Test-run of Terengganu drawbridge proves a big ‘draw’ for visitors

The Kuala Terengganu-Kuala Nerus drawbridge is the first in South-East Asia. — All pix by Bernama
KUALA TERENGGANU: Excitement is running high as people gather in droves to take a closer look at the first drawbridge in South-East Asia, which connects Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus.

A check found that the intersection entering the 638m drawbridge was filled with cars from both directions.

As soon as the cone was lifted at 7am yesterday, motorists honked excitedly as they were among the first to set foot on the bridge.

Many visitors also stood by the side of the road to take pictures and videos.

Local resident Fauziah Jusoh, 42, said she came at 6am to view the drawbridge.

“When I learned that it would be opened today, I was excited. After performing subuh prayers, I quickly come here,” she said.

Another resident, 38-year-old Muhammad Sollehin Yunus, was happy as the travel time from his house at Seberang Takir to the city had been reduced to only 10 minutes.

“Before this, I had to take a longer route to Kuala Terengganu. Now, I only need to go through the roundabout near Pantai Teluk Ketapang and continue to the drawbridge to reach the city,” he said.

The drawbridge, which features two 16-storey tall towers, will open for a test run until June 17.

East Coast Economic Region Development Council senior manager Razlee Hassan said they estimated that 300 to 400 vehicles would use the drawbridge yesterday.

However, he said, the public were not allowed to walk on the bridge to take photographs as the pedestrian route was still closed.

“At the moment, pedestrians are not allowed as the bridge’s temporary opening is only for traffic trials and open to vehicles only to ease traffic congestion. We will announce the official opening date on June 17,” he said.

In conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the surroundings of the drawbridge will be decorated with coloured lights from tomorrow to June 7.


US firm reinvents Wankel engine in potential leap for small motors

                WASHINGTON: US engineering company Liquid Piston claims to have reinvented the old rotary Wankel piston engine to create a mini-powerhouse that weighs only a tenth of a comparable combustion engine.

The compact engine, which Liquid Piston says is ready for series production, may not revolutionise the car industry, but it could be used in aviation for small unmanned drones and in stationary applications.

The gains come late for the Wankel motor, which has been around for nearly 100 years, but has failed to catch on in a big way.

Most recently Mazda fitted a small plug-in Wankel motor as a range extender in its electric MX-30 model.

Amid the march towards electrification, the revamped Wankel is one of several fresh ideas aimed at saving the ICE engine from extinction.

Others include the Atkinson engine, first produced in 1876, which provides variable stroke lengths and is still used mainly in gas-electric hybrids.

Liquid Piston said it has eliminated all the previous Wankel disadvantages such as seal bugbears and excessive fuel consumption.

The resulting XTS-210, two-stroke, supercharged, liquid-cooled rotary engine was developed as a "core engine" for the US Army. The engine is no larger than a basketball and produces a hefty 25 hp from a displacement of only 0.21 litres, says the company.

In the Mazda engines, a triangular piston rotates in a peanut-shaped housing, in the US version the piston is shaped like a peanut and rotates within three chambers.


1,000hp out of a Toyota Supra?

                LOS ANGELES: If there's anyone who can squeeze 1,000hp out of the BMW B58 turbocharged I6 engine, then Stephan Papadakis of the Papadakis Racing outfit certainly comes close.

While retaining the stock engine, everything else inside this Toyota Supra mill have been replaced - from its pistons and connecting rods to its turbocharger and electronics. The upgrade included using forged pistons and aerospace-grade electronics.

Towards the end of the video, Papadakis puts the car on a dyno and was able to get a reading of 750hp at the wheel. It's all very impressive.

Papadakis Racing is a sport-performance team based in Carson, California, near here. Founded by Papadakis, the operation has built a reputation for performance and reliability that is backed by many motorsport records and championships.

You will recall that the Supra was built in collaboration with BMW for economies of scale, sharing chassis and other components with the new Z4 roadster.

Though they share the underlying hardware, both car makers say their cars drive differently from each other. Unlike the Z4 roadster with a retractable soft-top, the Supra is only sold as a coupe.

Both cars share a turbocharged inline four- and six-cylinder engines.

They are produced by contract assembler Magna Steyr at its plant in Graz, Austria.


Ora Good Cat previewed ahead of Q4 2022 launch

UPDATE: Pre-booking started from Nov 11, 2022

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ora Good Cat from Great Wall Motor was previewed in conjunction with the opening of the Chinese automaker's office here today.

The retro-styled electric car in attractive contrast colours will be launched in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2022.

This is not the first preview as the Good Cat had made its first appearance at a convention event here on Dec 6 last year.

As an "Open, Reliable and Alternative" (yes, that's actually what Ora stands for) brand, Great Wall Motor Malaysia is optimistic it would get the same positive reception as in Thailand, where there is a waiting list of some 3,000 units since its launch there in October 2021.

The fully imported Good Cat is sold in Thailand in 3 variants from RM104,000 to RM130,000 following government incentives. Local assembly there is expected from 2024; the car would also be exported within the region.

The Good Cat is known as Haomao (Chinese term that literally means Good Cat) in China and Ora Funky Cat in Europe. The fact it has hints of Porsche is because it was designed by Emanuel Derta who used to work for the German sports car company.

Initial batches of the Good Cat for Malaysia would be fully imported from China but would soon be locally assembled in Gurun, Kedah, in partnership with Go Auto Group, which has been Great Wall's distributor for Haval SUVs since 2013.

The 1.5-tonne Good Cat is about the size of the VW Golf and comes in two battery configurations affording a 400km or 500km range (NEDC) with a corresponding 47.8-kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery or 63.1 kWh battery.

A Great Wall Motor Malaysia official said the display unit was the 400km version with the 47.8-kWh battery and that the Good Cat had been benchmarked against the Nissan LEAF.

The CATL battery it uses is located under the floor of the car while the battery/motor management components are placed under the bonnet. So there's no frunk or storage compartment in the front unlike some electric cars like the Tesla Model S/X or Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The electric motor is in front so this is a front-wheel drive car. The motor produces 143PS/141hp and 210Nm of torque for a top speed of 152kph.

A performance version called Good Cat GT is also available with a more powerful motor making 172 PS/170hp and 250Nm of torque for a range of up to 400km.

Besides the Ora Good Cat, Great Wall Motor Malaysia is expected to launch two SUVs in the near term. They are the electrified 243 PS Haval H6 and the 190 PS Jolion, whose rollout are in line with the company's focus on new energy vehicles for South-East Asia.


Porsche Macan S launches with new V6 turbo engine

                KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Auto Performance Sdn Bhd (SDAP), the authorised importer of Porsche cars in Malaysia, is now taking bookings for the 2019 Porsche Macan S which gets a new three-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine producing 349hp and 480Nm of torque, representing an increase of 14hp and 20Nm compared with the previous model.

When equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package, the new Macan S accelerates from 0 to 100kph in just 5.1 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds quicker than the previous model.

No price has been released yet but the outgoing model variant's price starts at RM610,000.

Like the rest of the latest generation Macan model range, the new Macan S gets the LED lightbar at the rear and the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen, mobile phone connection, two audio interfaces and intelligent voice control.

LED headlights are standard, and the optional Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) system can be used to control light distribution adaptively.

As before, the Porsche Active Stability Management (PASM) active damper control system, height-adjustable air suspension with optimised rolling pistons and new shock absorber hydraulics and Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus) are optionally available to improve driving dynamics and handling.

READ MORE:MAA: Govt slow in approving car pricesLatest Porsche Macan gets way more than fancy new colours
The new Macan S gets enhanced brakes, and the driver will notice this most of all in the form of a changed pedal feel. The pedal weighs around 300g less than the previous steel part, and acts on the brake master cylinder via a shortened lever arm. This results in a more immediate brake response.

The Macan’s chassis features staggered tyres and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) four-wheel drive, and has been overhauled and optimised once again as part of this model’s facelift.

On the front axle, spring forks made from aluminium replace the previous steel components.

The new light alloy design is more rigid and reduces unsprung mass, making the steering on the Macan more precise and improving ride comfort. Newly tuned sway bars also ensure more neutral handling.


BMW Z4 sDrive30i M Sport updated from RM508,800

                KUALA LUMPUR:  BMW Malaysia has introduced new additions to the classic BMW roadster – the updated Z4 sDrive30i M Sport that is priced from RM508,800 with BMW Service and Repair Inclusive as
well as Sales and Service Tax (on the road, without insurance).

Since its introduction in 2018, the Z4 has been extremely successful within its segment and has been recognised for its pure driving pleasure, sporty on-road prowess, as well as the vehicle's wealth of highly advanced features.

Now, four years on, the Z4 will enter the second half of its life cycle with a series of captivating design and equipment modifications.

The new Z4 sDrive30i M Sport is now equipped with a brand-new kidney grille structure that lends the front a progressive look.

While the geometry of the kidney grille frame remains unchanged, its structure now features new horizontal lines added to the mesh design, accentuating the iconic roadster’s bold and distinctive character even further.

Accompanying the new black kidney grille are newly-designed side air intakes, as well as the M high-gloss Shadowline with extended contents as standard.

While the Steptronic Sport transmission and the M Sport brake remain standard for the new Z4 sDrive30i M Sport, the roadster is now newly outfitted with Adaptive M suspension as well.

Further enhancing the roadster are the new Double-spoke style 19-inch M light Alloy Wheels.

Interior now comes with trim finishers in Aluminium Mesheffect.

Familiar equipment that make up the hallmark comfort and feature-richness of the roadster are retained, such as the BMW Head-Up Display, both Driving and Parking Assistant, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, M Sport seats for driver and front passenger, as well as the luxurious Leather Vernasca upholstery.

In addition to the current exterior colour offerings of Alpine White, Black Sapphire and San Francisco Red, the new Z4 sDrive30i M Sport now comes with three stunning new colours: Skyscraper Grey, Thundernight Metallic and Portimao Blue.

Colours of the interior upholstery include Leather Vernasca in Black décor with Black stitching, Ivory White décor with Black stitching, Magma Red décor with Black stitching, or Cognac décor with Black stitching.

With the Straight Line Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the new Z4 sDrive30i M Sport can be owned with a monthly installment plan starting from RM6,023 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a seven-year tenure).

Owners of the new Z4 sDrive30i M Sport will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

> BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
> BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
> The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card
> BMW Service Online


Volkswagen ID.R sets new 6:05.336min electric record on Nürburgring

                WOLFSBURG (Germany): Volkswagen's ID.R has managed to lap the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in six minutes and 5.336 seconds – faster than any electric vehicle before it.

Taking control of the all-electric racecar powered by two electric motors, Frenchman Romain Dumas managed to crack the previous record set by Briton Peter Dumbreck in the NIO EP9 two years ago by 40.564 seconds.

To prepare for the Nürburgring Nordschleife challenge, in just five months Volkswagen Motorsport gave the ID.R a complete makeover compared to the record outings on Pikes Peak and in Goodwood.

“For this evolved version of the ID.R, the aerodynamic configuration was more strongly adapted to the highest possible speed, rather than maximum downforce,” explained Volkswagen Motorsport technical director François-Xavier Demaison.

“With extensive test laps in the simulator and on the race track, we adapted the ID.R to the unique conditions of the Nordschleife, focussing mainly on chassis tuning, energy management and optimal choice of tyres for the record attempt.”

With an average speed of 206.96kph, the ID.R silently navigated through the circuit with its 680PS of emission-free power.

“The Nordschleife of the Nürburgring is not only the world’s most demanding race track but is also the ultimate test for production vehicles,” said Volkswagen Group chairman of the board of management Herbert Diess.

“The ID.R has mastered this challenge with great distinction and has completed the fastest emission-free lap of all time. As further proof of its impressive performance capabilities, Volkswagen’s e-mobility can now proudly call itself ‘Nürburgring-approved’. I congratulate the team from Volkswagen Motorsport and driver Romain Dumas on the third record for the ID.R”

Within just twelve months, Volkswagen Motorsport has already set three track records with the ID.R.

On June 24, 2018, Dumas achieved the absolute track record of seven minutes and 57.148 seconds at the renowned Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (USA).

Three weeks later, he achieved a new best time for electric cars of 43.86 seconds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in southern England.

The new record on the legendary Nordschleife has now been added to this successful run.

For Dumas, a four-time winner of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, the record lap with the ID.R is another highlight on his favourite track.

"To be a record-holder on the Nordschleife makes me unbelievably proud,” said Dumas. “For me, this is the best and most difficult race track in the world. I want to thank the team at Volkswagen Motorsport, who have once again done a fantastic job. The ID.R was perfectly prepared for the Nordschleife and it was so much fun to experience the blistering acceleration and rapid cornering speeds.”

“This impressive success story is the result of meticulous preparation by our engineers, the flawless work by the whole team during testing and of course a perfect driving performance by Romain Dumas,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Sven Smeets.


Toyota is on top again in Fortune's list

                DALLAS: Fortune Magazine has again named Toyota as one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” and named the No. 1 Motor Vehicle company for the third year running in an annual ranking.

Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list recognised Toyota as No. 34 among the Top 50 “All-Star” companies surveyed.

Fortune’s “World’s Most Admired Companies” list is widely acknowledged as the definitive report card on corporate reputation and is based on company surveys and industry peer ratings from senior executives, directors and industry analysts.

For each company, the survey measures nine attributes considered critical to a company’s global success, including quality of products and services, social and environmental responsibility, global competitiveness, and value as an investment, among others.

"Toyota is proud to be listed once again as among the world’s most admired companies,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer. “This recognition honours the commitment of our team to continuous improvement and exceeding customer expectations. Together, we at Toyota are leading the industry in creating the future of mobility and are making a positive difference in the world through safer, greener and more fun driving experiences.”


JLR to launch 30 new vehicles in China over next two years

                BEIJING: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plans to launch 30 new or revamped vehicles in China in the next two years, it said on Wednesday, seeking to build on a recent recovery in sales in the world’s biggest auto market.

JLR, owned by India’s Tata Motors, said the models would include imported ones as well as products built by Chery Jaguar Land Rover, its local joint venture with Wuhu-based carmaker Chery Auto.

The plan follows a 17% rise in JLR’s sales in China in August and a 40% jump in July, after a more than 20% decline last year.

JLR also said in a statement it aimed to further adjust its sales and dealership system to improve profitability.

Overall auto sales in China fell 4.3% in July, declining for a 13th consecutive month, according to data from China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

To tackle the slowdown, global and local carmakers from Ford to Geely are working on new vehicles to try to boost sales.


Computer glitch leaves 900 Shell stations unable to dispense fuel

                PETALING JAYA: A computer glitch at Shell Malaysia's centralised monitoring system crippled the operation of 900 of its petrol stations nationwide today as motorists were unable to fill up their tanks.

The glitch started at midnight resulting in the petrol pumps, which are linked to the system, to stop dispensing fuel.

Only petrol stations with the older version of the pumps, which are not linked directly to the system, were able to dispense the fuel. However, only a handful of the stations has such older machines.

The transaction at the older pumps can only be done with cash payments as the credit card readers attached to these machines were unable to activate and connect to the system.

A Shell spokesman confirmed the problem and said they were working to resolve the issue.


Nvidia halts self-driving tests in wake of Uber accident

                SAN JOSE: Chipmaker Nvidia Corp said on Tuesday it has suspended self-driving tests across the globe, a week after an Uber Technologies Inc autonomous vehicle struck and killed a woman crossing a street in Arizona.

Uber is one of Nvidia’s partners and uses some of its self-driving technology. Nvidia’s shares closed down 7.8 percent at US$225.52, wiping out more than US$11 billion in market value.

Nvidia shares have more than doubled in value in the past 12 months on bets that the company will become a leader in chips for driverless cars, data centers and artificial intelligence.

Uber suspended North American tests of its autonomous vehicles after the fatal collision on March 18 in Tempe, Arizona. And Arizona on Monday suspended permission for Uber to test self-driving vehicles on public streets.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles said on Tuesday that Uber indicated it would not renew its current permit to test autonomous vehicles in California.

Under current terms, Uber is allowed to test autonomous vehicles on California public roads until March 31.

Uber should be given a chance to understand what went wrong, Nvidia chief executive officer Jensen Huang said at the company’s annual GPU Conference in San Jose, California. “We don’t know what happened.”

In addition, Huang said he expected investments in self-driving technology would rise, not fall, in the aftermath of the Uber fatality.

Nvidia leads the autonomous industry with its artificial intelligence platform and has partnered with major global automakers such as Volkswagen AG, Tesla Inc and Audi AG.

Nvidia has been conducting testing of self-driving cars around the globe, including in Santa Clara, California; New Jersey, Japan and Germany,

“Our global fleet of manually driven data collection vehicles continue to operate,” a company spokesman said.

Reuters earlier on Tuesday reported about the test suspension, citing a source.

"Nvidia has no choice but to take steps in the context of the fear, uncertainty and outrage likely to be stimulated by a robot car killing a human being," Roger Lanctot, an automotive technology analyst with Strategy Analytics, wrote in a blog post on Tuesday.

The Nvidia DRIVE platform is used by over 370 companies developing self-driving technology, including automakers and robotaxi companies and makers of self-driving hardware, such as sensors, Huang said on Tuesday.

Analyst Kinngai Chan from Summit Insight Group said he does not expect the suspension to hurt Nvidia’s earnings.

The question is whether it would be one or two years before fully autonomous vehicles are ready, Chan said, adding if it is pushed out further then the multiple for stock needs to come down as the valuation is very high.

Nvidia, which generates the bulk of its revenue from chips used in gaming and data centres, reported automotive revenue of US$132 million in its fiscal fourth quarter ended Jan 28. That mainly consists of revenue from infotainment and development agreements for self-driving cars.


BMW on verge of adding automakers to self-driving consortium

                NEW YORK: BMW AG, long an advocate of collaboration among rival manufacturers in the race towards self-driving cars, is in talks with at least two peers about joining its automated-driving group and expects to announce new members in the next three to four months.

Companies that initially tried to go it alone are realizing the immense research costs and daunting technological challenges and are deciding to partner up, Klaus Froehlich, BMW’s head of development, said in an interview at the Los Angeles Auto Show last week. BMW is currently talking with two or three big carmakers about joining the consortium, he added.

“We have a lot of traffic at the moment,” Froehlich said, referring to the number of manufacturers expressing interest. “In 2015 to 2016, everybody thought he will make it; he will be superior.”

BMW started its self-driving coalition in 2016 with Mobileye, the computer-vision company that’s since been acquired by Intel Corp. for about US$15 billion. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV joined in August 2017. BMW also has added a slew of suppliers, including Aptiv Plc, Continental AG, and Magna International Inc. The group aims to develop fully automated driving systems by 2021.

High cost

The first generation of technology for more sophisticated partially autonomous driving systems costs about $1 billion and will serve as building blocks for future iterations that will be commercialized, Froehlich said. Car companies that spent this and now are looking to partner realize they will have to discard earlier versions of their tech and replace it with jointly developed software, he said.

“They have to invest the first billion, already knowing that this tech will not survive,” he said. “You have a lot of sunk costs.”

Froehlich said China will become the world leader in automated driving, because the US approach of letting individual autonomous-vehicle companies test in different cities is “a little bit of anarchy.” European regulators are too slow in updating laws to adapt to even the early stages of autonomous-driving technology, he said.

China has “good companies, software, hardware companies; they are expanding to very powerful chipsets, and there’s a political will, its very clear,” Froehlich said. “On electrification, they were also quite late; now they’re the lead market. It will be the same with on-demand mobility.”


GWM Malaysia presents Ora Good Cat EV to ministry for testing

                KUALA LUMPUR: GWM Malaysia has presented an Ora Good Cat electric vehicle (EV) to International Trade and Industry Ministry for evaluation purposes.

The Good Cat 500 Ultra flagship variant was handed over by Great Wall Motor Asean region president Elliot Zhang to ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.

The ministry will use the EV for a series of test drives over the new few months.

GWM Malaysia said the Malaysian government, which has announced plans for the country to become a carbon-neutral nation by 2054, has been a strong supporter of GWM's efforts to introduce new energy solutions.

 Zhang (left) and Isham with the Good Cat EV.

"GWM Malaysia is taking a proactive stance towards advancing electric vehicles and sustainable transportation solutions.

"The company has formulated a local strategy to support Malaysia's transition from fuel-energy vehicles to energy-efficient vehicles, with bigger plans to launch more hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and fuel-cell electric vehicles in the market.

"This strategy shows that GWM Malaysia is dedicated to promoting eco-friendliness and contributing to a more sustainable future," the company said in a statement.

GWM Malaysia also said it is working to establish a network of EV charging stations that are easily accessible and convenient to alleviate potential concerns about the availability of charging infrastructure and increase EV adoption.


Sarawak-side Pan Borneo Highway Project to open first phase by year-end, says Fadillah

                BINTULU: The government is optimistic that the construction of phase one of the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sarawak can be completed by the end of this year.

Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the target was achievable despite challenges faced during the construction period, including the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We target phase one of Sarawak's Pan Borneo Highway project from Telok Melano to Miri will be fully opened by the end of this year.

"Although (previously) we faced several challenges such as the shortage of manpower and raw material supply, we are giving our full commitment to complete the phase one of the project by the end of this year," he said in his speech at the opening of the Nyabau flyover here today.

The 1.2-kilometre flyover was the longest elevated intersection for Sarawak portion of the Pan Borneo Highway.

The RM16.117bil project which had 11 work packages and started in October 2015 involved the construction of a 786km stretch of road from Telok Melano to Miri.

Meanwhile, Fadillah said the successful construction of the Sarawak side of the Pan Borneo Highway was the result of close cooperation between the state and federal governments. The highway extends into Sabah. The Sabah side of the highway project has been moving at a much slower pace than the one in Sarawak.

"We have (so far) managed to open several road alignments of the highway, including in Telok Melano as well as from Serian to Balai Ringin and in Julau. We are targeting that more (will be opened)," he added.


Nissan Sylphy Zero Emission rolls out in China

                GUANGZHOU: The Nissan Sylphy Zero Emission, the first Nissan electric car made for China, has begun rolling off the production line.

The start of production by Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co. (Dongfeng Nissan), Nissan’s joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group Co., Ltd., coincides with another milestone: The companies have built 10 million vehicles in China since they started operations.

As Nissan’s first all-electric vehicle built in China specifically for Chinese consumers, the Nissan Sylphy Zero Emission promises to usher in a new era of electrification in the world’s largest automotive market.

The model was developed based on the platform of the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, and the best-selling Nissan sedan in China, the Sylphy. It’s being built at Dongfeng Nissan’s Huadu plant.

Ranking among Nissan’s most productive plants, Huadu has played a key role in the 15 years since the company began operating in China.

The plant is on a path to help Dongfeng Nissan reach the next 10 million-vehicle milestone by producing the Sylphy Zero Emission, along with many other planned models aimed at delivering excitement and the latest mobility solutions to Chinese consumers.

Building on their strong partnership over the past 15 years, Dongfeng and Nissan will continue to bring advanced technologies and world-class vehicles to customers in China.


BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage introduced

                CYBERJAYA: BMW Group Malaysia has digitalised its ownership experience by introducing two new online platforms for digital vehicle booking and financing pre-approval.

Dubbed BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage respectively, the German automotive brand in Malaysia is utilising these platforms to promote its Unplug and Play campaign.

BMW Engage, a first-of-its-kind for the German car brand's online financing platform, was introduced by BMW Credit (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to help complement its BMW Shop Online platform for a contactless experience.

This enables customers the ability to apply for pre-approval for their financing from the comfort of their home via a seamless application process.

At current, the platforms are promoting the company's Unplug and Play campaign (available from now until June 30) which provides exclusive online offers for its Sport and M Sport variants of the 530e plug-in hybrid executive sedan.

The campaign currently provides exclusive online offers for its Sport and M Sport variants of the 530e executive sedan that brings with it cash rebates from RM10,000 and RM20,000 respectively and a 0% interest rate for both variants.

Customers can now make bookings for the  BMW  530e  Sport and  BMW  530e  M  Sport at RM1,000 via the BMW Shop Online. To get financing pre-approval before shopping, customers can visit BMW Engage.

New buyers of the 530e will also be in the running to drive home a new i8 Coupe electric vehicle or receive a BMW i Wallbox when booking the 530e Sport online.

Successful new owners of the 530e will receive a BMW ChargeNow card that grants access to partner charging stations that include ChargEV by Malaysian Green Technology Corporation.

With the BMW ChargeNow service, customers can enjoy 24/7 support and access to all charging locations in ChargEV’s continuously growing network that offers more than 270 charging facilities nationwide. For new owners of the 530e M Sport variant, a BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable will be provided.

"We are pleased to introduce our new digital touchpoints to continue providing a seamless ownership experience for our customers during this period," said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Harald Hoelzl.


It's still status quo as Govt tests out targeted petrol subsidy scheme

                KUALA LUMPUR: The government is still testing the targeted subsidy mechanism for petrol to ensure the system being implemented is suitable and easy to use for both the urban and rural areas.

Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz reiterated that the testing will take three to six months before the start of the phased implementation which is intended to prevent a surge in inflation or adverse impact on the economic growth momentum.

"Our strategy is to implement in phases the switch from blanket subsidies to a combination of targeted subsidies and cash assistance.

"With the rising cost of subsidies, the government also has to find ways to cover subsidies by coming up with guidelines on public expenditure savings,” he said when tabling the 104th People’s Financial Report on Facebook today.

Tengku Zafrul said the measures to save on spending will help fund any subsidy-related enhancement for the people’s welfare.

"Therefore, ministries, departments and agencies need to restructure allocations and propose savings on the operating allocation to achieve the target of at least five per cent savings on the remaining operating allocation for 2022,” he said.


Daimler to map out deeper overhaul, EV plans at investor meeting

                FRANKFURT: Daimler AG investors are anxious to hear more about plans for Mercedes-Benz electric cars and sweeping cost cuts when the German automaker’s managers brief investors today.

Almost one year after newly installed Chief Executive Officer Ola Kallenius warned the company has no quick fixes — a message that underwhelmed investors — Daimler is expected to highlight its future product plans and better-than-expected performance amid a pandemic-triggered industry slump.

"We think Mercedes’ product strategy will be in focus,” Patrick Hummel, an analyst at UBS Group AG who has a neutral rating on the stock, said in a note to clients. The main pillars could be accelerating electric-vehicle plans, expanding in high-end luxury niches and streamlining the brand’s legacy combustion-engine portfolio, he said.

The world’s bestselling luxury-car maker’s is still in talks with its powerful labor unions over management’s push for deeper cost cuts. But Kallenius closed a painful chapter for Daimler last month by settling U.S. litigation claims related to diesel cars.

"There is a low bar!” Arndt Ellinghorst, an analyst at Sanford Bernstein with an "outperform” rating on the stock, wrote in an open letter to Kallenius and Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm ahead of the meeting.

"You should relax, expectations are low, it can’t get much worse and this time you’re back at hosting the event from Stuttgart,” he said, referring to the management team’s debut in London last year.

The messaging to investors is expected to be more focused after Kallenius hired Max Warburton, Ellinghorst’s predecessor at Bernstein, as adviser and head of special projects earlier this year to help get his restructuring plan off the ground.

Daimler shares are down about 3.1% this year, outperforming larger German peer Volkswagen AG, which suffered a 24% slump, and archrival BMW AG, whose stock is down 13% year-to-date.

Five key issues investors are looking for clarity on at Daimler’s capital markets day:

> Update on electric and hybrid model rollouts to meet stricter emissions regulations
> Restructuring talks over job cuts and streamlining of automaker’s factory network
> Weeding out complexity across the Mercedes vehicle lineup by axing slow-selling model variants
> Expansion in China through more cooperation with top shareholder Geely and joint-venture partner BAIC Motor Corp.
> Future of alliance with Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co.

Kallenius has signalled plans last month to leverage the company’s high-end Maybach nameplate in an effort to focus more on larger luxury vehicles, which generate higher returns than compact vehicles.

He also has said the industry’s tectonic shift towards electric and self-driving cars offers more opportunities than risks for Daimler.

"We have to improve the financial performance of the company,” he said.


Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo coming in June 2019

                PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) is gearing up for its fourth installment this year with the theme of ‘The Future of Transportation in Malaysia’ which will be head at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) from June 20 to 22 2019.

The expo is South East Asia's largest exhibition dedicated to commercial vehicles will see about 60 exhibitors, many of which were in the past editions of the expo and are the leading players in the industry, taking up an exhibition space of 8,000 sqm to showcase their latest products and innovations in the commercial vehicle market.

New major players joining this year’s expo include Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd (TCIE) and coach builder, Terus Maju Services Sdn Bhd, who are also taking up significant exhibition space.

Stefan Pertz, editor of the Asian Trucker and Asian Buses magazines, and organizer of the MCVE said, “What exhibitors and delegates can expect is an expo that is multi-faceted – beyond just a trade show. There will be a Rest and Relax (R&R) area to encourage meeting and interaction between delegates and exhibitors.

"The Scania Driver Competition MCVE Edition will once again return, as well as a variety of fringe programs including seminars and networking sessions.”

Among the highlights of this year’s event is the exhibitor’s ‘Hour of Power’ whereby selected exhibitors are given the ‘power’ to use their creativity during the designated hour to vie for the attention of the delegates, without having to rigidly comply to the expo’s guidelines.

Some exhibitors are also sponsoring and supporting the key components of the event. Guardian South East Asia and Nittsu Transport will be supporting the R&R area with food trucks to provide free food and coffee.

Hengst is the main sponsor of the networking area and Giti Tire will host the lunch for the Asian Trucker Drivers Club members. Shell is the official provider of the fuels and lubricants at MCVE 2019.


Behold the Jeep of Justice

LOS ANGELES: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Warner Bros. Pictures (WB) are joining forces in a one-of-kind co-branded partnership to mark the premiere of the highly anticipated debut of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (opening in US theatres on March 25).

The unique alliance includes the introduction of the all-new 2016 Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition  in addition to branded television spots with the Jeep and Dodge brands, and social/digital extensions creating consumer engagement leading up to the film’s premiere next month.

“Thanks to an extensive brand and product portfolio, we were able to address every automobile need for the movie including Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, FIAT, Alfa Romeo and Maserati, and from our sister company CNH Industrial, Iveco heavy-duty commercial vehicles,” said Olivier Francois, chief marketing officer, FCA Global.

"With much of the film’s production taking place in our own backyard of Detroit, our ability to creatively collaborate with the WB team reached new heights. The product integration was so organic to the filmmakers' vision and storyline, all we had to do was incorporate scenes from the movie for our commercials.”

Available in Granite Crystal or new, exclusive Carbon Black exterior paint colors, the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition features new 18-inch Gloss Black wheels with Gloss Black accents around the exterior.

The Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition models with Granite Crystal paint also feature a two-tone Gloss Black roof. A unique exterior badge hints at the inspiration for this special-edition Jeep SUV.

Inside, the Jeep Renegade’s blacked-out theme continues with a black interior, black premium cloth seats and High Gloss Black finishes. Metal Diamond accents are found throughout on key touch points such as the shifter knob and door handles.

The Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition is based on the Jeep Renegade Latitude 4x4 and comes standard with a 2.4-liter Tigershark engine with MultiAir2, nine-speed automatic transmission, Jeep Active Drive 4x4, Selec-Terrain with four drive modes and a variety of features, including the ParkSense rear backup camera.

Also standard on the Jeep Renegade Dawn of Justice Special Edition is the Popular Equipment Group, which includes remote start, power driver’s seat and dual-zone automatic temperature control.


No more summonses discount? Transport Ministry to discuss with police, councils

                SEPANG: The Transport Ministry will hold talks with the police and local authorities to stop offering discounts on traffic summonses, says its minister Anthony Loke.

"At the moment, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has stopped offering discounts for traffic summonses as it comes under the Transport Ministry.

"There must be a similar policy and consistency, and I will convey this message to the police and local authorities," he added.

Loke said the move was aimed at creating a climate of fear among road users to abide by traffic rules whilst reducing road accidents. "We don't want to send the wrong message to the public.

"If there is a discount, they will not be bothered if penalised for their offences," he told reporters after launching the integrated operations and road safety campaign in conjunction with the coming Chinese New Year celebrations at the Dengkil Rest and Recreational Area today.

He noted that JPJ had issued 90,000 AES summonses since Sept 1 last year, of which 10,000 offenders settled their dues.

Earlier in his speech, Loke said he was aware of criticism on social media over his decision for JPJ to stop giving discounts on summonses.

"I don't care if people want to get angry with me or say that we are cruel.

"I will be firm in my decision and have told JPJ not to give anymore discounts," he said.

Loke said some 15,000 enforcement and highway personnel would be mobilised to keep an eye on motorists during the campaign period between Jan 29 and Feb 12.

Based on statistics, he said a total of 21,041 road accidents happened during the campaign period last year compared to 20,752 accidents recorded in 2017.

Of this, he said a total of 226 fatalities were recorded during the same period last year, which was a reduction of 31 cases compared 257 fatalities recorded in 2017.

"In my view, 226 death during the two week campaign period is still very high, and I hope all parties including road-users will make the effort to reduce this figure," he said.

Apart from enforcement operations, Loke said the speed limit for state and federal roads would be reduced by 10kmph during the campaign period to 70kmph and 80kmph respectively.

He also said that all road works along the highway, federal and state roads would be stopped during this period.

He added that heavy commercial vehicles would be prohibited from using the highways between Feb 2 and Fed 4 as well as between Feb 9 and Feb 10.


Nissan to consider Renault proposal on IP safeguards, say sources

                TOKYO/PARIS: A committee of Nissan's board is set to meet next week to consider proposals from Renault to address a sticking point in talks to restructure the alliance between the two automakers, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

Specifically, Nissan directors will consider proposals from Renault on how the Japanese automaker's technology and intellectual property would be protected as Renault restructures, an issue that has been a concern for the Japanese company, according to the people, who asked not to be named because the talks remain private.

Renault and Nissan declined to comment.

The two automakers had readied plans to announce a potential deal on a restructured tie-up last month but failed to reach terms. The two sides have been in intensive negotiations since October when Renault CEO Luca De Meo went to Japan to meet Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida.

Renault is looking for Nissan to invest in an electric-vehicle business it will carve out of its operations, while Nissan wants Renault to sell most its roughly 43% stake in Nissan to put the 23-year alliance on a more equal footing, Reuters has previously reported.

If Renault's proposals address Nissan's concerns about its technology, the two sides would be closer to an agreement on the framework for a restructured partnership, although key issues remain, including Nissan's potential investment in Renault's new electric vehicle (EV) business, code-named Ampere, the sources said.

The involvement of Nissan board members in reviewing specific proposals from its French partner also represents progress and a sign that working-level negotiations are shifting toward higher-level approval, one of the people said.

The details of Renault's proposed protections for Nissan technology were not immediately known. It was also not immediately clear how many directors on Nissan's 12-member board, which includes Uchida, would be involved in the meeting set for next week.

Renault has separately negotiated a non-binding agreement with Chinese automaker Geely to launch a new joint venture that would supply combustion engines and hybrid technologies to both brands and potentially other automakers.

Renault's restructuring is intended to secure investment for its EV business at a time when its larger rivals are stepping up commitments in battery-powered cars and the technology expected to dominate global sales in the next decade.

Renault, which will announce its annual results on Feb 16, has secured the support of its main shareholder, the French government, for its restructuring, a third person with knowledge of that development said.

Nissan holds 15% of Renault and does not hold voting rights. Renault's dominance in the alliance has been a source of contention for many executives at the Japanese automaker who have complained that the relationship was unbalanced.

France's government also holds a 15% stake in Renault.

Among the issues that have been addressed in the negotiations have been how Renault could transfer shares in Nissan to a trust as part of a restructured partnership that would leave it with a 15% stake in Nissan, people involved in the talks have said.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp, the junior partner in the alliance, has been waiting for the talks between Nissan and Renault to conclude before making its own decision on investing in the French automaker's EV unit, Reuters has reported.

The Renault-Nissan alliance started in 1999 when the French automaker came to the rescue of Nissan and steered it through a turnaround under Carlos Ghosn, who became Nissan CEO in 2000.

The changes both sides are negotiating to their partnership would represent the biggest changes since Ghosn was arrested and ousted in 2018.


BMW X1 driven in Munich

BMW continues the front-wheel drive momentum in the second-generation X1, focusing clearly on the smaller body dimension model range to capitalise on the interior space advantage such a drive system provides.

Though BMW did not make immediate mention of this trend, it did elaborate on the improved interior space gained over the earlier model, which was a rear-wheel drive SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle).

This front-wheel drive engineering was already applied in the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer, and the positive global response to these new models in the BMW range augured well for its move in this direction.

Compared to the earlier model, the latest X1 is taller by 53mm with more headroom to accommodate the higher ride height in front (+36mm) and rear (+64mm), giving the driver a higher vantage point.

Knee room for the rear passengers in the standard version is increased by 37mm and up to 66mm with the optional adjustable rear seat that can slide 13mm fore and aft.

There is also the optional full folding front passenger seatrest to expand interior space for long items; as it were, the boot capacity provides 505 litres of space (85 more over the precedessor) and with the standard 40:20:40 split folding rear seatrest, load capacity can be expanded by more than threefold to 1,550 litres.

The new X1 is also slightly shorter than the previous model at 4,439mm from 4,454mm, although wider at 1,821mm (1,798mm) and BMW could make use of a shorter wheelbase (2,670mm to 2,760mm) as well; this wheelbase is the same as that for the 2 Series Active Tourer.

What we liked most about the latest X1 is its more balanced body profile in that the long nose design is not so obvious and the outline from front to rear is more proportionate.

Although it still retained the familiar touches such as the square contour of the front wheel arches, the body lines are honed to reflect the new BMW family design; its aerodynamic profile, depending on the variant, is as low as 0.28 in co-efficient of drag.

BMW interprets the new face of the X1 in the large, upright BMW grille, three-section lower air intake and characteristic ‘six-eyed’ look formed by the twin circular headlights and foglamps; LED (light emitting diode) daytime running lights are standard in all variants while full LED headlights for low and high beam can be specified as an option.

The previous X1 model was a success story for BMW with more than 730,000 units sold. This German carmaker believes the new platform will deliver a lot more without the need for a bigger and heavier vehicle.

Six variants were introduced, being the sDrive20i, xDrive20i, xDrive25i, sDrive18d, xDrive20d and xDrive25d; all have the new generation four-cylinder engines that are cleaner and fuel efficient without losing the grunt.

Although only two variants are front-wheel drive, BMW is applying what it calls an intelligent all-wheel drive system in an efficiency-optimising form for the new X1 chassis.

This is described as a weight-saving, compact and efficient system that uses an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute drive between front and rear axles for the situation at hand; in other words, in real time.

Drive goes to the front wheels under normal conditions but can be diverted 100% to the rear in the blink of an eye if there is a need for that.

We participated in the global media drive that took us from the BMW press and fleet service in Garching, Munich to the southern part of Bavaria that borders Austria, covering about 300km of mostly secondary roads running through farmlands and hamlets.

Only the top two variants were offered - the xDrive25i and xDrive25d.

We focused on the petrol version as being the more relevant one, although the Malaysian market would see the introduction of the sDrive20i and xDrive20i in the near future.

The xDrive25i has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with the usual BMW standards; TwinPower Turbo technology, TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, Valvetronic fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing.

Power is respectable at 231hp and 350Nm that develops early from 1,250rpm, which gave this X1 variant the strong initial acceleration despite its kerb weight of 1,540kg (DIN).

The eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission comes with Sport mode and steering wheel paddles as per the modern day BMW specification for an engaging drive.

Given the few instances of clear open roads (taking into consideration this being the summer holiday season), we could prompt the accelerator to pick up speed quickly to pass slower traffic.

And when the roads began to meander in various degrees of curves and camber, we found the electric power steering (EPS) well up to expectation for the directional feedback and feel, both at parking speeds and on the go.

The effort that BMW engineers put into the suspension – single joint spring strut front and multi-link rear – and the full gamut of electronic dynamic assistance gave us the confidence when taking corners quickly.

Even when it was pushed into a corner to a fair extent with the tyres squealing their protests, the new X1 continued to perform dynamically well without straying from its intended line.

And for a vehicle that is taller compared with the previous model, the new X1 took the bends with its body lean kept nicely in check to reduce the drama and perhaps, prompting us to go even faster.

If you wish to enjoy efficient driving performance, there is the ECO PRO option (with the Steptronic automatic model) to coast and save fuel; Auto Start Stop function; Optimum Shift Indicator; Brake Energy Regeneration; to name a few.

We couldn’t fault the new X1 on ride comfort either as it took to bumps well enough, absorbing the impacts sufficiently for a steady ride and less jolting.

On highways, the smooth flow of body lines eased the turbulence of the air around the SAV to make for a quiet ride, especially when going full trot on the autobahns.

BMW also arranged a little off-road course for those who wanted to check out its all-wheel drive performance along a 60-degree bank, going up and down a stepped course, and driving over a balance ladder frame.

We might not have driven the front-wheel drive version of the new X1 but the xDrive25i has impressed us enough on what it could deliver in general and why it should continue to hold strong appeal, taking over seamlessly from the previous model.


Renault confident of F1 success again

                Thomas Huong talks to Renault Sport F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul about the French engine manufacturer’s relationship with Red Bull Racing and its future in Formula 1.

Despite a disappointing season-opening at the Australian F1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, Renault Sport F1 has good reason to be optimistic after all four Renault-powered cars scored points at the recent Sepang race.

Q: Can you talk about the present state of your relationship with Red Bull Racing?
Abiteboul: It is complex - they are a great team, and pure racers. They want to be winners. Right now, they are not in a position to do so, because in truth, our engine performance is such that they cannot make up the deficit.  They are also extremely frustrated with the new engine regulations.
But because this is our works team, they have a voice in the development strategy.  That is where things get a little complicated - they are a part of the equation related to engine performance. If we are failing, we are failing together.

Q: What will it take to get to a certain level of competitiveness by mid-season?
Abiteboul: This is a long-term journey. It will not happen over one winter. Basically, if you look at the maths, between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes, there is a lap time of two seconds. These two seconds are spread equally between driveability and chassis performance. On driveability, we have recovered half of the deficit. Driveability is the difference between what the driver is requesting and the response the engine is giving. There are also factors like the set-up of the car, wet and dry conditions, the balance and tyre degradation. Our plan is to recover everything with regards to driveability by Monaco, which is Race 6. I am quite sure that, by the first race next year, we will be on par with Mercedes.Q: Can you talk about the steps you have taken to improve reliability?
Abiteboul: Reliability is something that you plan upstream and very early in the project. You prefer to plan for reliability, rather than have to react to reliability issues. What that means - when you design a new car, you make sure to design it right the first time. How do we do that? From my perspective, it is a mix of two things. Changing the mindset and culture in our factory where there must be a total quality control culture.

For example, Toyota introduced this culture of total quality. We need to have the same thing in F1. Also, this engine technology is very new, and a part of this engine was subcontracted to suppliers. We need to take more ownership and control of the engine. And therefore, we need to in-source all the parts of the engine that were contracted to suppliers.

If you want to control the quality of the product, you need to be fully responsible for the design and development. For instance, we had a lot of reliability issues with the battery last year. The battery was designed by Red Bull, built by a subcontractor and operated on the track by Renault. It should not work like that. You have to go back to basics. It should be designed, manufactured and operated by Renault.

Q: Are you moving towards having a Renault factory team?
Abiteboul: What we need is to be in control of communications and processes. We also look at return on investment. What is coming next, I don’t know. What I can say is, we are extremely committed to the sport.

Q: How strong is the possibility of a Renault works team?
Abiteboul: It is a possibility. But it is not a priority. Our priority is to get the engine to where it is supposed to be. Then again, from a marketing perspective, if it is better to have a different partnership with a team, why not? The question is are we better in marketing and branding activities with sponsorship in F1 or in other forms? For instance, is it better for India to be in F1 or cricket? It is this constant analysis we do at Renault to make sure that we are spending in the most cost-efficient manner on marketing projects. At the end of the day, F1 is a marketing platform. But first, go through the numbers. Having a team means more costs. Can we afford it?

Q: In your opinion, is the future for F1 positive?
Abiteboul: We have to keep in mind that this is a show business. This is entertainment. I am afraid that sometimes, F1 is a bit too selfish, maybe self-centred. I think we need to question ourselves, to challenge our existing recipe - in order to improve. I think fundamentally, people continue to care for motor racing.

If you look at Cars, the movie - it is a huge success. There is absolutely no reason why F1 should not be successful in the future. For instance, if you win on Sunday, are you selling more (cars) on Monday? To do that, you need to have a better understanding of the marketing perspective, having the right product at the right price, with the right technology.

Q: Personally, do you prefer the old V10 or the new F1 engines?
Abiteboul: Personally, the V10s. I am too old, I prefer the noise of a V10. But now, for the first time in history, we can cut fuel consumption by 35%.
Imagine if all the cars worldwide were to cut their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 35%? If cars can embrace the type of technology that we are introducing in F1, that would solve the problem of global warming. Of course, it is not going to happen like that because it is so expensive.

But it is good. F1 is a demonstrator or a laboratory for innovations that can be useful and relevant for the future of the industry. It is important for F1 to evolve and embrace new technologies.At some point in time, F1 will be fully electric! Whether you like it or not - five years, 10 or 15 years, or 50 years. It is just a matter of time - unless something radical happens.


Geely group's remarkable rise via tech takeovers

                SHANGHAI: The Geely Group, which launched its first car in 1998 - less than two decades ago, has seen an amazing growth story.

Including Volvo Cars, the group sold over 1.3 million vehicles in 2016.

The group has over 60,000 employees across the world, and was listed in the Fortune 500 for the past six years.

Today, its Hong Kong-listed arm Geely Auto has its headquarters in Hangzhou and nine manufacturing plants in China, with an annual production capacity of 1.07 million vehicles.

 The Geely MPV Concept, unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show 2017, looks sleek and dynamic.

The rapid rise of the Geely Group is attributed to its entrepreneur-driven culture, as it was founded by 53-year-old Li Shufu who is also the controlling shareholder and chairman.

Li had a successful refrigerator and parts manufacturing business in 1986, before entering motorcycle production in 1993.

Global technology acquisitions

Technology acquisition and a commitment to innovation is at the heart of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd's aspiration to be among the world’s top 10 automotive entities by 2020.

The group takes pride in being the first Chinese automaker to develop its own range of highly-efficient and low-emission engines.

READ MORE:

2017 Geely Boyue: Quick test drive in Ningbo

Geely Auto: Carsifu visits Geely's Shanghai facilties

Geely Group now owns the Swedish car company which is a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, and has a vision of no one being killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by 2020.

To recap, chairman Li Shufu and the Geely Group made global headlines by acquiring Volvo Cars from Ford Motor in a US$1.5bil (RM6.44bil) deal in August 2010.

It was the first takeover of a premium global car brand by a Chinese company.

Before that, in 2009, Geely Auto bought troubled Australian transmission maker DSI (Drivetrain Systems International) for A$47.4 million (RM160.2mil).

At that time, DSI’s key products were four-speed and six-speed rear wheel drive automatic transmissions, and the company was also developing six-speed front wheel drive gearboxes as well as high torque seven-speed and eight-speed automatic transmissions, hybrid transmissions, dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

 Geely Auto R & D centre in Hangzhou.

Another head-line making acquisition was in February 2013, when it bought Manganese Bronze, which was subsequently renamed as the London Taxi Company.

In February 2014, the group also bought Emerald Automotive which specialises in light-weight, low emission and long range hybrid commercial vehicles.

In June 2017, the group struck a deal with DRB-Hicom Bhd under which the latter will acquire a 49.9 per cent stake in national automaker Proton Holdings Bhd for RM460.3mil.

Of the sum, RM170mil will be paid in cash, with the remaining RM290mil in the form of a transfer of Geely’s Boyue sports utility vehicle (SUV) platform to Proton.

The popular Boyue is expected to be used as a base for Proton’s first-ever SUV model.

Also, Zhejiang Geely will be paying 100mil pound sterling (RM540mil) to Proton for a 51 per cent stake in British sports car maker Lotus.

This milestone deal by Zhejiang Geely, which also owns Sweden’s Volvo Cars, London Taxi Company, Lynk & Co and the Geely Auto portfolio of car brands, is also seen as a step by the Chinese automotive group to enter right-hand-drive markets in the Asean region.

 Geely cars for quick test drives by Malaysian journalists in Hangzhou.

The group has four research and development centres in China, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as four design centers in Shanghai, Gothenburg, Barcelona and California.

Presently, there are over 400 designers from 19 countries led by chief designer Peter Horbury, working at Geely Auto’s design centres.

It's also noteworthy that the group is also involved in ride sharing and tertiary education.

It is the first Chinese automaker to enter the ride-hailing market in China, via an investment in Caocao.

It has invested in Beijing Geely University, China’s largest private university, established in 2000, Sanya college (2005), Zhejiang Automotive Technician School (2004), and Hunan Geely Automotive Technician School (2012).

Collectively, these institutes have 40,000 enrolled students with more than 10,000 graduates every year.

The group also established the Zhejiang Automotive Engineering Institute, China’s first graduate school for automotive engineering masters and doctors.


Petrol subsidies to continue despite rising oil prices

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will continue to protect the people from the impact of a sharp rise in inflation by continuing to provide subsidies despite rising global oil prices resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war.

National Budget Office director Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said this was the Government's commitment which also took into account the fact that the country is still in the early stages of recovery from Covid-19’s impact.

“The Government is maintaining the current subsidy policy to protect the people from price increases and disruptions to the food supply chain, even though the cost for the subsidies has increased considerably,” he said this on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme last night.

He said the Russia-Ukraine conflict saw oil prices spiking to more than US$100 per barrel, while Budget 2022 prepared by the Government was based on the projected or assumed oil price of US$67 per barrel.

He added that currently, Malaysians can still enjoy the RON95 petrol price of RM2.05 per litre, which is one of the lowest prices compared to oil-producing countries such as Saudi Arabia as well as neighbouring countries.

Without the subsidy, the price would be around RM4 per litre.

"The increase in oil prices also boosted palm oil prices, but the Government is still providing subsidised one-kilogramme packs of palm oil at the retail price of RM2.50 per pack, although according to the current market price, it is worth closer to RM10,” Johan said.

Apart from that, he said the Government had also maintained the price subsidy for chicken and eggs at the cost of more than RM500mil for a period of four months to stabilise prices, thus controlling the inflation rate.

Meanwhile, Johan said the Government is confident that it will be able to achieve the projected gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 5.5-6.5 per cent as well as create 600,000 jobs this year.

He pointed out that last year, 560,000 jobs were created despite the high number of Covid-19 cases and fatalities.

He noted that the unemployment rate had dropped to 4.2 per cent in January 2022 from 5.3 percent in May 2020, a positive indicator all around.

Johan also lauded the Short-Term Employment (MySTEP) programme which provides training and placement in the public sector and Government-linked companies (GLCs), saying that the programme provides meaningful work experience and improve employees' skills, helping them to land a job once the contract expires.

“Although employment in this programme is temporary or contract-based, it allows graduates, school leavers and the lesser-abled to earn higher salaries in subsequent jobs because they already have experience with reputable companies or organisations," he said.

The RM1.8bil MySTEP programme initiative offers 80,000 contract employment opportunities -- 50,000 in the public sector and 30,000 in GLCs and their strategic partners.

Johan also said that with the country entering the transition to the endemic phase on April 1, all economic sectors, including the tourism sector, will be able to boost their business activities with help from the Government through the various aid facilities. - Bernama


Volvo Car Malaysia opens largest Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre in Juru, Penang

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia has opened its newest and largest Volvo Car Damage Repair Centre in Malaysia.

Located in Juru, Penang, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art systems that comply with the latest green technology, ensuring end-to-end high-quality body repair and paint service.

Volvo Car Malaysia managing director Charles said the brand's newest and biggest Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre facility in Juru underscored the company's commitment to providing top-notch after-sales care service.

“Our customers have always been a priority and with our third Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre opening in less than a year, they can be assured that they are taken care of with Volvo’s international standard of care,” he said.

Juru was chosen as the location for the Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre due to its strategic location in the Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia and its proximity to major highways.

With a built-up space of 40,000 sq ft, the centre operated by iRoll Ipoh Sdn Bhd, is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly skilled technicians.

The centre’s modern and functional design complements the Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic of the Volvo brand with state-of-the-art systems complying with the latest green technology.

Among them is the advanced vehicle inspection and repair system, Car-O-Liner.

This powerful and accurate body and chassis alignment system enables technicians to detect all damages, even those that may not be visible to the naked eye.

With the Car-O-Liner, the body frame of a damaged car can be realigned to factory standards with precision, speed and safety ensuring customers peace of mind.

The centre also has the PIVAB mixing room and the PIVAB extend spray booth.

The PIVAB mixing room provides the technicians with a controlled atmosphere to mix the paint accurately and consistently, whereas the PIVAB extended spray booth helps remove fumes and particles from the air, which provides a healthier and safer space for the technicians.

iRoll Ipoh managing director Tan Loon Shen said the company is proud to partner with Volvo Car Malaysia and is committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of the Volvo Certified Damage Repair process, from diagnosis and repair to maintenance and service.

 Tan (left) with Frump at the launch ceremony.

“Equipped with environmentally friendly technologies and efficient workflow and processes, we aim to provide sustainable yet effective solutions for our customers' peace of mind, in line with Volvo's sustainability initiatives,” he said.

The Volvo Certified Damage Repair Centre in Juru Penang is located at Lot 829, Jalan Saga Jaya 3, Taman Perindustrian Saga Jaya, Perai, Penang.


US police cars get rear motion detectors to prevent ambushes

                WASHINGTON: Law enforcement officers in the United States who go on patrol in the latest 2017 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicle get new rear motion-detection system.

The system, from California-based company InterMotive, is seen as an important "Officer Protection Package" technology that is currently being fitted at no cost to US law enforcement agencies that ordered the 2017 Charger Pursuit vehicle.

The package is designed to increase an officer’s situational awareness when parked and working inside the vehicle and makes use of the vehicle's rear ParkSense system and ParkView backup camera to alert an officer of any movement.

A module plugs directly into the vehicle's OBDII port and then secured under the dashboard. Engaging the AUX 1 button then activates the system - making it a simple 'plug-and-play' device.

Once activated, any of the tripped sensors will provide an alert chime for the officer to observe what is behind the vehicle via the camera display. Meanwhile, the door's central locking and power windows are secured and tail lights begin to flash.

“This technology is designed to prevent an officer from being ambushed from the rear while parked. While it does not replace vigilance, this technology acts as a second set of eyes and provides police officers with added peace of mind when they are in a parked Charger Pursuit," said FIAT Chrysler Automobiles vice president (US sales operations, fleet and small business sales) Jeff Kommor.

InterMotive notes that tragic ambushes of police officers over the last year are driving demand with an increase in the number of agencies requesting this technology.


First Range Rover produced under social distancing

                SOLIHULL: The first Range Rover made under new social distancing measures drove off the production line at Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing plant here, following the recent temporary pause in production due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Effective social distancing, hygiene and health monitoring measures are in place following an extensive review of all production lines, engineering facilities, office areas and communal spaces as the company starts a phased return to manufacturing.

Employees’ health and wellbeing are at the centre of this plan and, with the implementation of the new protocol, staff will experience a significant number of changes to their working day from the moment they enter the site.

Measures include temperature checks with thermal cameras, a two-metre distance between people wherever possible, Personal Protective Equipment where that is not the case, the introduction of one-way systems and enhanced cleaning at the plants.

In addition, Jaguar Land Rover is offering every employee a reusable face visor made by the company.

Grant McPherson, Jaguar Land Rover Executive Director, Manufacturing, said: “Seeing the first Range Rover come off our line today is a defining moment for Jaguar Land Rover, for all of us who work for the company and the many businesses in our supply chain. It marks the end of our temporary shutdown and signals the beginning of a return to normality. But, of course, this is a new normal."


10 reasons people say no to driverless cars

                LONDON: If you ask Brits today what they think about driverless cars, most would give them the thumbs-down.

According to a new survey, just over five per cent of motorists asked by Britain’s largest specialist insurance broker Adrian Flux said they would embrace the new technology that’s causing such a buzz in the motoring world, with 24 per cent undecided.

FIRST FIVE REASONS> We are a long way from having such devices as a practical option. A mix of self-driving cars and 'driver' driven cars would seem a recipe for disaster.> I don't trust the ability to write software to control a vehicle without including bugs.> I am worried that when they develop faults (and they will - all cars do), the consequences could be a whole lot more serious than with conventional cars.> You will never enjoy going for a drive for pleasure again.> A person can make better decisions than a computer in certain circumstances.

Google has sunk millions of dollars into developing autonomous vehicles that have so far travelled more than 1.7 million miles with just 11 minor accidents - all the fault of other drivers.

But despite the clear implications for road safety, 70.3 per cent of 1,784 customers surveyed by Flux, which specialises in providing cover for modified and unusual vehicles, gave a red light to giving control of their driving to a computer.

Of those, more than 45 per cent don’t like the idea of not being in control, while nearly 36 per cent said they simply enjoy driving too much to hand over the reins.

Nearly five per cent worry about the implications of hacking, 4.4 per cent fear they will be too expensive, and 2.9 per cent don’t believe they will ever catch on.

One customer said: “I love the overall driving experience and being in control. I love technological advance but love to drive and the overall experience and the sensation it provides.”

Another, who spent a career in IT, added: “I know that if something could go wrong, there will come a time when it will.”

NEXT FIVE REASONS> Hacking is proven to be prolific and systems are not secure - one hack is one too many.> How will they cope once people learn that they can step or ride out and expect cars to stop, regardless of potential injury to occupants in an emergency stop? What about being stopped and robbed or attacked?> I don't like modern cars and I wouldn't replace my Beetle with anything.> If I'm heading towards a person or a cliff which choice would the car take?> We live in a tiny village that does not even have fibre optic broadband so driverless cars is a pipe dream

With even current cars open to hacking, including a Jeep that was brought to a halt on a US highway by a laptop-wielding hacker, some people are loathe to put their safety in the hands of a computer.

“I would not want my safety decided by a software engineer,” said one respondent, while another added: “Quite simply they have CPUs that by their very nature can be hacked in much the same way wi-fi can be hijacked.”

Gerry Bucke, general manager at Flux, said the survey showed that the biggest obstacle to the uptake of driverless cars is people’s love of driving, fear of the unknown and reluctance to give yet more of their lives over to computers.

“There appears little doubt that driverless cars will become a reality in one form or another, but motorists are clearly struggling with the idea of giving up the freedom of the open road and simple pleasure of driving great cars,” he added.

“Many people have a real passion for cars and driving, and if vehicles are all essentially the same, moving around the country at fixed speeds with no input from the driver, one of life’s pleasures will be taken away.

“The biggest stumbling block to this new technology, however good it may be, could well be that people simply don’t want it.”


VIDEO: Toyota Vios goes sideways in new commercial

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor revealed its latest television commercial (TVC) dubbed the Pulse of Action that stars the best-selling Toyota Vios compact sedan.

The 60-second clip was shot on the roads of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya by film director Ryo Miyakoshi and director of photography Hiromi Tsushima, while Japanese professional stunt drivers from team Chiba helmed the cars.

“Our intention is to communicate to the people of the Vios’ advanced handling abilities and controllability. This is what we are demonstrating through this commercial,” said UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama.

The company looks to elevate appeal for the Vios by giving it an exciting and fun appeal for all to help keep the sales momentum of the Vios going throughout 2015.

Additionally, four more videos are also being made  available including behind-the-scene footages, interviews with the Japanese team and UMW Toyota Motor’s top management.

The four cars used in the commercial will be showcased at the UMW Toyota Motor WOW 2 Road Tours as well as the company’s other upcoming on-ground activities.

The TVC, which airs from October 2015, will also be available across multiple communication platforms such as TV channels, cinema, social media, online, on-ground promotions, and showrooms until June 2016.

“The Toyota Vios model has been given a ‘stylish look’ treatment on top of other improvements in performance and comfort, which will hopefully result in new-found enthusiasm for the model among younger Malaysians,” said UMW Toyota Motor president Datuk Ismet Suki.


This Batmobile recreation is looking for a buyer

                LONDON: A life-sized replica of the Batmobile, as seen in Tim Burton's "Batman" and "Batman Returns" movies, is set to go up for auction at Bonhams, on March 20.

It's estimated to fetch £20,000 to £30,000 (up to RM170,000).

The model going under the hammer is believed to have been built a few years ago by the British firm Z Cars and is based on a 1965 Ford Mustang.

Here, the original sportscar has been given a spaceframe chassis and fibreglass body.

It is powered by a Chevrolet 5.7-litre V8 engine producing a reported 380bhp. The interior is also faithful to the cockpit developed by the superhero. Beware though, because while the buttons and controls may be present, there are no special gadgets installed in the car.

Measuring 6.7 metres long, this "Batmobile" is based on the model that featured in Tim Burton's two Batman movies. Note too, that the vehicle appears to be road legal (in the UK, at least).

This replica will go on sale as part of an auction featuring around a hundred cars, scheduled for March 20. Anyone hoping to get their hands on this vehicle can bid via the Bonhams website.


Alpine reveals new details of its upcoming model

                PARIS: Alpine is expected to take advantage of the 87th annual 24 Hours of Le Mans event in France on June 15 and 16 to unveil the sport version of the A110. The brand has posted six teaser photos on social media.

The photos posted online show the exterior and interior of the car but revealed nothing of the technical characteristics of this updated version of the A110, currently referred to as the "A110S."

Three interior shots were released on Twitter on Monday followed by shadowy exterior images on Wednesday.

The Alpine "A110S" is expected to offer enhanced performance and a lighter overall weight.

Fans of the brand have only a few more days to wait to discover more about this new model.


Aston Martin DBX concept at Geneva

                GENEVA: Aston Martin challenges the nature of luxury GT travel in the 21st Century with the debut at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show of the innovative DBX Concept.

Created to defy conventional thinking about the luxury GT segment, the DBX Concept widens the appeal of the iconic British luxury brand.

Unveiling the concept, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “The DBX Concept is a challenge to the existing status quo in the high luxury GT segment. It envisages a world, perhaps a world not too far away, when luxury GT travel is not only stylish and luxurious but also more practical, more family-friendly and more environmentally responsible.

“I asked my team at Aston Martin to expand their thinking beyond conventions, to explore what the future of luxury GT motoring would look like in years ahead, and the DBX Concept you see before you is the result.”

Capable of accommodating four adults in comfort, the DBX Concept also majors on day-to-day practicality.

It offers generous luggage capacity by virtue of the fact that its rear trunk and forward load bay can both accept passengers’ belongings.

The DBX Concept’s unique paint finish – Black Pearl Chromium – has been specially created to mimic the look of a genuine black pearl, and comprises a micro-fine layer of chrome to deliver a level of reflectivity that cannot be obtained through normal paint finishes.

The DBX Concept needs no engine compartment thanks to its use of electric, inboard-of-wheel, motors powered by lithium sulphur cells.

Drive-by-wire electric steering, toughened glass with an auto-dimming ‘smart glass’ inter-layer, and bespoke driver and passenger head-up displays are further examples of its cutting edge technology.

Active LED exterior lights, carbon ceramic brakes with a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) and rear view cameras in place of conventional mirrors also underline the mould-breaking nature of this luxury GT concept.

Dr Palmer explained: “A concept car such as this should, in my view, challenge conventional thinking and explore the art of the possible."


Aston Martin's turnaround plan moves up a gear with Vantage model

                LONDON: Aston Martin unveiled its new Vantage model today, as it pursues a turnaround plan designed to return it to profitability and set up a possible stock market flotation.

The central England-based firm, famed for making the sports car driven by fictional secret agent James Bond, is on course this year for its first pre-tax profit since 2010, spurred by sales of its new DB11 model.

With the Vantage, Aston Martin hopes to reach full capacity of 7,000 sports cars at its Gaydon plant in 2019, which would be the most cars it has produced for a decade, underscoring how crucial success of the new model is.

“It’s important fiscally because it is the car that really moves us into that positive free cash flow territory, but I think it was also important industrially because you are now talking about a plant that is full,” chief executive Andy Palmer said at the firm’s headquarters.

The sleek two-seater model, which the firm says will stand out from rivals partly due to its simplistic design, will cost just over 120,000 pounds (RM657,000) in Britain and US$150,000 (RM620,000) in the United States.

Aston is also building a new factory in Wales, where its first sports utility vehicle, known as the DBX, will roll off the production line from late 2019.

But British carmakers are worried Brexit could introduce customs checks and barriers that would slow down production processes and add extra bureaucratic costs.

Palmer, who said his biggest concern was the imposition of non-tariff barriers, said he was banking on a transitional agreement that would apply after March 2019, when Britain is due to formally exit the European Union.

“I‘m working with that as a fundamental hypothesis so if there’s not, then I have a problem.”

As Aston grows, Palmer has said its owners, mainly Kuwaiti and Italian private equity firms, could sell the company to a larger car group, other private equity firms or launch an initial public offering, but that the decision and timing were matters for the shareholders.

He said it made sense for them to consider their options before the end of the firm’s current turnaround plan, which is due to complete in 2022.

“You want to sell in a period where the plan is partially proven but still got lots of growth potential in front of us,” he said.

“Another year of demonstrating what we are doing and then I think beyond that it’s going to depend on what the market’s doing.”

READ MORE: Could the new Vantage be the best Aston Martin ever?Highlights of new Vantage> New Vantage defined by bold new look, intensified performance and dynamics
> Powered by 4.0-litre, 510PS/685Nm twin-turbo V8 mated to eight-speed ZF transmission
> Maximum speed 313kph. 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds
> First Aston Martin to be fitted with an Electronic Rear Differential (E-Diff)
> Deliveries scheduled to begin second quarter of 2018


Nissan Serena gets IMPUL-ed, price starts at RM148K

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Nissan Serena 2.0L S-Hybrid has expanded with a new variant that comes with IMPUL bodykit.

Avalable in either single body colour or two-tone body colours, the Serena J IMPUL is priced at RM147,800 (OTR inclusive of SST, without insurance) and RM149,800 respectively, making it the most expensive variant. It is at least RM16,000 more than the base Serena.

The Serena J IMPUL comes with chrome-plated J IMPUL front and rear lip spoiler and black 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside the MPV, the seats have been rewrapped in mocha-coloured diamond quilted leather.

To recap, improvements to the 2.0L engine have resulted in the best-in-class fuel economy of 14.2 km/l, earning the Serena the status of Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) for the Malaysian market. The naturally aspirated fuel-injected 4-cylinder engine produces 148hp at 6,000rpm and 200Nm of torque at 4,400rpm.

As a mild hybrid, the Serena has a larger starter motor than a regular hybrid. The 2.5hp and 48Nm ECO motor serves as a torque assist motor and helps the engine get off to a brisk acceleration. The starter motor also acts as an electric power generator that charges up the secondary battery. Its third role is to facilitate the Serena’s Idling start and stop system.

The MPV features a hands-Free dual power sliding door, dual back door, 7 USB-powered ports, Around View Monitor with Intelligent Moving Object Detection, and smartphone connectivity with Apple CarPlay. The Around View Monitor  technology uses four cameras that provide a 360° bird's-eye view of the vehicle for easier navigation and parking. Intelligent Moving Object Detection detects and alerts the driver to moving objects surrounding the vehicle.

The  J IMPUL front and rear lip spoilers are available for sale to existing Serena S-Hybrid (C27) owners. Call 03-4047 8786 or e-mail impul@tanchonggroup.com for the accessories.

The Serena J IMPUL comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, while the accessories come with 3-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first).

Nissan distributor Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd has been offering dressed-up versions of their passenger cars even as far back as the Sentra days. It has been more enthusiastic than some of its peers in doing this. While some model changes have been cosmetic, others have included suspension or other performance upgrades.


Govt may break up Puspakom and three other agencies seen as monopolies

                KUALA LUMPUR: Puspakom, Padiberas Nasional Bhd (Bernas), Pharmaniaga Bhd and MyEG Services Bhd have been identified as monopolies and are currently being reviewed by the government, according to Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said a special task force had been set up to study the monopoly of some businesses and services that could have contributed to the high cost of living in the country.

“A lot of sources are being controlled by some individuals and big companies. The government is looking for ways to spur businesses towards healthy competition in the market,” Saifuddin said at the MIDF Group luncheon talk on the rising cost of living today.

Puspakom handles the testing of all vehicles, while Bernas is responsible for the import and distribution of rice in the country. Pharmaniaga makes and supplies pharmaceutical products to government hospitals. MyEG is an e-government services provider.

He said the task force would make recommendations on the four companies to Cabinet.

Saifuddin said the government believes that the increase in the cost of living was partly contributed by resources being controlled by a small group of individuals and big conglomerates.

He explained that there were three main elements in assessing monopoly issues, including the relevance of the policies that cause the creation of these monopolies, the size of their investments and the impact to the economy.

“We haven’t submitted our recommendations to the Cabinet on the four companies,” he said.

Last year, a special task force was formed - headed by Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali - to look into alleged monopoly claims in business and services.

The other ministers who are involved in the task force include Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad and Agriculture and Agro-Based Minister Datuk Salahuddin Ayub.

Saifuddin pointed out that the committee was still discussing the matter and looking at various options.

“Recommendations on whether we would dismantle the monopolistic businesses or allow them to continue could be among the options. We are still at the discussion stage,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the event.

The committee will continue to look at other businesses which are monopolistic that fall under their respective ministries, Saifuddin added.

“Monopolies are not necessarily bad, but the ones that are bad are those inhibiting their competitors, manipulating prices and controlling supply,” he said.

An economist said that reviewing businesses would be positive to spur competition in the market.

“The government broke up Telekom Malaysia Bhd’s monopoly in the broadband market and that has seen an adjustment in prices and is expected to intensify competition in this space,” he said.

He also pointed out that the government would be looking at elements of oligopoly.

An oligopoly is a market structure where the business is dominated by a few giants.

On the government’s approach to reducing the cost of living, Saifuddin said reviewing businesses and services was the long-term approach by the government in tackling the escalating cost of living in the country.

“We are also looking into short-term measures such as targeted fuel subsidies, cooking oil subsidies, food banks and unlimited ride passes for public buses and rail services.”

On the targeted fuel subsidies, Saifuddin said the government has identified the vendor and hopes to implement it in the next two months.

“We are going through the list of the recipients and so far, have about four million people.

“We think the list could be shorter after we review it with 17 agencies,” he said.

Saifuddin said that wages and salaries were not the only solution to ease the cost of living, but that businesses must also look into innovation and technology to address the income and productivity issues.


Tata Xenon is Pos Malaysia's pick

                SHAH ALAM: DRB-HICOM Commercial Vehicles, the exclusive distributor of Tata Motors commercial vehicles in Malaysia, has handed over 553 units of the Thai-assembled Tata Xenon pick-up trucks to Pos Malaysia.

The pick-up will now be Pos Malaysia's spearhead in its logistics business for its courier, express and parcel pick-up and delivery services with a specially fabricated and customised box body by Oriental Summit Industries.

A five-speed gearbox will manage the pick-up's 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 140Ps at 4,000rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1,700 to 2,700rpm and has an extended service interval of 15,000km.

It also comes with a reverse camera with the ability to support a heavier load capacity and easier for access from the rear and both sides for loading and unloading as per Pos Malaysia’s requirements.

The project commenced in November 2015, when the company decided to lease the pick-ups through DRB-HICOM EZ-Drive leasing facilities for a period of 36 months, with an option to renew for another 24 months.

"The facilities provide an alternative to commercial operators as they can now choose to lease vehicles over outright purchase. Vehicle leasing would provide commercial operators with the best cost-of-ownership, lower fleet management cost as the maintenance and service needs of the vehicle are taken care of by EZ-Drive, the local licensee of AVIS," said DRB-HICOM COO of automotive distribution and defence Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah.

To date, Pos Malaysia has a fleet size of 9,602 vehicles comprising of lorries, panel vans, Pos-On-Wheels (POW), four-wheel drive (4WD) and motorcycles.


Next VW ID electric concept to debut in the US on Nov 19

                WOLFSBURG: The newest member of the Volkswagen ID family, an electric model that appears to be a sedan in the official teaser image, will be revealed on Nov 19 at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

The company did not offer any further details about the concept. In any case, it will join the other ID concepts revealed over the years: the ID Buzz, Crozz, Roomzz, Buggy, and Vizzion. Given that two of these models have a confirmed future as production models, it's possible that this ID sedan is a preliminary version of an upcoming model.

This ID will be on display as part of an exhibit created by VW to display the development and progress of its electric car segment, as well as preview its mission to become "the foremost producer of electric vehicles."

Various rooms will show visitors (some in virtual reality) how the modular MEB electric platform works, how the models are assembled, and what the inside of such a model looks like, including its interior design and technology.

At present, the only production ID car — the ID.3 — is launching exclusively in Europe.

The exhibit will be open to public view on Nov 20.


Carjacker nabbed after stabbing ehailing driver in the neck

                KUALA LUMPUR: An armed carjacker who stabbed an ehailing driver in the neck before stealing his car has been arrested.

Sentul OCPD Asst Comm Beh Eng Lai said the carjacking occurred on Monday.

"The victim had picked up the suspect in Putrajaya and when they reached Sentul Market, the suspect asked to pay for the ride via online banking.

"When the victim was searching for his bank account details, the suspect stabbed him at the neck with a sharp object," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 25).

He said the victim was then dragged out of the car before the carjacker took off with the vehicle.

"Members of the public rushed to assist the victim and the 47-year-old ehailing driver was sent to Kuala Lumpur Hospital via an ambulance," he said.

The attack was caught on camera, with several videos being widely shared on social media. One of them showed the bloodied victim on the ground after having his car stolen while another showed a scuffle between the victim and the suspect.

Investigations into the case led to the arrest of a 23-year-old man around noon on Tuesday.

"The arrest was made in Kota Damansara and we also located the car's number plate inside a waste disposal room.

"The stolen car and the suspected weapon used were also found during the arrest," he said.

Among the items recovered included the victim's People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) appointment card and his bag.


BMW launches one-stop web shop

                MUNICH: BMW is the first carmaker to offer every aspect of choosing and buying a car online

BMW Retail Online, which went live on Friday, can take care of everything from configuration to financing and has been developed to meet growing consumer trends.

Confidence in the web as a platform for big ticket purchases and as a resource for the decision making process has never been higher. According to BMW's data, 97% of car buyers now turn to the web rather than a car dealership for help.

However, help from a real-life expert is just a click away. Consumers will be able to video chat with or email BMW staff members.

Ian Robertson, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing, said "We are the first car manufacturer to offer a digital sales solution for the entire product range and the full end-to-end buying or leasing process online. Now, the customer can do it all from the comfort of their home. The integration of the BMW Genius via live chat and retailer messaging functions where the customer is able to get personalised support in real time, makes this system unique and a new benchmark for the automotive industry."


All-new Hyundai Elantra open for booking

                PETALING JAYA: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has opened bookings for the all-new Hyundai Elantra which is due to be launched next month in Malaysia and teased the estimated price at RM1XX,888.

The booking fee is RM777.

The sleek and stylish sedan is now in its seventh generation and it comes in a single variant powered by  a 1.6 litre Smartstream engine mated to Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) which produces 123PS at 6,300rpm and 154Nm of torque at 4,500rpm.

It offers four driving modes: Eco, Smart, Sport and Comfort and features projector LED headlamps, LED taillights and 17-inch wheels, a 10.25-inch Supervision TFT digital instrument cluster, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Safety-wise it features Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite and driver assistance systems such as forward collision warning, blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist and lane following assist, smart cruise control with stop and go function, driver attention warning and a tyre pressure monitoring system.