Team Toyota gunning for win at Sepang 1000KM race this weekend

                SHAH ALAM: After a successful debut in the 2021 edition of the Sepang 1000KM, Toyota is now gunning for its Vios model to win Malaysia’s most prestigious endurance race.

This year’s Sepang 1000KM which will again be contested over nine grueling hours will be held from Nov 17-20 at the 5.534km Sepang International Circuit.

UMW Toyota Motor and Gazoo Racing Malaysia will be officially represented in the MTC and SP2 Classes of the Sepang 1000KM.

Two racers will spearhead the MTC Class to fight for the overall victory – an achievement it so nearly came close to achieving in 2021.

The Sepang 1000KM will also see a total of 15 SP2 Class Toyotas competing in the Gazoo Racing Vios Enduro Cup that is exclusive to and open to all generations of the model competing in the Vios Challenge and Vios Sprint Cup race series.

UMW Toyota Motor President Ravindran K said endurance racing is the very pinnacle of motor racing.

“The Vios, as well as models like the Yaris, have successfully demonstrated in the 2021 edition of the Sepang 1000KM that it has both the reliability and outright performance to become winners.

“The running of the Gazoo Racing Vios Enduro Cup further illustrate the capabilities of the standard-production Vios in this ultimate test, keeping in mind that the same cars have already endured six races in the Vios Challenge and another four one-hour races in the Vios Sprint Cup this year,” he said.

Toyota had finished third and fourth in the premier MTC Class of the race in 2021.

The pair of Hayden Haikal and Timothy Yeo had crossed the finish line in first place overall and three laps ahead of their nearest rival in the Yaris but were later dealt a penalty reclassifying them to fourth place overall and third in the MTC Class.

The second Toyota pair of Boy Wong and Dannies Ng in the Vios meanwhile, concluded a strong result in fourth place in the MTC Class and sixth overall.

Three Toyotas had also occupied the top five front positions from a field of 39 entries on the starting grid for the race.

Ravindran said the Gazoo Racing Vios Enduro Cup would serve as a fitting finale for what has been an extremely successful and memorable season of racing for Toyota.

It recently concluded Season 5 of the Vios Challenge premier one-make race series and the running of the inaugural Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup which has been incorporated into the national Malaysia Championship Series (MCS).

“Expanding beyond the Vios Challenge is in tandem with UMW Toyota Motor’s aspiration of establishing a bigger footprint and to make an impactful contribution to Malaysian motorsports.

“It ties in with our objective to continually build ever better products,” he said.

While the Vios Challenge and Vios Sprint Cup are known for its intensely close and competitive short races, the Gazoo Racing Vios Enduro Cup will put teams, drivers and cars to the ultimate test over a distance of 1,000km.

The Gazoo Racing Vios Enduro Cup will be putting up a total of RM30,000 in prize monies with the overall champion taking home RM10,000!

The first runner-up will win RM8,000 while the third, fourth and fifth place winners will take home RM6,000, RM4,000 and RM2,000 respectively.

Limited slots are available in the Gazoo Racing Vios Enduro Cup, and to register participation or for more details, racers and teams can contact UMW Toyota Motor’s Race Management representative Janet at 016-367 3300.


F1 may return to Malaysia, says Dr M

                SEPANG: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad does not discount the possibility that the Formula 1 (F1) race, which was last hosted by Malaysia last year, will return to this country.

"Maybe," he responded when asked by reporters whether the installation of the flood lights throughout the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) could be perceived as a sign that the prestigious race would come back.

He had earlier driven a Ferrari car on the 5.543km track as a symbol of the official opening of the "Circuit Lights" here last night.

Dr Mahathir, however, drew attention that the lighting rate of the flood lights was much higher than required in case the SIC wanted to hold races at night.

"If for the F1, the lighting must be much brighter because the present brightness is not bright enough. It will make it difficult to carry out broadcasting work," he said.

Dr Mahathir said SIC had the potential to become a motorsports city that served as a platform for the advancement of motorsports in the country.

"Sepang can become a motorsports city where everybody who is interested in such activity or engineering can come here and learn how to move forward in this field," he said.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said it would be up to the Cabinet to decide on resuming the F1 race in Malaysia.


Sensors for polluting vehicles have helped improve air quality in HK

                HONG KONG: To improve air quality, cities could install roadside sensors to detect the presence of high-polluting vehicles, suggest Australian researchers.

The idea would be to combine this monitoring system with a program to repair vehicles that are heavy emitters.

Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney, the study authors analysed data obtained from pollution radars - on road remote sensing technology, set up by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department. This remote monitoring program began in September 2014.

Professor John Zhou from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and co-author of the work explained that "remote sensing equipment uses a sensor and light beam to measure chemical concentrations in the exhaust as a vehicle drives past.

A camera records the licence plate, so vehicles can be identified for inspection and repair."

The study analysed data from the program implemented in Hong Kong between September 2014 and December 2018.

During this period, 2.9 million vehicles were screened from over 150 monitoring sites. Air quality measurements were also considered.

A total of 16,365 high-emitting LPG and gasoline vehicles were identified by remote sensing and received emission test notices.

Of these, 96.3% were successfully repaired and subsequently passed the Hong Kong Transient Emissions Test.

Nearly 90% of the repairs needed were related to three-way catalytic converters and oxygen sensors, the study noted.

According to the Australian researchers' observations, these polluting vehicle sensors have contributed to a big improvement in air quality in Hong Kong, due to a significant and continuous reduction in the level of harmful chemicals at the roadside.

Overall, repairing high-emission vehicles could have reduced total hydrocarbon emissions by 22%, carbon monoxide by 47%, and nitrous oxide by 39%.


BYD, Toyota to set up research venture to develop electric vehicles

                TOKYO/SHANGHAI: Chinese electric car maker BYD Co Ltd and Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp said today they planned to set up a joint venture to design and develop battery electric cars as they ramp up efforts to produce zero emissions vehicles.

The two companies said in a statement that they would each invest 50% of the capital needed to establish the company, which will be set up next year and be based in China. The companies did not disclose the value of the venture.

Widely considered a latecomer in embracing battery EVs, compared with rivals including Nissan, Toyota had flagged in June that it aimed to get half of its global sales from EVs, including petrol hybrids, by 2025, five years ahead of schedule.

The venture aims to develop vehicles that run solely on batteries, rather than plug-in hybrid or petrol-electric vehicles.

In July, the companies said they would develop battery-electric sedans and sport utility vehicles, which would then be sold under the Toyota brand in China before 2025.

Toyota also develops hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and plans to launch fuel-cell car models with its Chinese partners, Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) and FAW Group, in China, as the world’s largest auto market increases support for fuel-cell vehicles.

Shenzhen-based BYD, backed by Warren Buffett, whose models include the Song series and the Qin plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, aims to move to completely electric-powered vehicles. However, its profits are expected to drop this year as China cuts subsidies on EV.


Petronas station re-opens, tainted fuel traced to underground tank leak

A Petronas team checking a fuel tank earlier today. — Image from Petronas
PETALING JAYA: The Petronas station that was shut down today when 20 cars broke down after refuelling there has re-opened this evening.

Investigations by Petronas Dagangan Bhd traced the problem at Petronas Station Solaris Besraya to a leakage in one of the fuel tanks at the station, which had contaminated the fuel with water.

Petronas Dagangan said in a statement that it had taken "immediate remedial actions to flush out the contaminated fuel and isolate the affected tank."

It said it has been in contact with and is assisting the customers whose cars had been damaged by tainted fuel. All pumps at the station were also checked to ensure they were dispensing unadulterated fuel.

Petronas Dagangan said a team will remain on site today and tomorrow to offer any assistance required to customers.

A YouTuber ,"Wak Genjer", posted a clip of the station later in the day, giving his observations in Bahasa Malaysia. He noted that remedial works were still underway at 6.30pm today and that there were far fewer motorists than usual passing through the station since its re-opening, believing that they were still worried for the safety of their cars following the early morning incident.


Bentley AR app lets you explore EXP 100 GT

                LONDON: Bentley Motors launched Bentley 100 AR, an augmented reality experience that allows users the opportunity to explore the Bentley EXP 100 GT at their fingertips.

Available on Apple devices, Bentley 100 AR uses a printable QR code to provide an augmented reality experience of the EXP 100 GT, the concept car created to reimagine the future of grand touring.

Through the app, users can explore the concept car in 3D and step inside to interact with the beautifully crafted interior featuring materials and technologies never used or seen before.

At selected Bentley retailers around the world users can interact with a virtual version of the car in full scale.

This includes narration by members of Bentley’s design team, JP Gregory and Brett Boydell who explain how the EXP 100 GT is the embodiment of Bentley’s vision of future grand tourers.

As well as the full-scale model, available at selected retailers, users will also be able to see the car in 3D as 3:4 and desktop scale models anywhere they choose, even in their own home.

Beyond mere mobility, the Bentley EXP 100 GT concept car will enhance the owner’s Grand Touring experience, whether driving or being driven autonomously.

Bentley EXP 100 GT is borne from pure Bentley DNA and inspired by the company’s deep understanding of the desires of its intelligent, forward-thinking customers.

Beautifully styled, it embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a means to reassert the car as a place for creating, experiencing and capturing extraordinary human experiences and emotions.

Designed from the inside out and taking advantage of an all-electric platform, Bentley EXP 100 GT reimagines the Grand Tourer for the world of 2035. This is a world of shared luxury experiences where passenger and driver enjoy equal status in their enjoyment of their extraordinary journeys.

The car’s presence and impressive exterior proportions are reminiscent of many of Bentley’s historic Grand Tourers but take these luxury hallmarks into the future. The result is a future vision commensurate with Bentley’s status as the world’s most sought after luxury brand.

The app can be downloaded here.


2017 Geneva Motor Show: Kia Stinger and Picanto

                GENEVA: At the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, Kia Motors unveils four new models.

The new Kia Stinger fastback sports sedan makes its European premiere, alongside the all-new Kia Picanto city car.

Advanced powertrain technology features in two other new Kia models on show for the first time – the Niro Plug-in Hybrid crossover and Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, commented: “The Stinger is the most powerful car that Kia has ever produced, while the new Picanto – one of the company’s best-selling models worldwide – makes a statement with a bold, modern design, new technologies, and best-in-class versatility. New plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro and Optima Sportswagon will help Kia achieve its 2020 target to improve fuel economy by 25 per cent over 2014 levels.”

 Kia Stinger interior.

All four of the models unveiled by Kia in Geneva will be sold with the company’s unique 7-Year, 100,000 m warranty as standard.

Kia’s warranty covers the lithium-ion polymer battery packs in the two new Plug-in Hybrid models.

The European specification of the new Kia Stinger is revealed in Geneva following the car’s global premiere at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Kia’s powerful new fastback sports sedan channels the spirit of historic grand tourers – powerful, elegant vehicles capable of moving their owners in style, at speed.

In Europe, the Stinger will be available with a choice of three engines: a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine (255 ps power output, and 353 Nm maximum torque), a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine (200 ps, 440 Nm), and a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6.

The 3.3-litre engine produces 370 ps with a maximum torque output of 510 Nm, and accelerates from 0-to-100 kph in 5.1 seconds – making it the fastest-accelerating and most powerful car Kia has ever produced.

The Kia Stinger will be available with a choice of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, as well as a range of DRiVE WISE active safety systems, an electronically-adjustable suspension system (Dynamic Stability Damping Control), and a five-mode Drive Mode Select system.

The Stinger go on sale in Europe during the fourth quarter of 2017.

 Kia Picanto.

Meanwhile, the all-new Kia Picanto makes its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.

Created in collaboration by Kia’s design centres in Namyang, Korea and Frankfurt, Germany, the new Picanto boasts a high-tech cabin featuring a ‘floating’ 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

New in-car technologies and connectivity features including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a wireless smartphone charger.

A performance-inspired GT-Line model is available for the first time.

The new Picanto has the largest boot capacity of any A-segment car (255 litres).

 Kia Picanto interior.

The Picanto is the first car in its class to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking.

From launch at the start of Q2 2017, the new Picanto will be available with 1.0- and 1.25-litre gasoline engines.

In Q4 2017, Kia will also offer the new model with a new 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol direct injection (T-GDI) power unit, producing 100 ps.

 Niro Plug-in Hybrid.

Also, the new Niro Plug-in Hybrid, revealed for the first time in Geneva, will go on sale across Europe during Q3 2017, pairing an economical 1.6-litre GDI (petrol direct injection) engine with an 8.9 kWh high-capacity lithium-polymer battery pack.

The latest addition to Kia’s hybrid crossover range can have a zero-emissions pure-electric driving range of over 55 kilometres.

 Niro plug-in hybrid interior.

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid features regenerative braking technology to harvest kinetic energy and recharge the battery pack while coasting or braking, while a new Eco Driving Assistant System (Eco DAS) provides drivers with intelligent guidance on how to drive more efficiently under current conditions.

Meanwhile, the new Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid is the second car unveiled in Geneva with an advanced hybrid powertrain.

Due on-sale across Europe from Q3 2017, the new model offers 440 litres (VDA) of cargo space – 133 litres more than the Optima Plug-in Hybrid sedan – for maximum practicality.

 Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid.

The powertrain combines an efficient 2.0-litre ‘Nu’ four-cylinder GDI engine with a 50 kW electric motor and 11.26 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

With a total power output of 205 ps and a high 375 Nm maximum torque, the Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid gives drivers a pure electric range of over 60 kilometres.


VW eyes budget car cooperation with Great Wall, says mag

                BERLIN: Volkswagen is considering cooperating with China's Great Wall on a new budget model, Germany's Manager Magazin reported on Wednesday, citing company sources.

Volkswagen's China chief Jochem Heizmann had said on Sunday the company was considering developing budget sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) in China to keep up with shifts in the market.

Manager Magazin said one option that had been discussed in talks with Great Wall was Volkswagen taking a stake in the Chinese carmaker.

Volkswagen declined to comment on the report. A spokesman for Great Wall said the company was not aware of the issue.

Volkswagen, Europe's biggest carmaker, has struggled to develop a budget car for emerging markets, a key part of its drive to become the world's biggest automaker, because it found it difficult to keep costs for the vehicle low enough.

"VW has a proven inability to engineer and build low-cost cars," Singapore-based Bernstein analyst Max Warburton said in a report published on Wednesday. "VW doesn't know how to do cheap and cheerful, a company like Great Wall does."

Retail sales of SUVs in China soared more than a third last year to 3.82 million, and have more than doubled since 2012, rapidly outpacing growth in other segments, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).


Proton resumes car exports to Middle East, first shipment heads to Jordan

The first shipment of 453 cars comprises Gen.2 and Preve models. — Bernama
PORT KLANG: Proton has resumed the export of its cars to Middle East with the first shipment flag-off from Westport here to Jordan’s Port of Aqaba.

The first shipment of 453 Proton cars consisting the left-hand drive versions of Gen.2 and Preve models will be loaded on board the Grand Diamond roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel. The cars will then be distributed to countries such as Egypt, Iraq and Iran.

This also marks the first export shipment for the national carmaker since partnering with Geely.

“This ceremony marks a starting point for Proton as we resume and ramp up shipments to the Middle East in the coming months,” said Proton deputy chief executive officer Datuk Radzaif Mohamed.

The last major export of Proton cars to the Middle East was in 2015.

 Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong (third from right), Proton executives and officials of other companies were present to witness the flag-off at Westports Malaysia today.

Proton chief executive officer Li Chunrong said: “The Middle East markets hold high regard for products from Islamic countries like Malaysia.

“The demand for cars will grow as their economies develop and will help fuel the growth of our export business.”

Dr Li said besides the Middle East, Proton is also looking towards Malaysia’s neighbours to export its cars.

“The Asean market will remain as the main priority for Proton’s export business so we are excited about the opportunities available in the region,” he said.

Westports chief executive officer Eddie Lee said, the port operator was excited to partner Proton in its efforts to ship cars around the world.

“We believe Westports’ partnership with our customers like Proton together with shipping agents like Sunship will further strengthen both brands, and help ensure cars sent over are in pristine condition,” he said.

Proton is looking to export some 2,200 cars this year while expanding its left-hand drive line-up variants in the near future.


Michelin names new MD for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei

                KUALA LUMPUR: Michelin today announced the appointment of Tushar Gupta as the new managing director for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

He has been working in this role since Sept 1.

Tushar replaces Pascal Nouvellon, who has been promoted to a new global role at Michelin headquarters in France.

Tushar brings with him more than 15 years of experience in various industries including chemical, automotive and aviation. He joined Michelin in 2010 as a corporate development manager for South-East Asia, Australia and India. In 2012, he became the director of global corporate development in Clermont Ferrand, France.

He was then promoted as the Asia-Pacific zone director for Michelin Aviation Tyres in 2016 until July this year.

Tushar has a chartered accountant degree and is also an MBA graduate from Fuqua School of Business, Duke University in the United States.

“Having been with the Michelin family for almost a decade, I am excited to take us further in the automotive and tyre industry – especially in Malaysia where the market is strong and our presence is well-established through the Michelin, BFGoodrich and TYREPLUS brands," said Tushar.


Hyundai takes on Tesla with Ioniq 6 sedan

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co. unveiled a sedan version of its cult electric vehicle today, with an interior that can beam different colours depending on the speed of the car, as the automaker continues its ambitious EV push with an eye on challenging rivals such as Tesla Inc. and General Motors Co.

The Ioniq 6 can travel up to 610km on a single charge of its 77.4 kilowatt-hour battery, compared with 429km for the Ioniq 5, Hyundai said in a statement as the car debuted at the Busan International Motor Show in South Korea.

Production will start in the third quarter this year, and batteries will be supplied by LG Energy Solution Ltd. and another Korean partner, SK On Co.

Sales in South Korea will begin in September with a base price of 55 million won (RM186,000), the company said. US sales will begin in early 2023 and the wider rollout will be announced later. Prices for customers overseas haven’t been announced yet.

The EV will be aimed at young, single professionals, in contrast to the bigger, more family-focused Ioniq 5, Hyundai’s senior vice president of North America sales Randy Parker said.

The car will be produced in Asan, South Korea, and there are no plans to make it outside the country for now, EV head Heung Soo Kim said. Hyundai didn’t announce a sales target for the model.

Hyundai plans to invest 95.5 trillion won in electrification this decade, introducing at least 17 new models between this year and 2030 and targeting annual sales of 1.87 million EVs by the end of the period. The company is gunning for a 7% share of the global EV market by 2030, and an 11% share in the US.

The arrival of the Ioniq 6 comes about seven-and-a-half months after Hyundai unit Kia unveiled its latest Niro electric SUV. Kia’s EV9, a luxury SUV, will be released in 2023.

Hyundai and Kia together sold about 123,000 battery-powered and plug-in hybrid EVs in the first half of this year, putting them third on the world’s top EV-maker list, behind Tesla and BYD Co., according to BloombergNEF data.

The Europe, Middle East and Africa region accounted for nearly 60% of their sales, while Kia has become the second-most popular EV brand in the US this year.

"I’m positive about the Ioniq 6, especially in Europe because Ioniq 5 and Kia’s EV 6 were so popular there,” said Angela Hong, an analyst with Nomura in Seoul. "Hyundai’s EV margins don’t seem that bad so far because a weaker Korean won has offset losses from higher battery prices.”

The won has weakened about 10% against the dollar this year.

The Ioniq 6 has similar autonomous driving features to the Ioniq 5, including Highway Driving Assist 2 and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist.

The model’s seats are about 30% thinner than other models in the series, providing more legroom, while there are five USB ports and space next to the driver for a laptop. Some software can also be updated remotely, a first for Hyundai.

"Hyundai is changing so fast to win the race in EV industry, faster than other traditional carmakers,” said Woo Taek Hwang, a fund manager at Korea Investment Management Co. in Seoul.

"The Ioniq series reminds me of Samsung’s Galaxy series, when Samsung was working extremely hard to catch up with Apple’s iPhones. Hyundai is becoming a fast follower for Tesla.”


Expected nickel shortage worrying Tesla and EV battery suppliers

Molten nickel is poured at a smelting plant. — Reuters
MELBOURNE: Battery producers and electric automakers, including Tesla Inc., are concerned over longer-term supplies of nickel, a key material in their supply chain that’s forecast to fall into deficit, according to an Australian miner that’s held recent talks with the sector.

The need for the high-purity material used in batteries, known as class-one nickel, is likely to outstrip supply within five years, fuelled mainly by rising consumption in the EV industry, according to BloombergNEF.

It’s a concern shared by Tesla, according to Peter Bradford, chief executive officer of nickel producer Independence Group NL, who last week met with a member of the car producer’s battery metals supply chain team.

"They are getting ready to have the new factory in China, and are at full capacity in North America,’’ Bradford said. "They recognize the biggest risk from a strategic supply point of view is nickel.’’

There’s been a lack of sufficient investment in new mines for materials including nickel, a factor that could spur prices as battery sector demand builds, Tesla’s global supply manager of battery metals Sarah Maryssael, told a Washington meeting in May.

 Nickel briquettes. — Bloomberg

Tesla didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on its outlook for nickel and other metals.

Demand for nickel from lithium-ion batteries is forecast to surge about 16 times to 1.8 million tons of contained metal by 2030, BNEF said in a July report.

Batteries will account for more than half of demand for class one nickel by that date, shifting a market that’s currently focused on stainless steel.

Perth-based Independence last year increased nickel output from its Nova mine in Western Australia by about a quarter and is spending as much as A$75 million ($51 million) on exploration in an effort to extend the asset’s life and find new deposits.

nickel in London has jumped more than a third in 2019 and last month touched the highest in more than a year. Future battery demand will add further pressure on prices, according to Bradford, who is awaiting delivery this month of his own Tesla Model S.

 Nickel powder. — Bloomberg

"The dramatic price rise we’ve seen will pale into insignificance compared to the future,’’ Bradford said in the Friday phone interview.

Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., said in June the nickel market faces a deficit of 51,000 tons in 2019, raising an earlier forecast. Last month, First Quantum Minerals Ltd. confirmed it’ll reopen the Ravensthorpe mine in Western Australia — shuttered since 2017 — in the first quarter of 2020 amid the strength of interest from potential nickel and cobalt customers.

Western Areas Ltd. recently visited China’s Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., a leading battery maker, and is winning interest from the EV sector for nickel supply contracts, the Perth-based producer said Monday in a presentation.

Contracts with BHP Group and Tsingshan Holding Group Co. are scheduled to expire in January.

 Bags filled with nickel briquette and nickel powder sit in a warehouse at the BHP Group Ltdrefinery in Kwinana, Western Australia. — Bloomberg

Meetings with companies in the EV supply chain in China and South Korea in the past month, including battery suppliers and producers of key raw materials and chemicals, had also underscored the industry’s concerns about supply, Bradford said.

"The big question everyone will be asking in a year’s time is where does the nickel come from to satisfy the demands for nickel in stainless steel, as well as the increasing demand for nickel into electric vehicle batteries?’’ he said.


Ford's final Fiesta to be built in July

                COLOGNE: The final Ford Fiesta will roll off the production line this week, marking the end of one of Europe's best-selling cars.

Ford announced in October last year that it would be stopping the Fiesta in 2023, with the firm now confirming that the final examples will be produced on July 7.

A Ford spokesman said that it would coincide with the annual summer shutdown at the firm’s factory here.

Autocar reports that Ford will keep hold of the final two Fiesta models produced, with one destined for Ford’s German outfit, and the other for Ford’s UK heritage car collection.

The Ford Fiesta was introduced in 1976 at a time when there was a need for smaller, more efficient cars, and became an instant hit. It is the most popular car sold in the UK ever and was the best-selling vehicle for 12 consecutive years up until 2021. More than 22 million have been produced globally.

Despite Ford’s announcement last year, the Fiesta has continued to prove popular since.

According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the Fiesta is still the eighth most popular car overall in the UK in 2023.

The Cologne factory where the Fiesta is produced will be reworked to be able to start producing Ford’s new electric Explorer as the firm accelerates its EV efforts.

The Fiesta is the latest long-running nameplate to be discontinued by Ford. The firm axed the Mondeo in 2021, while earlier this year stopped producing its once-popular S-Max and Galaxy people carriers. The Focus will also end production in 2025.

Ford’s Puma crossover has taken over from the Fiesta, and is currently the UK’s most popular car so far in 2023. An electric version of the Puma is also set to be introduced in 2024. —PA Media


Haval expands to Skudai, Johor

                JOHOR BARU: A new Haval dealership has opened in Skudai here, expanding the nationwide network to 24.

The latest one is operated by Ang Trading and Motor Credit Sdn Bhd, says Haval distributor Go Auto Sales Sdn Bhd, adding that Johor has four such outlets.

Go Auto said new customers and current owners who buy new Haval SUVs will enjoy savings and free insurance of up to RM3,000.

 Ang Trading and Motor Credit director Ang Kian Hua (left) and Azli at the opening of the Skudai dealership.

"The H1 and H2 models are certified as EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle). The H1 comes with a seven-year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty whereas the H2 comes with a 5-year warranty or 150,000km, whichever comes first," said Go Auto Group executive director Datuk SM Azli SM Nasimuddin Kamal.

The new dealership is located at 39, Jalan Selatan Utama, Taman Perindustrian Ringan Pulai, Skudai. Call 06 - 952 1537 for more information.

Go Auto also announced that it has organised a nationwide Reimagine Campaign roadshow. More details at its microsite.


Geely teams up with Tencent on smart car tech

                BEIJING/SHANGHAI: China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which owns Volvo Cars and holds 9.7% of Daimler, said on Tuesday it has signed an agreement with Tencent Holdings Ltd to develop smart vehicle cockpit and autonomous driving.

In the latest such partnership in the fast-evolving sector, the companies will jointly develop smart car cockpits to have more mobile and mobility service applications, and explore testing of autonomous driving, Geely said in a statement.

The deal with Tencent, which has investments in EV makers including Tesla and Nio, is developing smart car technologies, is the third recent partnership by Hangzhou-based Geely with companies involved in the tech sector.

Geely said this month it would launch a smart electric vehicle (EV) company with Baidu Inc and later that it would form a separate venture with Foxconn to provide contract manufacturing for automakers.


Tesla to drop some colour options for cars to simplify production

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc will eliminate some colour options for its electric cars to streamline production, chief executive officer Elon Musk tweeted on Tuesday, as the company intensifies its efforts to ramp up production.

Tesla currently offers seven colours for its vehicles that include top variant Model S, mid level Model X and its most affordable sedan Model 3. The company is trying to iron out production bumps after struggling to produce Model 3 sedans and failing to meet several production deadlines.

“Moving 2 of 7 Tesla colours off menu on Wednesday to simplify manufacturing. Obsidian Black & Metallic Silver will still be available as special request, but at higher price,” Musk wrote in a tweet.

The colour options that will still be available are solid black, midnight silver metallic, deep blue metallic, pearl-white multi-coat, and red multi-coat.

“We occasionally adjust pricing and available options to best reflect the value of our products and to streamline our manufacturing operations,” a Tesla spokesman said of the plan to drop some colour options.

But some analysts painted a dour picture of the move.

“To ditch paint options won’t be the last action to simplify the car production. Tesla has no experience with mass production. They still need a lot production know-how,” said Frank Schwope, an analyst with NORD/LB.

The latest tweet follows a chaotic week for the carmaker after Musk was filmed smoking marijuana and wielding a sword on a live show, and a tumultuous August during which he proposed and then abruptly pulled the plug on a go-private deal for the company.

The billionaire’s behaviour has raised concerns about his leadership and several Wall Street analysts have called for the company to appoint a strong No. 2 to prop up Tesla’s operations and standing with investors.

On Tuesday, longtime bullish brokerage Nomura Instinet downgraded the stock to “neutral” from “buy” and slashed its price target by US$100 to US$300, citing Musk’s “erratic behaviour”.

“We are worried that this behaviour is tainting the Tesla brand, which in terms of value is most important,” analyst Romit Shah said. Tesla is “no longer investable,” Shah said.


Works Ministry pledges to fill small potholes within a day

                PETALING JAYA: The Works Ministry has given its commitment to fix potholes on federal roads within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, as the issue of road maintenance in Malaysia continues to be parodied.

The ministry said that under the "Zero Pothole Campaign", the patching of potholes or temporary repairs for federal roads would be conducted within 24 hours, while permanent repairs will be done in three days in compliance with the “Federal Road Maintenance” contract.

In a statement today, it said the campaign that was introduced from 2016-2018 was reintroduced in July as an initiative of the Ministry with the Public Works Department (JKR) and six concessionaires for federal road maintenance.

“Potholes refer to holes with widths from below 200mm up to 1,000mm. If the width of the hole is below 200mm, it does not involve any cutting, and will be patched (as is).

“When the width of the hole is up to 1,000mm, it will require the part of the road to be cut before it is patched,” it said, adding that holes with a width of more than 1000mm will be treated as "pavement failure".

The ministry added that through Budget 2021, the government had allocated RM100mil for the implementation of "weight in motion" devices on identified federal roads.

The Works Ministry said it will work with the Transport Ministry to ensure that road surfaces are not damaged quickly because of vehicle overloading.

Saying that it took the safety of road users seriously, the ministry said the road network in Malaysia is 254,477.563km long.

The ministry added that it had allocated RM1.09bil for federal road maintenance nationwide, which included electricity bills, traffic lights and street lights.

For the maintenance of state roads under JKR, the allocation comes from the state government through the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris).

The ministry added that the allocation for Marris was increased up to 20% or RM50mil, whichever is lower.

“To ensure that the assets of federal and state roads are always in good condition, JKR does its best to ensure that these roads are managed in accordance with engineering practices without neglecting public interest,” it said.

The ministry also added that up to Nov 30, they had received 4,091 complaints under the category of public infrastructure, with 1,473 for damaged roads.

It added that based on JKR’s monitoring, they had detected and fixed almost 200,000 holes on roads, while for the first half of this year, a total of 64,000 holes had been fixed.

“The ministry is always committed in ensuring that every complaint received is resolved promptly regardless of the status of the complainant, and also adopts a 'No Wrong Door Policy' for the benefit and well-being of the people,” it said, adding that it received every complaint positively.

On Dec 27, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin hit a pothole and crashed during a cycling trip in Banting.

Khairy tweeted a picture of his bruised face with minor scratches, saying that he had a fall after hitting a pothole while cycling around Kampung Seri Cheeding, with the incident prompting the Kuala Langat JKR to issue an apology about five hours later.

Frustrated Malaysians took to social media to question if a similar apology would be extended if they were the ones injured instead.

Others quickly followed suit by posting videos, pictures and memes of potholes and bad roads to highlight the problem.


Stellantis to make fully electric cars at Cassino plant in Italy

                MILAN: Stellantis said today it will use its Cassino assembly plant in central Italy for making cars based on its STLA Large platform as part of the company's electrification strategy.

Formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot maker PSA, Stellantis has said it will produce its future vehicles based on four electric platforms, including STLA Large.

The Franco-Italian carmaker's first vehicles based on the new platforms are expected next year.

The STLA Large platform is designed to deliver up to 800km of electric range with Stellantis-designed modular battery packs and electric drive modules.

Stellantis said it will provide details later on which STLA Large-based models will be made in Cassino, where its Alfa Romeo and Maserati cars are also made.

The company did not provide details on the size of investments planned for the facility.

Cassino, which was opened in 1972, will be Stellantis' second factory to produce STLA Large platform-based vehicles after the facility in Windsor, Canada.


VW ends Golf production for US market

                WASHINGTON: Volkswagen of America announced on Wednesday that it has stopped making the Golf for the US market last week.

Volkswagen said the model year 2021 Golf models built at the Puebla, Mexico plant will sustain sales of the affordable, European-designed hatchback through year end. The Golf family name will carry on in model year 2022 with the introduction of the all-new Mk 8 Golf GTI and Golf R, arriving this fall.

“Over four decades, the Golf has delivered a great value to American drivers,” said Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “It exemplified what Volkswagen does best—melding dynamic driving characteristics with purposeful packaging and unmatched quality. While the seventh-generation Golf will be the last of the base hatches sold here, the GTI and Golf R will carry its legacy forward.”

In the US, nearly 2.5 million Golf family models have been sold since 1974. A Golf model has earned a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best list for the last 15 years in a row, and the current-generation Mk 7 Golf was named North American Car of the Year when it debuted for the 2015 model year.

The 2021 Golf is available in one well-equipped trim — the Golf TSI. It features a 1.4-litre turbocharged and direct-injection engine, which makes 147hp and 250Nm of torque. The TSI engine is mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic.

The value-driven Golf TSI offers a host of standout features. On the exterior, LED DRLs and taillights give an unmistakable lighting signature, and automatic headlights with rain-sensing windshield wipers are standard, as are heated washer nozzles.

The Golf rides on 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, wrapped in 205/55 all-season tyres and features KESSY keyless access and a panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof. Inside, premium materials are used throughout the driver-centric cabin, where leatherette steering wheel and seating surfaces and heated front seats are standard. Volkswagen Car-Net® and App-Connect keep drivers connected, and driver assistance features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert.


2016 Paris Motor Show: Cleaning crew on active duty

                PARIS: When there are tens of thousands of visitors crawling all over the Paris Motor Show pavilions, it’s a struggle keeping exhibits and the surroundings clean and pristine.

Someone has to do the dirty work and it’s down to the cleaning crew to make sure everything is presentable. They are the under-appreciated people who, like the rubbish collectors, road sweepers and grass cutters everywhere, get little respect for the important task they do. But they should be lauded for the essential public service they provide for without them, the alternative is unacceptable.

It’s an “easier” job during the Sept 29-30 press days when only thousands of the world’s media members show up instead of the tens of thousands of visitors that would stream in when the doors are thrown open to the public from Oct 1-16. The price of admission is 16 euros (around RM75) for an adult. It's free for the media, of course, after they have been properly vetted and accredited online.

The first media preview day on Sept 29 saw the cleaners go to work with mops, detergent sprays, and wipers as they remove dust, smudges and fingerprints on the cars and other exhibits. The crew, made up of mostly youngsters, were also seen tirelessly moping the show floor, removing food crumbs, spilled drinks and stains, with some spending a good few minutes on their knees, getting rid of stubborn grime, and delivering the spit and polish to the exhibition space as thousands of visitors milled around.

Most of the exhibitors were dishing out snacks and meals for the journalists, photographers and bloggers, giving more work to the cleaners as there were bound to be more mess to clean up.

Such is the nature of the duty and the cleaning crew in the end form an important part of the support team in the organisation of a major auto show.


Govt move to regulate e-hailing services lauded

                PETALING JAYA: The decision to regulate e-hailing services by the Cabinet was a step in the right direction, said ride-sharing company Grab.

In a statement Thursday, the ride-hailing services said the announcement was a testament of the Government's commitment to support and incorporate innovate solutions to resolve the transportation woes in Malaysia.

"We are excited about this news as this validates the role we are playing in providing affordable, comfortable, convenient, and above all, a safer transportation option to the rakyat," said Jaygan Fu, the Country Head of Grab Malaysia.

He said the move would also realise the company’s social mission to improve the transportation industry and the livelihood and working conditions of their drivers, both taxi or GrabCar.

Formerly known as MyTeksi, Grab said it looked forward to working closely with the relevant authorities, especially with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to understand the proposed amendments to regulations.

On Wednesday, the Government gave the green light to SPAD to regulate the e-hailing taxi concept by the end of the year. The decision was aimed at revamping the conventional taxi industry and expand transport services by legalising Uber and Grab services.


New Peugeot 408 in detail

                PARIS: The new Peugeot 408 is the first of its kind – a new fastback silhouette at the top of the C segment.

This new age Peugeot combines a unique design and feline stance with engineering excellence focused on efficiency and intelligent electrification, with cutting-edge technologies dedicated to creating an instinctive driving experience.

At the front, a distinctive fang-shaped light signature brings the 408 into line with the rest of the Peugeot family, as do the three-claw LED lights at the rear. An inverted cut-out in the rear bumper also gives the profile a distinctive look.

Advanced Matrix LED lighting technology has made it possible to design very slim headlights, while guaranteeing a very high level of performance.

The grille is focused around the new Peugeot emblem, which conceals the radar required for many of the driving assistance systems and is a sign of the 408's identity.

With a height of 1.48m, a length of 4.69m and a long wheelbase of 2.79m, the new Peugeot 408 provides spacious second row seats with 188mm of knee room.

The boot is also generously sized, with a maximum volume of 536 litres, which can be increased to 1,611 litres with the rear seats folded down.

For its driver and passengers, the new 408 offers the latest generation Peugeot i-Cockpit, recognisable by its compact steering wheel, which is dedicated to driving pleasure and controlled agility.

Emphasis is placed on the quality of the interior space and on connectivity, with the latest technologies making the driving and travelling experience more intuitive and rewarding.

Powered by six cameras and nine radars, a suite of 30 advanced driver assistance systems provide peace of mind and safety. These include:

> Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function
Night Vision, which warns of animals, pedestrians or cyclists in the lane before they appear in the high beam

> Long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres)
Rear Traffic Alert, which warns of potential hazards when reversing

The Peugeot 408 will be available with a range of powertrains, including two rechargeable plug-in hybrids with 180hp and 225hp respectively, as well as a PureTech 130hp petrol version. All three are coupled to an eight-speed EAT8 automatic gearbox. An all-electric 408 will follow.

The Li-ion battery on both plug-in hybrid versions has a capacity of 12.4kWh and an output of 102kW. Two types of on-board charger are available: a 3.7kW single-phase charger as standard and an optional 7.4 kW single-phase charger.

Efficiency was a key concern for the designers of the new Peugeot 408, since the combination of efforts in terms of aerodynamics, weight reduction (from 1,396kg) and low-emission engines means that the vehicle can now boast remarkably low average energy consumptions (under homologation), both for the hybrids as well as for the 130bhp petrol version.

Developed in partnership with Focal, a French audio specialist, the FOCAL Premium Hi-Fi system in the new Peugeot 408 is the result of more than three years of co-design work. Complete with ARKAMYS digital sound processing, the FOCAL® Premium Hi-Fi system includes 10 speakers with exclusive patented technologies.

Wheels sizes range from 17 to 20 inches while the tyres are Class A rated to improve efficiency by reducing rolling resistance

The new 408 completes Peugeot’s line-up in the highly strategic C segment of compact family vehicles and is positioned at the top end of the C-segment saloon range.

Peugeot has taken a leading position in this segment over the last few years, with the success of the 3008 and 5008 and three generations of 308 hatchbacks and 308 SW estate cars, the latest of which has just been launched.

Most of the new Peugeot 408’s customers will be active couples, who will use their car for personal and professional purposes.

Some will want to move upmarket within the C-segment and buy a larger, more spacious car.

Others will be looking for a more original and innovative silhouette than a more common or family-oriented compact SUV.

And others will appreciate the stature of a large car. All of them will be looking for a contemporary motoring experience, whether for everyday use or for long, comfortable and peaceful journeys with others.

The new Peugeot 408 will come in a choice of six colours: Obsession Blue (new colour to mark the launch of the model), Titanium Grey (new colour), Cumulus Grey (Allure trim only), Elixir Red, Pearl White and Nera Black

The new Peugeot 408 will be available to purchase online, for a 100% digital purchasing experience using Peugeot Buy Online.

Customers can buy, trade-in their old car and finance their new vehicle all from the comfort of their own home or office using a smartphone, tablet or PC. Customers can also opt to have their vehicle delivered to their home.


A look at Audi A8's predictive active suspension

                INGOLSTADT: The Audi A8 luxury sedan now gets predictive active suspension which can provide a first-class travel experience, ranging from the supreme ride comfort of a chauffeur-driven limousine or the firm handling of a sports car.

In Germany and other European markets, predictive active suspension can initially be ordered for the TFSI versions of the Audi A8.

Predictive active suspension in the Audi A8 has electromechanical actuators that adjust the suspension.

The active suspension can lift or lower the body by up to 85 millimeters (3.3 in) from its central position at all four corners within five-tenths of a second.

In conjunction with the air suspension and Audi drive select dynamic handling system (both standard), predictive active suspension in the Audi A8 enables an unprecedented spectrum for driving.

 Active suspension - system overview

In the “dynamic” profile, the luxury sedan acquires the handling of a sports car.

The A8 turns in firmly, and when cornering fast with 1 g lateral acceleration the body inclination (roll angle) is just 2 degrees – as opposed to more than 5 degrees with standard suspension.

If, on the other hand, the “comfort plus” profile is selected in Audi drive select, the luxury sedan glides with velvety smoothness over any bumps in the surface.

The predictive active suspension works together with the front camera.

Thanks to this camera, the flagship model identifies uneven surfaces before they are reached and predictively regulates the active suspension.

Even before the car hits a bump, the predictive function developed in-house at Audi signals the correct positioning travel to the actuators and actively adjusts the suspension.


UK watchdog to ban interest rate-linked car finance commission

                LONDON: A ban from next January on car retailers receiving commission linked to the level of interest rates on loans will save customers £165 million (RM902mil) a year, Britain’s Financial Conduct Authority said today.

The FCA said this type of commission creates an incentive to sell more expensive credit to some customers, and that it would bring in the ban from Jan 28, 2021, following its public consultation last October.

“By banning this type of commission, where brokers are rewarded for charging consumers higher rates, we will increase competition and protect consumers,” said Christopher Woolard, the FCA’s interim chief executive.

The watchdog said that, from next January, there would be changes in the way customers are told about the commission they are paying to ensure they receive more relevant information.


Toyota researchers to debut latest driverless tech on Lexus LS 600h L

                SAN FRANCISCO: Toyota Research Institute (TRI) will show its next-generation automated driving research vehicle, Platform 3.0, at CES next week in Las Vegas.

The new platform, which is built on a Lexus LS 600h L, combines greater technological capabilities with new styling that integrates the automated vehicle technology into the LS model's design. It will be on display in Toyota's CES exhibit from Jan 9.

While TRI has tried to blend as much as possible the driverless equipment into the bodywork of the car, they still stick out like a sore thumb though much less so than similar prototypes from other car makers. A genuine integrated look would require a redesign from the ground up.

TRI said it approached development of the new research platform based on three principles:

> Elevate perception capabilities to be an industry pacesetter among automated vehicles;
> Blend the sensing equipment into the vehicle design with a distinct appearance that is sleek and elegant; and
> Package the automated vehicle technology in a manner that is easy to reproduce for building a fleet at scale.

Platform 3.0 comprises a sensor-rich package that makes it one of the most perceptive automated driving test cars on the road. The Luminar LIDAR system with 200-metre range, which had only tracked the forward direction on TRI's previous test platform, now covers the vehicle's complete 360-degree perimeter.

This is enabled by four high-resolution LIDAR scanning heads, which precisely detect objects in the environment including difficult-to-see dark objects.

Shorter-range LIDAR sensors are positioned low on all four sides of the vehicle - one in each front quarter panel and one each on the front and rear bumpers. These can detect low-level and smaller objects near the car like children and debris in the roadway. The new platform remains flexible for incorporating future breakthrough technology as it becomes available.

TRI pooled together the expertise of CALTY Design Research and Toyota Motor North America Research and Development to compact and conceal the sensors and cameras. They created a new rooftop weather and temperature proof panel, using available space in the sunroof compartment to minimise overall height.

CALTY designed the rooftop panel, which was inspired by off-road motorcycle helmets. The forward area has a crisp technical look that becomes more fluid and aerodynamic toward the rear of the car, blending in with the contour lines of the LS. The panel is embellished with chrome trim that runs along the side where it meets the roofline.

"Automotive designers' roles have been pivoting toward thinking deeper and greater on how to design and apply automated driving technology for drivers and passengers," said Scott Roller, Senior Lead Designer at CALTY Design Research who worked on the project. "It's exciting to integrate the components in harmony with the car's design."

The vehicle's computational architecture for operating the automated vehicle components, which previously took up nearly all boot space, has also been consolidated. The electronics infrastructure and wiring is condensed into a small box adorned with an LED-lit TRI logo.

Production of Platform 3.0 vehicles begins this spring. The Prototype Development Center at Toyota Motor North America Research and Development headquarters in York Township, Michigan, which has expertise in low volume, specialised production, will create Platform 3.0 cars from stock Lexus LS models.

Production volume is kept low to allow for continued flexibility given the quickness with which TRI has progressed in updating its test platform. There have been three major updates, including two new generation test models, in less than a year, and TRI anticipates continued rapid developments.

A share of the new test vehicles will be assembled with the dual cockpit control layout that TRI debuted last summer. This arrangement is for testing TRI's Guardian approach to automated driving, experimenting with effective methods to transfer vehicle control between the human test driver and the automated system while maintaining a safety driver as a backup. Single cockpit vehicles, like the one on display at CES, are used to test Chauffeur, which is TRI's approach to full vehicle automation.

Both Guardian and Chauffeur test vehicles use the same technology stack of sensors and cameras and similar software.

TRI, set up in 2015, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota Motor North America headed by Dr Gill Pratt.


Mary Barra to lead auto industry's first majority-female board

Six women, including Barra, and five men complete the slate of members up for shareholders’ approval at the annual meeting.
DETROIT: Women will be the majority on the board of General Motors Co. later this year, after two male directors retire. It’s a first for an automaker and places GM among a small handful of companies with roughly the same number of men and women at the highest level.

GM’s board will shrink to 11 members, from 13, with two directors not standing for re-election at the annual meeting on June 4, the company said in its proxy filing.

Jim Mulva, former CEO of ConocoPhillips, and Admiral Mike Mullen, former chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, are both 72, the retirement age for the automaker’s board.

The board will temporarily waive the retirement age requirement for lead director Tim Solso, also 72, for one year to assist in GM’s “period of transformation,” the company said.

Six women, including chief executive officer Mary Barra, and five men complete the slate of members up for shareholders’ approval at the annual meeting.

The shift comes as women are slowly gaining more power at the largest US companies, lifted by pressure from investors and employees as well as state-mandated quotas. Researcher Equilar says women may now comprise half the members of Russell 3000 company boards by 2034, a forecast that’s shortened by two decades since 2016.

Barring changes in the composition of other company boards, Barra, and incoming Best Buy Co. CEO Corie Barry, will become the only female CEOs in the S&P 500 who serve a board with a majority women directors, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Viacom Inc. and CBS Corp., the only other two companies with a current majority of female directors, are both run by male CEOs.

Another 19 S&P 500 boards would swing to majority female directors with the addition of one more woman to the board, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.


First drive of new Honda Civic in Thailand - VIDEO

The latest iteration of the Honda Civic will be rolling on Malaysian roads very soon. Like next month soon.

For those of you eagerly anticipating the new 10th generation Civic, you would have already read that it comes with the all new 1.5-litre turbo engine.

On top of it, the new Civic ups its sporty exterior design from the previous generation for an even more dynamic look.

READ MORE:Malaysians can now book new Honda Civic
Thailand gets all-new Honda Civic
2016 Bangkok Motor Show: Honda Civic takes centrestage

So before the new Civic arrives on our shores, Honda Malaysia rounded up the usual suspects (Malaysia’s motoring media) and sent us to Chiang Mai, Thailand where we could drive the car and learn what’s in store for the Malaysian market.

The new Civic is already available in Thailand and comes with two engine options and four variants. Likewise, both engines - the 1.5 turbo and the naturally aspirated 1.8 litre - will soon be introduced in Malaysia.

The basic specs are as follows: the turbo engine produces 173PS at 5,500rpm and 220Nm of torque from 1,700-5,500rpm. The 1.8 pushes out 141PS at 6,500rpm and 174Nm of torque at 4,200rpm. Both engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Interestingly, the 1.8 is the entry level variant while the lower displacement 1.5 turbo will be the mid to high-end variants.

While Honda Malaysia didn’t announce the number of variants, they did say that it will mirror what the Civic has offered previously i.e. three variants. And you’re looking at the previous price range too between RM120K and RM140K.

Honda Malaysia however added that all variants will come with six airbags. It is also aiming to dominate and be the best where the C-segment is concerned. Having seen the new Civic only in pictures, it’s safe to say that the new design looks even better in person.

The lines flow upwards from the front fascia to the rear giving it an athletic stance and the fastback design of the C-pillar is simply classic. It’s also lower and wider than the previous Civic but the specifics are not available as yet. The 1.5 turbo has a premium interior design which is minimal and refined. It comes with smart entry and push start and the centre console has an enormous stowage space as centre consoles go.

The instrument panel has a digital display which looks modern and exiting and there are paddle shifters, electronic parking brake and a brake hold function. The cabin is also roomy with plenty of leg and head room for rear passengers.

We took a day trip up north to Chiang Rai travelling around 170km one way with both the 1.8 and 1.5 turbo.
Both cars displayed a high level of handling and comfort.

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) was minimal although the turbo produced a louder exhaust note. It still drones due to the CVT gearbox but it is a fuller and raspier sound. A big improvement where Honda CVT exhaust notes are concerned.

The 1.5 turbo we drove came with a boot wing which makes it look even sportier but it’s the response and the power delivery that makes it exciting to drive.

It’s not going to overwhelm you but it gives the driver a lot of confidence when you’re driving at speed because it has a firm brake bite and it hugs the corners very well with only a slight amount of body roll. The 1.8 is impressive as well although it lacks the delivery of the 1.5 turbo. Both cars however have very well insulated cabins which even masks the high speeds.

Only when you look at the speedometer do you realize how fast you are travelling. This is the new age of the Honda Civic which exudes style, quality finish and confident, comfortable driving at low and high speeds. It isn’t the car your dad drove back in the day. Its grown and when that happens, you leave childish things behind.

The Civic is ready for booking at all Honda Malaysia's 88 dealerships nationwide.


Conditional MCO to continue in KL, Sabah and most of Selangor until Dec 20

                PETALING JAYA: The conditional MCO in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah and most of Selangor is set to continue until Dec 20, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

"Sabak Bernam, Hulu Selangor, and Kuala Selangor in Selangor are the only areas in the state to not be under the conditional MCO," the Senior Minister said in his daily Covid-19 update today.

In Kedah, Kulim will be placed under the conditional MCO from Dec 7 until Dec 20.

All of Penang will return back to the recovery MCO, except for the Barat Daya and Timur Laut sub-districts, which will still be under the conditional MCO until Dec 20.

The Jalan Paya Terubong and Desa Bistari flats would, however, be placed under enhanced MCO, from Dec 7 to Dec 20.

The Teja and Changkat Jong sub-districts in Perak will have their conditional MCO extended to Dec 20, while the rest of the state will revert back to the recovery MCO as per scheduled.

Enhanced MCO in Zone B and Zone C in Taman Meru 2C, Ipoh will end on Saturday (Dec 5), earlier than the previously announced date of Dec 10 due to all Covid-19 tests having had their results announced.

However, an enhanced MCO will be enacted at the Langkap Immigration depot and quarters in Hilir Perak until Dec 19 due to an increase in cases among detainees.

All of Kelantan will revert to the recovery MCO except Kota Bharu, Machang, Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas. An enhanced MCO will also be enacted at the Madrasah Ad-Diniah Al Falahiah in Kampung Dalam Huma until Dec 20.

Only Seremban and Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan will continue to be under the conditional MCO until Dec 20.

Meanwhile in Johor, the conditional MCO will be extended in Kota Tinggi, while three districts; Johor Bharu, Batu Pahat and Kulai will now also be placed under the conditional MCO from Dec 7 to Dec 20.

Ismail Sabri added that starting Dec 7 there would be no more roadblocks at state borders with the public allowed to do interstate travel.

He said that now the police would focus more on SOP compliance.

Passengers in vehicles will not be limited as well and would follow the capacity of the car.

Selangor and Kuala Lumpur have been under the conditional MCO since Oct 14.

Sabah and Labuan have been placed under a similar order since Oct 13 and Oct 17, respectively. Perak, Penang and Negri Sembilan’s conditional MCO was from Nov 9 while Kelantan’s was enforced on Nov 21.


VEP tags for vehicles from Singapore expected to be ready by April

                PETALING JAYA: The Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tags for foreign vehicles entering Malaysia from Singapore are expected to ready by mid-April, said Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pic).

The Transport Minister said the tags will be attached to all foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia through the Causeway and Second Link Expressway.

The tags are currently undergoing application tests and should be ready for release in stages by mid-April.

"The Vehicle Entry Permit system will prevent foreign vehicles from being cloned and sold in the country," Liow said in a statement today.

"It will also allow us to prevent vehicles with outstanding summonses from leaving the country," he added.

Liow said the Ministry is currently in the process of introducing the VEP system in phases at the Malaysia-Thailand border, and the Sabah/Sarawak Indonesia/Brunei borders.

He added that in line with the country's aspiration to be a cashless society, the tags are fitted with RFID technology and a cashless payment system developed by Touch ‘n Go.


Taiwan scraps RM1.4mil illegally imported Lamborghini Murcielago

A screen grab of the Lamborghini being destroyed. It’s almost too painful to watch.
TAIPEI: A NT$10 million (around RM1.4mil) Lamborghini Murcielago sports car that had been sitting in a police impound lot for the last three years finally got scrapped at a breaker's yard in Taichung, central Taiwan, on Dec 14.

The car's owner, a commercial pilot surnamed Lin, had driven the vehicle on a public road without a valid registration plate in 2013.

He was stopped at a routine checkpoint, where police officers found that he had affixed the licence plates of a modest Ford sedan onto the Murcielago in an attempt to evade law enforcement.

The vehicle was immediately impounded by the police under the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act.

Lin started an administrative appeal in 2014 but the ruling went against him. He filed appeal after appeal in the following two years to no avail.

On Wednesday, Lin sent a friend to try and prevent his car from being demolished, but after 30 minutes of discussion, the authorities gave the procedure the go-ahead.

The vehicle is shown being torn apart in a matter of minutes in a YouTube video posted on Wednesday (Dec 14) by YouTube user Lux Lum that has more than 177,000 views.

The scrapping of the expensive car caught the attention of international news outlets, including Britain's Daily Mail and American car news website Autoblog.

Videos of the destruction drew outrage from viewers across the globe, who said scrapping it was a waste and the car could have been used in other ways.

Said Facebook user Joshua Munchow on Autoblog's Facebook post: "Regardless of whether you like Lamborghinis or not, economically, destroying illegally imported vehicles is a waste for the government."

He added that profit from selling it could be used "to fund public programmes, infrastructure projects, even pay half a dozen workers salaries for a year".

YouTube user Shobhit Gosain said there should at least be "some respect for the people who invested their hours making this car. (The) government can use it as a showpiece, auction it or run as a government taxi even". - The China Post/Asia News Network


Britain okays autonomous car testing

                LONDON: Several pilot schemes examining the potential of self-driving cars are already under way in Britain but until now, the vehicles have been prohibited from using public roads.

That could change overnight. Following a six-month review, the UK government on Wednesday officially cleared the way for real-world testing to commence.

"Driverless cars are the future. I want Britain to be at the forefront of this exciting new development, to embrace a technology that could transform our roads and open up a brand new route for global investment," said the UK Transport Minister, Clair Perry.

"These are still early days but today is an important step. The trials present a fantastic opportunity for this country to take a lead internationally in the development of this new technology."

Four different projects are currently under way in different British cities and include an automated shuttle service called the Meridian, which looks not too dissimilar to a golf buggy, and which will ferry commuters and tourists between destinations in Greenwich, southeast London.

However, the project that's bound to grab the most attention is currently gearing up in Milton Keynes and will see specially developed two-seater "pods" take to the pavement, rather than the road. The cars have a top speed of just 24kph and a 64km range and will follow a predefined route through the city.

Developed in partnership with the University of Oxford, the pod cars, which have been christened Lutz Pathfinders, will have to have remarkable sensors, obstacle recognition and navigation capabilities as they will be sharing the footpath with pedestrians and will need to be able to avoid other pavement users.

Now that the government's review period has concluded, the next step will be to introduce a code of practice regarding how companies go about testing autonomous cars on the road. This will be published in the spring.

As such, Britain is now well on the way to catching up with the US and other European nations who are already giving support and resources to the development of self-driving vehicles.

In several US states self-driving cars are already permitted on the highway as long as the paperwork is in order and the "driver" holds the appropriate license.

In Sweden the streets of Gothenburg have been turned into a testing ground for autonomous Volvos, and over in Germany, work is well underway digitising stretches of the autobahn to facilitate car-to-car communication and to create lanes dedicated to autonomous vehicles.

According to the British government's Business Secretary, Vince Cable, the industry surrounding self-driving cars and autonomous vehicle technology is expected to be worth 900 billion pounds (RM5 trillion) by 2025 and the move to allow testing on public roads is to ensure that Britain retains its place at the forefront of automotive innovation.

"The UK is at the cutting edge of automotive technology - from the all-electric cars built in Sunderland, to the Formula 1 expertise in the Midlands," said Cable.

"The projects we are now funding in Greenwich, Bristol, Milton Keynes and Coventry will help ensure we are world-leaders in this field."


Toyota halting contributions to US lawmakers who opposed Biden certification

                WASHINGTON: Toyota Motor Corp's political action committee will halt donations to US members of Congress who voted against President Joe Biden's election certification in January, the company said on Thursday.

The largest Japanese automaker has faced harsh criticism for donations to some lawmakers - members of then-President Donald Trump's Republican Party - who voted against certification of Biden's win in some US states.

"We are actively listening to our stakeholders and, at this time, have decided to stop contributing to those members of Congress who contested the certification of certain states in the 2020 election," the company said.

More than 535 people have been arrested and charged with joining a violent attack on the US Capitol on Jan 6 in an unsuccessful attempt to stop Congress from certifying Biden's election victory over Trump.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) reported on June 23 that Toyota made US$56,000 in total donations to 38 of the 147 Republican lawmakers who voted against Biden's electoral certification and said it was the most any company directly contributed to lawmakers who opposed certification.

That disclosure and subsequent media coverage prompted a frenzy of criticism of Toyota, which had earlier defended the donations.

The Lincoln Project, a group largely of Republicans that are critical of Trump, on Thursday posted an ad calling out Toyota's donations to those Republicans.

A Toyota spokesman did not say how long the contribution halt will last. The company noted its political action committee equally supports Republicans and Democrats and added the company "has long-standing relationships with Members of Congress across the political spectrum, especially those representing our US operations."

Many of Toyota's auto plants are in southern states that are home to lawmakers who voted against Biden's win.

Jordan Libowitz, a CREW spokesman, praised Toyota's decision but said "it shouldn’t take a public pressure campaign to get them to do the right thing, but we’re glad it worked."

CREW said the second biggest corporate donor directly to lawmakers opposing certification was Koch Industries at US$17,500 to seven lawmakers.

Dozens of companies said they would suspend donations in the aftermath of the vote and Capitol violence.

Microsoft Corp said in February its PAC would suspend all donations through 2022 to the 147 lawmakers who voted against certification, as well as contributions through the same period for state officials and organizations who suggested the election should be overturned.

Alphabet Inc's Google and General Electric Co PACs also suspended donations through 2022.


Isuzu D-Max sales up amid the gloom

                PETALING JAYA: Demand for the Isuzu D-Max rose in the first six months of 2016, bucking the downward trend of the overall automotive market in general and the pick-up truck segment in particular that saw a contraction of 15 percent across the board.

Sales of Isuzu D-Max rose to 3,069 units, recording a 10.6 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2015 while its market share gained 3.4 percent to command a 14.7 percent market share in its pick-up truck segment.

In announcing the results, Isuzu Malaysia executive director Hajime Machimura said the high demand remained consistent with previous market trends when consumer sentiment was at its ebb.

“Isuzu vehicles continue to convincingly impact users by providing genuine solutions of good value, dependability and excellent driving character, bringing welcome relief at times when motoring has become a necessary burden,” said Machimura.

“By focusing the appeal of these strong characteristics of Isuzu pick-up trucks, we have been able to show that the general rise in the cost of living need not impact the quality of life if you spend less on transportation running costs,” added Machimura.

The Isuzu D-Max has been proven to be one of the toughest and most fuel efficient pick-up trucks in the market, having traversed Sabah’s interior numerous times over the years in the Borneo Safari off-road challenge.

Isuzu Malaysia said it is confident that its sales performance this year could better the 6,042-unit record achieved in 2014 despite the downward forecast by the Malaysian Automotive Association.


Sporty BMW X2 crossover finally revealed

                MUNICH: The teasing is over. BMW has finally revealed the full-blown X2 crossover in an expansion of its SUV range.

The five-door X2 is a coupe version of the more upright X1, with an upswept windscreen and lower roofline. The X2 gets the same raked rear window as its larger X4 and X5 siblings. It is set to head for driveways from early next year.

The current X1 is due for a rejig too, bringing the two cars closer together, since both it and the X2 use the new UKL modular platform that also underpins the MINI Countryman.

All-wheel-drive is on offer, but lower-specification X2 versions will come with all the power supplied to only the front wheels, putting a limit on off-road capability.

Both the smaller X-badged cars are chunky soft-roaders aimed at young urban drivers who want to combine fun with practicality.

Flanking a wider version of the signature kidney grille on the X2 are swept-back headlamps ahead of angled wheel arches and lower windows designed to create a more airy feel inside. Narrow, upward-sloping LED lights feature at the rear.

The X2 gets a choice of petrol and diesel engines seen in the X1 and ranging in output from around 150 horsepower, to 231 hp for the high-performance models.

The cockpit has a top-quality feel with plenty of assistance gadgets and the latest version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system.

The X2 was first shown in concept form at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.


F1 needs to put brake on expansion, say team chiefs

                LAS VEGAS: Formula One needs to slam on the brakes after a period of rapid growth and avoid the temptation to add yet more races to its record sized calendar, two team principals told AFP.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner warned F1 bosses that there was a danger of "hitting a cliff and falling down" if the sport did not consolidate on a period of impressive global growth.

The booming F1 circuit will expand to 24 races next season with three races in the United States as Las Vegas joins the party along with Austin and Miami while the Chinese and Qatar races are due to return after short-term absences.

"I think we need stabilisation in my opinion. The amount of races...don't do more, stabilise where we are now," Steiner said in an interview.

"Twenty-four races is enough in the moment in my opinion," he said.

Williams team principal Jost Capito agreed and said that even with this season's calendar, the strain is being felt with the Brazil and Abu Dhabi races still to be run.

"With 22 races this year and 24 races next year, it is a big change. I think 24 is a lot for the teams, when you see now towards the last races you see that the teams are getting tired, exhausted and looking forward to the end of the season, it is a lot," he said.

'Scratching the surface'

"I don't know if we lose the audience, (but) for the teams the logistics and everything gets very complicated. I think 24 is doable and when this is established, you have 24, then you have to judge if you can do 25 or 26. I think in the moment it is a big step to go to 24," he added.

Steiner said that the boom the sport has enjoyed since being bought by American company Liberty Media and then cashing in on a hugely successful Neftlix 'Drive to Survive' series, needs to be protected.

"In the last four or five years since Liberty took over the sport, there was a lot of change and it was all good change but I think at some stage, we cannot keep on just ramping up," he said.

"Like in the States: stabilise three races. Do not try to do four or five in the next two to three years, then it is getting too much. It is the same with races. We have got now 24 races (in the calendar) - do not try to make 27. Stabilise and then rethink in a few years, how can we make it even bigger now?

"How we ramped it up, it is amazing, but we cannot keep going like this, it has just never happened before, so we need to be careful that we are not ramping up and then fall down. We don't want to go up and up and then hit a cliff and fall down," he said.

But Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali, who like Steiner and Capito was here to promote next season's Grand Prix, was in no mood for talk of easing off on growth.

"We don't need to slow down. I think in the US, we are just scratching the surface of what we can do. We need to focus on future growth," he said.

"Just a couple of years ago, people were saying F1 is on a downward slope but I am very happy that is that is not the case.

"Twenty-four races - it's a lot. Could be less. Could be more. But that is what we as a business are ready to propose to fans.

"We need to be proud of what we have done," he said.

Both Italian Steiner and German Capito said that the cost-cap regulation needed to be kept tight and be well enforced if there was to be an effective competitive balance between the established big teams, such as Mercedes and Red Bull, and challengers such as their own teams.

"We need to stabilise everything in the moment. Also the cost-cap regulation, not to change it, even if the big teams try to push it up. We need to say no - it is a good thing," Steiner said.

"The cap is the most important thing. So the teams get closer together, more than they are now, so the sport gets more interesting and build on that and then make the next steps," he said.


Shell Malaysia dangles weekly RM20,000 prize money in latest contest

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Malaysia is urging its customers to step up their spending for a chance to win RM20,000 in a "Nak Ekstra RM20,000" contest.

Starting from Dec 1 until Feb 9, Shell customers have a chance to cash in RM20,000 each week. On top of the RM20,000 grand prize, Shell is also giving away RM1,000 to 20 consolation prize winners on a weekly basis.

To take part in the Shell contest, customers must spend at least RM40 in one receipt at any Shell stations nationwide. They must then submit their details via a physical contest form with receipt or scanning a QR code to submit details and receipt online.

In line with the contest theme, Shell is also offering more rewards to customers this month in partnership with Touch ‘n Go and BonusLink.

From Dec 1 until Feb 9, customers will receive an extra RM5 cashback when they spend a minimum RM40 at Shell by paying with Touch ‘n Go eWallet. This offer is limited to two cashbacks per Touch ’n Go eWallet account per month, and only for the first 300,000 transactions at Shell.

In addition, Shell is rewarding loyal customers through BonusLink. On Dec 4-6, customers will receive 10x BonusLink Points for every one litre of fuels bought with the swipe of a BonusLink Card at any Shell stations nationwide, which is 10 times more than the normal points offer.

Thereafter, on Dec 12, customers can redeem their BonusLink Points at Shell to receive a 50% rebate.


Child Act may be used to punish parents who let underage kids drive

                KUALA LUMPUR: The police may use the Child Act 2001 to mete out stricter punishments to parents who allow children to ride motorcycles.

Federal traffic police chief Senior Asst Comm Datuk Mohd Fuad Abdul Latiff said currently those who allow underage individuals to drive or ride a vehicle are liable to be charged under Section 39(5) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Section 39 restricts young persons under the age of 16 from driving a car or riding a motorcycle.

Section 39(5) states that any person who drives, or causes or permits any person to drive a motor vehicle in contravention of this section can be fined up to RM2,000 or jailed for six months or both.

“We are consulting the Bukit Aman laws division to see if the Child Act could be used against vehicle owners. More needs to be done to stop underaged motorists from driving and riding vehicles.

“Parents and guardians do not seem to understand that they are putting their children in harm’s way by allowing them on the roads without a licence,” he said at Bukit Aman.

SAC Mohd Fuad said 1,696 deaths were reported between January and March this year. Of the total, 769 deaths involved victims aged between 16 and 35. He added that motorcyclists made up 63.3% (1,074) of the deaths reported.

He also said 117,934 accidents were reported between January and March this year, which shows an increase of 3.3%(3,819) compared to the 114,115 cases during the same time in 2014.


Follow PLUS advisory to cut down travelling time

                KUALA LUMPUR: Only half of the motorists or sometimes fewer adhere to the Travel Time Advisory issued by PLUS Malaysia Bhd which says following it will save two hours in travelling time.

PLUS chief operating officer Mohammad Fuad Khusairi said the compliance rate for those travelling from Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur to their hometowns in the North or South was only 36% last year.

“Those who followed our advised times, however, found it a breeze to drive back home,” he said.

He said the travel advisory and details on the rebates were available on their website and urged motorists to follow them.

“The advisory is something that we have implemented since the Merdeka weekend of 2007 and it has since been extended to all major holidays due to its success.

“The schedule is drawn up based on statistics of vehicle movements which we track based on their entry and exit points during peak and off-peak periods on the highway,” he said.

Mohammad Fuad said Malaysia was quite unique because all the public holidays and the motorists’ travelling patterns were different from neighbouring countries.

“Following the advisory is the only way around the matter but of course, other factors such as accidents could cause unexpected build ups as well,” he said, adding that bumper-to-bumper accidents, breakdowns and motorists driving on the emergency lane were the main causes of traffic congestion.

He said more benefits were in store for travellers as PLUS was offering discounts amounting to RM6mil to those opting for cashless transactions when paying their toll.

He said that to facilitate traffic management for the coming Chinese New Year holiday period, 1,500 officials including those from Rela and the police would be on standby along the North-South Expressway.

“We also have a team conducting surveillance via helicopter and they will provide up-to-date information on congestion, accidents and general monitoring of the traffic flow,” he said.

On suggestions that travelling via the trunk road or coastal road would help, he said the roads were often as congested as the highway during peak hours.

“We do not have figures to support this but our officials on helicopters are able to see it when doing their rounds,” he said.

Generally, the traffic along the highway increased by 40% during holiday periods which translates to about 1.5 million vehicles.

“You have to expect some kind of delay if you choose to travel during peak periods, so be prepared,” he said.


Hyundai to take stake in German hydrogen fuelling group H2 Mobility

                FRANKFURT: Hyundai Motor Co will invest in Germany's H2 Mobility network of hydrogen fuelling station operators, it said today, as it looks to support infrastructure for fuel cell-powered vehicles.

A partner in the project since 2017, Hyundai Motor's German subsidiary will become a seventh shareholder shortly, it said, having received approval from Germany's cartel office.

The South Korean company did not disclose financial details.

It joins investors including France's Total , Shell, OMV, industrial gas makers Linde and Air Liquide, and carmaker Daimler.

"In Germany, a lot of money is flowing into the topic of hydrogen through the European Union Green Deal and national funding, and we believe that we are at the forefront," said Ronald Grasman, vice president of fuel cell business development at Hyundai Motor Company.

Fuel cell cars are far from mass market production.

But Hyundai, which is introducing fuel cell trucks in Switzerland, believes hydrogen technology could also play a bigger role in small vehicles further down the road.

H2 Mobility operates 91 hydrogen filling stations and is expanding.

H2 Mobility managing director Nikolas Iwan said the group was looking for anchor customers to bring big volumes to the stations, hoping this will allow them to reach break even within two to three years.

"This is why Hyundai is so important. They have the lead when it comes to scaling effects, especially in the area of commercial vehicles," he said.

Hyundai, the biggest-selling Asian carmaker in Germany, had a 3.7% share of the market in January-July 2021 supplying a mix of conventional, electric and fuel-cell vehicles.


Mercedes gets creative with latest limited edition SUVs

                STUTTGART: The new OrangeArt edition GLE Coupé brings both a splash of colour and individuality to the premium SUV sector.

And just how different the mid-sized high-sided coupé will be is up to the individual buyer. Mercedes is offering the car with a choice of four engines, ranging from a sensible 3-litre V6 turbodiesel right through to the 4.6-litre 455hp V8.

As for the exterior, while all versions will come with a suitably striking bright orange contrast line around the front apron and around the outer edge of each alloy wheel, how much that OrangeArt detail contrasts is also a matter of personal preference. Owners will be able to pick from a choice of six exterior paint finishes — black, polar white, obsidian black, iridium silver, selenite grey or designo diamond white bright.

The orange contrasts are also present inside the car. The black nappa leather seats are finished with orange piping, as are the floor mats. While to give the car a sportier feel — even if specified with a diesel engine — the OrangeArt Edition gets a three-spoke sports steering wheel wrapped in black nappa leather and the pedals are of the brushed stainless steel variety with rubber studding for gripping better to the underside of your foot when jumping from brake to accelerator and back again.

The finishing touch is an aluminum treatment on the dahsboard fascia and doors where one would usually find a wooden veneer.

Those taken with the OrangeArt Edition will be able to order the car with everything, or pick just the external or internal elements of the model. The paint finish, which also includes unique five-spoke alloy wheels, will cost an extra €4,165 (roughly RM20,000) while the interior upgrades add a further €2,618 (RM13,000) to the list price.


2016 Geneva Motor Show: Bugatti Chiron shreds the record books

 The Chiron interior. - Reuters

GENEVA: The Bugatti Chiron, the replacement for the world's fastest production car, the Bugatti Veyron Supersport, is a car that knows how to keep a promise, picking up exactly where its predecessor left off.

Therefore, it is the world's most powerful and fastest series production car. And although there is a clear family resemblance between the new model and the old one, Bugatti is insistent that this is a completely new hypercar.

Under its carbon fiber skin is an 8-litre, quad turbo W16 (imagine two V8 engines, side-by-side) powerplant that can send 1,579bhp to its four wheels.

Bugatti says that all of this horsepower will translate into a 0-100kph time of under 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 420kph.

As well as boosting output, Bugatti has significantly slashed weight. All of the car's outer shell is now carbon fibre and the Chiron tips the scales at 1,995kg, meaning that as well as more power, the car also has a much better power-to weight ratio of 741bhp per tonne.

In terms of appearance, the new car may have a similar outline, but it has a much sharper visual personality than the Veyron, with tighter, sculpted lines at the front that cleverly conceal some of the absolutely necessary aerodynamics and a very cleanly tapered rear, dominated by a single strip left-to-right tail lamp.

Inside head and leg-room is much improved thanks to the car being wider and slightly taller than the Veyron, but the quality, in terms of wood, leather, carbon fibre and aluminum on display is in no way diminished.

Bugatti's head Wolfgang Dürheimer said: "The Chiron is the quintessential ultimate super sports car: ultra-modern, incredibly fast, agile and powerful with a stylistically demanding design and the highest possible levels of comfort."

However, the new Chiron is just the beginning. An even faster sports model and a convertible will also be coming and the company promises that the performance figures given for the car revealed on Tuesday evening are expected to get even better over the course of the next 12 months.

"Our customers form an exclusive group of automobile collectors who are searching for the very best," said Dürheimer.

Image Sources: Reuters and Bloomberg


Turbocharged Ferrari GTC4Lusso T unveiled

                MARANELLO: If you had yearned for a lower-priced GTC4Lusso, Ferrari has answered your wishes.

It has just announced a new variant of the 4WD V12 GTC4Lusso. The latest entry, the GTC4Lusso T, will debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show next month, and has a downsized turbocharged V8 engine and drive only to the rear wheels. It’s the first four-seater in the Prancing Horse history to sport a turbo-charged V8.

It comes with four-wheel steering, lighter overall weight and increased weight bias towards the rear (46:54).

The car’s 3.9-litre V8 turbo is the latest evolution to emerge from the engine family that was nominated the 2016 International Engine of the Year. Its maximum power output is 602hp at 7,500 rpm while maximum torque of 760Nm is available at between 3,000 and 5,250 rpm. The new variant delivers less output (-78hp) but more torque (+63Nm) than the V12 mill.

Ferrari says the V8 turbo’s characteristics suit day-to-day driving in urban contexts: a rich powerful soundtrack in acceleration that becomes more muted at lower speeds, rapid pick-up from low revs courtesy of versatile, modular torque delivery and excellent range.

The GTC4Lusso T’s dynamic control systems have been specifically calibrated to boost responsiveness to commands. In particular, the 4WS (rear-wheel steering), which is integrated with Side Slip Control (SSC3), makes for more rapid response to steering wheel inputs entering and exiting corners, thanks to the rear wheels steering in the same direction as the front ones.

The feeling of longitudinal performance in this new model has been enhanced at low speeds by Variable Boost Management and underscored by throttle response with zero turbo lag. Because of variable torque curves (VBM) between 3rd and 7th gear, longitudinal acceleration is consistent through the ratios, increasing smoothly with engine speed, resulting in a feeling of vivid but superbly progressive acceleration.

The GTC4Lusso T’s styling remains the same as the shooting brake coupé, reinterpreting the concept with a streamlined, tapered shape that gives it an almost fastback-like silhouette. The cabin is a melding of distinctive Ferrari styling and the luxurious elegance expected of a four-seater GT.

The GTC4Lusso T features the unique Dual Cockpit architecture, designed to enhance the shared driving experience for both driver and passenger. It also incorporates the latest iteration of the infotainment system complete with an impressive 10.25” HD capacitive touchscreen.


Silverstone Auctions look online for bidders, opens with Peugeot 205 T16

                LONDON: English auction house Silverstone Auctions will be hosting their inaugural live online auction on May 23, in response to the current Covid-19 pandemic with a 1986 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 (T16) E1 "Group B" rally car starting the bids.

The T16 first started out a front-engine front wheel-driven little hatchback for the masses and after the engineers had had their way with it, the T16 emerged as an all-wheel-drive hatchback with an engine mid-mounted just behind the front-right passenger seat for the sake of weight distribution.

The transversely mid-mounted engine went from a 1.8-litre diesel burner to becoming a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 350bhp on tap and a five-speed manual transmission managing power delivery while taking up the rest of the void behind the driver.

The T16 with an E2 designation meant that the engine had been re-tuned to produce 550bhp instead while being mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The chassis and suspension were then rebuilt and a roll-cage installed to stiffen up the package - all while being hidden by the 205's original shell.

The car was then slapped with enough aero bits to help keep it grounded and, to a certain degree, stable while catching some air.

The company will be offering additional content on each of the lots being offered, including video and other imagery to show the cars in more detail to help aid buyers with their decisions.

Additionally, just for the upcoming auction, the premiums paid for both buyers and sellers have been reduced to 10% plus vat and 4% plus vat respectively.

Buyers will be able to bid online via the company's bidding partners as well as on the phone or by submitting a commission bid.

Depending on Government guidance in the coming weeks, it may become possible to offer one to one viewing at a central location and the company will continue to monitor the situation before making a decision.

The catalogue is now open and the company is accepting consignments.