Over 50,000 potholes in Selangor reported on Waze

                SHAH ALAM: A whopping 52,295 reports on potholes in Selangor were recorded on mobile navigation app Waze between January 2019 and September 2020 by road users.

From the total, 37,130 reports were on potholes on roads maintained by the various local councils and 10,219 were on roads under the Federal Public Works Department (JKR).

Another 4,553 reports were on Selangor JKR roads and 393 on roads under the district land office.

This was revealed by the Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (pic) at the state assembly sitting when responding to a question by Edry Faizal Eddy Yusof (PH-Dusun Tua), who wanted to know the number of pothole reports received on Waze.

Besides him, Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PAS-Sijangkang) had also asked if resurfacing the entire road would be better than patching holes.

"On some roads, there are multiple patches which means that particular stretch has been patched a few times.

"Wouldn't it be more cost-saving to just resurface the entire road instead of patching because most of the time, it cannot last," he said.

Joining him was Lau Weng San (PH-Banting) who urged the state to make full use of the data collected by Waze.

"Now that we know where all the potholes are, I hope the state can use it to analyse hotspots and allocate fund.

"If the authorities only wait for reports to come in to take action, then the firefighting will never end," he said.

Mohd Fakhrulrazi Mohd Mokhtar (PH-Meru) questioned if the state can take action against the concessionaires appointed by the Federal Government if they do not upgrade or carry out the road repairs in a timely manner.

"Over the years it has been known that the more problematic roads are those maintained by JKR, so does the state government have the powers to act on them if needed," he asked.

Amirudin said resurfacing of roads was something the state would consider doing as it would be more cost-saving in the long term compared with patching.

"We will have to get the feedback from road users as most of them want a fast fix to the potholes and resurfacing in will incur more time to carry out.

"As we move towards a smart state, we are also in the process of mining the existing data, including from Waze, and will be analysing it to understand the trends," he said.

Amirudin added that the state has already set up a smart command centre which would collect data and analyse them in a bid to improve all aspects of the state including infrastructure.

Meanwhile, state infrastructure and public amenities, agriculture and agro-industry committee chairman Izham Hashim said one of the main problems for road damage was overloaded vehicles.

"About 80% of heavy vehicles are overloaded and this can cause damage to the road," he said and added that the roads in Port Klang were facing the issue.

He said to handle the issue, the state would be installing a new technology called the Integrated Road Information System (Iris) next year which can detect the road's health and overloading problems.

"We must understand that we cannot expect the roads to be in good condition forever and there is an expiry date to roads.

"A majority of the roads in the state are over 40 years old and are riddled with structural defects so if we do not rectify it, even patching and resurfacing will not last long," he said.

Izham also said to solve the maintenance issues in federal roads, he had proposed to the Federal Government to de-gazette federal roads to be under the state and utilise the Malaysian Road Record Information System (Marris) funds.

"This is so that we can handle it and when it is under the state then more Marris funds can be channelled for roads works.

"The Federal Government can also change the act to make it so that even federal roads are entitled to Marris funding," he said and added that he was still waiting for the feedback from the Federal Government.


This seatbelt for shopping bags prevents them from tipping over in the car

                ATLANTA: Sometimes the most useful inventions are also the simplest. That's what can be said about Bago, created by Dan Stevenson.

Bago is a new kind of seatbelt, to be carefully stored in the car and put into use when needed.

On one side, it locks directly inside the glovebox and, at the other end of the strap, it has a clip, intended for the bag.

Once attached, the bag and its contents will be protected even with sudden braking or change of direction.

This way, you'll no longer risk having vegetables and roasted chicken rolling around along the floor of the car.

Above all, it allows the driver to avoid constantly turning their eyes to check their package, or even bending down dangerously, to reposition the bag.

By allowing drivers to concentrate more on the road, this solution is both practical and safe.

For now, Bago is only available on the Indiegogo crowdfunding platform starting at US$22 (RM93). First deliveries are planned for next summer.


Jeremy Clarkson blocked from launching ITV auto show until April 2017

                LOS ANGELES: The race to sign the new motoring show from Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, the former presenters at hit BBC show "Top Gear," took a fresh twist Tuesday when it emerged that the three are blocked from appearing in a rival auto show on British broadcaster ITV until April 2017 because of a no-compete clause in their old BBC contracts.

The news is significant because the BBC is in the process of revamping "Top Gear," fronted by radio disc jockey Chris Evans, which it will re-launch in April next year.

This would give the show a year to establish itself with audiences before the ITV rival got off the grid. Evans presents the hit Channel 4 show "TFI Friday," which is popular with younger adults. Daily Mirror, quoting a source, said the clause would not stop them from signing with online platforms like Netflix or Amazon, which strengthens their hands in the negotiations.

The paper's source said: "Basically they could make a show for ITV, but not one about cars. A clause stops them leaving and making a rival. "It means Netflix or Amazon are favourites to sign up the team. There is a feeling that if they wait two years it gives Chris Evans a chance to steal a march on them and get his new 'Top Gear' show up and running, which means he would be settled in by then.

"It's a difficult decision but they hope to make up their minds soon after a number of meetings. ITV have made them a great offer." The BBC claims "Top Gear," which commands a worldwide audience estimated at more than 350 million, is the world's most popular reality program.

In March, the BBC decided not to renew Clarkson's contract for "Top Gear" after he assaulted the program's producer Oisin Tymon while on location. Subsequently, May, Hammond and "Top Gear" executive producer Andy Wilman decided to quit the show too. In May, it was reported that the four had met with Peter Fincham, the programming chief at commercial broadcaster ITV, about setting up camp there.


Proton to enter China: New factory and dealer network

                HANGZHOU (China): Proton Holdings Bhd and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group today signed a deal to set up a joint venture that will pave the way for Proton to assemble and market its cars in China.

Both companies take up equal equity in the yet-to-be-named joint-venture company.

In an announcement today, DRB-Hicom Bhd said the venture includes the set-up of a production facility in China which will assemble vehicles, and the development of a network of dealers to market the Proton range in China. The portfolio of cars for China will primarily come from existing Geely platforms, although the external design of the vehicles will be undertaken by Proton itself.

However, the agreement also provides for existing Proton platforms that are found suitable to be developed into models for the Chinese market. Both parties plan to set up the joint venture within the first half of 2019, subject to obtaining all regulatory approvals.

DRB-Hicom group managing director Datuk Sri Syed Faisal Albar said Geely’s entry as a strategic partner to Proton has paved an easier route for Proton’s entry into the lucrative Chinese market.

“Clearly with Geely on board, Proton’s route into China has become more tenable. Part of Geely’s role is to secure the manufacturing licences and regulatory approvals required for such a venture under China’s regulations. Geely will also identify a suitable location where the manufacturing facility is to be based”, said Syed Faisal.

He said existing Proton component vendors that have quality and a competitive edge may also be considered as suppliers for the joint venture company.

This should sit well with the Malaysian government, which has often prodded Malaysian component makers to explore the Chinese market.

Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad had lamented previously the lack of Malaysian car exports into regional markets, despite Japanese, Korean and Chinese brands making their way onto Malaysian shores.

China’s passenger car sales have grown tremendously over the last 10 years. In 2008, 6.76 million passenger cars were sold in China, but it has grown to over 24 million units in 2017.

READ MORE: China firms keen to invest RM41bil in Malaysia’s third national car project

Geely is a clear leader in this, being the first privately-owned Chinese carmaker to sell over 1 million units domestically in a calendar year. In 2017, it sold more than 1.24 million units, carving out a 5.06% market share.

In the first six months of 2018, Geely moved an average of over 125,000 units of their models a month, with the Boyue SUV passing the 20,000 mark every month except in January, when more than 30,000 Boyue SUVs were sold.

The localised version of the SUV is set to be launched in Malaysia in the final quarter of 2018 as Proton’s first-ever SUV.


Electric vehicle push struggles to accelerate in Pakistan

                ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan’s first-ever electric three-wheeled rickshaws start to roll off the assembly line, the country is struggling to build momentum for its shift to electric vehicles in efforts to cut air pollution and curb climate change.

It has been four months since Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cabinet approved the National Electric Vehicle Policy, offering tax exemptions and incentives to manufacturers, importers and buyers of electric vehicles.

But pushback by traditional automakers has stalled the government’s finalising of the policy, leaving electric vehicle (EV) makers worried that eco-friendly cars, vans, motorcycles and rickshaws will remain too expensive for the mass market.

“The electric rickshaws have comparatively much lower running and maintenance costs,” said Syed Ismail Ghaznavi, sales head at Sazgar Engineering Works Limited, which launched the country’s first electric rickshaw in January.

Sazgar’s electric rickshaw can travel up to 170km on a charge, has almost no moving parts — which means fewer trips to the mechanic — and produces zero emissions, Ghaznavi pointed out.

“But we need government support to roll it out on a larger scale for the public.”

Transport accounts for more than 40% of the air pollution produced in Pakistan, according to data from the country’s climate change ministry.

In the policy it approved in November, the government set a target to bring half a million electric motorcycles and rickshaws, along with more than 100,000 electric cars, buses and trucks, into the transportation system in the next five years.

By 2030, the government wants to have about one-third of the vehicles in Pakistan running on electrical energy, said Malik Amin Aslam, the prime minister’s advisor on climate change,

The move to electric vehicles is “a win-win strategy”, Aslam told the Thomson Reuters Foundation, saying it should reduce emissions by nearly three-quarters and cut the cost of running a vehicle by 60%.

‘Severe’ air pollution

Pakistan generates less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but it is one of the countries that suffers most from the effects of climate change, including flooding, droughts, heat waves and melting glaciers, environmental experts say.

The Global Climate Risk Index 2020, issued by environmental think-tank Germanwatch, ranked Pakistan fifth among the 10 countries most affected by extreme weather over the last 20 years.

“Our food security is at risk due to these climate change conditions, and we have to focus on adaptation,” said Imran Saqib Khalid, a research fellow at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, an Islamabad-based independent think-tank.

In particular, the new electric vehicle policy will help curb air pollution and smog, “a major environmental problem the country has been facing for the past few years,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Urban air pollution levels in Pakistan, a country of more than 200 million people, are among the most severe in the world, stemming from increasing energy use and rapid motorisation, noted a World Bank study published in 2014.

The number of vehicles on Pakistan’s roads jumped from about 2 million in 1991 to more than 10 million two decades later, the report noted.

Policy pushback

As it tries to spark an electric mobility revolution, Pakistan is following countries such as Norway, France and Britain, all of which have said they will ban sales of petrol and diesel vehicles within the next 20 years.

Pakistan’s government plans to use a raft of monetary incentives to convince the country’s auto manufacturers and the public to switch to environmentally-friendly modes of transport.

To encourage prospective buyers, the government says it aims to lower or do away with various taxes on electric vehicles and bring down customs duty for imported parts to 1%.

It also plans to establish fast charging stations in all major cities and along major highways every 15-30km.

But some car makers are pushing back, saying that creating incentives specifically for electric vehicles unfairly benefits the nascent industry while leaving the traditional automobile sector floundering.

Sales of petrol and diesel vehicles in Pakistan dropped drastically last year following the devaluation of the rupee, which led to a sharp increase in the price of vehicles and parts.

“Our only concern is that there should be only one auto policy and not a separate policy for EVs,” said Abdul Waheed Khan, director-general of the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association.

The association has agreed to the tax exemptions and incentives being offered for e-vehicles, but has urged the government to also protect existing investment in the traditional auto sector, Khan said over the phone.

Gear shift

Majeed Ghauri, chairman of the Awami Rickshaw Union, which represents the country’s rickshaw drivers, said the group welcomed the government’s announcement of special incentives to promote electric rickshaws.

But, he said, the government should find a way to make electric rickshaws cheaper than traditional ones — which can cost up to 270,000 rupees (RM7,239) — to make them affordable for low-income drivers.

“We want to get rid of noisy, smoke-emitting rickshaws and it is better that environment-friendly rickshaws should ply on the roads to end pollution,” said Ghauri.

“But these should be cheap and should have power equal to that of traditional ones.”

Muhammad Sabir Shaikh, chairman of the Pakistan Electric Vehicles Manufacturers Association, said he is confident the switch to electric will prove successful “in a very short span of time”, reducing air pollution and boosting investment in the country’s auto sector.

As many as 80 motorcycle assembly plants in Pakistan have closed in recent years due to a substantial fall in profits, noted Shaikh, who also heads the Association of Pakistan Motorcycle Assemblers.

“Now the majority of them want to assemble e-motorcycles to revive their business,” he said.


50 years of the Mercedes R 107: The long-running dream car

                FRANKFURT: It was frequently seen in US TV shows of the 1970s and ‘80s such as “Dallas,” “Hart to Hart,” and “Wonder Woman.” But whether onscreen or in real life, the Mercedes SL R 107 was beloved of well-off car connoisseurs. This year, it celebrates its 50th birthday.

The two-seat roadster with the detachable roof made its debut in April 1971 as the successor to the W 113 SL series. However, the R 107 SL had nothing in common with its predecessor other than the name, according to Mercedes Classic spokesman Ralph Wagenknecht. The 107 was a giant leap forward, he says.

And that applied not only to the design, but also to the power source. For the first time the roadster came with a V8, a 3.5-litre engine with a power output of 147 kW / 200 horsepower that was particularly targeted at the American market.

Even with its high performance levels, the 107 wasn’t really designed as a sports car, although it could compete with almost all of the other open-top cars of the time. The 350 version, for example, could accelerate from a standstill to 100kph in 8.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 210kph.

However, the 107 was always intended to be a comfortable cruiser rather than a flat-out racer. That was the case back in the car’s hey-day and it’s just as true today for classic car enthusiasts who want a leisurely ride.

In the 107, you can tilt the seat back a little more and glide through the curves with one hand on the steering wheel.

With 237,287 units sold between 1971 and 1989, around two-thirds of them in the US, this SL is still the best-selling luxury roadster of all time. With that market now declining, it’s a record that will be hard to beat.

The fact that the 107 sold so many units is of course also due to its long career of 18 years in production. Renewed and kept up to date with new engines and designs, it wasn’t until 1989 that it finally gave way to the 129 series.

This long production life is testament to the groundbreaking development that the 107 represented, says Frank Wilke from market observer Classic Analytics. It’s a rarity for the same car to be built over two decades.

“That only happens when a new development is not worthwhile or when the car was a really big hit,” Wilke says.

Even though the car sold particularly well in the US, it wasn’t that easy to design for the SL’s most important market. That was because influential consumer advocate Ralph Nader had voiced concerns about the safety of open-top cars.

In response, Mercedes created a car with an extremely stable window frame that made a roll bar superfluous. That focus on safety is still paying dividends today. "The 107 is of outstanding quality and much more durable than many other old-timers of its era," Wilke says.

"When it comes to the best classic cars for beginners, the SL of the 107 series is always among the top ten," he says. Today the car offers the design, ambience, and driving experience of a classic, but it’s also suitable for use as an everyday car.

"So if you want to try out how to get along with such an old car, but don't want to be in the garage at the weekend, the 107 is the right car," Wilke says.

Given its long production life, the selection of 107s on the market today is large. Wilke says that drivable specimens can be bought for around US$12,000 (RM51,000).


Vietnam's VinFast reports customer to police after 'untrue' YouTube complaints

A Lux A2.0 rolling off the assembly plant in Hai Phong City. — Reuters
HANOI: Vietnamese car maker VinFast has reported one of its customers to the police over comments he made on YouTube about the quality of his car.

Tran Van Hoang, a Vietnamese YouTuber with 455,000 followers, uploaded videos about his VinFast Lux A2.0 car containing "untrue content" which "affected the reputation of VinFast," the company said in a May 2 statement.

"Although Mr Tran Van Hoang proactively removed those clips, we saved all the evidence and have sent our complaints to the police," the statement said.

"The police have received our submission and have scheduled a time to work with Mr. Hoang".
VinFast, part of the Southeast Asian country's largest conglomerate Vingroup, plans to launch its electric vehicles in the United States next year, its CEO told Reuters last week.

It is also looking at a possible share sale that could value it at US$60 billion, and plans to sell cars in Canada and Europe.

In the now-deleted video, a copy of which remained on the Internet Archive website, Hoang had said he was proud to own a VinFast car and was only reluctantly highlighting problems.

Vingroup was founded by Vietnam's richest man, billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, and has interests spanning real estate, resorts, schools, hospitals and smartphones.

In a statement to Reuters, VinFast repeated that it had "sufficient grounds to prove that it is not just a normal complaint."

"This is the first time we have reported someone to the authorities in order to protect our reputation and our customers," VinFast said.

"If a similar incident were to occur when operating in the United States, we will also submit a request to the authorities in accordance with local law, and to protect our legal rights".

VinFast declined to say to which police department they had reported the case. An official who answered the phone at police headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City, where Hoang is based, said they were unaware of the case.

Hoang, the YouTuber, declined to comment.


Diesel and petrol prices increase

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices are up across the board for the fourth week of April under the new weekly pricing mechanism.

The price of RON95 petrol has gone up by three sen to RM2.27 per litre compared to RM2.24 last week, while the price of RON97 petrol has gone up by two sen to RM2.54 compared to RM2.52 per litre last week.

The price of diesel has also increased, with a five sen increase to RM2.21 this week compared to RM2.16 per litre last week.

The new prices will come into effect on Thursday and will remain in effect until April 26.

The Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry posted the new weekly fuel prices on Twitter.

The higher fuel prices sent the rate of inflation for March soaring to its highest level in nearly nine years, with the consumer price index (CPI) rising 5.1%.

With the headline inflation rate the highest since November 2008 but lower than expectations, it was the transport sub-sector, which tracks the price of petrol at the pump, that contributed much to the rise in inflation after it rose 23% from a year ago as the recovering price of global crude oil pushed prices higher in Malaysia.

The Department of Statistics said that apart from transport, food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 4.1%, recreation services and culture 3%, health 2.6%, restaurants and hotels 2.3%, and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels 2.1%.

“The average price of one litre of RON95 petrol was RM2.29 in March 2017 compared with RM1.60 in March 2016. As for RON97, the average price increased to RM2.59 in March 2017 compared with RM1.95 in March 2016,” said the Department of Statistics in a statement.

Fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment account for 7.8% of the CPI weights, it said.


Mini cars drive away children’s fears of surgery

File photo of a two-year-old patient steering his electric toy car to the operating room at the Valenciennes Hospital. — AFP
PARIS: Wearing a big grin, Marame clambers into the small electric sports car and drives off -- to the operating theatre.

The five-year-old girl is a patient at the public hospital in Valenciennes, which has begun using toys rather than drugs to alleviate children’s fears of surgery.

The new scheme for youngsters aged 18 months to eight years is based on similar programmes in the United States and Australia. The playful approach, implemented in December, has wiped out the need for anti-anxiety medication often administered before an operation, according to the hospital, located 211km north-east of here.

”It allows (children) to arrive in the operating theatre in a fun manner and avoids the stress associated with the context,” said anaesthetist Fanny Defrancq.

Sat on a hospital bed, Marame looks worried ahead of her surgery to remove a metal pin inserted into her arm after she broke her elbow. But then a nurse comes in and leads her to three small vehicles parked in the corridor.

”Which one do you prefer?” the nurse asks Marame, dressed in a blue hospital gown and with a white cap covering her hair.

After carefully inspecting the models and testing out their horns, the little girl gets behind the wheel of a black racing car and cruises off under the envious glances of other young patients.

A remote control in hand, a medical staff member steers Marame down hallways and around corners all the way to the operating theatre.

”She doesn’t even take any notice of me,” says her bemused mother, Hassiba Mazouzi, after giving her a last hug. ”Last time (she went into surgery) I cried,” Mazouzi says. “But now... she went without crying, without any problem. So frankly, I’m happy too.”

Doctor Nabil El Beki, who heads the emergency unit in Valenciennes, insists the programme is not a “game”. A study is under way to “scientifically assess” the benefits of the project, he said.

”We know that anxiolytic drugs reduce anxiety but they also intensify the anaesthetic and delay the waking-up process. Avoiding them is better for the recovery,” he said.

Julie Dupuis, whose 18-month-old son, Issa, needed testicle surgery, also hailed the hospital’s novel scheme. ”He’s like at home, he’s playing and it’s nice to see him like that,” she added.


Motorists with expired road tax get reprieve

                BENTONG: All car and motorcycle owners with expired road tax will be given a special reprieve with immediate effect under the first nationwide “whitening” exercise, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He said owners could renew their insurance without having to go through Puspakom inspection.

However the road tax expiry period of these vehicles must be below three years.

“Once their vehicles are insured, they can go to any JPJ (Road Transport Department) to renew the road tax.

“This is applicable for three months only until the end of June,” he said after launching the ministry’s carnival in Dataran Bentong.

Liow urged vehicle owners to take advantage of the exercise. He added that the exercise will be evaluated for its effectiveness.

“We expect this move to benefit the lower income groups, who are driving or riding with expired road tax, especially in rural areas.

“The ministry is aware of their hardship and took this into account by working together with insurance companies,” he said.

There were 29 million registered vehicles according to JPJ records but only 19 million vehicles had their road tax renewed every year.


US upgrades safety probe into nearly 159,000 Tesla vehicles

                WASHINGTON: The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it was expanding a probe into nearly 159,000 Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles, upgrading it to an engineering analysis, a step required before it can seek to compel recalls.

The auto safety regulator had opened a preliminary evaluation in June over touchscreen failures.

NHTSA said on Monday the failure can result in the loss of rear-camera image display when in reverse and reduced rear visibility when backing up, and can impact defogging ability, and audible chimes relating to driver assistance system Autopilot and turn signals.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The probe now covers 2012-2018 model year Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles. The preliminary investigation covered 63,000 Tesla Model S cars.

NHTSA said the failure does not affect vehicle-control systems.

The memory control unit (MCU) uses an Nvidia Corp Tegra 3 processor, NHTSA said.

The flash devices have a finite lifespan based on the number of programs or erase cycles, NHTSA said.

Some complaints said failures could result in loss of charging ability and that other safety alerts could be impacted. One driver said he could not clear fogged windows because he could not change climate controls.

In total, NHTSA said it has reviewed 12,523 claims and complaints about the issue, which would impact roughly 8% of the vehicles under investigation.

Tesla said it has received 2,399 complaints and field reports, 7,777 warranty claims, and 4,746 non-warranty claims related to MCU replacements.

Many complaints said Tesla requires owners to pay to replace the unit once warranties expire.

NHTSA said the data showed “failure rates over 30% in certain build months and accelerating failure trends after 3 to 4 years-in-service.”

Tesla has implemented over-the-air updates “to mitigate the effects of MCU failure,” NHTSA said, including changes to reduce memory usage of the subject memory card, improving storage management strategies, and changing the control logic for turn signal activation.


BMW Motorrad road show to kick off in Kerteh

PETALING JAYA: BMW Motorrad is organising a road show from Oct 30 until the end of the year.

The BMW Motorrad On Tour event will make five stops across Malaysia namely in Kerteh, Terengganu; Cameron Highlands; Penang island and SeberangPrai; and Kuching.

At the road shows, the public would be able to check out different BMW motocycles such as the Sport, Tour, Roadster, Adventure and Urban Mobility range.


5 reasons to like the Renault Captur

                It has a quirky look but comes with five features to make it likeable.

 1. Handling and smooth acceleration: Tackling road curves is a joy, with its planted feel and spirited acceleration.

 2. Refined cabin feel: Interior materials and surfaces feel well-made and of high quality.

 3. Keyless entry and engine start-stop button: For added convenience in beginning and concluding your drive with the Captur.

 4. Removable and washable seat covers: Getting rid of unsightly seat stains is much easier, and also improves resale value.

 5. Boot floor with washable, rubberised cover: Reversible boot floor is easy to sponge clean, and good for putting wet stuff.


Alfa Romeo racing team picks first F1 driver from China

Zhou will make his debut at next season’s opening race in Bahrain. — AFP
ZURICH: Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen has chosen Guanyu Zhou to join its team, making him the first Chinese national to become a full-time Formula 1 driver.

The 22-year-old will start next year joining teammate Valtteri Bottas. He’ll make is debut at next season’s opening race in Bahrain, Alfa Romeo Racing said today.

"We are also looking forward to welcoming all the new Chinese fans who will join the team,” team principal Frederic Vasseur said in a statement.

"We will do our utmost to make the experience of our sport a great one in China.”

The move comes as Alfa Romeo’s parent Stellantis NV, the automaker formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group, is working on a strategy to turn around disappointing sales in China, the worlds’ biggest passenger car market.

Out of the 3.6 million vehicles the company sold worldwide in the first half, only roughly 50,000 were delivered in China.

After halting the Shanghai Grand Prix due to the pandemic, the race is planned to resume in 2023.

Alfa Romeo Racing is run by Switzerland’s Sauber Motorsport AG with the car brand acting as its main sponsor.


Gold for Perodua at the 2018 Putra Brands Awards

                RAWANG: Perodua was recently awarded the Gold during the 2018 Putra Brands Awards - making it the second year in a row the local compact car company was chosen by the Malaysian public as their favourite automotive brand.

“We are pleased, yet humbled by this recognition and will further improve ourselves to continue to offer the best products and services to our customers specifically and to Malaysians via our many engagement programmes,” said Perodua president and CEO Dr Aminar Rashid Salleh.

The Putra Brand Awards recognises Malaysia’s favourite brands based on interviews with the public.

Perodua has won awards in eight of the nine years the event has been held, bagging its first Gold last year.

 Aminar receiving the Gold award.

It is organised by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As) and supported by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

This year, the organisers partnered with global market research and consulting firm IPSOS to compile the largest brand research sample in Malaysia, with over 7,000 interviews conducted.

“We wish to thank all involved in the organisation of this event. The Putra Brand Awards truly sets a benchmark for brands to continually improve,” said Aminar.

Launched in 2010 by the 4As in association with Malaysia’s Most Valuable Brands (MMVB), the Putra Brand Awards is supported by the Malaysian Advertisers Association, the Media Specialists Association and the Malaysian Digital Association.


Jaguar Land Rover plans to give its model range an electric jolt

                LONDON: Jaguar Land Rover will offer electric options across its range of sleek sedans and upscale SUVs as the tradition-rich British carmaker pivots towards electric vehicles under pressure from Britain and other governments.

By 2020, the entire range of Jaguar cars and Land Rover sport utility vehicles will be available in fully electric, plug-in hybrid and so-called mild hybrid variants, chief executive officer Ralf Speth said today in a Bloomberg Television interview with Manus Cranny and Anna Edwards.

Underscoring its electric shift, Jaguar will start selling the I-PACE battery-powered performance SUV next year. The company has 25,000 orders for the vehicle already, Speth said.

Authorities in France and the Britain outlined plans in July to ban the sale of diesel and gasoline cars by 2040 as a means to reduce air pollution and carbon-dioxide emissions, which are linked to global warming. The move is less aggressive than plans by Volvo Car Group. The Swedish brand intends to offer only hybrid or battery versions of its new models as of 2019. The hybrid autos reduce fuel burn by being able to drive short distances or boost performance with the help of electric motors.

To showcase the carmaker’s intent, Speth is unveiling designs for a battery version of Jaguar’s iconic E-Type roadster at the Tata Motors Ltd division’s annual tech fair here.

Called the E-type Zero, the electric Jaguar future-proofs one of the world’s most famous cars. Acclaimed by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car in the world”, the E-type now combines stunning design with electric power for the first time. E-type Zero is based on a 1968 Series 1.5 Roadster and features an electric powertrain for 0-100kph in just 5.5s. It was engineered by Jaguar Classic at the company’s new Classic Works in Warwickshire.

Jaguar Land Rover is also presenting a concept for a voice-activated, detachable steering wheel. Dubbed the Sayer, after E-Type designer Malcolm Sayer, the device is part of a futuristic vision in which cars will be used interchangeably with consumers taking personalised steering devices with them.

Sayer will be showcased together with the Jaguar FUTURE-TYPE, a vision for the car of 2040 and beyond. The fully autonomous virtual concept explores mobility for the connected world of tomorrow, where vehicles could be shared not owned.

FUTURE-TYPE concept> FUTURE-TYPE concept is Jaguar’s vision for an on-demand autonomous vehicle
> Fully autonomous but driveable, too
> FUTURE-TYPE offers either autonomous or assisted driving because you may still want to enjoy the thrill of driving yourself.
> Advanced technologies will make for safer driving with a human behind the wheel
> Innovative narrow-body with semi-tandem 2+1 seating to optimise urban driving & parking
> To maximise the social opportunities offered by autonomous driving, FUTURE-TYPE features face-to-face ‘social’ seating
> In a future world of on demand and shared mobility, you may only fully own the steering wheel, not the car itself
> Jaguar Land Rover explores the future with ‘Sayer’ – the connected, intelligent, removable steering wheel you can talk to

Jaguar E-type Zero

E-type Zero based on 1968 Series 1.5 Jaguar E-type Roadster, and features electric powertrain enabling 0-100kph in just 5.5 seconds
> An electric powertrain developing 295hp tailored for the E-type Zero.
> Lithium-ion battery pack same size and similar weight to XK six-cylinder engine of original E-type.
> Electric powertrain installed in same location as XK engine. Front-rear weight distribution unchanged.
> Electric motor (and reduction gear) behind battery pack. New propshaft sends power to a carry-over differential and final drive. Total weight 46kg lower than original E-type.


2017 Audi S4 Avant quattro: Ice driving in Finland

                The freezing cold of Finland was a rare occasion to try out Audi’s quattro system in the S4 Avant wagon.

Save for the evergreen pine trees, the landscape as far as the eyes could see was white from our whereabouts in the middle of a frozen lake in Muonio, Finland.

The breath-taking view under a sub-zero temperature is also akin to The Empire Strikes Back’s Battle of Hoth scene except there were no Imperial walkers and Rebel snowspeeders battling it out.

Being 200km north of the Arctic Circle, snowfall and iced-up lakes and rivers are the norm for this part of Finnish Lapland until summer.

This makes it an ideal place for the Audi Ice Experience where participants can learn steering, counter steering and how to stabilise an out-of-control car on sheet ice.

As many of us from the tropics seldom get to drive on winter conditions, the ice driving experience was something to look forward to.

According to Audi, Muonio was also the birthplace of its quattro drive system, which was developed in the late 1970s to give permanent all-wheel drive traction to normal road cars.

With better grip on the tarmac and dirt roads, Audi’s trailblazing quattro-equipped race cars were able to dominate the World Rallying Championship from 1982 to 1984.

 The driving track on the frozen lake.

This success also ended the rear-wheel drive race car era in rallying as they could not keep pace with quattro, prompting Audi’s rivals to develop their own all-wheel drive versions.

The quattro also proved its prowess on tarmac racing as the Audi 200 Turbo quattro overwhelmed rivals in the 1988 Trans-Am Series despite having a less powerful engine against the competitors’ V8 blocks.

Production cars fitted with all-wheel drive will perform better on any road conditions compared with front- or rear-wheel driven types.

The quattro, which is in its 37th year, has been refined to be more intelligent and fuel efficient, comes standard in Audi’s flagship and high-performance line-ups.

The training unit for the ice experience was the S4 Avant quattro, fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine with 354hp and 500Nm of torque.

Transmission is an eight-speed tiptronic and the S4 Avant is quick and can sprint from 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds and gets a top speed of 250kph.

Though the S4 Avant is a wagon, it has been tastefully styled with taut lines, an elegant rear and quad exhaust pipes.

Inside, the car is sporty and advanced with a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit instrument panel, flat-bottom steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear selector and doses of metallic inserts against dark trimmings.

Fire up the engine and the car growls with a hearty note.

During normal driving, the S4 Avant’s all-mechanical centre differential sends 40% of the torque to the front axle and 60% to the rear.

If slip occurs at one axle during extreme driving, the differential will send up to 85% of the torque to the other axle to maintain drive.

Our Austrian instructor, Josef “Sepp” Haider, a former rally driver and Rally New Zealand 1988 winner, was already 64 years-old but still very sharp and quick behind the steering wheel.

He started the programme by getting our media group to re-acquaint themselves with the right seating position – an upright position with elbows bent when holding the steering wheel at 9 and 3 o’clock position.

With the 7km-long circuit on the frozen lake slippery like a wet marble floor, the S4 Avant had to use winter tyres fitted with studs for traction.

Upon arrival at the frozen lake from Lapland Hotel Olos, we had to drive gingerly as our steering and braking were not as responsive as they had on tarmac.

Then came a bombshell from Haider – switch off the electronic stability control (ESC).

I thought he was joking as deactivating the stability control would cause the S4 Avant to be difficult to steer and handle on the slippery surface and increase the risk of crashing into the circuit’s snow embankment.

It was moments later that I understood the reasoning of Haider’s “illogical” instruction.

Switching off the ESC would allow the driver to have more manual control over the S4 Avant and get it to slide sideways and maintain a crab-like crawl.

You will get more snow falling onto your windows rather than on the windscreen.

With ESC switched on, the S4 Avant will automatically brake certain wheels to keep the car on a safe driving line and hence putting a stop on whatever fun and exciting drifting or sliding manoeuvres that Haider want us to do.

To make the car drift on ice, it’s all in timing and execution.

Drive into a corner while maintaining a fast steady speed and keep the steering wheel slightly turned until the rear wheels start to slide.

Let the rear wheels slide for a while and then you turn the steering wheel the opposite direction and accelerate hard to induce and maintain a sideway crawl.

The steps sound easy to the ears but is rather hard for the eyes, hands and right foot to co-ordinate into one fluid delivery.

Most of us crashed during the first few attempts, knocking fresh snow up the air.

But we managed to improve our runs with more practice and coaching until our rhythm got spot-on.

From there onwards, we all were grinning ear-to-ear.

It would take much longer for us to learn ice drifting if the S4 Avant did not have quattro.

Having done ice driving in a rear-wheel drive car a few years ago, it is difficult to steer precisely on slippery surfaces if the front wheels don’t do some “pulling.”

While Audi production cars with front-wheel drive already have good handling, quattro brings the performance to a higher level.

Finally, we got a bonus at the end of the session – a helicopter ride to see Haider with a few instructors race their S4 Avant cars on the circuit at high speed while drifting around corners effortlessly with precision and grace.

 Haider and inset (Mathew).

Audi Malaysia head of corporate communications Isaac Lee Mathew said quattro has long been a core of the Ingolstadt-based car maker’s driving philosophy and the all-wheel drive system comes to life in real adverse driving conditions like during the Audi Driving Experience.

“While we are unlikely to see snow in Malaysia, each and every one of the models we offer in Malaysia have a quattro variant simply because we believe that a permanent all-wheel drive tested in some of the most adverse driving conditions would be the best equipped for a sporty and safe driving experience under any circumstances,” he said.

Currently, the S4 Avant is not offered for sale by Audi Malaysia.

However, local Audi fans will be delighted if the high-performance RS or S models would officially make it to Malaysian shores.

> Get an idea of what ice driving is all about in this Audi video clip below.


S. Korea latest stop in Ferrari Roma promo

                SEOUL: Ferrari has unveiled the latest chapter of Ferrari Roma's global campaign video — La Nuova Dolce Vita in South Korea.

The campaign sought to show how La Nuova Dolce Vita (meaning the new sweet life) is represented in different big cities around the world, through exclusive experiences and places.

The result was a series of videos in which local influencers were the guides in exploring each city.

For this global campaign, the personalities who were selected included chef Massimo Bottura based in Modena Italy, three-star Michelin chef Peter Knogl from Basel, Switzerland, Takayuki Yamada, an actor and director based in Tokyo and Kyoto, actor Hans Zhang from Shanghai, vocalist Adam Levine of Maroon 5 from the US and Tim Raue, a Berlin chef.

South Korea marks the latest chapter of this campaign. Actor Jung Haein was selected as the main protagonist of the Korea campaign. Ferrari said his urban and clean image and calm voice are in harmony with Roma's refined design and beautiful visual.

The elegant figure of Roma shone in the background of Seoul, including Gwanghwamun, Namdaemum, Namsan and the Han River, where tradition and modernity, tranquility and dynamism coexist.

Actor Jung Haein remarked in the video that a sweet life exists all around us.

To him, La Nuova Dolce Vita is a feeling of excitement and having a different perspective as if looking at the world for the first time.

The Roma is a mid-front-engined 2+ coupe. It was launched in Malaysia in June, priced from RM968,000.


First-ever Corvette ZR1 and first Ford GT to be auctioned for charity

                DETROIT: In the 1980s and 90s it appeared buyers and collectors couldn't go wrong with classic cars as their values appeared to be rocketing by the day. That all stopped with the global financial crisis of a decade ago, but now things appear to be getting onto a more even keel.

Although current and relatively modern cars can still be something of a risky investment, there are two going under the hammer at the Barrett-Jackson auction on Jan 20 where depreciation won't be a concern for their eventual buyers.

The two cars in question are the very first example off the production line of the new Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and a new Ford GT that will have the honour of being the first one to be auctioned. The proceeds of the sales of both cars will go to charity.

Even though you could order a new Ford GT from Ford directly, this one going up for auction will mean an easier route for getting your hands on one than hoping to get an application to buy one from Ford accepted.

Although no GT comes cheap, this one is expected to go for considerably more than a new one from Ford would cost as it offers the chance to get one without jumping through the application hoops, and of course, there's the charity aspect too. Proceeds from the sale of the GT will go to the Autism Society of North Carolina.

Proceeds from the sale of the ZR1 will go to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports seriously injured emergency first responders.

Although the Corvette will go for a lot of money for the same reasons as the Ford, the eventual buyer will be able to specify the ZR1 to their own requirements as this model isn't out yet. That means it can be ordered as a coupe or as a convertible, and with either a seven-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.


2020 Toyota RAV4 rolls out in Japan

                TOKYO: Toyota has launched the new 2020 RAV4 in Japan, with 2.0-litre and hybrid 2.5-litre variants as well as two-wheel drive and Dynamic Torque Control 4WD options.

The new RAV4 with the 2.0-litre Dynamic Force Inline 4-cylinder direct-injection engine mated to a Direct Shift-CVT (continuously variable transmission) is billed as providing smooth driving and excellent fuel efficiency.

Also available for a 2.0-litre RAV4 variant is a world-first Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD four-wheel drive system, which is a torque vectoring mechanism that independently distributes torque to the left and right rear wheels according to driving conditions in addition to the front and rear wheels.

A disconnect mechanism transmits driving force to rear wheels when 4WD driving is deemed unnecessary, significantly reducing energy loss and improving fuel efficiency.

The new RAV4 promises a class-leading 580-litre cargo capacity (rear seats up).

Standard kit includes four USB charging points (two inside the console box and two in the rear) in all models.

Also standard are the latest Toyota Safety Sense preventive safety package, which includes:

- A pre-collision safety system to detect preceding vehicles or pedestrians (day and night) and bikes (day) to support collision prevention and mitigate damage.

- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full-speed range that supports driving behind the car in front.

- Advanced driving assistance technology Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) that supports steering so cars remain centered in the same lane during use of Radar Cruise Control.

- Automatic High Beam (AHB) that changes between high beam and low beam headlights automatically.

- Road Sign Assist (RSA) that displays road signs recognized by the camera on the display so that drivers do not miss road signs, contributing to safe driving.

- Preceding vehicle departure notification as a supplementary function that alerts the driver if the driver is not detected to have responded to the preceding vehicle starting to move.

On selected variants, the new RAV4 has Intelligent Clearance Sonar to detect walls and other vehicles during low-speed driving, Rear Cross Traffic Auto Brake to detect approaching vehicles in the rear when reversing to reduce or mitigate damage from collisions, and a Parking Support Brake to assist with safety in parking lots.


Vehicle passenger limit based on headcount, not home address, says minister

                PUTRAJAYA: There is no ruling that those travelling in a vehicle have to come from the same house or have the same address stated in their identification documents, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Senior Minister (Security) said when the lockdown was first enforced, the ruling was that only two persons from a single household could go out.

When conditional and recovery MCO were put in place, the government allowed passengers according to the capacity of the car.

"When we started to allow the same in MCO states, we made it clear that the number of passengers is based on the car's capacity.

"We did not say that passengers have to come from the same address," he said on Thursday (Feb 25).

Ismail Sabri was commenting on claims that some drivers had been compounded for ferrying others who are not from the same house or address.


New Peugeot 408 finds a sure way to turn heads

                PARIS: Putting an actual car in a see-through sphere will certainly get people to pay attention and start talking about it.

Peugeot did just that with its new 408 at the Louvre-Lens Museum in Lens, 200km north of the capital.

The 408 made its world debut in June and Peugeot staged the unusual presentation on Aug 4, which so happened to chime in with the model number (as in fourth day of the eighth month).

The 408 could be seen housed inside a transparent "Sphere", suspended and rotating in order to show the latest model from the Lion brand from every angle.

Since the new 408 boasts a unique, dynamic and innovative design, Peugeot wanted the first public display of the new model to be inspiring.

So the French automaker despatched a team of artists, engineers and technicians from the Parisian creative studio Superbien to carry out the project created by the OPEn agency and transformed it into a breath-taking reality that appears to defy gravity.

The short film below on the eye-catching installation entitled "Unexpected from every angle", was shot at the Louvre-Lens in mid-July.


White is most popular automotive colour globally

                PHILADELPHIA, USA: Axalta has released its 67th annual Global Automotive Color Popularity Report, which reveals the top three automotive colours as: white (38%), black (19%), and grey (13%).

White has been the top automotive colour worldwide since 2011.

This year, silver dropped out of the top three colours in the world and its 10% popularity represents the lowest level the colour has had in more than a decade.

The survey also showed that grey is gaining popularity in all regions of the world.

However, these top four colours – white, black, grey, silver - continue to dominate the automobile population, representing 80% of market share globally.

Elke Dirks, Axalta Colour Designer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, says, “After the demand for grey rose in the SUV sector last year in Europe, we saw 5% growth this year in the Compact/Sport sector. For the first time in Europe, the variety of natural to refined and sophisticated grey surpassed white as the long-time favourite. Europeans have expressed their desire to use grey to quieten the emotional noise in their lives and feel comforted by its presence.”

Elsewhere, white continues to lead the market, with Asia recording a 1% increase in its popularity and it having the widest popularity at 49%.

Annie You, Axalta Colour Designer for China, says, “China buyer-preferences favour modern, sophisticated and clean, making white an obvious choice.”

North and South America continue to position white as the top colour, but also have seen an increasing interest in grey vehicles.

Lockhart continues, “While the top four neutral colours – white, black, grey and silver – continue to lead preferences globally, we are starting to see other colours make moves in popularity that might not have been thinkable in past years. For sure, the consumer is truly beginning to change the way they view their vehicle’s colour, and Axalta is prepared to partner with our automotive customers to meet those needs.”

Various shades, from greenish-blues inspired by the ocean to navy blue, icy blue and denim blue, are also being found worldwide.

Globally, red is most popular in North America at 9%, and brown/beige versions reign in Russia at 12% popularity.

Colour is impactful in consumer choices and product branding, and Axalta is committed to enhancing coatings with colour science and technologies for future vehicles.

“Colourful shades on vehicles are quickly noticed on today’s roads as blue, red and brown/beige are showcased in spectacular hues,” concluded Lockhart. “Blue is most popular in North America and Europe with 10% of vehicles. So, finding a blue to meet your personal taste is no problem.”


Vespa launches Primavera, Sprint and GTS Super Sport scooters from RM15.600

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Premira Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of Vespa motorcycles in Malaysia, launched its Primavera 150 MY’18, Sprint 150 MY’18 and GTS 300 Super Sport, which can now be viewed at all authorised Vespa dealerships and outlets nationwide.

The Primavera, priced from RM15,600, is available in three colours of Beige Metallic, Nero Vulcano and Monte Bianco.

 Vespa Primavera 150 (right) in Beige Metallic

This scooter takes its design cues from the first version of the iconic Vespa scooters - first introduced in 1968, with a distinctive “tie” on its front shield and a chrome crest on its front mudguard.

As for the Sprint and its all-steel construction, it comes priced from RM16,400 with four colour options of Blue Matt, Monte Bianco, Rosso Dragon and Grigio Titanio - taking aim at the young and the young at heart.

 Vespa Sprint 150 in Blue Matt

Both Primavera and Sprint scooters are powered by the same single-cylinder four-stroke 150cc i-get motor providing 12.7hp at 7,750rpm and 12.8Nm at 6,500rpm, while standard fitment includes 12-inch five-spoke aluminium wheels as well as new front and rear LED lights.

Also, the distinctive "tie" is featured on both scooters' front shield, while the Primavera adds a chrome crest on its front mudguard.

Additionally, both scooters can be further customised with a top box and backrest with the Primavera adding a top fairing and chrome-plated front and rear luggage racks to the list.

The Sprint, however, adds on a customised windscreen with a Vespa logo, front side and rear chrome mudguards as well as dual-coloured aluminium alloy wheels and “Sport” graphics for its list of optional extras.

For greater peace of mind, an electronic anti-theft device and a saddle–handlebar anti-theft device can also be had for both.

The larger GTS 300 Super Sport on the other hand, can be had from RM28,000 with two colours of Red Matt and Grigio Titanio for choice.

The exterior features the new cravatta (Italian for 'tie') and dedicated graphics that have been matched to its signature black saddle, while being powered by a 300cc single-cylinder Quasar motor.

With 20.9hp at 7,750rpm and 22Nm at 5,000rpm on tap, the standard dual-channel ABS system and ASR (Antriebsschlupfregelung - engine slippage regulation) traction control system will help try and keep questionable riding situations in check.

Other standard equipment include a safe electric side-stand, anti-theft ignition key immobiliser, electric remote saddle opening system, bike finder and a USB port. A  saddle-handlebar anti-theft device is available as an added option.

For a more custom look, additional accessories include a painted top box, leg cover and an outdoor vehicle cover.

“The new Vespa Primavera, Sprint and GTS (300) Super Sport were crafted to perfection with style, comfort, safety and sturdiness in mind which makes them perfect for manoeuvring through traffic,” said Naza Corporation Holdings group CEO (Automotive Group) Datuk Samson Anand George.

Vespa Sprint 150

Vespa Primavera 150

Vespa GTS 300 Super Sport


Polestar aims to create first climate neutral car by 2030

                GOTHENBURG: In Polestar’s first annual review, published today, the Swedish electric performance car brand declares its moonshot goal to create the first truly climate neutral car by 2030.

Environmental experts have warned that offsetting is not sustainable in the long run. Questions around the long-term carbon-storage capacity of forests and soils remain, as a forest might be logged, devastated by fire or altered by climate change.

“Offsetting is a cop-out,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.

“By pushing ourselves to create a completely climate-neutral car, we are forced to reach beyond what is possible today. We will have to question everything, innovate and look to exponential technologies as we design towards zero.”

Polestar’s Head of Sustainability, Fredrika Klarén, said: “We’re electric, so we don’t have to worry about combustion engines producing toxic emissions – but that doesn’t mean our job is done. We will now work to eradicate all emissions stemming from production. Now is a historic and exciting time for car makers, an opportunity to seize the moment, do better and dare to build the dream of climate-neutral, circular and beautiful cars.”

Climate action is already being incorporated throughout the Polestar business, and climate targets are integrated in the Polestar employee bonus system.

Sustainability declarations, common in industries like food and fashion, will be applied to all future Polestar models. Starting with Polestar 2 and initially disclosing carbon footprint and traced risk materials, labelling will appear on the company website and in Polestar Spaces, setting a transparency precedent for the industry. Reflecting continuous sustainability updates, additional details and information will be added over time.

"Today, Polestar 2 leaves the factory gates with a carbon footprint. In 2030, we want to present a car that does not,” said Ingenlath.


Brace for pricier car parts

                PETALING JAYA: The next time you send your car for servicing or have parts replaced, expect it to burn a bigger hole in your pocket as spare part prices are racing ahead.

Automotive dealers said the global supply of vehicle spare parts had been badly affected since the Covid-19 pandemic, with the situation made worse by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the US-China trade war.

Automotive Accessories Traders Association of Malaysia president Lim Bee Choo said spare part prices had gone up by 25%.

“There is a shortage of spare parts, especially for cars made in Europe. This has caused prices to increase by about 25%,” she said.

Lim added that Europe was currently facing an energy crisis after Russia suspended its supply to the continent following the European Union’s sanctions.

“Without energy, factories are not able to operate,” she said.

China’s zero-Covid policy, in which strict lockdowns are imposed if there is an outbreak, has also disrupted the supply of parts for Japanese and South Korean vehicles.

“A lot of the components for cars made in Japan and South Korea are made in China, so this policy is affecting supply,” said Lim, adding that the price of engine oil and tyres have also gone up as a result of the global situation.

Malaysia Automotive Prosper Entrepreneurs Association (president Mohd Karim A. Rahman said that the prices of spare parts had gone up by 60% depending on the parts that needed to be replaced.

He added that besides parts, the price of tyres, engine oil, and lubricants has also increased by between 10% and 15%.

“The price of lubricant usually goes up only 2% to 3% every two to three years, but this year the price has gone up twice,” he said.

Mohd Karim added that due to the price hike in parts, mechanics would discuss pricing with customers first before ordering any item.

“Usually, it will take about a week for us to order the parts from our supplier but nowadays, it would take a month for the parts to arrive,” he said, adding that the price would eventually be borne by the customers themselves.

Mohd Karim also advised vehicle owners to be wary of parts that are sold online as the quality of the product would be questionable.


UMW Toyota Motors sets new sales record for August

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) set a new record for sales of Toyota for the month of August 2022 at 8,961 units, while Lexus recorded total sales of 130 units.

The overall sales for the month of August recorded at 9,091 units (Toyota + Lexus), compared to 6,637 units (Toyota + Lexus) sold in July 2022.

The total sales for the year as of August 2022 stands at 61,639 units (Toyota + Lexus), compared to 38,085 units (Toyota + Lexus) for sales registered, a 62% increase when compared to sales for August 2021.

Arriving soon into the Malaysian market, the Toyota Veloz seven-seat MPV which has yet to officially go on sale locally, has secured some total orders of 5,200 units.

UMW Toyota Motor’s President Ravindran K said the company was extremely grateful for the strong support and is working around the clock to intensify production to ensure delivery to new car owners.

“The introduction of the Toyota Veloz will be a significant moment for us and we are confident it will be popular among Malaysians with its value for money premium offerings, advanced features and of course, the renowned Toyota quality and reliability.

 Fortuner.

“We are working very hard to provide the right packages for our customers. It is our way of going the ‘Extra Mile’ by giving high priority and attention to our customers’ needs through our sales and after-sales offerings,” he added.

UMWT also said the newly improved Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle (IMV) series consisting the Fortuner and Hilux would be introduced in September and the Innova in October.

Since the series' introduction in 2016, it was well accepted by customers due to its quality, durability and reliability.

 Hilix.

Orders for the IMV series started from the Sept 1 for all models while the newly improved Hilux and Fortuner will be at all Toyota outlets in September and Toyota Innova by October.

“With the three improved vehicles, we are confident that we will be able to capture a strong demand from customers in both Peninsular and East Malaysia, at the same time increase our market share for this year,” said Ravindran.

In conjunction with the 2022 Merdeka and Malaysia Day celebrations, UMWT will showcase the freedom and flexibility that Malaysians can expect throughout their Toyota ownership journey.

 Innova.

The carmaker will be offering value-added packages to its customers nationwide and great deals worth up to RM4,000 on selected variants for the Vios and Yaris from now up to the end of September.

UMW Toyota Motor also invites Malaysians to watch its heartwarming short video called “Pewaris Harapan Negara” featuring staff’s children singing the familiar patriotic song “Sejahtera Malaysia”.

For more information, visit Toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line at 1-800-8-TOYOTA (869682).


Mick Schumacher switches from Ferrari to Mercedes

                PARIS: Mick Schumacher was dropped by Ferrari as a reserve driver on Thursday and immediately signed with their rivals Mercedes in the same role.

After Ferrari announced the 23-year-old German was leaving after four years in their academy by mutual agreement, Mercedes said they had signed him.

Mick's father Michael won five driver titles with Ferrari before finishing his career with three seasons at Mercedes.

Mick Schumacher raced the last two seasons for Haas, which uses Ferrari engines.

He failed to register a point in 2021. This year, his best finish in 22 races was sixth.

He ended up 16th in the driver standings. Haas dropped him in November and signed 35-year-old compatriot Nico Hulkenberg
Mercedes, who struggled to cope with changes to Formula One's technical rules last season, are busy developing their "W14" model.

"Mick will play an important role in the ongoing development of the W14. He will conduct regular work in the simulator," the team said on their web site.

Mercedes has seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who finished fourth in the standings last season, as their race drivers.


Outgoing VW Golf R gets colourful sendoff

                WASHINGTON: The US and Canada are the biggest market for the Golf R, as such, Volkswagen is giving its North American fans a special treat for the outgoing seventh generation Golf R: the Volkswagen Spektrum Program.

The program allowed customers to choose from 40 custom order colours. Several of the colors were homages to significant Volkswagen vehicles through history.

Mars Red pays tribute to the first hot hatch offered by the brand—the Mk1 Golf GTI—while the popular Ginster Yellow recalls the Mk3 Driver’s Edition GTI from 1997.

Also returning from a run on that same car is Jazz Blue Pearl, which also appeared on the Mk4 20th Anniversary GTI.

Those very much in the know will also remember Ginster Yellow as one of the four colours on the uniquely-painted Harlequin Golf Mk3.

Viper Green Metallic was by far the most popular VW Spektrum choice, accounting for nearly 17% of all special-order colours sold.

The process of custom painting each VW Spektrum Golf R in Wolfsburg, Germany was intensive, involving a roughly one-kilometer trip away from the main factory floor to a specialized building, where each car was hand-sprayed.

The redesigned Mk8 has already been confirmed for the US market, and it promises to be a worthy successor to the Mk7. It will still be available with a manual transmission—something the North American market demands for the Golf R.

“Volkswagen enjoys a uniquely large enthusiast base across many of its models, and the Golf R is no exception, attracting one of the most loyal and exacting legions of Volkswagen fans,” said Megan Closset, Volkswagen Golf Product Manager, USA.


2016 Shell Advance Power On send two to Japan

                KUALA LUMPUR: The recent 2016 Shell Advance Power On contest has concluded and saw two motorcycle owners winning the grand prize of an all-expense trip to Japan.

Along with 10 lucky and loyal workshop owners, the two winners - Mohammad Nizam bin Md Omar and Muhamad Iqbal Hibri bin Azilan, were sent to Japan to catch the Japan MotoGP and the fifth round of this season’s Shell Advance Asia Talent Cup (SAATC) motorcycle racing championship at Twin Ring Motegi racetrack.

Nizam, a technician, has been using Shell Advance AX5 motorcycle engine oil for his 125cc Honda Future and was elated with his first-ever major contest win and trip.

“It was my first trip to Japan and the highlight was certainly the visit to the Twin Ring Motegi racetrack. The special VIP pass arranged for us by Shell allowed us to explore nearly all areas of the track during the Japan MotoGP race,” he said.

Fellow Grand Prize winner Muhamad Iqbal, a Kawasaki GTR 1400 owner who just begun using the Shell Advance Ultra with PurePlus Technology, thoroughly enjoyed his VIP treatment over the five-day four-nights trip.

“Thanks to Shell, we were able to experience the excitement of MotoGP on another level, which we would never have been able to do on our own,” said the IT analyst.

The contest also rewarded consolation prize winners with GIVI merchandises such as 10 Monolock boxes, 20 full-face helmets, 30 rainsuits and 50 backpacks.

The contest required participants to purchase selected Shell Advance products and apply the stickers provided as creatively as possible on their motorcycle and upload a captioned picture of it onto Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #PowerOnShellAdvance.

Shell Lubricants general manager (Malaysia and Singapore) Leslie Ng, said that the attractive premium prizes offered in the contest was designed to reward loyal and passionate bikers.


Volkswagen Malaysia gets into used car business

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today launched Das WeltAuto, Volkswagen’s global used car programme that offers customers certified used cars they can trust.

All models and brands are accepted for trade-in, and all Das WeltAuto certified vehicles undergo a 133-point check conducted and verified by Volkswagen Master Technicians.

Customers of Das WeltAuto certified vehicles will enjoy a 1-year extended warranty and 1-year roadside assistance.

Additionally, customers can enjoy Volkswagen Care Plus benefits for Volkswagen cars above five years.

“What makes Das WeltAuto different from other used car channels is that you can expect the same exceptional level of service as a new car purchase experience from a dealer you can trust, with experienced sales staff who will provide the best advice and maximum transparency,“ said VPCM managing director Erik Winter.

Only genuine parts are used on the certified vehicles, and they are accident-free and come with complete proof of service at authorized Volkswagen service centres.

Das WeltAuto is currently available at four Volkswagen dealerships; Volkswagen Puchong, Volkswagen Gombak, Volkswagen Alor Setar and Volkswagen Juru.

Interested parties are also invited to view available vehicles on the Das WeltAuto website, which is regularly updated with details and options to inquire or book a test drive.

Das WeltAuto was launched at the third annual Volkswagen Fest 2019, which takes place from the 30th August till 1st September at Setia City Convention Centre.

Volkswagen Fest is an event celebrating all things Volkswagen, and visitors can test drive and take advantage of great savings on new and pre-owned models.

There will also be current and classic Volkswagen cars on display, a food truck park, hot air balloon rides, several Instagram-able art installations and interactive game stations for families to enjoy.


Car giants see road to riches in sharing

                PARIS: Auto giants are racing to invest in car- and ride-sharing services, lured by the prospect of fat profits yet to be tapped from a billion cars on the world’s roads.

A typical car spends 95 percent of its life at a standstill, industry analysts say, making it a vastly under-utilised, depreciating asset. There may be big money waiting, therefore, for the business that can get the car moving again. That is incentive enough for manufacturers from Toyota to Volkswagen and General Motors to join an investment rush, apparently without fear of ushering in a future in which individual car ownership is no longer king.

Thinking of the car business as a service dramatically changes perceptions of its value, Morgan Stanley analyst Laura Lembke told a conference in Munich this past week. New car sales worldwide run at about 80 million a year bringing in US$1.5 trillion (1.3 trillion euros), Lembke said.

But the total existing stock of cars is closer to one billion vehicles. If the average cost of a trip is US$1 a mile (0.56 euros per kilometre), she estimated the market value could be as much as US$10 trillion. That estimate helps to explain the valuations placed on apps such as ride-hailing service Uber, valued at US$62.5 billion - a third more than the world’s number three auto manufacturer General Motors.

GM this year invested US$500 million in Lyft, one of the chief competitors to Uber in the United States. Last month, Toyota announced a strategic partnership with Uber, with an undisclosed investment. Volkswagen ploughed US$300 million euros into taxi app Gett on the same day. “Alongside our pioneering role in the automotive business, we aim to become a world leading mobility provider by 2025,” said Volkswagen chief executive Matthias Mueller.

Automakers see an opportunity but it is too early to accurately assess the potential value of such a young industry, said Jeremy Carlson, senior analyst of automotive technology at research group IHS. Car manufacturers may sell into a fleet of vehicles for drivers to use in these new services, he said. Or they may decide to gain experience and launch competing services.

“Yes, this has the potential and the likelihood to impact the traditional automotive business model at least in some capacity,” Carlson conceded. “But we don’t expect the kind of traditional ownership and sales model to disappear anytime soon. We expect it to be the majority until at least 2035 and for all of those years vehicle sales, the traditional model, remains the vast majority of our automotive sales.”

Even if the future brings us self-driving vehicles combined with car-hailing apps to offer a service rivalling the convenience of private ownership, the market for car manufacturers could survive, the analyst said. “When you have autonomous added to car sharing and ride sharing, those vehicles are running at a higher rate and are making many more trips. The idea is that you will replace those vehicles much faster,” Carlson explained. “There may be an impact on the total vehicle production and sales base, but it’s certainly not nearly as drastic as we have seen in other reports.”

Paulin Dementhon, founder of Drivy, a French app that lets car owners rent out their vehicles, said the new services were starting to live up to their promise.

Manufacturers, now concerned primarily with building and selling vehicles, would have to decide how to adapt to a market of car-related services, he said. “Sales might suffer a bit but the car is also a consumable,” Dementhon said. “There will be fewer people buying cars but after two years they will have done 200,000 kilometres,” he said. Then they will need replacing.


UMW Toyota Motor commits to mangrove rehabilitation efforts at Tanjung Tuan, Melaka

                SHAH ALAM: As part of creating sustainability and preserving the environment, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) recently held a tree planting programme hosted by the Malaysian Nature Society at Tanjung Tuan, Melaka in conjunction with Raptor Watch 2023 event.

This initiative is aligned with the commitment of Toyota Motor Corporation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, not only for its products but also for all aspects of its business operations globally.

One approach being taken is to ‘offset’ emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the gas which is known to cause global warming to the extent that climate change is taking place.

The UMW Green Shoots Initiative (UGS Initiative) is being taken as a way to offset CO2 emissions in Malaysia that supports the National 100 Million Trees Planting Campaign and also matches the three objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

The event was carried out in conjunction with Raptor Watch 2023 at Tanjung Tuan in Melaka.

Mangrove saplings were planted to assist in the rehabilitation of the mangrove swamp ecosystem in Tanjung Tuan, which was destroyed as a result of an oil spill in 2020.

Up to 6,100 trees will be planted by 250 volunteers made up of UMWT staff volunteers, students and teachers from University Putra Malaysia, Serdang (UPM) and Politeknik Port Dickson, Taylor's University and members of the public.

UMW Toyota Motor president Datuk Ravindran K. said the company is proud to rehabilitate and preserve the environment through the UMW Green Shoots Initiative.

“As a good corporate citizen, we can provide resources to support efforts in addressing climate change and achieving carbon neutrality.

“Additionally, we have been assembling Hybrid Electric Vehicles in Malaysia since 2022 and will announce further plans on the electrification of the Toyota product range,” he said.

For more information, visit https://www.toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line 1- 800-8-TOYOTA (869682).


Sime Darby Auto ConneXion breaks ground for new Penang Ford 3S Centre

                PENANG: Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the exclusive distributor for Ford in Malaysia, today broke ground for its new Ford 3S Centre here.

With an investment of RM16.6mil, the new Ford 3S Centre is set to elevate the customer experience and strengthen prospects for the brand in the Northern region.

Spanning across 45,000sq ft, the 3S centre will be equipped with 18 service bays and space to display six vehicles.

Targeted for completion by the first quarter of 2024, the facility is located along Jalan Baru in Seberang Prai, providing easy accessibility.

Upon completion, customers will be able to experience state-of-the-art facilities at the new Ford 3S Centre, built from ground up in line with Ford’s global standards.

The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by SDAC managing director Turse Zuhair, SDAC head of Distribution Sales George Ngian and SDAC Penang dealer principal Peter Chan. (From left) Ngian, Turse and Chan at the ground breaking ceremony.

Turse said the 3 S centre is a significant milestone for the company.

“As a 3S centre offering end-to-end services, the facility will offer greater convenience and accessibility for Malaysians. This investment is a clear reflection of our commitment to meet the needs of the market, as we strive to raise the bar in elevating the customer experience,” he said.

Ford Asia Pacific Distributor Markets managing director DJ Simpson said the American auto brand was pleased to work together with partner Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford and would continue to expand its network in Malaysia with this latest facility.

“Penang is a key market with strong prospects for Ford and Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

“By reinforcing our presence here, this will enable us to continue bringing our growing line-up of world-class vehicles and top-notch services to customers in the northern region,” said Simpson.


2020 Range Rover Evoque to arrive in Malaysia in June

                PETALING JAYA: Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia is set to launch the all-new 2020 Range Rover Evoque compact luxury SUV, in early June 2020.

Details on pricing and variants will be announced at the launch.

All vehicles distributed by Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia are compatible with the Malaysian climate, environment, and fuel quality.

All Land Rover vehicles distributed by authorised dealers also come with a ‘Land Rover Care’ programme which is based on whichever comes first, ie, a 5-year Warranty or 150,000km, 5-year Servicing or 65,000km and 3-year Roadside Assistance.

The new Range Rover Evoque features a 2.0L Petrol Turbocharged Ingenium engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

It has new slim LED headlights and tail lights, and flush door handles as well as ‘ClearSight Rear View Mirror’ that transforms into an HD video screen when engaged.

Should rear visibility be compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver can flip a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the car will display what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition.

The screen provides a 50-degree field of vision and superior visibility in low light.

The ‘ClearSight Ground View’ technology also allows drivers to virtually see through the hood and under the front end of the vehicle by projecting a 180-degree view of the ground onto the vehicle’s upper touchscreen.

This is useful when navigating through tight parking spaces, high city curbs or tackling rough terrains.

The new Evoque is also the first Land Rover model to feature Smart Settings, a system which uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn the driver’s preferences.

The system will then use the driver’s preference to automate comfort and driver-specific media settings throughout the drive.

The system, using ‘self-learning’ technology also recognises the driver from their key fob and phone and will thereby set their seat and steering column position on approach, allowing for up to eight profiles to be registered.

After a few journeys, the Evoque remembers the driver’s preferred temperature settings, media preferences and commonly dialled numbers depending on the time or day of the week.

In the cabin, the Land Rover InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system combines two sleek 10-inch high-definition glass touchscreens and a 12.3-inch driver display behind the steering wheel.

There is also a much larger and wider luggage space which can easily fit a folded pram or a set of golf clubs.

The space could be further increased to 1,383 litres when the flexible 40:20:40 second-row seats are folded.

A new safety feature is Lane Keep Assist, which helps the driver stay in lane by adding necessary steering correction. It initiates a gentle steering input to return the vehicle to its intended position.

Driver Condition Monitor technology is another added safety feature that is based on the driver’s steering inputs.

Should the technology detect jerky, non-linear movements that are typical symptoms of a fatigue driver, it will automatically trigger an audible and visual warning in the instrument cluster.


Race car meets spaceship: British prototype set to smash records

                LONDON: A vehicle that is tipped to become the fastest car in the world with a jaw-dropping top speed of over 1,600kph has been tested for the first time.

According to the vehicle's British developers, the Bloodhound SSC is a mix between fighter jet, Formula One race car and space shuttle. In 2019, on a road in South Africa, they are hoping to break the current land speed record of 1,228kph.

In the test at an airport near Newquay, in south-west England, the Bloodhound accelerated from 0 to 320kph in just eight seconds. Among other things, the test drive was intended to check the steering and brakes.

More than 3,000 spectators watched the test drive. The driver was the holder of the current land speed world record.


June 1-7: RON97 petrol price tumbles 13 sen, to stay unchanged for 2 weeks


Lexus and EuropaCorp unveil SKYJET for sci-fi film

                BRUSSELS: Lexus has teamed up with Luc Besson's EuropaCorp studio to produce a science fiction film, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, set for a July 2017 release.

Lexus worked with the Valerian creative team to bring to life the vision for the SKYJET, a single-seat pursuit craft featured in the film, which stars Cara Delevingne and Dane DeHaan.

A teaser trailer unveiled online on Thursday gives the public a first look at footage from the film. Viewers will also get a first glimpse of the single-seat pursuit craft SKYJET maneuvering through the intergalactic citadel of Alpha.

The Valerian team created the SKYJET with the ambition of featuring a vehicle grounded in reality but befitting of the Valerian world, set 700 years in the future. The creative team met with Lexus’ chief engineer, Takeaki Kato and the Lexus design team, to discuss incorporating believable, imaginative technologies and contemporary design cues into the final iteration of the SKYJET.

The SKYJET design also has an adapted interpretation of Lexus’ signature “spindle” grille, and a similar headlight design to that of the hotly anticipated 2018 Lexus LC coupe, defined by an athletic and aerodynamic shape.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets features an all-star cast including Clive Owen, Ethan Hawke, Rihanna, and Kris Wu. The project marks Luc Besson’s most ambitious film to date and the largest-budget European motion picture ever produced. The feature film is an adaptation of the French comic series ‘Valérian,’ written by Pierre Christin and illustrated by Jean-Claude Mézières. The film is produced by Virginie Besson-Silla.

The brand is set to provide unique fan experiences over the next nine months, designed to bring enthusiasts from around the world closer to the action leading up to the film’s release in July 2017.

The film plot shows Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) as special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprising thousands of different species from all over the universe.

Alpha's 17 million inhabitants have converged to use their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing the human race in great danger.


Toyota Vios Challenge - Day 1 race results

                MEDINI CITY: The third of four installments of the Toyota Vios Challenge kicked off with the first of the two-day affair plagued by plenty of heat, rain and racing action in Medini City, Johor.

The seven-turn 1.9km street circuit runs in an anti-clockwise direction and features widths of up to three lanes for many sections of the track - providing drivers with more overtaking opportunities.

The first race of the day saw an eventful start as the green flag came down for the Sporting Class, but a squabble at the front for the first corner - a tight 90-degree left-hander, caused an accident that required a restart of the race.

The start saw Brendan Paul Anthony of Team Dream Chaser in Car 22 taking the inside line, but Patrick Tham Wei Han of Team Nanoplus in Car 13 who made a great start and from the fourth row managed to find himself behind Brendan.

Patrick braked late pushing Brendan forward towards the outside wall. Meanwhile, Ken Foo in Car 10 tried to slip behind Brendan but unfortunately collided with Patrick, squashing him into the inside wall and forcing him to retire from the remainder of the race, while Brendan and Ken managed to escape severe damages to continue racing.

Upon the restart, Brendan lost the lead at the first turn to Wong Chin Eeg of Hiewa Racing Team in Car 5, who managed to lead the way till the chequered flag, taking 25 minutes and 17.374 seconds to complete 17 laps with his fastest lap-time of 1 minute 19.646 seconds.

Second place went to Brendan who finished just 0.604 seconds behind for a total time of 25 minutes 17.978 seconds, having a fastest lap time of 1 minute 19.892 seconds.

After 1.702 seconds later, it was Kenneth Koh of Panglima City Racing Team in Car 28 who crossed the finish line for third position.

The next race saw droplets of rain beginning to fall as the Promotional Class racers lined up on the grid and as the racing intensity increased, so did the precipitation with some of the drivers seen experiencing difficulties with the greasy conditions as some spun at the hairpin section.

But as quickly as the rain began, so too was the sun to emerge and the conditions proved a little more tricky for the drives to contend with, prompting the safety car to emerge for three laps, while Shawn Lee in Car 6 lead the pack.

As soon as the rain faded, the safety car pulled in and a heated battle ensued at the back of the pack with drivers trying to improve their positions. Meanwhile, Shawn managed to slowly build a considerable lead ahead for a lonely drive.

After 20 laps, Shawn finished the race with a 5.268-second gap to second place finisher Shukri Yahaya in Car 24 who was followed by Danny Koo in Car 23 for third a further 25.809 seconds later.

Although the Super Sporting Class got off to a clean start with everyone managing to get through the first turn, there was almost a pile-up right after along the long straight that forced Danny Koo in Car 23 to retire due to heavy damages.

With the race quickly heating up, the excitement was doused by a sudden occurrence of torrential rain, which called out the safety car for 11 laps with Ho Wil Liam in Car 39 leading the pack.

The rest of the race proved uneventful due to the wet conditions with lots of standing water along certain sections of the circuit that made over-taking impossible.

The final race of the first day ended with Ho taking first place, followed by second place finisher Wong Yew Choong of ST Wangan Racing Team in Car 21 just 0.735 seconds later, while Syafiq bin Ali of M7 Racing Team in Car 7 took third a further 1.461 seconds later.

The second day of racing will see the top six racers reverse their positions making Keifli Othman of Team Laser Motor Racing in Car 63 starting in pole position with popular favourite Tengku Djan Ley of Team Nanoplus in Car 12 beside him. Although the weather is expected to be hot and sunny on Saturday, a thunderstorm is expected somtime in the afternoon.


Porsche Taycan drifts into Guinness World Record

                STUTTGART: The Porsche Taycan has entered the Guinness World Records for the longest drift with an electric vehicle.

The world record was set at the Porsche Experience Centre (PEC) Hockenheimring.

Porsche instructor Dennis Retera did 210 laps on the 200 metre-long drift circle without the front wheels ever pointing in the same direction as the curve: after 55 minutes the sideways expert had covered a total of 42.171km.

By completing this marathon distance, Retera secured the world record for the longest continuous drift in an electric car. The average speed was 46kph.

“When the driving stability programmes are switched off, a powerslide with the electric Porsche is extremely easy, especially of course with this model variant, which is driven exclusively via the rear wheels,” says Dennis Retera.

The Dutch is now the Chief Instructor at the Porsche Experience Centre Hockenheimring, but previously competed in karting, single seaters and endurance races.

“Nevertheless, it was also very tiring for me to keep my concentration high for 210 laps, especially as the irrigated asphalt of the drift circuit does not provide the same grip everywhere. I concentrated on controlling the drift with the steering – this is more efficient than using the accelerator pedal and reduces the risk of spinning.”


EICMA: Motorcycle show to celebrate Leonardo da Vinci's creative genius

                MILAN: On the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci's death, the 77th edition of the International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition in Milan will pay tribute to the prolific inventor with this year's theme, "Revolutionary Motion."

The organisers will draw a parallel between the new era that is currently dawning on the world of two-wheelers, and the creative and scientific enlightenment of the Renaissance. The show will highlight the mobility of tomorrow, which will essentially be powered by electricity, with regards to motorcycles as well as scooters and bicycles.

The show also aims to pay tribute to Leonardo da Vinci's extraordinary contributions to science - specifically in terms of transportation, with innovations that continue to inspire motorcycle manufacturers centuries on.

The exhibition will be open to the public from Nov 7 to Nov 10, with Nov 5 and Nov 6 reserved for press and professionals. As in every year, a large part of the exhibition will be dedicated to accessories.


New CEO to consolidate Isuzu’s position

                PETALING JAYA: Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s new CEO Kenji Matsuoka aims to leverage on the current popularity of Isuzu vehicles to further develop the brand’s position in both the pick-up truck as well as the commercial truck markets.

He also said that the company would expand its range with added variants of Isuzu vehicles, including the MU-X, a 7-seat SUV that will soon make its Malaysian debut.

While aiming to maintain the company’s position as the No. 1 truck brand in Malaysia, Matsuoka also hopes to achieve a 20 percent market share for the Isuzu D-MAX pick-up trucks in the medium term.

 Matsuoka.

Matsuoka, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Mie University will assume the Isuzu Malaysia CEO position on April 20, replacing Kimitoshi Kurokawa who returns to Isuzu Motors Ltd, Japan.

Citing key product features that elevate the value of Isuzu vehicles as the main reason for customer conversion to the brand, Matsuoka felt that the current customer sentiment of spending cautiously worked in Isuzu’s favour.

“Our customers have come to realise that our core product qualities of durability, reliability and fuel efficiency offered them reduced running costs without sacrificing performance or dependability. In times like these when everyone is trying to stretch their ringgit, Isuzu vehicles offer customers with a genuine motoring solutions,” said Matsuoka.

In line with the growing popularity of Isuzu vehicles, Matsuoka elaborated that customer satisfaction initiatives need to be on pace with this growth.

“Without strong back-end support for our customers, we would not be able to sustain a consistent growth for the brand. Therefore, much of our attention will be focused on improving the quality of our after-sales experiences by strengthening our dealer operations and improving spare parts availability through the establishment of a new parts depot in Johor,” said Matsuoka.

Prior to joining Isuzu Malaysia, Matsuoka held the position of CEO at Isuzu-Hicom Malaysia (IHM), a position he assumed in 2012 after spending four years as the CEO of Isuzu Vietnam Co Ltd.


Next Generation Toyota Showroom opens in JB

                JOHOR BARU: UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), the sole importer and distributor for Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, has officially opened it latest Toyota showroom in Johor Bahru.

The RM15mil two-storey Next Generation Toyota Showroom concept replaces the previous showroom at Jalan Kebun Teh and is now located at 31, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (Susur 5), Johor Baru.

“This showroom in Johor Bahru is the first UMWT’s showroom that features the Next Generation Toyota Showroom concept," said UMWT deputy chairman Akio Takeyama.

The new facility offers a stylish and comfortable lounge area, where customers can enjoy their coffee, surf the internet or browse through the product information via digital spec stands at their own leisure.

Other facilities include a children's playroom, display areas for vehicles, accessories and a lifestyle merchandise.

 From left: Ismet and Akio.

“With the new concept, our aim is for the showroom to be vibrant and more customers friendly so that people who came in for a visit would feel welcomed," said UMWT president Datuk Ismet Suki.

He also aded that the new facility is now a model outlet for the company with more showrooms and service centres to adopt the new look.

Apart from this showroom, UMWT has a 2S centre in Larkin and also three 3S centres run by its authorised dealer.

The company currently has a network of 97 sales and aftersales outlets (including dealers) throughout the nation.

For more information log on to www.toyota.com.my or call Toyota Freephone 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).