Mercedes-Benz expands C-Class family with Coupe

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class line-up just got larger with the addition of a sporty Coupe into the family.

Aesthetically, the new coupe’s bonnet is 60mm-longer than its predecessor, with much of its styling cues mimicking the S-Class Coupe seen in its flared wheel arches, low-slung roofline and the integrated trapezoidal exhaust tips in the rear bumper to name a few.

It rolls on 17-inch wheels, but with the AMG body-styling parts list available, it allows owners the choice of sportier bumpers and sills, a diamond radiator grille and larger 18-inch AMR light-alloy wheels.

A choice of four petrol and two diesel engines (all Euro 6 emissions standard compliant) will be found under the hood and will be equipped with Eco start/stop function while being up to 27% more efficient than before.

The engine line-up starts with the 154bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine for the C 180 before moving to the 2.0-litre engine for the C 200, 250 and 300 with outputs of 181bhp, 207bhp and 241bhp, respectively.

With a 2.1-litre turbo diesel engine that features selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology for exhaust gas after-treatment, it be used in the C 220 d with an output of 165bhp, while the C 250 d gets a beefed-up version at 200bhp.

The chassis of the C-Class Coupe possesses predominantly of aluminium for a lighter and stiffer construction, but Mercedes-Benz isn’t divulging the type of metal used for its wings, bonnet and bootlid, merely claiming them to be of light-alloy components.

Shape-wise, the new coupe is more aerodynamic at 0.26Cd (coefficient of drag) and has dimensionally grown with a wheelbase of 2,920mm (+80mm), while overall dimensions stands at 4,781mm-long (+95mm), 1,427mm-tall (-15mm).

Mercedes-Benz says its cabin will be ultimately sporty and will feature individually designed trim elements as well as sports seats and an automatic belt feeder.

Optional extras include the AMG Line, which allows the Chrome package, Artico man-made leather and Dinamica in black microfibre available for the interior as well as a multifunction flat-bottom sports steering wheel and AMG sports pedals.

The new coupe uses a more sensitive and sportier suspension that increases its agility and stability, but it can be taken up a notch via the German carmaker’s Airmatic air suspension system that features the all-round self-levelling ability.

The new coupe will first arrive in showrooms across Europe by December with other markets to follow.


More power and range for new Nissan LEAF e+ N-TEC limited edition

                LONDON: Nissan has confirmed the all-electric LEAF range will benefit from a new N-TEC limited edition, joining the cross car line N-TEC versions of Micra, Qashqai and X-Trail, which were launched in January.

Launched in summer 2019, the e+ version of LEAF delivers 217PS of power, 340Nm of torque and up to 239 miles of range (WLTP combined) on a single charge.

The LEAF e+ was previously available as a range-topping Tekna version. The new N-TEC edition, limited to just 1,000 examples, is based on the N-Connecta grade of the 40kWh line-up, but with added technology and styling, complementing the higher capacity 62kWh battery.

With the Nissan LEAF e+, the newly-developed 62kWh battery pack offers 55% more capacity and 25% improvement in energy density while retaining a similar shape and size to the 40kWh LEAF battery pack; all without compromising the vehicle’s exterior design and interior space.

This has given the LEAF e+ a significantly increased driving range of up to 239 miles (WLTP combined mode) on a single battery charge.

Maximum power output and torque have been also improved to an impressive 217PS and 340 Nm, respectively, delivering more powerful acceleration (0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds).


McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt to step down

                LONDON: Mike Flewitt is to step down after eight years at the helm of McLaren Automotive.

An executive search has begun to identify Flewitt’s successor.

In the meantime, McLaren Group non-executive director Michael Macht will assume responsibility for all technical and operational functions while sales, marketing and PR will report into Paul Walsh.

Flewitt joined McLaren as chief operating officer in June 2012 and became chief executive officer in July 2013.

Since that time, he has led McLaren Automotive to become one of the world’s leading luxury supercar brands, expanding the company’s product offering to include the limited production Ultimate range of McLaren hypercars, the award-winning McLaren GT and the all-new high-performance hybrid McLaren Artura.


2017 Tokyo Motor Show: What to expect

                TOKYO: This year's Tokyo Motor Show is due to open its doors on Oct 28 to the public at the Tokyo Big Sight located in the capital's Ariake waterfront area, under the theme - Beyond the Motor.

The organisers said this year's 45th show will be the starting point for further explorations on the future of mobility and will go beyond the industry's borders to integrate many concepts and technologies.

The show will have a number of exhibits that will help visitors explore the future possibilities and innovations of mobility at the interactive Tokyo Connected Lab showcase.

Visitors will get a chance to share their ideas on the future of mobility based on six concepts: social good; universal; move;  drive; private; and sharing.

The fully interactive event will be reflected through 360-degree visual projection inside a giant dome (holding up to 300 people at a time), which will constantly change as a result of participants’ input via simulation and graphics.

At the Maze exhibit, 30 visitors at a time to the showcase will be able to investigate the possibilities of what people will be able to do when cars, drivers and the entire city's infrastructure have been connected as they drive their own connected cars with the use of 30 sets of interconnected PlayStation VR (virtual reality) systems.

A series of talk sessions will also be organised during The Meet Up, where it promotes the exchanging of ideas on the future of mobility and the new opportunities it could bring.

From the first day the show opens to the general public on Oct 28, free shuttle-bus service and universal-design taxis will provide transportation between Tokyo Big Sight and the test-drive/ride venues (a distance of about 1.5 km).

The test-drive and test-ride programs at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show will move from their previous Tokyo Big Sight venue to various new venues in the neighboring Rinkai Fukutoshin area and will also increase in number.

Visitors will be able to enjoy many different driving/riding experiences, from “personal” and “micro” to “next-generation” and “heavy-duty.”


MINI John Cooper Works GP ready to play at RM378K

                PETALING JAYA: In a surprise launch, MINI Malaysia has expanded its Cooper S offering with the introduction of a high-powered variant - meet the John Cooper Works GP.

Launched alongside the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, the performance-oriented John Cooper Works GP (JCW GP) has been priced at RM377,471 on-the-road without insurance (with Sales Tax Exemption) and has just 10 units available - but all have been spoken for.

The high-powered MINI is covered by a four-year unlimited mileage warranty which includes Free Scheduled Service and a five-year Roadside Assistance programme (1800-88-8808).

This is further enhanced by the inclusion of Free Towing Services, Replacement Vehicle and Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions and Repatriation services as well as an Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline that's available around the clock.

With the Balloon Financing programme from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, lucky new owners who have opted for this will be paying RM4,184 per month, based on an 80% loan over a five-year tenure.

Also, like all MINI owners, they will also be able to make a service appointment via the company's new online service programme at their preferred MINI Authorised Dealerships via www.service.mini.my.

This MINI comes exclusively dressed in Racing Grey Metallic while rolling on 18-inch JCW GP two-tone wheels fitted with 225/35 series performance tyres (naturally).

Power for the front wheels comes from a 2.0-litre (1,998cc) turbocharged engine with GP-mode, start-stop functionality and produces a potent 305hp from 5,000 to 6,250rpm and 450Nm of torque from 1,750 to 4,500rpm.

An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters sends its "twist" to the Torsen mechanical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) for processing.

The LSD then distributes power between the front wheels - allowing this MINI to launch from 0 to 100kph in 5.2 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 265kph.

The new JCW GP's suspension has been stiffened and the engine further honed during an intensive test programme that took place on the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife as well as other race tracks.

To add more agility, the JCW GP's front and rear track widths were widened and the body lowered by a further 10mm compared to the non-GP John Cooper Works variant.

There's a host of GP-stamped goodies that include the 90mm stainless steel central twin-exhaust system as well as the aerodynamic kit, engine cover and rear roof spoiler.

Although the roof and mirror caps are painted Melting Silver while the performance John Cooper Works sports brake callipers are coloured red, the main eye-catching elements are the Side Stripes in matching body colour, the numbered Carbon Fibre side fenders and the front grille insert with a Chili Red upper mesh inlet - all bearing the GP logo.

Adding to the list of goodies are the automatic wipers and bulbed rear fog lights while it's still LEDs for the automatic headlights, daytime running lights and Union Jack-design taillights.

Climb inside and you will notice the two-seater cabin is fitted with red seat belts and JCW GP-specific Dinamica leather in Carbon Black upholstery while the dashboard is embossed with a GP number series.

This also includes GP-specific scuff plates, velour floor mats and the 5.5-inch digital multifunction instrument display.

For added convenience, there's also automatic dual-zone climate controls, adaptive cruise control, an electronic gear-shifter and an interactive LED ring on the central instrument display.

Other accoutrements include the front driver and passenger John Cooper Works sport seats, stainless steel pedals, keyless entry system with Start/Stop button, wireless charger and a multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in Walknappa.

An 8.8-inch MINI Visual Boost LCD touchscreen display provides the owner with connectivity options that include a USB port, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and navigation. No reverse camera has been included.

The JCW GP is fitted with six airbags, anti-lock braking system and Pull-away Assistant, Dynamic Stability Control with Automatic Stability Control and Traction, Dynamic Traction Control with Electronic Differential Lock Control, Tyre Repair Kit, Tiredness Warning and a Load Protection Bar.


High Downforce Kit upgrade for McLaren 570S

                LONDON: A High Downforce Kit (HDK) offering owners of McLaren Sports Series models a significant visual and aerodynamic upgrade to their cars is now available in the McLaren Genuine Accessory range.

Designed exclusively by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) for the 570S Coupé and 570S Spider, the HDK – which is available only from McLaren retailers – comprises a rear wing and underfloor guide vanes to better direct airflow that together ensure optimum aerodynamic balance is maintained.

Fitment of the HDK delivers an additional 75kg of downforce, enhancing stability in high-speed cornering and further enhancing the immersive handling at all speeds for which McLaren Sports Series models are renowned.

The visually dominant rear wing also brings a new aesthetic appeal, enhancing the already striking appearance and stance of the Sports Series Coupé and Spider.

As the only rear wing of this type developed and tested by McLaren Automotive for Sports Series modelsthe HDK wing is much more than an ‘add-on’ accessory, playing as it does a significant role in further enhancing aerodynamic performance and dynamic ability.

Constructed from carbon fibre for light weight and strength, the rear wing, which is finished in Visual Carbon Fibre, has a distinctive profile tailored for maximum aerodynamic benefit and ‘dips’ in the centre to reflect the contour of the car body.

Gloss black aluminium pylons with contrasting Palladium Grey inlays support the wing and house the wiring for the integral, central high-mounted stop light.

The wing endplates feature inserts – again in Palladium Grey – with silver chromatic MSO logos under the lacquer top coat.

The HDK has a recommended retail price in the UK of £7,950 (RM42,008) including VAT.

Fitment at a McLaren retailer will take approximately four hours and is an additional cost.


Renault, Nissan are said to aim for alliance event in London

                PARIS: Renault SA and its Japanese partner Nissan Motor Co. aim to announce a deal to reshape their two-decades-old alliance as soon as Dec 7 in London, according to people familiar with the situation.

Discussions with Nissan started earlier this year as Renault began work to carve out its electric-vehicle business, known as Ampere.

Nissan may invest US$500 million to US$750 million for a stake of about 15% in Ampere, but the agreement hinges on a wider deal that would see Renault lower its own 43% stake in Nissan to about 15% over time, Bloomberg News has reported.

Talks are ongoing and a non-binding agreement hasn’t been signed yet, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing non-public information.

There’s a chance plans could change or the negotiations could fall apart. Failure to sign a non-binding agreement by mid-December could mean the potential deal slipping into 2023, the people said.

Media representatives for Renault and Nissan declined to comment.

Executives at the two automakers and alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors Corp. are due to hold a previously scheduled alliance meeting on Dec 6, two of the people said.

If an agreement is reached, there may not be much time to give a heads-up about a subsequent event, so London is a preferred venue to be close to the financial community, according to one person.

The alliance was struggling even before the 2018 toppling of Carlos Ghosn, who at the time was its chairman. The globetrotting executive was widely seen as the glue that held the group together.

The need to reset the alliance comes as automakers such as Renault and Nissan are forced to reinvent their strategies to navigate a difficult and costly transition to electrification.

Renault chairman Jean-Dominique Senard and chief executive officer Luca de Meo both expressed optimism about the ongoing talks in recent weeks, but they called the negotiations complex and warned about setting any deadlines.


Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus upgraded: AMG Performance Centre

                KLANG: The upgraded Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus delivers a better premium experience for customers of the German marque with the three-pointed star.

A total of RM6 million was invested in upgrading the facility located at Wisma Naza along Jalan Kapar, Klang to be compliant with the Mercedes-Benz Presentation System II Autohaus concept, which is a global benchmark for customer experience, complete with the new Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI).

The new Mercedes-Benz CI is more than a design concept; it also improves customer experience and supports consulting discussions.

 At the launch of the newly enhanced Mercedes-Benz NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus. Naza Corp Holdings Sdn Bhd joint group executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin (left), and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and CEO Dr Claus Weidner.

With a total land area of 320,000 sq ft, supporting a built-up area of 32,000 sq ft, NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus can display up to 17 cars.

Reflecting a growing demand for Mercedes-Benz performance vehicles, the facility also has an AMG Performance Centre that can display up to three Mercedes-AMG cars.

It also features the first separate facility for a Mercedes-Benz Proven Exclusivity centre in Malaysia, which is a dedicated space for customers to view and test drive an extensive range of certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz cars located next to the Autohaus.

It has 70 personnel for sales, technical services and spare parts.

A full-fledged 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centre, the Autohaus has 30 work bays, and can service up to 650 vehicles a month, providing general and specialised repair solutions.

"The whole idea is that we want to be a one-stop centre for our Mercedes-Benz customers - for brand new cars, Mercedes-AMG cars, pre-owned cars - in Klang and nearby areas," said Naza Corp Holdings Sdn Bhd joint group executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin.

The i-Showroom in the upgraded Autohaus includes digital touch screens for customers to gain a better understanding of Mercedes-Benz cars' features and sales processes.

The Autohaus also has a private Star Lounge for a personalised and premium atmosphere.

Customers also benefit from Service Differentiation – an exclusive range of personalised after-sales services that offers flexibility and convenience which includes pick-up/drop-off of cars, after-hours drop-off and fast-lane service.

“People here have seen NZ Wheels grown from what it was over the years, to what it is today. We have many loyal customers who have bought cars from us for the last 15 years or so. With this upgrade to the highest Mercedes-Benz standards, we are confident that our customers will receive the best care that is synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star,” said Naza Corp group CEO (automotive group) Datuk Samson Anand George.

The upgraded facility has seen strong demand for certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz cars.

"The Proven Exclusivity centre was opened a few months ago and we have seen huge traction. Sales from walk-in customers are very good," said Samson, who also pointed out that another major draw was the AMG Performance Centre.

"With the AMG Performance Centre, coming here is another draw in terms of the interactive experience. Nationwide, there are five AMG Performance Centres. NZ Wheels operates three of them - in Bangsar, Johor Baru and Klang. At NZ Wheels, we sell quite a number of aspirational Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars, also known as the brand shapers," said Samson.

Established in 1994, NZ Wheels is the third largest Mercedes-Benz authorised dealership in the country.

"NZ Wheels' sales target for 2018 is 1,500 units, which we hope can contribute 12% of Mercedes-Benz car sales in Malaysia. Looking at the first two months, we are on track to hit our sales target," said SM Nasarudin.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and CEO Dr Claus Weidner noted that NZ Wheels Klang Autohaus is one of seven authorised Mercedes-Benz Autohauses in Selangor, to support the increasing need for premium service and experience among Mercedes-Benz customers.

To date, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has 33 dedicated dealerships nationwide, underlining the German marque’s position as the largest premium automotive dealer network in the country.

“As we remain focused on providing our customers with the best products and best customer experience, we will also continue expanding customer touchpoints nationwide, investing in developing key areas including talent, technology, production and services,” said Weidner.

Weidner said the company looks at brand expansion in terms of quantity and also, quality.

"The customer experience is the decisive factor, from all aspects - after-sales to financing. At our Mercedes-Benz Training Academy, we have doubled the intake from 30 to 60 students per year, which also reflects the higher demand in the market for skillful technicians - not only from the mechanical side, but also increasingly on the electronics perspective - as our cars are becoming more sophisticated," said Weidner.


Peugeot 308 THP Active open for booking

KUALA LUMPUR: Nasim Sdn Bhd, the official distributor for Automobiles Peugeot in Malaysia, has unveiled the all new Peugeot 308 THP Active, now open for order taking at RM120,888 (estimated).

Having won the European Car of the Year at the Geneva Auto Show in March 2014, launching the Peugeot 308 THP in April and more recently winning ‘Family Car of the Year’ at Car of the Year Awards Malaysia 2015, the 308 THP Active is primed to net more Malaysian customers.

This new variant comes at an attractive price point, estimated at RM120,888. The 308 THP Active is equal in style, technology and safety to the preceding THP which costs RM12,000 more.

“After a successful launching in April, the Peugeot 308 THP has gone on to become among our top three best-sellers and forms 14% of our total sales year to date. In light of the current environment, we find that this is an opportune time to launch the All New Peugeot 308 THP Active.

“Among its many highlights are the Efficient AT6 with Quickshift Technology, the ability to travel 800km on a full tank and the Peugeot i-Cockpit,” said Datuk’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Operating Officer of Naza Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings.

“This latest entry into our strong portfolio allows Malaysians accessibility to an even wider range of products. The 308 Active will provide existing and new customers an exciting introduction to the 308 experience as it allows customers to fully benefit from the latest innovations and technology with an attractive price point and no compromise on safety,” he said.

The 308 THP Active projects a refined and sophisticated presence. The front is dominated by an evolutionary reinterpretation of the brand’s front grille, and by the strong lighting signature which consists of the halogen projector headlamps with levelling, LED day time running lights and fog lamp. The high quality of design continues at the rear, with the three Peugeot lion ‘claws’ drawn by the rear LED lamps.

308 THP Active features a multiple award-winning Turbo High Pressure (THP) engine, a powerplant that combines high pressure direction injection coupled with advanced turbocharger technology which churns out 152PS and 240Nm of torque and is environmentally friendly. This efficiently optimised combination results in fuel efficiency of 6.5l/km.

One major highpoint is the Peugeot i-Cockpit which consists of four integrated components: a premium compact steering wheel for an intense dynamic sensation, a high position head-up instrument panel with stylishly symmetrical design needles to easily view without taking the driver’s eyes off the road ahead, a high centre console, and a 9.7-inch HD Multifunction Touchscreen for intuitive driving.

Interior features include air-conditioning excellence by way of automatic dual-zone climate control, unique vehicular configurations, premium Metax fabric seats, automatic electric parking brake, high fidelity Arkamy’s sound staging with six speakers, multimedia capabilities to power the radio, iPod, and audio streaming; telephone management tools for seamless access to contacts and profiles, call waiting control. With the prime positioning of the multifunction touchscreen, full digital connectivity via Bluetooth (hands-free kit) and USB is also made hassle-free.

The driving experience of the All New Peugeot 308 THP Active draws on the brand’s expertise in suspension and steering, and takes them to greater heights due to the benefits of the new generation Efficient Modular Platform (EMP2). It is responsible for a total of 140kg weight reduction of the car, and overall enhanced performance.

Safety features are six airbags and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) featuring Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Others are items include Hill Start Assist, two sets of ISOFIX points at the rear for child seats, one touch power windows with anti-pinch and Peugeot Rolling Code Transponder immobilizer security with perimetric, volumetric and anti-tilt alarm.

Certified safe, the 308 THP Active earned a stellar five-star rating (the highest) afforded by Euro NCAP.

Available colours are Artense Grey, Bianca White, Nera Black, Ruby Red and Mocha Brown.

All Peugeot models come with five-year warranty with unlimited mileage together with Nasim’s 24-hour Peugeot Assistance service, complimentary access to the Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and Peugeot Privilege membership, all to provide the best ownership experience for its customers.


Toyota on the fast track to autonomous vehicles

                TOKYO: After a cautious, secretive start, Japan's biggest car company is opening up about its plans to build self-driving cars and is demonstrating its progress to date.

Like all major automakers, Toyota has been developing and researching active safety and semi-autonomous driving systems for a number of years, yet until now, it didn't like to talk about it.

However, on Tuesday the company made its first public demonstration of its Highway Teammate technology which essentially takes over driving duties under highway driving conditions, but then hands the controls back to a flesh-and-blood driver when in other situations - hence the name.

The specially adapted Lexus GS, which took to Tokyo's Shuto Expressway, is capable of maintaining lane discipline, of merging onto and exiting the freeway and has the processing power and smarts to make decisions about the best course of action - be it slow down, stay in lane or perform an overtaking maneuver.

Toyota is aiming to bring a form of this technology to its real-world production vehicles before 2020, the year that Tokyo plays host to the Olympic Games. And it's by no means the only Japanese company working to make an automotive statement in time for the world's greatest amateur sporting event.

Robot Taxis, a joint venture between DeNA Co and ZMP Inc, is hoping to start testing an autonomous car in Kanagawa from March that will be able to chauffeur tourists to and from the Olympic stadium in time for the opening ceremony.

In Europe, development of autonomous driving technologies is well underway and October has already seen two self-driving world firsts. On Friday, a Mercedes-Benz Actros became the first autonomous truck to take to the public highway, driving along the A8 between Denkendorf and Stuttgart airport. "[This] is a further important step towards the market maturity of autonomously driving trucks - and towards the safe, sustainable road freight transport of the future," said company board member Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard of the feat.

While in neighbouring France on the same day, a prototype car developed by Peugeot Citroen traveled the 580km between Paris and Bordeaux without human assistance, becoming one of the longest autonomous drives in Europe and the first self-driving car ever to take to French roads.


Germany forces all petrol stations to provide EV charging

                FRANKFURT: Germany said it will oblige all petrol stations to offer electric car charging as part of a sweeping €130 billion (RM623bil) economic recovery plan, boosting electric vehicle demand which has been hampered by consumer concerns over refuelling.

Germany unveiled the incentives as part of a broader stimulus plan which included staggered taxes to penalise ownership of large polluting combustion-engined sports utility vehicles.

Customers have been concerned about the limited operating range of electric cars, a factor which has hampered demand. Converting Germany’s 14,118 petrol stations would provide a significant boost to electric vehicle demand.

In Germany, electric cars made up only 1.8% of new passenger car registrations last year, with diesel and petrol cars accounting for 32% and 59.2% respectively.

Of the 168,148 new registrations in May, only 5,578 or 3.3% were electric cars according to German vehicle agency KBA. A further 51.1% were petrol powered, 31.6% were diesel cars and 17.6% were hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars.

As of March 2020, Germany had only 27,730 electric car charging stations according to BDEW, Germany’s association for the energy and water industry.

To make electric cars a mass market phenomenon, at least 70,000 charging stations and 7,000 fast charging stations are required, according to the BDEW.


2015 Mitsubishi Triton opens for bookings

                KUALA LUMPUR: The new Mitsubishi Triton will be launched in Malaysia in May.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has opened bookings for the new pick-up truck, with estimated prices ranging from RM71,000 to RM114,000.

"In Malaysia, the Triton has found 55,000 proud owners since its launch in 2006. The new fifth-generation Triton was developed based on the concept of Smart Utility Truck," said MMM chief executive officer Won-Chul Yang.

“The new Triton sets new standards and has many first-in-class features which will delight our customers," he added.

Segment first-in-class features include a Push Start Button for engine ignition, Keyless Entry, Xenon HID Headlamps with integrated Day Running Lights, Tilt and Telescopic Steering and Paddle Shifters for manual control of the automatic transmission when the driver wants it.

Imported from Thailand, the new Triton also comes with an aerodynamic design with best-in-class co-efficient drag of 0.42.

Additional features include Dual-Zone Climate Control, 4WD Selector that allows shift-on-the-fly (4H, 4L or 2H), Touchscreen audio system with reverse camera, auto headlamps and auto wipers that are activated automatically when needed.

The Malaysian market offers five variants with the following estimated prices (including insurance and GST for private registration) in Peninsular Malaysia:

Included in the powertrain options is the 2.5-litre VGT 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine which produces a maximum output of 178ps at 4,000rpm.

Maximum torque has been increased from 350 Nm to 400 Nm at 2,000 rpm.

Malaysians will be able to get the first close-up view of the all-new Mitsubishi Triton at a series of teaser displays at major towns and cities in April.

The locations and dates of the roadshows are:


Geely's EV brand Zeekr aims to double sales in 2023, expand in Europe

                LAS VEGAS: Chinese electric vehicle brand Zeekr aims to double sales in 2023 to about 140,000 vehicles and plans to expand sales in Europe, said chief executive Andy An on Thursday.

Zeekr, a brand created by Chinese automaker Geely, sold 72,000 vehicles in 2022, mostly in China.

Its 001 model, priced at about 300,000 yuan (RM193,000), competes with Tesla Inc's Model Y crossover and other luxury models in the increasingly competitive Chinese market.

Tesla has cut prices and trimmed production in China as it faces intensifying competition from Chinese brands such as Zeekr. Tesla sales in December fell to the lowest level in five months.

A second Zeekr model, the 009, will go into production this month.

Zeekr sees opportunity for growth in Europe, An said in an interview at the CES 2023 annual technology conference here. Later this year, Zeekr plans to begin selling vehicles there with assisted driving systems engineered with Mobileye, he added.

Zeekr and parent Geely have a European base with Volvo Car AB, which Geely owns a majority stake in.

Zeekr and Waymo, Alphabet Inc's robotaxi unit, showed a prototype of an autonomous ride service vehicle at CES.

An said Zeekr plans to build vehicles for Waymo in China, but US production is a possibility, "depending on the market situation."

Zeekr is not planning to enter the US consumer market, An said.

Last month, Zeekr filed for a US initial public offering, without providing details on the size or timing.

Reuters previously reported Zeekr was aiming to raise more than US$1 billion in the IPO and seeking a valuation of more than US$10 billion.


The electrification of transport is happening in odd and interesting places

                LONDON: Some of the best zero-emission solutions are hidden from public view. One of them is a weird-looking, one-trick pony called a yard truck.

"They have a lot of different names: yard dogs, mules, switchers or spotters,” said Kurt Neutgens, chief technology officer of Orange EV, a Kansas City, Missouri-based company that manufactures yard trucks for warehouse operators, including companies like DHL.

The yard dog’s job is simple: It moves trailers from a warehouse where they are filled up to its parking lot, readying each trailer to be attached to a fossil fuel-guzzling semi-truck and moved around the country.

Almost every one of the tens of thousands of warehouses in the US has yard dogs, typically between two and 10 units, and almost all of them run on diesel.

Neutgens, a former Ford auto engineer, wanted a better solution.

"I did math models of every vehicle type out there,” he said, trying to suss out if an electric model would be economically feasible.

As it turns out, an electric yard truck "made sense financially and technologically from the get-go 12 years ago,” he said. "It was ready.”

So in 2012, Neutgens and friend Wayne Mathisen pooled $50,000 of their savings to launch Orange EV.

Mathisen is now chief executive officer.

Convincing warehouses to switch to electric wasn’t as easy. First, the upfront cost of an Orange EV yard dog is US$200,000 or US$300,000 (RM1.34mil), depending on the battery size, compared to diesel varieties that cost about US$100,000 (RM446,000). Second, no one had used an electric one before.

Mathisen had longer-term economics on his side. Even at pre-pandemic diesel prices, he says Orange EV’s yard dogs can save $50,000 each year in fuel costs alone. Orange EV also built proprietary charging equipment that makes it possible to charge the trucks during drivers’ breaks.

In 2015, with five employees, Orange EV sold its first unit. Marketing and word of mouth helped grow the company, and Mathisen says the company was profitable by 2016.

This year, Orange EV has 170 employees and will sell 200 yard dogs, each of which avoids 1,700 tons of CO2 emissions. The drastic reduction in air pollution from avoiding burning diesel brings additional benefits to warehouse employees.

Already, some US states are offering subsidies for electric yard dogs - as much as $150,000 per unit - which makes the switch a no-brainer if a warehouse can handle the upfront investment to replace the entire fleet.

But Orange EV says it doesn’t need to rely on the subsidies: More than 60% of its sales last year didn’t include them. The competition is also taking notice, as TICO, autocar and other makers of diesel-powered mules announce electric versions.

To fuel its own ambitions, Orange EV has recently announced that it has secured US$35 million from S2G Ventures - its first large outside investor.

Some 5,500 yard trucks are sold in North America annually, and Orange EV’s goal is to make as many as 1,500 units a year.

That sum won’t be enough money to fund a new factory entirely, but it will be enough to get the company to the next stage before it has to raise more money.

And why orange? "Everything back then was green, green, green. Our philosophy was: ‘You’re going to buy this because it’s a better truck.’ We wanted to get away from: ‘You’re going to buy this because it’s good for the environment,’” said Neutgens.

"But it’s also a great standout colour. We didn’t have a whole lot of marketing dollars, so we thought it was probably good that everybody noticed our trucks.”


Indonesia to implement mandatory 35% biodiesel blending starting Jan 1, 2023

                JAKARTA: Indonesia is set to raise mandatory biodiesel blending to 35% starting Jan 1, 2023, to reduce fuel imports amid high global energy prices and to shift to cleaner energy, the energy ministry has announced.

The world's biggest palm oil producer has since 2020 implemented the B30 programme, which mandates fossil gasoil to be blended with 30% palm oil-based fuel, and has been planning to increase the use of palm-based fuel.

"The estimated demand for biodiesel to support B35 implementation is 13.15 million kilolitres, or around a 19% increase compared to 2022 allocation of 11.03 million kilolitres," energy ministry spokesman Agung Pribadi said in a statement on Friday.

Indonesia is estimated to consume 37.58 million kilolitres of diesel next year, of which 35% will be supplied by palm-based biodiesel.

The country's biodiesel industry has an installed capacity of 16.65 million kilolitres, the energy ministry said.

The energy ministry also set a new specification to improve the standards for biodiesel to assure consumers that higher biodiesel blending would not affect engine performance.

The government has been running road tests for biodiesel that is 40% palm oil since July 2022 and is expected to conclude the trial by end of this year


March 28 to April 3: Petrol and diesel prices drop even more


Ferrari has record orders 'well into' 2024, says chairman

                MILAN: Ferrari has a record order book for its models spanning into next year, chairman John Elkann told the sports car maker's shareholders today.

Elkann said the Italian company's two latest models, the 296 GTS plug-in hybrid car and the Purosangue four-seater had boosted its product portfolio, "delivering a record number of orders well into 2024".

Ferrari has promised a total of 15 new models between 2023 and 2026, including its first full-electric car, which Elkann reiterated today is expected in 2025.

The company has said that, while pursuing electrification, internal combustion engine (ICE) cars will still be part of its range for some years.
 Elkann.
Chief executive Benedetto Vigna last month welcomed the European Union's plans to allow production of cars running on e-fuels beyond a formal 2035 deadline to end ICE car production, saying e-fuels would extend the life of combustion engines.

Vigna returned to the theme during Ferrari's shareholders meeting today.

"ICE still have a lot to give, and thanks to their higher energy efficiency and e-fuels, together with partners, we will develop solutions that will contribute meaningfully to decreased CO2 emissions," he said.

Vigna said Ferrari would leverage on "selected partnerships" for its industrial and innovation strategy, while keeping in-house the development and production of core components "such as the electric engine, the battery pack and the inverters".

Investors in Ferrari, which is controlled by Italy's Agnelli family through its investment company Exor, today also approved a top management remuneration package for last year.

Total remuneration for Vigna amounted to around 5 million euros (RM24.2mil) for 2022, his first full year at the helm of the company.

The figure includes around one million euros in share-based long-term incentives.


German carmakers voice fears over Trump win

                BERLIN: Germany's auto industry association VDA today said it was concerned that the election of Donald Trump as US president could hamper trade and the flow of goods.

The association which represents BMW, Volkswagen and Daimler said the election campaign had shown that competition between industrial nations was becoming tougher.

"It is to be feared that the United States under a new President, just like China, will mainly focus on their own economies, at the expense of international trade flows and relationships," VDA said in a statement today.

More protectionism or additional tariffs would damage the United States as well as its trading partners, VDA said.


Pirelli raises sales target as pricing power offsets inflation

                MILAN: Strong pricing power and cost savings will help Pirelli offset economic challenges, the Italian tyremaker said on Thursday as it beat second-quarter operating profit expectations and raised its full-year revenue forecast.

The sole supplier of Formula One tyres, said its adjusted earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) rose 21% in the April-June period to 253 million euros (RM1.15bil), topping a company-provided analyst consensus of 238 million euros (RM1bil).

Higher commodity costs of 116 million euros weighed on the result along with 88 million euros in increased production costs, the company said.

Chief executive Marco Tronchetti Provera told analysts that Pirelli's business model, which focuses on high-value tyres, and its capacity to quickly respond to critical issues "makes us confident that we can cope with an increasingly challenging scenario".

He added that, looking ahead, there were no signs at the moment of weakening demand.

The tyremaker guided for revenue of between 6.2-6.3 billion euros in 2022, versus a previous forecast of between 5.9-6.0 billion euros.

It also tweaked up its forecasts for full-year net cash flows, while reiterating a forecast for a full-year margin on adjusted EBIT at around 15%.

Russia

Pirelli said its Russian sales in the first half accounted for around 3% of its global sales, broadly unchanged from 2021.

Earlier this year the company announced it was relocating its export-oriented Russian production to other countries, while leaving its two plants in the country to serve just the local market. read more

Sanctions on Russia, banning the export of some raw materials to the country and of Russian-produced goods to the European Union were effective from July 10, it said.

Pirelli sees costs related to the announced relocation of its export-oriented Russian production at between 30-35 million euros, Tronchetti said, adding he was confident they would be fully absorbed by year-end through a better business performance in other areas.


New Lamborghini to be unveiled on July 8

                BOLOGNA: Lamborghini has released a teaser graphic inviting people to tune in at its site on July 8 for the official unveiling of a new car.

It did not say what that car could be but we can hazard some guesses.

It could be the hybrid Sian Spyder or track car SCV12.

The Sian is Lambo's most powerful production supercar to date.

Unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Sian boasts 819hp. It is based on the Aventador but uses a hybrid powertrain. It rockets from 0 to 100kph in 2.8 seconds for a top speed of 350kph.

On the other hand, Lamborghini could have the SCV12 in mind for launch since it had previously confirmed that it would happen around this time. The SCV12 is able to crank out over 830hp and the engine can produce more power the faster the car goes, using aerodynamic supercharging. It also helps that its chassis is made of lightweight carbon fibre.

The SCV12 benefits from Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s GT motorsport expertise, using its racing experience to produce increased aerodynamic efficiency and higher downforce levels than a GT3 car.

The unveiling of the mystery car will take place at 6pm CEST on July 8 (midnight on July 9 in Malaysia).


Scan and pay bills from parking lot? Seberang Prai lets customers do it

                SEBERANG PRAI: The Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) has launched a "Scan, Park and Pay" programme for the convenience of the public to pay bills instead of crowding its centralised counters at Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

All you need to do is just to stay in your cars, and scan the QR codes provided by the security personnel at the MBSP headquarters in Bandar Perda here, said mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud.

“After scanning the QR codes, the MBSP portal will be displayed on your mobile devices, where you can select the services.

“Choose the bill to pay, such as assessment rate, stall rental, or compounds.

“Fill up the necessary details, enter payment details and check out to pay. That’s it, ” he said after launching the service at the council’s headquarters in Bandar Perda yesterday.

The smart service is meant to prevent overcrowding at its centralised counters.

“There is no need to crowd and queue up at the counters. All transactions can be done from inside the vehicles within the parking lots, ” he said.

“The council’s premises are sanitised between nine to 18 times daily.

“The centralised counters record an average of 650 visitors daily.

“But we are in full compliance with standard operating procedures, such as disinfecting the premises on a regular basis. We still encourage the people to make transactions online.

“We have sent out 72,227 cyber bills through SMSes, ” he said.

Also present was state local government, housing, town and country planning committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo.


Toyota recalls 80,000 units in Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has announced a Special Service Campaign (SSC) for the replacement of the inflator module in the SRS airbag system on the front passenger side of a certain number of vehicles.

This follows the announcement by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) that an additional number of vehicles are affected by the defect in the inflator module in the SRS airbag system.

This SSC is an expansion of earlier campaigns relating to certain vehicles equipped with SRS airbag inflator modules. The defect is due to propellant degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures and high temperature cycling.

Inflator modules which contain a non-desiccated, phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant may cause the rupture of the module. Should such a situation occur, metal fragments will pass through the airbag as it inflates and into the vehicle interior at high speed. As a result, serious injury or death could occur.

Based on information received from TMC, the number of affected Toyota Vios, Corolla Altis, Alphard and Yaris in Malaysia, is around 80,000 units.

The vehicles are manufactured between October 2007 and December 2011 and distributed by UMWT.

However, units imported by other parties and sold in Malaysia which may be affected by this SSC are not included within this number.

TMC is currently working on obtaining the necessary parts for the SSC. Once the parts are available, UMWT will notify owners to request them to bring their cars to an authorised Toyota service centre to make the necessary replacements which should take about 1 to 3 hours.

All costs involved for the replacement will be borne by UMWT.

UMWT is aware that some customers who are not the first owner of these vehicles may not be contactable. To ensure the safety of Toyota owners UMWT advised Toyota owners who own these vehicles to contact any authorised Toyota service centre or calling the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8- TOYOTA (869682).

For this new SSC, UMWT is also currently updating the VIN database and Toyota owners in Malaysia can visit the VIN Checker webpage through https://toyota.com.my/aftersales-services/special-service-campaigns.


CAM Kingo commercial vans launched: RM99k to RM141k

                KUALA LUMPUR: The new CAM Kingo commercial van series were launched recently by Klang-headquartered Sendok Group and priced from RM99,000 to RM141,000.

The after-sales package includes a five-year or 150,000km (whichever is first) warranty.

There are four variants consisting of a 15-seater (basic and comfort trims), an 18-seater in comfort trim, and a high roof panel van.

Developed by King Long, a Chinese commercial vehicle producer based in Xiamen, Fujian, the Kingo commercial vans are powered by a 3.0-litre CDTi common rail turbo intercooler diesel engine which produces 148hp at 3,400rpm and 370Nm at 2,000rpm.

Power is delivered via a five-speed manual gearbox.

Features:

- ABS (anti-lock brake system)
- EBD (electronic brake force distribution)
- front double wishbone independent suspension with rear leaf springs
- dual sliding doors
- halogen projector headlamps
- semi-fabric seats
- LED tail lamps
- reverse camera
- six or nine rear air-conditioner vents (for 15 and 18-seater respectively)


Why accelerating electric car sales could be in danger of stalling

                PARIS: With every month that passes, a new record is being set in terms of electric car sales, but as more and more car companies finally put the full weight of their R&D departments behind plug-in electric and hybrid cars, potential supply chain issues surrounding lithium production could put the brakes on their ambitious plans.

In the past week, BMW reported that over the first three quarters of the year it has sold more electrified cars — the term it uses to describe pure battery-electric cars and plug-in hybrid vehicles — than it had achieved over the entirety of 2016. In September alone it sold 10,000 such vehicles, a feat never before achieved in a calendar month, bringing total 2017 sales up to the 68,687 mark — a 64.2% increase compared with the same period in 2016.

"This year, we've already sold more electrified vehicles than in the whole of last year and we are well on track to deliver our target of 100,000 by year-end," said Dr Ian Robertson, BMW AG Management Board Member for Sales and Brand BMW.

And as impressive as those figures sound, the biggest piece of electrified automobile news to arrive this week is from China, the country that has taken an early lead in electric car uptake.

According to The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), consumers snapped up 77,000 plug-in electric vehicles in September, meaning that at the current rate of uptake, a phenomenal 700,000 new EVs could be on the country's roads before the end of the year, a significant increase on the 500,000 sold in 2016.

China is already the world's largest single traditional car market and is fast becoming the most important region for EV and alternative fuel car sales too. This exponential growth is why in recent months a host of established car companies including Ford have announced joint ventures in the country with the aim of co-developing electric cars and breaking into the market.

However, it's also why electric cars are well and truly back on the automotive agenda. After this year's Geneva Motor Show, there was a collective feeling that major automakers were shelving their ambitious EV plans, but as the calendar year draws to a close there appears to have been a massive U-turn.

Audi has confirmed its first all-electric family car will now debut in 2019; Honda, who until now was banking on hydrogen to replace gasoline, has confirmed it's about to launch an EV called the Clarity; and VW has revealed an ambitious target of one-in-four futures sale being of the electric variety by 2025.

As for Mercedes, the world's oldest car company, it is investing €10 billion to create a new EQ range of plug-in electric cars. "By 2022 we will be bringing more than ten different all-electric vehicles to market," said Ola Källenius, Daimler's head of Research and Development. "We will also be electrifying the entire Mercedes Benz portfolio and our customers will thus have the choice of at least one electric alternative in every Mercedes Benz model series, taking the total to 50 overall."

However, Daimler believes that even 10 years into the future, the EV won't be sufficiently robust to meet all mobility needs. "The combustion engines will still be around for a long time to come. In the year 2025 we are looking at a sales share of up to 25% for the purely battery-electric cars. This automatically means that at least 75% will still have a combustion engine on board — also combined with electric, naturally," he said.

Of course, there is also the issue of lithium. Though an abundant element and one that's comparatively easy to mine or harvest from evaporating brine, there isn't enough lithium being produced to meet current demand.

This supply and demand issue will also mean that other older forms of mobility are still going to be crucial to fill the void while supply chains and methods of lithium collection hit maturity.

According to US News Corp which tracks commodities, by 2020 there could be a serious lithium shortfall and, even at current usage rates, to meet existing demands — i.e., not factoring in new electric car plans and announcements made over the past 12 months — a new mine or facility will have to come online every year between now and 2025.

All of which means that as well as gasoline, the diesel engine could still prove a crucial stop gap in meeting tougher emissions and stringent fuel economy regulations in the short to medium term.

"We still need the diesel," said Källenius. "It has an advantage regarding CO2 emissions and this source of power is still relevant in goods transport, as well as in numerous markets, above all in Europe."


Used car prices expected to stay low

                PETALING JAYA: Those interested in buying a second-hand vehicle should not be worried if prices might go up after September, as prices for used vehicles would not be affected by the Sales and Services Tax (SST).

The abolishment of the 6% GST was among the promises made by the Pakatan Harapan federal government. The new SST would replace GST in September.

World Class Motor general manager Chris Ooi, 36, said the SST is only applicable to manufacturers and since they only sell used cars, the price of the vehicles would be the same as the current tax holiday.

“Maybe in a few years time, second-hand car prices might be slightly higher, because buyers might have bought their cars at a slightly higher price because of the knock-on effect of the SST,” he told StarMetro.

“Once the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was zero-rated, customers saw a savings between RM1,500 and RM20,000 when buying a second-hand vehicle,” he said.

“I foresee a positive outlook for the used-car industry because it will not affected by the SST,” he added.

Ooi said customers should not be afraid to buy a used-car.

“I think that people have the wrong impression and limited knowledge when it comes to used cars.

 Choo said the company will be having a RM2,000 to RM5,000 promotion after September.

“A lot of customers have been cheated and lied to about the year the vehicle was made, the mileage as well as the condition of the car by some unscrupulous dealers,” he said.

Another car dealership, Tai Tung Holding, whose administrator only wished to be known as Chang, hoped more people would continue to buy used cars even after September.

“Once SST is introduced, we predict that new cars could cost up to RM20,000 more.

“For those who want to save money, it is better to buy a second-hand vehicle because the price would still be the same before and after the SST,” she said, adding that the tax holiday was a great time to buy a car as there was no GST.

Chang said there was a 50% increase in customers after GST was zero-rated.

“Loans have also been easier to obtain after June 1.

“Before GST, lending conditions were tight and customers were not able to buy a car as their loans were not approved,” she said.

“Clients with bad records such as unpaid instalments used to have trouble obtaining a loan from the bank but now, lending requirements have relaxed,” she added.

Chang said a major factor for the increase in customers was because prices have dropped around RM1,800 to RM18,000 depending on the car model after the 0% GST.

Meanwhile, a new car dealer owner Matthew Leong, 37, said the high demand for second- hand vehicles might create a problem.

Leong said the tax holiday has caused a 20% drop in business for him.

“A lot of customers are buying new cars during the tax holiday.

“I can understand if people would rather buy a new car now than to purchase a second-hand vehicle because of the benefits the latest automobile can provide,” he said.

“To keep up, most foreign car makers here have lowered their prices as much as RM10,000 to help boost their sales during this time,” he added.

Leong also advised customers to be careful when buying used cars.

“Federal law does not require used car dealers to recall cars for repairs if a problem is found.

“So, I would like to remind the public to check with dealers for any problems first,” he said.

DK Motor manager Choo Kean Seng, 41, said although used car prices would not change after SST, the company would still provide a promotion of RM2,000 to RM5,000 to attract customers after September.

“After SST, I expect used cars to be in demand as prices for new vehicles would increase by up to RM6,000.

“Customers could consider buying used cars as the bank value for second-hand vehicle would remain the same,” he said.

“Those who are unable to settle their downpayments can now easily get loans that is able to cover processing, agreement, insurance as well as road tax fees,” he added.

Choo said the main competitor for the used car business during the tax holidays is the latest automobile market.

“For cars below RM100,000, the difference in price for latest automobiles and second-hand cars are about RM15,000 to RM25,000.

“Some consumers would rather spend the extra thousands to buy a better condition car with warranty than a vehicle that could potentially have engine failure or other problems,” he said.

“As for me, I will ensure the cars here be first inspected on its condition and to make sure it is in good condition before being sold,” he added.


GM will build Chevy Bolt in Michigan in late 2016, say sources

                DETROIT: General Motors Co plans to begin building the Chevrolet Bolt, its all-new US$30,000 (RM107,000) electric car, in October 2016 at an underused small-car plant north of here, two supplier sources said.

Despite the heavy hype surrounding the car's unveiling last month at the Detroit auto show, the sources said, GM's production target for the Bolt is relatively modest, at about 25,000-30,000 cars a year.

Last year, GM sold 18,800 Chevrolet Volt hybrid electric cars. The Volt, priced from around US$35,000 (RM124,000), uses a small gasoline engine to increase range.

The Bolt is expected to go on sale in early 2017 and will have a range between charges of more than 320km.

The Bolt will compete with a similar car, the Model 3, planned by Tesla Motors Inc  in calendar 2017, as well as the Nissan LEAF, which sold just over 30,000 last year.

The Bolt and a companion model for GM's Opel subsidiary in Europe will be assembled at GM's plant in Orion Township, the sources said. The factory now makes the Chevrolet Sonic and Buick Verano and has been operating at well below capacity as small-car sales have suffered from falling gasoline prices.

The Bolt is being developed on GM's Gamma global small-car platform, according to the sources. The same basic set of components will provide the base for the next-generation Sonic, also due in late 2016, they said.

A GM spokesman declined to comment.


VW aims to take stakes in Canadian mines, mine operators, says daily

                BERLIN: Volkswagen aims to enter the mining business in Canada to ensure its raw material supply for battery production, a board member for the German carmaker told Handelsblatt daily.

"We are not opening any mines of our own, but we want to acquire stakes in Canadian mines and mine operators," Thomas Schmall told the daily today.

Schmall added that Canada had virtually all the raw materials needed for battery production.

A memorandum of understanding to this effect is to be signed with the Canadian government later today, Handelsblatt said.

Reuters also reported Mercedes-Benz is also securing supply from Canada.


Watch out for Mercedes EQE and all-electric AMG model at Munich show

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz will be exploiting the first Munich auto show to showcase its electric car line-up.

A total of eight premieres are planned with five of those being fully electric models, plus one performance hybrid.

The fully electric cars include the EQE, the first battery-electric luxury saloon from Mercedes-AMG and a concept vehicle which shows how Mercedes-Maybach will enter the age of electric mobility.

Plus, the EQB will be presented as a European premiere. smart will also be there with a show car that provides an insight into the first vehicle from its new generation of all-electric models.

The EQE will be pitched as a sporty yet comfortable electric business saloon. Mercedes-Benz says it combines dynamic performance and handling with relaxed travel - and sets the new benchmark in its class. The generous interior space and athletic physique from the one-bow bodyshell design would also be highlighted.

Mercedes-AMG's first battery-electric luxury saloon is a commitment to fuse fully electric models with characteristic AMG DNA. This applies not only to its performance figures, but more especially to its involving and emotional handling.

The concept vehicle from Mercedes-Maybach would serve up a vision of ultimate automotive luxury for the future.

Following its premiere in China, the fully electric seven-seater EQB will make its show debut in Europe. Plus, Mercedes-AMG will present the first performance hybrid from Affalterbach under the technology label E PERFORMANCE. Further Mercedes-Benz premieres include the S-Class GUARD and the first C-Class All-Terrain vehicle.

IAA MOBILITY in Munich will be held from Sept 7-12. It takes over from the defunct Frankfurt auto show.


Tesla touts speed and driving range with new upgraded battery

                SAN FRANCISCO/WASHINGTON: Tesla Motors Inc crowned itself the maker of the world's fastest production car on Tuesday, saying a new version of its Model S all-electric sedan can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 2-1/2 seconds.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said the company will offer a larger upgraded battery pack for performance versions of its Model S and X vehicles that will extend range, while also allowing for super fast acceleration.

Tesla has long laid claim to bragging rights in the highly competitive luxury car market. But Tuesday's news is unlikely to change the equation on a host of challenges the company faces, from production and finances to regulation.

The new 100 kilowatt hour battery pack means the high-end version of the Model S sedan, called the P100D, will be the world's fastest accelerating car in production, the Silicon Valley automaker said. The new battery pack is also available for the performance version of the Model X sport utility vehicle.

The Model X is already the quickest SUV ever, Tesla said. But with the 100 kWh battery pack, it said the Model X P100D - as the new performance model is known - will now accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds.

The new battery also extends the driving range of the vehicles, taking the performance version of the new Model S beyond 482.8 km, Tesla said.

Musk said that meant a driver could now travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles in temperate weather without recharging.

"These are very profound milestones and I think will help convince people around the world that electric is the future," said Musk on a conference call with journalists.

Tesla said owners who had ordered a so-called Model S P90D Ludicrous but had not yet taken delivery could upgrade to the 100 kWh pack for US$10,000, while existing owners can upgrade for US$20,000 because the old pack must be recycled.

The electric car maker is laying the groundwork for a controversial buyout of SolarCity Corp, while it also prepares for next year's launch of its high profile Model 3 mass-market vehicle.

SolarCity agreed to Tesla's US$2.6 billion offer to buy the solar panel installer earlier this month, clearing one obstacle towards Musk's ambitious goal of creating a carbon-free energy and transportation company.

In May, Tesla said it was stepping up production plans for its upcoming Model 3 mass-market sedan and would build a total of 500,000 all-electric vehicles in 2018, two years ahead of schedule, but it warned that spending will ramp up as well.

Model S and X vehicles with the upgraded batteries will help fund the more affordable Model 3 still in development, Musk said. The performance versions of the S and X without the new battery currently start at US$108,000 and US$115,500, respectively.

"Of course, this is an expensive car. But it's very important to bear in mind that is what it's paying for, the Model 3," Musk said.

Tesla has been under investigation from US safety regulators following a fatal crash in Florida earlier this year involving its drive-assistance feature known as Autopilot.

In his comments to reporters, Musk said a software update of the feature is nearing completion, adding that it will result in "material improvements in the autonomy of the car."

Tesla acknowledged that the LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder with gasoline engines were faster than its new high-end S and X models. But Musk said those were both million-dollar, two-seater specialty cars that cannot be purchased new today.


Genesis unveils new G70

                SEOUL: Genesis has revealed the new G70 prior to start of sales which will happen domestically first next month.

Launched in 2017, the luxury sports sedan features an athletic design, dynamic driving performance and leading safety features.

The latest G70 features enhancements which focus on an athletic exterior design evolution, a driver-centered interior and state-of-the-art technology update leveraging features found within the Genesis lineup.

The signature crest grill set even lower than the Quad Lamps which spread outward evokes a sprinter’s pre-race posture and highlights the new Genesis G70’s position, as the most athletic sports sedan by Genesis.

In profile, side air extractors optimised for efficiency, show a form-follows-function mentality while the sensuous surface around the front wheels expresses the powerful muscles of a sports sedan.

Rearward, quad lamp taillights inspired by the soaring wings of the Genesis logo, identifies with a distinctive Genesis aesthetic. The full width G-Matrix mesh and body coloured diffusers surround the oval exhaust tips add finishing touches to the exterior design.

The interior leverages a driver-centered architecture resembling a fighter jet cockpit and adds the latest connectivity specifications.

To provide a seamless user experience, a new 10.25-inch infotainment system features an exclusive Genesis UI design supporting the latest over-the-air (OTA, cellular update feature) wireless updates and Valet mode. In addition, the wireless charging system has been changed to a horizontal layout, increasing convenience for those with ever-changing smartphone sizes.

"The new G70 will engage customers with its dynamic design and the latest innovations in safety and luxury," said a Genesis official.

Genesis said it would reveal more detailed specifications next month.

Since its 2017 debut, the G70 has attracted such achievements as the 2018 Good Design Award (Transportation Design Division), 2019 North American Car of the Year and Top Safety Pick+ recognition from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.


Porsche cars selling so well in China that opening 100th dealership seems logical

                GUANGZHOU: Porsche has opened 100th dealership in China here.

The new “Porsche Studio”, located in a luxury shopping mall, offers customers an insight into the complete range of the brand’s services, in person and in virtual formats. A Porsche Experience Centre will also be opened in Shanghai in spring 2018.

China has already become the most important market for the 718 models. In the first three quarters of 2017, more than 5,100 Boxster and Cayman vehicles were delivered in China.

"Our four-door sports cars are especially popular in Asia but demand for our two-seater models is also increasing rapidly.” said Porsche AG sales and marketing head Detlev von Platen, adding that China has become Porsche’s largest single market in recent years.

At 460 square metres, the new showroom includes an exhibition area for new vehicles as one of its key features. In addition, all five model lines offered by the sports car manufacturer can be visualised and customised in the customer’s preferred colour using an iPad and various model cars based on the typical clay models from the Design Studio.

The “Porsche Studio” works closely with the existing Porsche Centre run by the Jebsen Group and makes it possible for prospective customers to also buy vehicles directly on site.

In addition, the upcoming Porsche Experience Centre in Shanghai will have track and offroad courses for potential customers to try out the cars. The Shanghai site will be the sixth in the world after Atlanta, Leipzig, Silverstone, Le Mans and Los Angeles.


China to consolidate overcrowded EV industry, says minister

                BEIJING: China has "too many" electric vehicle (EV) makers and the government will encourage consolidation, Industry and Information Technology Minister Xiao Yaqing said today.

The minister also said China would improve its charging network and develop EV sales in rural markets.

The government's promotion of greener vehicles to cut pollution has prompted electric car makers such as Nio Inc, Xpeng Inc and BYD Co Ltd to expand manufacturing capacity in China.

Xiao said the ministry was speeding up alternative solutions to address an auto chip supply shortage.

China's market regulator last week fined three auto chip sales companies for driving up prices, in a move to help auto production in the world's biggest vehicle market.

A prolonged global chip shortage has affected major automakers, including Ford Motor, Honda Motor, and Volkswagen, forcing many to idle or curtail production.


Weighing the benefits of used cars

                KUALA LUMPUR: Many Malaysians have been avoiding public transport in fear of contracting infection since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

myTukar chief executive officer Derrick Eng said interests had switched to second-hand cars as new cars are too expensive and bicycles inconvenient for long distances.

"Furthermore, with the country entering the endemic phase, the used car industry has been thriving, for a number of reasons," he said in a statement.

He said used cars were also getting more enticing in terms of cost.

"Cars depreciate quickly, which means that after only five years, they can cost as low as half their original price.

"In buying a reliable used car, you would only be paying about 60-80% the cost of a brand new vehicle, and receive a highly reliable vehicle that is covered by factory warranty.

"If maintained properly over the years, their features retain high usability, hence giving drivers a perfectly functional car for much cheaper than what one would have paid for a new car," he said.

He also said the global supply chain interruption on items such as microchips for automobiles caused by the Covid-19 lockdowns had affected the rollout of new cars.

 Derrick Eng.

Used cars, he said, are also more environmentally-friendly as a typical passenger vehicle emits 4,600kg of CO2 per year, while the production of a new electric car emits about 14,746kg of CO2.

"We strongly believe that a major way to reduce harmful emissions is by extending the life cycle of old cars.

"In doing so, we not only make used cars sustainable, but we also reduce factory emissions.

"When buying a used car, you are buying it with the emissions already produced," he said.

He also said used cars do not have shipping or hidden costs that buyers might encounter while buying new cars.

"You can still read the fine print and find out what additional fees, if any, are being added to your total car cost even when buying a used car.

"For example, in buying a used car from a platform like myTukar, one need not worry about hidden costs as the platform’s buying car process is quick, transparent and fair.

"When it comes down to warranty, buying a used car is always a gamble, as most used old cars are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

He said myTukar's goal is to make buying used cars more affordable and that the company is offering a five-day money back guarantee and an extended one-year warranty.

He also said the vehicle purchasing journey should be a seamless and easy experience.

"It is vital that customers understand that they are paying the right price and have reviewed every aspects of the vehicle.

"As we believe this to be an important step in the journey, that is why we strive to ensure every aspect of the car ownership process is taken care of, from obtaining the Road Transport Department's approval right down to choosing the right car insurance and banking option," he said.

He said customers do not need to conduct extensive research to find out if they are paying the right price or if the vehicle is in good quality as myTukar takes care of all those aspects.

"As myTukar’s vehicles have gone through an extensive 360-inspection check, buyers would be able to have an overall and thorough insight into the car’s condition," he said.

He said the best second-hand car models in the world are the Toyota Corolla, Honda Fit and Mercedes Benz E-Class.

"However, in Malaysia, the most popular second-hand cars are the Perodua Myvi, Honda Civic FC and Toyota Vios," he added.


Bank Negara: Six-month moratorium begins tomorrow

                KUALA LUMPUR: The six-month moratorium for all individuals, microenterprises and affected small and medium-enterprises (SMEs) begins on July 7, according to Bank Negara Malaysia.

Opting in for the moratorium or any other repayment packages will be easy with no need for borrowers to provide supporting documentation. Approval will be given automatically, it added.

Bank Negara said today this moratorium was in line with the National People’s Well-Being and Economic Recovery Package (Pemulih).

“In addition to the moratorium, banks will also offer a reduction in instalments and other packages, including to reschedule and restructure financing to suit the specific financial circumstances of borrowers, ” it said in a statement.

Bank Negara said borrowers could opt in online through a web form or an auto-generated email that will be available on banks’ websites to provide their personal and financing details.
Borrowers could also call up their banks and guidance will be provided by the customer service officer. If borrowers are unable to use these digital channels, they may also visit their bank branches to submit their request for the moratorium.

However, they are advised to check with respective banks on any changes in operating hours or arrangements for over-the-counter services due to movement restrictions.

“The repayment assistance is applicable for financing approved before July 1, 2021, ” it said.

Bank Negara said borrowers must not have missed instalments by more than 90 days or be subject to bankruptcy/winding up proceedings at the time the request for repayment assistance is submitted.

“For clarity, borrowers that are already under a repayment assistance programme and are servicing their financing in accordance with the terms of the programme will be able to opt in for this moratorium.

“Individual and SME borrowers who have financing with more than 90 days of missed payments are advised to contact Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) to obtain suitable repayment assistance and free financial advice (services.akpk.org.my).

Borrowers are advised that opting for repayment assistance will increase the overall cost of borrowing, as interest/profit will continue to accrue on deferred payments.

“Banks are required to provide borrowers with information on how instalment amounts and the financing tenure will be impacted.

“Where a borrower requests to maintain lower instalments (instead of original instalments) after the moratorium, this would result in the loan tenure being extended for a longer period.

“Banks will not charge interest on interest, or profit on profit (i.e. compounding interest/profit), or any penalty interest/profit during the period of assistance.

“Borrowers’ Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) records will not be affected by any form of repayment assistance received in 2021,” it said.


Bentley Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner arrives at RM1.8mil

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Bentley Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner is now available in Malaysia, priced at RM1,800,000 before duties and taxes, and available for viewing at Bentley Kuala Lumpur for a limited duration (Call +60 3 2165 1688 for viewing).

This limited edition Mulsanne pays homage to the founding father of the company and was designed to celebrate Bentley's centenary year in 2019, having produced only 100 of them worldwide.

Each of the limited-edition models contains a piece of Bentley's history: a slice of the original crankshaft taken from W.O. Bentley’s personal 8 Litre car — his final creation for Bentley Motors back in 1930.

The 8 Litre was described as W.O. Bentley’s finest grand tourer. Launched in 1930, it was also the last car he personally designed.

A number of different veneers and materials were used. Four different wood types give contrast and depth to the piece, while aluminium is used to achieve the highlights, signature and geometric pattern.

The diamond-like borders that run parallel to each side add to the contemporary look while retaining an art deco feel.

The piece is finished with W.O.’s signature.

An interior colour split made from luxurious Newmarket Tan Heritage and Newmarket Tan hide is complemented further by Beluga hide detailing and blind stitching.

Dark Stained Burr Walnut veneer extends to the minor gauge panel, steering wheel rim and other areas.

The Mulsanne is Finished with Newmarket Tan lambswool rugs, glass tumblers, privacy curtains to the rear doors, and a rear seat entertainment system.

The Mulsanne W.O. Edition furcher enhances its formidable road presence with Onyx paintwork, chrome bonnet strip and graceful Flying B Mascot atop the optional chrome radiator shell and grille.

A discreet W.O. Bentley signature badge is displayed on the lower bumper, while special centenary badging adorns the self-levelling wheel centres and door treadplates.


Sia's producer to design sounds of upcoming Lotus Evija

                LONDON: Lotus has teamed up with a leading British music producer to create a range of unique sounds for its upcoming Evija electric hypercar.

Patrick Patrikios has written and produced for artists such as Olly Murs, Sia, Britney Spears and Pixie Lott and has now turned his attention to sounds for the Evija.

“We wanted to create a soundscape for the Evija that was recognisably and distinctively Lotus,” said Patrikios. “I sat with the development team at Hethel and discussed what that should be. We wanted something intrinsically connected to Lotus so we could set an audio blueprint for its future electric cars.”

Patrikios kicked off the process by using the Lotus Type 49 as a starting point. As one of the firm’s most famous racing cars, the Type 49’s V8 created a raucous noise which provided a great place to move off from for the sound of the Evija.

Patrikios then took a recording of the Type 49’s exhaust note and slowed it down, finding out in the process that the engine note created a similar frequency to the natural driving sound of the Evija.

“I adjusted the replay speeds and digital filtering of the Type 49 to generate a soundscape for the Evija – it was a very organic process,” said Patrikios. “We all wanted something to spark an emotional connection between car and driver. Sound is hugely influential when it comes to creating and forming emotions, to enrich that bond that’s such a critical part of the Lotus experience.”

Not only was the producer able to create an external sound for the Lotus as it accelerates, but also developed chimes and tones for certain aspects of the car, such as the indicators and seatbelt warning.

The Evija looks set to become one of the most powerful series-production cars ever built and is limited to just 130 units. Each car comes with a price tag of £1.7 million (RM9.7mil) .


Petrol and diesel cheaper from tomorrow

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices will drop across the board for the tail end of April under the new weekly pricing mechanism.

The price of RON95 petrol will go down by six sen to RM2.21 per litre compared to RM2.27 last week, while the price of RON97 petrol will go down by five sen to RM2.49 compared to RM2.54 per litre last week.

The price of diesel will also go down - by seven sen to RM2.14 this week compared to RM2.21 per litre last week.

The new prices come into effect on Thursday and will remain in effect until May 3.

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

Previously, its minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin announced that a new weekly fuel pricing mechanism would be used from April.

The prices of petrol and diesel had been placed on a managed monthly float system since Dec 1, 2014, following the removal of fuel subsidies.

With the new weekly mechanism, fuel prices will be announced every Wednesday and take effect after midnight.


UK's CoDriver App said to solve unaccompanied test drives woes

                LONDON: With the pandemic still in full-swing globally, UK-based Ignition has come up with an app that helps carmakers deliver specific information about the vehicle to those during unaccompanied test drives.

This comes in the wake of the British government's advice to avoid taking public transportation as businesses look forward to opening their doors soon with several predictions arising - one of which could see a rise in car sales.

An immediate consideration is how dealerships will manage the test drive while respecting social distancing measures which is to provide unaccompanied test drives, yet this remains a key differentiator for customers when deciding to purchase a vehicle.

Providing all-important information on features, technology and performance is an essential factor for customers to consider while hands-on with the vehicle which the CoDriver app is said to be able to provide.

The app is able to deliver pre-recorded content that activates along a pre-set route(s) based on the vehicle's GPS location which will allow drivers to absorb specific product information about the vehicle and is relatively easy to setup on Apple's iOS system.


Car boom brings gridlock misery to 'green and happy' Bhutan

Traffic backed up on a road in Bhutan's capital Thimphu. — AFP
THIMPHU: Famed for valuing Gross National Happiness over economic growth, Bhutan is a poster child for sustainable development.

But booming car sales may impact efforts to preserve its rare status as a carbon negative country —and an increase in traffic is testing the good humour of its citizens.

Bhutan has seen a more than five-fold increase in cars, buses and trucks on its roads in the past two decades, according to transport authority director-general Pemba Wangchuk with capital Thimphu hardest hit by the influx of vehicles.

Phuntsho Wangdi, a media consultant, says the congestion and lack of parking now makes driving stressful in the tiny Himalayan kingdom where there are no traffic lights.

"I wish there were fewer cars. It wasn't like this before," he adds of life in Thimphu, which is home to half the cars in the country.

The nation's economy has grown 7.5 percent each year in the past decade, according to the World Bank. Officials estimate there is now one car for every seven people in Bhutan, which has a total population of 750,000.

But the nation's narrow country lanes and outdated city roads can barely cope. A lack of infrastructure, along with poor driving etiquette — some simply leave their cars parked in the middle of the road — compounds the problem.

"Every year, the number of cars and the number of people are increasing, and the roads have remained the same, and it's a problem for us," said Lhendup, a taxi driver.

Gridlock misery

Morning rush hour journeys that once took five minutes now take more than half an hour.

This may seem a small figure compared to the hours of gridlock faced by commuters in Manila, Jakarta, and Bangkok, but it is a step-change for the Bhutanese who say the situation has rapidly deteriorated in the past year.

"Its chaotic. I eat my breakfast in the car now to save time," says Kuenzang Choden, who drops her four-year-old daughter at school every day before heading to work.

The traffic jams are a sign of the wider economic changes the nation is facing. Bhutan is renowned for prioritising Gross National Happiness over GDP, and has captured tourists' imagination as a tranquil, idyllic land, but there are signs of malcontent.

According to the World Bank's 2018 report, the youth unemployment rate is high, as is rural to urban migration, which puts a strain on the resources of towns and cities. And despite it's reputation as a place where well-being is prioritised — it ranked 95th out of 156 countries in the 2019 UN World Happiness Report.

The proliferation of the Internet and smartphones are fuelling modern desires, while dealers are filling their showrooms with new brands and models from Japan and South Korea to lure buyers.

And while taxes have increased and restrictions put on vehicle loans, car buyers are not discouraged.

Local financial institutions gave 3.2 billion ngultrum (US$46 million) in car loans in 2015, but by last year the amount had reached 6.7 billion ngultrum (US$96 million).

The figures please local businessmen but worry environmentalists keen to ensure Bhutan remains one of the world's greenest countries.

Environmental activist Yeshey Dorji explains: "As a nation that prides itself on being a carbon-negative country, the increase in the number of fossil fuel vehicles speaks poorly of our leadership position in environmental conservation."

Radical measures

Bhutan and Suriname, both with lush forests, are the only two countries to claim they are carbon negative, absorbing more carbon pollution than they give off.

Methane from cows, the burning of crops and other farm activities used to be Bhutan's main source of greenhouse gases. But that has changed in recent years to industry and cars.

Bhutan's constitution dictates that at least 60 percent of the country must be forest and the figure is currently above 70 percent.

But Bhutan is now importing more in fossil fuels than it exports in hydropower to India -- the country's biggest revenue earner.

Public transport is poor, particularly in Thimphu, which is home to 100,000 people but barely 40 buses.

The capital's mayor Kinlay Dorji plans to introduce bus-only lanes on city roads and wants to buy more buses.

"Its time for radical measures," he says.

"We have to make public transport more attractive and discourage owning cars," he adds, warning that unless action was taken Thimphu risked grinding to a standstill.

To ease congestion, the city is also constructing its first two multi-storey car parks that will each take about 600 cars.

The National Environment Commission insists Bhutan is still carbon negative despite the traffic jams and vehicle boom, but wants to stop things worsening.

Commission secretary Dasho Sonam P. Wangdi explains: "We cannot stop people from buying cars, but we can introduce alternative, less polluting cars such as the hybrid and electric ones to reduce carbon footprint."


US to propose revoking California authority to set auto emissions rules, says source

                WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is expected as early as Thursday to propose revoking California’s power to set state vehicle emissions rules and mandate the purchase of electric vehicles, a government official briefed on the matter said.

The US Transportation Department and Environmental Protection Agency are expected to unveil a proposed regulation that recommends freezing national emissions requirements at 2020 levels through 2026, the official said on condition of anonymity because it has not yet been made public.

The administration plans to propose a rule that would revoke a waiver California was granted by the EPA under the Clean Air Act to set state emissions rules and require zero emission vehicles. EPA and the Transportation Department will take comment and hold public hearings before finalising a decision.

Regulators forecast freezing national emissions standards after 2020 would increase US fuel consumption by about 500,000 barrels of oil per day, the source said. Government regulators also estimate the regulation, which they name the Safer and Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles rule, will cut traffic deaths and reduce the cost of new vehicles.

The proposal is sure to spark a massive fight with California and a dozen other states that have adopted California’s emissions rules, which would require average vehicle fuel efficiency to reach around 50 miles per gallon by 2025.

Eliminating California’s electric vehicle mandate would hurt automakers like Tesla Inc and General Motors Co that are investing billions in EVs.

The Trump administration proposal will seek to reverse planned hikes in fuel efficiency standards adopted by the Obama administration. A freeze would reduce the average fleet fuel economy standard from a current projected level of 46.8 mpg (5 l/100km) in 2026 to 37 mpg (6.4 l/100km), according to an earlier draft obtained by Democratic Senator Tom Carper.

The administration contends the new plan could lead to a total of 1 million additional new vehicle sales through 2029 versus if the Obama rules remained in place, the official said. Major automakers have repeatedly said they do not back freezing the requirements but have called for changes to take into account fuel prices and shifting consumer demand.

The proposal will also ask for comments on whether US regulators should revoke or expand emissions credits for air conditioning improvements or offer new credits for autonomous vehicles.

The EPA and Transportation Department did not immediately provide comments on Monday.

In May, California and a group of 16 other states challenged the Trump administration’s decision to reopen strict US vehicle emissions rules for review. Reuters reported previously that the Transportation Department plans to assert in the proposal that California is also barred from setting emissions rules under a 1975 law.

The administration draft says the proposal would save up to 1,000 highway deaths annually by reducing the cost of new vehicles and prodding people to buy new safer cars sooner, the source said. California and environmentalists have previously criticized that analysis.

California attorney-general Xavier Becerra said in a statement Monday that he is “ready to use every legal tool at our disposal to protect the current vehicle emission standards.”

The draft proposal forecasts the average cost of a new vehicle would fall by US$1,850 by 2030 and would only have a “negligible impact” on the global climate of “3/1000th of one degree Celsius by 2100.”

The administration projects the new rule would reduce “societal costs” by about US$500 billion over the life of the vehicles, but the administration’s overall forecast net benefits are unclear, once higher fuel consumption is taken into account.

The rules could thwart efforts to boost EVs in California.

In January, California governor Jerry Brown set a new target of 5 million zero-emission vehicles in California by 2030, up from a prior goal of 1.5 million by 2025. Automakers have announced plans to spend tens of billions of dollars to add dozens of new EV models.

Representative Jimmy Gomez, a California Democrat, wrote on Twitter that the state’s “vehicle emissions standards are a big part of our environmental identity.... We actually care about our future. Stay out of CA’s way!”


Experiencing Pilota Ferrari Around the World

                An opportunity to become a better driver under the Pilota Ferrari Around the World programme is something never declined. It was a day of high-speed thrills and great driving fun for 11 bright-eyed Ferrari owners at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

The Ferrari owners and two lucky journalists were participants in the “Pilota Ferrari Around the World”, a full-day driving course that provides the thrills and pleasure of driving a Ferrari on-track with the added benefits of skilled instruction and personal coaching.

Pilota Ferrari highlights the Italian luxury performance marque’s racing DNA and gives owners an in-depth understanding of their Ferraris’ capabilities.

Ferrari owners would come away from the course with more confidence in handling their V8 and V12 engined steeds at high speeds whilst also enjoying the thrill of driving their cars to the fullest potential in the controlled environment of a professional race track.

This was the second time the Pilota Ferrari was held here, after the event made its Malaysian debut in conjunction with Ferrari Racing Days two years ago.

The exhilarating programme was once again hosted by Naza Italia, the official importer of the Ferrari brand in Malaysia.

The Ferrari models brought by their owners to the track included the 430 Scuderia, 488 GTB, 360 Modena, California T, 458 Spider, 458 Italia, 599 GTB and 458 Speciale.

The course consisted of both theory and practical sessions, with participants receiving one-to-one instruction in a regimented series of on-track exercises. It started with a quick briefing on the efficient driving position in the cockpit including advise on gripping the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o’clock position.

Guided by six professional Pilota instructors authorised by Ferrari, participants spent a lot of time driving on the track with the instructors and received personalised advice relevant to their Ferrari models.

The instructors taught participants about progressive accelerator and brake control, setting precise driving lines through bends and braking and acceleration techniques.

Based on this writer’s experience, a typical on-track session driving at high speeds on the 5.543km main circuit with lots of sweeping corners, wide straights and a tight hairpin bend would see the Ferrari instructor barking at the driver - “Lift off! (the accelerator pedal). Brake hard! Turn! Look at where you want to go - anticipate the turnings....”

Instructors also used vehicle telemetry data to advise participants on how to get faster lap times.

GoPro recorders were installed in the cars, and video reviews were also used in one-on-one sessions with the instructors where participants received advice on how their driving performances can be improved.

“Pilota Ferrari is a thrilling opportunity for Ferrari owners to better understand the racing heritage of the brand. Through participation in this professional course, they learn to master their Ferraris and can experience the full potential of these world-class vehicles.

“This Pilota Ferrari Around the World Malaysia has been yet another successful event and we know our customers will certainly look forward to its return,” said Naza Italia chief operating officer Farid Sulaiman. Among the participants was Selia Group CEO Datuk Mohamed Zaini Amran who owns a 458 Italia.

“This is great fun, and a new experience for me. Pilota Ferrari has helped me to better understand my car. The instructors are very good,” said Mohamed Zaini.

“I learned how to drive better on-track and handle the car in oversteer and understeer situations.

“The highlight is the personalised instructions and ample feedback from the instructors,” said one participant.
Another participant who preferred to remain anonymous said, “I was very excited and was not going to miss it for the world when I heard Naza Italia was going to conduct the Pilota Ferrari Around the World course.

“Where else can one master the intricacies of Ferrari but through a professional course led by an experienced team of instructors including some from Maranello.

“After a gruelling yet highly satisfying day, I came away being a much better driver, comprehending and learning how to get the best from my Ferrari,” he said.

On display at the event was the new Ferrari GTC4Lusso T, which is the first four-seater in Prancing Horse history to sport a turbo-charged V8 engine.

It was recently unveiled by Naza Italia at a base price of RM1.088mil (excluding duty and customisation options).

Below is a video clip of the Pilota Ferrari held in South Korea that shows what participants typically learnt in the programme.


Does a clean car translate to respect on the road?

                LONDON: Like everyone else, the Brits have prejudices. And a Continental study on driver behaviour sought to affirm it.

Over 16 million British motorists judge other drivers based on the colour, type, and cleanliness of their car and even let it affect how they drive, according to the study released on Tuesday.

Some 45 per cent of Brits allow their own prejudices to affect how courteous or aggressively they act towards other road users – with something as simple as a bumper sticker prompting millions to see red.

In a survey of 2,000 drivers, more than a third admit they allow their assumptions to affect them behind the wheel, meaning they are intentionally more or less reckless as a result.

The research for Continental Tyres also revealed that we are twice as likely to not let someone out at a junction if they are in a flash car because "they think they’re it". Yet, the biggest reason why drivers will not let someone pull out is if they can see the other person at the wheel using their mobile phone.

It was also revealed was that six in 10 get agitated by a sticker for a rival sports team or in support of a cause or organisation. Mark Griffiths, spokesman for Continental Tyres, said: “It is alarming that 34 per cent of drivers will change their driving style based on a prejudice about something as unimportant as how clean a vehicle is.

“Keen observation is vital for road safety and this study was part of our commitment to making driving safer, while trying to understand the ways that motorists behave. “

It seems British motorists are not bothered about the prejudices made about their car. Over half expect to be stereotyped – though only one in seven admit it affects their choice of car.

Occasionally, it can count in our favour as the survey found that 27 per cent of people make an effort to be courteous to people in the same make and model of car as them.

Opinions are divided on hybrid and electric vehicles with one in three believing owners are right to consider the environment and an equal number describing them as "tree-huggers" or "self-righteous".

“We might form opinions of people based on issues like appearance, though for that to lead to more aggressive driving is dangerous. We think road users must be courteous to others at all times," said Griffiths.

“Rather than aesthetic and other non-risk affecting features, the importance should be placed on factors like driving behaviour, car safety and tyre condition – as these are the things that really impact on safety."