midnight screenings on its launch in China, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

“Were they in a hurry to watch Fast and Furious 7?” one netizen said.

A report by news portal Sina said at least one of the drivers was a student and that residents had complained about cars racing in the tunnel, which is near Beijing’s emblematic Bird’s Nest stadium.

Beijing police drew derision from Chinese netizens for referring to the cars involved as a green and red “small passenger-carrying vehicles”.

“These sure are valuable vehicles,” one poster wrote.

Lamborghinis sell for around US$800,000 in China, and Ferraris for around US$500,000.

A 21-year-old driver crashed his Ferrari at high speed in the Chinese capital in February last year, killing a passenger and injuring another.


New Foton Aumark S trucks launched

                PETALING JAYA: The sole and exclusive distributor of Foton trucks in Malaysia, Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd (ATM) - a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings and member of Tan Chong Group - has officially launched the all-new Foton Aumark S Series light-duty super truck for the Malaysian market which comes in two variants.

The price for Aumark S model BJ1078 is RM101,000 and for BJ1088 is RM108,000. The trucks come with a warranty period of five years or 200,000 km whichever comes first.

The all-new Foton Aumark S series of light-duty trucks were developed under the Foton Super Truck program, and is one of the culmination of Foton’s collaboration with members of the “Super Truck Global Innovation Alliance”.

The alliance was established with world leading truck technology players including Cummins, ZF Friedrichshafen (ZF), WABCO, Bosch and more.

Tan Keng Meng, CEO of Warisan TC Holdings Bhd shared, “Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd is very proud to be introducing one of the most technologically-advanced light-duty truck that is set to raise the benchmark in the industry.

"The all-new Foton Aumark S series is developed with the globally renowned high-performance Cummins ISF powertrain, ZF transmission, WABCO brake solutions and other leading global innovations. It is a light-duty super truck that will deliver on its pledge as a Foton SUPER truck offering safety, utilitarian, power, efficiency and reliability.

"And it has undeniably pushed the boundaries of what a light-duty truck should be."

Powered by the latest generation Cummins ISF 3.8l engine, the Foton Aumark S BJ1088 model is capable of serving 115kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

Turbocharged and intercooled with a Bosch fuel injection system, the Cummins ISF engine provides the truck with a premium powertrain that’s not found on any other light-duty trucks.

Perfectly optimizing the Cummins engine is the 6-speed manual transmission by ZF, which has smooth shifting and high transmission efficiency. The light-weight aluminum alloy casing and optimized gear ratio also effectively reduce fuel consumption, while the optimized turbinate gear design can effectively reduce noise.

Built with European safety standards through, the Aumark S series is designed and equipped with both active and passive safety features that have been tested in full compliance with ECE's automotive safety regulations.

In conjunction with the launch, Angka-Tan Motor will be giving an early bird promotion discount of RM5,000 for the first 100 units. For more details on this, customers can call 03-56386888.


VW to get €288m in dieselgate settlement with former execs

                FRANKFURT: Volkswagen said today it had agreed to settle claims against former executives, including long-time CEO Martin Winterkorn, that will see the carmaker receive €288 million (RM1.5bil) in compensation related to its emissions scandal.

The settlement came on the same day that Berlin prosecutors charged Winterkorn with giving false testimony to the German parliament when he said he was unaware of the carmaker rigging diesel engine tests before it became public.

Winterkorn stepped down as Volkswagen CEO in September 2015, a week after the scandal - in which the group admitted using illegal software to rig U.S. diesel engine tests - broke.

The scandal has cost the company more than €32 billion in vehicle refits, fines and legal costs, and spurred it to launch a huge investment in electric cars. The company initially blamed the scandal on a small number of rogue engineers.

Today's deal, which consists mainly of a €270 million payment from directors' and officers' liability (D&O) insurances, also includes a settlement with former Audi boss Rupert Stadler.

It still needs to be approved at the group's annual general meeting on July 22.

A spokesman for Winterkorn declined to comment on the charges brought against him by Berlin prosecutors.

Volkswagen said in late March it would claim damages from Winterkorn and Stadler for breaches of duty of care under stock corporation law.

Volkswagen concluded that Winterkorn had breached his duty of care by failing to fully and swiftly clarify circumstances behind the use of unlawful software functions in some diesel engines sold in North America between 2009 and 2015.

As part of the deal, Winterkorn and Stadler will pay €11.2 million and €4.1 million, respectively.

Former Audi board member Stefan Knirsch agreed to settle for €1 million, and ex-Porsche AG board member Wolfgang Hatz for €1.5 million, Volkswagen said.


Honda Insight Prototype teased ahead of Detroit show

                LOS ANGELES: The Honda Insight Prototype will make its world debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Jan 15 as the precursor to the all-new 2019 Honda Insight – an upscale, stylish five-passenger sedan positioned above the Civic in Honda’s passenger car lineup. The all-new Insight uses the latest generation of Honda’s innovative two-motor hybrid system and will launch next summer as the newest electrified vehicle in the Honda lineup.

“With its sophisticated styling, dynamic stance, ample interior space and best-in-class performance, the all-new Insight embodies Honda’s approach to creating electrified vehicles without the typical tradeoffs,” said Henio Arcangeli, Jr., senior vice president of Automobile Sales and general manager of the Honda Division, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “You won’t have to be an electrification advocate to appreciate the new Insight – it’s a great car in its own right, independent of what’s happening under the hood.”

Introduced in 1999, the first-generation Insight was America’s first hybrid vehicle and a technological tour de force with optimised aerodynamics and a lightweight aluminium structure. As a result, the 2-door Insight launched as the most fuel-efficient EPA certified gasoline-fueled vehicle with a highway rating of 3.35 l/100km. It was the first Honda vehicle to use Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system.

The second-generation Insight made its debut in 2009 as the most affordable hybrid on the market. With its 5-door, 5-passenger design, the second-gen Insight offered increased space and utility while continuing to employ the IMA hybrid system.

The all-new 2019 Insight takes a new approach with the styling, packaging, premium features and performance desired by mainstream car buyers – a hybrid vehicle without any inherent compromise. Unlike the first two generations of Insight, the all-new model will be powered by Honda’s two-motor hybrid system offering fuel economy that is competitive with other compact hybrid models.

“At the 2017 North American International Auto Show we announced our Honda Electrification Initiative with the intention to make two-thirds of Honda’s global vehicle sales electrified vehicles by 2030,” said Arcangeli, “With the Insight launching later in 2018 as the fifth electrified vehicle brought to market over the past year, we’re demonstrating our commitment to that goal.”

The Insight – to be manufactured at Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana plant, alongside Civic and CR-V using domestic and globally sourced parts – will join the Clarity series (Clarity Fuel Cell, Clarity Electric and Clarity Plug-in Hybrid) and the all-new 2018 Accord Hybrid, arriving at dealerships nationwide early next year.


Give public the right to choose how to pay toll, PM tells highway operators

                PUTRAJAYA: The public should be free to choose what method of payment to use at toll plazas, says the Prime Minister, adding that he has directed the Works Minister to make this clear to concessionaires.

"The Cabinet in its meeting today has also decided that any future matters that involve the public having to make payments must also be referred to it (Cabinet)," said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob after launching the Agricommodity Tour this evening.

He said the issue of toll payments using the Radio Frequency Identification technology system (RFID) was discussed in the Cabinet meeting earlier.

The PM noted the RFID facility was introduced to ensure smooth, efficient and fast payments were made at toll plazas.

"The Cabinet was of the opinion that RFID usage should be one of the options and consumers must be given the freedom on how they want to make payments."

The Prime Minister pointed out that when Touch 'n Go as well as smartag facilities were introduced, consumers were still given the option to pay toll via cash.

"Consumers should not be pressured to use the system. If they are convinced with the system, they will migrate," he said.

On Dec 16, 2021, the Ministry of Works said toll transactions using RFID technology for private light vehicles (Class 1) would be implemented at the Juru route in Penang to Skudai in Johor on the North-South Highway starting Jan 15, 2022.

In theory, RFID was to allow highway users to enjoy a smoother trip using touchless toll transactions at RFID lanes where they could drive through at a speed of 30kph.

It also offered digital cash security and cashless top-ups through the use of Touch 'n Go eWallet without having to visit top-up counters.

Online media and netizens had claimed that the traffic at several toll plazas such as those in Bandar Seri Putra, Bangi and Sungai Besi had become congested following the implementation of RFID.


Ex-Volvo man named as Polestar China chief

                SHANGHAI: Polestar, the new electric performance brand of Volvo, has appointed August Wu (pic) as its president of Polestar China, reporting to Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath.

Wu joins Polestar on March 1 from Volvo Cars here where he has held the position of Head of Product and Offer for the Asia-Pacific region.

In this role, he was responsible for local product, specification, pricing and vehicle line management of all Volvo products in the region. Prior to this, he worked for Volvo in Sweden as Business Program Leader for the Volvo 60 cluster of cars and before that, held a number of automotive industry-focused roles within McKinsey and Co.

As president of Polestar China, Wu’s responsibilities will include Polestar’s commercial offer in China, the development of the network of Spaces – the Polestar retail environment, as well as increasing Polestar’s brand awareness in the important Chinese market.

“The appointment of August Wu as the new president of Polestar China is an important step in the development of our team in China," said Ingenlath.

 The Chengdu plant is due for completion by mid-2018.

"With China being one of the world’s fastest developing markets for electrified cars, it’s clear that having somebody with a very deep understanding of the market was vitally important. In August Wu, we have found that person.”

In June last year, Volvo announced that Polestar was to become a new separately-branded electrified global high performance car company.

Volvo Cars acquired 100% of Polestar Performance in July 2015, having worked together in motorsport since 1996.

Polestar will roll out the 600hp Polestar 1 coupe in 2019 followed by a Tesla Model 3 fighter called Polestar 2, a Polestar 3 and possibly a Polestar 4 convertible by 2020.

The Polestar 1 and Polestar 3 will be manufactured at a new facility in Chengdu, China, while Polestar has another plant located next to Volvo on its Torslanda site in Sweden.

Polestar will be selling its cars direct to buyers through the Internet via a subscription model as well as exclusive Polestar stores. However, the Polestar 1 would only be sold on a purely subscription basis.

Polestar will cater to both left-hand and right-hand drive markets, so it's a sure bet it will come to Malaysia eventually.


Kia posts first teaser photos of latest Sorento

                NDON: Kia has published teaser sketches of the new Sorento after the SUV was spied completely undisguised on the road earlier this week.

Though these sketches aren't quite as revealing as the photographs published by Motor1 on Monday, the text accompanying the model sketches gives us some insight about its powertrain and technology.

The 2021 iteration of the Sorento, the first generation of which originally launched in 2002, is the first production version of the model to be electrified. It will be powered by a hybrid system just like a concept Sorento was back in 2007.

As seen in the spy shots and reiterated in these sketches, the new version of the Sorento has definitely been more chiselled.

The lines spanning from the front end to the rear have been sharpened, and the grille has been widened. In general, the contours have been reshaped to give the model a more dominant and sporty appearance.

According to Kia, the model will have "advanced driver assistance systems and progressive connectivity and infotainment features," though the company does not disclose exactly what tech will be included.

The official reveal of Kia's flagship SUV will take place next month at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3.

 The current Sorento available in Malaysia.


Driving the Audi R8 and R8 plus

                Audi's experience in building fast cars dates back to the Auto Union days, in particular the 3.0-litre V12 Type-D race car in 1939 that delivers 485hp and a top speed of 330kph.

It was, however, its Quattro engineering that was introduced in 1981 to world rallying that laid the groundwork for the four-ring logo to be widely recognised and established in the world of motor sport.

That engineering spawned exciting road cars that held their own against fancied rivals and which are continued to this day; the second-generation Audi R8 quattro is seen as the flagship of the sports car family today.

While it may share similar technology and drivetrain with the Lamborghini Huracán by virtue of them being in the same family group, Audi has developed the R8 Coupé to be a sports car in its own right.

Audi has two versions to expand its appeal, the R8 and R8 plus; the former has a 5.2-litre V10 normally aspirated engine that delivers 540PS at 8,000rpm and 540Nm at 6,500rpm while the latter boasts higher outputs of 610PS at 8,250rpm and 560Nm at 6,500rpm.

Dimensionally, the R8 appears to sit on a slightly longer wheelbase of 2,650mm (against 2,620mm for the Huracán) and is generally wider and taller but slightly shorter in body length.

Another interesting note is that the R8 plus appears to be heavier too by about 110kg with a kerb weight of 1,660kg.

 The R8 plus engine.

Yet in performance, the R8 plus is only marginally slower in the 0-100kph runs at 3.3 seconds against the Huracan (LP610)’s 3.2 seconds, though the top speed is similar at 330kph.

We had a taste of the R8 plus as part of the Audi driving experience at its dedicated centre near Ingolstadt. This is a huge area with a 2.2km circuit, a 30,000-sq m dynamic driving area and an off-road handling course.

Our instructor was Rahel Frey, who is employed to race for Audi (she has participated in Malaysian endurance events with the Audi team, partnering Alex Yoong among others) and conducts such driving experiences in between events.

Her take was to be smooth in handling the steering wheel, especially in correcting the car when it gets out of line, and to brake hard before a tight corner. A good driving position with the arms and legs bent was also another area she emphasised on to achieve good movement for the former and good feel of the leg pedals and the best fulcrum to apply the brakes effectively.

READ MORE: Ingolstadt, Audi's own

Our first routine was on the dynamic driving area that was kept continuously wet, starting with testing out the anti-lock braking system (ABS) followed by the slalom course.

In the first routine, the idea was to be gentle on the steering wheel when braking hard and avoiding an obstacle.

We probably did more than 10 runs, initially over-correcting the car as the rear appeared to come out during the brake-and-avoid manoeuvre, and getting the car fully stopped with minimal drama with each successive run.

We also realised that the R8 plus’ ABS (with 365mm ventilated discs in front and 356mm ventilated discs at the rear) gave us a much shorter braking distance, compared to a lower ranked German vehicle that we did similar manoeuvres with.

For the slalom runs, the theory was the same; minimal steering movement through before entering a loop that you could understeer or oversteer depending on the speed and angle you drive the R8 plus through before a second slalom section.

We had a timed run later and set the second best time in the low 36-second bracket (no prize for the effort) but the best time set among the seven Malaysian media dipped below 36 seconds; he was however penalised three seconds for hitting a cone.

The track run gave us a better scope of comparison against the Huracán; we were allocated four R8 plus to follow Rahel, each taking turns after two laps to go to the back of the group, which means we have eight laps per session.

There were four driving modes for the seven-speed automatic transmission system; Comfort, Auto, Dynamic or Race.

For the dry 2.2km track with two very sharp curves and several others with varying degree of camber and tightness, we found the Dynamic mode the best. It heeled and toed its way down the gears when we entered the tight curves and the engine was turning at the right revolutions to give us that oomph to accelerate hard to the next corner.

With Auto mode, we had to work at the accelerator pedal harder to gain the same pace and found it too much work. Following Rahel’s lines through the corner was easier said than done and we had our share of understeer and oversteer, depending on the respective corner.

The R8 plus felt more planted with its quattro permanent four-wheel drive (against the Huracán two-wheel drive we drove in Taiwan) apportioning torque and power to the respective wheel as per the traction demand. When the third session started, it began to rain and that gave us another perspective to the R8 plus’ dynamic performance qualities.

Although Rahel suggested we tried Auto or even Comfort mode, which we did but again dislike for having to do too much pedal work, opting again for Dynamic.

We were, however, easier on the accelerator as we did not want to catch the rear too often when exiting a corner by putting too much torque down on the wet road surface.

Generally, the pace was slightly slower and there was none of the tyre squeals as we understeered through some of the tight bends earlier.

The main thing was that the R8 plus was very much in control and pretty forgiving when we made mistakes through our exuberance; it warned us quite early as to what it would do and we could try and correct by easing off the accelerator, braking sooner or correcting the steering gently.

While we were barrelling around the circuit, Audi was conducting another session with new Audi car owners at the dynamic driving area that we were at in the morning; it went on rain or shine, just like ours.

Our session also included taking to the off-road course as passengers in the new Q7 quattro, covering uneven terrain, a water trough, 60% banks, level ladder, steep 55% hill climbs and descents, among the many features.

Perhaps the sobering note for Malaysian Audi fans with moolah is that the 540PS R8 and not the 610PS R8 plus would be brought in.

Then again, we understand that special orders would be entertained.


Change to car-ownership rights could spur EVs in Singapore

                SINGAPORE: The island republic has big ambitions to have 100% of the vehicles on its roads powered by cleaner energy by 2040 and electric vehicles (EVs) will obviously have to be a big part of that.

However, owning a car in the city-state, electric or otherwise, is very expensive.

That’s because when a person buys a new or used car in Singapore, they also have to buy the right to the vehicle ownership for a period of 10 years. It’s called a certificate of entitlement, or COE, and the purpose behind them is to regulate the number of cars on the island.

The price of a COE fluctuates, depending on demand. Auctions are held twice a month and the certificates are divided into five categories depending on engine capacity and vehicle use.

A Tesla Model 3, for example, costs around S$77,990, excluding taxes, in Singapore but a COE for the car is around S$90,002, more than the car itself. A Tesla Model 3 in the US starts at about US$48,190 or S$67,000 by comparison.

That prohibitive expense is reflected in Singapore’s EV adoption rates. Just 2,942 electric cars were registered in the city-state last year, up from 1,217 in 2020 but only a fraction of the total 645,150 cars registered in 2021.

Things could start to change this month, however.

That’s because as of May 4, some EVs will be moved from category B (generally reserved for cars with larger engine capacities) to category A, typically the segment that attracts the lowest COE premiums.

Because electric cars tend to be relatively powerful to compensate for their weighty batteries, even mass-market models were being tipped into the higher category, where bidding from luxury car buyers can also make things more expensive.

Now, instead of paying S$90,002, the COE drops to S$68,699. These prices will again vary at auction but it’s a move authorities in Singapore hope will entice more consumers to make the switch when it comes to replacing their aging combustion engine car.

According to local media reports, the change will double the number of electric models that fall within category A to 20, from 10.

Another issue Singapore needs to tackle in tandem with EV purchase rates is charging infrastructure. Like many other places, a lack of EV chargers is a significant barrier to adoption and a particular problem in densely built up Singapore, where the vast majority of people live in high-rise apartments.

The government has said that all public housing car parks (over 80% of Singaporeans live in public housing, or Housing & Development Board flats) will have at least three EV charging points by 2025.

Charging points are also cropping up in shopping centre car parks and the like, and tenders have been issued to install outlets in private housing, or condominium basements.

There are a raft of other measures too — such as extending the statutory lifespan of electric taxis to 10 years from eight, and pledging that half of public buses will be electric by 2030.

All are instrumental to Singapore’s green goals, but convincing the general public to give EVs a go is a critical step.


Hyundai offers warranty extension for vehicles worldwide

                LOS ANGELES: Hyundai Motor has launched a warranty extension policy for its vehicles worldwide.

Hyundai vehicles with original warranties that expire between March and June 2020 will benefit from a warranty extension for up to three months.

More than 1.2 million Hyundai vehicles in 175 countries will be eligible for the warranty extension. The warranty extension can vary between countries.

The programme aims to support Hyundai customers who may face difficulties in getting vehicles serviced and repaired during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has caused many countries to take precautionary measures that include closing non-essential facilities.

With the warranty extensions, Hyundai expects to help address any concerns customers may have about being unable to visit a service centre to get vehicle maintenance or warranty repairs while adhering to stay-at-home and physical distancing guidelines set by local/federal governments.

For Hyundai owners in the US with a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty or a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty that is expiring between March and June 2020, they will have the warranty coverage extended to June 30, 2020.

Hyundai said that it allows customers who preferred contactless activities to sign off on repair approvals via electronic signature authorisation and digital communication (text messages, email, and social media posts).

Hyundai dealers are also offering online purchase and home delivery of purchased vehicles at select dealerships, allowing solo test drives, cleaning common areas and eliminating certain in-person activities to make a purchase.


The Concept EQ by Mercedes-Benz makes its Malaysian debut

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ electric vehicle made its debut in Malaysia and Southeast Asia at the Mercedes-Benz EQ Brand Exhibition in Desa Park City,  which showed off the luxury German marque's innovative design and technological direction.

“The Concept EQ is a cornerstone of our new electric mobility brand, EQ. It presents an innovative product approach as part of a holistic and comprehensive ecosystem for future mobility. In every way, this vehicle proudly manifests its claim of being a technology leader – meeting the demands of sustainable and future-driven motoring.

"We are delighted to be able to showcase the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ here in Malaysia, marking the beginning of a pure-electric product offensive which will wear the EQ badge,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, vice president, sales & marketing passenger cars, Mark Raine.

Mercedes-Benz will market future battery-electric vehicles under the brand name EQ.

The name stands for "Electric Intelligence" and is derived from the Mercedes-Benz brand values of "Emotion and Intelligence". The new brand encompasses all key aspects for customer-focused electric mobility and extends beyond the vehicle itself.

 Dr Claus Weidner, President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (left) and Mark Raine, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (right) introducing the future of mobility with the Mercedes-Benz Concept EQ.

The new generation of electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz will be based on an architecture developed specifically for battery-electric models, which is scalable in every respect and usable across all models: the wheelbase and track width as well as all other system components, especially the batteries, are variable thanks to the modular building-block system.

The basic architecture is suitable for SUVs, saloons, coupés and other model series.

The Concept EQ is designed an SUV crossover with the dimensions of length, width and height at 4730mm, 1948mm and 1560mm respectively.

The monolithic basic form of Concept EQ unites the genes of an SUV with the dynamic character of a coupé and a dash of shooting brake at the rear end.

The scarcely visible body panel joins, concealed windscreen wipers, cameras instead of exterior mirrors and an absence of conventional door handles emphasise the stretched, dynamic silhouette, making the SUV crossover appear as a unified whole while reducing its air resistance.

An intentionally reduced side view, broad shoulders and large 21-inch light-alloy wheels make for a dynamic presence.

The interior of Concept EQ is characterised by contemporary luxury, this finding its main expression in an all-new user interface, which combines emotive appeal with intelligence and user-friendliness while dispensing with traditional switches and knobs, except for the electric seat adjustment typical of Mercedes-Benz.

There are two electric motors on the front and rear axles and a battery in the vehicle floor of the Concept EQ with a total output of up to 300kW in the most powerful variant and a maximum torque of up to 700Nm. It goes from 0 to 100kph in under five seconds and has a range of up to 500km.

The vehicle is ready both for charging at home by induction or wallbox and for fast charging. Mercedes-Benz energy storage units of the future could form an ideal symbiosis with the cordless charging system via induction or wallbox.

Significantly reduced charging times will come with the introduction of fast charging by the Combined Charging System (CCS). Plans are underway for medium and long term charging capacities which would enable the electric vehicle to travel 100km and a recharging time of five minutes.

Concept EQ is equipped with Car-to-X technology and can exchange information with the infrastructure and other vehicles – an ideal basis for a series of new driver assistance features that build on existing systems and thus take a further step in the direction of accident prevention.

“EQ offers a comprehensive electric mobility ecosystem of products, services, technologies and innovations. As the premium market leader, we are committed to remaining an industry pioneer with state-of-the-art products and innovations. In short, we are boldly flipping the switch – creating tomorrow today by developing the needs for the coming mobility landscape,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, president and CEO, Dr Claus Weidner.


'Dynamite Dinis' pulls 1,305kg car

                PETALING JAYA: A. Dinis Rajendran looks just like any other young boy his age.

But his feat of pulling a car with five passengers inside makes him remarkable.

On Monday, “Dynamite Dinis” as he is known among the pupils and teachers of SJK(T) Glenmarie in Shah Alam, became the youngest person to pull a 1,305kg car.

The nine-year-old boy pulled his headmaster’s Nissan Almera with four classmates and a teacher in it over a distance of 60m on the school grounds.

Pupils and teachers cheered Dinis on as he attempted his feat using a simple harness tied to his chest.

He looked to be in deep concentration while attempting the task and took deep controlled breaths.

Dinis, the fourth of five siblings, said he did not even eat breakfast beforehand.

Ten minutes earlier, Dinis’ father Rajendran Alagamuthu, 49, who works in the metal industry, gave his son a few sips of 100 Plus.

Dinis’ mother Bathma Munusamy was seen whispering to him words of encouragement.

His mother described Dinis as a determined boy who would complete anything he set his mind to.

He started pulling heavy objects from the age of four.

“Dinis has a special talent. He does not have big muscles but is able to delve deep inside and uses mental strength to pull heavy objects.

“He likes to eat bread and milk for breakfast. He does not have a special diet and eats whatever food his mother cooks for him,” said Rajendran.

SJK (T) Glenmarie headmaster S. Manohar said the school was honoured to host the challenge as they were proud of Dinis’ abilities.

“We want to bring Dinis’ talent to light to motivate others. It will inspire other pupils to excel in whatever they do,” he said.

Rajendran added that he planned to get his son to do advanced yoga and breathing exercises to prepare him to pull a light aircraft weighing 6,000kg.

Dinis’ uncle James Anbalagan, 50, was also there to witness his nephew’s feat.

“Dinis’ father had similar capabilities when he was a teenager but did not have the opportunity to develop it,’’ he said.


World premiere of BMW vehicles in Frankfurt

                FRANKFURT: The BMW stand at the IAA Cars 2019 international motor show in Frankfurt am Main had a slew of world premieres, starting with the BMW Concept 4.

The BMW Concept 4, a future-focused interpretation of the BMW brand’s enduring DNA, with its athletic body, slung low with sporting intent, a silhouette exuding elegance and dynamism in equal measure and ultra-pure surfaces.

“The BMW Concept 4 embodies the aesthetic essence of the BMW brand. It combines perfect proportions with a clear and precise design,” explains Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.

 The BMW Concept 4.

Commanding the attention at the heart of the front-end design is a vertically oriented BMW kidney grille.

The high-standing grille gives the BMW Concept 4 its expressive face, a distinctive structure and decorative elements providing elaborate details. It fits seamlessly into both the front-end proportions of the Concept 4 and the heritage of BMW as a whole.

The form and design of the kidney grille reference legendary brand classics such as the BMW 328 and BMW 3.0 CSi and therefore shine the spotlight on BMW’s long and successful history as a maker of fine coupes.

Up next was the world premiere of the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT, a development vehicle that looks ahead to a small series of next-generation fuel cell vehicles based on the new BMW X5 and planned for 2022.

 BMW Concept 4.

The modified design of the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT incorporates precise accents focusing on its innovative and sustainable character.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology offers vast potential, thanks to short refuelling times, handsome operating range, and convenience and versatility on a par with conventionally powered vehicles.

The BMW Group has been pushing ahead with its activities in the field of hydrogen fuel cell drive systems as part of a development collaboration with the Toyota Motor Corporation launched in 2013.

Last but not least was the world premiere of the new BMW X5 Protection VR6. The BMW Group has been developing and building Security Vehicles for state authorities, public representatives and private individuals requiring special protection for over 40 years now.

 BMW X5 Protection VR6.

It is equipped with model-specific armouring and security glazing that was already taken into account during development of the production vehicle, meaning it forms a perfect fit with the vehicle’s body.

The holistic security concept employed in the new BMW X5 Protection VR6 has the additional benefit of ensuring that the chassis technology is carefully tuned for this specific model’s weight.

As a result, the Security Vehicle with its 530hp V8 engine is able to offer the same agile handling and versatile performance of the BMW X5.

Visually, there is also very little to differentiate the new BMW X5 Protection VR6 from the standard production vehicle, and this anonymous appearance also serves to enhance security for the occupants.

Besides numerous comfort features, standard specification also comprises an intercom system and a panic alarm.


Nissan sails into new waters with the Armada

NASHVILLE: Nissan's second-generation full-size SUV launches this summer with a much fuller focus on luxury.

The last Armada, though spacious, shared many of its underpinnings with a pickup truck.

But for 2016, everything has more of a true flagship feel about it, from the quality of the cabin to the external styling and levels of equipment on offer. However, it is still at heart a proper off-road vehicle and shouldn't be confused with a crossover.

"Armada owners will benefit from its underpinnings as a strong, durable and authentic full-size SUV with ruggedness to spare. While most SUVs and crossovers have moved to a sedan-like unibody construction, when you want to tackle big adventures with big groups of family and friends, there's no substitute for a sturdy steel frame," said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc.

"We've found that families enter the full-size SUV segment before they fully need one. As their needs grow, Armada has more than enough room and strength to meet both current and future family demands."

So there is seating for up to eight people, a smooth yet powerful 5.6-litre V8 under the bonnet and power goes to the wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission.

A choice of rear-seat entertainment packages with monitors and DVD players are available, as is a wide choice of active safety tech including forward and back-up collision warning and intervention control and moving object detection.


Volkswagen and PichaEats teamed up to deliver 280 meals to the needy

                PETALING JAYA: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) and PichaEats teamed up over the weekend to deliver a total of 280 meals to the less fortunate, in efforts to drive kindness this festive season.

The “Driving Kindness” convoy consisted of employees from Volkswagen and Picha, driving a Tiguan Allspace Highline and a Passat Elegance; and four classic Volkswagen cars – two Beetle cars and two Kombi vans driven by their owners who had volunteered for the project.

Recipients of the Driving Kindness campaign were Hiichiikok Foundation, Trinity Community Children’s Home, Lighthouse Children’s Welfare Home, Sunteck Handicap Welfare Home and Charis Sheep Pen Shelter, all located in the Klang Valley.

As a show of support to frontliners, a total of 100 meals were delivered to the doctors and nurses at the Covid-19 testing station at Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

Five families and individuals were also presented with a PichaEats Christmas Family set. The respective parties were selected through a Facebook contest held from Nov 25-30, which called out to netizens to nominate those going through tough times and deserved a special meal.

“Christmas is the season of giving, and it is a privilege to be able to give back to the community and to the less fortunate. The year has been extremely challenging for everyone, and it is so important to stay connected, be kind and to give back whenever possible,” said VPCM managing director Erik Winter who took part in the convoy.


Genesis GV70 gets virtual introduction

                SEOUL: Genesis, Hyundai's luxury vehicle division, has officially debuted its latest GV70 sports utility vehicle (SUV) for the South Korean market.

The South Korean luxury automaker says that the GV70, which is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform, is expected to arrive in the US in 2021 with other markets to follow later.

The launch was conducted virtually to introduce its latest SUV which rolls in under the flagship and larger GV80 with a choice of 18, 19 or 21-inch wheels.

For colours options, the SUV can be coated in Mauna Red, Barossa Burgundy Metallic or Barossa Burgundy Matte while the interior can be had in two dual-tone options of Ocean Waves with Pine Grove or Gray with Velvet Burgundy.

At 4,715mm-long, 1,910mm-wide and 1,630mm-tall the GV70 has a 2,875mm wheelbase and gets a 2.5-litre (2,497cc) turbocharged four-potter for the entry-level variant that sends the twist to the rear or all four wheels while feeding from a 66-litre fuel tank as standard.

Power is rated at 304PS at 5,800rpm and 430Nm of torque from 1,650 to 4,000rpm but moving up to the mid-range 2.2-litre (2,151cc) turbodiesel variant will provide owners with 210PS at 3,800rpm and 450Nm from 1,750rpm to 2,750rpm instead.

The range-topping 3.5-litre (3,470cc) variant here uses a turbocharged V6 producing 380PS at 5,800rpm and 540Nm of torque from 1,300 to 4,500rpm that only gets sent to an all-wheel-drive system.

At the front, the GV70 poses with its iconic Crest Grille that is flanked by a pair of LED Quad Lamps while a skid plate resides below it.

The side profile provides an arching Parabolic Line that runs from the top of the Quad Lamps and blends nicely into the rear haunches for a sportier appearance.

At the rear, the LED taillights also take on the looks of the front Quad Lamps and have been set into the bumper for a "clean" look that's accompanied by a G-Matrix pattern for the bumper, vertically-shaped integrated mufflers and a matching body-coloured diffuser.

Four drive modes get thrown in including eco, comfort, sport and custom but its the Sport Package that adds a fifth Sport Plus mode.

The Sport model comes with an exclusively designed front bumper as well as 21-inch G-Matrix pattern wheels and dark chrome garnishes before replacing the exhaust tips with round ones. No integrated bumper exhausts for the 2.2 turbodiesel variant.

Inside, the driver-centric cabin goes for a minimalistic look that features a sports steering wheel, dial-type Shift by Wire (SBW) system and carbon-fibre trim for the consoles and doors while featuring an LCD touchscreen at the centre.

With the Sport Package, the interior gets unique interior colours, a bespoke steering wheel, and carbon fibre details on the console and doors as options.

Standard safety options are further bolstered by the inclusion of advanced driver aids systems such as Highway Driving Assist II (HDA II) which helps to control the steering wheel when changing lanes and actively responds to close-range low-speed cut-ins.

The lane change assist system is improved from earlier models and it will attempt to change lanes in certain conditions simply by activating the turn signal.

Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) is a safety feature that controls the vehicle speed based on the local speed limit, and even models without a navigation system installed can use this feature based on traffic sign information recognized by the vehicle's front camera.

Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) is a convenience feature that helps to ensure safe speeds on the highway with its navigation system which reduces the vehicle's speed when navigating a curve.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) analyzes a potential collision by helping the driver to automatically stop if there is a potential collision at junctions with oncoming vehicles from the left and right side, or a pedestrian on the edge of the road.

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) helps prevent drivers from crashing into cars coming laterally from the rear when changing lanes or leaving a parallel parking space.

Driver Attention Warning (DAW) warns drivers to keep their eyes on the road. Forward Attention Warning (FAW) calls the driver’s attention with acoustic warning sounds and pop-up notifications when fatigue or forward-looking neglect is detected by a forward-looking camera.

New technologies for the GV70 include a fingerprint authentication system as well as an Advanced Rear Occupant Alert system that uses radar sensors mounted inside the vehicle to detect passengers in the rear seat and alerts the driver of their presence in multiple phases.

The sensors are able to sense when passengers in the rear move their limbs and even small respiratory movements near the passenger’s chest - enabling this SUV to alert drivers in cases where a child or sleeping infant has been left in their seat.