Cars losing shine in Singapore as youth nowadays prefer to cycle, says poll

                SINGAPORE: The proportion of young Singaporeans who aspire to own a car has shrunk substantially from six years ago.

According to a face-to-face survey commissioned by The Straits Times and carried out by Nexus Link in April, 50.4 per cent of just over 500 respondents said they aspire to own a car within the next few years - down from 65.5 per cent when the same poll was done in 2016.

The top reason given by those who do not aspire to own a car was ready accessibility to public transport. This is affirmed by findings that 89.1 per cent of respondents lived within 10 minutes' walk of a bus stop and 44.3 per cent lived within 10 minutes' walk of a train station.

In fact, 50.6 per cent of respondents indicated that they would need a car if they lived more than 10 minutes' walk from a bus stop, and 44.3 per cent indicated the same for access to a train station.

Pollution, which cars contribute to, and the high prices of cars were the other main reasons given by respondents who did not aspire to own a car.

One of them, university student Raelein Airish Mohammed Rudy, 21, said he has been using public transport for many years, adding: "I'm quite comfortable to continue doing so.

"Electric cars sound like a good idea, but the electricity still comes from a fossil fuel source. So I'm still more inclined to use public transport. I think sharing a train with a few hundred people is more efficient."

Convenience and mobility were the main reasons cited by those who want a car. Compared with 2016, however, respondents were less fixated with brand or status - values with higher scores among aspiring car owners six years ago.

Instead, pragmatic considerations such as maintenance, fuel efficiency and family needs grew in importance. Price was still a top priority, although it scored lower than in 2016.

Polytechnic student Jasmine Chan, 18, said: "A car offers ease of transport, especially for someone like me who lives in Jurong. Although I have public transport options, the travelling time is quite long."

More than one-third voted to buy a one-year-old Japanese sedan if they had a $120,000 budget, with a brand new Korean hatchback a distant second, followed by a three-year-old seven-seater and a five-year-old BMW.

As previously, more than 90 per cent were willing to spend up to 30 per cent of their salary on paying for a car and associated ownership expenses.

"With certificate of entitlement (COE) prices skyrocketing in recent months, the cost of owning a car has risen dramatically. Youth are likely to think twice before making the financial commitment," said Nexus Link chief methodologist Dr Jack Loo.

Just over one-third of respondents said they would buy an electric car. Respondents were more knowledgeable about the technical aspects of electric cars such as performance and comfort than they were about ownership aspects such as price and running cost.

As for private-hire cars, less than a quarter of respondents were open to driving them. Among the 24.3 per cent who would consider it, 71.2 per cent said the main attraction was being able to earn extra income.

Reflecting a trend which started during the Covid-19 pandemic, more people are cycling now and more households had bicycles. Also, cyclists were riding more often and using their bikes more frequently for non-leisure purposes.

The survey involved respondents between 18 and 35 years of age. More than half (55 per cent) of them earned $2,001 to $5,000 a month, and 74 per cent had tertiary education (polytechnic and above).

Dr Zafar Momin, a former automotive expert at Boston Consulting Group who has since retired, said: "The survey results indicate the overall attitude of Singapore's youth towards car ownership has shifted significantly from aspirational in 2016 to functional in 2022."

He said the starkest sign was that only 19 per cent of respondents said having a car was important to their personal life, compared with more than 37 per cent in 2016.

"Singapore's public transport infrastructure has increasingly provided more convenient and reliable access for commuters. Before the pandemic, bus and train ridership was rising steadily," said Dr Momin, who also sits on the Petronas Chemicals Group board.

"The growth of point-to-point ride-hailing trips by private-hire vehicles was about four times the number of street-hailing taxi rides in the same period," he added.

"The proliferation of such convenient and economical options has reduced the need for Singapore youth to buy a car for personal use.

"In addition, cars are less affordable for youth relative to 2016. COE prices for Category A and B have increased by around 50 per cent and 90 per cent respectively between mid-2016 and mid-2022."

Associate Professor Raymond Ong from the National University of Singapore said: "Most people own a car because of elderly family members or young children. Can we design towns better so that there is less need to travel by car? This issue is more than transport. It is also an issue of city planning."


Used US electric vehicle sales jump as prices fall, says group

                WASHINGTON: Used electric vehicle sales in the United States rose 32% in the first three months of 2023 as prices fell, data provider Cox Automotive said on Friday.

The group said the average retail listing prices for used EVs was around US$43,400, down 4% from the same quarter last year and significantly below the average new EV price of about US$59,000.

The group said used EV prices were probably cut due to aggressive price reductions by Tesla for new vehicles.

"As the market leader pushes down prices for new EVs, used-vehicle prices follow suit," Cox said.

On Thursday, Tesla cut prices in the United States between 2% and nearly 6%, the fifth such cut this year. Washington will adopt stricter battery sourcing requirements on April 18 that will limit many EV tax credits.

In the first quarter of 2023, more than 225,000 EVs were sold, according to initial estimates by Kelley Blue Book, accounting for around 7% of new-vehicle sales.

On Monday, General Motors said it sold more than 20,000 EVs in the first three months of the year in the United States, the first time it had done so. EVs accounted for about 3.4% of GM first quarter US sales.

In August, Congress created a US$4,000 used EV tax credit. Buyers must purchase a used EV for US$25,000 or less from a dealer to qualify; the maximum credit is 30% percent of the sale price up to US$4,000.

Used EV buyers adjusted gross income may not exceed US$75,000 for individuals or US$150,000 for joint filers.

Cox Automotive forecast this year sales of new EVs in the United States in 2023 will surpass 1 million units for the first time, up from about 807,000 last year or 5.8% of all US sales.

Cox said wholesale values of used EVs increased by 3.7% year over year, compared to the overall decline of 2.4%.


Buffett-backed BYD shows how unloved hybrids can help beat Tesla

The BYD Dm-i plug-in hybrid. — YouTube/Chinese Car Reviewer
SHANGHAI: Even with disruptions from chip shortages and supply chain failures it’s been a banner year for China’s car market, the world’s largest.

Sales of electric models are on track to more than double 2020’s tally and local automakers have begun prospering overseas, as well as at home.

While it’s the buzzy startups like Nio and Xpeng that command most attention, BYD — the sector veteran that counts Warren Buffett as an investor — is emerging as one of the year’s biggest winners.

Last month, three BYD models were among China’s five best-selling new-energy vehicles, a segment that includes plug-in hybrids.

The company’s battery-electric sales in the third quarter jumped 67%, and outpaced Tesla for the first time since the end of 2019, according to data from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center.
Proving Popular

The Shenzhen-based producer signalled Friday it’ll seek to press home its recent advantage, outlining plans to inject US$1.7 billion into its new-energy vehicle unit to improve research and operational capacity.

While the company was one of the pioneers of China’s electric auto sector, and has been producing rechargeable batteries since the mid-1990s, it owes much of its current success to the hybrid segment.

Two of BYD’s best performers are DM — or dual mode — models that offer a plug-in hybrid system similar to those used by GM’s Volt or Honda’s i-MMD technology.

BYD’s technology has come a long way since the F3 DM days in 2008. Back then, the car jerked abruptly along the roads of Shenzhen, and felt like riding a crazy buffalo.

Three generations of upgrades have smoothed out performance, and the models are now finding favour with consumers for decidedly practical reasons.

They banish range anxiety in a country where finding a plug can be tricky even with the world’s largest network of chargers, and offer value for money with fuel consumption that can be as little as 1.6 litres per 100km.

China’s sales of plug-in hybrid cars jumped 180% in October, a faster expansion than the 148% gain in the new-energy vehicle sector as a whole, according to the China Passenger Car Association.

That’s pushing BYD’s local competitors to take notice, and Chinese automakers including Great Wall, Chery and Geely have all recently announced new hybrid platforms.

There’s renewed interest in hybrids elsewhere, too. Toyota sees the vehicles as a potentially key tool over the next two decades to help curb emissions in developing economies, or in countries still building out their energy and charging infrastructure.

For some consumers, the distinction between fully electric and plug-in hybrid options matters far less than the sticker price and running costs.

As long as companies produce vehicles that “consume less fuel and lower my costs, I don’t care what technologies they adopt,” Jack Ye, who recently bought a Volkswagen Passat plug-in hybrid, said in Shanghai last month.


EU antitrust regulators to fine Japanese car part makers, say sources

                BRUSSELS: European Union antitrust regulators are set to punish Japanese auto parts makers for allegedly fixing prices of starter motors and accelerator modules, two people familiar with the matter said on Monday.

The companies in the alleged cartel are world No. 2 parts maker Denso, Mitsubishi Electric Corp and a Hitachi Ltd unit, the people said.

The European Commission action will mark the first of several automobile-related cases scheduled for 2016 and is the latest in a series of penalties levied by competition watchdogs in the United States, Europe and Asia against a long-time business model in the industry.

That model essentially sees parts makers keep prices relatively high for new components they supply to car manufacturers, and then charge even more for the same parts supplied as replacements to dealerships and repair shops.

The Commission briefed national competition authorities on the case earlier on Monday, the people told Reuters.

It was not clear if there was a whistleblower among the three Japanese companies. Firms which report a cartel to the European Commission are not sanctioned.

The Commission can fine companies up to 10 percent of their global turnover for breaching antitrust rules.

Commission spokesman Ricardo Cardoso declined to comment. A Denso spokesman said: "We are not in a position to comment on the investigation." Hitachi and Mitsubishi Electric officials were not immediately available for comment.

US antitrust regulators fined Hitachi Automotive Systems Ltd, Mitsubishi Electric Corp and others for fixing prices of accelerators and starters in September 2013.

Japan's Fair Trade Commission in November 2012 also named the three companies in a similar cartel.

The EU watchdog is investigating possible cartels in car thermal systems, car lighting, seat belts and steering wheels, car exhaust systems and electrolytic capacitors, among others.


Touch ‘n Go's enhanced NFC-enabled cards are out of stock — again

                PETALING JAYA: All Touch ‘n Go's NFC-enabled cards have been snapped up a day after the company announced it had fresh new stock.

Its eWallet app struggled to handle the deluge when order-taking started at 10am today.

Like many others, a customer who only wanted to be known as Wong said he had tried placing an order on the app from 10am until noon but could not do so.

"After uncountable times clicking the button, I managed to order a card and get to the payment page but the transaction just could not go through as I think their servers were unable to handle the traffic," said Wong.

He said the situation was still the same in the two more attempts he made in getting to the payment page.

"I gave up after that. It was a complete waste of my morning."

Later in the day, the app announced that it had finished its stock of cards, leaving many who did not get it frustrated.

Some of them took to Touch ‘n Go's Facebook page to voice their displeasure.

One Facebook user, however, left a positive remark on the page, saying that she had finally managed to secure an order for the card after two hours and having "clicked 100 times". Her post was accompanied by a screengrab of the order and payment made.

At the time of this post, Touch ‘n Go has yet to issue a statement on when the cards would be available again.

While non-NFC cards can continue to be used, some users are holding cards that are expiring and need to change them. Since the NFC cards were introduced in April, Touch ‘n Go no longer sells the non-NFC cards.

Following frustration from consumers on being unable to secure one of these enhanced cards during the previous restock batches, Touch ‘n Go had put a limit of one card per user order in place, which is down from the previous maximum of two cards.

This comes after complaints from consumers that scalpers were somehow able to obtain an unspecified number of these NFC-enabled cards, and were reselling them online at several times the original price during the previous waves.

In a past post to their Facebook page, Touch ‘n Go had highlighted that buyers should be wary of non-genuine cards sold by unauthorised sellers or frauds, with the use of cloned, counterfeited, and/or hacked cards potentially putting the accounts of users at risk.


BMW CEO warns against electric-only strategy

                NEW YORK: BMW chief executive officer Oliver Zipse said companies must be careful not to become too dependent on a select few countries by focusing only on electric vehicles, adding that there was still a market for combustion engine cars.

"When you look at the technology coming out, the EV push, we must be careful because at the same time, you increase dependency on very few countries," Zipse said at a roundtable here, highlighting that the supply of raw materials for batteries was controlled mostly by China.

"If someone cannot buy an EV for some reason but needs a car, would you rather propose he continues to drive his old car forever? If you are not selling combustion engines anymore, someone else will," said Zipse.

He has long advocated against all-out bans on combustion engine car sales in the face of rising pressure from regulators on the auto industry to curb its carbon emissions and environmental impact.

Offering more fuel-efficient combustion engine cars was key both from a profit perspective and an environmental perspective, Zipse argued, pointing to gaps in charging infrastructure and the high price of electric vehicles.

Companies also needed to plan for energy prices and raw materials to remain high by being more efficient in their production and stepping up recycling efforts to keep costs down, he said.

"We have a peak now, they might not stay at the peak, but they will not go back to former prices," he said. "How much energy you need and use, and circularity, is important - for environmental reasons but even more for economic reasons."


BMW adds exclusivity to 6 Series with new M Sport Limited Edition

                MUNICH: The latest variant of BMW's grand tourer is designed to stand out, but exactly by how much will be down to the individual owner's tastes.

Despite being rewarding to drive, genuinely practical - especially in Gran Coupé four-door guise - and subtly stylish, the BMW 6 Series has a hard time standing out from some of its louder competition such as the Mercedes S Class coupé, Audi A7 or Porsche Panamera.

In order to address this apparent shortcoming, the company on Friday took the wraps off the new M Sport Limited Edition. When it goes on sale in April it will come with a selection of unique touches, such as a new Sonic Blue metallic paint finish, custom M Sport double-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels and carbon fibre wing mirror housings.

Inside, it's a similar story. This car will be the only 6 Series variant that will come with BMW Individual (the company's bespoke arm) fine-grain Merino leather trimmed front seats in contrasting black and Fjord blue as standard equipment. A carbon fiber capped gear lever and carbon fiber trim treatments throughout the cabin will also help the car feel that little bit different from the norm.

And of course, as with any limited edition premium car from any premium German marque, the M Sport gets special door sill covers inscribed with the model's name.

One curious decision, however, is powertrain. M Sport variants are usually among the most sprightly of all 'standard' BMWs. However, for this particular model, as well as making it available to order as a two-door, four-door or convertible, BMW is also leaving the engine choice down to the individual owner.

This means that they can tune its performance (or economy) to suit their needs - whether it's a thumping 450hp V8 with four-wheel drive, a 330hp in-line six cylinder, or a 313hp turbodiesel offering a 5.1l/100km fuel economy on the combined cycle.

But regardless of engine choice, the new model will also come with an eight-speed Steptronic sports transmission as standard.


JPJ studying proposal to limit youths to riding 70cc motorcycles

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is studying a police proposal to introduce a new licensing category for youths aged 16 to 20, to only ride motorcycles with a capacity of 70cc and below by 2025.

Its director-general, Datuk Zailani Hashim, said that the matter would be discussed in detail with Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research and the Public Works Department before any decision is made.

“The proposal was made due to the increase in the number of accidents and deaths involving high-powered motorcyclists involving youths, aged between 16 and 20 years,” he said.

He was commenting on a report that the police had proposed to introduce a new licensing category for youths by 2025.

In another development, he said that JPJ would launch a MyQ system that aims to reduce customer congestion at its premises.  A pilot project would be carried out this month at selected JPJ branches.

The system would enable customers to browse the JPJ website and pick up a queue number.


MINI refreshes Countryman

                MUNICH: The MINI Countryman has been facelifted and, as expected, is stuffed with improved tech and equipment.

The British brand said that the F60 Countryman still retains that “fun-to-drive” character that's become synonymous with its name.

In the engine department, the three-cylinder petrol engine of the new Cooper Countryman and four-cylinder petrol engine of the Cooper S Countryman now include an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head along with a turbocharger that now sees boost pressure increased from 200 to 350 bar.

The F60 Countryman now comes with a host of changes and improvements with its exterior having the options of being coated in a choice of a new Piano Black, White Silver metallic or Sage Green metallic - all while sporting a new front grille and fitted with LEDs for its headlights, fog lights and Union Jack taillights as standard.

With a new set of lightweight alloys are now on the options list, the company has gone ahead and added an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard in the Cooper ALL4, Cooper S All4 and JCW ALL4 models.

Depending on model variant, the F60 is fitted with 17-inch Channel Spoke Black design alloys as standard that can be up-sized to 19-inch Turnstile Spoke two-tone wheels as an optional extra.

In the front-wheel driven spectrum, the Cooper now uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) standard while the Cooper S variant gets a seven-speed Sport DCT.

The options list has also been updated for the interior which sees the inclusion of a new five-inch colour screen, high gloss piano black central instrument, a new range of leather trims and interior surfaces.

The Cooper S and Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 models employ the use of Piano Black interior surfaces as standard for the cockpit and door bezels and are combined with accent strips in the variant British Oak dark.

The leather trim has been expanded to include Chesterfield Indigo Blue and Chesterfield Malt Brown for the seat upholstery options.

Also, a new version of the MINI Yours Interior Style options is now made available for all model variants as well as added functions within the MINI Connected system and an extension of options within the list of Original MINI Accessories.


Proton open to partner taking control as it mulls options

                PUTRAJAYA: Proton is prepared for any kind of strategic alliance with potential partners, including allowing them to have control over the manufacturer of the national car.

In giving itself a year to find the partner, Proton has described the task as something that is crucial for its turnaround.

Towards this end, Proton, now owned by DRB-Hicom Bhd, said that it had already been approached by a number of manufacturers for a tie-up.

According to Proton chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali, the company is looking for a “deeper” strategic partner and would be working on an exercise to identify the most suitable company.

“We are giving ourselves a year to forge this strategic partnership. We are not ruling anything out. Strategic collaboration can be in any form. The lowest form can be the sharing of models to strategic alliances that involves equity, to the highest level where they may want to have control.

“It depends on what they bring to the table,” he told reporters after the unveiling of the new fourth-generation Perdana model by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak here yesterday.

On June 9, the Government gave financial aid to Proton amounting to RM1.5bil. It included the Government subscribing for redeemable loan stocks amounting to RM1.25bil. As of March 31 last year, Proton’s total long-term borrowings stood at RM847mil.

The loan stock is convertible with cumulative dividends of 4% per annum in the next five years.

In giving the financial assistance, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed had said that the Government wanted the money back in five years and told Proton to look for a strategic partner.

Ahmad Fuaad said Proton had been working with Honda and Suzuki.

“We are working on the final details with Suzuki for a new model to be launched in October,” he said.

Meanwhile, DRB-Hicom group managing director Datuk Seri Syed Faisal Albar Syed Ali Rethza Albar said the prospective partner must be “a strategic, operational and cultural” fit into Proton’s needs.

“The RM1.5bil loan is predominantly to pay our vendors. With this assistance and strategic partnership plan in the pipeline, we are pretty confident of repaying the Government,” said Syed Faisal, who is also Proton chairman.

Proton had held talks with several global car companies, including Volkswagen and General Motors, but nothing had materialised.

In 2007, Proton then under the ownership of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, was approached by Volkswagen where it was willing to accept an equity offer not above 49% and inject funds but with a plan to increase its stake to 51% within a few years.

Last month, there were news reports speculating that Proton was in talks with two French companies – Groupe PSA (formerly known as PSA Peugeot Citroën) and Renault SA.

An industry expert also opined that the relocation of Proton’s Shah Alam plant to Tanjung Malim was not the best solution, as Proton currently needs half the production capacity of its Shah Alam plant.

Nevertheless, the new Perdana models mark Proton’s re-entry into the D-segment market with the 2.0 and 2.4 variants, featuring a sophisticated yet sporty executive sedan.

This new Perdana was developed with Honda Japan Ltd under the platform-sharing initiative and Proton said it has further enhanced the car’s handling and comfort.


Button starts the year as a married man

                LONDON: McLaren Formula One driver Jenson Button entered the New Year as a married man after tying the knot with long-term girlfriend Jessica Michibata in Hawaii.

"Happy New Year from Mr & Mrs Button," the 2009 world champion told his 1.9 million followers on Twitter shortly after midnight. "We're excited to see in the New Year with family and loved ones."

British newspapers said they had married in Maui, Hawaii.

Button, 34, and Japanese-Argentine model Michibata have been together since 2008 and announced their engagement last year. The driver's father John, a popular and ever-present figure in the paddock, died last January.

The Briton's Formula One future was uncertain until last month, when McLaren finally announced his contract had been extended and he would be partnering arriving double world champion Fernando Alonso next season.

This year will be the 16th season in Formula One for the most experienced driver on the starting grid and winner of 15 grands prix.

 File pic of the couple at the Sepang leg of the 2012 F1 season. - Reuters


VW testing 22kW DC wallbox to shorten charging time

                WOLFSBURG: With electrification well under way in Volkswagen, the charging infrastructure must be up to scratch.

This is where Volkswagen Group Components comes in. It unveiled on Thursday various innovative charging concepts.

Following flexible charging stations and mobile charging robots, the company is now showing off its newest product: the innovative DC wallbox, which charges up to 22 kW.

At present, real operation will be starting at five sites as part of a pilot phase. The goal is to gather practical experience in order to develop the DC wallbox quickly for series production.

“An extensive and needs-based charging structure is the key to the success of electric vehicles," said Mark Möller, head of the Technical Development & Electric Mobility division.

"That is why we are working on various approaches that enable customer-oriented, intelligent and flexible charging. Like our flexible quick charging station and the visionary prototype of a mobile charging robot, the DC wallbox is one of the future innovations of the DC charging family for electric vehicles.”

With the new wallbox, electric vehicles can be charged with direct current (DC) up to 22 kW – which is about double the speed of a typical wallbox working with alternating current (AC).

In charging technology based on direct current, the electricity flows directly into the lead traction battery, provided that the electric vehicle features a combined charging system (CCS) charging port.

Unlike systems based on alternating current, electric vehicles are charged independently of their integrated on-board chargers that limit charging capacity. Charging the lead traction battery with a direct current, on the other hand, increases the potential charging capacity when compared with alternating current. The charging process can therefore be significantly shortened.

As an innovative detail with prospects for the future, the DC wallbox will already be prepared for bi-directional charging.

Thus, power can flow in two directions with the wallbox: the power stored in the lead traction vehicle battery can be returned to the grid, if necessary, thanks to an intelligent charging management. In future, electric vehicles that feature this function can, for example, serve as a power storage unit for private homes or as a buffer for the power grid.

In order to gather experience with the new product, Volkswagen Group Components has started the pilot phase at its own factory sites in Wolfsburg, Braunschweig, Hannover, Salzgitter and Kassel with 20 DC wallboxes.

This also means that the existing charging infrastructure will be expanded at the factory grounds.


Imagine electric car concept from Kia can wirelessly charge itself

                GENEVA: Kia says its latest electric crossover study can be charged fully wirelessly, a feature that - for now - adds as much expense as it does convenience.

Wireless charging is gradually becoming a common feature on smartphones, but we're still waiting this convenient technology to hit the mainstream in electric cars.

However, the new Kia Imagine, on show at the March 7 to 17 Geneva Car Show, brings electric car drivers a step closer to the dream of being able to drive up to a charging point and stay put at the wheel while the car wirelessly fast charges itself.

Kia isn't the first company to implement this cable-free tech, and German rival BMW has previously showcased cars that can wirelessly charge in 3.5 hours.

The Kia concept also manages a generous interior by saving on the many technical components needed for a combustion engine.

Kia has opted for rear suicide doors opening in the opposite direction to the front on this crossover concept, positioned somewhere between the compact and mid-size classes.

Inside there are four seats in leather and silk, as well a combined 21 screens on the dashboard, which likely won't make it into series production.


Shell Diesel Euro 5 launched

                PETALING JAYA: Shell Malaysia officially launched its Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 at the Shell station along the NKVE-Damansara Highway recently.

The new fuel is currently available at five selected Shell stations in Peninsular Malaysia including at the Tapah Rest Stop and Tanjung Malim Layby in Perak; Bandar Ayer Keroh, Melaka; and Pasir Gudang Highway 2, Johor.

The new diesel aims to provide consumers who want a high quality, fuel efficient fuel compatible with modern engines which require low sulphur content.

 Sashi (left) and Azman at the launch of the Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 event.

“The introduction of Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 is an affirmation of our commitment to help consumers make smarter choices on the road. By providing drivers more a more efficient diesel fuel, we are enabling them to go further and do more in the long run,” said Shell Malaysia Trading and Shell Timur managing director Azman Ismail.

Shell Malaysia also partnered with BMW Group Malaysia in creating awareness on the importance of fuel efficiency and lower emissions on the road.

“The introduction of the new Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 is an important step forward for diesel drivers in Malaysia to have access to the newest specification of diesel fuel at the stations,” said BMW Group Malaysia head of corporate communications, Sashi Ambi.

The new fuel has an ultra-low sulphur content of only 10 part per million (ppm) compared to 500ppm in the previous Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro2M.

Shell aims to invest into its expansive network to quickly extend availability of the new diesel at more locations.


Why cars and watches have so much crossover for collectors

                NEW YORK: Popular automotive blog Jalopnik ran a piece titled, "Can someone help me understand why car enthusiasts are often also watch enthusiasts?"

In it, writer Elizabeth Blackstock ponders the connection between the two hobbies, using the recent TAG Heuer and Porsche collaboration as a jumping-off point:

Is it the technology crossover? Are gears just cool no matter where you find them? Is it the subtle flex of owning a very nice watch that only other watch people will understand, the same way rich people like to buy their subtle rich people cars? Is it the unattainability? Is it the thrill of collecting?

To which we say: Yes! But there's so much more.

These two mechanically driven hobbies appeal to the same type of person because our communities imbue these inanimate objects with a spirit. They mean more to us than only what they're designed for.

Open the garages of the HODINKEE staff, and you'll find all sorts of enthusiast vehicles. For many of us, if we're not talking about watches, we're lighting up the #cars Slack channel with everything from thoughts on BMW's new grille design to recounting historic motorsports figures and their watches.

We're uniquely positioned to take a stab at this question, having one foot (up to our knee) in the watch world and one foot (up to our ankle) in the automotive world. Our founder has reported from the Copperstate 100, Jason Heaton and James Stacey have discussed overlanding on TGN, and I recently examined the intersection of watch and car culture at a rally in North Carolina and previously at Goodwood Revival. Ahem, I even wrote a story for Jalopnik in 2014 (it's a fun read!).

There's a sheer sense of fascination and joy that comes from appreciating mechanical objects working together to carry out a particular task, be it accelerating to triple digits or measuring time to three decimal places. I get the same feeling of satisfaction watching the 405 parts of the Lange caliber 951.1 work in unison as I do from seeing an air-cooled flat-six cracked open to reveal pistons travelling in a horizontal plane.

The joy of taking apart both a Black and Orange Seiko Monster then swapping the chapter rings feels a lot like exuberance that comes from installing a blanking plate where the EGR valve used to be on a '90s Mitsubishi 4D56T motor. There's the appreciation bit, and then there's the tinkering and modifying bit.

Be it a new NATO or a new set of tyres, the experience has a tactile – and often analogue – component that leaves you feeling enamoured and connected with your watch or your vehicle. If you understand one, you'll understand the other.

Then there's the emotional aspect that watches and cars share, making crossover appreciation easy.

HODINKEE would be terribly boring if it were all articles looking at technological advancement and specifications, just like the car media landscape would be uninteresting if it only examined the automotive industry's transition from petrol to electrical power plants.

We form bonds with both our cars and our watches. You likely remember your first watch, and you might look back at your first car in the same wistful way.

A beat-up Seiko and a hand-me-down hooptie are oftentimes the way we find our way into the hobby. And they remain just as memorable even when we've finally managed to snag our grail watch or that sweet new set of wheels from the poster on our childhood bedroom wall.

Mario Andretti is a watch fan. So are Spike Feresten and Phil Toledano. The crossover from watches to cars and vice versa is common – although I don't know which one comes first. Ms. Blackstock, maybe you'll start with cars, but have a look around the site and see if we can't turn you into a watch enthusiast, too!

Watches transcend their intended purpose in the same way cars do. They become vessels for meaningful stories. But it becomes even more interesting when a watch achieves incredible accuracy and precision or a car pushes the limits of acceleration and top speed. Watches, like cars, are a way to mark a time in our life.

> Originally published by Cole Pennington on Hodinkee. Hodinkee is a US-based online site for modern and vintage wristwatch enthusiasts.


SPONSORED: Proton Iriz sports exciting upgrades

                Proton’s popular Iriz hatchback has been refined and now offers more oomph!

With improved Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) control and better fuel efficiency, the Iriz rewards buyers with more bang for the buck.

Aside from an Eco-Drive Assist Indicator, the engine control unit had been retuned for improved linear response and driveability.

The new Iriz comes in four variants – the 1.3L Standard manual and continuously variable transmission (CVT), 1.3L Executive CVT and 1.6L Premium CVT, priced from RM43,800 to RM58,800.

The 1.3L Executive variant also receives an upgrade in the form of push-start button which was previously only fitted in the 1.6L variant.

This hatchback is available in two new colours of Ruby Red and Carnelian Brown, apart from the existing Iriz colours of Graphite Grey, Atlantic Blue and Cotton White.

The transformation of Iriz came about after Proton launched the new Persona in August last year.

The new Persona featured better NVH control and lower fuel consumption, and Proton was asked if the Iriz can be made to be as good as the Persona since both vehicles are based on the same platform.

Proton engineers took the challenge and the result was a new Iriz that is superior and more responsive. The 1.6L Premium variant was made even more unique with a two-tone exterior colours where the roof, spoiler and side mirrors are black.

For the interior, Proton has added red stitching to the leather wrap steering and seats, making the Iriz sportier and more stylish.

Despite these improvements and refinements, there is no compromise on the safety standard and security features of the Iriz. The hatchback is known for its tough steel body structure which is made with Hot Pressed Forming (HPF) method.

It has 5-Star Asean NCAP rating for all variants, equipped with comprehensive active and passive safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill-Hold Assist, ISOFIX and top tether, as well as six airbags for the Premium variant to ensure optimal protection for both the driver and passengers.

For its class, the new Iriz is the most affordable 5-star Asean NCAP car in the region.

Since its debut in September 2014, Proton has sold more than 45,000 units of the Iriz, making it the second best-selling Proton car since its inception, after the legendary Saga.

The Iriz had also bagged numerous awards such as Compact Hatchback Car of the Year and the People’s Choice Award at the NST Car of the Year 2014, Best Industrial Design 2015 by Intellectual Property Corporation, Most Affordable 5-Star Asean NCAP Car in Malaysia at the Asean NCAP Grand Prix Award 2016 and Budget Car Of The Year at the 2016 Asean Car of The Year Awards.

Its latest accolade was the Best Compact Hatch in CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2017 which was won by the Iriz 1.6-litre Premium CVT variant.

Aside from manufacturing better cars, Proton has also taken steps to improve its customer care service.

Customers can contact Proton Customer Care at tel: 1800 888 398 or email customercare@proton.com.
Customers can also visit www.proton.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ProtonCarsOfficial.

For added convenience, customers can download the official MyProton mobile app, available via Google Play and Apple App Store.


Bulletproof Volkswagen Golf becomes latest tuned version of hatchback

                JOHANNESBURG/HAMBURG: Tuned VW Golf 8 hatchbacks usually come with extra chin spoilers and other aerodynamic goodies, but South African specialist Armormax says its new bulletproof version will protect those inside from standard handguns and assault weapons.

The company is based in Johannesburg where armed car-jackings are not uncommon and so the hot hatch comes with a Class B4 ballistic protection package.

This means it can withstand shots from a .357 Magnum revolver and the even beefier .44 Remington Magnum, as well as assault weapons like AK-47s. By contrast, bigger armoured limousines usually have Class 7 protection which means they can survive even rocket attacks.

Armormax said there is lively demand for an armoured Golf and it has converted a number in the past. The car is also popular in the private security sector, where it is used for rapid responses and high-speed chases.

For an asking price of nearly US$100,000 (RM427,000), Armormax replaces all the standard glass with Optima ballistic glass, which is indistinguishable from outside.

All doors, door panels, pillars, rear seats and the hatch are reinforced with lightweight synthetic armour.

The roof and sunroof are also fitted with the same ballistic protection while still preserving the functionality of the front windows. The final touch is an intercom system.

The rebuild adds 180 kg of weight to the GTI, but Armormax says this hardly weighs on its top speed of 240kph.


Volkswagen explores new sales model for electric cars in China

                BEIJING: Volkswagen AG is launching another sales model in China that will see the automaker open showrooms in city centres for electric vehicles (EV) and offer fixed prices, departing from the conventional sales system used by the wider industry.

Last week, Volkswagen’s joint venture with SAIC Motor opened its first showroom under this system in the eastern city of Hangzhou, according to a social media post. The store, named “ID. Store X”, sells its ID. range of family cars.

The German automaker said today that customers can order vehicles at a fixed price directly through the company website, phone app or from authorised dealers. The stores are invested and operated by selected dealers, not the automaker.

The dealers get a commission from vehicle sales and do not need to maintain the car inventory, Volkswagen said.

Traditionally automakers including Volkswagen, General Motors and Toyota Motor set the official price, but dealers are expected to keep an inventory of vehicles and often allowed to offer discounts or price them higher depending on the demand for the models.

The German automaker’s new attempt still differs from Tesla Inc’s direct sales model that bypasses dealers entirely. Tesla’s model allows the US carmaker to manage the process from production to pricing to sales to delivery while adding operational costs of running the wholly-owned stores.

Showroom strength is becoming an important differentiator for EV makers in the world’s biggest auto market, as they line up model launches.

Tesla currently has over 150 showrooms and service centres in China while Nio Inc has 189 stores. Xpeng Inc has 116 and Li Auto Inc has 45 showrooms, as of end of September.

SAIC-Volkswagen said it would open 40 ID. Store X stores in 29 Chinese cities in the next 1/1-2 years. Volkswagen’s other venture with FAW Group has yet to announce a detailed sales plan for EVs.

Volkswagen said last month that it will launch eight ID. family models in China by 2023 with its local partners SAIC and FAW.

Sales of electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles in China are forecast to rise to 20% of new car sales by 2025 from just 5% now, the State Council said last month.


GM challenges Carvana with CarBravo online used car marketplace

                DETROIT: General Motors Co said it will launch an online used vehicle market called CarBravo that will allow the automaker and its dealers to challenge Carvana Co, CarMax Inc and others profiting from selling second=hand vehicles.

GM's CarBravo site will aggregate vehicles owned by Chevrolet, Buick and GMC dealers, as well as cars and trucks that GM Financial, the automaker's consumer finance arm, controls after taking them back from rental car agencies or vehicle leases.

GM officials said the company's dealers have about 400,000 used vehicles in stock.

GM said CarBravo will launch to consumers this spring.

About 40 million used vehicles are sold annually in the United States, more than twice the number of new cars and trucks.

Auto manufacturers are largely removed from the profits from those sales, as well as information about customers and the opportunity to sell recurring revenue services such as satellite radio subscriptions.

The price of used cars has skyrocketed during the pandemic due to lack of new inventory in the wake of supply-chain constraints.

Online used-car marketplace Carvana, with a market value of US$34 billion, filled the e-commerce space left open by automakers and most traditional dealers, offering consumers a way to shop for a wide range of used vehicles from multiple brands, and get their purchase delivered at home.

Now, GM is joining auto retail chains such as AutoNation in setting up online used vehicle marketplaces to counter Carvana, whose shares have fallen nearly 50% from their 52-week high.

Steve Carlisle, head of GM's North American operations, said on Tuesday that CarBravo could outsell Carvana because of the supply of vehicles that GM and its dealers control.

"We think we stack up pretty well against anyone else out there," Carlisle said.

Carvana in a statement on Tuesday did not address GM's move directly, but underscored that it "pioneered online car buying" and has bought and sold over 1 million vehicles.

CarMax chief marketing officer Jim Lyski said in a statement, "While we are still learning about the newly announced service from GM, what they have set out to do is difficult."


GM says plant set to close will produce electric cars

                DETROIT: A General Motors plant that was set to close will instead get a new life producing electric trucks and SUVs, the company announced today.

The US auto giant announced a massive restructuring in 2018 that would have slashed 15 percent of its workforce to save US$6 billion, a move criticised by President Donald Trump as "nasty" because it would have required shuttering several manufacturing facilities in North America.

The Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant in Michigan was scheduled to close as part of that plan, but now will get an overhaul and start rolling out two new electric vehicles (EV) starting in late 2021: a pickup truck and the Cruise Origin autonomous shuttle vehicle, the company announced.

"Our electric vehicle plan is unmatched in the industry," GM president Mark Reuss (pic above) said at a press conference here. "Hamtramck will be GM's first dedicated all-EV assembly plant."

GM is investing US$2.2 billion in the plant, along with US$800 million in projects related to the new model, the company said in a statement.

The new configuration will employ more than 2,200 people when it is fully operational at the end of 2022, after the construction of a new paint shop and the addition of modern assembly line equipment, the company said.

The plant, which opened in 1985 and currently employs only about 900 workers, will be idled for several months beginning at the end of February as the renovations begin, with most workers transferred to other GM plants.

Political pressure

GM's decision to keep Hamtramck open comes after the company announced in 2017 it would launch 20 EV models by 2023 as part of a push for an "all-electric" fleet amid demands from governments worldwide for greater automobile fuel efficiency.

But the company also has faced political pressure, including from Trump who has not shied away from publicly berating companies to get them to commit to investing more and creating more American jobs.

The news on this plant will be especially welcome as Trump battles for re-election in November, when he hopes to repeat his upset 2016 election victory in Michigan is seen as crucial to him winning a second term.

Michigan politicians and labor unions also pushed against the plant's closure, with Detroit mayor Mike Duggan calling GM chief executive Mary Barra to plead the facility's case.

"I did ask her, 'Why can't GM build new vehicles here?'" Barra replied that building the factory required more than 4,000 residents to move elsewhere.

Hampered by trade wars, US manufacturing is in the midst of a recession with production dropping 1.3 percent in the final months of 2019 compared to a year prior, according to the Federal Reserve.

General Motors reported a decline in US auto sales at the end of the fourth quarter, reflecting the lingering effect of a bruising 40-day strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) that dented its vehicle inventory.

The labour union cheered the news that the plant will remain open.

"Over 2,200 jobs and a new technology product will deliver job security and a bright economic future for UAW members for decades to come at Hamtramck," UAW vice-president Terry Dittes said in a statement.


Koenigsegg Agera RS is officially the world's fastest production car

                LAS VEGAS: During tests on an 17km stretch of Las Vegas highway, the Swedish hypercar managed a remarkable average speed of 444.6kph.

More impressive still is that in the second of the car's speed record attempts, it actually hit 457kph, suggesting that on the right day, with the right wind and temperature conditions, the car still has something left in the tank.

Nevertheless, the official average speed — 447.2kph (the car managed to hit 437.7kph on its first attempt and car's speed is calculated by adding both speeds together and dividing by two), is still a significant improvement on the current official record — 429.7ph — held by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.

The Supersport's replacement, the Bugatti Chiron, is yet to make any official attempt to set a new top speed record. The company is waiting to see what the competition achieves before it heads out to the test track where it will have two advantages. The first is last mover advantage and the second is that the VW's test track is big enough and long enough to try and set a new record.

For its record run, Koenigsegg needed to borrow an 17km stretch of straight highway, and the Nevada authorities were kind enough to shut down a section of Route 160.

Likewise, Hennessey Performance has, until now, had to make do with airport runways for its speed record attempts, which, unless the car is capable of astronomical levels of off the line acceleration, are not long enough to allow a car to hit speeds close to 482kph before it's time to apply the brakes.

So even though these top speeds are essentially academic — there is nowhere in the real world where an owner of one of these cars could conceivably come close to achieving them — it makes for excellent high-octane entertainment for car obsessives around the globe. Traveling at 482kph means covering a distance of 134m a second or 8km every minute.

At SEMA 2017 Hennessey Performance unveiled the Venom F5, which it insists is capable of a theoretical 482+kph, and if it can find a long enough stretch of straight road and get the local authorities to close it down, it will soon be able to prove it.

But Koenigsegg isn't done yet, either. As phenomenal a car as the Agera RS is, it is not the company's current flagship model. The Regera is faster and more powerful but it is yet to hit the track. However, if Bugatti or Hennessey blitz the new record, expect to see it driving along Route 160 very shortly.


LG and SK reach US$1.8bil settlement to end battery spat

                DETROIT: Two South Korean electric-vehicle battery makers reached a last-minute settlement in a bitter US trade dispute, sparing President Joe Biden from choosing between undermining intellectual property rights or dealing a politically toxic blow to his climate agenda.

SK Innovation Co. agreed to pay 2 trillion won (US$1.8bil or RM7.5bil) to LG Energy Solution, a unit of LG Chem Ltd., according to a statement from the two companies. The payment is divided equally in cash and royalties, they said.

The two companies “will work to help the development of EV battery industry in South Korea and the US through healthy competition and friendly cooperation,” according to the joint statement.

“In particular, we will work together to strengthen the battery network and environmentally-friendly policy that the Biden administration is pursuing.”

The settlement will avert a 10-year import ban of SK Innovation’s batteries into the US and ends the two-year dispute between the two companies.

The import ban threatened to complicate the rollout of Ford Motor Co.’s new F-150 electric pickup truck and the Volkswagen AG’s ID.4 SUV, both due to begin production next year with EV batteries assembled at an SK Innovation plant in politically important Georgia.

The dispute became a political conundrum for Biden because it was said to jeopardise as many as 6,000 battery manufacturing jobs in Georgia, prompting the state’s two Democratic senators and Republican governor to urge an intervention from the president. One of those senators faces re-election next year.

SK and LG also agreed to withdraw all lawsuits lodged in South Korea and overseas, according to the statement. They also agreed not to undertake any legal action against each other for the next 10 years.

The settlement removes a major headache for both South Korean and US government officials, who’ve spent weeks pressing the two sides to reach an agreement.

Biden was facing an April 11 deadline to decide whether to overturn the import ban or do nothing and let it take effect. His decision pivoted on two critical policy issues - the new president’s desire to promote EVs as a way to help curb climate change, and the nation’s long-standing backing of strong intellectual property rights.

The US International Trade Commission, an independent agency set up to protect US markets from unfair trade practices, had issued the import ban Feb 10 based on what it called an “extraordinary” effort by SK Innovation to destroy evidence in a trade-secret case lodged by LG Energy.

The ITC did carve out time to let SK Innovation import components for batteries to be assembled in Georgia for Ford and Volkswagen vehicles, but the automakers argued it was not enough.

“A voluntary settlement between these two suppliers is ultimately in the best interest of US manufacturers and workers,” Ford’s chief executive officer Jim Farley tweeted after the ITC’s decision in February.

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, who’s been in her position less than a month and whose office is designated to take the lead in these cases, held meetings with the parties as the deadline loomed. Georgia officials, including the two recently-elected Democratic Senators critical to Biden’s agenda, also met with senior company executives and administration officials.

The case prompted an extraordinary effort to lobby the Biden administration, with near-daily meetings over recent weeks involving officials from a dozen government agencies and officials from both companies and the automakers.

LG and SK spent more than US$1 million last year on lobbying efforts, according to data collected by the Center for Responsive Politics.

Senator Jon Ossoff “was stressing the urgent need for both companies to come to the negotiating table and agree to a settlement to save the Georgia plant,” said Miryam Lipper, a spokesman for the Democratic senator.

His fellow Democrat, Senator Raphael Warnock, who’s up for re-election in 2022, also had called for a resolution, describing the looming import ban as a “severe punch in the gut” to Georgia’s workers.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican, called on Biden to veto the import ban while accusing the president of responsibility for Major League Baseball’s decision to move its All-Star game because of the state’s new voting law and costing the state jobs.

Climate change

SK Innovation argued the order would undermine Biden’s push for more American-made EVs as part an effort to combat climate change.

The commission said it had already taken the president’s policies into account when fashioning a carve-out that allowed SK Innovation to bring in components needed for Ford’s EV F-150 pickup for four years, and for Volkswagen’s American ID.4 SUV line for two years. Neither carmaker was appeased.

LG Energy, which makes batteries for General Motors Co. in Michigan, said such a decision would weaken policies to protect trade secrets - a long-standing issue in US talks with China - and that the carve-outs ensures Ford and Volkswagen had time to adjust.

LG Energy accused SK Innovation of stealing billions of dollars’ worth of crucial information on how to make batteries, enabling it to win the contracts from Ford and Volkswagen. SK Innovation denied receiving or using any confidential information from the LG Energy employees it hired.

SK Innovation is nearing completion of one facility in Commerce, Georgia, and is already making battery samples, while a second facility is about 20% complete and projected to be done next year. A second phase is planned that would bring SK Innovation’s total investment to about US$5 billion and create 6,000 jobs, the company has said.

Non-captive plant

In addition to making the batteries for Ford and Volkswagen, the SK Innovation facility would be the nation’s largest so-called non-captive plant, meaning it would be able to adapt for other manufacturers, the company has said.

LG, which is building an additional plant with GM in Ohio in addition to its facility in Holland, Michigan, has announced plans to invest US$4.5 billion in the US by 2025 and hire 10,000 workers to expand battery capacity.

Creating more US-based manufacturing is critical because the automakers want components close to their assembly plants, especially since a shortage of computer chips has highlighted vulnerabilities for global supply chains. The supply of batteries for a coming wave of electric models is also extremely tight.

Biden has committed to creating more American-made manufacturing, particularly to compete with China.

The Asian nation makes 73% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries compared with 12% by the US, which ranks No. 2, Jonathan Jennings, Ford’s global commodity pricing vice president, told the Senate Finance Committee on March 16.


New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is the compact superstar

                AFFALTERBACH: Outstanding performance, the ultimate in driving dynamics, expressive design - the new Mercedes-AMG compact sports car, the CLA 45, reasserts its leading position in the segment.

Seamlessly continuing the success story of Mercedes-AMG's sporty compact cars, while setting new standards.

The CLA 45 is powered by the newly developed M139 2.0-liter engine, the world's most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder manufactured for series production.

With 382hp in the CLA 45, it boasts more power than its predecessor. Fast gearshifts measured in milliseconds and ideal power delivery are guaranteed by the new AMG Speedshift DCT-8G dual-clutch transmission with eight gears.

Active, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive distributes the power to the rear axle on a wheel- selective basis using AMG Torque Control – for top traction and the spectacular Drift mode.

This is made possible by a new rear axle differential featuring two multidisc clutches – one for each rear wheel.

"We have completely redesigned our "45" models – from the engine and transmission through the chassis, the elaborately constructed drivetrain to the body structure and of course the design itself – all with one goal: to raise vehicle dynamics and the sporty driving experience to a level previously unimaginable in the compact class.

"With the presentation of this, our most powerful and most dynamic compact sports car, we are also reinforcing the significance of this segment for our growth strategy," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 will go on sale in the US by the end of the year.


Bentley's 200,000th car has left the factory, and it's a hybrid

                LONDON: Bentley has announced that it has passed the symbolic milestone of 200,000 cars having left the factory since the brand was founded in 1919.

And the 200,000th is a hybrid Bentayga, symbolising the electric transition of the British manufacturer.

Incredibly, more than three quarters of these 200,000 cars have been produced in the last 18 years.

And in fact 85 cars currently roll off the Bentley production line every day. That's the number of cars the brand was producing every month just 20 years ago. Each car is still assembled by hand, as has been the tradition for over 100 years.

Bentley announced earlier that it will only produce electric cars from 2030.

For the purposes of communicating on this milestone, Bentley decided to have this Bentayga posed next to the EXP2, the oldest Bentley in history.


Revised Mazda2 gets important updates

                HIROSHIMA: Despite having been in production now for more than two decades, it's probably fair to say the Mazda2 isn't the best-known or best-loved model in Mazda's range, but the manufacturer is giving it some significant updates to try to challenge that perception.

The current model is part of the car's fourth-generation, and it's sold around the globe under a number of different names and by several different manufacturers.

The refreshed Mazda2 range goes on sale from June 1, and all variants will now feature Mazda's G-Vectoring Control technology, along with a number of detailed improvements to the car's suspension and steering to deliver improved levels of comfort and a more responsive feel for the driver.

There are also some interior upgrades such as new seat fabrics, a new steering wheel design and better sound insulation, but the introduction of two new models - GT and GT Sport - is probably the biggest news.

Although there will now be eight models in the Mazda2 range, a 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-G petrol engine powers all of them, including the new GT and GT Sport models. However, the engine is offered with different power ratings, depending on the model chosen. Entry-level Mazda2 models will get a 74hp version of the engine while the bulk of the range will offer 89hp. The new GT gets that 89hp unit, but the new flagship GT Sport features an even more powerful 113hp powerplant.

The Mazda2 is the smallest vehicle in the manufacturer's line-up, but it was already big on driving dynamics and the way it drives and handles is only being further improved for the new model year.

Adding G-Vectoring Control (GVC) to the entire Mazda2 lineup is a bold move for an entry level model after the system only made its debut on the 2017 Mazda3. The system is the first of Mazda's SKYACTIV-Vehicle Dynamics technologies to break cover, and what it does for the car is to vary the engine's torque to optimise loading on the wheels during cornering.

This provides more precise handling and greater levels of comfort, although it does it in an entirely indiscernible way.


Dec 28-Jan 3, 2020: RON97 petrol price up 5 sen to RM2.63


Nissan mulls divorce from Renault

UPDATE: The alliance's president, Jean-Dominique Senard, has denied reports the grouping is splitting up. "The Renault-Nissan alliance is not dead! Soon we will show you why."

TOKYO: Nissan Motor Co. executives have examined the possibility of breaking away from Renault SA amid concerns that relations with the longtime French partner have turned dysfunctional after the ouster of former chief Carlos Ghosn, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Since last year, Nissan has been exploring the pros and cons of sustaining the alliance, particularly when it comes to engineering and technology sharing, according to the person, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential matters.

Those studies predate Ghosn’s escape from Japan and were preliminary, so no decision has been made, the person said.

It’s unclear how feasible any separation would be given that Renault is Nissan’s biggest shareholder and the French partner has been pushing for a repair of ties.

Still, the comments illustrate the fragile state of the relationship between the Japanese and French auto giants after Ghosn, who balanced the world’s largest automotive alliance for years as head of both companies, was arrested late 2018 in Japan on allegations of financial misconduct.

Ghosn’s legal odyssey took a dramatic turn recently when he fled Japan for Lebanon and became the world’s most famous fugitive.

Since Ghosn’s downfall, the two carmakers have struggled financially - their shares were the two worst performers among major automakers last year - and drifted apart at a time when the costs of electrification and autonomous driving are pressuring incumbent carmakers to team up or consolidate.

Relations between the two companies are "broken and likely beyond the point of repair,” Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst wrote in a note on Monday.

Nissan didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment today, a holiday in Japan.

Renault declined to comment. The Financial Times reported earlier that Ghosn’s escape from Japan had spurred Nissan executives to accelerate secret contingency plans to potentially split from Renault.


2017 New York Auto Show: Porsche announces line-up

                NEW YORK: Porsche has ear-marked five of its new Panamera models to make their American debut along with the new 911 GT3 and GTS model range at this year's New York International Auto Show.

Due to arrive by the end of the year in America, the Panamera Sport Turismo model-range will feature a larger tailgate, low loading edge, increased luggage compartment volume and a cabin for five.

There will be five Panamera variants for choice starting with the Panamera 4, costing US$96,200 (RM430,000) with a 330hp 3.0-litre turbocharged v6, while the 4S variant priced at US$109,200 (RM495,000) uses a 440hp 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6.

With the same engine as the 4S, the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid costs upwards of US$104,000 (RM470,000) and gets supplemented by a 136hp electric motor.

As for the Panamera Turbo, it will be powered by a 550hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, priced from US$154,000 (RM690,000).

Lastly, the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, the most powerful of the lot, uses the same engine as the Panamera Turbo and combines it with a an electric motor for a combined output of 680hp to round off the range and is priced from US$184,400 (RM830,000).

An executive version is also available with a 150mm-longer wheelbase and will be offered from US$194,800 (RM880,000).

In the new motorsport-derived 911 GT3, the German sportscar builder has plugged in a new 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine that revs to 9,000rpm and produces 500hp, while mated to a six-speed manual or seven-speed double clutch for the same price.

The engine is the same as the one used in the 911 GT3 R and RSR variants, allowing the GT3 to accelerate from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds with a top track speed of almost 320kph and costs upwards of US$143,600 (RM650,00).

As for the 911 GTS model range - the company's highest performing 911 Carrera and Targa versions, it will be offered in five variants with higher levels of standard equipment and several performance enhancing features.

The 911 family is growing larger with the addition of five new GTS models - the 911 Carrera GTS with rear-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 4 GTS with all-wheel drive — both available as a Coupe and Cabriolet — and the 911 Targa 4 GTS with all-wheel drive.

The 3.0-litre flat-six with larger turbochargers delivers 450hp, (+30hp more than the current 911 Carrera S and +20hp over its naturally-aspirated GTS predecessor.

All GTS variants are equipped as standard with the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system and a seven-speed manual transmission, while the seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission is available as an option.

The GTS model line-up will retail at US$120,700 (RM540,000) for the 911 GTS, US$127,600 (RM570,000) for the 911 Carrera 4 GTS and US$133,000 (RM600,000) for the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, while the 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet and 911 Targa 4 GTS both costs US$139,900 (RM630,000).

At the start of 2018, Porsche will include the first scheduled maintenance service at 16,000km or one year (which ever comes first), as standard on all its vehicles.


Ford to test self-driving cars on California roads

                SAN FRANCISCO: Ford said that it has a green light to test self-driving cars in California, and should have them on roads in the most populous US state next year.

The car maker officially enrolled in the California Autonomous Vehicle Testing Program and will begin with self-driving Ford Fusion Hybrid sedans, it said in a release.

Ford boasted having more than 100 researchers, engineers, and scientists working in its research center in the Silicon Valley city of Palo Alto.

Ford researchers, who also collaborate with universities, specialize in technologies that help cars “see” or sense what is around them and safely navigate.

“Our Palo Alto team has grown significantly this year, using research and innovation to explore and develop future mobility solutions,” said Ford chief executive Mark Fields.

Ford announced earlier this year that it was nearing a production phase for its first self-driving vehicle, without specifying a precise timeline.

At the Consumer Electronics Show in Law Vegas in January, Fields predicted fully autonomous cars would be on US roads by 2020, but declined to say whether his company would be among the first to market.

Google has been testing self-driving cars on California roads for a while, and an array of automobile makers including Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, Tesla and BMW are working on building self-driving capabilities into vehicles.


Mazda CX-9 Ignite Edition: A zippy people carrier

                Anytime a vehicle is able to connect on an emotive level, more often than not, it will find a buyer. Such is the case with the Mazda CX-9.

Memories of Mazda’s flagship sports utility vehicle (SUV) has always lingered thanks to the “Jinba-Ittai” (horse and rider as one) design philosophy that’s been infused into the brand’s offerings.

With the advent of the latest “Ignite Edition”, this fully-imported front-wheel driven seven-seater SUV from Japan now commands a price of RM319,847 on-the-road without insurance but with 50% SST exemption.

An all-wheel drive variant is also available and is priced at RM336,215.

The style

Coated in Mazda’s signature Soul Red Crystal, this emotive SUV sports a host of a few external changes starting with the front grille and side mirrors getting a gloss-black finish while its 20-inch wheels have been coated in metallic black.

The result is an undoubtedly sportier effect that makes its predecessor seem rather vanilla in comparison.

But what if it were dressed in Jet Black instead?

It would definitely bring about a sinister-yet-stealthy outlook for a healthy dose of driving thrills.

The cabin

With this SUV’s newfound way of burning a larger hole in the pocket, the higher asking price isn’t just limited to its sheet metal and exterior claddings.

Those with a keen eye for detail would immediately notice that it’s the same cabin altogether, but meanwhile, they would have also noted that the perforated leather-wrapped and ventilated seats now comes in a new Burgundy colour.

There’s also red-matching stitches littering the cabin along with the accompaniment of black interior trim (dashboard, door panels and handle bezels) which act as a subtle accent to everything else.

If your head’s not already nodding to these new internal styling cues yet, then perhaps Wireless CarPlay for Apple’s iOS users, paddle-shifters (finally!) and a wireless Qi charger in the centre console will.

Although the Qi Charger is a useful and convenient addition to be had, it doesn’t do very well in keeping a smartphone in place – leaving this writer’s phone low on battery on a few occasions.

Nonetheless, experiencing the cabin once more was such a welcome that it automatically beckoned a short reminiscing session as to how it remains to be so well insulated against the world outside (regardless of whether the CX-9 is crawling or at speed).

Admittedly, the session was a little longer than expected due to the over-indulgence of the ventilated front seats that creates a light cool layer against the back and thighs as the airy cabin, laced with the latest tunes, emanate from the 12-speaker Bose surround sound system.

The drive

Behind the wheel, the CX-9 - with its 2.5-litre Skyactiv turbocharged direct-injected engine, is still an enjoyment that’s highly recommended if it hasn’t been done so already.

The steering feels direct and taut while at speed and its independent suspension simply soaks up anything and everything - yet able to remain communicative.

The CX-9 Ignite Edition also comes with G-Vectoring Control Plus - a sportier version of the electronic stability control that induces a touch of yaw through the use of individual wheel braking.

No wonder the rear wheels were a little more subservient to the front ones.

When faced with narrow winding roads, the ability to “paddle” through the six-speed transmission really helped to maximise the engine’s 228hp and 420Nm of torque and turn two-tonne (kerb weight - 1,927kg) SUV into a zippy people carrier.

Having the heads-up display really helped keep cornering speeds in check without taking the eyes off the road too much.

While everything may seem fine and dandy so far, this seven-seater was not without fault.

For instance, albeit a little nit-picky, the steering wheel seemed more suited to dainty hands due to its lack of girth.

But, on a more serious note, the overall brake-feel lacked an abusive bite to them when needed and required a deep push to really get them to properly reign in the velocity.

In some instances, this managed to vent a considerable amount of fun into the atmosphere, but confidence still felt well-bolstered with the i-Activsense safety system getting Smart Brake Support (from 15kph to 145kph) and Mazda Radar Cruise Control.

Lane Keep Assist also managed to find its way in and this will let drivers know that it’s deviating out of a lane by trying to steer it back in.

While this feature can be switched off, constant use of the signal stalk is required to prevent it from activating.

Verdict

The front-wheel driven CX-9 Ignite Edition, while designated as a full-sized SUV, is still a capable and practical runner that’ll be able to win the hearts of many.

There are still plenty of style, opulence and spatial practicality to be enjoyed with this spacious SUV that brings about strong levels of driving joy and comfort levels. — JAY WONGSPECIFICATIONSMazda CX-9 2.5 Skyactiv Ignite EditionEngine: 2,488cc, turbocharged, direct injection
Maximum power: 228hp at 5,000rpm
Maximum torque: 420Nm from 2,000rpm
Transmission: Skyactiv Drive six-speed automatic
Features: Six airbags, anti-lock braking system, dynamic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, traction control, emergency stop signal, hill-launch assist, speed sensing auto lock, walk away lock, automatic adaptive LED headlights, rear LED combination lights, automatic wipers, keyless entry with push-start button, blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane keep assist intervention, smart brake support, Mazda Radar Cruise Control, driver attention alert, smart city brake support, front 10-way driver (with 2 position memory function) and six-way passenger heated and ventilated seats MZD Connect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, full-colour touch screen display, multifunction Commander Control, radio, AUX-jack, USB port, Bluetooth, Bose 12-speaker sound system, GPS navigation, reverse camera with 360-degree view, Mazda G-Vectoring Control Plus, sunroof, rear door manual sunshades, rear air-conditioning vents, multifunction steering wheel, auto-fold power mirrors, 20 x 8.5J alloy wheels with 255/50 series tyres and 17x5.5J spare wheel with 185/80 series tyres
Price: RM319,847 (on-the-road without insurance but with 50% SST exemption)


2016 Beijing Auto Show: Infiniti Qx Sport Inspiration breaks cover

                ROLLE (Switzerland): Infiniti has revealed a first glimpse of its new QX Sport Inspiration, an exploration of the brand’s vision for a next-generation, mid-size premium SUV.

Inspired by Infiniti’s "Powerful Elegance" design philosophy, the QX Sport Inspiration features the brand’s design hallmarks and stands out thanks to its striking design details and sophisticated craftsmanship.  The concept rendering illustrates SUV-like proportions highlighted with wide muscular lines shoulders reminiscent of the Q60 Concept, floating A-pillars and extra-wide wheel arches.

“The QX Sport Inspiration expresses a power and purpose that is uniquely Infiniti," said Infiniti executive design director Alfonso Albaisa.

"With a flowing, natural aesthetic, this concept demonstrates how Infiniti can offer something new and exciting with future QX SUV models.”

The QX Sport Inspiration makes its global debut at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show from April 29 – May 4.


Red Bull heir linked to 2012 fatal hit-and-run case may be hiding in Austria

                BANGKOK: Thailand's House committee on police affairs has been told that investigation into police officers who allegedly helped Red Bull scion Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya escape over a 2012 fatal hit-and-run case should be completed next month.

The public prosecutor decided not to pursue the charge of reckless driving after police records showed that Vorayuth was driving his car at 76kph instead of 177kph.

Palang Pracharat MP Sanya Nilsuphan, who is also deputy chair of the House committee, said police also believe that Vorayuth, the heir to one of Thailand’s richest families, may be hiding in Austria.

“But this cannot be verified because his visa to Austria expired a while ago and there are no records of the visa being used to enter the country,” he said.

Interpol has reportedly issued a red notice for Vorayuth’s arrest and the Royal Thai Police has written to its Austrian counterpart to verify if he is living there.

Sanya also dismissed suggestions that the committee ask other members of the Yoovidhya family about Vorayuth’s whereabouts, saying they were not directly linked to the case.

Meanwhile, Sanya said the investigation against 18 incumbent and retired police officers launched by the police Internal Affairs Department should be ready by next month. Among the suspects is former national police chief Pol General Somyos Pumphanmuang.

Vorayuth postponed his court appearances more than five times and fled overseas.

Though two charges against him – speeding and failing to help a crash victim – have expired, two still remain active.

The first was for narcotics use after cocaine was found in his blood. This charge is set to expire on Sept 3, 2022. The second charge – reckless driving causing death – is set to expire in 2027.

The Office of the Attorney-General planned to drop the last charge but decided to pursue it after a public uproar. - The Nation


Auto industry group against foreign car restrictions

                KUALA LUMPUR: The government's plan to limit access of foreign cars to the local market is a regressive move for the growth of the country's automotive industry, the Malaysian Automotive Association said.

Its president, Datuk Aishah Ahmad, said there should be a level playing field for local and foreign carmakers, as many of these foreign cars carried a lot of local components and provided business and employment opportunities to the locals.

"It is a very regressive move. I don't think it's right for the government to say that they want to stop all cars other than Proton to be brought into the country," she told reporters after a meeting with the Council of Eminent Persons here today.

She said for the local automotive industry to move forward, the government must create a conducive environment through liberalisation like in Thailand and Indonesia.

"Thailand is exporting more than 1.3 million cars a year and Indonesia more than 100,000 vehicles. What is Malaysia exporting? Twenty to thirty thousand units a year," she noted.

Aishah said the National Automotive Policy, last updated in 2014, was due for another review to ensure more vehicles were exported from Malaysia.

She also urged the government to review its plan for another national car, saying it would disrupt the local industry which only had a small market with a total industry volume of about 600,000 a year.

"What we don't want is further incentives being provided for the new national car, which will really disrupt the industry. It does not help the industry at all," she explained.

On electric cars, Aishah said further investments and incentives were needed to grow the segment, which only saw 13 cars sold last year.

"It takes time. The infrastructure and incentives must be there for us to see further growth," she added.

Meanwhile, on biodiesel, Aishah said the local automotive industry was still not ready to adopt B10 (diesel with 10 per cent palm oil content) and could only support B7 at present.

"Most of our members are saying that B7 is what they can warrant on the vehicles. It would be difficult for us to provide a warranty for B10," she said.

She pointed out that the warranty was not provided by the local distributors or franchise holders but by the marque principals overseas.

Nevertheless, she said, if the government was still adamant to implement the B10 biodiesel, there should be options provided at petrol stations for a B7.

She said this practice was being used in Indonesia which had a higher biodiesel adoption with B15.

"Even though they have implemented B15, they have pumps that still provide B7 and B5. If it (B10) is available and all types of biodiesel are being provided, we can support that," she said.

Earlier in Parliament today, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the previous government's policy which favoured foreign cars had made it difficult for Proton to make a profit.

"The previous government allowed foreign cars to come in without giving Proton the opportunity to expand overseas," he said.

This, he explained, had created difficulties for the national carmaker to compete with global automotive giants.

"There is a need to impose certain conditions to limit foreign cars' access to the local market," he added.


Hollywood’s hot rides - iconic movie cars

                LONDON: With the Oscars taking place in Hollywood this Sunday, British automotive experts hpi has revealed its list of the most iconic cars to star on the silver screen.

Following a poll amongst its team of motoring editors, hpi has identified the top 10 most iconic movie cars:

10. 1966 Alfa Romeo 1600 Spider Duetto - as seen in The Graduate

9. 1970 Dodge Charger - Vin Diesel's car in The Fast & the Furious

8. 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback - as seen in Bullitt

7. 1980 Lamborghini Countach LP 4005 - as seen in Cannonball Run

6. 1977/2009 Chevrolet Camaro - Bumblebee from Transformers

5. 1968 Austin Mk I Mini Cooper S - as seen in The Italian Job

4. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder - Ferris Bueller's Day Off

3. 1963 Model 117 VW Type 1 Beetle - as seen in Walt Disney’s Herbie movies

 1981 DeLorean DMC-12.

2. 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 - as seen in the Back to the Future trilogy

1. 1963 Aston Martin DB5 - as seen in various James Bond movies

As a collection, the cars would have been worth a total of £30,362.00 based on RRP in their year of manufacture with the Ferrari from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off valued at £6,326.00 in 1961.

The most iconic car on the list, James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 was worth £4,175 in 1963, and featured in Goldfinger and Thunderball in 1964 and 1965 respectively as well as later Bond’s Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall and Spectre.

"Some of the cars featured are real classics and are now worth significantly more than they were when first launched – they’d certainly warrant pride of place amongst any car collection," said hpi consumer director Fernando Garcia.

“James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 was deemed as the most memorable and would represent a very healthy investment. Interestingly, the DeLorean from Back to the Future was the second most iconic and was one of the most expensive at the time retailing at just over £10k. Both would fetch considerably more now especially the DeLorean fitted with a Flux Capacitor!”


How to make your car's navigation device fit for the big trip

                STUTTGART: Going on a holiday by car? Then you should update the map data on your car's navigation system before setting off so that you have the latest information about your route.

Of course that's only necessary if the car's been on the road for a few years - more modern cars have a cellular data connection that allows map updates to be downloaded automatically.

If you're not sure how to update your vehicle's navigation system you should check the manual or the manufacturer's website.

SD card, memory stick or DVD

For cars that aren't brand-new, but also less than 10 years old, it's common to use an SD memory card or a USB memory stick for updates. And doing it yourself will save you the cost of getting a garage to do it.

If your car is more than 10 years old, map updates are often carried out using DVDs, which can be bought from the dealer - provided that updates are still available for that particular navigation system.

Whether it's an SD card or a USB stick, you need to find the right slots or ports to connect them to the system.

Usually, they're located inside the glove compartment or the centre console. If in doubt, check the manual.

If the system already has an SD card inserted you should remove that to add the updates, but don't forget to make a backup copy of the old map file beforehand.

Format it first

The card or USB memory stick must be formatted according to the car manufacturer's specifications, otherwise the navigation system won't be able to access the new map data.

As a rule, the latest maps can be downloaded from the car manufacturer's website. The vehicle type and year of manufacture must be specified.

To do this, you often need to create a user account. Many car manufacturers provide map updates for free, but some charge for them.

Don't leave it too late

Depending on the load on the download server and the size of the map file, the download can take several hours. For that reason you shouldn't leave it until the eve of departure.

Generally the download is a zip file that must be unzipped and copied onto the freshly formatted storage medium, which is then slotted or plugged into the system.

Once you open the navigation system program it should recognise and import the new map data.


Drive like an emperor: How luxurious is the Toyota Century?

                TOKYO: When you enter the Toyota factory in Higashi, you suddenly find yourself in another world. While the Japanese manufacturers usually produce thousands of cars a day, on this particular site, the wheels turn in slow motion.

Taking five days for the paintwork alone and several hours for the logo on the radiator grille to be chiselled by hand, it is no surprise that, in Higashi, they don't build your typical Toyotas.

The turn of the Century

The crown jewel at the top of Toyota's range for over 50 years, the Century is an ultra-luxury sedan that even makes the most elegant of limousines from sister-company Lexus look ordinary.

However, costing the Japanese equivalent of US$181,000, the Century is much cheaper than corresponding competitors from Mercedes, Bentley or Rolls-Royce.

Even if its newest generation was launched only last fall, the luxury liner looks as classic and traditional as a tea party in the lobby of a designer hotel as it waltzes along the streets of Tokyo.

This is not only due to the almost baroque appearance of the luxury limousine, which comes in black, without exception, with a strict step cut and an upright, proud grill.

The Century's style is continued in the interior, which with white crochet doilies, grey flock velour and small screens that are reminiscent of the first Nintendo Game Boy, is pretty nostalgic.

And what could be more regal than your own shoehorn for the passengers sitting on the back bencher? Even the WiFI router or the touchscreens cleverly hidden in the centre console cannot change that old-timey feeling.

A wellness experience

As the main character is always sitting in the back of a Century limousine, the designers focused on the rear and created plenty of space, with a length of 5.34 metres and a wheelbase of 3.09 metres.

When the passenger seat folds like an piece of origami art into the glove compartment and an ottoman forms instead, even the worst traffic jams no longer causes stress, and the waiting time becomes a wellness experience. This is aided further by an almost ghostly driving experience, where the feeling inside the spacious cabin is that you are floating like air among the clouds.

Flowing gently but powerfully along city streets by a whisper-quiet hybrid, and well-shielded from the hectic world outside in a steel cocoon, you float through Tokyo like a ghost in the breeze.

The typical city bustle that seems to pass by the windows can do little to harm the vehicle occupants. However, what may be pure relaxation for the passenger is a difficult job for the driver.

Even if the 12-cylinder, built exclusively for the flagship, was discontinued with the generation change, the five-liter V8 hybrid from the Lexus LS with its 317kW/431hp is indeed a sovereign engine.

But the luxury liner turns out to be not very handy in the narrow canyons of the Japanese capital, and even on the winding streets in the surrounding area, it struggles to hide its 2.4 tons.

Also, if you really want to overtake, patience is a vital ingredient, as the considerable power in the engine releases itself slowly. This will, however, hardly bother the chauffeur when in the city, because everyone pays respect to the Century and keeps their distance.

And anyone who has ever made it into the rear of this sedan doesn't have to be rushed by anything or anyone anyway.

A princely design and stately ambience mixed with the finest technology, drawing the eye of passers-by who hope to catch a glimpse of the Emperor or a celebrity: A drive in the Century is a truly exclusive experience. One that cannot be repeated so easily.

Firstly, given the long cycle times, production is limited to 50 cars a month, while secondly, the Century is only available in Japan.


Tesla looking for a manager to manage Elon Musk

The new hire would need to rein in Musk (shown here) who has a penchant for getting into trouble with the authorities. — Reuters
SAN FRANCISCO: Wanted: A seasoned executive with a steady hand, a passion for electric cars and the mettle to rein in a CEO with itchy Twitter fingers.

That’s pretty much the job posting Tesla Inc agreed to as part of the settlement nine days ago with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, which requires the company to appoint an independent chairman to replace Elon Musk and add two directors to the board.

Names being floated as candidates for the chairmanship have ranged from former Vice President Al Gore to one-time CEOS including Jim McNerney of Boeing Co and Alan Mulally of Ford Motor Co.

What shareholders want, of course, is someone who can put Tesla on the path to profitability and also manage Musk, whose tweets about having secured the funding and investor support to take the company private was what got him into hot water with the SEC – and who, not incidentally, was busy on Twitter last week taunting the agency. The Sept 29 settlement will keep him out of the top board seat for three years.

This is what some institutional investors have long been calling for, contending that the board has failed to sufficiently govern the chief executive officer and that Musk may be stretched too thin, running Tesla as well as the rocket manufacturer SpaceX, where he’s also both CEO and chairman.

“The SEC settlement is a moment for the board and the company to take a deep breath and rethink,” said Dieter Waizenegger, executive director of Ctw Investment Group, which works with union pension funds. “This board really needs to evolve – it needs more women and more people of colour. It’s a very insular board.”

At the moment, six of the nine directors are white males and all but three have connections to or investments in one or more of the companies Musk controls. The SEC settlement requires that the two additional directors be independent.

Finding them won’t be as difficult as tapping just the right new chairman, who ideally would have at least some background in manufacturing and experience dealing with regulators.

The government has rarely ordered a company to have different people serve as CEO and chairman, let alone demand that the latter be an outsider. Only about 28% of companies have truly independent chairmen, according to an analysis by the recruiting firm Spencer Stuart.

More companies, though, are separating the roles. In 2007, 35% of those in the S&P 500 Index moved to do so, according to Spencer Stuart, and last year it was over 50%.

Elevating an existing Tesla board member wouldn’t likely accomplish what regulators want. “If it’s one of the old directors, then you’re kind of back to where you started,” said Charles Elson, director of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware.

There are few options among current directors anyway. “We only view three of the current directors as truly independent,” said John Streur, chief executive of Eaton Vance Corp’s US$14bil (RM58.18bil) responsible investment arm, Calvert Research and Management, which owns more than 11,000 Tesla shares.

Streur said the firm would like to see four new board members appointed so that the majority would have no financial or personal relationships with Musk.

The three directors viewed as fully independent – and thus possible chairman candidates – are Robyn Denholm, chief financial officer of Telstra Corp, Australia’s largest telecommunications company; Linda Johnson Rice, who leads the eponymous publishing company known for Ebony magazine; and James Murdoch, CEO of Twenty-First Century Fox Inc.

A fresh face at the head of Tesla’s board could be good for the company, but “it’s too bad they were forced into it” by the SEC, said John Wilson, head of research and corporate governance at Cornerstone Capital Group, whose advisory clients hold Tesla shares. “It raises the question of whether this will be comprehensive governance reform, or window dressing.”


Volkswagen aftersales year-end promotion is here

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched a nationwide aftersales year-end promotion for the holiday season.

From now till Dec 31, Volkswagen customers can enjoy up to 20% off on selected genuine parts at all Volkswagen authorized service centres.

Such parts from the German brand include its aero wiper blades that use high quality rubber with pre-tensioned precision flex rails and an integrated spoiler for better contact pressure at a wide range of speeds.

There's also the windscreen cleaner fluid that helps to remove waxy and oily deposits with a high level of hard-water stability for a cleaner windscreen.

Also, the brake pads and disc brakes are also on the offer table and are extremely critical when in an emergency situation.

According to VPCM, the brake pads have been designed for optimal interplay with the disc brakes and have a precise fitting with high friction retention that's meant to resist high compression loads.

The disc brakes are made of a combination of cast iron, steel and chromium to help reduce noise and brake pedal vibration.

They have also been designed with flow-optimized air ducts for maximum cooling and reliability in an extreme high temperature environment.

For more information, log on to www.volkswagen.com.my or visit the nearest
authorized Volkswagen dealer.