Honda Jazz hybrid in Europe billed as most comfortable in class

                LONDON: The new Honda Jazz e:HEV hybrid in Europe was developed to deliver class-leading levels of comfort and spaciousness.

Central to achieving this is Honda’s newly developed body stabilising seat frame with supportive mat structure.

A wider seat bottom allows the seat pad depth to be increased by 30mm with the additional softness immediately noticeable when seated.

The enhanced structure in the back of the seat increases lumbar and pelvic support.

This helps to prevent fatigue, particularly in the hip and waist area of occupants on longer journeys.

The newly designed seats are tapered towards the top of the seatback to provide the cushion volume needed to fully support and envelop occupants’ backs.

Ergonomic enhancements include positioning the brake pedal deeper inside the footwell, reducing the need for the seat position to be adjusted for comfortable pedal operation.

Rear passengers also benefit from best-in-class rear leg room of 989mm, with the front seat guiding rails moved further apart and the width between the rails increased.

Carrying Honda's new e:HEV badge, all-new Jazz has two compact, powerful electric motors connected to a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC petrol engine, a lithium-ion battery and a fixed-gear transmission via an intelligent power control unit,

Luggage capacity (with rear seats up) starts from 298 litres and goes up to an impressive 1203 litres (rear seats down, to the roof).

Also key to maximising cabin room is the positioning of the fuel tank in the centre of the chassis beneath the front seats, which is unique in this class.

This enables the Jazz to retain the versatile rear Magic Seat configuration that offers both fold-flat or flip-up seat flexibility.


Tesla China exports slump to just 60 cars on strong local demand

China-made Model 3s rolling off the Tesla plant in Shanghai. — Reuters
SHANGHAI: Tesla Inc. exported just 60 cars produced at its Shanghai factory in March, a record low as strong domestic demand sucked up most of the output, according to China Passenger Car Association data released today.

The US-based maker of EVs shipped a total of 65,814 cars from its factory in China’s financial hub last month, with the bulk of those — 65,754 — going to the domestic market.

The total number of EVs produced and delivered locally by Tesla in China in March was the highest since December, despite a six-day plant shutdown caused by production snarls and pandemic-related disruptions.

April figures will be closely watched considering the Covid-19 lockdown in Shanghai has seen Tesla suspend production there since March 28.

Tesla didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on its March output.

Overall passenger vehicle sales in China slid 10.9% year-on-year in March to 1.61 million units, the PCA data show. Month-on-month, sales rose 25.3%.

New-energy vehicle deliveries in China jumped 137.6% year-on-year to 445,000 units.

"Despite the global lithium price hike and chip shortage, China’s local OEMs achieved a great performance with their strong capability and government coordination,” Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the trade body, said.

He said China’s share of the global autos market reached a record 36% in the first two months of the year.

Also benefiting from robust local demand was China’s BYD Co., which delivered 104,338 new-energy vehicles. NEVs include EVs and plug-in hybrids.

China’s legacy carmakers are under growing pressure to crank out ever-larger volumes of electric vehicles as missing their NEV production targets could dent their profitability, Bloomberg Intelligence analysts wrote earlier this month.


Electric vehicle boom may force China to burn more dirty coal

                MELBOURNE: Expanding coal-fired power is China’s “only real option in the short term” to meet rising electricity demand, including from new energy vehicles, according to ANZ Group.

“Power shortages are likely to reemerge as the acceleration in the energy transition continues to put pressure on electricity networks,” analysts Daniel Hynes and Soni Kumari said in a report today.

China’s power market is already showing signs of strain as extremely low water levels sap hydropower generation in southern provinces.

As climate change delivers more frequent and persistent heat waves, the region’s reliance on hydro — China’s largest source of clean energy — is being called into question.

The government’s response has included raising domestic production and imports of coal, its mainstay fuel.

At the same time, electric vehicles, ostensibly a solution to the climate crisis, are emerging as a pressure point on the grid.

The world’s passenger EV fleet is set to displace as much as 600,000 barrels a day of fossil fuel demand this year, ANZ said.

China, which leads global growth in EV sales, accounts for as much as 60% of that displacement, according to the bank.

“Most of that switch would see additional demand for coal-fired power output,” ANZ said.

Scorching temperatures are roasting Asia this week, stretching the region’s power grids and raising health risks as the chances of more extreme events later in the year increase.


Going the distance with Volkswagen ID.3

                WOLFSBURG: Testing the long-distance qualities of the new Volkswagen ID.3 and the EV infrastructure in Germany will be undertaken by record-breaking driver Rainer Zietlow, and his co-driver Dominic Brüner.

Over the course of a unique two-month marathon, they will be stopping at around 650 quick-charging stations with more than 60 kW charging capacity.

The focus is on the new VW ID.3 Pro S with its 77 kWh battery, Germany’s quick-charging station network and Volkswagen’s We Charge service.

His marathon tour, around 20,000km long, will take him all over Germany and will recharge the car almost entirely with environmentally friendly green electricity.

They will be testing the long-distance qualities of the new Volkswagen ID.3 as well as the infrastructure in Germany.

They are driving a pre-production model of the ID.3 Pro S with a 77kWh net battery energy capacity. The battery offers a range of up to 549 km in a WLTP cycle and will be brought to market in spring 2021.

The Institute of Transport Logistics (ITL) at the Technical University of Dortmund calculated the efficient route through as many areas of Germany as possible.

Over the coming two months, he and his team will report on their experiences online.

In racing circles, Rainer Zietlow has made a name for himself as a long-distance specialist. His worldwide record-breaking projects with Volkswagen models including three World Records and seven long-distance records took him to 130 different countries.


Mechanics upskilling to keep up with modern cars

Lim showing a diagnostics device at his workshop in Bukit Mertajam.
BUKIT MERTAJAM: Should your car break down, it might be a case of “too much technology is not a good thing.”

With some computer faults capable of causing a vehicle to stall, a tow truck operator has to be called in to bring the car to a workshop for diagnosis before repairs can take place.

Tow truck company owner Chan Kok Hoe said such breakdowns had tripled over the past 10 years and he intended to double his fleet of tow trucks this year to cater to demand.

“There are many vehicles on the road which rely on software and electronic controls to function,” said Chan.

“Such technology has made vehicles ‘smarter’ which is welcomed.

“But there have been instances when vehicles would not start without a network connection and the rate of vehicle breakdowns has also increased.

“About 10 years ago, I would tow only about five cars daily, but the number has increased to about 15 now,” he said.

Mechanic Lim Shin Kian, 43, said breakdowns from electronic failures were costly to repair.

“In the olden days, we could troubleshoot all the mechanical failures.

“Now with vehicles having an engine control unit (ECU) and various circuit boards, their failures require sophisticated tools and may also mean a total replacement of the parts, as they cannot be repaired.

“Cars will usually face issues with their circuit boards after about five years.

“The more sensors and technology a car has, the more errors it might develop.

“The most severe problems faced by cars will require towing and costly ECU repairs if damaged by floods and excessive moisture. They can cost from RM500 to RM10,000,” he said.

Investments to diagnose such modern vehicles do not come cheap, and new sets of skills are required, said Lim.

He explained that a set of on-board diagnostics (OBD) scanners might cost over RM10,000 and training was required to operate them.

“These scanners need to be plugged into the ECU to read the problems in the car before we start repair work,” he said.

Lim advised new car owners to keep a record of their vehicle maintenance schedules and use only quality or genuine parts to reduce the risk of such breakdowns.

“A lot of research and testing is put into the programming to ensure reliability of electronic components as they are vulnerable.

“By performing regular checks, the chances of breakdowns on the road can be reduced through early detection of problems before they fail entirely.

“Car owners should also be on the alert for error symbols as sensors in the car would usually detect them first.

“Of course, avoid driving through flooded areas whenever possible, as the ECU is usually placed at the bottom of the cabin.

“Driving fast through the water would only increase the risk of engine failure as more water splashes into the compartment,” he said.

A customer who wished to be known only as Quah, 36, said she bought a new car in November last year.

But its software started going haywire and it took two months for the manufacturer to provide an update to solve it.

“It was a new car with all sorts of features that could be controlled from a computer on the dashboard,” said Quah. - LO TERN CHERN

“However, it kept showing errors for various reasons, and the worst was whenever I locked the car, the windows would wind down on their own, leaving a gap.

“I contacted the manufacturer and was informed that since it was a new model, they did not have a solution yet.

“After about two months of waiting and repeated emails, there was finally a software update which solved the problem,” she added.


SIC to finalise MotoGP licence renewal soon

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) said the renewal of the Motorcycle GrandPrix (MotoGP) licence, which expires this year, is expected to be finalised by the end of this week.

MotoGP, the world’s biggest motorcycling event, was first staged at the Batu Tiga Circuit in Shah Alam in 1991 before shifting to the Pasir Gudang Circuit, Johor, in 1998 while the Sepang Circuit hosted its first MotoGP race in 1999.

This weekend, the Shell Malaysia MotoGP 2016, the 26th Malaysia MotoGP, is set to be another crowd-puller at SIC, following on the heels of last year’s sellout silver jubilee race.

“Last year we saw 85,000 spectators for our MotoGP. This year, as all the tickets have already been sold out, we target a record 90,000 spectators, inclusive of from the hill stands.

“Moving forward, if all parties collaborate, inclusive of the ministries of tourism, sports and communication, we may improve further,” he said.

In a related development, SIC corrected an earlier report that a decision about the Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix would be made this week.

“Any misunderstanding is regretted,” the SIC said in an e-mailed statement to Bernama here.

SIC chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali was earlier quoted as saying that there would be a meeting to discuss the matter with SIC’s major stakeholder, the Finance Ministry, on Thursday.

“The F1 ticket sales here have gone down since 2014.

“In contrast, the Malaysia Motorcycle GrandPrix (MotoGP) looks more promising in terms of attracting spectators and its potential spillover effects,” he said at a media briefing in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

Malaysia first started hosting the F1 race in Sepang in 1999.

Razlan, however, said he would be in no hurry to issue an official announcement on the discontinuation of the F1 race in Malaysia as SIC has a “watertight agreement” with the licensed holder until 2018.

“A temporary withdrawal from F1 (after 2018) could be beneficial for the country to take a break. Currently, some say, the product (F1) is no longer exciting as it is being dominated by one team.

“An initial report for the last F1 race also showed that television viewership in Malaysia was the lowest in history,” he said, adding that Singapore’s F1 had also reportedly registered a 20% decline in ticket sales.

Razlan hinted at SIC focusing on developing the MotoGP event.


Renault Buy & Win contest winners announced

                PETALING JAYA: TCEC, the sole franchise holder for Renault vehicles in Malaysia last week announced the three winners from the first-round draw of the Renault Buy & Win contest.

Najhan Pata Sairi, Guillaume Li Ting Khoo and Saraswathy Kulasingham, who purchased the Fluence, Captur and Captur models respectively, each drove away with RM1,500 worth of travel vouchers.

Following this first round draw, there is still a Renault Twizy full-electric vehicle worth RM86,800 and more holiday prizes to be won.

The next two draws for the holiday prizes will be conducted in May and July respectively, while the lucky winner of the Renault Twizy will be decided concurrently during the July draw after the campaign ends.

The Renault Buy & Win contest is currently on-going and ends on June 30, 2018.

“I purchased the Renault Fluence because of the powerful 2.0L engine capacity, the modern stylish design and because it stood out from the crowd on the roads,” said IT officer Najhan Pata. “Even though I was aware of the Buy & Win Contest, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that I was one of the lucky winners.”

All winners will be notified via phone and an official notification letter will be sent to their mailing address.

Meanwhile, TCEC is offering attractive promotions with savings of up to RM30,000 on the popular Renault Koleos, Captur and Fluence models under the ‘Favours the Bold’ campaign, which ends on Mar 31, 2018.

Customers who purchase the Koleos – Renault’s premium SUV – will receive a free service and maintenance package worth RM6,850.

Available in 2WD and 4WD versions, prices for the Renault Koleos start at RM184,200.

The trendy turbocharged Renault Captur crossover, which is priced at RM109,000, is also available through the campaign at only RM98,000.

Additionally, customers who prefer the reliable and solid Renault Fluence sedan will appreciate the promotional price of RM89,888. The offer translates to RM30,000 in savings and is valid for the Dynamique variant, which is priced at RM119,888.

The promotions on offer for the Renault Koleos, Captur and Fluence will end on Mar 31, 2018.

For more information about Renault in Malaysia, please visit www.renault.com.my or www.facebook.com/RenaultMalaysia.


Uber shows off upgraded Volvo self-driving car

                WASHINGTON: Uber Technologies Inc unveiled its newest Volvo self-driving car in Washington on Wednesday as it works to eventually deploy vehicles without drivers under some limited conditions.

Uber said the new production XC90 will be assembled by Volvo Cars in Sweden and have human controls like steering wheels and brake pedals, but also with factory-installed steering and braking systems designed for computer rather than human control.

Uber Advanced Technologies Group chief scientist Raquel Urtasun showed off the company’s artificial intelligence technology that allows it to drive autonomously for long distances on highways without maps and “on the fly” to plot its course and navigate construction zones.

“Our goal is get each one of you to where you want to go much better, much safer, cheaper,” Urtasun said.

As the race to push out autonomous cars across the globe heats up, other companies are also working to deploy self-driving vehicles in limited areas.

Ford Motor Co’s majority-owned autonomous vehicle unit, Argo AI, launched its new fleet of self-driving test vehicles - Ford Fusion Hybrid - in Detroit on Wednesday, expanding to five U.S. cities.

The No. 2 U.S. automaker also opened a research center in Tel Aviv, joining a growing number of major automakers and suppliers setting up shop in Israel’s tech hub.

General Motors Co in January 2018 sought permission from U.S. regulators to deploy a ride-sharing fleet of driverless cars without steering wheels or other human controls before the end of 2019, but is still struggling to win regulatory approval.

Alphabet Inc’s Waymo unit is operating a robotaxi service in Arizona and said last month it is partnering with Lyft Inc to serve more riders.

South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Motors Corp both said they would invest in the self-driving car software startup Aurora and speed up development of their respective autonomous vehicle technologies.

Carmakers have struggled to maintain profit margins faced with the rising costs of making electric, connected and autonomous cars. As a result, they are setting up alliances and lining up outside investors to combat spiraling development costs.

Previously, Uber had purchased about 250 Volvo XC90 SUVs and retrofitted them for self-driving use.

The new vehicles - known by the internal code number 519G and under development for several years - are safer, more reliable and will replace the older vehicles in Uber’s fleet “soon,” according to Eric Meyhofer, the head of Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group.

“This is about going to production,” Meyhofer said in an interview at an Uber conference in Washington on Tuesday.

The new vehicle also has several backup systems for both steering and braking functions as well as backup battery power and new cybersecurity systems.

Human controls

Uber is not ready to deploy vehicles without human controls, Meyhofer said.

“We’re still in a real hybrid state,” he said. “We have to get there and we’re not going to get to thousands of cars in a city overnight. It’s going to be a slower introduction.”

The new XC90 vehicles have an interior fish-eye camera to scan for lost items, Uber said. They also do not have sunroofs since the self-driving vehicles have large sensors on the roof and are equipped with auto-close doors to prevent an unsafe departure.

Uber, which has taken delivery of about a dozen prototypes of the new vehicle, but has not yet deployed them on public roads, said the car’s “self-driving system will one day allow for safe, reliable autonomous ridesharing without the need” for a safety driver.

Asked if Uber will deploy self-driving cars without safety drivers in limited areas in the next few years, Meyhofer said: “Yes - way before that.”

But he added that Uber wants to be in “the good graces of public trust and regulatory trust” before making the business decision to deploy.

In December, Uber resumed limited self-driving car testing on public roads in Pittsburgh, nine months after it suspended the program following a deadly accident in Arizona.

In March 2018, authorities in Arizona suspended Uber’s ability to test its self-driving cars after one of its XC90 cars hit and killed a woman crossing the street at night in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe, then Uber’s largest testing hub. The crash was the first death attributed to a self-driving vehicle.

In March 2019, prosecutors in Arizona said the company was not criminally liable in the crash and would not pursue charges. Uber has since ended testing in Arizona, but plans to eventually resume testing in Toronto and San Francisco, Meyhofer said.

The death prompted significant safety concerns about the nascent self-driving car industry, which is racing to get vehicles into commercial use.

Volvo Cars chief executive Hakan Samuelsson said in a statement that “by the middle of the next decade, we expect one-third of all cars we sell to be fully autonomous.”

Volvo Cars, which is owned by China’s Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd, will use a similar autonomous base vehicle concept for the introduction of its first commercially available autonomous drive technology in the early 2020s.

Volvo and Uber said in 2017 that the rideshare company planned to buy up to 24,000 self-driving cars from Volvo from 2019 to 2021 using the self-driving system developed by Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group.

An Uber spokesman said Tuesday that the company plans “to work with Volvo on tens of thousands of vehicles in the future.”


myTukar introduces certified used cars

                KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s most comprehensive used car ecosystem, myTukar has just launched myTukar Certified, the best-in-class technology-backed stamp of assurance certification for used cars.

Backed by 100% transparency, detailed information and standardised inspections, this certification is the promise of quality and assurance that a used car is 'As Good As New.'

This follows the initiative by Carro, myTukar’s parent company, in introducing Carro Certified across all key markets, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan.

myTukar CEO Derrick Eng said myTukar Certified is an important step forward towards redefining existing industry practices in the used car industry.

“We aim to alleviate the fears of used car buyers and are committed to changing the perception of pre-owned vehicles.

“myTukar Certified ensures customers can buy pre-owned cars that are as good as new without compromising on quality, value, and safety standards,” he said.

Among the key features of myTukar Certified are:

> 160-point inspection – a comprehensive evaluation and refurbishment of the car's mechanical parts and details on key areas: exterior, interior, road test, safety and underbody

> 5-day money-back guarantee – full refund, with no questions asked

> 12-month warranty on gearbox and engine – covers the costs of repairs and replacements, including spare parts and repair work

> No mileage tampering – assurance of no mileage tampering

> No major accidents, fire and flood damage – 100% transparency around data about the car's previous usage history, any damage, accidents, or repairs made by past owners


Nissan teases one-pedal driving feature for new LEAF

                YOKOHAMA: Although we know very little about how the all-new LEAF will look when it's launched, Nissan appears to be teasing various features on an almost weekly basis at the moment.

The latest feature is called the e-Pedal, which is said to be a revolutionary technology that the manufacturer believes will transform the way we drive in the future.

With nothing more complicated than the flip of a switch, technology will turn the new LEAF’s accelerator into an e-Pedal that will let the driver accelerate, decelerate and come to a complete stop.

The Nissan technology will be the first one-pedal system for operating a vehicle in the world where drivers can bring the car to a total stop even on hills, stay in position, and then begin driving again instantly.

It's believed as much as 90% of driving needs can be covered using the e-Pedal, which is an interesting proposition that could change the way we interact with our vehicles. A key use for the e-Pedal would be during city commutes and in heavy traffic, where it will reduce the need for the driver to move from one pedal to the other and therefore make driving simpler and more engaging.

If you like the idea of the new Nissan LEAF but you're not so sure about the e-Pedal, there's no need to worry as it will be possible to turn the feature on and off.

For many the idea of one-pedal driving will be great most of the time, but there might well be times when coasting without a foot on the accelerator would be preferable, and there are bound to be drivers who simply want to drive the old-fashioned way.

Of course, one-pedal driving per-se isn't entirely new at all, as the BMW i3 has strong regeneration which lets drivers use mostly one foot, and it's the same with other EVs that have a braking mode. However, the Nissan system does sound as though it will take the concept further than we've seen up to now.


How Proton 'tropicalised' the X70 for Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: Since its launch in December 2018, the Proton X70 has quickly become Malaysia’s highest-selling SUV. Using the Bo Yue as a basis, Proton’s engineers went much further than simply converting the vehicle from left to right-hand drive, making countless changes along the way to make it suited to the Malaysian market.

Partnerships between carmakers are normal in the auto world, with some partnerships contractually allowing for one party to take an existing model from the other party and turn it into their own.

Such is the agreement that Geely made with Proton, allowing the latter to use a certain number of the former’s models. But the process is not as simple as changing a badge or two.

To bring a car to market, manufacturers have to ensure a value-added experience for their customers.

More than a left-right switch

The main point to note is that the Geely Bo Yue is a left-hand drive vehicle and, because of this, is completely unsuited to right-hand drive Malaysia. The solution seems easy enough – just move the steering wheel from the left to the right. But carmakers have discovered the process is rather more involved than just changing where the driver sits.

Aside from the wheel location, other items on the to-do list include repositioning and realigning the dashboard, steering console, pedals, door controls, brakes, gearbox, headlights, wipers, air-conditioning ducts, glovebox and a whole lot of cables and wires. In total, 761 parts from the Geely Bo Yue had to be changed to create the X70 and that’s before you count parts that had to be totally re-engineered.

 The CBU version of X70. Except for a few changes, the dashboard remained largely the same in the locally assembled model that came later.Beating the heat

The local market climate and topography plays another significant role in what is known as the process of "tropicalisation". Unlike China, Malaysia is located just north of the equator and enjoys tropical weather throughout the year so it is "hot all year with plenty of rain".

Therefore, some parts designed for the Chinese market would not suit the Malaysian climate and had to be replaced, including cooling and rubber components (now you know why Proton always had the best A/C – it is made specifically for Malaysia’s tough climate). Differences in terrain and altitude also had to be considered, requiring recalibration of the engine management system.

In short, an X70 must be able to withstand Kuala Lumpur’s standstill traffic at 34°C daily, drive up to the mountainous retreat of Genting Highlands at over 6,000 feet where the air is thinner, as well as survive the treacherous landscape of Borneo.

Making the grade (locally)

Once these interior climate control changes were made, along with those pertaining to the drive-side conversion, the car had to be rigorously tested in Malaysia to ensure suitability. Out of the total 548 tests completed by the Geely Bo Yue when it was first developed, 25% of those tests had to be locally repeated for the X70.

They were related to performance, ride and handling, braking, emissions, safety, weight, thermal, climate control, electromagnetic compatibility, environmental, aerodynamics, ergonomics, durability and noise, vibration & harshness (NVH).

Next, the Proton X70 had to conform to local regulatory standards and specifications – a process known as homologation.

Cars in Malaysia had to meet Asean NCAP safety standards instead of China’s C-NCAP, which has its own unique criteria. Fuel usage also varies between both countries – Chinese cars run primarily on RON92 petrol whereas Malaysian cars are fuelled with either RON95 or RON97 petrol. This difference in octane rating means that Malaysian fuel is harder to ignite and more resistant to "knocking", thus requiring the engine to be adjusted for maximised performance and effectiveness.

 The locally assembled X70 with the new Proton logo came after the SUV was launched in Malaysia as a fully imported unit.Empowering the workforce

Apart from components being different, there were also efforts to source parts from Malaysian suppliers.

Some did not initially have the expertise to produce those components, but the dilemma was remedied through a series of joint ventures and technical assistance agreements with Geely suppliers from China.

As a result, by the end of 2019, almost 45% of the parts for the X70 were sourced locally, which is set to increase by more than 8% by the end of 2020. This also enhances the country’s manufacturing know-how and offerings, enabling vendors to produce parts for a number of other marques, in and outside of Malaysia.

To get a general idea on the manpower resources required for the project, a total of 95 engineers from Proton were involved in the entire Bo Yue to X70 transformation process, covering everything from R&D to testing.

Along with technicians from Proton’s manufacturing and quality divisions, around 200 people in total were sent to Geely in China within six months to conceive Malaysia’s market-leading SUV.

This is but a glimpse of the work that Proton, with support from Geely, had to put into making the X70 its own, along with aesthetic changes to the design.


All about the Geely Boyue

                Geely launched the Boyue in March last year, priced from 98,800 yuan to 157,800 yuan (between RM62,000 and RM98,000).

The introduction of the SUV is part of its transition to an SUV strategy that will see the company leverage on its strength in the sedan market to create a series of market-leading SUVs.

As with the GC9 sedan, the Boyue (also known as Emgrand Boyue) was developed in Geely Auto’s Hangzhou R&D centre where over 3000 employees are on hand to develop the vehicle. The Boyue was developed around a “Three Outstanding” principle in that the vehicle must be outstanding to drive, offer outstanding safety and outstanding levels of automotive intelligence.

The Boyue measures in at (LxWxH) 4519×1831×1694mm with a wheelbase of 2,670mm – making the Boyue one of the biggest vehicles in the compact SUV segment allowing Geely Auto engineers and designers to maximise the level of comfort available.

READ MORE:
Proton finds partner in Geely, sells off Lotus

Peter Horbury, who worked previously with Volvo as its designer and is now with Geely, was responsible for the Boyue’s design with input from the four global design studios located in California, Barcelona, Gothenburg and Shanghai where there are 300 global designers employed.

“With the Boyue, we wanted to make a vehicle that was tough and bold as an SUV should be, but at the same time it should have a graceful look that fits into the Geely brand character, we also wanted to create a new benchmark for Chinese SUV’s, and I believe we have created a high standard for others to try and reach,” said Horbury.

Designed to be robust, refined and sporty, the Boyue is aimed at younger buyers who seek a vehicle that has good aesthetics, is technology-laden and offers connectivity to cater to their daily lives.

The Boyue is powered by a choice of powertrain options: an older 2.0L naturally aspirated engine with 161hp paired with a 6-speed manual and a 1.8L Turbo Direct Injection engine (181hp) mated to a dual clutch automatic transmission. A 2.4-litre non-turbo mill is offered in the Middle East instead of the 1.8T.

Safety features include a 360-degree camera system and lane departure alert system. The Boyue features an air purifying system to keep the interior air quality clean.

Saying “Hello Boyue” will activate the cars intelligent G-Netlink system that features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems that will sync with users' cellphones. G-Netlink is also able to update the driver on the weather as it is linked to the Internet via a 4G connection that can be shared with passengers, allowing for full connectivity on the go.

The Boyue is the first Chinese SUV to feature CarPlay, and such support will be rolled out to other Geely vehicles soon.


BMW to cut production cost per vehicle by 25%, says board member

                FRANKFURT: BMW plans significant production cost cuts by the middle of the decade, one of the German carmaker's board members said, in a bid to become more competitive with Volkswagen, Daimler and Tesla.

"We will lower the production costs per vehicle by 25% by 2025 - compared with the level in 2019," Milan Nedeljkovic, BMW's board member in charge or production, was quoted as saying by German newspaper Handelsblatt.

Last month BMW said it remained on course to meet its profit targets for 2021, despite rising raw material costs, although a global chip shortage will worsen and may hit production in the second quarter.


Berlin film explores value of work in Germany's struggling car industry

                BERLIN: Disruptions in Germany’s car industry are eroding job security and national identity, with the most vulnerable drawing more self-respect from work than the wealthy, the director of a documentary screening at this year’s Berlin Film Festival said.

The German documentary Automotive explores the value of work in the age of automation and digitisation, with low-skilled workers struggling to keep their jobs in Germany’s mighty automobile industry.

The malaise in Germany’s car industry, caused by weaker demand from abroad, stricter emission rules and electrification, is starting to leave a wider mark on Europe’s largest economy by pushing up unemployment, eroding job security and hitting pay.

German auto manufacturers and their suppliers are expected to cut nearly a tenth of their 830,000 jobs in the next decade, the VDA industry association has said.

Some think-tanks and government officials fear that the toll will be higher as electric cars provide less assembly work than combustion engine vehicles, simple work steps are replaced by automation and companies relocate production.

The documentary follows 20-year-old Sedanur who during night shifts is sorting car parts on the assembly line for the robots at a near-by car factory in the Bavarian town of Ingolstadt.

But when the diesel emission scandal starts to hit, temp worker Sedanur is among the first to become unemployed.

Her dreams of getting a permanent job contract and earning enough money one day to buy a Mercedes-Benz contrast sharply with the plans of Eva, a 33-year-old headhunter for Audi, which is looking for experts to automate some of its logistics.

Eva’s goal is to earn as much money as possible now so that she can escape this modern world of work as soon as possible and buy a property on the beach in the Caribbean with her partner.

“It’s interesting to see how differently both women view their job. For Eva, work is only a means to an end. For Sedanur, her job is partly her identity,” director Jonas Heldt said.

But even Eva with her well-paid, highly specialised job in headhunting sometimes fears that it is not 100 percent safe as improved algorithms one day could do her work as well.

“What I wanted to show with my documentary is how, sooner or later, everyone might be replaceable. And this poses important questions about the role and importance of work in the future,” Heldt said.


Mercedes-Benz Cars UK launches online showroom

                LONDON: Mercedes-Benz has launched a new advertising campaign to promote the launch of its new online showroom.

The website shows a live stock locator, which can be narrowed down by location, and has the capability to run a finance quote which includes the retailer’s best offer on a specific car.

Standalone options have been packaged together into well-equipped model lines, which means customers can compare different cars, retailers and offers.

Rob Halloway, marketing director, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK, said: “Our online showroom makes it incredibly easy to choose your ideal Mercedes-Benz car, however you choose to select it. Everything you see is clearly explained and in stock and available to buy from our retailers, today. Every car in the UK is in stock and shown online, and it’s all available 24/7. All done from your phone or computer in a couple of minutes and a few clicks.

Rob added: “To support the online showroom opening we created a massive ad campaign– you’ll see our characters in everyday situations, facing bewildering choices. Then, magically, the perfect solution presents itself, which leads to our Mercedes-Benz online showroom.”

Once a customer has decided to buy a car, he or she can put down a deposit there and then via the website.


Mercedes-AMG reveals revamped E 63 4MATIC+ Saloon

                AFALTERBACH: Mercedes-AMG, the performance arm of the German carmaker, has officially revealed the latest iteration of its high-performance E 63 4MATIC+ Saloon.

Known as the "Hammer" since 1986, the all-wheel-driven E 63 is also offered with a higher-performing "S" variant that's now said to have added comfort levels than before.

The newly-styled front end has been fitted with an AMG-specific radiator grille with twelve vertical louvres and an enlarged three-pointed star in the centre before getting flanked by its flatter all-LED multibeam headlamps.

The E 63 also gets flared wheel arches (+26mm), rounded-fit front hood with powerdomes and a jet-wing designed front apron with three large functional air intakes and a front splitter further reduce front-end lift.

Overall, the company's aerodynamicists were able to reduce the wind resistance even further while stability and grip levels are taken care of by its added track width.

The restyled rear now possesses two new flatter tail lights that extend into the boot lid with a spoiler lip while rounded 90mm trapezoidal twin tailpipes that flank the twin-finned diffuser in the lower section.

As standard The E 63 rolls on aerodynamically optimised 19-inch 10-spoke lightweight alloys available in three choices of matt black, high-gloss black or high-gloss tantalum grey.

For the S variant, it gets larger 20-inch five-twin-spoke lightweight alloy wheels instead that's been aerodynamically optimised too and with a wider aero rim edge while being painted in a choice of matt black or high-gloss tantalum grey.

For body colours, the E 63 is available in new graphite grey metallic, high-tech silver metallic and also brilliant blue Magno (usually reserved for the AMG GT family).

Further individual focuses can be set with the optional AMG Night Package. The exterior mirror housings, window frames, trim insert in the longitudinal members plus trim elements in the front and rear apron are kept in high-gloss black here.

There are also tailpipe trim elements in black chrome while the AMG-specific radiator grille is also available in a darkened design.

Exclusively available for the 63-series models, the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package I comprises of a front splitter, trim insert in the longitudinal member and the trim element in the rear apron in carbon fibre.

The AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package II adds individual highlights with mirror caps and a spoiler lip on the boot lid (Saloon) in carbon fibre.

Inside, the cabin gets the Widescreen Cockpit treatment, a new AMG Performance steering wheel and the MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific functions and displays.

Also thrown in are the individually adjustable ambient lighting system as standard as well as Nappa leather (new AMG-specific upholstery) for the AMG-badged front seats, dashboard and beltlines in a combination of black and titanium grey pearl with yellow stitches for contrast.

In the base model, the monitors measure 10.25-inches diagonally while on the S-Model the 12.25-inch screens are on board as standard.

For the instrument cluster's display, the customer can switch between the three AMG display styles of Modern Classic, Sport and Supersport.

The Supersport mode uses a central, round rev counter and horizontal displays presented in perspective to the left and right of the rev counter.

Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up various special AMG displays such as Engine Data, gear speed indicator, Warm-up, Set-Up, G-Meter and Racetimer.

In many countries, MBUX now addresses the customer with the familiar form of "you" rather than more formally with the hope that it will help reinforce the emotional tie between the customer and MBUX as a personal assistant.

As a further new feature, it is now possible to have the weather forecast for certain regions read out in virtually all languages.

The twin-spoke multi-function steering wheel how has a sensor mat to detect if the driver's "hands are on" for a certain amount of time, after which a warning cascade begins before it finally activates Emergency Brake Assist.

Coming to the heart of this E Class, it uses a 4.0-litre (3,982cc) V8 twin-turbo engine producing 571hp from 5,750 to 6,500rpm and 750Nm of torque from 2,250 to 5,000rpm.

The S variant gets up-tuned to 612hp from 5,750 to 6,500rpm and 850Nm of torque from 2,500 to 4,500rpm.

Power gets managed by a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission with a wet start-off clutch before sending the "twist" to the all-wheel-drive system.

This translates to a 0 to 100kph sprint time of 3.5 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 250kph, but with an AMG Driver's Package, that limit gets bumped up to 290kph instead.

With the S variant's added performance, that transmission gets Drift Mode added in and its sprint time gets cut down to 3.4 seconds with a top speed limited to 300kph instead.

The suspension is incorporated with the AMG Ride Control+ with a fully supporting multi-chamber air suspension system and an Adaptive Damping System+ (ADS+) which ensures exceptionally high levels of camber stability, driving dynamics and steering precision.

For braking, the E 63 uses 360 x 36mm front and 360 x 26mm rear discs that get abused by front six-piston and rear single-piston callipers.

The S variant gets larger 390 x 36mm front discs instead with the option of upgrading to the AMG Carbon Ceramic brake system that uses larger 402 x 39mm (front) and 360 x 32mm (rear) discs.

The E 63 has up to six Dynamic Select drive programmes of Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and RACE (as standard in the S version).

Independently of the Dynamic Select drive programs, the driver has the option of switching directly to Manual mode where gearshifts can be executed exclusively using the paddle-shifters.

The AMG Dynamics control is integrated into the AMG Dynamic Select drive programmes.

In the Basic, Advanced, Pro and Master levels, it influences the control strategies of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or the all-wheel-drive system.

The response of the engine and suspension, the control strategy of the all-wheel-drive system and the control thresholds of the ESP are adapted according to the drive program.

The spectrum ranges from extremely safety-oriented to highly dynamic.

The Master mode stored in the Race drive programme ensures optimum agility and brings out the high driving dynamics potential to optimum effect - for example through higher yaw rates and a faster response from the accelerator pedal, gearshift system, electronically controlled rear-axle locking differential or brake force distribution of the all-wheel-drive system.

The new AMG Dynamic Plus Package is optionally available for the base version and includes the drive program Race, Drift Mode, the high-performance compound brake system of the S-Model with red-painted brake callipers and the AMG Performance steering wheel in Dinamica microfibre and AMG steering wheel buttons.


Auto makers call for rapid adoption of new EU requirements on vehicle safety

                BRUSSELS: The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is calling for a rapid adoption of new EU requirements, which governs the safety systems to be included in new vehicle types,

These include the requirement that all new car types come equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems, which start braking manoeuvres automatically if a collision is imminent and the driver is not taking any action to avoid it.

Other measures supported by the industry include drowsiness and attention detection systems, reversing detection for cars and vans, emergency stop signals, and lane departure warning systems.

Several of these safety technologies have the advantage of addressing multiple types of accidents simultaneously. For instance, accidents related to distraction can also be reduced by AEB and lane departure warning systems. Similarly, AEB will also prevent or reduce the severity of frontal and side crashes, reducing the need for additional measures to address this type of accident.

“We call upon Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to take these synergies into account,” said ACEA secretary-general Erik Jonnaert.

ACEA said some of the measures proposed by the European Commission require further review to ensure a focus on the technologies with the strongest positive outcomes. Regarding vision-related accidents with trucks for instance, a recent study shows that the use of cameras and sensors to increase the driver’s field of vision and to draw attention to the critical area is some 50% more effective in reducing fatalities than re-designing trucks with low-entry cabs.

For all measures under consideration, MEPs should align the introduction time with product development time, allowing at least three years for new vehicle types from the date the regulation has entered into force.

“The European auto industry is committed to play its role in continuing to reduce road accidents and fatalities,” said Jonnaert.

“In this context, we welcome the revision of the General Safety Regulation and support a wide array of the safety measures proposed by the European Commission last May.

“While we believe in the huge potential of vehicle safety technology, by itself it will never suffice. We are therefore calling on policy makers to adopt a truly integrated approach to road safety; combining new vehicle technology with better road infrastructure and safer driver behaviour.”

READ MORE: Revision of the General Safety Regulation for passenger cars and vans (pdf format, ACEA site)


New Ford F-150 Police Responder ready for active duty

                DETROIT: The all-new 2021 F-150 Police Responder, America’s only purpose-built, pursuit-rated pickup truck, debuted last week, with Ford opening government order bank tomorrow – ahead of spring state and local government bid cycles.

Part of America’s best-selling police vehicle lineup, the all-new F-150 Police Responder features increased capability, including an improved 193kph top speed, automatic four-wheel-drive mode with torque-on-demand transfer case to help patrolling officers transition from busy urban streets to dusty country roads.

Introduced in 2017 as a unique all-terrain law enforcement tool, F-150 Police Responder is built on the all-new 2021 F-150 SuperCrew platform and engineered to meet a wide range of agency needs – from allowing officers to travel with more emergency response gear to transporting mobile command centres.

Ford claims the truck continues to deliver greater towing capacity**, payload capacity*** and interior passenger volume than any other pursuit-rated police vehicle, and for 2021 adds even more capability.

“Law enforcement agencies told us they would love to add F-150 Police Responder towing, hauling and off-road performance to their fleets, but they need more confidence in speed and handling,” said Greg Ebel, Ford police vehicle brand manager.

“Whether suburban police departments, border patrol agents or rural sheriffs, officers never know where the job might take them, but the all-new F-150 Police Responder provides a pickup truck option engineered to get them there faster and with greater agility than ever before.”
F-150 Police Responder pickup’s standard 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine produces 400hp, and its 680Nm of torque tops all pursuit-rated police vehicles. The engine is paired with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission – both uniquely calibrated to meet rigorous law enforcement use while enabling speeds significantly higher than a stock F-150.

To help reach – and withstand – those high speeds, the vehicle rides on specially developed Goodyear LT265/70R18 LRC BSW Wrangler Enforcer all-terrain tyres.

As the only all-terrain tyres available on a pursuit-rated police vehicle, they’re uniquely designed to handle fast acceleration, high speeds and aggressivey cornering on paved roads, and can endure the heat generated in pursuits without sacrificing the off-road capability Police Responder drivers have come to expect.

A new torque-on-demand transfer case includes 4-Auto mode, with an electrically actuated clutch that automatically adjusts torque as needed to provide exceptional “set it and forget it” capability for seamless terrain transition.

On high-friction surfaces such as dry pavement, the system runs in two-wheel drive for maximum performance and improved handling around corners, avoiding the “crow-hopping” that commonly slows a four-wheel-drive vehicle. If a pursuit shifts to slick or loose surfaces, the 4-Auto system simultaneously directs power to all four wheels, allowing officers to remain focused on the job at hand.

“4-Auto mode bridges the gap between 2-High and 4-High, and you see performance improvements as a result,” said Allen Magolan, Ford police vehicles integration manager. “On dry pavement is where you see the real payoff, because it allows you to carry more speed when cornering – a rare benefit in a pickup truck.”

The torque-on-demand system couples with the standard F-150 FX4 Off-Road Package to give officers outstanding off-road capability. The FX4 package includes underbody skid plates, off-road-tuned shocks, electronic-locking rear axle and Hill Descent Control to help maintain speed while driving down an incline.

For departments that need to tow a boat, horse trailer, mobile command centre or other equipment, the F-150 Police Responder is said to top all other pursuit-rated vehicles with a standard towing capacity of 3,175kg and available towing capacity of 5,080kg, in addition to its payload capacity of 920kg.

An available Trailer Tow Package adds the convenience of Pro Trailer Backup Assist. The available Tow Technology Package adds a 360-degree camera, Trailer Reverse Guidance and integrated Trailer Brake Controller. Smart Trailer Tow Connector is standard on Class IV hitch-equipped vehicles and adds Trailer Coverage to the available Blind Spot Information System.

F-150 Police Responder is assembled at Kansas City assembly plant in Claycomo, Missouri, and arrives in fleets later this fall.


Nissan Nismo off-road parts debut at 2020 Rebelle Rally

                NASHVILLE: The legendary off-roader Nissan Frontier will compete in the longest, most demanding off-road rally in the United States with a boost from an iconic Nissan brand - Nismo.

Nissan's Nismo Performance brand will debut a new line of off-road parts, including a high-performance suspension kit, an off-road bumper, off-road lighting and off-road wheels on the 2020 Frontier at the 2020 Rebelle Rally, which begins Oct 8 in Lake Tahoe and culminates Oct 17 in California's Imperial Sand Dunes.

 Nissan’s Team Wild Grace, comprised of co-captains Sedona Blinson (left) and Lyn Woodward (right), has high hopes for a strong finish at this year’s Rebelle Rally behind the wheel of a 2020 Frontier loaded with a new line of NISMO off-road parts.

Nismo off-road parts will be available for the 2005-2020 model year Frontier, 2016-2021 model year TITAN and 2005-2015 model year Xterra later this fall, and will also be offered on the forthcoming, next-generation Frontier.

“We are fired up to watch Team Wild Grace show current and future Nissan Frontier owners what this beast can do on some of the most extreme terrain in the country,” said Michael Soutter, vice president, Nissan Aftersales U.S.

“These new Nismo off-road parts, created by people who deeply understand trucks and the desire for ultimate off-road performance, will elevate Frontier to a new level of capability.”

Nissan is the only automaker to sponsor a team every year in the women's-only Rebelle Rally since it began in 2016.

Behind the wheel of the more powerful 2020 Frontier, which features an all-new powertrain and best-in-class 310hp, Team Wild Grace co-captains Sedona Blinson and Lyn Woodward have high expectations following last year's team-best sixth place finish.

“We’ve taken the 2020 Frontier on a couple of trial runs, and it’s been an absolute rock star,” said Woodward. “I’m very excited about the extra power in the V6 – it’s a solid truck, and that’s what you need to compete out here.

“Our first goal is to always compete hard, but I don’t see any reason why Sedona and I can’t win it all this year.”

 The Nissan Nismo off-road Performance Suspension was developed in partnership with Bilstein and can provide up to a 2-inch lift over stock ride height.


Toyota recalls 3.2 million vehicles worldwide over fuel pump problem

                WASHINGTON: Toyota said Wednesday it is now recalling 3.2 million vehicles worldwide to address a fuel pump issue that could result in engines stalling.

The Japanese automaker first said in January it would recall 696,000 US vehicles with a fuel pump that may stop operating and lead to stalling of the engine. Dealers will replace the fuel pumps with new ones.

Toyota said the recall now covers 1.8 million US Toyota and Lexus vehicles in total in the United States, including older vehicles from as far back as the 2013 model year — and more than 1 million vehicles than it announced in January.

Toyota began a probe into the fuel pump issue in June.

The automaker told the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in January it was aware of 66 field reports and 2,571 warranty claims that relate to fuel pump failures in the vehicles initially recalled.

Owners have complained of rough engine running, engine not starting and loss of power while driving at low speeds. Toyota said the reports occurred more commonly in areas of the southern US with warmer climates.


Japan aims to set up commercial hydrogen fuel supply chain by 2030

                TOKYO: Japan will seek to create a commercial hydrogen fuel supply chain by around 2030 to support reducing carbon emissions, Industry Minister Hiroshi Kajiyama said during a virtual hydrogen conference late on Wednesday.

Japan will try to speed up technological developments to help scale up a transportation system for hydrogen using ships by around 2030, Kajiyama said, pointing to a plan by Kawasaki Heavy Industries to ship liquefied hydrogen from Australia to Japan early next year for the first time in the world.

Kawasaki launched the world’s first liquefied hydrogen carrier last December.

Japan unveiled a basic hydrogen strategy in 2017 aiming to import about 300,000 tonnes of hydrogen in 2030.

To support making hydrogen fuel more commercial, Kajiyama said his ministry has requested a hydrogen budget of US$800 million for the next fiscal year, 20% more than this year.

“Given growing momentum in actions taken by many countries towards wider use of hydrogen, we have come to share a common understanding that hydrogen is an essential energy for decarbonisation,” Kajiyama said.

Hydrogen has been touted as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. Now, as major economies prepare green investments, advocates are trying to push the niche energy into the mainstream.

In northern Japan’s Fukushima prefecture, the world’s biggest renewable energy-powered hydrogen plant, with 10 megawatts of capacity, was built in March.

Chiyoda Corp succeeded in a pilot project in June to ship hydrogen in a chemical form, methylcyclohexane, from Brunei to Japan as fuel for power generation.

Also on Wednesday, Toyota Motor and eight other firms said that they will form a new nation-wide hydrogen association in December to promote hydrogen supply chains and global alliances.


EV makers eye bigger battery-metals role by inking mining deals

                SACRAMENTO: Electric-vehicle makers are pushing for an intermediary role in mining to secure supplies of key battery metals, according to the head of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.

"We’ve had discussions on that and Tesla has definitely explored these options,” chief executive officer Randy Smallwood said Friday in a phone interview.

"There is a real concern on the battery metal side in terms of supply.”

Wheaton Precious Metals is one of the world’s largest metals streaming companies, whose business involves giving miners upfront financing in exchange for the right to buy produced metals in the future at a discount.

Smallwood said he’s seeing increasing interest from electric-vehicle makers to get more involved in the industry and has even had talks with "potential partners” interested in starting their own streaming companies for battery metals including cobalt, nickel and lithium.

Automakers have been signing supply deals with mining companies to secure metals used in batteries to meet surging demand amid a global push for a cleaner energy economy.

Tesla Inc. struck a nickel-supply deal with BHP Group last month after CEO Elon Musk had expressed concern about supply due to challenges in sustainable sourcing.

These companies should "focus on the prominence of where their metals are coming from and making sure that the products they’re buying and investing into to supply their customers are sourced responsibly,” Smallwood said.

Wheaton Precious Metals remains primarily focused on gold and silver production deals, though the Vancouver-based company has a cobalt streaming deal with Vale SA for some output from the Brazilian miner’s Voisey’s Bay mine in Canada.

Cobalt has become harder to find with companies like Tesla and Apple Inc. trying to secure their own supplies by signing long-term production deals with miners.


Perodua testing its first sedan prototype

                LANGKAWI: Perodua is gaining significant ground in its bid to launch its first sedan.

President and chief executive officer Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh said the second national carmaker had reached the prototype stage and had even evaluated the platform, engine and transmission for the new model.

He said local engineers and designers would be heavily involved in the project after consultation with its partner Daihatsu Motor Co.

He, however, remained tight-lipped when asked on the launching date.

“We have tested the prototype. It is going to be a good car, I have to admit. It will be a dream come true for us, as locals would be heavily involved in this (project),” he said at a press conference.

The media members had earlier taken part in a three-day Media Icon Drive 2015 held in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of the MyVi launch.

Aminar said Perodua was targeting a five-star NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) safety rating with the sedan, adding that it was still working on the costing before determining the price.

Aminar also said it would be more aggressive with exports from 2017 onwards.


Pedestrian detection systems produce mixed results in safety study

                WASHINGTON: The performance of modern pedestrian detection systems varies widely between carmakers, with high-end luxury brands generally faring better and other models failing to recognise pedestrians altogether, according to a study released on Tuesday by a US insurance research group.

The assessment comes at a time when pedestrian deaths on US roads are spiking, with an estimated 6,283 people on foot killed by vehicles in 2018, a year that saw the highest number of cyclist and pedestrian deaths since 1990.

Automakers are beefing up crash avoidance technology on new cars, increasingly making the systems part of their standard equipment in 2020 models.

Pedestrian detection systems, enabled by windshield-mounted cameras or radar sensors in a vehicle’s front grill, are coupled with a car’s automatic emergency braking system and intended to stop the vehicle if it detects a pedestrian in its path.

The study by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that not all systems perform equally well. Of the 19 latest-year editions and models IIHS tested, 13 avoided pedestrians entirely, or at least managed to reduce speeds significantly.

While the best-performing cars included luxury models Audi A4, BMW 3 series and a version of the Mercedes-Benz C-class, IIHS also gave its best rating to the Nissan Maxima and Volvo S60.

The Chevrolet Malibu, a Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima, were among tested cars that did not reduce speeds in some tests or failed entirely.

The IIHS testing scenarios included an adult crossing the road, a child darting out from behind an obstacle and an adult walking near the edge of the road - situations that account for more than half of all pedestrian deaths.

All tests were conducted during the day and on dry roads, as those are the only scenarios for which automakers currently commit their technology, said IIHS President David Harkey.

“This technology is in its infancy,” Harkey said in a phone interview. “But let’s acknowledge what the automakers are doing well and encourage them to do more.”

Tests by the American Automobile Association (AAA) earlier this month showed more devastating results when the technology is tested at night, a time when 75% of pedestrian fatalities occur.

None of the 2019 test cars — a Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord, Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Camry - was able to detect an adult pedestrian in the dark.

IIHS’s Harkey called on automakers to also develop better headlights to allow systems to spot pedestrians at night.


Largest Nissan 3S Centre opens in Johor Baru

                JOHOR BARU: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has opened its largest one-stop-shop Nissan 3S (Sales, Service and Spare Parts) centre that’s six-stories high and spanning over an area of 256,000 square feet.

Dubbed the Mega Johor Jaya 3S Centre, the facility costs approximately RM25.5mil.

It comes equipped with more than 400 parking bays, a 30-car showroom, 36 service bays and a capacity to service up to 150 cars per day.

Amenities include a lounge with Wifi connectivity and a kid’s corner,

Other facilities include a certified pre-owned and used vehicles section, hire purchase and insurance division and a vehicle distribution centre.

Currently, ETCM has 100 showrooms, including dealers, and 60 Tan Chong Express Auto Service Workshops throughout the nation.

ETCM intends to have 20 3S Centres throughout Malaysia by the end of 2015.

“This Mega 3S Centre offers customers the opportunity to test drive and purchase new Nissan models, trade-in old vehicles, get them serviced, as well as obtain spare parts for their vehicles,” said ETCM executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng.


Bentley previews interior of Mulliner Bacalar

                LONDON: First a wheel, now its seats, Bentley has allowed a showing of the Mulliner Bacalar's two front seats.

Touted to possess a wrap-around cockpit, this grand tourer (GT) will be the second Bentley to feature a two-seater layout since 1930.

The British coachbuilder added that behind the front seats will be enough space for a pair of bespoke travel cases to reside.

The luggage bags will have been trimmed to match the interior materials and both will have been sustainably sourced.

With the assurance that the Mulliner Bacalar will be hand-built with nothing less than meticulous attention, it will step into the limelight on Mar 3 at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show.

While at the show, the Mulliner Bacalar will be accompanied by the new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible as well as the EXP 100 GT centenary concept car.


Sponsors swiftly show Sharapova the door following doping furore

                DETROIT: In the day following Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova's admission that she failed a drug test, sponsors Nike, Porsche and Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer dropped her like a hot potato.

Before social media demanded instant responses, sponsors often waited weeks or months before severing ties with an athlete - giving them the benefit of the doubt.

With so much invested in a global sponsorship industry IEG estimates at US$60 billion, sponsors now scramble to avoid the taint of scandal so athletes caught doping at the Olympics this summer should also expect a quick end to their lucrative contracts.

"Given the attention that use of performance-enhancing drugs in just about all sports has garnered over the last several years, sponsors are going to cut as quickly as they can," said Brian Socolow, head of the sports practice group at Loeb & Loeb law firm, which has represented both athletes and companies in endorsement deals.

"They don't want to get caught sponsoring the next Lance Armstrong," he added, referring to the disgraced cyclist who was stripped of seven Tour de France titles and banned for life in 2012 after a US anti-doping probe. Armstrong later admitted using performance-enhancing drugs in a television interview.

While Armstrong's story took years to play out as he initially denied reports of his drug use, Sharapova quickly called a press conference on Monday to say she had tested positive for meldonium, which she said she was taking to treat diabetes and low magnesium. The drug was only banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency as of Jan. 1.

Sports apparel giant Nike Inc  and German carmaker Porsche, a Volkswagen AG unit, responded by suspending their sponsorship deals, while Tag Heuer, owned by French luxury goods group LVMH, ended talks to extend a contract that had expired in December.

Sponsor decisions on whether to stick with a spokesperson or team are driven by money, industry officials said. If they feel the sponsorship can still work, companies stand by their man, woman or sports group, like many have done with soccer's world governing body FIFA or the International Olympic Committee through their respective scandals.

Industry executives agreed Sharapova was smart to get in front of the news, announcing the positive test herself and apologising for her mistake.

As a result, she will likely get a second chance with the public and sponsors alike, industry executives said. However, a lengthy suspension could in effect end her playing career and damage her status as one of the highest paid off-field female athletes. Forbes estimates her off-court career earnings at more than US$200 million.

"In many ways, she's the ideal spokesperson for a brand. She's very attractive, highly successful and very competitive," said San Diego State University marketing professor George Belch, who has used a Harvard case study about her in his classes to tout her ability as a spokesperson.

Sharapova's failed drug test at January's Australian Open, one of four annual Grand Slam events, will likely lead to a ban for the 28 year old. Still ranked among the top players, she has won five Grand Slam titles in her career.

While some critics argue a double standard exists for female athletes, several industry officials said Tiger Woods' sex scandal or the rape allegations against Kobe Bryant in the past would both play out differently in today's social media-driven culture.

Issues companies may have waited out not long ago, now demand immediate attention, and some believe it being an Olympic year only raises the pressure to move fast.

Consumer products companies like those associated with Sharapova have even more reason to move quickly to distance themselves from bad news, industry officials said.

 A shopper walking past a Nike advertisement featuring Sharapova in Shanghai last December. - Bloomberg

"It takes a lot of time and money to build a lifestyle brand," said Gary Fechter, an attorney at McCarter & English who has represented companies in sponsorship deals for almost four decades.

And for sponsors that may have felt they were overpaying Sharapova, her positive drug test offers a "back-door out," he said.

A source close to the tennis star said her team was encouraged that Nike and Porsche simply suspended their deals rather than terminating them, suggesting the door may be open to reopening them in the future.

In the short term, however, Sharapova's standing will surely take a hit.

Her "trust" scores in an index created by the Marketing Arm for clients to measure celebrity influence will likely take a significant dip, managing director Matt Delzell said.

Sharapova currently ranks in the top third, in the range of former New York Yankee all-star shortstop Derek Jeter, comedian Seth Myers and singer Demi Lovato, according to the unit of the Omnicom Group Inc (OMC.N), which books sports personalities for companies.


Shell Select stores go premium

                PETALING JAYA: Shell Malaysia unveiled a brand new retail concept at its Shell Select stores, which is designed to be a food oasis for motorists, as well as announced its plans to upgrade over 100 Shell Select stores to a premium store format in 2016.

Exclusively available at top-of-the-range Shell stations, this new retail concept aims to provide customers even more varied food options in a clean, vibrant and friendly atmosphere. The launch of the first model of this retail concept brings together popular snack and beverage franchises like Krispy Kreme and Boost Juice to SH Shell Damansara Jaya, complementing the freshly baked pastries and coffee on-the-go already available from deli2go.

"We have launched the new retail concept for Shell Select at our flagship stations to give motorists a more pleasant experience on-site, as well as choice and value,” said Datuk Azman Ismail, Managing Director, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd. and Shell Timur Sdn. Bhd.

SH Shell Damansara Jaya is the first station of its kind to receive this new upgrade, Shell intends to roll out the new retail concept to 30 more stations over the year.

It also announced its plans to refurbish an additional 100 existing Shell Select stores to a new shop format. Boasting a modern revamped look, these enhanced Shell Select stores will feature improved facilities such as seating lounges, complimentary Wi-Fi and charge stations, which complement other features including upgraded restrooms and suraus (prayer rooms) available at top-of-the-range Shell stations.


One week’s road charge exemption for Singapore vehicles, says Transport Ministry

                PETALING JAYA: Owners of Singapore-registered vehicle whose Touch ‘n Go cards are expired or have insufficient balance will be given a one-week grace period from paying the Road Charge (RC) upon entry into Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said the exemption from April 1 to 7 was implemented to prevent congestion from occurring at entry points via the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Kompleks Sultan Abu Bakar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) checkpoints.

“This allows those using Singapore-registered vehicles to renew their Touch n’ Go cards, top up balances or register and install the RFID Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) tag on their vehicles.

“Similarly, those with valid RFID VEP tags are also exempted from paying the RC during this period,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Dr Wee explained that this exemption would be done under Section 88E of the Road Transport Act 1987, adding that this decision was made upon discussion with Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

Earlier, Dr Wee said that public transportation services between Malaysia and Singapore would resume on April 1 when the two countries open their land borders to all travellers.

He added that this would apply to all forms of cross-border public transportation, including stage buses, express buses, tourist buses, worker buses and taxis.


Trump's attack on GM over ventilators quickly turns to praise

                WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump, who excoriated General Motors Co on Friday and invoked emergency powers to compel the production of badly needed ventilators to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, has abruptly shifted gears to praise the automaker.

“General Motors is doing a fantastic job. I don’t think we need to worry about General Motors,” Trump said Sunday, speaking highly of the company in two appearances.

“They really seem to be working very, very hard. I think I’m getting very good reports about General Motors.”

Trump, who has been on the defensive for not moving faster to compel the production of medical equipment, invoked the Defence Production Act (DPA) for the first time on Friday, saying GM was wasting time in negotiations. GM had announced earlier on Friday, however, that it would begin quickly building ventilators.

On Sunday, GM vowed to move forward and released photos of its efforts to build ventilators at its Kokomo, Indiana plant.

GM’s manufacturing chief, Gerald Johnson, said the company aims to produce 10,000 ventilators a month by summer.

“No later than mid-April we expect to be up and running ventilators,” Johnson said, noting the ventilators will need US regulatory approval, significant testing and that the company must train over 1,000 workers to assemble them.

GM has been working with ventilator firm Ventec Life Systems, numerous auto suppliers and other ventilator firms as officials warn the United States may need tens of thousands of additional ventilators.

“We’re unwavering in our focus to get this done,” Johnson said.

In an earlier tweet on Friday before GM’s announcement, Trump accused the automaker of wanting top dollar for its ventilators. A GM spokesman said the company is doing the project “at cost” and will not make a profit.

Johnson said the automaker is spending tens of millions on retooling costs and that if supplier retooling costs are factored in, total retooling costs were in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

GM’s ventilator efforts first came to light on March 18 when White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow disclosed he had spoken to GM chief executive Mary Barra about the idea. Barra spoke to Kudlow again on Friday after Trump’s criticism, a person briefed on the matter said.

Tony Fratto, a former deputy press secretary under President George W. Bush, tweeted on Friday: “you have to think if GM HADN’T stepped up to TRY to make ventilators no one would be trying to force them to make them. No one’s banging on other random companies today.”

Other automakers have said they are working to produce ventilators, masks and other medical equipment. Ford Motor Co said Friday it was moving as fast as it could to gear up its ventilator manufacturing efforts. Toyota Motor Corp is working with “at least two companies that produce ventilators and respirators to help increase their capacity.”

GM will also begin producing surgical masks at a plant in Michigan this week and expects to produce 50,000 a day by mid-April.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that Trump has abruptly abandoned his ambition to return American life to normal by Easter, heeding advice from the government’s top doctors that re-opening the US economy in two weeks risks greater death as the coronavirus outbreak accelerates.

In a stark shift from two weeks of measured optimism, the president said his guidelines for Americans to practise "social distancing” would remain in place until at least April 30, and he warned that 100,000 or more people may die.

He said in a Rose Garden news conference that he hoped the country would reach "the bottom of the hill” by June 1 - "could even be sooner, could be a little bit later.”

Trump’s about-face came after his top medical advisers -- Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Deborah Birx, the State Department immunologist advising Vice President Mike Pence - presented alarming new projections that millions of Americans may wind up infected. Fauci said earlier on CNN that as many as 200,000 Americans might die if efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus aren’t successful.

"The number I gave out is, you know, based on modelling,” Fauci said at Sunday’s news conference.

"And I think it’s entirely conceivable that if we do not mitigate to the extent that we’re trying to do -- that you could reach that number. What we’re trying to do is not let that happen.”


Nissan debuts 7 seat e-NV200 in Geneva

                GENEVA: Nissan's presence at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show highlights the brand's leadership in two key areas of the market - electric vehicles and crossovers.

Having already established itself as a sector pioneer with the LEAF, Nissan is extending its zero emissions line-up with the world premiere of the new e-NV200 Evalia - a seven-seat variant of the successful e-NV200.

 Seven-seat variant of the successful Nissan e-NV200.

Designed and engineered to meet the growing demand for larger electric vehicles with the ability to carry seven passengers, the e-NV200 Evalia is another example of Nissan setting the benchmark in a sector that is set to expand significantly.

Equipped with an advanced and versatile seating system that allows owners to adapt load space according to their needs, the e-NV200 is available with the CHAdeMO quick charging system that provides access to the most widely installed rapid charging system in Europe today with over 1,500 accessible points.


GM and Bosch stick with Nikola alliances despite Milton's exit

                DETROIT: General Motors Co and Germany's Bosch said on Monday they were sticking to their alliances with Nikola Corp after the executive chairman of the electric and fuel cell truck startup stepped down amid allegations of fraud.

Nikola founder Trevor Milton, whose company become a darling of the stock market over the summer, resigned as executive chairman on Monday following accusations by short-seller Hindenburg Research on Sept 10 that he made false claims about Nikola’s technology.

Milton has fought back, even after the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice said they were looking into the company.

Nikola shares were down 20% in trading Monday, and have lost more than 45% of their value since Sept 8, when it announced an alliance to build electric and fuel cell trucks with GM.

 Badger.

Nikola’s alliance with GM, and earlier partnerships to develop fuel cell and electric commercial trucks with Bosch and CNH Industrial’s Iveco unit are critical to the startup’s effort to regain traction. On Monday, Nikola said board member Steve Girsky, a former GM vice chairman, would take over as chairman.

Last week, Girsky defended the due diligence his firm, VectoIQ, did before it bought Nikola in a reverse merger that took the startup public.

GM has agreed to build an electric pickup for Nikola and supply batteries and hydrogen fuel cells for commercial trucks. In return, GM was supposed to receive an 11% stake in Nikola and payments of up to US$700 million for assembling the Nikola Badger pickup.

“We will work with Nikola to close the transaction we announced nearly two weeks ago,” GM spokesman Jim Cain said in a Monday e-mail.

GM shares were down 6% Monday amid a broad market sell-off.

“GM put no money into this thing so I’m not sure why GM is selling off today,” said Scott Schermerhorn, managing principal with Granite Investment Advisors. “I viewed the Nikola shares they were getting as a lottery ticket.”

GM chief executive Mary Barra and company executives have stressed that the alliance with Nikola - which has acknowledged that a prototype truck shown moving in a 2017 video was not moving under its own power — made sense strategically.

“Given that GM is now trading below where it was when the deal was announced, we would view it as a positive if GM and Nikola can still make this partnership work, and effectively a non-event for GM shareholders if the deal falls through,” said Tim Piechowski, portfolio manager with ACR Alpine Capital Research.

However, Hindenburg Research founder Nathan Anderson said in an e-mail Monday that Milton’s exit was “only the beginning of Nikola’s unravelling.”

“General Motors should carefully evaluate the potential long-term damage to its 112-year brand by continuing to tie itself to Nikola,” Anderson wrote.

 Signage outside Nikola Corp headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. — Bloomberg

Italy's CNH Industrial declined to comment on Monday. CNH said last week it and Nikola were working to build prototypes of the startup's Tre semi-truck, and CNH aimed to start testing the trucks later this year with hopes to begin selling them by the fourth quarter of 2021.

CNH invested US$250 million in Nikola last September and owns about 7.11% of Nikola’s shares.

Bosch, which has a stake in Nikola, declined to comment on Milton’s exit, but said it will continue to work with Nikola. The company referred questions about the size of its Nikola stake to the startup.

“Bosch has been a supplier to Nikola for a number of years and invested in the company in its early financing rounds. We intend to continue working together with Nikola and remain in close contact with the company and its management,” Bosch said in a statement.


Nov 25-Dec 1: RON97 petrol down 3 sen

                PETALING JAYA: The retail price of RON97 petrol will be decreased by three sen whereas RON95 as well as diesel remain unchanged from Nov 25 to Dec 1, says the Finance Ministry.

In a statement today, the Finance Ministry said the price of RON97 petrol will be decreased to RM3.05 whereas RON95 remains at RM2.05 per litre, which was determined using the Automatic Pricing Mechanism formula.

The price for diesel remains at RM2.15 per litre.


So you want to take your child along on a motorcycle ride?

                BERLIN: Parents thinking about taking their children on a motorcycle ride should definitely ask themselves if it's worth the additional risk, according to ADAC, Germany's largest automobile club.

If the answer is yes, you should take extensive precautions. In general, it is often only permitted to take a passenger on a motorcycle if there is a separate seat, a grab handle and footrests on both sides. The tank or temporary superstructures on the tank are usually not considered suitable.

If the passenger is a child under the age of 7, you should install a special motorcycle seat. You should also make sure that the child's feet cannot get into the spokes.

In many countries, it's prohibited to ride a motorcycle with a child in front of you or on your lap. Older children do not need a child seat, but they should be able to reach the rests with their feet.

Of course, both child and driver must wear a safety helmet, and it should fit the child well. Despite the fact that small passengers grow quickly, the ADAC recommends that parents provide suitable protective clothing at all times.

This includes jacket, trousers and gloves. Textile clothing with abrasion-resistant fibres is best suited for riding a motorcycle. Such material is more flexible than leather, suitable for all weather conditions and can be adjusted.

Because the protective clothing must fit exactly (it's useless otherwise), the ADAC advises borrowing gear for children to save on money, as they grow quickly. That said, motorcycle boots for kids, for example, are hardly available in most shops. However, the little ones are nevertheless required to wear at least tall, sturdy shoes.

And even if it doesn't necessarily help with safety, parents should consider installing an intercom system. This way, you always know if your child is alright. But definitely make sure the small passenger knows how to use it. They will probably love to practise.


Drive an even sportier California T with HS handling option

                MARANELLO: Ferrari has unveiled a Handling Speciale (HS) option for the California T, designed for owners looking for an even more sporty driving experience, particularly on challenging, twisty routes.

As is, this V8-engined Ferrari makes 552hp at 7,500rpm and peak torque of 755Nm at 4,750rpm.

The Handling Speciale option offers a series of specific calibrations and a set-up that lends an extra edge, especially in the manettino's Sport mode. This solution incorporates new damper settings and modified springs that make the car stiffer which, although marginally reducing the ride comfort, results in even sportier feedback, aided and abetted by the new engine sound that increases as revs rise.

The gear-shift logic for the Sport mode has been modified (both in automatic and manual), resulting in faster, sportier gear engagement during both up- and down-shifts.

The HS package also includes 16% stiffer front springs and 19% stiffer ones at the rear with a consequent increase in body control thanks to lower roll, dive and pitch.

The differences in Sport mode are underscored by a new strategy for the SCM3 magnetorheological dampers that increases their speed of response and improves their efficiency. The revised F1-Trac logic helps ensure even better acceleration, particularly when exiting corners and on more bumpy road surfaces.

The HS package also includes a new exhaust system with silencers featuring two primary pipes and a new geometry designed to yield an exhaust note that increases progressively as engine speed increases, with a sound in keeping with the car's more sporty character.

The exhaust was developed in tandem with the engine and gearbox control software, with a more rapid response and improved sound and volume when driven hard.

Ferrari says the exhaust's sound is fuller, richer and more involving at all speeds and in all driving situations.

As part of the HS package’s, there’s a new front grille in matte Grigio Ferro Met and the rear diffuser in the same colour with matte black fences and matte black tailpipes. A special plaque in the cockpit also indicates that the car sports the HS optional package.

The new option will make its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March.


Bosch pioneers reverse thruster to reduce fall from m-cycle

                STUTTGART: The Sliding mitigation research project is among several innovations by Bosch to avert dangerous traffic situations for motorcyclists.

Sliding mitigation research project:

Whether wet leaves, an oil spill, or gravel on the road surface, wheels begin to slip sideways if they can no longer apply sufficient lateral force in a curve. In situations such as these, motorcyclists have practically no chance of righting their bikes. Ideally, keeping them safely on course would require applying additional external lateral force. This is the idea behind the sliding mitigation Bosch is developing in a research project.

Like a magic hand, it keeps the motorcycle on track and considerably reduces the risk of a fall. A sensor detects sideways wheel slip. If a certain value is exceeded, gas is released from a gas accumulator of the type used in passenger-car airbags. The gas flows into the tank adapter and is vented in a certain direction through a nozzle. This reverse thrust keeps the motorcycle on track.

Radar-based assistance systems:

Giving motorcycles radar as a sensory organ enables these new motorcycle assistance and safety functions while providing an accurate picture of the vehicle’s surroundings. As a result, these assistance functions not only increase safety, they also enhance enjoyment and convenience by making life easier for riders.

 two motorcycles on the hills riding. friends having fun in the weekend with an excusion on their motorcyclesACC adaptive cruise control

Riding in heavy traffic and maintaining the correct distance to the vehicle in front takes a great deal of concentration and is strenuous over longer periods. ACC adjusts the vehicle speed to the flow of traffic and maintains the necessary safe following distance. This can effectively prevent rear-end collisions caused by insufficient distance to the vehicle in front. And not only does ACC offer riders more convenience, it also allows them to concentrate more on the road, particularly in high-density traffic.

Collision warning system

In road traffic, even the briefest lapse in concentration can have serious consequences. Bosch has developed a collision warning system for motorcycles to reduce the risk of a rear-end collision or to mitigate its consequences. The system is active as soon as the vehicle starts and it supports the rider in all relevant speed ranges. If the system detects that another vehicle is dangerously close and the rider does not react to the situation, it warns the rider by way of an acoustic or optical signal.

Blind-spot recognition

This system keeps a lookout in all directions to help motorcyclists change lanes safely. A radar sensor serves as the blind-spot recognition system’s electronic eye, registering objects in hard-to-see areas. Whenever there is a vehicle in the rider’s blind spot, the technology warns them by way of an optical signal – for example, in the rear-view mirror.


Nissan joins GM in exiting auto group backing Trump

                WASHINGTON: Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co on Friday joined General Motors Co in exiting a group of automakers that had backed US President Donald Trump in his bid to prevent California from imposing its own vehicle emissions rules.

GM last week reversed course in an ongoing court fight and abandoned the outgoing Republican president, winning praise from Democratic President-elect Joe Biden, who takes office on Jan 20.

“We are confident that productive conversations among the auto industry, the Biden administration and California can deliver a common-sense set of national standards that increases efficiency and meets the needs of all American drivers,” Nissan said in a statement.

GM had joined Nissan, Toyota Motor Corp, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and other automakers in October 2019 in support of Trump effort’s to bar California from setting its own fuel-efficiency rules, or zero-emission requirements, for vehicles - separate from federal requirements.

Others still backing Trump include Mazda Motor Corp, Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors Corp Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Subaru Corp and the National Automobile Dealers Association.

The industry still remained split on how to move forward after it held a meeting Tuesday.

Biden has made boosting electric vehicles a top priority and pledged to spend billions of dollars to add 550,000 charging stations for such vehicles. He also supports new tax credits for purchases of electric vehicles and retrofitting factories for their production.

Ford Motor Co, Honda Motor Co, Volkswagen AG and BMW AG in July 2019 struck a voluntary agreement with California on reducing vehicle emissions that is less stringent than rules previously adopted under President Barack Obama but higher than the Trump administration’s rollback.

Ford has urged other automakers to back the California framework as a way to move forward.


Isuzu Malaysia management to run for charity

                PETALING JAYA: For the up-coming Kuching Marathon 2019, not only will Isuzu have a large presence as the event’s main sponsor, a team led by Isuzu Malaysia’s CEO will be participating in the event to help raise funds for charity.

CEO Koji Nakamura together with COO Masayuki Suzuki, General Manager Kenkichi Sogo, Senior Manager Sean Sin, Manager Andrew Law, three executives and nine members of the media will make up Team Isuzu and aim to complete their respective distance categories ranging from 5km to the full 42km.

“When the idea was floated in the office for us to run in the Kuching Marathon as a means of raising funds for charity, everyone unanimously agreed without hesitation. We are all eager to participate and do our part to raise funds for the local charities. I hope to be able to complete the 10km that I have entered for,” remarked Nakamura.

Through their participation in the Kuching Marathon 2019 that will be held on 18th August, the team aims to raise RM17,000.00 for two local organisations - Hope Place Kuching that distributes basic food aid and daily necessities to the underprivileged and Persatuan OKU Kuching that provides vocational training to underprivileged and disabled youth.

Part of the funds the team aims to raise will be from pledges by Isuzu dealers in Sarawak namely Dai Max Automobile, KM Mobil and Rhino Motors while the balance will be raised internally in Isuzu Malaysia.

The Kuching Marathon is one of the largest mass-participation sporting events in the island of Borneo with over 11,000 participants expected this year. As the country’s No.1 truck company with the most popular light-duty truck line in Malaysia, Isuzu will also be playing a supporting role in the event with the efficient Isuzu D-Max as the lead car for the run as well as the main ferry vehicles for key officials and members of the media during the event.


Perodua earns ISO certifications

                PETALING JAYA: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) and its fully-owned subsidiary Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd have been formally certified by SIRIM to the latest 2015 versions of the ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation) 9001 and 14001 standards, emphasising the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility.

To obtain ISO 9001 certification, an organisation must comply with quality best practices in their work processes, with the aim of improving customer satisfaction in every sense.

ISO 14001 however, focuses on environmental standards.

“SIRIM’s ISO recognition means a lot to Perodua as it reinforces our vision of becoming a regionally competitive player and demonstrates our strive for Kaizen or continuous improvement,” said Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Aminar Rashid Salleh at a certificate presentation ceremony held today at Perodua’s headquarters in Sungai Choh.

Also present at the ceremony was SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Mohd Azanuddin Salleh, who presented the certificates to Perodua Sales Sdn Bhd Managing Director Datuk Dr Zahari Husin.

Perodua first adopted ISO standards in 1998. ISO 9001 was extended to Perodua sales and service branches in stages from 2005, standardising the customer experience across the board. All Perodua branches are currently ISO-certified.

Altogether, Perodua has successfully undergone one ISO 14001 and three ISO 9001 version upgrades, including today’s certification, which covers a total of 39 sales and 55 service branches nationwide, plus 35 departments under Perodua Headquarters.

Besides taking customer satisfaction and environmental management to new heights, ISO practices have also led to improvements for Perodua’s internal processes and communications, as well as customer deliveries, amongst many others.

First introduced in 1987, ISO 9001 is one of the world’s most widely-used quality management systems, with the latest 2015 revision expanding the requirements to include risk-based thinking.

ISO 14001 was born in 1996 and concerns environmental management and pollution prevention. The latest ISO 14001:2015 revision brings additional emphasis on leadership, strategic planning, proactive initiatives and even communications strategies.


Four more months to enjoy car sales tax exemption incentive, Zafrul reminds people

                KUALA LUMPUR: There are four months left for Malaysians to buy locally made or imported cars and enjoy tax incentives which will end soon, said Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He said the Finance Ministry under Budget 2022 had extended the car sales tax incentive exemption period until June 30, 2022 to encourage car ownership, stimulate local economic growth and drive the development momentum of the automotive sector.

"Under Budget 2022, the car sales tax exemption remains the same as before, that is 100 per cent sales tax exemption on locally assembled passenger cars (CKD).

"Meanwhile, a sales tax exemption of 50 per cent is given to foreign assembled passenger vehicles (CBUs) including MPVs and SUVs, including new imported CBUs and used imported CBUs," he said in the Laporan Kewangan Rakyat released today.

The Laporan Kewangan Rakyat is a rebranding of the 86th Laksana report published by the ministry on a weekly basis since April 2020.

Meanwhile, he said the government had channelled a total of RM20.355 billion to 357,530 employers through the Wage Subsidy Programme (PSU) to maintain the employment of 2,953,820 local workers in an effort to reduce the unemployment rate among Malaysian workers.


Taiwanese battery maker ProLogium eyes overseas base in France

                PARIS: Battery maker ProLogium aims to put down roots outside of its home of Taiwan with a major new investment in France and wants to float on the stock market to help fund its expansion, executives said.

The privately held car battery maker will invest 5.2 billion euros (RM25.4bil) by 2030 in a new gigafactory in the northern French port city of Dunkirk, its first outside of Taiwan and its biggest, the company announced on Thursday.

With Taiwan a focal point in tensions between Washington and Beijing, the company aims to set up a base overseas to ensure it can maintain operations over the long-term.

"Because of political issues, our board does not want to enlarge too much capacity there (in Taiwan)," founder and chief executive Vincent Yang told journalists as he announced the investment in France.

"We are not a Taiwanese company anymore," he added.

The company is lining up loans and equity to finance the French plant as well as financial incentives from the French government, the region and city of Dunkirk as well as possible EU funds.

Meanwhile, German carmaker Mercedes Benz Group AG and Vietnamese group Vinfast have taken stakes in the company and clients testing its technology were welcome to do the same, executive vice-president Gilles Normand said.

"We want to go to an IPO, depending on market conditions" in parallel to the fundraising process for the Dunkirk plant, Yang said.

The French investment is about more than just building an overseas production hub as ProLogium is also setting up facilities outside Taiwan for procuring materials as well as research and development activities, Normand said.

"We are really replicating the company from Taiwan, from its initial city, it is a partial transfer to Europe," he added.

The French plant, which is due to begin operating by the end of 2026 and reach mass production the following year, will in particular produce new solid-state batteries offering what the company says are big advantages over lithium-ion batteries currently used in most electric cars.

The company, which has 600 patents on the technology and six carmakers testing it, says that they will be safer for consumers, simpler to manufacture, offer more storage capacity and better recyclability as well as charge faster.

"We think our technology is now ready for mass production before the beginning of the next decade, when everybody is waiting for solid state not to happen before 2030," Normand said.