SEAT urges Spain to 'wake up' and promote electric cars

The Cupra el-Born is SEAT's first all-electric car.
BARCELONA: Spain needs to “wake up” and follow other European countries in giving more incentives for electric cars, the head of Volkswagen’s Spanish brand SEAT said on Wednesday.

The comments from interim chairman Carsten Isensee came as SEAT announced a step up in investment to €5 billion (RM24bil) for 2020-2025 and said it was prepared to build electric cars in Spain - if the government did more to help.

Carmakers are ramping up production of battery-powered vehicles to try to meet tough European emissions regulations, but the hefty costs involved have come just as demand for cars has been hammered by the coronavirus crisis.

Several governments have launched aid packages for the sector, often including incentives to buy electric cars.

“Countries like Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and France are much more sophisticated in the willingness to prepare their countries in line with the Paris agreement to substantially reduce the CO2 footprint,” Isensee told Reuters.

Spain’s Socialist-led government announced on June 15 a €3.7 billion aid package for the auto industry. It included a €250 million scheme to encourage drivers to trade in older cars for new low-emission and electric vehicles.

Isensee said the help was a “step in the right direction”, but insufficient. He said there was practically no electric charging network and more incentives were needed as the average Spanish car is 13 years old, signalling weak purchasing power.

He said a public-private collaboration was needed to have more electric vehicles in the next three years, including companies such as wind power producer Iberdrola.

SEAT’s new investment plan compares with the €3.3 billion it spent in 2016-2020. It includes new electric vehicles after the first one launched last year.

SEAT is willing to make electric vehicles at its main Martorell plant, outside Barcelona, starting in 2025, but this will depend on government support and other factors, Isensee said.

He added SEAT’s second quarter would be worse than the first, when it made a €48 million loss due to the health crisis, but was confident the company would recover.

While 2020 production would be well down on 2019 due to factory closures during the coronavirus lockdown, there were no plans to reduce the workforce, he said.

He added SEAT was not interested in the Barcelona plants that Nissan Motors intends to close.

After record sales in 2019, SEAT had a turbulent start to the year as Luca de Meo stepped down as chairman in January, later becoming Renault’s chief executive.


2020 Hyundai i20: 1.0-litre turbo with 48-volt mild hybrid

                GENEVA: Set to be unveiled at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show in March, the third-generation Hyundai i20 B-segment compact car has an electrified 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain for the first time.

It also has best-in-class connectivity features and the most comprehensive safety package in its class.

It is the first car in Europe to feature Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, emphasised with its dynamic-looking front and rear bumpers, as well as its new radiator grille.

Its visual stance is improved by its lowered roof (-24mm), wider body (+30mm) and increased length (+5mm), while the wheelbase has also been increased by +10mm.

It also offers increased roominess and visibility, as it is wider and has a longer wheelbase compared to the previous generation.

This provides increased seating space for passengers in the rear. Boot space has been increased by +25 litres, offering 351 litres overall

Meanwhile, a decreased beltline and a small, quarter-fixed glass window behind the rear door provide drivers with improved visibility.

In the cabin, there are two new 10.25-inch screens, consisting of a digital cluster and a navigation touchscreen, which are visually combined in the dashboard.

The new i20 also has a wireless charging pad in the centre console, a USB charging port for rear occupants, and is the first Hyundai model in Europe to feature a premium Bose audio system with eight speakers, including a sub-woofer.

Meanwhile, its segment-leading Hyundai SmartSense safety package includes alongside several new features a new generation Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) that now offers pedestrian and cyclist detection for even more assurance on the road, as well as Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC).

Available Hyundai SmartSense safety and driving assistance features:

[New] - Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC)
[New] - Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LDVA)
[New] - Lane Following Assist (LFA)
[New] - Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA)
[New] - Rear Cross-traffic Collision Assist (RCCA)
[New] - Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse (PCA-R)
[New] - Parking Assist (PA)
[New] - Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) – [New] now with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Lane Keep Assist System (LKA)
Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
High Beam Assist (HBA)

The i20 offers two engines with three transmission choices.

At the top of the range, a 1.0 T-GDi is available with 100 PS or 120 PS.

For the first time, a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain can be applied on this engine, either as an option with the 100 PS or as standard with the 120 PS.

The 48-volt system contributes to a 3-4% reduction of fuel consumption.

The 48-volt system is available with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT) or a newly developed six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT).

iMT decouples the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator, allowing the car to enter into coasting mode and saving fuel.

When not mated to the 48-volt mild hybrid system, the 1.0 T-GDi 100 PS is available with the 7DCT or a manual 6-speed gearbox.

A 1.2-litre MPi 4-cylinder is also available as an entry engine. This offers 84 PS and a five-speed manual transmission.


Online vehicle scams on the rise, beware of cut-price offers, says Bukit Aman

                KUALA LUMPUR: Online vehicle purchasing scams are on the rise with losses amounting to millions and cases from January to May are almost double when compared to the same period last year.

Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Comm Mohd Kamarudin Md Din said 552 cases were recorded in 2019 with losses amounting to RM3.2mil.

"The cases increased some 22.8% last year to 678 cases causing RM5.9mil in losses. Between January and May this year, a total of 461 cases have already been recorded. We discovered the losses are about RM5.4mil," he said in a statement today.

For the corresponding period last year, there were 237 cases.

Comm Mohd Kamarudin said the culprits would advertise the sale of imported vehicles on social media.

"The vehicles are purportedly from Singapore, Thailand or Langkawi and offered below market price. Those who are interested in purchasing the vehicles are then told to transfer funds to a mule account to settle various matters including road tax, vehicle grant and Customs duty.

"However, after payment is made, the victim will not receive the vehicle," he said.

He advised the public to be cautious when buying cars online.

"Check the latest used car price. Go to the company selling the vehicles and inspect the vehicles yourself and deal with valid companies or agents.

"Don't easily believe advertisements offering vehicles for prices which are too low. Some of these syndicates would claim the vehicles are cheap as they are duty-exempt.

"Keep all payment and conversation records with the seller," he said.

Comm Kamarudin also reminded the public to check the bank accounts used by sellers to ensure they are not mule accounts.

"The public can access CCID's Semak Mule application and website (http://ccid.rmp.gov.my/semakmule/) to check if the account is used by scammers," he said.


Infiniti Project Black S is a go

                PARIS: A lot has been said about the Infiniti Project Black S since it made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, but until now the company has refused to commit from taking it from race-derived concept to reality.

But it looks as if this is all about to change as Infiniti has just announced it has enlisted Pirelli to help take the project further.

The Project Black S is, at first glance, an Infiniti Q60 coupe with a more aggressive body kit.

However, peel away the spoilers and carbon fiber details and underneath the car boasts genuine Formula 1 technology courtesy of the Renault Sport Formula One team, which, like Infiniti, is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

This includes a hybrid powertrain that captures lost energy from braking and forces it back through the motor to give huge acceleration boosts when most needed.

"Project Black S expresses our desire to create cars that are designed to perform, marrying the potency of a high-performance powertrain with a muscular new design," said the company's executive design director Alfonso Albaisa.

"This project has given us the opportunity to experiment with advanced materials to create a performance-inspired aesthetic that draws on Infiniti's motorsport ties through the Renault-Nissan Alliance."

Yet, until now, the company has been describing the car as little more than a feasibility study that it's using to gauge demand if it were to launch a sportier version of its current models in line with German companies like Mercedes and Audi.

However, with Pirelli officially involved and looking for ways to bring motorsport levels of grip and handling to road legal rubber, it can only be a matter of time until the Project Black S gets an official green light.

"Having another key Formula One player involved is proof of the interest it generates and will add even more focus on performance delivery," said Tommaso Volpe, Director, Infiniti Global Motorsport.

Pirelli will be tasked with developing a set of bespoke P Zero tires for the car, as they have done for numerous supercars starting with the Ferrari F40 back in 1987.


Police arrest 2,012 traffic offenders in Ops Warta

                KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 2,012 traffic offenders were slapped with warrants of arrest since Ops Warta was launched nationwide on May 19.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said on Wednesday that police were confident of arresting traffic offenders who had yet to pay their summonses.

"The operation has entered phase two and we not only mount roadblocks but also visit their office or work place.

"If they are still stubborn, we will continue with Ops Warta," he told a press conference after a hospital programme to mark 208th Police Day celebration here.

Of the total 1.59 million warrants of arrest issued, only 50,000 traffic summonses had been paid.

Khalid said a total of 9,836 traffic offenders surrendered themselves after warrants of arrest were issued for them.


Recognition at BMW Dealer Awards Night

                SHAH ALAM: BMW Group Malaysia recently celebrated its 2015 financial year with the BMW Dealer Awards Night.

The awards ceremony recognised the efforts of the premium automaker’s network of dealers and individuals for their contribution in achieving steady business growth for the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands in 2015.

Han Sang Yun, managing director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Our steady growth in 2015 would not have been possible without the continued and growing support of our strong dealership network. We look forward to stronger growth in 2016 as we celebrate the 100th Year Anniversary of the BMW Group worldwide.”

The evening witnessed recognition of individual accomplishments through the BMW Vision Club which honoured 20 top achieving individuals in the levels of Head of Sales and Sales Advisor.

There were also presentations of awards for the BMW Excellence Club for dealer principals, and outstanding performances in the areas of Aftersales.

It also celebrated the success of MINI with the MINI Top Dealership Award.

Also, the Best Overall CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) Score Award was presented in the Gold, Platinum, and Diamond categories to Ingress Auto Puchong, Tian Siang Premium Auto Butterworth, and Auto Bavaria Sungai Besi respectively.


March 23-29: RON97 petrol up again


Audi Q4 e-tron to bring plenty of space and an AR head-up display

                INGOLSTADT: Having just entered the luxury class with the e-tron GT, Audi is continuing the rapid expansion of its electric portfolio in the upmarket compact class with its new Q4 e-tron, set for a June launch.

Audi hasn't yet taken the wraps off, but has given a first glimpse of this compact off-roader, said to measure around 4.60 metres in length.

Audi says it will first come with a standard rear before also getting a Sportback option with a more sloping design in the second half of 2021.

Designed entirely as an electric car, it's based on the VW Group's so-called Modular Electric Building Kit (MEB), making it closely related to cars like the VW ID4 or the Skoda Enyaq.

Audi has not yet given hard numbers for performance and range, but we can assume there'll be variants with rear and all-wheel drive ranging from about 170hp to 306hp.

A top driving range of at least 500km is also to be expected, while the price in its home market is likely to start above €40,000 (RM197,000).

Thanks to the sizeable wheelbase of 2.76 metres, Audi promises interior space on par with the much larger Q7.

In addition, there is a luggage compartment of 520 to 1,490 litres and many new detailed solutions for storage in the interior - from an XXL box between the seats to the bottle holders that have been moved up in the doors.

Audi has also expanded the infotainment system. In addition to digital instruments and a large touchscreen in the centre console, the manufacturer now offers a so-called AR-HUD as an option for the first time.

AR-HUD? This is a head-up display (HUD) using augmented reality (AR) that can project environment-related information straight into your field of vision on the windscreen.

That means you'll see cars driving ahead of you being highlighted, while the lines next to the lane are marked. When navigating, arrows will appear over into roads so you don't even need to glance at the map. Even your current speed can be seen on the windshield.

Luggage compartment


DRB-Hicom posts first operating profit in three years

                KUALA LUMPUR: DRB-Hicom Bhd staged a major turnaround in its operations as it posted its first full-year operating profit in three years in FY ended March31, 2019 and expects to deliver a satisfactory performance for FY20.

In its announcement to Bursa Malaysia on Thursday, its FY19 operating profit was RM342mil, a stark contrast against an operating loss of RM817mil – excluding the RM1.1bil research and development (R&D) grant in FY18.

“The group’s full year profit before tax (PBT) came in at RM281.60mil against RM283.8mil in the same period last year,” it said.

Its FY19 revenue was slightly lower at RM12.47bil compared with RM12.25bil a year ago.

It said its automotive sector revenue was at RM7.36bil as sales of Proton cars as well as models from other marques under the group rose.

“Proton’s sales was boosted in the final quarter of the financial year following the launch of its first-ever sports utility vehicle (SUV), the X70 December 2018,” it said.

DRB-Hicom said the SUV was the “undisputed best-selling SUV in Malaysia for 2019”, with 30,000 orders received at more than 14,000 have been delivered.

“With the updated models of the Iriz, Persona and Exora already in the market, Proton should see improved sales in 2019,” it said.

DRB-Hicom's services sector, despite the pressures on postal services as a group, the sector’s RM4.58b revenue in the year was still higher compared to the previous financial year.

“This was boosted by increased revenue from banking and waste management businesses,” it said.

However, the property sector however recorded lower revenue of RM540mil compared with RM863mil a year ago as this sector was impacted by lower revenue from
on-going construction projects.

In the fourth quarter, its revenue rose by 16.4% to RM3.47bil from RM2.98bil due to the better performance of the automotive companies particularly the sale of X70 SUV by Proton.

It posted net profit of RM127.86mil compared with net loss of RM59.40mil a year ago. Earnings per share were 6.61 sen compared with loss per share of 3.07 sen.

It registered pre-tax profit of RM328.79mil compared with pre-tax loss of RM241.02mil a year ago.


BMW bids farewell to i3 with limited HomeRun Edition

                LEIPZIG: Ten units of the BMW i3s HomeRun Edition have been produced here to mark the end of production of the iconic i3, some eight and a half years after it was launched.

An an exclusive for the BMW i3s HomeRun Edition, two new BMW Individual paint finishes have been added to the range: Frozen Dark Grey and Frozen Dark Red II.

In addition the HomeRun Edition includes 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design, an electrically operated glass roof, solar control glazing and Adaptive LED headlights.

The special models also come with the particularly high-quality Suite interior design, which includes Vernasca Dark Truffle leather upholstery, a leather instrument panel, a leather steering wheel with galvanised trim, a Carum Grey roof lining, ambient lighting and the welcome light.

Other options include heated seats, comfort access, alarm system, Real Time Traffic Information, Concierge Service, Park Distance Control and rear view camera.

Also included are the Comfort package and Driving Assistant Plus, the Professional navigation system, telephony with wireless charging, the Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and online entertainment with music flat rate.

The BMW i3 ends its production run with an impressive homerun. Just a few days ago, the 250,000th unit of the compact e-vehicle was produced in Leipzig.

This makes the i3 the world's most successful electric vehicle in the premium compact segment.

The i3 has been sold in more than 74 countries around the world. In many markets, it achieved a significantly higher market share in the electric vehicle segment than the BMW brand in the area of conventionally powered cars. It also succeeded in inspiring additional target groups in the premium mobility offers from BMW. In the early years, more than 80 per cent of all BMW i3 buyers were new customers for the BMW Group.

The enduring appeal of the BMW i3, which is manufactured exclusively at the Leipzig site for the entire global market, is also due to its especially individualistic character.

Its independent vehicle architecture consists of a drive module as an aluminium chassis, which carries the e-drive, the suspension and the high-voltage battery as well as a passenger cell made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) called the life module.

This design, developed from the outset for pure e-mobility, made possible a particularly generous amount of space in the interior and a cockpit and centre console design which is both high-quality and very advanced.

The same applies to the exterior design, which is still groundbreaking in its ninth year of production, and which is dedicated less to fashion or status than to technological avant-gardism.

For BMW plant in Leipzig, the farewell to the i3 is linked to the start of a new chapter in electric mobility.

In a seamless transition, further e-drive components will be manufactured there with immediate effect in addition to producing high-voltage battery modules, which is already being done since May 2021.

In 2023, the next generation of the MINI Countryman will be produced at the same location - with a fully electric drive, among other things.

In this way, the electric mobility expertise of the workforce, which has been built up over the past years, will be used and advanced further.

At the same time, the Leipzig plant becomes the first location in the company's global production network where BMW and MINI models are made together.


Mazda updates pricing with up to RM8,090 in savings!

                SHAH ALAM: Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia has updated its vehicle pricing that's based on the government's recent tax incentive for the automotive industry.

The latest prices for Mazda vehicles takes effect today and will last until Dec 31,

At the minimum, new car buyers will experience a savings of RM2,800 for the Mazda2 that carries an on-the-road price tag without insurance of RM100,780 - down from RM103,670.

Those opting for the larger CX-9 can expect to save RM8,090 with prices coming down from RM290,610.40 to 282,520.40.


Renault Sport Formula One Team launches R.S.17 in London

                LONDON: Renault Sport Formula One Team today launched its 2017 challenger, the R.S.17, at a showcase event in front of international media and team partners in London, England.

Highlighting new partners and sponsors including BP, Castrol and MAPFRE, the launch was also the first public reveal for the new Renault Sport brand identity, designed to provide a stronger link between Renault Sport Racing and Renault Sport Cars.

Powered by Renault Sport Racing’s R.E.17 power unit, the R.S.17 has no carry over parts from the R.S.16.

The team has worked from a clean sheet of paper to respond to Formula 1’s latest regulations.

It is the first Formula 1 car designed from the outset by Renault Sport Racing from its two locations in Enstone, England and Viry-Châtillon, France.

Present at the launch were Thierry Koskas, Groupe Renault Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Jérôme Stoll, President and Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director of Renault Sport Racing, as well as Renault Sport Formula One Team’s senior management and drivers, and Alain Prost as Renault Sport Racing Special Advisor.

The R.S.17 was unveiled by race drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Jolyon Palmer, whilst Third and Reserve Driver Sergey Sirotkin was also announced today.

The car was unveiled with the hashtag #RS17Launch.

“The R.S.17 is the first car which Enstone and Viry have been able to plan and develop from the outset and we’re satisfied by the fruits of this interaction. It’s a beautiful car," said Renault Sport Racing president Jérôme Stoll.

"For 2017 our performance targets are clear. We want to take a definite, tangible step forward in performance and results. Fifth position in the Constructors’ Championship is our goal,” he added.


BMW 4 Series (G22) enters final test phase

                MUNICH: BMW's 4 Series (G22) coupe - the latest iteration of the two-door model is now embarking on the final phase of dynamic testing.

Against its 3 Series four-door sedan, the G22 is 57mm lower - bringing its centre of gravity 21mm closer to the ground, while having a drag coefficient that's 0.015 better.

The G22 is said to have undergone exhaustive tests prior to its series production starting which includes having honed its driving dynamics at the German carmaker's winter testing centre in Arjeplog (Sweden), Miramas (France), the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife and race tracks among others.

Now, the prototypes are returning to the carmaker's headquarters where final touches will be made to the chassis by using the motorways and country roads around its Research and Innovation Centre in Munich, Germany.

Regardless of whether it's winding through country roads or switching between highways and urban traffic conditions, the G22 is under the microscope to receive a bespoked setup.

This means its steering, brakes, all-wheel-drive system, dampers, the intervention of the chassis control systems is said to help provide plenty of driving pleasure all the time.

At the front, the G22 has been given increased negative camber and 23mm-wider rear track to sharpen the car’s handling characteristics with greater agility and lateral acceleration by a "sizable margin".

Suspending the G22's body is the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle configuration to help combine dynamic performance with comfort for everyday drives and long journeys.

Lift-related dampers – which debuted in the new BMW 3 Series sedan provides continuously variable and progressive damping control as a function of spring travel and have been tuned for an even sportier drive.

Custom-made tower-to-front end struts and an additional sheer panel on the bulkhead help to optimise steering precision and response, while bracing elements have been added around the rear axle to increase stiffness for straight-line stability and lateral acceleration.

The G22's range will now be spearheaded by a BMW M model in the form of the M440i xDrive Coupe and will be powered by a 374hp inline-six engine featuring a 48V mild-hybrid technology, 48V starter-generator and a second battery employed to ease the load on the engine and act in unison with it.

The electric motor will provide an additional 11hp of "boost" for an effortless get-away from a standing start or while rolling.

Managing power delivery to the all-wheel-drive system is an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with an M Sport differential.

The locking effect generated by an electric motor limits speed equalisation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering to further enhance traction and handling stability.

Other mechanical fitments include M Sport brakes and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels with staggered tyres.


China unveils plans to spur car demand, may extend EV tax break

                BEIJING: China today announced a raft of new steps to spur consumer demand for cars, saying it would consider extending a tax break for electric vehicles and outlining plans to build more charging stations and encourage lower charging fees.

The plans, announced by the Ministry of Commerce as part of a joint statement with 16 other departments, boosted shares of Chinese automakers, with Geely surging 6% and Great Wall Motor rising 4%.

The world's largest car market has been hit hard in recent months by stringent lockdowns in Shanghai and other parts of the country to curb the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant.

As part of the new efforts, authorities last month halved the auto purchase tax to 5% for cars priced under 300,000 yuan (RM198,000) with 2.0-litre or smaller engines.

Buyers of some fully electric and partly electric vehicles have not had to pay the purchase tax since 2014.

A plan to reinstate it next year may now be scrapped, the ministry said, confirming a stance first flagged last month by the country's cabinet.

The halving of the tax has helped the market rebound with June passenger car sales jumping 22% from a year earlier to 1.9 million units, according to preliminary data from an auto association.

EV sales soared 130% to 546,000 units last month, accounting for nearly 30% of total vehicle sales. Sales for market leader BYD Co Ltd more than tripled to 134,000.

The commerce ministry statement did not make a mention of any extension of subsidies for what China calls new energy vehicles - a programme that has been credited with supercharging the sector's growth.

Reuters reported in May that authorities were in talks with automakers about extending the programme.

The ministry also said it would encourage the replacement of older vehicles, increase credit support for car purchases and remove barriers to selling second-hand cars across different provinces.


Honda Malaysia zooms to No. 1

                PETALING JAYA: Ask Honda Malaysia how they have performed in 2015, and they will be all smiles. It recorded an all-time high sales of 94,902 units, catapulting it to the top non-national brand for the first time in its history.

The overall sales for 2015 increased by 22% compared to the 77,485 units recorded in 2014. The City, Honda Malaysia’s best-selling model, contributed the highest percentage with 40% of the overall sales recorded.

This was followed by the HR-V and the Jazz with 21% and 18% contribution to total sales respectively. The City, Jazz, HR-V and CR-V also maintained the lead in their respective segments.

"We started off the year with a challenging sales target of 85,000 units. We ended the year surpassing our target by 12% despite the tough and highly competitive market situation in 2015," said Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Yoichiro Ueno.

For December 2015, Honda Malaysia also recorded the highest monthly sales in its history with 10,741 units of vehicles sold.


Citroën C-Aircross Concept is next step after C3 Picasso

                PARIS: Citroën seems not only keen to give its C3 Picasso multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) a new look, but also wants to move it out of its current MPV segment and have it competing with compact sport utility vehicles - hence the C-Aircross concept.

The French carmaker will be debuting its latest creativity at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show and the company says that this vehicle heralds the company's global offensive in the SUV sector.

It's 4,150m-long, 1,740mm-wide and 1,630mm-tall, which comes equipped with front LED split-level lighting - main headlights below and daytime running lights integrated into the grille above, and the rear 3D lights.

There are air inlets located in the front bumper, air outlets built into the side door guards, diffuser and spoiler at the rear and two side and one rear camera installed.

At the side, there are ‘opposing opening doors’ that allows access to the cabin and includes rear-hinged doors at the back for better accessibility.

The dashboard is elevated and is one-piece that's paired with the four suspended and raised contoured seats with Alcantara and quilt-effect with plenty of light entering from its large windows and panoramic sunroof to fill the cabin.

Other fitments include a colour heads-up display, single-spoke steering wheel with intuitive controls, rear facing cameras and wireless induction charging for smartphones and 12-inch touchscreen with driving information and infotainment updates.

The lower centre console extends from the front seats right through to the rear, and boasts a number of useful storage spaces.

It will also come equipped with the company's Connect Nav - a 3D connected navigation system with voice recognition, Mirror Screen functionality, ConnectedCAM and ‘Share with U’ app.

Other goodies include front and rear headrests with built-in speakers and microphones to communicate with the other passengers and five driving modes of standard, sand, off-road, snow, and electronic stability programme off.


Tesla responds to Indonesia offer

File pic of a worker monitoring the nickel melting process at a nickel smelter near Sorowako, Indonesia. — Reuters

SINGAPORE: Indonesia has received an investment proposal from US electric vehicle (EV) maker Tesla, the country’s deputy head for investment and mining coordination, Septian Hario Seto, told reporters today.

Indonesia is the world’s biggest nickel producer, a material crucial for EV batteries, and has been publicly wooing Tesla to invest in the country to help develop its ambitious EV and battery industry plans.

“I received their proposal yesterday morning... next week we will meet them (virtually) to get an official explanation,” Septian said.

Septian said he could not give details of the proposal due to a non-disclosure agreement, but said that the focus of their discussions had been on batteries and energy storage solutions.

“If they only want to buy raw materials, we are not interested. This (proposal) is beyond just taking the raw material,” he added.

Once the top exporter of nickel, Indonesia stopped nickel shipments last year, in an effort to develop a full nickel supply chain, starting from extraction, then processing into metals and chemicals used in batteries, to meet the demand for electric vehicles (EVs).

Tesla said last year it was looking to find reliable sources of nickel globally after warning the current cost of batteries remained a hurdle to its growth.


Toyota diversifies top executive ranks

                TOKYO: Toyota has promoted more foreigners to senior posts, including the first woman and first African-American to hold executive titles, diversifying a management team long dominated by Japanese men.

The world's biggest automaker appointed Europe chief Didier Leroy to become one of six executive vice presidents (EVP) effective after the company's annual shareholders' meeting in June. He would be the first foreigner to become a Toyota EVP, the highest post to be held by a non-Japanese.

Toyota also named on Wednesday Julie Hamp, a senior official at Toyota Motor North America, as a managing officer, making the American the company's first female executive.

 LeRoy

Christopher Reynolds, an African-American general counsel in North America, will also become a managing officer.

Hamp's promotion marks a step in Japan's drive to narrow the gender gap in the workplace.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called on corporate Japan to appoint women to 30 percent of top jobs by 2020 - a target widely seen as unattainable and opposed by the country's biggest business lobby.

Women currently account for 11 percent of mid-to-senior level management in Japan and 1 percent of executive committee members, according to researcher McKinsey.

Toyota has stood out for having few foreign executives - particularly compared with Nissan Motor Co, led by Frenchman Carlos Ghosn - given that its home market makes up less than a fifth of its global sales.

Currently, seven of Toyota's 57 executives are foreign. With the changes due in June, that number will rise to nine of 58.

 Hamp is Toyota’s first female executive.

"We believe that discussion between people of various backgrounds creates new ideas and increased innovation," Toyota said, referring to the introduction in 2013 of its first outside directors, including American and former General Motors Co veteran Mark Hogan.

Frenchman Leroy is currently a senior managing officer as well as chief executive of Toyota in Europe. The 57-year-old, a one-time Renault SA official who joined Toyota in France in 1998, has long been seen as a candidate in the company's efforts to elevate executives abroad to senior posts.

As EVP, Leroy will be responsible for all developed markets at Toyota including Japan and North America.

Hamp will become Chief Communications Officer, and Reynolds will be Chief Legal Officer and Chief Officer of Corporate Planning.


Nissan Grand Livina gets new IMPUL kit

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has announced that its Nissan Grand Livina multi-purpose vehicle now comes with a new Impul package.

The new NISSAN Grand Livina IMPUL is factory fitted and available in two packages - the "IMPUL Complete Package" (RM12,800) and "IMPUL Premium Package" (RM13,009), and are covered by a three-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first). all prices mentioned are inclusive of GST.

However, although the parts are made available as a package, it can also be purchased individually by existing Nissan owners.

Both packages feature the IMPUL aerokit with LED daytime running lights (RM6,572) and consists of new front and rear bumper spoilers, side skirts and rear wing spoiler as well as a sporty black front grille (RM742) and wheel arch extensions (RM848).

The complete package differentiates itself by featuring an IMPUL Blast 2 exhaust muffler (RM1,884) and 25mm-lowering sports suspension (RM2,914) that gets hidden by the Japan-imported 17-inch IMPUL HS-10 alloy wheels (RM4,770) with 205/45 Continental ContiMaxContact MC5 tyres (RM1,822).

An additional RM209 for the premium package changes out the performance goodies for a more mature "Premium Package" and that means leather upholstery in either beige or black, driving video recorder and V-Kool security tint.

The Nissan Grand Livina is available in two variants - a 1.6-litre auto/manual and a 1.8-litre auto with the on-the-road price (including GST not insurance) at RM87,100, RM91,100 and RM102,800 respectively.

“The IMPUL Grand Livina drives like a sports sedan, fits like an MPV. As more MPVs adopt a SUV styling direction, we believe in a differentiated product concept by offering a sleek, sporty and aggressive styled MPV will also be in demand”, said ETCM sales and marketing director Christopher Tan .

For more information or to make enquiries, log on to www.impul.com.my, call 03-4047 8786 or email: impul@tanchonggroup.com.my.


Avis Malaysia launches 'Rent and Win' contest

                SHAH ALAM: Car rental company Avis Malaysia has launched its "Rent and Win" contest with attractive prizes including the latest smartphone and their share of 100,000 Air Asia BIG points.

The contest is from now until Dec 31 and is in conjunction with the company's 48th anniversary.

To participate, rent a vehicle with the company, scan a QR code and answer a few questions.to stand a chance to win a Redmi Note 8 and 4,000 BIG points as the Grand Prize.

The second-place winner will receive a DJI Osmo Mobile 2 and 4,000 BIG points while the third-place winner gets a Sony Sport-in Headphone and 4,000 BIG points.

Other prizes up for grabs include "Avis" power banks and Avis passport holders as well as 4,000 BIG points for each winner.

"Through our continued partnership with Air Asia We are very happy to be able to organise the ‘Rent & Win’ contest as we celebrate our 48th Anniversary together with our customers and thank them for their continuous support,” said Avis Malaysia chief operating officer Mohammad Shanaz Mohammad Shees.


Why it helps to have someone who can drive with you on longer trips

                BERLIN: As soon as a driver or passenger spots the first sign of fatigue, it should be a no-brainer that other passengers immediately offer to jump in the driver's seat.

That's why the Road Safety Council (DVR) in Germany is advising all drivers to have at least one passenger with a driver's licence accompany them on long journeys, and have the two drivers alternate every two to three hours.

Classic signs of fatigue are when the driver's eyelids become heavy and their field of vision narrows. As soon as this arises, it's time to take a short break of a maximum of 20 minutes, or do some exercise in the fresh air - or, alternatively, just change drivers.

After all, driving with ones eyes closed for just three seconds at 100kph means covering 80 metres blindly.


Tesla cars barred from some China government compounds, say sources

It isn't immediately clear whether all government offices in Beijing have imposed such restrictions on Tesla cars. — Reuters
BEIJING: Staff at some Chinese government offices have been told not to park their Tesla Inc cars inside government compounds due to security concerns over cameras installed on the vehicles, two people with knowledge of the matter said.

The people said officials of at least two government agencies here and Shanghai have been instructed verbally by supervisors not to park their Tesla electric cars at work. It wasn't clear how many cars were affected, the people said, declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.

It wasn't immediately clear whether all government offices in Beijing have imposed such restrictions, nor whether the measure was a formal government injunction or a step adopted by agency officials. It was also unclear whether curbs applied to state agencies nationwide.

While sensors and cameras that can assist driving feature in many automakers' vehicles, the people with knowledge of the matter said the restriction currently only applies to Tesla cars. In March, Tesla vehicles were banned from entering some military complexes in China, sources told Reuters then, citing security concerns over vehicle cameras.

Neither the State Council Information Office (SCIO), which handles media requests for China's government, nor Tesla China officials immediately responded to requests for comment.

The restriction provides a fresh indication of China's continued wariness of the US electric carmaker amid tensions with Washington.

Facing greater scrutiny after safety and highly publicised customer service complaints in China, Tesla is boosting its engagement with mainland regulators and beefing up its government relations team, industry sources told Reuters previously.

China, the world's biggest car market, is the electric car maker's second-biggest market, accounting for about 30% of its sales. Tesla now makes electric Model 3 sedans and Model Y sport-utility vehicles in a Shanghai plant.

Automakers like Tesla have been equipping more vehicles with cameras and sensors that capture images of a car's surroundings. Control of how those images are used and where they are sent and stored is a fast-emerging challenge for the industry and regulators around the world.

Tesla cars have several external cameras to assist drivers with parking, changing lanes and other features. Chief executive Elon Musk has commented frequently on the value of the data that Tesla vehicles capture which can be used to develop autonomous driving.

Days after the March ban on Tesla cars in military complexes, Musk appeared by video at a high-level Chinese forum, saying that if Tesla used cars to spy in China or anywhere, it would be shut down.

Tesla said it would open a data centre in China and is developing a data platform for car owners in China.


What to do if you lose your driver's licence while driving in Europe

                BERLIN: If your driver's licence gets lost or stolen while you are abroad, it is wise to immediately report it to local police.

Showing a police report for a missing licence can sometimes save drivers from having to pay a fine for driving without a licence if they are stopped by police, according to Germany's largest automobile club, the ADAC.

In Austria, the fine for driving without licence is 36 euros (RM180), while in Italy it is 86 euros (RM430), and in Germany 10 euros (RM50).

There is no criminal charge for driving without a licence, since the permit itself remains on record even if the document has been lost.

However, neither the police abroad nor an embassy or consulate can issue a new or replacement driver's licence. Drivers must apply for a new document at the motor vehicle authority in their home country.


Terengganu JPJ wins praise for effort to speed up service

                PETALING JAYA: The performance and quality of service provided by the staff at the Terengganu Road Transport Department (JPJ) is worthy of praise, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister commended the staff, led by director Zulkarnain Yasin, on their performance during a visit to its headquarters in Kuala Terengganu today.

"The implementation of the completely cashless payment system is a good approach as it simplifies things and saves time spent queuing at JPJ counters.
"By optimising the use of the six existing kiosks and adding another six kiosks this year, it can guarantee fast service and reduce waiting lines at the counters, providing comfort to the public when dealing with JPJ," Dr Wee said in a Facebook post today.

"The existence of a special lane or 'prime lane' that prioritises the disabled, pregnant women, the elderly and victims of the recent floods is praise-worthy as it will help the public with their dealings here at JPJ," he added.

Dr Wee said the addition of 20 JPJ cars this year will help provide services to the people who live away from JPJ or the Urban Transformation Centre branches, especially catering to the rural population.


Alfa Romeo opens new HQ in Turin

                DETROIT: Alfa Romeo is opening a new headquarters, located at the historic and iconic design centre, Centro Stile, in Turin, Italy.

The new headquarters will welcome employees to a new open concept and shared work spaces to better facilitate teamwork, idea creation and daily interaction with the Alfa Romeo design team.

The recently renovated Centro Stile site is a redeveloped part of the original Mirafiori plant.

The Alfa Romeo team has helped customise the space with personal effects related to the 110-year history of the brand and their professional experiences, to intermingle a historical perspective, their personal involvement and future ambitions.

Alfa Romeo was set up in 1910 in Milan, Italy, and has designed some of the most stylish and sporty cars in automotive history. The current models include the Stelvio SUV, Giulia Quadrifoglio and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio.

Alfa Romeo is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis.


AAM in danger of closing shop

                PETALING JAYA: The Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM), the country’s premier motoring authority, could be facing the end of the road.

With many of its employees not being paid for months, the body is struggling with a debt crisis said to amount to about RM6mil.

Founded in 1932, AAM has scheduled a special general meeting on Oct 3 for a salvage plan which will involve the sale of its building in Shah Alam.

“We heard that a 10% booking fee has already been paid for the building,” said an AAM official, who disclosed that the sale price had been set at RM7.5mil.

He said to make matters worse, members had been clamouring for refunds of annual fees paid.

AAM charges an annual fee of RM60 for principal and RM30 for supplementary membership. Its fleet and individual membership is said to total about 300,000.

Besides its popular 24-hour vehicle breakdown service, AAM helps issue motor insurance cover notes and handles road tax and driving licence renewals.

It is affiliated to 133 motoring associations in 102 countries, including the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM).

The official said services offered by the body have been crippled “as there is no one to attend to calls at any of our 16 breakdown centres”.

“This is because the unpaid staff have not turned up for work,” he said, adding that about 100 employees still turned up regularly in the hope that they would be paid.

“We help by redirecting requests for assistance,” he added.

Despite the gloomy state of affairs, he said there were still motorists who signed up or renewed their insurance policies and membership fees as they kept faith in the body.

A long-standing AAM member, who wished to be identified as Jason, said no one attended to his many calls when he tried to seek assistance to jump-start his car on Saturday.

“I did not expect that they were faced with a crisis. I hope AAM will sort things out as it has been so dependable for decades,” he added.

AAM general manager Eugene Tay refused to comment when contacted, asking instead for written queries.

According to AAM’s annual report, the body has been recording losses since 2008, with its biggest deficits being in 2010 (RM2.9mil) and 2013 (RM2.15mil).

On Aug 17, affected AAM staff picketed outside their headquarters in Shah Alam demanding their salaries.


Audi PB18 e-tron getting limited production of 50

                INGOLSTADT: Audi will produce a limited series of 50 production models of its spectacular PB18 e-tron concept car, unveiled in the US last summer, according to Audi CEO Bram Schot.

Presented in 2018 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in California, the Audi PB18 e-tron is a sporty and futuristic concept.

This Audi PB (for Pebble Beach) 18 e-tron gets no fewer than three electric motors delivering a total power of 500kW, or even 570kW with boosting, equivalent to 775hp. The German automaker announces acceleration of 0-100kph in just two seconds and a range of almost 500km.

Producing this supercar above all offers Audi a showcase to demonstrate its technical expertise in the field of electric vehicles, at a time when the first Audi e-tron models — the SUV that made a splash at the Paris Motor Show — are due to be delivered.

Note that the brand is expected to unveil a new smaller electric SUV in 2019.

The full specifications for the production-model Audi PB18, as well as availability and price, are yet to be announced.


Maserati rolls out cheaper hybrid Ghibli

                MODENA: The Maserati Ghibli, the car that's been muscling in on Audi A6, BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class territory, is now being sold as a cheaper hybrid version.

With it, the new luxury saloon brings a 48-volt system and an electric starter-generator, as well as a four-cylinder engine, rather than six or eight.

This reduces not only consumption but also the price, which now starts at €71,210 (RM349,000) in its home market and marks the entry into the world of the Ghibli.

The new 2.0-litre engine produces 330hp, almost as much as the V6 petrol engine, but is about 20 per cent more frugal and consumes 8.5 litres (196 g/km CO2), the manufacturer says. Maserati now considers the diesel obsolete and have taken it out of this range.

On the other hand, there's hardly any loss of performance: With a maximum of 450Nm torque and an electric compressor to fight turbo lag, the new Ghibli accelerates from a standstill to 100kph in 5.7 seconds and reaches a maximum of 255 km/h, according to Maserati.

In addition to the new powertrain, there are also some changes to the interior for 2021 - most notably online infotainment with a larger touchscreen and better connectivity. In future, not only will smartphones be integrated wirelessly, but the Ghibli will have Amazon and Google voice assistants built in.


Volkswagen not planning new combustion engine Golf, says newspaper

                BERLIN: Volkswagen does not plan to develop a new combustion engine generation of its legendary Golf car, brand chief Thomas Schaefer told autos publication Automobilwoche on Sunday, marking the end of the line for a vehicle on sale since 1974.

The Golf 8, currently in production, will be the last combustion engine version of the hatchback car, with one more series of updates expected next year.

"With that, the car is set until the end of the decade. Then we have to see how this segment develops," Schaefer said.

"If the world develops completely differently than expected by 2026 or 2027, we could develop a totally new vehicle - but I don't think it will. So far that is not expected," he added.

Volkswagen's decision not to invest in upgrading the Golf, for decades Europe's bestselling car, is a marker of the shift in investment by the carmaker from retooling combustion engines to bringing down the cost of electric vehicles.

The Volkswagen brand, part of the Volkswagen Group, is targeting 80% electric sales in Europe and 55% in North America by 2030. The group is targeting 50% electric sales globally by then.

The carmaker plans to keep the Golf name for a future electric model, but the earliest this is likely to be released is 2028, Schaefer said.

The T-Roc would be the last completely new combustion engine from Volkswagen in Europe after the Passat, Tiguan and Tayron.

Volkswagen is due to launch 10 new electric models by 2026, including a battery-electric car for under 25,000 euros (RM120,000).


Refreshed Mitsubishi Triton: New abilities to go with new looks

                The new Mitsubishi Triton now sports a bolder look, enhanced off-road capabilities and safety while providing a comfortable ride.

The current Mitsubishi Triton is said to look pretty tame for what it represents; a rugged pick-up truck to tackle the off-road terrain.

While this might have been a subjective matter, Mitusbishi Motors Corporation took the feedback to heart and decided that the latest evolvement of the Triton would look the part to the hilt.

In that respect, Mitsubishi Motors has delivered, taking the styling cue from the Outlander Crossover and adapting it to fit the Triton’s beefier image.

While it now looks more the part of a pick-up truck, Mitsubishi Motors has also made the facelifted Triton more civilised in fittings and equipment.

This might appear to be a contrasting approach in product profile, few would deny that making the new Triton easier to drive would be just as welcome as its bolder frontage.

Let’s begin with the new ‘rock solid’ face; Mitsubishi Motors based the design concept on what it calls the ‘Dynamic Shield’ to express powerful performance and a reassuring sense of protection.

In adopting the ‘form following function’ design, the higher arrangement of the front lamp assemblies allow the new Triton to wade through flooded roads without damage to the lights or reducing their function.

Compared to the previous model, the foglamp assembly is more than 700mm above ground and the slim headlamp cluster is 100mm higher than that in the preceding Triton.

Mitsubishi Motors says the bi-functional LED (light emitting diode) projector headlamps are of the highest grade and the DRL (daytime running light) adopts a characteristic shape to stamp its signature image.

On the flanks, fender flares serve to impress on the vehicle’s muscular profile while the raised position of the fenders or wheel arches and bonnet is said to improve off-road capability.

To complement this higher ride profile, Mitsubishi Motors has adopted a bigger size tyre of 265/60 R18 for the double cab variant.

While there is only so much one could do with the rear cargo bed styling, the improvements come in the thicker rear bumper to improve stiffness and stability, large square taillamps to offer a tough image and a rear-view camera being integrated into the gate garnish.

For continuity, the shape of the bed is adapted to carry over current accessories such as canopy, full box, bed line and sports bar.

By the way, the new Triton signature theme is also extended to the rear LED taillamps that when lit is said to represent the width of the cargo bed.

The urbane touch comes when one steps into the new Triton, in particular the soft pad trim and stitch for areas that one touches.

This includes the floor console pad, centre arm-rest, door trim inserts and the ‘leather-lapped’ parking brake lever.

Improved utilities are in the front smartphone tray with USB terminal, chrome rimmed cupholders with ‘quality feel’ and rear smartphone tray with USB power socket.

With advanced safety being the key word these days, the new Triton comes with a slew of features – Forward Collision Mitigation (mainly to detect pedestrians), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (useful when reversing from a lot), Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, and Ultrasonic miss-acceleration Mitigation System (for accidental front acceleration).

To serve the respective function, the new Triton comes with four cameras – front, rear and both sides of the vehicle – that just about cover all angles.

There is also an Automatic High Beam feature that switches to low beam when it detects an approaching vehicle during night driving.

Taking to the off-road, the Triton has four modes to adapt to the respective conditions – gravel, mud and snow, sand and rock.

Except for gravel, which is two-wheel drive, the other three are in four wheel drive with that for mud and snow being high-range 4H, sand being high-range ratios with locked transfer (4HLc) and the rock condition being low-range ratios with locked transfer (4LLc).

The new Triton is powered by a more refined 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers 181PS at 3,500rpm and 430Nm at 2,500rpm.

It is mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission with Sport mode, and a Hill Descent Control is now a standard feature for the Triton range.

We had a taste of what the new Triton had to offer under simulated conditions at the Impact Lakeside on the outskirts of Bangkok.

The flat dirt course was mainly for us to gauge the better ride comfort and small turning circle (11.8 metres) for a pick-up truck.

Although the rear leaf-spring suspension is retained so that the Triton could perform off-road duties to its fullest, it is tuned to provide appreciable ride comfort, which was duly noted and enjoyed.

The off-road obstacle course, which was done in 4HLLc, included a 45-degree uphill ramp that allowed us to experience the Hill Descent Control on the way down, 40-degree banked slope, twist track course to simulate uneven terrain and a suspension stroke section.

It was short and sweet but sufficient to tell us that the new Triton would readily meet the off-road challenges if put to the mill.

The fun part was being driven two laps at full charge around a dusty and twisty course by a Mitsubishi Motors development driver.

This experience impressed us on the new Triton’s ability to be driven fast on loose surfaces in capable hands of course.

The drive was done in 4HLc and development driver K. Koide obviously enjoyed working the steering quickly to correct directional changes at each corner as the Triton went into a short four-wheel drift before being powered out to the next bend.

We were told during the global launch that the new Triton comes with new "eye-catching" colours to complement its robust image – White Diamond, Graphite Gray, Passion Orange and Red Solid.


Honda Malaysia introduces partners in 'Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign'

From left: Honda Malaysia President and COO Sarly Adle Sarkum, Mohamad Adib Fida’iy Mohamad Hanapi  (centre) and Ishiyama.
PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia has announced its collaboration with Astro Radio, Tealive and Unifi to add further anticipation to its "Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign" with nine lucky winners each driving home a new Honda model.

"We are very excited about this campaign as it provides an excellent opportunity to reward Malaysians for their unwavering support," said Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Toichi Ishiyama.

The Japanese car maker has already announced the first lucky winner who will be driving home a Honda Civic with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine.

The car will be presented to Mohamad Adib Fida'iy Mohamad Hanapi at the Ban Chu Bee Sdn Bhd Honda dealership in Kelantan at the end of September during the Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign Grand Event.

Meanwhile, three of the models will be given away to participants in the contests organised individually by Astro Radio, Tealive and Unifi.

To stand a chance to win, Astro Radio's Syok app must be downloaded via Google Play or App Store with updated particulars.

For Tealive fans, all one need do is snap a photo of themselves with a Tealive drink at the contest standee and submit it with their particulars via WhatsApp.

As for Unifi subscribers, download the myunifi app and update the particulars during the campaign period to stand a chance at winning a Honda model.

There are still a total of eight Honda models up for grabs at all 90 Honda sales dealerships nationwide as well as through the Road to 900,000th Unit Milestone Campaign nationwide tour, which kicked off in East Malaysia and will roam throughout Malaysia from August to September.

To participate in the campaign, customers can register their details through QR code or visit the campaign’s website before taking part in the activities or contests to earn giveaway tickets.

Such activities to earn a ticket include search and snap a hidden car name emblem, test driving a Honda car, booking a Honda car, or registering a Honda car.

Another way is for a Honda owner to service their car at any authorised service centre within 12 months prior to the date of registration in this contest.

The more tickets collected, the higher the chance to win the Honda models.

For more information or to register for the campaign, customers can log on to www.honda.com.my/microsite/900k or visit its official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hondamalaysia/.


Proton quest for foreign partner heats up

                PETALING JAYA: France’s PSA Group, the maker of Peugeot and Citroen cars, is making a bid for a stake in Proton Holdings Bhd, as the local car manufacturer seeks foreign help to boost its fledgling sales.

Other carmakers, including Volkswagen Group and Geely from China, are said to be participating in the process. “The bid (by PSA) was made following fruitful talks between PSA and Proton’s delegation in France recently. The VW Group and China’s Geely are also in the bidding process,” a source said.

Reuters reported yesterday that PSA had confimed its participation in a call for bids initiated by Proton and its main shareholder, DRB-Hicom Bhd.

The source further said PSA was acting as a bidder on its own accord. Malaysia currently accounts for the bulk of Peugeot’s total sales in Asean.

The Naza Group, the distributor of Peugeot and Citroen vehicles locally, has been linked several times in the past as a serious bidder for Proton.

“However, there is a possibility that the Malaysian counterpart (Naza) could be involved in this transaction with PSA at some point, if all goes well,” he said.

The bid bodes well for PSA’s aspirations in Asia, as the group aims to sell one million vehicles in China and South-East Asia by 2018. During the first half of this year, its sales in the region amounted to 296,507 units, or a 19% drop on a year-on-year basis. The French carmaker also manufactures vehicles under the Citroen and DS brands.

It is believed that Proton had sent partnership proposals to nearly 20 carmakers earlier this year, with Japan’s Suzuki Motor Corp and France’s Renault SA among those who have responded.

The potential strategic investment by a foreign partner is a key component of loss-making Proton’s turnaround plans.

In June, the Government provided a soft loan of RM1.25bil to Proton by subscribing to 1.25 billion new redeemable convertible cumulative preference shares (RCCPS). The investment is made by Govco Holdings Bhd, which is a unit of Minister of Finance Inc.

On Sept 9, DRB-Hicom disclosed in a stock exchange filing that a further RM250mil in cash would be provided by Jan 31, 2017 as part of a second subscription agreement.

Among the conditions precedent in the arrangement is that within a year’s time, the carmaker must seek and identify a “strategic and renowned partner” which will assist in research and development efforts so that it can become a competitive player in the international automotive scene.

Potential investors in Proton would have to take into consideration the ramifications of the RCCPS scheme. Among them is that should Govco eventually opt to convert the shares, the Government would end up with a 82.35% stake in Proton, while DRB-Hicom’s stake would be diluted from 100% to 17.65%.

Proton’s two factories in Tanjong Malim and Shah Alam are seen as being among the carmaker’s prized assets for foreign bidders who are keen to undertake a large-scale regional expansion. The facilities are said to be able to produce 400,000 cars annually.

Japanese carmakers who dominate the market share in the region have already committed substantial investments. For example, in May this year, UMW Toyota Holdings Sdn Bhd announced plans to increase its manufacturing capacity to 100,000 cars per annum with the construction of a new factory in Bukit Raja, Klang.

Proton’s sales have dipped throughout this year due to a slowdown in consumer spending and tighter borrowing requirements for auto loans.

For the first eight months of the year, Proton recorded a sales volume of 44,029 units, a sharp decline of 37% compared to 70,113 units during the same period a year ago.

On the other hand, the carmaker saw improved sales figures for the month of August, owing to the positive response towards the recent launch of its Proton Persona model.


Singapore to match any increase in Malaysian toll

                SINGAPORE: Singapore will continue to match any increase in Malaysia's toll, Channel NewsAsia reported.

Quoting Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan, the report said the long-standing policy is to ensure Malaysia takes into consideration Singapore's response whenever it plans to raise tolls.

Khaw was responding to a question in Parliament on whether the ministry will adjust the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) fee and toll charges for vehicles entering Singapore. The question came in response to Malaysia's intention to charge RM20 for each foreign vehicle entering Johor from Singapore.

Khaw said Singapore has consistently advocated open and liberal transport links and connectivity with Malaysia. For example, the toll at the Causeway and Second Link were introduced in 1998 only in response to Malaysia's decision to levy tolls at both crossings.

"The same principle will apply in our response to Malaysia's impending road charge," he was quoted as saying.

"If it discriminates against Singapore-registered vehicles, we will match it in some form. We will confirm whether and how we will respond, after Malaysia has implemented their road charge and the details become available."

Malaysia is conducting a trial run for the implementation of the VEP for foreign vehicles entering Malaysia via the causeway from Singapore from June 1 until July 15. The RM20 VEP charge would only be imposed from July 16 while the registration of vehicles for VEP will be until the end of the year. At present, Singapore's VEP charges for foreign-registered cars is S$35 (RM70) per day, while S$40 (RM120) for Goods Vehicle Permit fee for foreign-registered goods vehicles per calendar month.

Each foreign car is given 10 free days per year. There are no charges during the weekends and when entering the republic between 5pm and 2am from Monday to Friday.


Japan looks to AI as pandemic challenges go-and-see quality control mantra

                TOKYO: At a factory south of Japan’s Toyota City, robots have started sharing the work of quality-control inspectors, as the pandemic accelerates a shift from Toyota’s vaunted “go and see” system, which helped revolutionise mass production in the 20th century.

Inside the auto-parts plant of Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co Ltd, a robotic arm picks up and spins a bevel gear, scanning its teeth against a light in search of surface flaws. The inspection takes about two seconds - similar to that of highly trained employees who check around 1,000 units per shift.

“Inspecting 1,000 of the exact same thing day-in day-out requires a lot of skill and expertise, but it’s not very creative,” said chief executive Hiroshi Otsuka. “We’d like to release workers from those tasks.”

Global manufacturers have long used robots in production while leaving the knotty work of spotting flaws mainly to humans. But social distancing measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 have prompted a rethink of the factory floor.

That has spurred the increased use of robots and other technology for quality control, including remote monitoring, which was already being adopted before the pandemic.

In Japan, such approaches represent an acute departure from the “genchi genbutsu”, go-and-see methodology developed as part of the Toyota Production System and embraced by Japanese manufacturers for decades with almost religious zeal.

That process tasks workers with constantly monitoring all aspects of the production line to spot irregularities, and has made quality control one of the last human hold-outs in otherwise automated factories.

Yet even at Toyota Motor Corp itself, when asked about automating more genchi genbutsu procedures, a spokesman said: “We are always looking at ways to improve our manufacturing processes, including automating processes where it makes sense to do so.”

Quality demands

Improvements in artificial intelligence (AI) have come in tandem with increasingly affordable equipment but also stricter quality requirements from customers.

However, automating inspections is challenging, given the need to teach robots to identify tens of thousands of possible defects for a specific product and apply that learning instantly.

Musashi Seimitsu’s low defect rate of one per 50,000 units left the firm without enough defective examples to develop an efficient AI algorithm.

But a solution came from Israeli entrepreneur Ran Poliakine, who applied AI and optics technology he had used in medical diagnostics to the production line.

His idea was to teach the machine to spot the good, rather than the bad, by basing the algorithm on up to 100 perfect or near-perfect units - a modification of the so-called golden sample.

“If you look at human tissue, you are teaching an algorithm what is good and what is not good, and you only have one second to perform the diagnostic,” he said.

‘On steroids’

Since the breakthrough, Poliakine’s startup SixAI and Musashi Seimitsu have established MusashiAI, a joint venture which develops and hires out quality control robots - a first in the field.

Enquiries from automakers, parts suppliers and other firms in Japan, India, the United States and Europe have quadrupled since March when the novel coronavirus went global, Poliakine said.

“Covid-19 has accelerated the move. Everything is on steroids now, because working from home is showing that remote work can work,” he said.

Earlier this year, Italian auto parts maker Marelli, formerly Calsonic Kansei, also began using AI quality inspection robots at a plant in Japan, and said last month that it wanted AI to play a bigger role in quality inspections in the coming years.

Printer maker Ricoh Co Ltd plans to automate all of the production processes for drum units and toner cartridges at one of its Japan plants by March 2023. Robots perform most of the processes already, and since April, technicians have been monitoring equipment on the factory floor from home.

“Of course, you need to be on site to assess and execute solutions when issues come up, but identifying and confirming are tasks we can now do from home,” said Kazuhiro Kanno, general manager at Ricoh’s printer manufacturing unit.

Musashi Seimitsu will not say when it envisions its factory floors to be fully automated, but Otsuka said AI stands to complement, not threaten, the go-and-see system.

“AI doesn’t ask ‘Why? Why?’ but humans do. We’re hoping to free them up to ask why and how defects occur,” he said. “This will enable more people to look for ways to constantly improve production, which is the purpose of ‘genchi genbutsu’.”


Honda ends Civic Type R challenge with five records

                BUDAPEST: Honda has just completed the final part of its Civic Type R Challenge, which succeeded in setting new lap records at five different tracks around Europe this year. On the final leg, a Civic Type R driven by former Formula 1 World Champion and current NSX Super GT driver Jenson Button set a new record of 2 minutes, 10.19 seconds for a front-wheel drive production car at Hungary's Hungaroring GP circuit.

The Hungaroring is a narrow, winding 4.38km circuit with 180-degree corners and a complex chicane, which make it one of the more technical tracks in Europe. It also holds particularly fond memories for Button, as it's the circuit where he won his first Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2006 before going on to become World Champion in 2009.

Button was obviously delighted after setting the new lap record at the Hungaroring. Speaking of the car itself, he commented: "The first thing I noticed when I left the pit lane was how neutral the car was. I come from a background that is not front-wheel drive focused, so it was very different for me but because the Type R is so well balanced it was instantly really enjoyable and more natural."

He added, "The thing that surprised me most is how late you can brake with this car. The manual gearbox works really well, too. Most cars these days don't come with manual boxes, so it's nice to have that manual feel. You always feel a lot more connected to the car."

For the five front-wheel drive production car lap records, Honda asked five different Honda racing champions to drive the Civic Type R.

At the Estoril circuit in Portugal, WTCR driver Tiago Monteiro set a lap record of 2 minutes, 01.84 seconds, while at Silverstone in the UK, BTCC legend Matt Neal set a new benchmark of 2 minutes, 31.32 seconds. Japanese Super GT star Bertrand Baguette piloted the Type R around Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium in 2 minutes, 53.72 seconds, and at MagnyCours in France, WTCR driver Esteban Guerrieri set a record of 2 minutes, 1.51 seconds.


Nissan, partners to draft deeper alliance in May, says daily

                TOKYO: Nissan Motor Co, Renault SA and Mitsubishi Motors Corp will draft plans for a deeper alliance next month, including joint development of more electric vehicles (EVs) and self-driving technology, the Yomiuri daily reported.

The three companies will include the projects in their respective mid-term business plans, the paper said, without saying how it obtained the information.

Among other plans, the automakers intend to share EV motors and batteries, while Nissan and Renault will start building each other’s cars at factories in South America and Russia to boost production efficiency, the paper said.


More than 400 turn out for the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride

                KUALA LUMPUR: More than 400 bikers of the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride community turned out dressed in their best for its annual ride on Sunday.

The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride (DGR) is an event for owners of classic and classic-styled motorcycles and scooters.

Didi Group was one of the main sponsors of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in Kuala Lumpur.

Didi Group is the sole distributor and importer for Harley-Davidson, Piaggio, Aprilia, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, Zero Engineering, and Royal Enfield in Malaysia.

The ride kicked off from Lalaport, Kuala Lumpur at 2pm and ended at The Gasket Alley, Petaling Jaya around 5pm.

At The Gasket Alley, riders were given the opportunity to test ride some of the latest motorcycle models that were locally launched by Didi Group recently.

They were Harley-Davidson, Aprilia, Vespa, Moto Guzzi and Royal Enfield.

Besides the test rides, all DGR participants were entitled to discounts starting from 20% on selected motorcycle apparels and merchandises.

The evening was filled with great camaraderie among the DGR participants dressed in trademark dapper fashion, as well as enjoying good music, food and plenty of fun.


Porsche 718 Cayman races with drones

                LONDON: Porsche has come up with a stunt to draw people’s attention to the 718 Cayman.

The premise in one of its latest video foray is this: is the 300hp 718 Cayman fast enough to outrun a swarm of race drones? There’s only one way to find out and that’s to put it to the test.

Stunt driver Mauro Carlo and YouTube gamer Ali-A tested this at Medway Port, which is 60km south-east of here. They started a giant cat-and-mouse game with six drones between three check points.

The 2.0-litre engine of the 718 Cayman produces up to 380Nm of torque, generated between 1,950 - 4,500 rpm. There’s also a more powerful Cayman known as Cayman S (350hp/420Nm), which sports a 2.5-litre engine that features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.

With drone use becoming more widespread, it was a matter of time before car makers use them for more than just creative shots of their cars in motion.

The Porsche video clip, posted on Nov 22, has since attracted over 2 million views - and counting.

Porsche’s stunt isn’t really new. In fact, it’s a variation of the same gig Nissan did with its 2017 GT-R that it announced in June. In that event, Nissan said it created a race drone of its own to keep up with the GT-R.

Catch the GT-R excitement here. But not before you click on that video above to see what Porsche was up to lately.


Set SST exemption deadline for all cars at March 31 next year, Govt urged

                PETALING JAYA: All cars registered before March 31, 2023, should be given vehicle sales tax exemption, instead of basing it on a booking deadline of June 30, says an industry leader.

This will avoid confusion among different levels of stakeholders, from processing the booking, to delivery by dealers and its registration, said Datuk Tony Khor, the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia (FMCCAM) president.

Cars booked by today are eligible for the exemption as long as they are registered before March 31 next year.

“Since the government allows cars booked on or before June 30 to enjoy the tax exemption as long as they are registered before March 31, 2023, why not just extend the tax exemption deadline to the same day?

“Let car owners be entitled to the exemption as long as they register their cars by that date,” he told The Star yesterday.

Khor said although the federation welcomed the government’s decision to allow registrations until March next year, today’s booking deadline has created a frenzy with people thronging dealerships.

With the nine-month period between booking and registration deadlines, he said dealers would have to wait for Customs clearance and confirmation if each car was entitled to the exemption before registration could be done.

“This process will take time, especially if there is a dispute over the actual booking date.

“We hope the Finance Ministry will allow all vehicles registered on or before March 31 to get the exemption,” he added.

Car dealer YS Khong said customer inquiries have been pouring in, especially after the government announced that there would be no more extensions to the deadline.

“I still have customers asking me about the deadline.

READ MORE:
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“All dealers are experiencing heavy traffic and workload to ensure bookings are officially recorded,” he said.

“It’s good that the government allows car to be registered until March next year but clients have to make up their minds by June 30,” added the five-time Malaysian rally champion, who also runs a YouTube channel about cars.

Bermaz Auto Bhd executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said its company showrooms had been receiving a rush of bookings recently.

The company, he said, had about 9,000 outstanding bookings but was confident of delivering the orders before March 31, as demand was expected to dip from tomorrow.

Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the extended registration deadline would give the industry some breathing room to meet consumers’ demand.

Among issues that are currently affecting local suppliers include component and manpower shortages, he said in a statement.

A Klang-based Honda dealer, who wished to be known only as Teoh, said his outlet has been handling hundreds of bookings with more clients pouring in since earlier this week.

“Everyone is rushing to place a booking,” he said, adding that his outlet’s computerised booking system was down for a while due to high traffic.

A booking is considered valid when a deposit of between RM500 and RM1,000 is paid and the buyer’s details are entered into the system.

He, too, called on the government to extend the tax exemption period.

“Another extension will encourage consumption and give stakeholders time to sort out the challenges and deliver,” he said.

The vehicle sales tax exemption was first announced on June 5, 2020, during the Penjana stimulus package and was scheduled to end on Dec 31 the same year. It was extended to June 30, 2021, then again to Dec 31, 2021.

During the tabling of Budget 2022, the exemption was extended for a third time to today.


Wilson’s death justifies F1 ‘halo’, says Vettel

                BUDAPEST: The 2015 death of British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson is reason enough for Formula One to introduce the ‘halo’ cockpit protection system, Ferrari’s championship leader Sebastian Vettel said on Thursday.

Wilson, an ex-Formula One driver, died after being hit on the head by debris from another car while competing at Pennsylvania’s Pocono Raceway.

Speaking at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Vettel said the device — fixed at three points including a central pillar in front of the driver with a protective loop above his head — was not pretty.

The safety arguments outweighed any aesthetic objections, however.

“I can understand why people say it does not belong on a Formula One car,” he told reporters. ”But on the other hand times are changing and we are moving forward.

“Offer that to Justin Wilson some time ago, and he would take it and we would all be happy to take it to help save his life,” continued the German, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association.

“You can’t turn back the clock, but in knowing that something is there which helps us to save others, it would be ignorant and stupid to ignore it.” The governing FIA announced last week that the halo would be introduced next season as the best solution to a problem that has troubled the sport for years.

The FIA presented its findings to reporters on Thursday, saying the halo offered more protection against both larger objects such as bouncing wheels and also smaller, scattered debris.

Visibility was better than on a Le Mans sportscar and only one of the 20 drivers had raised getting out of the cockpit quickly as a critical concern.

The halo will have a sole manufacturer and can be painted to fit in with team liveries. All new cars in other FIA open cockpit series will ultimately incorporate it and it could also spread to America.

Vettel, a four times world champion, tested a transparent ‘shield’ in practice for the British Grand Prix but reported that alternative device made him feel dizzy.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso was among a majority agreeing with Vettel on the halo. “If this is the most effective way to protect heads, it’s more than welcome,” said the Spaniard.

A handful remained opposed, with Frenchman Romain Grosjean saying the announcement marked ”a sad day for Formula One”.

Renault’s Jolyon Palmer went further, telling reporters it would ”be the end of Formula One as we know it”.
“I think it's an over-reaction to problems in other series,” he added.


Tesla revises plans for German battery plant

The site of the Tesla battery plant for electric cars in Gruenheide near Berlin. — AP

SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla on Thursday revised its application for a planned plant in Europe to include details for plans to produce battery cells on site and an expansion of other production lines, German officials said.

It also includes plans to reduce water consumption so that usage remains constant compared to earlier proposals despite the expansion.

Tesla has sharply criticised the lengthy regulatory processes in Germany and has pushed back the factory's opening date.

The agricultural and environment ministry of the state of Brandenburg had already flagged that Tesla would tweak its application for the construction of its planned factory, located in Gruenheide outside Berlin.

Tesla said in April that its plans were moving forward, with production and deliveries "on track for late 2021". But that was later than previous plans for July 1.

Authorities will now decide whether the public needs to weigh in on the new plans given the scope of the changes. A decision on that is expected in days, the ministry said.

Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment.


From July 1, Tesla may bill for in-car Internet

                SAN FRANCISCO: An email to Tesla's sale team suggests that the company will no longer gift new customers with the free WiFi perks current owners hold; instead there will be two packages to choose from starting July 1.

Tesla owners have been enjoying free data connectivity in their vehicles since the Model 2 was launched in 2012. Later, a shareholder letter noted that their Model S customers, starting from Jan 1, 2014,  would “receive free data connectivity and internet radio for four years” in order to “further enhance the driver experience.”

According to a report by Electrek, after obtaining an email between Tesla and its sales team this weekend, the time has come to start charging. Supposedly “all current Tesla owners and those who order a Model S, Model X, or Model 3 before July 1 will never have to pay to maintain the current level of Internet connectivity in their cars.”

From July 1, there will be two packages - ‘Premium Connectivity package' and ‘Standard Connectivity package' - the latter won't come with any additional charge and will provide connectivity for applications requiring low data usage.

While the maps and navigation system, which was recently updated to provide faster routing, more accurate arrival times as well as clearer guidance and labelling of turns, will be included what future Tesla buyers (after July 1) won't be getting is access to satellite maps or live traffic visualisation that show roads in green, orange and red, depending on congestion levels.

As for the ‘Premium Connectivity package', it's not clear as to how much it will be, however the report suggests the target is approximately US$100 per year. But apparently Tesla plans to offer a year of free Premium Connectivity to Model 3, Model S or Model X buyers.

The new Internet packages will supposedly roll out to all of Tesla's markets, including Europe, Australia and Asia, according to Teslarati.


Singapore says applications for mandatory foreign vehicle entry permits only available online

                JOHOR BARU: Malaysian-registered cars and motorcycles will be able to enter Singapore from next month, but only with a valid vehicle entry permit (VEP).

"Application for the VEP must be done online via VEP Digital Services on LTA's OneMotoring website," said the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA).

"They will not be allowed to apply for VEP, Autopass cards or update their road tax and motor insurance for their existing Autopass cards at Singapore's land checkpoints," it said in a statement here today.

Applications for new VEP or Autopass cards, updating foreign-registered car and motorcycle road tax and motor insurance for existing valid Autopass cards, can be made via onemotoring.lta.gov.sg.

The statement also noted drivers of foreign-registered vehicles must receive LTA's VEP approval email before travelling.

"Those without Autopass cards must collect it at LTA's Johor Baru service centre, which is located at 34, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak Susur 1, before entering Singapore.

"Those with valid VEPs can continue to go across from 11.59pm on March 31 while those who are unable to present valid Autopass cards together with LTA's VEP approval emails at Singapore's checkpoints will be turned back to Malaysia," it added.

The statement also said in anticipation of a significant increase in the volume of VEP applications, LTA will be conducting a system upgrade on its VEP Digital Service on LTA's OneMotoring website.

It added the expected downtime will be from March 24 to March 30. Vehicle owners will be able to access the system from March 31.

"Travellers are advised to plan at least two weeks ahead of their intended travel dates to allow sufficient time for VEP application and approval.

"Due to the expected increase in applications, we seek their understanding that LTA may take a longer time to process VEP applications during this period.

"Leisure travellers are encouraged to defer their plans to allow those with essential travel needs, such as for employment or to reunite with their families, to make their trips," it said.


Trend Micro, Luxoft team up to protect networked cars from hackers

Photo of hacking posed by model. For illustrative purpose only.
HANOVER: IT security company Trend Micro and software developer Luxoft are teaming up, with the goal of protecting cars from cyberattacks.

With Trend Micro's expertise in cybersecurity and Luxoft's knowledge of the car sector, both companies want to develop systems to protect vehicles from hackers, they say at the Hanover Messe trade fair.

The solution will use machine learning to detect anomalies in the vehicle's communications and behaviour, and automatically initiate the necessary protection measures. In addition, by analysing the data, global security threats should be able to be detected earlier.

"The automobile industry is experiencing massive technological changes towards more connectivity and networked mobility," says Luxoft manager Alwin Bakkenes. The risk of a cyberattack on a vehicle is growing as more cars connect to the cloud or another platform.

Networked vehicles present big challenges, says Eva Chen, head of Trend Micro. Nearly 100 per cent of all vehicles in Europe's leading countries are expected to be networked by the year 2020.

READ MORE:
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HARMAN devises onion-like security system to check car hacking


Toyota Vios Challenge (Season 3) race 2 – Day 2

                KUALA LUMPUR: The final day of the Toyota Vios Challenge one-make race series had over 10,000 spectators on the edge of their seats as heated racing action unfolded, close to the heart of Kuala Lumpur, from start to finish in all three classes of racing.

The two-day race weekend was organised at an airport, formerly known as the Royal Malaysian Air Force base in Sungai Besi, where a 1.96km circuit was constructed for the sole purpose of close saloon car racing action took place for the first time.

The best action of the day came in the form of a three-way battle for the win in the amateur Sporting Class which saw SMS Motorsports’ Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin (Car 12) clinching victory ahead of 17-year-old Bradley Benedict Anthony of team Dream Chaser (Car 55) and Dannies Ng (Car 93) in third place.

Although Sutan led the race from pole to finish, he had to continuously defend against Anthony's constant pressure throughout the 20-lap race.

Distracted by the leader, Bradley lost track position to Dannies momentarily before regaining it two laps later when the latter missed a gear.

The professional Super Sporting Class saw Kegani Racing’s Kenny Lee (Car 38) also lead from pole position to finish - denying 23 Motors’ Tengku Djan Ley (Car 23) of a double race victory, with Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin (Car 63) finishing third.

Kenny made a brilliant start to lead into the first corner with M7 Japan Project Team’s Syafiq Ali (Car 7) in close pursuit.

But it was Tengku Djan who gained the most, managing to slingshot himself all the way to third place from sixth on the grid.

The start of the race, however, was quickly held up due to the deployment of the safety car thanks to a collision at turn three between Toyotsu Racing’s William Ho (Car 39) and Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang (Car 3).

As expected, the celebrity racer's Promotional Class saw much drama as television presenter and comedian Nabil Ahmad (Car 83) managed a win from fourth place when the chequered flag fell with singers Khai Bahar (car 94) and Nabila Razali (Car 92) trailing in second and third place respectively.

The biggest casualty in the race was actor Shukri Yahaya (Car 24) and despite running in third place during the race, had a coming together with beatboxer Shawn Lee (Car 6) who braked too late going into a corner to take both cars out of contention.

Actress Diana Danielle (Car 15) meanwhile, spun her car in the wrong direction of the track after being nudged by actor Syafiq Kyle (Car 88).

For race fans and spectators, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival featured Toyota’s fleet of vehicles, test drive sessions, a drift performance by professional Japanese drivers, a concert, a bey blade competition and racing simulator challenge, and the sale of merchandise. Visitors to the festival were also able to get up close and personal with the newly-launched Toyota GR Supra.

RESULTS: RACE 2PROMOTIONAL
1. Nabil Ahmad
2. Khai Bahar
3. Nabila Razali
4. Wany Hasrita
5. Akio Takeyama

SPORTING
1. Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin SMS Motorsports
2. Bradley Benedict Anthony Dream Chaser
3. Dannies Ng
4. Adam Khalid Crestmax Motorsports
5. Tom Goh S&D Tama Motorsports

SUPER SPORTING
1. Kenny Lee Kegani Racing
2. Tengku Djan Ley 23 Motors
3. Mark Darwin Laser Motor Racing
4. Syafiq Ali M7 Japan Project Team
5. Brendan Paul Anthony Dream Chaser


Daimler deepens battery alliance with CATL to include R&D

Daimler AG board member Markus Schäfer and CATL CEO/chairman/founder Dr Robin Zeng are working together on advancing battery technology.
FRANKFURT: Daimler on Wednesday said it was deepening an alliance with Chinese battery maker CATL to deliver battery packs capable of giving Mercedes-Benz cars 700km of range at higher recharging speeds.

Daimler already has battery cell supply deals with Korea’s SK Innovation, LG Chem and Farasis in addition to China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), as it plans to ramp up production of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Wednesday’s agreement with CATL said the partnership will include supplying cells and entire battery systems as well as combining research.

“We intend to lead in battery technologies, so we are now combining our own research and development expertise with bold partners,” Daimler said in a statement.

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“The agreement covers the full range of battery technologies, from cells across modules for Mercedes-Benz Cars to entire battery systems for Mercedes-Benz Vans in promising innovative technology configurations. This also includes the CATL cell-to-pack (CTP) design, which eliminates conventional modules and integrates the cells directly into the battery.”

The partnership aims to shorten development cycles, significantly increase the ranges of future batteries through advances in energy density and reduce charging times, Daimler said.

CATL will use electricity from renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar and hydropower for its battery cell production, the joint release said.


Lazada takes a stake in Touch ‘n Go eWallet

                PETALING JAYA: eCommerce player Lazada Group has emerged as an investor in Touch ‘n Go eWallet’s operator, TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, which in turn is majority-owned by CIMB Group Holdings Bhd and China’s Ant Group.

It was announced yesterday that TNG Digital has raised RM750mil from its latest equity funding round, led by a new investment by Lazada and a follow-on investment by Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd.

However, the exact amount invested by Lazada was not disclosed.

Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd is the parent company of TNG Digital. The former is in turn wholly-owned by CIMB.

Touch ‘n Go group said the new investment solidifies the collaboration between key segment leaders, one in eCommerce and one in digital financial services and payments.

The latest round of funding brings the total amount raised by TNG Digital over the last 18 months to over RM1bil.

In addition to Touch ‘n Go and Lazada, other shareholders of TNG Digital include Ant Group, insurer AIA Group and United States-based venture fund BowWave Capital.

Touch ‘n Go group chief executive officer (CEO) Effendy Shahul Hamid (pic) said the collaboration with Lazada will bring next-level value propositions to users and merchant bases across the Lazada and Touch ‘n Go ecosystem.

“I look forward to seeing the teams roll out these exciting collaboration opportunities to our users.

“The funding round also sets us up nicely for our next phase of growth.

“We will continue to expand in all areas of digital financial services and ensure that our user base is served in an innovative and inclusive manner,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Lazada Malaysia CEO Alan Chan said that digital payment services were “a critical bolt-on” to bring the best customer experience on Lazada.

“Lazada is fully committed to providing a seamless customer journey, as well as being a catalyst to stimulate capacity building among our sellers, primarily local micro, small and medium enterprises.

“Our long-standing partnership with Touch ‘n Go eWallet has served our customers well, allowing buyers to check out easily and quickly,” he added.


Praga teases road-legal, high performance car ahead of Nov 23 reveal

                PRAGUE/MANCHESTER: Praga Cars, the specialist race and road car division of the 115-year-old Czech manufacturing and engineering brand, has announced that the name, price and full technical details of its all new road-legal car will be released on Nov 23.

Track-focused and road-legal, it is planned for all major hypercar markets, hand-built and limited in number to ensure exclusivity. The car will be launched ready to order, and a maximum of just 12 cars will be scheduled in 2023, the first year of production.

The high-performance car is in its final stages of development, targeting a unique combination of very fast lap times in the hands of skilled drivers, on-road compliance, and stand-out looks.

Its design and engineering have focused on three core principles: lightweight, petrol power and all-carbon construction.

Whilst Praga Cars completes development of the road car, the racing business, spearheaded by the Praga R1 - no connection to the road car aside from its philosophical spirit of aerodynamics and dramatic high power to weight ratio - continues to grow its international footprint.

Recent highlights include completion of the first season of a one-make series in the UK, an invitational racing debut and win on the famous Bathurst circuit in Australia through Praga Racing ANZ, and outright wins in November at the Dubai Autodrome in the Gulf ProCar through Praga Racing UAE.


Zenseact becomes fully owned subsidiary of Volvo Cars

                GOTHENBURG: Sweden-based Volvo Car AB said today it had taken 100% ownership of its autonomous driving (AD) software development subsidiary Zenseact.

Volvo Cars acquired 13.5% of shares in Zenseact from ECARX, which made the AD software company a fully owned subsidiary of the Swedish automaker.

Zenseact will continue to remain and operate as a standalone company, Volvo Cars said.

Despite Volvo Cars taking ECARX's shares in the software company, the ongoing collaboration discussions between Zenseact and ECARX will continue as planned, Volvo Cars said.

Zenseact received a strategic investment in 2021 from ECARX where it asked for 15% shareholding in the software company.

Zenseact had struck a deal with Luminar Technologies in 2021 to offer a combination hardware-software system to other automakers.