PLUS tackles RFID detection issues with more ground teams and testing

                PETALING JAYA: Highway customers who experience detection issues at the RFID lane need not worry as PLUS Malaysia Bhd personnel will be on hand to scan their vehicle RFID tags with a handheld device.

“Should the tag remain undetectable, a coupon for a full detection diagnostic at the nearest Touch ‘n Go (TnG) fitment centre will be provided," PLUS said in a statement today.

“If the RFID tag still has detection issues after the test, TnG will replace it for free,” it added.

It was reported on Monday that highway users experienced traffic snarls on the North-South Expressway (NSE) stemming from detection issues with their vehicle RFID tags.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof then told PLUS to minimise the congestion.

"When it is a pioneering project, it will face issues that need to be solved," he told the media on Monday.

The PLUS statement also said it recorded an encouraging 10% of transactions using RFID after its Jan 15 implementation across the entire NSE.

“PLUS has doubled the teams assisting customers at toll plazas, and improved the visibility of directional signages to increase familiarity with RFID lanes,” it added.

Highway customers who wish to provide feedback can do so via the 1800-88-0000 PLUSLine or the chatbot on the PLUS App.

For information on locations for TnG RFID tag installation, visit the TnG portal at http://www.touchngo.com.my or download the RFID e-book from www.plus.com.my and social media platforms including Twitter PLUSTrafik, PLUS Malaysia Facebook as well as the PLUS App.

On Dec 16, the Works Ministry said toll transactions using RFID technology for private light vehicles would be implemented at the Juru route in Penang to Skudai in Johor on the NSE with effect from Jan 15.


Bentley celebrates 20 years in China with Mulliner creations

                LONDON: Bentley Mulliner has created a unique collection of new Bentleys to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the British marque’s presence in China.

Each of the four special models has been inspired by a famous location in London, where W.O. Bentley founded Bentley Motors in 1919.

Mulliner’s considered design and meticulous handcraftsmanship have been applied to the Continental GT, Continental GTC, Flying Spur and Bentayga to create the four families of cars within the collection, with each one numbered as one of 20 to denote its exclusivity.

The 80 cars of this collection will be sold exclusively in China over the coming months, with the first examples due to make their global debut in China shortly.

The four models – The Guard, The Carnaby, The Pall Mall and The Savile Row – introduce unique designs, embroidery and Mulliner features that characterise the cars and celebrate their iconic London muses.

Twenty cars in each family are due to be individually handcrafted by Mulliner.

The Guard

The first car in the collection is The Guard, inspired by the famous Royal Guards who protect the Royal Household. St James Red pearlescent paint with a Beluga roof mimic the red tunic and 18” black bearskin hats worn by the Guards.

The bodywork of the Continental GT is complemented by 21” ten-spoke wheels, painted black but with a bright machined finish, and a carbon fibre Styling Specification body kit (front splitter, side sill extensions, rear diffuser and boot lid spoiler) also painted in Beluga but finished with a Moonbeam pinstripe. Subtle ‘The Guard’ exterior badges in black, denoting the car as one of 20, adorn the front wings.

Inside the cabin, a bespoke three-tone colour split in Linen, Beluga and Hotspur is completed by Beluga lambswool rugs. Veneers match the leather, being finished in Piano Hotspur over Piano Black, demonstrating Mulliner’s ability to paint wood veneer to match any interior hide or exterior paint hue. Contrast stitching and piping add the final accents of colour.

The gold tunic buttons of the Guards’ uniform are reflected by Gold Organ Stops to control the cabin heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, while the speakers of the Bang & Olufsen sound system are finished in black and gold to match. Headrest embroidery, an overlay to the passenger fascia and bespoke treadplates all carry The Guard graphics.

The Carnaby

The Convertible model in the collection is The Carnaby, based on Carnaby Street in London’s Soho district. Known for its energetic and lively atmosphere and bright colours, Carnaby Street has inspired an equally vibrant Bentley available in four different colours – Radium, Jetstream II, Orange Flame and Onyx.

A set of 22-inch wheels are black-painted and then finished with a solid white (Arctica) accent, which is matched by an Arctica pinstripe to the Styling Specification body kit. The Carnaby badging is fitted to the front wings.

Inside the Continental GTC, bespoke Radium hide accents and matching contrast stitching in both Radium and Silver bring a splash of vibrancy through Beluga leather, along with a colourful diamond motif set into the passenger fascia, that represents the four colours in the family.

The centre console features new dark tint diamond brushed aluminium, while embroidery uses the same diamond motif as the fascia – with the exterior colour shown more boldly in the four-colour design.

The Pall Mall

In 2002, the same year that the first Bentley was sold in China, Bentley delivered a new state limousine to the Queen, in celebration of her golden jubilee. Twenty years later, the car is still the official state limousine of the queen, and often seen on formal and state occasions.

The Pall Mall Flying Spur is a 2022 homage to the state limousine, featuring bespoke duo-tone Beluga over Claret paint with matching 22” ten-spoke wheels in a claret-painted and bright-machined finish. Exterior bright chromework and a “The Pall Mall” badge to the C-pillar complete the regal exterior.

In the four-seat cabin, a bespoke and unique front-to-rear colour split separates the rear seats from the front, flowing from Imperial Blue in the front to the bespoke hide colour of Baroda Blue (colour-matched to the hide in the State Limousine) for the rear seats.

A full length centre console separates the two rear seats. The veneer uses one wood species with two different finishes – Open Pore Burr Walnut over High Gloss Burr Walnut, for a beautiful combination of pattern and texture. The rear doors are finished with Burr Walnut, while the backs of the front seats house picnic tables finished in Piano Baroda Blue.

The finishing touches to the cabin include bespoke micro-piping in Pale Gold, contrasting with seat piping in Imperial Blue. A bespoke crown motif is embroidered to the seats, and the rear seats include loose leather-trimmed cushions. The crown motif is also repeated as a veneer overlay in Gold to the centre rear console, the passenger fascia and the rear door panels.

The Savile Row

The final car in the collection is The Savile Row – a Bentayga that uses the world-renowned home of tailoring as its inspiration. Traditional tailoring materials are given a modern twist, with a design that pays respect to the craftsmen of Savile Row.

Clean Cumbrian Green bodywork is twinned with 22-inch ten-spoke wheels, Cumbrian Green-painted and with a bright machined finish. Inside, the four seat cabin with rear centre console uses a beautiful bespoke colour split in Cumbrian Green and Portland hides, with carefully selected areas of contrast stitching.

Mulliner’s "Serenity" seat quilting to the seats, doors and backboard is complemented by bespoke and exclusive High Gloss Burr Elm veneer on the fascias, centre consoles and door waistrails – the first time this veneer has been used in a modern Bentley.

Embroidery showing a suit and bow tie is stitched to the headrests, while the special model is also denoted by an overlay in the passenger fascia and by bespoke treadplates, along with exterior badging to the D pillar.


Lexus, Porsche and Toyota top J.D. Power reliability study

                LOS ANGELES: While Lexus and Porsche nameplates lead the industry in vehicle dependability, owners of many high-volume vehicles are also rewarded with excellent long-term quality, according to the J.D. Power 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), released today.

The study, now in its 28th year, examines problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of 2014 model-year vehicles.

Overall dependability is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study covers 177 specific problems grouped into eight major vehicle categories.

The study finds that the 10 top-selling 2014 model-year vehicles average 134 PP100, which is significantly better than the industry average of 156 PP100. Two perennial best sellers—the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Camry—also lead their segments in the VDS this year.

“We find buyers are increasingly avoiding models with poor reputations for dependability, so manufacturers can’t afford to let quality slip, particularly on their best sellers,” said Dave Sargent, vice president, global automotive at J.D. Power.

“While many expensive and niche vehicles do have excellent quality, the fact is that most consumers are shopping in the high-volume mainstream segments. The good news is that consumers don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a very dependable vehicle.”

J.D. Power finds that in addition to impacting purchase decisions and brand loyalty, better long-term quality is a key factor in contributing to higher residual values for vehicles. For example, J.D. Power estimates that Toyota—the highest-ranked non-premium brand in the study—has a residual values benefit of more than $750 per vehicle, compared with the average brand. This translates into a benefit of more than $1.3 billion for the 2014 model year alone.

“In the current industry environment of record levels of leasing and long-term loans, higher residual values allow automakers to provide more competitive deals to buyers,” said Jonathan Banks, vice president of vehicle analysis and analytics at J.D. Power. “This creates the opportunity to achieve higher market share and/or elevated profit margins.”

Highest-Ranked Nameplates and Models

Lexus and Porsche tie to rank highest in vehicle dependability among all nameplates, with a score of 110 PP100. This is the sixth consecutive year of Lexus topping the nameplate rankings in the VDS.
Toyota (123 PP100) follows in the rankings, moving up one rank position from 2016.Following Toyota in the rankings are Buick (126 PP100) and Mercedes-Benz (131 PP100).Hyundai (133 PP100) is the most improved nameplate in the study, improving by 25 PP100 from 2016. At sixth position (up from 19th in 2016), this is Hyundai’s best-ever ranking in the VDS.Other notable improvements include Dodge and Ford, which both improve by 21 PP100 from 2016, and Land Rover, which improves by 20 PP100.
Toyota Motor Corporation models receive 10 of the 18 segment awards, representing the highest number of awards ever received by an individual corporation in the study. These awardees are Lexus ES; Lexus GS; Lexus RX; Toyota Avalon; Toyota Camry; Toyota FJ Cruiser; Toyota Prius; Toyota Prius v; Toyota Sienna; and Toyota Venza. The Toyota Camry has the lowest PP100 score industry-wide.

General Motors models receive four segment awards for the Chevrolet Camaro; Chevrolet Sonic; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and Chevrolet Tahoe.

Other models receiving segment awards in the study are the Ford F-150; Honda Ridgeline; Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class; and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Other Key Findings
Continuing increases in technology-related problems have contributed to dependability worsening in the industry for a second consecutive year. The industry average of 156 PP100 is a 4 PP100 increase from 2016.The Audio/Communication/Entertainment/Navigation (ACEN) category continues to be the most problematic area, accounting for 22% of all problems reported—up from 20% last year.For a third consecutive year, the problems most reported by owners are Bluetooth pairing/connectivity and built-in voice recognition misinterpreting commands.New to the top 10 list of problems reported in 2017 is battery failure. In fact, 44% more owners report a battery failure this year than in 2016. Batteries are the most frequently replaced component not related to normal wear and tear in 3-year-old vehicles at 6.1%—up 1.3 percentage points from 2016.
The 2017 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study is based on responses from 35,186 original owners of 2014 model-year vehicles after three years of ownership. The study was fielded from October through December 2016.


Nissan's goal: To make the best Z yet

                YOKOHAMA: The original Z, which debuted in 1969, was built to bring the joy and excitement of sports car ownership to as many people as possible.

It was a car built for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts, and that spirit and heritage continues with the launch of the latest reincarnation of Z.

One of the defining traits of Z has always been its bond between the car and the driver – a physical and visceral connection, no matter the road ahead. That human-machine bond dominates the new Z, especially in the presence of the standard 6-speed manual transmission.

As a physical touch point between driver and Z, the 6-speed’s shifter glides to the next gear, almost instinctively, with minimal effort.

Also available is an advanced, quick response 9-speed automatic transmission.

“Simply put, our goal is to make this the best Z yet, period. With each generation, we raise the bar, pushing the limits of Z and continuing to tap into the human instinct for that next thrilling journey,” said Hiroshi Tamura, chief product specialist of the new Z.

“More than just powerful and agile, the all-new Z is designed to be one with the driver, for the car to be a ‘dance partner’ for their on-road adventures.”

The all-new Z’s 3.0-litre V-6 twin turbo engine adds a significant increase in power output over the previous generation 370Z.

It is designed to deliver a sharp, yet smooth response to the driver’s input. With an increase of 68 HP and 30 percent increase in torque, this latest Z is like nothing before it.

The engine is rated at 400hp, and 475Nm of torque at 5,600rpm.

With the increase in power, the engineering team tuned the chassis, cooling, suspension and steering to ensure the Z continues to support the driver’s intentions.

Getting behind the wheel, the Z feels new and modern, yet still familiar.

In a first for a rear-wheel drive Nissan vehicle, the 6-speed manual transmission includes an advanced launch assist control system (Performance grade) that helps deliver smooth acceleration from a stopped position.

All automatic transmission-equipped models feature the launch control system. Manual-transmission-equipped models also feature a carbon-fiber composite drive shaft and Downshift Rev Matching.

The new, optional 9-speed automatic transmission offers direct and quick response thanks to its wide gear ratios. Drivers can experience a satisfying engagement that keeps the thrill of Z power and performance in sync with the driver.

When it comes to delivering predictable, responsive handling, the engineering team took a multi-prong approach, especially for high-speed driving and cornering.

Enhanced body rigidity, an electronic power steering with rack assist and a strong mechanical feel and wider front tires help increase cornering performance up to 13 percent.

Both front and rear dampers use a new monotube shock absorber design with a larger diameter than the outgoing 370Z, resulting in 20 percent reduction in dampening force to help minimise impact shock over uneven surfaces, enhance road-following performance and improved handling stability.

The front double-wishbone aluminum suspension features new geometry, including caster angle which has been increased, aiding in straight line stability.

Two drive modes are offered with the automatic transmission, standard and sport. Standard mode is best suited for commuting and long highway drives for a pleasant, stress-free drive.

Sport mode unlocks the Z’s performance potential, offering faster acceleration control, a sports-mode steering profile, active sound enhancement and sports-mode vehicle dynamic control setting best matched to take on a spirited run through a winding road.

Z Performance grade models use a mechanical clutch-type limited-slip differential.


Watch: Perodua Aruz

                PETALING JAYA: Following on the Kembara and Nautica, Perodua had gone through a long spell without an SUV in its product line-up.

The compact car specialist was eager to exploit the global trend for SUVs and crossovers in all their myriad sizes, and the Aruz was the fruit of its work in 2019.

The SUV was introduced to the Malaysian public on Jan 15 ahead of the expected Chinese New Year buying spree.

Perodua said the Aruz comes from the family of small SUVs in which the Toyota Rush and Daihatsu Terios are based on.

CarSifu's Thomas Huong lays out the gist of what the new Perodua has to offer in this short video.


Bentley marks centenary celebrations with EXP 100 GT Concept

                LOS ANGELES: Bentley has released new dynamic images of its visionary EXP 100 GT concept car which was crowned ‘Best of Show’ prize at the pinnacle Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Alongside the new images, that also include stunning location shots taken on the Monterey Peninsula, Bentley has launched a new and dedicated app for Apple devices.

The ‘Bentley 100 AR’ app uses a printable QR code to provide an augmented reality experience of the EXP 100 GT, allowing users to explore the exterior and interior of the concept car.

Users can even interact with a virtual version of the car in full scale, by using the app at selected Bentley retailers.

The Home of Bentley in Monterey – a private residence in Pebble Beach that transforms to be a ‘home away from home’ – featured a display of current product including the all-new Continental GT V8 as well as the Bentayga portfolio of Design Series, Speed, V8 and Hybrid.

Alongside the model range and customer test drive programme were a Bentley boutique and a dedicated ‘Crewe in America’ showcase of design and handcraftsmanship skills provided by a team of Bentley colleagues that joined directly from Crewe, England.

The EXP 100 GT made its Americas debut at The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering, on Friday – the first act of a trilogy of appearances that included Saturday at the Home of Bentley and a star showing alongside the Concept Lawn at the Concours d’Elegance on Sunday.

Saturday daytime saw a dedicated Centenary Parade take place at the iconic Laguna Seca raceway.

Led by a three-car echelon of the 1929 4½-litre Team Blower, record-breaking Pikes Peak Continental GT and new Continental GT V8 Convertible, the 21-car field also comprised heritage pre-war Bentleys that had completed the W.O. Bentley Tour up the California coastline earlier in the week.


Mitsubishi Engelberg Tourer Concept SUV heads to Geneva

                TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors will unveil its latest concept vehicle at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show on March 5.

Named after the prestigious Swiss winter-sport resort, the all-new Engelberg Tourer Concept is set to bring further developments in SUV styling and practicality along with a focus on next-generation technology and enhanced EV performance.

With its latest concept vehicle, Mitsubishi is demonstrating its intention to remain at the forefront of vehicle design and technology.

More information on the Engelberg Tourer will be announced following the unveiling on March 5.


MAN Truck & Bus unveils first heavy-duty truck with Euro V engines as standard in Malaysia

                SHAH ALAM: MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd has launched the New MAN Truck Generation, a completely new range of heavy-duty trucks in Malaysia that sets new standards in key areas such as driver orientation, assistance systems, digital connectivity and reducing the environmental impact.

With a strong orientation towards the changing requirements of the local transport industry, the new generation trucks comes with Euro V engines as standard, making MAN Malaysia the first heavy-duty truck manufacturer in the country to step-up and do its part in helping reduce the carbon footprint of the transport and logistics industry.

The Euro V engines reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases through the use of low sulphur Euro V diesel and AdBlue exhaust treatment, and is the launch is timely as the Malaysian government recently announced its desire to attain carbon neutral status by 2050.

MAN Malaysia is offering five variants of the TGS model that are specified for three main applications:

> 4x2 and 6x2 for haulage/container
> 6x4 for construction and heavy-duty use
> 4x2 and 6x2 with ADR (Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) specifications.

Prices start from RM340,000 for the standard specifications, excluding SST.

The new MAN TGS comes with two engine options.

The 4x2 and 6x2 variants for haulage and transport of dangerous goods are powered by the proven and reliable MAN D20, 10.5-litre, 6-cylinder inline Euro V diesel engine.

 O'Brooks (left) and MAN Malaysia Head of Sales Thayalan Subramaniam at the new generation truck's launch.

The heavy duty-oriented 6x4 variant has the bigger but equally efficient 12.4-litre D26 engine.

Both are future-proof, featuring Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to reduce harmful gases being released into the atmosphere.

Mated to either engine is a smooth and quiet 12-speed MAN TipMatic intelligent gearbox with advanced software and selectable driving programmes for different applications.

MAN Malaysia managing director Andrew O’Brooks said the new generation trucks were a transformational product that marked the evolution of MAN Truck & Bus from a vehicle manufacturer to provider of intelligent and sustainable transport solutions.

“The New MAN Truck Generation is the most ambitious project by MAN Truck & Bus in 20 years. It is the answer that our customers expect us to provide in face of increasingly diverse and complex challenges confronting the transportation industry all over the world, including here, in Malaysia.

“The New MAN Truck Generation, which was crowned the International Truck of the Year 2021, winner of two awards at iF Design Award 2021 and just named “Sustainable” Truck of the Year 2022; offers everything that customers and drivers expect and more,” he said.

The new generation combines the attributes that are synonymous with MAN Trucks - toughness, durability and reliability – with future-oriented innovations aimed at simplifying the lives of both business owners and drivers.

Developed with extensive input from drivers, the New MAN Truck Generation sets new standards in terms of user-friendliness, optimum ergonomics, more intuitive operation, reliable networking with digital devices and applications, optimum space and comfort – all this geared towards needs of the people who spend much of their lives in the vehicles.

The new MAN TGS for the Malaysian market features a host of class-leading innovations such as the MAN EasyControl and SmartSelect.

MAN EasyControl consists of four buttons, two of which are customisable, for the convenience of the driver when he is outside the truck. There is no need to climb back into the cabin to activate a variety of functions such as hazard lights, engine off and closing of windows.

MAN SmartSelect is a two-tier infotainment system control that comes with a foldable wrist rest to make operation easy and precise even if there are vibrations in the cabin when the truck is moving.

Additionally, MAN Telematics, a comprehensively developed, cloud-based, factory-fitted digitalised maintenance and fleet management system, reduces operating inefficiencies and costs whilst delivering maximum up-time of the new MAN TGS.

The good news is that MAN Malaysia is offering a free two-year subscription with every purchase of the New MAN Truck Generation.

The new MAN TGS is also equipped with a host of innovative safety and driver assistance systems to ensure the driver and vehicle complete their business safely.

These include:

> Lane Departure Warning System (LDW)

> Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

> Electronic Stability Programme

> Advanced Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

For more information on the New MAN Truck Generation and MAN Buses in Malaysia, go to www.man.com.my.


Singapore Motorshow 2020: Subaru Viziv Adrenaline concept on display

                SINGAPORE: Making its appearance at the Subaru booth at this year's Singapore Motor Show (2020) is the Japanese carmaker's Viziv Adrenaline Concept.

First unveiled during the 89th Geneva International Motor Show (2019), the Viziv has been coined from the phrase “Vision for Innovation”.

The concept is the first vehicle to be designed under Subaru’s new “Bolder” design philosophy.

The body shape exhibits a dynamic and strong feel and features a unique roof design.

White accents on the wheels and rugged all-terrain tyres further emphasises its
adventurous nature.

Through the company's design philosophy, it aims to broaden the brand’s outlook and define the characteristics of Subaru vehicles more prominently as well as create more enjoyment for all passengers.

Visitors to the Singapore Motor Show (2020), held at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre from now until Jan 12, can take part in giveaways at the Subaru booth.

By liking the ‘ILOVESUBARU’ Facebook page or by following the official Subaru Asia Instagram account (@subaruasia), visitors can redeem a Subaru file.

Those who take photos with the Forester GT Edition and Viziv Adrenaline concept and post them on Facebook or Instagram (with #ILOVESUBARU) get to redeem a Subaru highlighter.

Also, a pair of Russ Swift Show tickets can be redeemed with every purchase of SGD$50 worth of Subaru merchandise.


Carsome expands to Sarawak with four inspection centres

Uggah is flanked by Ang (from left), Teoh and Chin.
KUALA LUMPUR: Online car platform Carsome has started to expand beyond Peninsula nmalaysia with four new inspection centres in Sarawak.

With the launch of the inspection centres in Kuching, Sibu, Miri and Bintulu, Carsome now has 49 inspection centres nationwide.

The car trading platform said the inspection centres were set up to offer customers a differentiated and hassle-free car-selling experience, through fast payment and worry-free transaction process.

Guided by a stringent inspection procedure, every inspection centre would have a qualified inspector to conduct a full inspection on the car, to ensure its quality is accounted for and to offer the best price in the market, it said.

“The presence of Carsome in East Malaysia marks a significant milestone for us. Our motivation is to make Carsome services accessible to all Malaysians as we continue to innovate the used car ecosystem, driven by data and technology,” said Carsome co-founder and Carsome Academy CEO Teoh Jiun Ee.

Sarawak deputy premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas launched the Kuching inspection centre. Present at the opening ceremony were Teoh, Carsome wholesale operations general manager Chris Ang and Carsome chief property officer Danny Chin.


Stellantis unveils Ram EV pickup, to debut late in 2024, at New York Auto Show

                NEW YORK: Chrysler parent Stellantis NV on Wednesday unveiled its new electric Ram pickup truck, which is poised to debut on the market late in 2024 as a key part of the French-Italian automaker's strategy to electrify its vehicle lineup.

The 2025 model year Ram 1500 REV, introduced at the New York Auto Show which runs until April 16, will have a range of as much as 804km using an optional, bigger 229-kilowatt battery pack. The EV truck will go on sale in one of the most important segments of the North American electric vehicle market.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said the truck will be built in the US and the location would be announced soon. He said the company was still "fine tuning the plan."

He told reporters on the sidelines of the auto show that consumers will choose the Ram over other EV trucks because it will exceed other trucks' performance on range, speed of charge, towing and other factors. He said after the announcement a lot of rivals "will be under pressure to try to beat us."

The Ram truck's launch late in 2024 will come more than two years after similar EV trucks like the Rivian R1T electric pickup and Ford's F-150 Lightning electric truck.

General Motors plans to start delivering electric Chevrolet Silverado pickups this fall. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the long-delayed Cybertruck will launch this year from a factory in Texas.

The RAM EV truck will be built on a new body-on-frame architecture designed for full-size EVs, capable of towing up to 6,350kg and carry a payload of up to 1,224kg. It will have a range of up to 563km with a standard 168-kilowatt battery pack, rising to 804km on the optional 229-kilowatt battery.

Stellantis also unveiled its 2024 model plug-in hybrid electric Jeep Wrangler at the show. By 2030, 50% of Jeep brand sales in the US will be battery-electric, the company said.

 Jeep range.

Tavares has set ambitious targets to slash emissions in half by 2030, including that 100% of car sales in Europe and 50% of car and light-duty truck sales in the US be of electric vehicles by the end of the decade.

While the high costs of electrification and advanced software development have pressured automakers, US lawmakers approved hefty incentives for EV battery production and consumer tax credits in August.

Stellantis in late February indefinitely idled a Jeep assembly plant in Illinois, blaming the high cost of EVs.

Automakers face tougher vehicle emissions standards in the US and Europe and mandates from California and other US states to sell a rising number of electric vehicles.

California wants to require that all new light-duty cars and trucks sold in the state by 2035 be electric or plug-in electric hybrids. The Biden administration must approve the requirements before the plan can take effect.


F1 designer Gordon Murray unveils T.33 Spider

                LONDON: Gordon Murray, who designed Formula One cars for McLaren, announced plans on April 4 to build a new supercar.

The Gordon Murray Automotive T.33 Spider shares a naturally aspirated 617ps (609hp) V12 engine and manual transmission with its coupe sibling but adds two removable roof panels and a rear glass window that drops automatically to allow for open-top driving.

Made almost entirely from carbon fibre, it weighs 1,107kg, 17.6kg more than the coupe and far lighter than more mainstream sports cars like the McLaren Artura, which weighs just under 1,587kg.

A spokesman for the company declined to provide performance specifics like top speed for the vehicle, and declined to confirm how many pre-sale units have been sold of the T.33 Spider, which costs £1.89 million (RM10.4mil). Production will be limited to 100 vehicles.

The T.33 coupe sold out all of its 100 units almost instantly after debuting in 2022 via orders placed by deposit. Production is to begin late next year, with deliveries following, said a spokesman.

Murray hopes to join the field of hypercar makers such as Bugatti, which claims the current land speed record. The latter sells track-eating monsters so rare they’re almost never seen after they leave the factory, including the Bolide and La Voiture Noire.

Lamborghini’s SC18 Aventador is a one-of-a-kind supercar created from a blank sheet of paper known only to Lamborghini chief designer Mitja Borkert and its anonymous buyer.

Gordon Murray Automotive is far from the only obscure brand to try its hand at following suit.

Hennessey, based in Texas, makes six-wheeled, spaceship-like concepts and record-breaking racers; its Venom GT set the world speed record in 2014. SSC’s Tuatara hypercar set the production-car speed record in 2020.

The ultra-expensive, superfast Rimac Nevera and Pininfarina Battista are still being produced; Pagani announced its forthcoming Utopia hypercar last year.

Companies such as Spyker did it with less success; the Dutch brand has reported multiple bankruptcies since it was founded in 1999.

Major luxury automotive brands have long made multimillion-dollar hypercars constrained to ultralimited volumes. Aston Martin’s Valkyrie costs US$3 million, for example, while Mercedes-AMG’s AMG ONE commands US$2.4 million. Both have suffered production delays but claim that full order books persist for their sub-300 production runs.

Murray has more credit to his name than most less-known competitors. The South African expatriate has designed more than 80 supercars for employers from Brabham to Mercedes-Benz and debuted the first car bearing his name, the US$3 million T.50, in 2020. His McLaren F1, valued at more than US$20 million, is considered one of the most expensive cars ever designed.

Production of the T.33 coupe is scheduled to begin in England by the end of 2024, and a spokesman says T.33 Spider production will start in summer 2025.


KTM RC250 and 250 Duke show up

                PETALING JAYA: KTM is getting into serious contention with its direct competitors after having unveiled its latest 250cc offerings – the RC250 and 250 Duke, brining the fight to its popular Japanese 250cc rivals.

The two bikes arrived hot on the heels of its smaller 200cc RC200 and Duke200, barely a year after their launch, and are not mere upgrades from them, but rather a de-tuned version from its larger RC 390 and 390 Duke siblings.

 KTM RC250

According to the KTM Malaysia CKD, these bikes are “ready to race” and are the performance benchmarks with a few differences between them other than their basic selling price (before GST) at RM17,888 and RM18,888 for the Duke 250 and RC 250 respectively.

For similarities, both bikes use the same 248.8cc engine pushing out 31.3hp at 9,000rpm and 24Nm of torque at 7,250rpm, while mated to a six-speed transmission with a slipper clutch.

The 37.2kg engine uses an electric starter and is fitted with an electronic fuel injection system and engine management system from Bosch, while a 38mm throttle body takes care of air intake and a stainless steel silencer for the exhaust.

 KTM 250 Duke

Their powder coated steel trellis frame has a 43mm up-side-down fork at the front and a monoshock suspension at the rear, but the RC’s front suspension travel is shorter by 25mm at 125mm, while the rear suspension travels the same at 150mm.

As standard, the bikes are now equipped with a Bosch 9MB two-channel anti-lock braking system for the front radially mounted four-piston Bybre calliper and 300mm disc along with the rear’s single-piston calliper and 230mm floating disc.

They ride on a 17-inch cast aluminium wheels for both front and rear and are equipped with 110/70 (front) and 150/60 (rear) series tyres.

The differences between the two bikes include the Duke’s tapered aluminium 26/22mm handlebars versus the RC’s steel clip-ons and the Duke has the longer wheelbase at 1,367mm - 27mm more than the RC’s.

The Duke’s trail measures in at 100mm, has a ground clearance of 170mm, saddle height of 800mm, a take capacity of 11 litres and dry weight of 139kg.

As for the RC, it’s trail is 12mm shorter at 88mm, has 8.5mm more of ground clearance at 178.5mm, while saddle height is 20mm higher at 820mm, but has 10-litre tank and is heavier by 8kg at 147kg.

According to KTM, the company hopes to sell between 150 and 200 units per month for the RC 250 and 250 to 300 units per month for the 250 Duke, with this year’s annual target of 5,000 units.

KTM 250 Duke

KTM RC250


Chip designer ARM launches processor for driverless cars

                LONDON: ARM, the British chip designer powering the global mobile phone industry, launched a new processor on Tuesday for driverless cars, seeking to secure its place at the heart of the burgeoning industry.

Bought by Japan's SoftBank for US$32 billion this month, ARM said the processor was designed to increase safety in increasingly complex systems and could work across a range of industries from autonomous vehicles to industrial and medical robotics.

The Cortex-R52 processor, which has been under construction for between 3 and 5 years, has been licensed to Franco-Italian chipmaker and partner STMicroelectronics in its first deal.

ARM said the processor was designed to keep the most critical software code separate, in order to protect the running of the platform. That would enable it to improve safety when a car wants to overtake, accelerate or break suddenly, for example.

"If you have a piece of safety critical code, you want to be sure that nothing can interfere with that," said John Ronco, VP Product Marketing.

The 26-year-old ARM, based in Cambridge, eastern England, provides the technology in nearly all smartphones including Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy. It is also poised to play a central role in the tech industry shift to the 'Internet of things' - a network of devices, vehicles and building sensors that collect and exchange data.

"What we see is that all of these systems have a similar technology platform, a similar framework in terms of what they're doing, and they have the same requirements in terms of having processors that can safely make decisions about what the system should do," Ronco said.

Autonomous or driverless cars are seen as the next big thing for the tech industry, with the British government putting the market value at 900 billion pounds (RM4.8 trillion) worldwide.

Traditional automakers face competition from rivals such as Tesla and technology firms such as Alphabet Inc's unit Google, which wants eventually to be able to deploy fully autonomous vehicles without human controls.


2016 Geneva Motor Show: Toyota C-HR debuts

                GENEVA: The C-HR made its world debut at the 2016 Geneva motor show, with a style that offers a glimpse of the  new direction Toyota is setting in mid-sized crossovers.

The Toyota C-HR also brings innovation to its segment through the introduction of a hybrid powertrain. Using Toyota’s  latest 1.8 hybrid system, the C-HR’s driving experience is aligned with modern urban life, and matched to a level of efficiency previously unseen in the crossover segment.

Guided by Chief Engineer Hiroyuki Koba’s vision “Response, Linearity and Consistency” the C-HR’s driving dynamics have been deliberately benchmarked on the precision and control experienced at the wheel of a modern C-segment hatchback.

The aim was to allow the C-HR to carry its speed through corners, with excellent body control and steering fluidity, making it enjoyable not only when flowing through busy city traffic but also on the open road independent of the surface condition, in a way that exceeds the current standards for a crossover.

Viewed from any angle, the C-HR’s combination of facetted gemstone-like shapes with fluid surfaces and elegantly integrated detailing create a delicate balance of precision and sensuality.

The front represents a further development of Toyota’s Under Priority and Keen Look design identity. The slender upper grille flows from Toyota mark into the sleek, aggressive wing extremities of the headlamp clusters and wraps fully around the front corners of the vehicle.

The lamp clusters incorporate full LED lighting with light guides and sequential turn signals, giving the C-HR its own unique visual signature.

The enhanced three-dimensionality of the bumper that’s integrated with the wheel flairs and the trapezoidal lower grille architecture reinforce the C-HR’s wide, firmly planted stance.

The movement of the blacked out rocker panel towards the front and rear wheel, along with the shoulder axis that runs through to the front and rear emphasize the fast-looking, “lift-up” feel of the thin body.

The C-HR’s coupe-like styling is further enhanced by disguised rear door handles integrated within the C pillar, and the powerful projection of the sweeping roofline into a large, skeletal frame rear spoiler.

To the rear, the strongly tapered cabin integrates the back door while securing luggage space. This contrasts with the pronounced flaring of the wheel arches to give the new crossover a wide and extremely powerful stance.

Delivering 122hp, this new hybrid powertrain is more efficient and lighter, and offers sharper performance.

Alternatively, the Toyota C-HR is available with the new 115hp 1.2 litre turbo engine, which debuted in the Auris.

It comes with the choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a Continuously Variable automatic Transmission system, which is developed to meet expectations in response and direct feel for European people familiar with manual and automatic gearboxes.

The CVT is available in front-wheel or 4-wheel drive versions. And finally, a 2-litre CVT-only model will be available for certain markets.

The C-HR will be equipped with technology usually reserved for higher segments. The Toyota Safety Sense system that will be offered as standard on C-HR includes a Pre-Collision system, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist and Automatic Highbeam, as well as Pedestrian Detection and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Also making its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show is Toyota's latest people carrier, the PROACE VERSO.

Available in three grades, the new PROACE VERSO will offer customers a choice of three body lengths.

Across the entire model range, from the unique Compact to the VIP version, Toyota’s new MPV allows up to 9 passengers to travel comfortably with their luggage.

Five diesel powertrains vary in output from 95 to 180hp. Mated to a choice of manual, robotised manual and automatic transmissions, they target best-in-class CO2 emissions.

High specification levels include unique, user-friendly equipment such as rail-mounted sliding seats, opening rear tailgate glass, foot-operated automatic sliding side doors and a panoramic roof.

Safety standards are on a par with the high levels expected of any Toyota passenger car, and the PROACE VERSO has recently been awarded 5 stars in the Euro NCAP crash test programme.

Finally, there is the all-new Hilux pickup.

Available in Single Cab, four-seat Extra Cab and five-seat Double Cab body styles, the new, 8th generation Hilux builds on this legendary reputation, redefining toughness for business users with a new and stronger ladder chassis, a reinforced deck structure, enhanced 4x4 capabilities, and an improved towing capacity.

At the same time, the new Hilux responds to a growth in the leisure usage of pick-ups in recent years with a new, contemporary design, greater comfort, advanced equipment and improved safety, making it more stylish and stress-free to drive than ever.


Mazda opens latest 3S centre in Johor Baru

                JOHOR BARU: Mazda has opened its latest 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre in Permas Jaya, Johor Baru that's built upon a land area of 45,000 sq ft.

The new RM3mil centre is operated by Azam Motor, making it the company's third outlet and Mazda's 31st centre in the nation with a built-up area of 13,000sq ft.

Featuring a display area, the floor showcases the latest Mazda2, Mazda3, Mazda6, Biante and the BT50 pickup truck.

The new centre is dedicated to providing the Mazda Peaceful Ownership Experience – a concept of putting the customer first from the moment they walk into the showroom to the after-sales service.

The rear of the centre houses nine service bays that are manned by 19 service personnel, allowing them to accommodate up to 50 cars per day.

Other Mazda centres operated by Azam Motors in the southern region include the Taman Sutera branch in Skudai and its Indahpura branch in Kulai.

Another centre is on the rise in Skudai and has been positioned to cater to the needs of Mazda owners in both Skudai and Kulai areas.

Azam Motors has been a dealer since 1984 and is currently one of Mazda’s top three dealers with an annual sales volume of 1,000 units per annum.


2018 Volkswagen Golf range: GTI, R and R-Line drive to Johor

                THE 2018 iterations of the Volkswagen Golf model range get some powertrain upgrades, exterior updates, redesigned bumpers, LED tail lights and extra features.

This is not a full model change, but a rather late-life revision that makes the seventh generation of the iconic hatchback even more enjoyable to drive.

Recently, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia organised a 400km drive from Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur to Nusajaya, Johor for a bunch of writers to get a taste of the 2018 updated Golf R-Line and the exhilarating Golf GTI.

The beastly Golf R was also thrown into the mix, albeit only for a brief dynamic driving session at a open-air car park area near Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Johor.

The prices (0% GST, excluding insurance) are RM160,608 (Golf R-Line); RM227,060 (Golf GTI) and RM280,060 (Golf R) and all the cars are sold with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, 3-years free maintenance, and 5 years of roadside assistance.

Notable safety features include Manouvre Braking, which helps to automatically brake the car when it senses objects up to 10kph to minimise minor damage during parking. There’s also Automatic Post Collision Brake System, which triggers automatic (emergency) braking down to a vehicle speed of 10kph, once a collision is detected.

Also standard is the a large 12.3-inch high definition Active Info Display (AID) which replaces the typical analog meter display; the new AID looks brilliant and is in tune with today’s digital technology.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

On the way to Johor, we took the iconic Golf GTI powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 230PS and 350Nm of torque, mated to a lightning quick 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG).

Volkswagen’s famous performance hot hatch is always a wonderful car to drive, and this updated model is better in every sense.

For one, it is packed to the brim with lots of comfort features that underlines its dual nature as both a performance car and a practical family ride.

All the three Golf variants here get comfortable leather upholstery and front sport seats, a 8-inch touchscreen mated to eight audio speakers, a space saving electric parking brake with Auto Hold, rear air conditioning vents, and automatic headlights and wipers.

Our only niggle with the Golf GTI was that we found only one USB port to charge our smartphones.

Like the Golf R-Line, the Golf GTI has 380 litres of boot space and this was more than adequate for our overnight luggage storage.

However, compared with the 1.4-litre turbocharged Golf R-Line, the Golf GTI gets extra kit like Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC) and a 12-way powered driver’s seat with memory and electric lumbar support, and Dynamic Light Assist (DLA).

The DLA is a safety feature that allows the main beam to be left on continuously without dazzling oncoming traffic, thanks to a masking function which can partially dip the main-beam headlights.

The Golf GTI also has sporty exterior trim including the GTI twin chrome tipped exhaust tailpipes.

Meanwhile, DCC is an electrically controlled damping system that automatically responds to road conditions, and this comes with Driving Mode Selection (DMS) - so you get a choice of Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual settings.

Once we hit the North-South Highway on our way to a lunch stop in Melaka, we switched from Comfort to the more exciting Sport mode, and the Golf GTI instantly feels more responsive and aggressive.

Running on 225/40 R18 tyres, the Golf GTI slices through highway curves with ease at high speeds and we always had to keep in check a silly temptation to drive even faster and run the risk of getting a speeding fine.

Floor the throttle pedal, and the Golf GTI reacts instantly with breathtaking acceleration, and overtaking slower moving cars on the highway is ridiculously easy.

We took a detour to some twisty roads near Jalan Bukit Putus (Gunung Angsi trailhead), Negeri Sembilan and tackling the twists and turns in the Golf GTI was sensational, especially with the powerful and progressive brakes.

The car’s Extended Differential Lock (XDS) reduces understeer, gives better traction and improves road holding during fast corners - as result, the Golf GTI is a very forgiving car for inexperienced or over-enthusiastic drivers.

After lunch in Melaka, we participated in a quiz game and somehow ended up on a 5km potholed, rut-filled road in a plantation before hitting the North–South Expressway. We switched to Comfort mode to improve ride quality on the badly maintained plantation road, and the ride became less bone jarring.

Volkswagen Golf R

The next morning, there was a dynamic driving session with the all-wheel-drive Golf R, armed with a 290PS/380Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and a 7-speed direct shift gearbox, at an open-air car park in Nusajaya.

The Golf R is readily identifiable by its R quad exhaust tailpipes with sports flap valves, and runs on grippy 235/35 R19 tyres.

The Golf R’s 4Motion all-wheel drive did a lot to provide high levels of poise and composure as we did fast swerves on a quick slalom through a cone-filled course on the car park.

Volkswagen Golf R-Line

Following the dynamic driving session, we took the 1.4-litre turbocharged Golf R-Line with 150PS/250Nm on tap via a 7-speed direct shift gearbox, back to Kuala Lumpur.

Running on 225/45 R17 tyres, this is the Golf model that’s meant more for family outings and leisurely long distance drives.

However, the Golf R-Line is not an entirely tame animal, and with 250Nm of torque available from as low as 1,500rpm - it can easily do fast sprints when you feel the need for some speed.

You also get a athletic-looking R-Line exterior trim with sporty bumpers, a front grille with chrome strip, a rear spoiler and twin trapezodial exhaust trim.

There’s no Adaptive Chassis Control on the Golf R-Line, and the suspension is tuned to be much more comfort oriented compared with the Golf GTI.

It also comes with Driving Mode Selection, and we mostly kept the car in Comfort mode on the drive to Kuala Lumpur.

The Golf R-Line still gave us a fast, sporty drive albeit with much more comfort and less aggression compared with its fire-breathing Golf GTI and Golf R siblings.

SPECIFICATIONS

Volkswagen Golf R-Line

Engine: 1,395cc 4-cylinder petrol, direct injection, turbocharged
Maximum power: 150PS from 5,000 to 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 250Nm from 1,500 to 3,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG)
Acceleration (0 to 100kph): 8.2 seconds
Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 5.2 litres per 100km
Comfort features: Engine start-stop system with regenerative braking, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, push-start ignition, leather seats, 12.3-inch high definition Active Info Display (AID), 8-inch touchscreen, USB and iPod/iPhone interface, SD card slot, AUX-IN, Bluetooth, eight speakers, electric parking brake with Auto Hold, rear air conditioning vents, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED tailights
Safety features: 7 airbags, Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Anti-skid Regulator (ASR), Automatic Post-Collision Braking System (APCBS), Brake pad wear indicator, Driver Alert System (Rest Assist), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Engine Drag Torque Control (EDTC), Extended Differential Lock (XDS), Hill Hold Control (HHC), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), Proactive Occupant Protection System (POPS), Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator (TPLI), ISOFIX child seat anchors, Dynamic headlight range control with dynamic cornering light, Park Distance Control (4 front and 4 rear), rear view camera, Manouvre Braking
Price: RM160,608 on-the-road price (inclusive of 0% GST, excluding insurance)
After-sales: 3 years free maintenance; 5 years manufacturer’s warranty; 5 years roadside assistance

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Engine: 1,984cc 4-cylinder petrol, direct injection, turbocharged
Maximum power: 230PS from 4,700 to 6,200rpm
Maximum torque: 350Nm from 1,500 to 4,600rpm
Transmission: 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG)
Acceleration (0 to 100kph): 6.4 seconds
Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.4 litres per 100km
Comfort features: Similar to Golf R-Line features - addition of Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC), 12-way powered driver’s seat with memory and electric lumbar support, LED front footwell lighting
Safety features: Similar to Golf R-Line features - addition of Dynamic Light Assist (DLA) advanced light beam control, front LED fog lights, Park Assist 3.0 (parking steering assistance)
Price: RM227,060 on-the-road price (inclusive of 0% GST, excluding insurance)
After-sales: 3 years free maintenance; 5 years manufacturer’s warranty; 5 years roadside assistance

Volkswagen Golf R

Engine: 1,984cc 4-cylinder petrol, direct injection, turbocharged
Maximum power: 290PS from 5,500 to 6,500rpm
Maximum torque: 380Nm from 2,000 to 5,400rpm
Transmission: 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG)
Acceleration (0 to 100kph): 5.1 seconds
Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.9 litres per 100km
Comfort features: Similar to Golf GTI features - addition of 9.2-inch touchscreen, 10GB Jukebox, Gesture Control
Safety features: Similar to Golf GTI features - addition of 4MOTION (All Wheel Drive)
Price: RM280,060 on-the-road price (inclusive of 0% GST, excluding insurance)
After-sales: 3 years free maintenance; 5 year manufacturer’s warranty; 5 years roadside assistance


Toyota all-out to reward with contest and lucky draw

                SHAH ALAM: Another 50 winners have been picked for the Toyota Buy & Win and Test Drive & Win lucky draw contest, earning themselves an iPad Mini 16GB by simply test driving a Toyota.

The lucky draw and contest will be ending on June 30 and so far, it has benefited 50 visitors who visited a Toyota showroom.

In the lucky draw, contestants simply had to fill out their details on a given form after a test drive at any Toyota showroom nationwide and subsequently wait for two weeks for the names to be announced.

 The draw

Meanwhile, in the Buy and Win Contest, it has benefited 100 new Toyota owners with an iPhone 6 Plus and another 20 lucky winners who are now in the running for a free five-days four-nights trip for two to this year’s Tokyo Motor Show.

There are still 100 iPhone 6 Plus, 50-more iPad Mini 16GB and 20 more grand prize trips to Japan left.

The next draw will take place on June 17, where a new list of names will be announced on www.toyota.com.my.

For more information, log on to the company’s website, visit the nearest showroom or follow them via Facebook at fb.com/ToyotaMalaysia.


S. Korea fines Tesla over US$2mil for exaggerating driving range of EVs

                SEOUL: South Korea's antitrust regulator said it would impose a 2.85 billion won (RM9.7mil or US$2.2mil) fine on Tesla Inc for failing to tell its customers about the shorter driving range of its electric vehicles (EVs) in low temperatures.

The Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) said that Tesla had exaggerated the "driving ranges of its cars on a single charge, their fuel cost-effectiveness compared to petrol vehicles as well as the performance of its Superchargers" on its official local website since August 2019 until recently.

The driving range of the US EV manufacturer's cars plunge in cold weather by up to 50.5% versus how they are advertised online, the KFTC said in a statement today.

Tesla could not be immediately reached for comment.

On its website, Tesla provides winter driving tips, such as pre-conditioning vehicles with external power sources, and using its updated Energy app to monitor energy consumption, but does not mention the loss of driving range in sub-zero temperatures.

In 2021, Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty, a South Korean consumer group, said the driving range of most EVs drop by up to 40% in cold temperatures when batteries need to be heated, with Tesla suffering the most, citing data from the country's environment ministry.

Last year, the KFTC fined German carmaker Mercedes-Benz and its Korean unit 20.2 billion won (RM70mil) for false advertising tied to gas emissions of its diesel passenger vehicles.


Two new models coming as Honda pushes to sell 80,000 cars in 2022

                KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia will be launching two new models this year as well as expand the application of e:HEV, VTEC Turbocharged, Honda SENSING and Honda CONNECT technologies to its model line-up.

It will also start selling used Honda cars under a Honda Certified Used Car programme.

The various measures are part of its 2022 target to achieve 80,000 sales units.

The company sold a total of 53,031 units in 2021 and contributed 10.4% market share to the Total Industry Volume, Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Madoka Chujo said at its media appreciation night at a hotel here on Thursday.

 Chujo delivering her speech at the media night.

Model-wise, the City, HR-V and CR-V were the best-selling models, contributing 36%, 21% and 14% respectively to the total units sold.

The 2022 sales target is based on Honda Malaysia's assumption of Total Industry Volume (TIV) of 600,000 units.

To a media question, Chujo said she was confident Honda Malaysia could achieve the 2022 sales target and might even exceed it despite various challenges such as the global chip shortage and the ongoing pandemic.

Honda Malaysia plans to further expand its unique RS e:HEV hybrid technology in the company’s future model line-up, and offer models that deliver excellent fuel economy and low carbon emissions yet provide the sporty and fun-to-drive experience for customers.

The e:HEV technology was introduced in the City and City Hatchback, which has attracted plenty of public interest, and created a whole new value proposition in hybrid vehicles.

 The lucky draw grand prize this year was a 149cc Honda RS-X motorcycle worth around RM8,700.

Honda Malaysia said it would incorporate the latest technologies such as VTEC Turbocharged, Honda SENSING and Honda CONNECT into its future model line-up.

Honda Malaysia said it would also improve on its aftersales support by making use of its HondaTouch application and rolling out mobile service teams nationwide to cater to customer demands.

The company has maintained its No.1 position in non-national passenger vehicle segment for eight consecutive years since 2014.

Yesterday's media night saw attractive lucky draw prizes being given away. The grand prize this year was a 149cc Honda RS-X motorcycle worth around RM8,700.


Musk donates 1 million trees to global reforestation campaign

                SINGAPORE: Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk isn’t just rolling out electric cars, he’s planting trees too.

Musk — who temporarily changed his Twitter name to "Treelon” — tweeted that he’d donate money to plant one million trees after some of his followers encouraged him to join an environmental conservation initiative named Team Trees on Tuesday.

The Team Trees campaign, which aims to plant 20 million trees by 2022, was created by US YouTube content creator Jimmy Donaldson to mark a personal milestone of garnering 20 million subscribers on his channel. Donaldson, known as "MrBeast" on the Alphabet Inc.-owned video sharing platform, says one tree will be planted for every dollar donated.

Led by Donaldson and backed by other YouTube celebrities you may not know but your kids adore, Team Trees is the latest in a growing trend of young adults taking environmental matters into their own hands. They’ve got ready-made allies in tech billionaires like Musk, 48, and Twitter’s Jack Dorsey, 42, who also made their names and fortunes disrupting the status quo.

"People just keep making fun of our generation for retweet activism and not actually doing something, which is why we created TeamTrees.org,” Donaldson said in a YouTube video unveiling the effort.

Donaldson partnered with non-profit organisation Arbor Day Foundation on the reforestation project. The pledged trees will be planted throughout the year starting in January 2020 and will be completed no later than December 2022, according to the campaign website.

Their collective goal is to plant trees in forests in need on every continent except Antarctica. Planted at least 8 feet apart, they would cover a combined area more than twice the size of Manhattan.

Since launching on Oct 25, the social media campaign has received donations to plant almost 8 million trees. Donaldson’s original YouTube video has acquired almost 29 million views.

As the threat of climate change looms large for the global economy and future generations, a slew of activists around the world are fighting for change. They want governments and corporations to be more aggressive in curbing greenhouse-gas emissions and stopping the world from warming to catastrophic temperatures.

Some of the most prominent advocacy efforts in recent months have come from the likes of Swedish teen environmental activist Greta Thunberg who addressed world leaders at the United Nations on the issue and the adult-dominated climate protest movement Extinction Rebellion. Both share the overall goal of getting institutions to treat climate change as an emergency and combat the problem before damage is irreversible.

Among other prominent YouTube content creators who have joined the Team Trees movement and rallied their followers to do the same are make-up artist Jeffree Star, Safiya Nygaard and The Try Guys. YouTube Inc also joined in the chorus following Musk’s donation and said it would match the next million trees donated.


Mercedes-Benz SUV slated to arrive in 2016

                BANGKOK: At the recent 32nd Thailand International Motor Expo 2015, Mercedes-Benz showcased its revised GLE 250d sport utility vehicle, which was upgraded earlier this year with sportier front and rear looks, and improved drive systems.

The new GLE is touted as offering best on-road and off-road handling, outstanding spaciousness and high levels of active and passive safety.

The GLE 250d, with a 2.2-litre 204hp four-cylinder diesel engine and nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, is said to have a class-leading low fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100km.

Standard equipment for the new GLE include Crosswind Assist and Collision Prevention Assist Plus, an Eco start/stop function, and the Dynamic Select handling control system which offers extensive drive and off-road programmes.

Also on display was the Mercedes-Benz GLC 250d, which shares the same 2.2-litre diesel engine with direct injection, common-rail technology, and two-stage turbocharger that delivers 204hp and 500Nm of torque, mated to a 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission.

Compared with its predecessor, the second-generation GLC-class SUV boasts a more spacious cabin, efficient powertrains with up to 19% reduction in fuel consumption, and improved performance.

Based on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz C-class cars, the GLC-class competes against the likes of the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. These Mercedes models are likely to come to Malaysia as well.

The new GLC also has 2.0-litre petrol turbo engines, mated to nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmissions.

For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is offering the 2.0-litre petrol GLC 350 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid which combines all-wheel drive with a best-in-class system output of 320hp.

Standard features include the Agility Control suspension and a variable damping system, as well as Dynamic Select handling control system with five driving programmes.

Also standard are driver assistance systems like Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Crosswind Assist, Headlamp Assist and Attention Assist.


Major roads in KL under water, four rivers exceed danger level

                KUALA LUMPUR: The continuous downpour since Friday has affected several areas in the capital including the city centre and major roads.

Based on several photos shared by the Kuala Lumpur Command and Control Centre (KLCCC), previously known as The Integrated Transportation Information System (ITIS) of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the flooded areas included Jalan Raja Laut, Dataran Merdeka, Jalan Sultan Azlan and Jalan Ampang.

The photos also showed situations where vehicles were trapped by the rising floodwaters and unable to move as the water level reached knee-high.

It was also reported that part of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim heading towards Istana Negara is sinking.

Environment and Water Minister, Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man in a tweet also informed that four main rivers have crossed the danger level namely Sungai Batu in Sentul, Sungai Klang in Tun Perak, Sungai Gombak in Jalan Tun Razak and Sungai Kerayong near Razak Mansion.

He warned that the flood situation could worsened.

He also said any complaints related to floods can be made through the Flood Operations Room of the Kuala Lumpur Department of Irrigation and Drainage at 03-22028142 or through its Public Complaints Management System.

Meanwhile, Prasarana through a tweet announced the closure of Masjid Jamek Light Rail Transit (LRT) station until further notice, because of the worsening flood situation.

"All trains will not stop at the Masjid Jamek Station. Passengers are advised to take alternative transport. We apologise for the inconvenience caused," read the statement.

The Smart tunnel is also closed to traffic.

Smart announced in a Twitter post the status of tunnel would be announced through media and electronic information boards (VMS) on roads.

The status of the Smart Highway Tunnel can be followed through the SMART website at www.smarttunnel.com.my, twitter@smarttunnel or "Smart Tunnel" on Facebook, according to the company.

Extreme continuous heavy rain is expected to occur today in several areas in the capital, Perak, Pahang and Selangor, according to the Meteorological Department.


Formula One scraps rule limiting driver helmet designs

                LONDON: Formula One has scrapped a rule which limited the number of different helmet designs a driver could wear during the course of a season.

The governing FIA said on Friday that its World Motor Sport Council had met in Geneva and approved a change to the 2020 sporting regulations “to allow for unrestricted variations to driver helmet designs between races”.

A rule was introduced in 2015, aimed at helping fans identify drivers on track, that decreed a crash helmet must “be presented in substantially the same livery” at every championship race.

Drivers were allowed one exception at an event of their choice, with a change also allowed if they switched teams during the year.

The rule has come in for criticism from drivers, who have been unable to sport one-off helmets to mark special occasions if they have already changed the design earlier in the year.

The introduction of the halo head protection system that surrounds the cockpit has made helmets less visible while also being used as another means to identify those behind the wheel.

The season starts in Melbourne next week.


Hyundai's 'Hydrogen Wave' to make a splash on Sept 7

                SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group is putting everyone on notice that it's staying invested in hydrogen technologies.

It will host the online "Hydrogen Wave" global forum at 3pm KST on Sept 7 on its YouTube channel, and will provide a glimpse of future hydrogen products and technologies.

Investigating and exploring the concept of a future sustainable hydrogen society, Hydrogen Wave is open for participation to industry, media and the wider public.

Ahead of the online forum, the group has released three short teaser videos on its YouTube channel.

It has also put up a microsite (https://www.hydrogen-wave.com/) promoting hydrogen.

Following the online forum, the programme continues with a physical exhibition in the South Korean city of Goyang from Sept 8 to 11.

State-of-the-art future fuel cell electric vehicles – as well as other innovative applications – will be unveiled during the forum. Cutting-edge hydrogen application systems and products from the group’s affiliates will also be presented at the exhibition, further showcasing and detailing how a hydrogen society can be formed and realized.

The Sept 7 event falls on "International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies", an annual Sept 7 event that was proposed by South Korea and ratified by the United Nations.


Covid-19: 'Ford Fiesta' explains essential precautions to take

                DETROIT: Ford has posted an amusing online video, which explains essential precautions and good health behaviour to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

The film follows a toy Ford Fiesta which zooms around the house to illustrate essential precautions against the virus: stay at home, wash hands regularly, sneeze into a tissue (and then bin it) and keep your distance.

The video, which lasts less than two minutes, was made using stop motion, an animation technique that brings static objects to life. Some 700 individual photographs were needed to complete the project.

At the end of the film, the team at Ford encourages viewers to make their own stop-motion video. Those eager to take up the challenge will not only need to come up with a creative idea, they will also have to take hundreds of pictures and assemble them using video-editing software or a dedicated mobile app.


EU court adviser finds car defeat devices broadly illegal

                BRUSSELS: Software Volkswagen AG used to alter pollutant emissions based on the temperature and altitude is illegal unless it prevents potentially dangerous sudden damage to the engine, an adviser to the EU's top court said today.

The finding, if confirmed by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), is the latest step in a series of cases following the German carmaker's 2015 admission of wrongdoing in the Dieselgate scandal.

Judges at the CJEU typically follow opinions of the advocate general, but are not bound to.

Volkswagen said the temperature windows used in VW group vehicles was permissible because  their purpose was to prevent sudden and immediate risks of damage to the engine.

The case, brought by consumers in Austria, centres on software controlling a valve that recirculates exhaust gases from the engine outlet. This reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can cause respiratory problems in humans.

The software shuts off the valve at temperatures outside the range of 15-33 Celsius and at altitudes above 1,000 metres, increasing NOx emissions. The consumers contend this is a prohibited defeat device, for which they should be compensated.

In his legal opinion, CJEU advocate general Athanasios Rantos noted the court ruled last December that emissions-rigging software was illegal, even if it contributed to preventing ageing or clogging up of the engine.

Rantos said the temperature window was not representative of real driving conditions in Austria and neighbouring Germany, as the average temperature was significantly lower than 15 degree Celsius. Vehicles would also often be driven above 1,000 metres.

The software was a "defeat device", he said, and could only be justified if a malfunctioning of the valve had a sudden impact on the engine, such as a power failure while being driven, even if the vehicle undergoes regular maintenance.

The advocate general said that it was for the Austrian courts to determine where the defeat device was necessary. He added that one court had said this was impossible to do.


Touch ‘n Go says NFC-enabled card available for purchase again through ewallet

                PETALING JAYA: Touch ‘n Go eWallet app users are reporting receiving a notification today stating that the company’s NFC-enhanced cards, which were previously sold out, are now available for purchase again via the app while stocks last.

The app is also reporting heavy traffic that may be causing delays in processing the purchase request. Customers who encounter the message will be urged to try again later.

Ordering the card through the app will cost customers RM15 inclusive of shipping fees. After placing an order and confirming the purchase, users can check for their order status through the app.

According to a support page, it may take up to four working days from date of purchase for the card to arrive. It also stated that shipping is currently limited to Peninsular Malaysia.

First announced last month, the new card comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology which allows users to reload value directly into it from their Touch ‘n Go ewallet.

The company stated that this feature is not available in the previous generation of TNG cards, which could only be reloaded at physical touchpoints.

As stated in an FAQ, users can place their enhanced Touch ‘n Go card on the back of their smartphone to top up. Users can also check their card’s balance through the app.

It was then listed as unavailable for purchase on the ewallet and customers also claimed that the card were sold out at physical retail outlets.

Touch ‘n Go said in a statement it has expected demand to exceed supply due to the global chip shortage.

The company also urged customers to buy the NFC-enabled cards from official channels after reports emerged of scalpers offering the cards for up to RM90 on ecommerce sites.


PLUS, Touch' n Go ordered to justify RM35 price for RFID stickers, says Works Minister

                PETALING JAYA: The government has instructed PLUS Malaysia Bhd and Touch'n Go to justify the RM35 priced for RFID stickers, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

The Works Minister said the two companies had been asked to explain how they had arrived at the price for the stickers, Sinar Harian reported today.

He added that the Works Ministry and the Finance Ministry would then determine if there would be a reduction in price.

"The Works and Financec Ministries will study the reports from all angles and find out what justification was used to set the price at RM35," the Malay language daily quoted him as saying.

"If it (the explanation) is not reasonable, we will ensure that the price is reduced or that it is priced reasonably," he added.

Fadillah was speaking after a site visit to the Kuala Terengganu Bypass project in Bukit Bayas, Terengganu, today.


No bailout for car project if it fails, says minister

                KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not bail out DreamEdge Sdn Bhd, the anchor company of the new national car project, if it fails, says the International Trade and Industry Minister.

Datuk Darell Leiking said: “The project is a private initiative, not by the government. We are just supporting the ecosystem and this is the way forward. If it fails, that is a management failure... a product failure.

“But in this case, the product is clear and they are able to work with Japanese technology and are confident of it. So why should we kill it?” he told reporters here yesterday.

Darell said DreamEdge had given its assurance that it would not seek government funding.

“That is why we supported the project, to tell people that we have our trust in this company, just like in many other companies that we trust in doing business today.

“If they ask for money, we will not support it, ” said Darell.

Asked why it is called a national car project when it is a private initiative, he explained that under the new proposed National Automotive Policy, national cars are now defined as those built in Malaysia by a Malaysian company which employs 90% or more Malaysians.

“We are building the country again brick-by-brick," said Darell.

“We are working to make sure people are benefiting from the private initiatives, jobs are created and new technology is developed.

“Under our watch, we will not give out incentives easily such as tax incentives, unless the companies qualify for it, whether it is domestic or internationally owned, ” he said.


Toyota to replace Takata airbag inflators previously deemed safe

                TOKYO: Toyota said today it would replace Takata Corp airbag inflators in 1.6 million cars in Japan that had previously been recalled after concluding that they may still be unsafe.

The decision was prompted after a passenger in a Nissan vehicle was injured this year when an airbag ruptured, despite the inflator having been checked in an earlier inspection.

Nissan this month re-issued recalls for around 310,000 vehicles in Japan due to the incident.

In earlier inspections, automakers had checked the inflators using ammonium nitrate for air leaks and deemed some safe enough not to be replaced. But Toyota said in emailed comments that it would now replace all of those inflators. The replacement parts will be made by Takata.

The recall affects around 20 domestic models produced between 2004 and 2008, including the Vitz compact. The initial recalls were conducted in May and June.

Information on how this may affect recalls outside Japan was not immediately available.

US regulators have linked Takata inflators using ammonium nitrate, which can explode upon deployment and spray shrapnel, to eight deaths, triggering the recall of tens of millions of vehicles worldwide.

This month, Toyota, Nissan and other major car manufacturers said they would stop using ammonium nitrate inflators manufactured by Takata in new models. Takata says it has yet to determine the root cause of the defect.

The embattled airbag maker was fined US$70 million by US regulators, which also ordered the company to stop using the potentially dangerous propellant.


Nissan to roll out high-tech production system amid pressure to cut costs

                YOKOHAMA: Nissan Motor Co. is introducing a new, higher-tech production system globally to try to boost efficiency as it looks to reverse a slide in profitability.

The updated equipment and other technologies, which include increased automation for applying sealant and installing powertrains, will be rolled out starting with Nissan’s Tochigi factory from next year at a cost of 33 billion yen (RM1.3bil), the company said today.

Japan’s No. 2 automaker declined to say which other plants would be upgraded, or the total budget for the project.

Nissan has seen profit plunge this fiscal year, hit by a stronger yen and falling sales in its key markets of China and the United States, forcing it to slash its forecast for operating income to an 11-year low.

A new executive team is due to take over from Dec 1, headed by 53-year-old Makoto Uchida, who ran Nissan’s China business. The change comes a year after the ouster of former chairman Carlos Ghosn, who is awaiting trial in Japan on charges of financial misconduct, which he denies.

Nissan is implementing a global recovery plan under which it will axe nearly one-tenth of its workforce and cut global vehicle production by 10% through 2023 to rein in costs which the company says ballooned under Ghosn.


Auto power play: Japan's hydrogen car vs China's battery drive

                TOKYO/DETROIT: Asia's two autos powerhouses, Japan and China, are jostling for supremacy in how future electric cars should generate their power – from batteries or hydrogen-powered fuel-cells.

In a potentially high-stakes clash reminiscent of Sony versus Panasonic in the Beta-VHS video war in the 1980s, the winner could enjoy years of domination if their technology is adopted as a global standard by other manufacturers.

This time, though, there should be a place in the autos market for both electric battery and hydrogen fuel-cell cars. The key question is which will power more mainstream cars – the market dominated today by the likes of Toyota, General Motors and Volkswagen.

"We're reaching a crossroads," says James Chao, Shanghai-based Asia-Pacific managing director for industry consultant IHS Automotive. "It's difficult to exaggerate the significance of the choice between batteries and hydrogen.

"Billions of dollars will be invested in one or the other and may determine which companies will lead the industry through the end of this century."

China, a major oil importer and blighted by air pollution, is pushing for all-electric (EV) cars, offering incentives to buyers, forcing global automakers to share their technology, and opening its market to tech firms and others to produce electric vehicles.

For a decade, Beijing has pushed for the EV to become a mass-market car, hoping a low entry barrier will allow its relative late comers to close a competitive gap with global rivals who have a century's head-start in traditional combustion engines.

"(China President) Xi Jinping explained it very well, saying that developing new energy vehicles is the Chinese auto industry's only road to grow from being big to being strong," Xu Heyi, chairman of Beijing Automotive Group and a high-ranking Communist Party official, told reporters recently.

 Atieva's website teasing the outline of its electric car.

Japan, though, sees the future differently and is investing heavily in fuel-cell technology and infrastructure as part of a national policy to foster what it calls a 'hydrogen society', where the zero-emission fuel would power homes and vehicles.

Toyota Motor especially is keen to maintain the alternative propulsion lead it established a decade and a half ago with the full hybrid electric Prius.

"It's not that we're not doing anything about the EV. Technically speaking, EV is a relatively easier technology," said Koei Saga, Toyota's senior managing officer in charge of vehicle powertrain technology. "But it needs to evolve. If you're looking for the ultimate solution, the EV probably isn't it."

To be sure, China and Japan are not alone. GM has joint research with Honda on hydrogen cars, while BMW is Toyota's fuel-cell partner. Daimler in Europe and Hyundai Motor in South Korea are also carrying out their own research and development on a hydrogen car.

Honda Motor unveiled a 'mass market' hydrogen fuel-cell car at the Tokyo Motor Show today that will go on sale in Japan in March, to be followed by launches in the United States and Europe, key potential markets for the technology.

Honda believes the car, dubbed the Clarity Fuel Cell, has reached the affordability range where a "fairly typical mainstream consumer could stretch to buy one," Toshihiro Mibe, a Honda operating officer, told Reuters. "We want this car to be the trigger for the 'hydrogen society'." The Clarity, which will retail for 7.66 million yen (US$63,970) before government subsidies, follows this year's launch of Toyota's hydrogen-powered Mirai - meaning 'future' in Japanese. Mirai buyers benefit from subsidies totaling around 3 million yen (US$24,915) per vehicle.

Honda's main advance on Toyota's technology is to have shrunk the fuel-cell stack - the ensemble of fuel-cell, motor and transmission – by a third from a 2008 model it leased to a few private buyers in California in a subsidized trial deal.

That allows Honda to store the whole stack under the hood, and package the car as "roomy enough to comfortably sit five adults," said Kiyoshi Shimizu, chief engineer for the new car, though it still sacrifices trunk space to accommodate a bulky hydrogen fuel tank. The battery pack sits under the front seat.

"With this, we now hope to make a hydrogen powertrain an option across our product line," Shimizu added.

China, meanwhile, is running full tilt at electric vehicles, and has opened its automotive industry to deep-pocketed technology firms to invest.

The move has bred more than half a dozen Chinese-funded EV start-ups, backed by the likes of Baidu, Alibaba, Xiaomi and Tencent, as well as LeTV, a streaming video and web-connected television provider.

Some, such as LeTV-funded Atieva and Faraday Future, have set up operations in California, in part to skim off talent and expertise that Tesla and others have developed there. Both aim specifically to create plush electric cars to compete with Tesla's Model S in the next 2-3 years.

While this looks ambitious, one industry official said it should be taken seriously given the start-ups' funding clout.

In a carrot-and-stick policy, Beijing provides subsidies for private buyers of more than US$25,000 on an all-electric battery car and more than half that on a heavily electrified, so-called plug-in hybrid. It has also toughened fuel economy rules in a bid to force automakers to introduce more electric cars, and encourages global automakers operating in China to share electric car technology with their local partners.

At the center of the new wave of China's EV producers is Jia Yueting, the 42-year-old billionaire founder of LeTV, who has funded Atieva, Faraday and his own EV efforts.

Jia wants to build a high-performance electric car, a potential 'Tesla killer' he has christened Le Supercar. He has also ploughed hundreds of millions of dollars into Atieva and Faraday, while LeTV has partnerships with state-owned Beijing Auto and with British sports car maker Aston Martin, which could accelerate his efforts to put high-performance electric cars on the road in 2017-18.

Other Chinese-funded EV start-ups also have Tesla in their sights. NextEV is backed by three Chinese Internet entrepreneurs and Tencent, while Pateo started out as a digital marketing agency before developing smart, Internet-connected car technology. It now aims to create its own smart electric car.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's growth strategy includes calls for subsidies and tax breaks for buyers of fuel cell vehicles, relaxed curbs on hydrogen fuel stations and other steps on a roadmap to promote hydrogen energy.

The ruling party wants to bring down the cost of a fuel-cell car to about US$20,000 by 2025, and the government aims to create 100 hydrogen fuel stations by March in urban areas where the vehicles will initially be launched.

"For the hydrogen car to take off, we need a fairly well developed infrastructure to make liquid hydrogen available everywhere. On that front, Japan is among the world's most aggressive and advanced," said Honda's Mibe.

Neither technology, however, comes without sizeable challenges - from regulation and subsidies to infrastructure.

Both need to significantly expand the number of refueling and recharging stations and, while EVs still need to convince long-distance drivers, hydrogen's appeal to the masses may be blunted by its cost. "There's a lot more room for the fuel-cell vehicle to improve and evolve," says Mibe.


F1 faces fundamental questions after Honda pullout

                LONDON: Stefano Domenicali will have some fundamental questions to address when he takes over as Formula One chief executive in January, starting with the relevance of the sport to manufacturers in an increasingly electric age.

Honda’s shock announcement on Friday that it will depart at the end of 2021 leaves the pinnacle of motorsport as a series with only three engine manufacturers and no sign of any newcomers.

Car companies have come and gone throughout the 70-year history of the sport, Honda most recently selling its team and pulling out as a constructor in 2008 after a global financial crash.

This time, however, the justification - to focus on zero-emission technology such as fuel cells and batteries - feels more significant.

It is a question of perception as well as cost, and that can be hard to change.

“Formula One is now at risk of becoming slightly irrelevant to car manufacturers, and particularly car manufacturers who are not yet vested in the sport, because the world of vehicles is changing much faster than even five years ago people thought would be the case,” said former Cosworth F1 engine head Mark Gallagher.

“I think the Honda move, whilst being shocking, is entirely in keeping with what we are seeing happening around the world,” added the former Jordan, Jaguar and Red Bull marketing executive.

“For Formula One it poses some pretty fundamental questions about what they are going to do over the next three or four years.”

Unstoppable trend

All-electric Formula E, by contrast, counts 10 manufacturers this season - including Germany’s big four of Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Porsche.

The costs are far less in Formula E and they also have a 25-year exclusive deal as the governing FIA’s sole recognised electric single-seater series.

Series founder Alejandro Agag said that while combustion motorsport had a future, electrification was an unstoppable trend.

“Things like the Covid-19 pandemic have actually accelerated that process because the whole business community is talking about the fact that the world post-COVID should be a greener place,” said Gallagher.

“Formula One finds itself in a slightly unenviable position of being wedded to fossil fuel-based technologies at a time when the rest of the world is moving in a different direction.”

The sport’s next change of engine regulations is set for 2026.

It set out a sustainability plan last year, aiming for a net zero-carbon footprint by 2030, but still needs to do more to trumpet its achievements.

The current V6 turbo hybrid power engines, in use since 2014, boast thermal efficiency of more than 50% and produce more power from less fuel than any others.

Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul said the question of relevance was key, and the sport needed a clearer message “to win the battle of perception”.

He told Reuters Formula One needed to find its own style and space.

“Technology is only good enough if you also manage to get your message across and that’s what we are failing to do,” said the Frenchman.

“I have a concern that when you lose a battle of perception its very difficult to turn this around. We may have to accept a sufficient departure from the current engine/powertrain such that we can also reset the perception of what we do.”

Abiteboul felt that meant accelerating on sustainability and economics.

“Stefano Domenicali has that topic to address with the utmost priority, that’s for sure,” he said of the former Ferrari team boss and Lamborghini CEO, who takes over from American Chase Carey.


Meet the 812 Superfast - the fastest production Ferrari in history

                MARANELLO: The Ferrari 812 Superfast is the first ever car from the Prancing Horse to offer 789hp and a top speed in excess of 339kph, and it will be making its first ever appearance at the Geneva Motor Show on March 9.

The days of the naturally aspirated engine are numbered and soon turbocharging will be the only option open to car makers that want to continue offering keen drivers a keen serving of horsepower, but without falling foul of tightening fuel economy and emissions regulations.

And with that in mind, the block that powers the latest full-size supercar from Ferrari is in effect, the perfect way to celebrate the non-turbo V12's achievements over the past 80 years and to give it one hell of a send-off.

The latest iteration of Ferrari's flagship powertrain has been expanded to 6.5 litres and for the first time ever, a 350-bar direct injection system has been added - something never before done on a high performance rather than a high efficiency engine. If Ferrari had stopped innovating there, it would have already done enough to seal the deal for most prospective supercar owners. After all, 789hp, a 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds and 718Nm of torque make this officially the world's fastest, most powerful front-engined production car.

But this is just the beginning. The 812 Superfast gets electronic power steering for even greater turning precision whatever the speed. What's more, because it's a digital rather than analog system, the steering communicates and works in concert with the car's other cutting edge stability systems.

Ferrari wants owners to drive this car, rather than put it into storage with the hopes of making a return on their investment. So it's given it something called the Virtual Short Wheelbase system. It debuted on the F12 tdf limited edition in 2015 and will make the car feel and respond like a vehicle half its size at lower speeds - think inner-city traffic and narrow side streets with tight turn-in angles. Ferraris with longitudinally mounted V12s tend to be both very long and rather wide.

Ferrari is also going even further into the realm of active aerodynamic technology for its latest model with flaps located in the nose that open and channel air under the car's body and out through rear channels to constantly optimise downforce and therefore its ability to stay glued to the road.

And, as this year marks Ferrari's 70th anniversary, for a final flourish the new car gets a celebratory shade of red Rosso Settanta paint.


M-BIKE system to speed up border clearance

                KUALA LUMPUR: The implementation of the Secured Automated Clearance System for Malaysian Citizen Motorcyclists (M-BIKE) starting Nov 30 is expected to reduce motorcycle lane congestion by 50% at the Malaysia-Singapore entry points.

The Home Ministry said in a statement today the system would be implemented at both Malaysia-Singapore entry points situated at the Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (Second Link), Johor Baru.

It said inspection of travel documents at the Malaysia-Singapore entry points would be through the automated system.

"Through the M-BIKE system, the inspection time would be reduced to between eight and 10 seconds compared to the earlier method which took between 12 to 15 seconds for each motorcycle," said the statement.

The CIQ has 100 lanes while the Second Link has 50 lanes.

Motorcyclists and pillion riders are urged to immediately register at the One Stop Centre that operates 24 hours a day at the CIQ and Second Link to ensure the smooth implementation of the system.

According to the statement, Malaysians aged above 18 with a valid passport with a minimum expiry date of six months can register under M-BIKE, which is free.

For more information, motorcyclists should go to www.mbike.my or contact 07-2182400 (24 hours).


Bugatti 3D-prints titanium trim covers

                PARIS: Bugatti uses 3D printing to produce tailpipe trim covers made of titanium for its newly developed hyper sports car.

As fine and accurate as a spider's web, yet as stable as a solid steel structure and extremely light: components created by means of 3D printing offer a range of benefits, but they are complex to produce.

That is why they are mostly used in the aerospace industry.

However, Bugatti said this production technology is relevant on its shop floor.

The hyper sports cars Chiron Pur Sport and Chiron Super Sport 300+ are examples of Bugatti cars that use parts created by a 3D printer.

“Bugatti is all about French-style luxury and exceptional vehicles, but it’s also a brand that stands for innovative technology,” said Bugatti president Stephan Winkelmann.

“In addition to the 8.0 litre 16-cylinder engine with 1,500PS, technical innovation is just as much part of our brand essence – such as our components made of titanium or a special alloy that are produced by 3D printing.”

The cover is the first visible part to be 3D-printed in metal that is officially approved for use on the roads.

The 22-cm long, 48-cm wide and 13-cm high trim cover at the rear of the Chiron Pur Sport weighs just 1.85kg including grille and bracket – some 1.2kg less than the cover on the Chiron.

Four 400-watt lasers print titanium at the same time to produce the component – the wall thickness at the thinnest point is just 0.4mm.

Around 4,200 layers of metal powder are stacked on each other and are then fused together.

“Wherever possible, we designed the trim cover for the Chiron Pur Sport with a single layer so as to further reduce weight,” says Nils Weimann, Head of Body Development at Bugatti.

“The minimal material thickness in multi-layer areas is made possible by its lattice structure – where the cavity is filled with numerous filigree struts. In this way, the walls provide stable support for each other during the construction process – enabling minimal use of material.

“We use a bionic honeycomb structure in the single-layer area to increase the surface rigidity of the walls. Even large components gain a high degree of surface stiffness,” said Weimann.


How podcasts have become the perfect companion for drivers

                CINCINNATI (USA): One of the great things about podcasts is that you can listen to them anywhere — at home, in the office, on public transport and in the car. But a new US study reveals that listeners mostly tune in to these audio shows while driving.

What do you do while listening to podcasts? That's the question that the research firm NuVoodoo asked 3,298 Americans between the ages of 14 and 54. And most of them are in a good position to answer it, since they listen to them every week. And it turns out that 49% of the respondents regularly tune in while driving.

This trend is particularly noticeable among Millennials (55%) and Baby Boomers (48%).

In comparison, only a third of Gen Zers regularly listen to podcasts while in the car. But that's probably due to the particular relationship they have with driving.

A study, published in February in Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, states that Gen Zers in the US drive far less than their elders.

It's no surprise that the car interior is a place conducive to discovering podcasts.

It has always been so for radio, the ancestor of these audio shows, which have become particularly popular in recent years.

However, radio has not yet said its last word, as it remains a preferred "anchor" medium for motorists, according to a Caravan survey conducted by Engine Insights.

The standout media for multitasking

However, podcast fans don't limit themselves to the car to delve into episodes of their favourite shows.

They tune in while exercising (43% of respondents), working (40%) or doing housework (36%). This is notably the case for Élise, a 27-year-old project manager.

"I always listen to podcasts when I'm doing a manual activity. I don't have to think much when I'm cooking or drawing, but I do like to have some sound. I used to put movies on in the background until I discovered podcasts. At that point, I realised that this was exactly what I needed," she told ETX Daily Up.

A flagship media for multitasking, the podcast also has a strong addictive potential.

Listeners are rarely satisfied with just listening to one podcast, according to the NuVoodoo report.

More than 80% of respondents listen to at least two different podcasts per week.

Millennials are particularly fond of them: 46% of those surveyed listen to four or more during that time frame.

That's more than Generation Z or Baby Boomers, and proof that, when it comes to podcasts, the sky's the limit.