Hackers are helping to speed up China’s electric scooter boom

An electric scooter at a Wal-Mart in Shenzhen. — Bloomberg

HONG KONG: Chinese riders are souping up their electric scooters, helping to grow one of the most successful corners of battery-powered transportation.

Electric two-wheelers sold by companies like Niu Technologies have proved to be incredibly well-received in China’s megacities by delivery riders and commuters who need to bypass traffic and travel short distances in little time.

Their popularity has endured despite a 2019 move by the government to force manufacturers to cap speeds at 25kph.

Riders and sellers have fought back by hacking software and taking online tutorials that allow them to bypass the controls, enabling some advanced models to hit speeds of 50kph or more.

“Everybody does it,” said Zhao, a 25-year-old rider, who asked not to be identified by his full name since the practice is against government rules.

He asked a salesman to remove the controls before he even rode his new scooter off the lot last summer. “If you don’t do it, you will be the slowest on the road,” he said.

Enthusiasts like Zhao have helped the electric scooter market to boom in China.

Sales have grown from about 20 million in 2015 to 30 million last year, according to BloombergNEF, and the fleet of electric two-wheelers already outnumbers fuel-burning models.

China is expected to account for 97% of all electric two-wheeler sales this year.

No data exists on speed-hacking, but analysts and riders say it happens for the majority of scooters sold.

The practice is especially prevalent for the delivery riders who are the lifeblood of major Chinese cities and need the extra speed to beat delivery time limits set by their platforms, said Siyi Mi, a BNEF analyst.

Tutorials to get around the speed limits can easily be found on social media platforms such as Douyin and Little Red Book, China’s versions of TikTok and Instagram.

Buyers and sellers will explain how to approach retailers about hacking the software, and how to cut a wire under the seat to turn off a government-required alarm that begins sounding when scooters surpass 25kph.

The speed regulation was prompted by public safety concerns, including that delivery riders often swerve back and forth between sidewalks, bike lanes and the road in order to avoid traffic.

Information about enforcement has been limited, but three retailers in Zhejiang were fined 5,000 yuan (around RM3,300) each for offering illegal adjustments, and scooter owners that accepted them were also punished, according to NetEase News.

China’s two-wheeler market will probably plateau in sales this year or next, according to BNEF.

While there will always be a niche among delivery riders, many Chinese are expected to graduate to the comfort of a four-wheeler as the economy continues to grow.

The electric scooter market is expected to shift, with India and South-East Asia becoming the major growth regions.


New CKD BMW 320i Sport available now at RM244K

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia has launched the new locally-assembled 320i Sport sports sedan priced at RM243,800 (on the road, without insurance).

The 320i Sport is equipped with front LED fog lights and Air Curtains integrated into the outer air intakes and are inserted into the front apron in a horizontal T.

This design was originally developed by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) for the intake air in jet engines and later became a feature of classical racing cars.

READ MORE: New BMW X1 sDrive20i M Sport yours for RM234K

The variant is further equipped with sporty 18-inch light alloy wheels in V-Spoke Style 780 Bicolour.

Owners can also look forward to a lighter, more rigid vehicle as the total weight has been further reduced by 30kg (kerb weight of 1,460kg) thanks to its lightweight framework.

Power is from the 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, paired with the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission - which produces 184hp at 5,000 – 6,500rpm and a peak torque of 300Nm at 1,350 – 4,000rpm.

Top speed is 235kph and the century sprint is done in just 7.1 seconds.

Combined fuel consumption in the 320i Sport is rated at 6.3 litres per 100km.

Inside, there is a three-zone automatic climate control, interior trim finishers in Aluminium ‘Mesheffect’, complete with the exclusive Sport leather steering wheel.

It comes with BMW Live Cockpit Plus – an analogue instrument cluster with 5.7-inch display and 8.8-inch touch sensitive control display.

A first in its segment, the 320i Sport offers segment leading innovations such as the Reversing Assistant for hands free, semi-autonomous convenience when reversing in narrow streets, along with the Rear View Camera that is fitted as standard.

These features are powered by the BMW Operating System 6, which also powers the BMW Digital Key for next level vehicle security and management.

The BMW Digital Key employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology that allow the new BMW 320i Sport to lock and unlock and even start the engine with the newest compatible cell-phones and without needing a physical key, another first in class technology in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the BMW ConnectedDrive equips owners with Intelligent Emergency Call and Teleservices which reacts automatically if an accident occurs, quickly getting help for you and your passengers.

It is offered in five colours, namely Mediterranean Blue, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Mineral Grey and Sunset Orange, paired with premium Black Leather Vernasca upholstery.

The 320i is backed by a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service and a tyre warranty.

If a customes chooses the balloon financing plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the 320i Sport can be bought with monthly instalment plans starting from RM2,788 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

The new 320i Sport will be on display at:

> The Square, Publika (Jan 10-12, 10am – 7pm)
>  Bangsar Shopping Centre (Jan 10-19, 10am – 10pm)

Test drives will also be available on-site, along with exclusive BMW red packet and fortune cookie giveaways as well as exciting family-friendly activities to entertain all ages.


Porsche’s electric Taycan outsells iconic 911

                STUTTGART: Porsche’s electric Taycan has outsold the 911 combustion-era flagship for the first time, underscoring the German sports-car maker’s accelerating shift towards battery power.

The Taycan sedan, competing with Tesla Inc.’s Model S, edged past its stablemate by a few hundred cars in the year through September with 28,640 vehicles sold, Porsche said today.

Overall deliveries climbed 13% during the first nine months, in a sign of resilience as the protracted shortage of forces many manufacturers to temporarily halt output.

“The order books are well filled and we’re very enthusiastic about the final few months of the year,” Porsche sales chief Detlev von Platen said in a statement.
 von Platen.

“Nevertheless, the situation on coronavirus globally remains volatile and we’re facing significant challenges on the supply of semiconductors.”

Volkswagen AG’s most profitable brand added a more spacious version of the Taycan to its lineup this year. The manufacturer expects electrified vehicles to make up more than 80% of global deliveries in 2030, with a purely battery-powered version of the Macan SUV due to hit showrooms in 2023.

Porsche proved relatively resilient to the global semiconductor shortage during the first nine months, with total deliveries rising to 217,198 vehicles.

Sales got a boost from surging demand in the US, Porsche’s second-largest market after China, where deliveries jumped 30%.

The Cayenne SUV and the slightly smaller Macan remained the brand’s bestsellers at more than 60,000 units each.


Ford testing out versatile bamboo in cars

                NANJING: You’ve probably sat on it, built with it, and maybe even eaten it, but did you know that your car could be next to benefit from bamboo – one of the world’s strongest natural materials?

While investment in research has led to breakthroughs in new materials like super strong carbon fiber and lightweight aluminum, nature’s wonder material may have been growing all along and as much as three feet in a day. Soon, some surfaces inside our vehicles could be made from a combination of bamboo and plastic to create super hard material.

“Bamboo is amazing,” said Janet Yin, a materials engineering supervisor at Ford’s Nanjing Research & Engineering Centre. “It’s strong, flexible, totally renewable, and plentiful in China and many other parts of Asia.”

The benefits of bamboo have been recognised for more than a century – Thomas Edison even experimented with it when making the first light bulb. In building, its tensile strength (or how much it can resist being pulled apart) is well known, as it can rival or even better some types of metal. And, because it grows to full maturity in just two to five years – compared to up to decades for other trees – bamboo also regenerates easily.

 Yin and her team have researched the use of bamboo for vehicle parts because of its tensile strength.

Over the past several years, Ford worked with suppliers to evaluate the viability of using bamboo in vehicle interiors and to make extra strong parts by combining it with plastic. The team has found that bamboo performs better than other tested synthetic and natural fibres in a range of materials tests, from tensile strength tests to impact strength tests. It’s also been heated to more than 212 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it can maintain its integrity.


Honda starts selling Clarity PHEV in Japan

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will begin sales of the Clarity PHEV, a new plug-in hybrid model added to the Clarity series, tomorrow at dealerships across Japan.

Honda has been pursuing the development of electrified vehicles with the intention to electrify two-thirds of its global automobile sales by around 2030.

The Clarity PHEV is a plug-in hybrid model that combines excellent environmental performance and the appealing features of a high-class sedan model such as powerful EV driving performance, high-quality cabin space that comfortably accommodates five adult occupants and a high-capacity cargo space.

On the basis of Sport Hybrid i-MMD, Honda’s innovative 2-motor hybrid system, the performance of electrification components was further improved, including an increase in battery capacity and converter output.

The Clarity PHEV operates in three different driving modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Drive and Engine Drive –  depending on the battery charge status and driving situation, and is able to shift seamlessly from one mode to another to realize highly efficient driving.

In addition to a charge port for normal charging, the Clarity PHEV features a charge port for fast charging and external power output, both as standard equipment.

By connecting to a compatible external output device, the Clarity PHEV can supply electricity to external devices.

In conjunction with the start of the Clarity PHEV sales, Honda has been installing fast chargers to Honda Cars dealership locations across Japan.

In addition, Honda is offering the Honda Charging Service, Honda’s original charging card service, which enables service users to use approximately 20,800 chargers on the network of Nippon Charge Service LLC (NCS).


Govt mulling 'lemon' law to protect second-hand vehicle buyers

                KUALA LUMPUR: Buyers of second -hand vehicles may be protected against buying 'lemons' (vehicles in bad condition) soon, with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry is looking into efforts to improve laws related to the sale and purchase of used vehicles.

Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said this was important as it would protect consumers from becoming victims of fraud or having to bear losses when buying used vehicles.

He said based on statistics, from January to August this year, a total of 1,126 cases related to the sale and purchase of used vehicles were recorded by the Tribunal for Consumer Claims.

"As proposed by the consumer associations including FMCCAM (Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations Malaysia) the ministry should enhance the existing legislations including to introduce a lemon law.

"At the ministry level we have discussed (lemon law) and we are gathering industry players' input," he told a press conference after officiating at the launch of the AutoGen Plus extended warranty programme for used car owners here today.

A lemon law protects consumers who buy products that have a lifespan of more than six months such as cars, to address the issue of existing damage as well as the possibility of an accident and to make a claim for the defective product.

Commenting on the extended warranty programme, Nanta said the ministry supports any industry player who is prepared to improve the used car sector, especially in terms of consumer protection.

As such, he lauded the move to introduce the eAutoGen's extended warranty programme.

"The programme covers two key areas which is the visibility of the used-car condition through inspection and ensuring the car is maintained and, the most important value-added point, the assistance to repair for a major breakdown involving transmission and engine," he said.

Nanta pointed out that the effort would help boost domestic trade and provide better consumer protection, thus increasing trust, safety and confidence between buyers and sellers.


Subaru teases next VIZIV concept ahead of Geneva debut

                BRUSSELS: Subaru is teasing the eighth concept model of the VIZIV hybrid sports SUV series with single, shadowy image.

Subaru is planning to unveil its 2019 VIZIV concept model in the same place that the first of the line made its world premiere in 2013: the Geneva Motor Show. In just a couple of weeks, the latest of the series will be in the limelight, and from the teaser Subaru released Tuesday, it looks like it's going to be a crossover.

The model, officially named the Subaru VIZIV Adrenaline Concept, will be unveiled at the company's press briefing on March 5 and will be available for public viewing when the show opens to the public two days later.

While the VIZIV Tourer Concept that debuted in 2018 was a futuristically-styled wagon, the Adrenaline looks to follow more conventional sports car cues, at least for an SUV. Apart from that, we'll have to wait for Subaru to turn on the lights to see the rest.

Accompanying this concept at the Subaru booth in Geneva will be two unnamed, electrified models equipped with e-Boxer motors.


MG kicks off with MG E-motion electric supercar concept

                SHANGHAI: MG Motor has unveiled the the MG E-motion - an all-new electric supercar concept at the annual Shanghai International Automotive Show.

Offering a glimpse of the future, the next-generation vehicle aims to push the boundaries of innovation and technology, while meeting the needs of today’s trend-setting car buyers.

With a slender sportsback-style design paying tribute to the brand’s hundred-year heritage, starlight matrix front grill and headlights bringing inspiration from the London Eye, and vertical tail lights developed using world-leading design experience, the concept brings MG’s sense of fun and aspiration to the low emission marketplace.

Below the surface, the MG E-motion sets the standards in plug-in vehicle capability, with the latest pure-electric modular architecture platform developed in-house and delivering 0-100kph in less than four seconds, despite boasting a range of more than 500km. Equipped with an intelligent infotainment system, the supercar is Internet-compatible, which MG believes will attract younger customers.

Besides the E-motion concept, the show also saw the brand unveil a customised version of the MG ZS compact SUV. Positioned as the first intelligent SUV, it has an 8” control panel and what MG claims is the most powerful intelligent interconnected system ever developed.


Naza World Cares to the rescue

                PETALING JAYA: Naza World has donated RM400,000 worth of food and supplies to flood victims.

The donation was made via its CSR (corporate social responsibility) arm, Naza World Cares, consisting of volunteer staff from the Naza Group and Eftra Group.

About 50 volunteers aboard 12 Chevrolet Colorado and Captiva vehicles made their way to the East coast recently with five lorries of aid in tow.

The supplies were distributed to 1,500 families in Kuantan, Pahang and Kuala Krai, Kelantan.

Naza World Cares is also organising a second trip when rainfall and flooding subsides, in order to provide extra manpower for cleaning and rebuilding efforts.

“In the face of unprecedented flooding, it is heartening to see Malaysians unite and combine resources in order to assist families in need. At Naza, we feel very strongly that we must play a key role in giving back to the community,” said Naza World Cares head Ananthan M. Raman.

Last year, Naza World Cares was also involved in relief work in Kuala Lipis and Cameron Highlands, and donated electronic appliances.


Great Wall bets on hydrogen, will use to power new SUV

                BAODING (China): Great Wall Motor Co., China’s biggest maker of sport-utility vehicles, plans to roll out its first hydrogen-powered SUV this year.

The company will also deploy its hydrogen-powered cars during the Winter Olympics in China next year, Zhang Tianyu, head of FTXT Energy Technology Co., a Great Wall subsidiary, said in the city of Baoding on Monday during a media briefing to outline the automaker’s hydrogen strategy.

Great Wall has invested 2 billion yuan ($305 million) over the past five years to develop hydrogen power-related technologies that can be used for vehicles as well as marine and rail transport, Zhang said.

Founder Wei Jianjun added that Great Wall will invest another 3 billion yuan over the next three years and plans to become a top-three seller of hydrogen-powered automobiles by 2025.
"Development of the hydrogen-related industry will move forward as quickly as that for electric vehicles,” Wei said.

Great Wall has been stepping up spending to transform from a traditional vehicle assembler to a technology-driven mobility company.

It unveiled its Smart Coffee brand in July, calling it the "digital engine” of its transition, covering autonomous driving, electrical systems and smart cabins. The company last month said it will work with Beijing-based Horizon Robotics Inc. to develop intelligent driving technologies, including self-driving systems.

China, the world’s biggest car market, is promoting the development of hydrogen-powered cars, trucks and buses, with the central government offering to reward cities that achieve adoption targets.

In a 15-year plan for new-energy vehicles released in November, China’s State Council said the country will focus on building the fuel-cell supply chain and developing hydrogen-powered trucks and buses. President Xi Jinping in September set a 2030 deadline for China to begin reducing carbon emissions.

Electric vehicle pioneer Elon Musk has famously dismissed hydrogen cars as "mind-bogglingly stupid.”

Earlier this month, the Tesla Inc. chief executive pushed back against views that hydrogen was the future, telling an audience in China that instead he was a big believer in solar and wind paired with stationary battery storage, and all transport being electric, with the exception of rockets.

Hydrogen is cleaner than gasoline and doesn’t require a massive battery or the expensive lithium and recycling headaches that go with it. However, producing the fuel is expensive, both in carbon and dollars.

China wants 1 million fuel-cell vehicles on the roads within a decade and is spending hundreds of millions of yuan to subsidize purchases and spur research and development.

As seen with battery-powered cars, a slew of startups and established companies are trying to capitalize on the policies.

Responding to government initiatives, China’s biggest automakers are accelerating their push into alternative energy. SAIC Motor Corp., the largest Chinese automaker, said last year it plans to gain 10% of China’s hydrogen-vehicle market by 2025. The company will add at least 10 hydrogen models over the next five years, it said.

The nascent hydrogen-vehicle market globally is dominated by companies such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Canada’s Ballard Power Systems Inc.


Researchers testing e-scooter sounds to help reduce number of crashes

                LONDON: Universal e-scooter sounds are being tested in the UK as part of an effort to reduce the number of crashes with pedestrians.

Micromobility company Dott said people, including some who are blind or partially sighted, will wear a virtual reality headset to immerse them into simulations involving e-scooters emitting three sounds.

They will be asked to identify when they are first aware of the e-scooter and provide feedback on the suitability of the sounds.

The sounds have been developed by researchers at Britain's University of Salford.

Amid a rise in serious accidents with e-scooter riders in many countries, there are concerns the virtually silent motors of e-scooters can make the contraptions dangerous for pedestrians.

Tests of the sounds will take place in a laboratory here, in partnership with Britain's Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

They will be repeated in Italy, Sweden and Spain, before trials take place on public roads.

The aim of the project is to create a sound that will be universally emitted by e-scooters internationally without contributing to noise pollution.

Dr Antonio Torija Martinez, principal investigator at the University of Salford, said: “We are testing a series of carefully designed e-scooter sounds to find the right balance between maximum vehicle noticeability and minimum noise pollution.

“Using virtual reality to create immersive and realistic scenarios in a safe and controlled laboratory environment will allow us to achieve robust results.

“By working closely with the RNIB and blind associations across Europe, we can ensure that the sound we develop is the best fit for their needs.”

RNIB head of inclusive design Robin Spinks said it can be “terrifying” for bind or partially sighted people when electric vehicles are used “irresponsibly”.

Even in places where they are banned, e-scooters are often used on public roads and pavements.

Dott is among the companies that are running legalised trials of rental e-scooters on roads in dozens of towns and cities across England.

Dott chief executive Henri Moissinac said: “Our vehicles are transforming cities by providing efficient transport which is free from both air and noise pollution.

“It’s important that our vehicles not only work for our users but are respectful to all other city residents.

“The development of an industry standard e-scooter sound, which can be detected by those that need it but without being intrusive, could greatly improve the experience for some of the most vulnerable road users.” - PA Media


Michelin rolls out Pilot Sport 4 tyre

                SHAH ALAM: The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 draws on the French tyremaker's  motorsports heritage. It is the first tyre to feature Michelin's 'Dynamic Response" technology which ensures a high level of traction, reactiveness, handling and better control when driving on the road.

A second feature which allows the tyre to deliver better dry handling performance is its new tread design, inspired by tread pattern on the Formula E racing tyres.

The Formula E tyre tread pattern is able to handle the extreme performances of the electric race car with tremendous torque and super reactive handling on normal road surface for both wet and dry conditions.

Also, new functional elastomers and silica hydrophobic were added to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyre rubber compound in order to increase braking efficiency and traction on both dry and wet surfaces.

The deep longitudinal grooves can effectively remove water from the contact patch, giving a significant reduction in aquaplaning risk.

A unique feature of the new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyre is the design of its sidewall. The Premium Touch finishing gives the markings on the outer sidewall a premium "velvet look".

The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is offered in 23 sizes from 16 to 19 inches, and priced from RM481.

"The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is testament to our track to street philosophy and is the result of a unique know-how developed by our engineers which redefines the standards of the category," said Michelin Malaysia managing director Pascal
Nouvellon.

"It is designed for drivers who do not compromise on safety on the road and appreciate memorable experiences and driving enjoyment, along with handling accuracy and control in all situations, even the most extreme," said Nouvellon.

In the internal tests conducted in August 2016 in the Michelin JKN and JARI test facility in Japan by professional test drivers, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 surpassed its mainstream competitors and has become the leading ultra-high performance tyre to dominate several key testing criteria simultaneously, especially in wet and dry braking capability.


Tesla's Elon Musk drops surprise techno track

                LOS ANGELES: He is known as billionaire tech investor, inventor and space entrepreneur, and now Elon Musk is showing off another talent – for dance music.

The founder of carmaker Tesla and the private space firm SpaceX announced on Twitter that he had released an electronic dance track, changing his social media handle to EDM.

"Just wrote a song called Don't doubt yer vibe," he tweeted late Jan 30, along with pictures of himself in what appears to be an improvised music studio.

"I wrote the lyrics & performed the vocals!!"

Musk said the track was being released on "Emo G Records" which posted the four-minute song featuring pulsating electronic sounds overlaid with his vocals on its website.

The lyrics say: "Don't doubt your vibe/because it's true/don't doubt your vibe/because it's you."

He offered no clues about the inspiration behind the song or what his next step in music would be.

Musk is best known as the chief executive of Tesla, whose market value recently topped US$100bil (RM409.6bil), triggering a payout plan that gives him shares worth US$346mil (RM1.42bil).

If the value keeps rising, he could get as much as US$50bil (RM204.8bil) under the compensation plan.


Bangkok 'taxi graveyard' comes to life with mini-gardens

Taxis repurposed for growing vegetables. — AFP

BANGKOK: In an open-air parking lot in the west of the Thai capital, green shoots fed by monsoon rains sprout from the roofs and bonnets of row upon row of pink and orange taxis.

Tiny green-brown frogs squat croaking in the tropical heat on makeshift ponds fashioned out of old tyres, tucked in among the 200 or so abandoned cars.

The site is owned by Ratchapruk Taxi Garage, which has seen most of its drivers quit Bangkok for their home villages because fares have dried up following lockdown restrictions.

"This is our last option," Thapakorn Assawalertkun, one of the company owners, told AFP, saying many of the vehicles still had large loans outstanding on them.

"We figured we'd grow vegetables and farm frogs on the roofs of these taxis."

Thailand imposed tough restrictions to deal with a deadly spike in Covid cases in recent months, including a night-time curfew.

Tourists, normally a mainstay of the Bangkok taxi trade, have dwindled to almost none because of draconian rules on entering the kingdom.

The eggplants, chillies, cucumbers, courgettes and basil grown on the cars - along with the frogs - will help feed the out-of-work drivers and employees.

And if crops are good, they plan to sell any surplus at local markets.

"Growing vegetables on top of the roofs won't damage the taxis since most of them have already been damaged beyond repair. The engines are broken, tyres are flat. There's nothing that could be done," Thapakorn said.


Volvo teases new S60 ahead of full reveal

                NEW YORK: After the launches of the XC60 and XC40 crossovers and the buzz around Volvo's electrified performance sub-brand Polestar, it's probably not unfair to say the arrival of an all-new S60 sedan could feel like something of an anticlimax.

Even so, the Swedish automaker has released teaser images and a brief video of its new sedan ahead of a full reveal set to take place on June 20.

Anyone who's still interested in sedans can't fail to be impressed with what we see from the images and video Volvo has posted on social media of the new S60, which will inevitably inherit the front-end styling of the new V60, complete with the "Thor's Hammer" headlights that are rapidly becoming the hallmark of new Volvo models.

We already know there won't be any sort of diesel option for this new-generation S60, which will make it the first Volvo for decades to not be offered in diesel form. What it will have though is a performance-oriented Polestar engineered trim level of the range-topping T8 plug-in hybrid variant.

The influence of Polestar on the new sedan isn't going to take the styling in a new direction as the current crop of Volvos are already pretty stunning, so there's little need to mess with what's undoubtedly a winning formula.

However, although there are no performance figures in the public domain at the moment, the addition of sportier components should give the S60 a more aggressive personality in line with that of Polestar.

What we do know is the new Volvo T8 Twin engine produces 400hp and 642Nm of torque, and the Polestar tuning of the car's ECU nudges that up further to 415hp and 669Nm. And Volvo isn't playing down Polestar's involvement in the new S60 as the teaser images appear to show a Polestar badge on the grill of the grey car.

This will also be the first Volvo car to be built in the United States at the company's new manufacturing facility in Charleston, South Carolina. It's not the first to be built in North America because the company used to have a plant in Canada, but it's still a significant move and illustrates the new direction the company is being taken in by its Chinese owners.

sc/cm - Relaxnews


Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia wins Retailer of the Year Award for third time

                PETALING JAYA: Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) once again put the country on the map, bagging the grand title of Retailer of the Year
(Asia Pacific) for the thrid time at the Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Awards 2021/2022.

This was in addition to being named the category winner across all three segments, namely Marketing, Customer Service and Sales.

Involving Jaguar Land Rover retailers from 13 countries across the region, the annual awards recognise top-performers for outstanding customer service levels. JLRM has set a new milestone with this third win, in the second consecutive year after clinching the 2020/2021 title.

This was preceded by their first win for the 2018/2019 Awards.

The nominees of the Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Awards are evaluated on specific performance criteria across three categories, such as marketing, sales and customer service, staff training and retailer presentation.

The award is notable for its international recognition, benchmarking retailers to the highest standards of retail customer experience.

Sime Darby Motors Malaysia managing director of retail and distribution, Jeffrey Gan said the win was inline with Sime Darby Motors’ drive to bring world-class services to customers.

“This award reflects that JLRM continues to remain at the top of its game in the luxury car segment. We are thrilled for the JLRM team for this stellar achievement.

“Furthermore, as an international award, this certainly demonstrates that the performance and capabilities of the strong talent pool cultivated by Sime Darby Motors, on par with the highest global standards,” he said.

JLRM managing director Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz said the company was humbled to receive this honour for the third year running.

“In fact, the same core leadership and team have driven JLRM over the past three awards. This is indeed testament to the great teamwork, dedication and commitment of the JLRM team, especially from customer service, sales and marketing.

“Our commitment to constantly raising the bar continues to drive us forward as we strive to deliver on our promise of redefining the automotive experience for our customers,” he said.

JLRM’s standard of excellence in its services is supported by Sime Darby Motors’ commitment to creating a highly capable talent pool, whereby all employees undergo a comprehensive career development programme, with various levels to cater to different functions and roles.


Huge demand for classic Porsche 911s, say experts

                STUTTGART: The Porsche 911 is one of the world's most iconic cars, and cherished examples have long been considered as a good investment.

Now, prices for second-hand examples of the sports cars have risen so sharply, some experts are wondering whether the bubble is about to burst.

Prices for good cars are going through the roof, which is all the more remarkable since the latest version of the car is still on sale in showrooms 50 years after the original model was introduced.

Take the be-spoilered 959 version, which was built from 1986 until 1993, although only 300 examples were turned out.

Prices for this memorable classic have gone up by an amazing 629 per cent in the space of two years. Several are currently on sale in Germany priced between 1.19 and 1.25 million euros (US$1.39mil-1.46mil).

The 959 can be outrun by some modern sports cars, but it was billed on introduction as the world's fastest street-legal production car, with a top speed of 314 kilometres an hour.

"Prices will keep on climbing but probably not as steeply as they have done in the past," says Marius Brune of the Classic Data analyst company. His firm monitors the asking and sale prices of cherished cars. "Dealers are pushing the envelope to see what they can get.""These value gains show clearly that the market is not rational," comments German car gazette Autobild Klassik.

Further down the range, a 964RS costs around 180,000 euros, followed by 170,000 for a 911 Speedster. That is much more than the cost of a new Porsche 911 from the Stuttgart factory. One of these will set back an owner in Germany from 97,914 euros, albeit without extras.

Prices for the last of the air-cooled 911, codenamed 993, are taking off too. During 2013, these rose in value by an average of 20,000 euros and a good example will now fetch at least 60,000 euros.

The water-cooled 996 version has been a wallflower until recently and clean cars could be picked up in Germany for around 15,000 euros.

Experts believe the 996 is a burgeoning classic, and well-maintained examples are already beginning to creep up in price.

As for the current 911, figures from Germany's new-car registration office confirms that it is the most popular high-performance sports car in Germany even though the market itself is tiny.

A total of 5,173 new 911s were registered in Germany in the first seven months of this year.


Selangor street parking payment to go cashless from 2022

                PETALING JAYA: Motorists in Selangor will be forced to familiarise themselves with cashless payment for street parking effective Jan 1,2022, as payment will only be done through "Smart Selangor Parking" mobile app.

Street parking fee using coin machines or scratch and display coupons will end on Dec 31,2021.

Selangor local government, public transport and new village development committee chairman Ng Sze Han said the cashless transaction offers motorists convenience.

“The Smart Selangor Parking mobile app introduced through Selangor government’s business arm Selangor Smart Delivery Unit (SSDU) in 2018 has seen a gradual acceptance among motorists.

“In 2018, there were 300,000 users while the following year it increased to 800,000 users. As of March this year, we have 1.5 million users who pay for the parking via their smartphones, ” he added.

Currently, 10 local councils in Selangor use the app except for Sabak Bernam and Hulu Selangor.

“The coupon method will still be in use and we are giving people until the end of 2021 to use up their scratch and display cards. More motorists have embraced the Smart Selangor Parking app as it is easier to use and this has saved 634,994kg of paper needed to print coupons, ” he said.

Ng added that the state government had also taken into account those without smart phones or the parking app, where parking agents will help out.

“SSDU would have parking agents, who would help out senior citizens or people from out of the state, to execute the cashless payment on behalf using a mobile phone, ” he said.

He added that technology was much needed to manage on-street parking so that motorists will no longer have to face the hassle of searching for a parking machine or where to buy scratch and display coupons.

He said using the new method, motorists will no longer have to search for a parking meter or where to buy scratch and display coupons.

On the difficulty of getting a parking bay at some commercial areas in Selangor, Ng added that Selangor had studied a mechanism where parking lots termed as hot zones were “time controlled”.

“Ordinary parking lot would cost 50 sen an hour but in a hot zone the parking lot will be 50 sen for each half hour. Other than the increased charge, a person will be allowed a maximum two hours of parking at the hot zone.

“Our aim is to allow others to use the parking lot. As for an area classified as a hot zone, it will be left to the respective local council to identify and proposed it to the state government for the area to be gazzetted, ” he said.

Shah Alam City Council mayor Datuk Haris Kasim said the people of Shah Alam were supportive of the cashless parking payment method.

“The people are starting to embrace smart parking apps, especially among women who find it safer to pay their parking fee from their cars or even while in the office if there was a need to add on payment due to a late meeting.

“On the hot zones, we are looking at the commercial areas of Kota Kemuning, Sungai Buloh and Glenmarie U1. All this will be done in consultation with the stakeholders, ” he said.

Ampang Jaya Municipal Council president Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim said one benefit of paying via a parking app is that one is able to monitor the time remotely, and can extend the time when needed.


The Hino Poncho minibus for the disabled

                PETALING JAYA: Hino Motors Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has introduced the Hino Poncho minibus public transport vehicle that is feature-friendly for disabled people or Person with Disability (PWD).

Equipped with an ultra low-floor system, the minibus can go as as close to the ground making it easy to board. The Hino Poncho is designed with a height adjusting system that lower or raise the vehicle.

It can be lowered by as much as 50mm for boarding and alighting and it can also be raised up to 30mm for improved driving on rough roads.

A test ride of Hino Poncho with PWDs passengers from Persatuan Sokongan Orang Kurang Upaya Johor Bahru was held on July 9, 2020 in Johor Baru.

One of the passengers was visually impaired Mohd Saiful Razali, who commented that the low-floor feature made it easy for him to board the minibus.

Another passenger, Ermy Jeffry Jamil, who uses a wheelchair said the low floor feature that comes with a slide ramp was convenient for him to hop on and off the bus.

When it goes into operation, the Hino Poncho will be the first of its kind in Malaysia dedicated for PWDs.


Perodua deals fall through

                PETALING JAYA: The two deals that would have seen UMW Holdings Bhd increase its ownership of Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) to 70.6% have collapsed.

The offer period for the deals, involving the potential takeover of MBM Resources Bhd and the acquisition of a 10% stake in Perodua owned by Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), ended yesterday.

In a statement, UMW said it had decided to allow the offers to lapse, and that it would not further extend the offers.

“Given the current business environment, we have recalibrated our corporate strategy in line with our ongoing transformation efforts and will focus on improving our financial performance,” it said.

“We believe this will further strengthen our overall financial position, which will enable us to remain resilient in the increasingly challenging business environment,” said its president and group CEO Badrul Feisal Abdul Rahim.

UMW’s bid to strengthen its position in the domestic automotive market began on March 9 this year, when it made an offer to Med-Bumikar Mara Sdn Bhd to acquire its controlling 50.07% stake in MBM for RM501mil, or RM2.56 per share.

MBM owns a direct 20% stake in Perodua and an indirect interest of 2.5% through a joint venture with Japan’s Daihatsu.

Apart from its substantial interest in Perodua, MBM also holds dealerships for Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Volvo and Daihatsu vehicles. It also assembles and distributes Hino trucks used for commercial purposes. At the same time, UMW made an offer to buy PNB’s 10% interest in Perodua at a price tag of RM417.5mil. At the moment, UMW, which has been the single-largest shareholder in the carmaker since 1993, owns 38% of Perodua.

Later, on March 26, UMW announced that MBM had rejected its offer. The deadline was then extended by another six months to Oct 31, 2018 for the MBM as well as PNB deal. Since the extension was announced, major changes have taken place in the country’s political landscape, which led to changes in the top leadership of many government-linked companies (GLCs), including PNB and Mara. A source told StarBiz that these changes also meant the priorities and direction of these institutions had shifted.

“There is also the possibility of a third national car, which could result in significant changes in the automotive sector,” he said.

Another industry source said PNB chairman Tan Sri Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who replaced Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar who retired from the post on June 30, had different priorities for the group. Talks on the deal had been initiated when PNB was under Abdul Wahid’s leadership. “The government is also looking at the role of GLCs and concerns that they are crowding out the private sector,” he said.

He added that there were also issues with Perodua’s technical partners, which were said to be not in favour of the deal.

Previously, there had been reports that Daihatsu, which has a 30% stake in Perodua, had opposed UMW’s plans to raise its stake in the carmaker, and had threatened to review its technological sharing with the company.


First drive: MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 PHEV

                Located in downtown Lisbon near the city’s waterfront, Pestana CR7 hotel is a nondescript and squarish building that used to be a bank.

Step inside and you will be surprised by the 180-degree change in outlook - a sports-theme hotel with youngish staff in white tees and jeans, and an interior paying homage to the country’s best known personality, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Adding spunk to the homely Ikea-styled reception is a quote from Ronaldo — “Your love makes me strong. Your hate makes me unstoppable.”

Non-football fans might not have guessed that CR7 is his initials with 7, his jersey number. Pestana CR7 is Ronaldo's move into the hospitality business with Portugal’s Pestana hotel chain, leveraging on his football star power and brand.

While Ronaldo’s goal keeper terrorising career has not shown any sign of slowing down, the hotel business is one of the preparations he has made for life after football.

Like Ronaldo, MINI has also made preparations for a future where all cars will be electrified by introducing its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) - the Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.

We had a chance to test the latest MINI on Portuguese roads recenty during a media trip organised by BMW Group Malaysia.

Based on the regular Countryman, the PHEV Countryman does have a few subtle exterior differences such as a charging point behind a flap on the left scuttle, “e” badges with the optical illusion of a electric power plug and a yellow ‘S” badges.

Underneath the car is where much of BMW’s iPerformance know-how comes in to turn the Countryman into a fuel-sipping yet athletic compact crossover in a funky package.

An electric motor is installed at the rear to drive the rear wheels and is powered by a 7.6kWh lithium ion battery under the rear passenger seats.

This compact arrangement also ensures the hybrid drive system does not eat into rear interior space. However, boot space is reduced to 405 litres as opposed to 450 litres in the regular Countryman. Folding down rear seats will increase storage capacity to 1,275 litres.

Under the bonnet is the Countryman PHEV’s heart - a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with 136bhp and 220Nm of torque mated to a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. This perky engine is also used in the non-hybrid Cooper Countryman.

With a petrol/electric motor combined output of 224hp and 385Nm of torque, the Countryman PHEV boasts a typical hot hatch time of 6.8s when sprinting from 0-100kph.

The advantage of the hybrid system is that the car can be front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive depending on whether the petrol engine or electric motor or both are running.

Taking off in electric power, the Countryman PHEV is eerily quiet and vibration-free and it can travel 42km on a full electric mode. As long as you don’t stomp on the accelerator pedal or run low on battery, the petrol engine will not fire up so you can continue driving emissions-free.

Its top speed of 125kph in electric mode is considered fast among the PHEVs available in Malaysia.

Although the Countryman PHEV usually recharges the hybrid battery through its petrol engine or regenerative braking, the battery can also be charged to full in 2.5 hours through a 3.7kW (16A, 230V) outlet.

Similar to the BMW’s hybrid offering, the Countryman PHEV also has three drive modes of Auto eDrive, Max eDrive and Save Battery, controlled by an eDrive toggle switch on the lower centre console.

Under Auto eDrive, electric power is used at speeds up to 80kph and the petrol engine will start up once battery level is low or extra speed is needed.

Max eDrive allows the Countryman to use electric power for speeds of up to 125kph. The petrol engine is used to drive the car and keep the battery charge above 90% full under Save Battery.

Additionally, the car’s steering and accelerator response characteristic can also be set from Sport to Mid to Green via a slider switch at the base of the gearshifter.

Steering is responsive and provides good directional stability even at high speeds as shown in a drive from Lisbon towards the seaside town of Ericeira, some 50km away.

Despite a kerb weight of 1,660kg, the Countryman PHEV is nimble and fast on its feet, especially when both petrol engine and electric motor are working together. The petrol engine cuts in to deliver extra power and it’s seamless and seldom noticed.

Suspension set-up is good and going over rough stretches using 225/50/R18 99W Pirelli P Zero tyres is firm.

Our unit was upgraded with the MINI navigation system Professional which has multimedia support, satellite navigation and an 8.8-inch touchscreen control.

With its array of safety features — among them airbags, dynamic stability control and a rigid body structure — the Countryman PHEV has achieved a top 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test.

Aside from trendy looks and a fun-to-drive appeal, the Countryman PHEV’s low fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100km will add to its allure.

BMW Group Malaysia will launch the Countryman PHEV on Thursday (April 5) with local price and specifications to be announced then.

SPECIFICATIONSMINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4Engine: 1,499cc, in-line 3-cylinder, 12 valves, MINI TwinPower Turbo
Maximum power: 136bhp at 4,400rpm
Maximum torque: 220Nm from 1,250rpm to 4,300rpm
Transmission: Six-speed Steptronic automatic
Electric motor: Synchronous electric type
Maximum power: 88hp at 4,000rpm
Maximum torque: 165Nm from 0 to 3,000rpm
Total system output: 224hp/385Nm
Drive concept: Combustion engine driving the front wheels, electric motor driving the rear wheels
Hybrid battery: Lithium ion
Capacity: 7.6kWh
Charging time for 100% charge: 2.5 hours at 3.7kW (16A .230V)
Features: Airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with brake assistant, hill start assistant, brake dry function, Fading Brake Support, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC)
Steering: Electrically-assisted unit with Servotronic function
Wheels: 225/55 R17 97W (standard), 225/50/R18 99W (optional)
Fuel capacity: 36 litres
Luggage capacity: 405 to 1,275 litres
Acceleration (0-100pkh): 6.8 seconds
Top speed: 198kph
Top electric speed: 125kph
Electric power range: 42km
Fuel consumption (combined) 2.1 to 2.3 litres per 100km


Ipoh gears up for full digital parking fee system by 2024

                IPOH: Payment for public parking here will be fully digital by 2024.

Ipoh mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said all payments would be made via the Park@Perak app as physical parking coupons would be phased out from June this year.

He urged the people to download the app on their smartphones and familiarise themselves with the digital system.

“Physical parking coupons will no longer be sold to agents starting June 1,” he said after chairing the Ipoh City Council full board meeting.

“Existing coupons may still be sold to the public and can be used until Dec 31, 2023,” he added.

Rumaizi said the app had been updated with the latest version.

It features new functions such as daily and monthly passes and allows users to check the status of their parking passes.

The app can be downloaded from Google Play Store, App Store and Huawei Gallery.

The city council parking unit can be contacted at 05-255 4377 / 4387 / 4388.


Nov 23-29: RON97 petrol price drops 4 sen to RM2.66


Honda blasts Pakistan's petrol suppliers over manganese-laced petrol, suppliers say no quality issue

                ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fuel suppliers said petrol sold locally meets regulatory requirements following a complaint filed by Honda Motor Co’s Pakistan subsidiary accusing suppliers of adding a manganese-based additive to improve the octane rating.

Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Ltd., filed the complaint with Pakistan’s oil and gas industry regulator, saying the additive appeared to be damaging engines in its vehicles.

“Fuel being sold in the country is strictly in accordance with the approved specifications issued by the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum Division,” a body representing Pakistan’s fuel suppliers said in a statement on Friday.

“The question of sale of poor quality fuel does not arise,” the statement issued by Pakistan’s Oil Companies Advisory Council added.

The Honda complaint, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, said tests found dangerous levels of manganese in fuel samples from Shell Pakistan Ltd, Total Parco Pakistan Ltd and Pakistan State Oil Company Ltd.

The tests showed levels of manganese of up to 53 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), while the additive is deemed to be at a “danger level” at 24 mg/kg, the Honda complaint said. Pakistan’s Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority said it would investigate the complaint filed by Honda.

A senior industry executive said Toyota’s Pakistan subsidiary Indus Motor Company was also concerned about manganese levels in petrol.

“Now that Honda has formally complained they may also follow suit,” the official said.


Jaguar F-PACE SVR gets mid-life refresh

                LONDON: Jaguar SV has refined the F-PACE flagship with a range of enhancements, providing sharper responses and heightened composure to accompany the latest Pivi Pro infotainment and connectivity technologies available across the rest of the performance SUV line-up.

The new F-PACE SVR is available exclusively with Jaguar’s 550PS 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged petrol engine, now with 700Nm torque – an increase of 20Nm.

This torque boost delivers enhanced performance, with the F-PACE SVR capable of 0-100kph in 4 seconds, three-tenths of a second faster than before, and a top speed of 286kph, an increase of 3kph.

The powertrain now features the same torque converter used in the record-breaking Jaguar XE SV Project 8 sedan, to withstand the higher loads produced. As well as the improved torque and acceleration, CO2 emissions are also reduced from 281g/km to 275g/km with fuel economy now up to 12.2l/100km.

Enabled by Jaguar’s advanced new Electronic Vehicle Architecture, dubbed EVA 2.0, the transmission and dynamics systems have also benefitted from incremental tweaks.

The uprated Dynamic mode features unique tuning, delivering a focused and honed driving experience. Jaguar SV’s engineers have recalibrated the software to provide sharper throttle response, stiffen the suspension set up, optimise steering weighting and enhance the exhaust mapping.

A new Dynamic Launch feature also uses driveline inertia to maintain power to the wheels during gear changes, contributing to the SVR’s sharper acceleration from a standstill. At the same time, F-PACE SVR is now more comfortable and enjoyable to drive at a relaxed pace, without sacrificing high-speed dynamics.

The steering system is enhanced with a new electronic power-assistance system delivering greater immediacy, providing a heightened connection between the vehicle and driver. There is a more defined difference to the steering feel between Comfort and Dynamic modes, to give these settings more focus.

Modified tuning of the adaptive damping provides a more refined ride at low speeds, which is further improved by revised chassis bushes. This tuning change has again allowed for greater definition of the ride between Comfort and Dynamic drive settings.
Drivers also benefit from improved brake feel in the new F-PACE SVR. The 395mm (front) and 396mm (rear) two-piece disc brakes are now supported by a new Integrated Power Booster which, along with a recalibration of the system, delivers a sportier and shorter brake pedal.

The 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged petrol engine is paired with Jaguar’s smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission which delivers rapid gearshifts, while adapting the way power is delivered to suit the driving situations.

Jaguar’s All-Wheel Drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics is fitted as standard. The technology has a rear-wheel drive bias for enhanced driver engagement and performance.

The new F-PACE chassis now supports the introduction of the latest JaguarDrive Control and new Auto Vehicle Hold function. JaguarDrive Control features Comfort, Eco, Rain-Ice-Snow and Dynamic modes, which can be chosen manually by the driver based on the road conditions.

Auto Vehicle Hold provides added convenience and smoother operation than conventional Automatic Hill Hold. The new technology holds the brakes for an unlimited period of time when stationary on a gradient, only releasing the brakes when the driver depresses the accelerator to drive away.

Adaptive Dynamics suspension technology ensures a precise, dynamic set-up coupled with a supple ride.

The design of the new F-PACE SVR is inspired by SV’s motorsport experience, with enhanced airflow and aerodynamic benefits delivered through new apertures and vents for improved powertrain and brake cooling.

The changes deliver better aerodynamic performance including 35 per cent reduced lift and drag reduced from 0.37Cd to 0.36Cd.

Surrounding the new SVR-badged grille, the revised bumper design features X-shape and blade-like elements intersecting the lower side air vents and intakes.

An enlarged lower intake improves airflow, to cool the F-PACE SVR’s 550PS powertrain. While the new-look design delivers performance benefits, it also provides a more athletic appearance by visually lowering the front of the vehicle.

The larger aperture is framed by enlarged side vents, which help to direct air to the wheelarches for enhanced brake cooling. The openings are finished with a grille mesh design inspired by the record-breaking Jaguar XE SV Project 8, reflecting the lineage of high-performance Jaguar SV models.

A new stretched diagonal blade element feeds further airflow to the brakes and engine.

The super-slim all-LED quad headlights with "Double J" Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures are available with optional Pixel LED technology* and deliver increased resolution and brightness.

The new front-end design is finished by a longer bonnet design which features a wider power bulge flanked by air vents to help extract hot air from the engine bay.

New slimline rear lights feature Jaguar’s trademark double chicane graphic – first seen on the all-electric I-PACE – which accentuate the width of the vehicle. The new look is completed with the addition of the updated SVR logo, while quad tailpipes feature in the lower bumper, giving a visual reminder of the performance potential on offer.

The new F-PACE SVR is also available with a new 22-inch forged alloy wheel design. The five-spoke design is finished in Gloss Black with Satin Grey inserts, with the grey tone matching other exterior finishes on elements such as the side air vents and wheel arch trim, for a stealth-like appearance. This is all finished off with the new SVR logo printed on the wheel.

The cabin of the new F-PACE SVR has been redesigned, with new materials.

Seat and door inserts are finished in Alcantara, with elements such as the central cubby and leather midroll wrapped in luxurious Windsor leather. The 12.3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display is wrapped in Alcantara with ebony stitching, while aluminium patterned finishers feature as standard with open-pore carbon fibre available as an option.

Jaguar’s new Drive Selector has a more performance-focused feel for the F-PACE SVR, finished in dimpled leather with heritage logo-inspired detailing and debossed SVR logo underlining the new model’s attention to detail. Tactile zinc-alloy shift paddles provide heightened driver engagement when making manual gear changes.

Beside the Drive Selector sits the Start button and a new metallic rotary dial – for the JaguarDrive Control settings – which features knurled edging for a premium look and feel.

The 11.4-inch centre touchscreen sits within a magnesium alloy casing and provides access to the new Pivi Pro infotainment.

Facing the driver is a new 12.3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display with enhanced SV-specific graphics and a configurable layout which can show full-screen navigation mapping with turn-by-turn instructions.

A series of advanced technologies ensure the health and wellbeing of all occupants. Cabin Air Ionisation improves interior air quality through Nanoe technology, which removes allergens and unpleasant odours.

The system now also features PM2.5 filtration, which captures ultra-fine particles to improve occupant health and wellbeing. Customers activate the system by pressing the "Purify" button within the infotainment.
Jaguar’s latest 3D Surround Camera technology delivers advanced 3D functionality using the latest camera technology to deliver more detail and a choice of real-time viewing when manoeuvring the vehicle. The selection of settings include Junction View, 3D Perspective View, and ClearSight Plan View.


Uber courts drivers by letting them pick rides

Many users in Singapore commented that they also noticed a fare difference when they manually keyed in the addresses of their saved locations, although a significant proportion also said the method did not work for them. — The Straits Times/ANN
SAN FRANCISCO: Uber said it will let drivers in the United States see trip details before deciding whether to accept them — a new feature long sought by drivers.

A common lament by drivers at the app-summoned ride platform has been that they have to accept a request before learning where trips will take them, or how profitable they will be.

"Our new trip request screen makes it easier for drivers to decide if a trip is worth their time and effort by providing all the details — including exactly how much they'll earn and where they're going — upfront," chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said in a blog post.

Revealing details only once a driver had accepted a trip was seen as a way to ensure riders would get picked up promptly, and not be snubbed because they were headed to locations deemed undesirable by drivers.

But Khosrowshahi said drivers have made it clear that they want more flexibility and choice.

Uber said the new feature, called Upfront Fares, was tested in several cities and was a success with drivers while resulting in shorter wait times for passengers.

The ride-sharing firm will also shift from sending drivers a single ride request at a time, to letting them pick from a list of detailed passenger requests in an area.

Uber is engaged in a long-term effort to prove that its business model is socially and economy viable.

The "gig economy" — which uses temporary independent contractors for short-term tasks — has grown rapidly since Uber's launch in 2009 and is promoted as a flexible way for people to earn money without the constraints of a full-time job.

But there has been growing backlash in countries around the world about the conditions and dangers gig workers face.

Uber driver ranks — which shrank during the Covid-19 pandemic — have not rebounded as quickly as demand for rides, and soaring fuel costs have made the gigs less attractive.

The firm in March announced a surcharge on both rides and Uber Eats meal deliveries that would go directly to drivers to help offset high fuel prices.


Why cheap and small electric cars may soon be too expensive to afford

                FRANKFURT: A new car for less than €10,000 (RM50,000), preferably a small one that fits into any parking space at less than four metres long.

This kind of compact model helps many young people save on their first car and fits better into congestion-plagued inner cities. But experts fear that it could soon be history.

Because in order to prepare internal combustion engines for future emission standards and to follow the trend towards electrification, manufacturers will have to put so much money into cars that small cars will become significantly more expensive.

As a result, they could largely disappear from the market.

So why are the small models becoming more expensive? Frank Welsch, head of quality at the VW Group, is looking ahead to the next stage of European emissions standards, which are currently being discussed and defined for the middle of the decade.

"Implementing the discussed EU7 scenarios would only be possible with far-reaching technical measures, which are complex and therefore very cost-intensive."

Mild hybrids, which are already standard at least from the mid-size class upwards and are slowly diffusing into the compact class, would hardly be enough.

To actually achieve the required CO2 values, significantly more powerful electric motors and larger buffer batteries would have to be installed - not to mention extended exhaust gas aftertreatment in the fight against nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

"That would make most vehicles significantly more expensive," Welsch says, and fears that this surcharge would no longer be affordable for many in the particularly sensitive segment of small cars.

"Affordable entry-level vehicles with combustion engines would definitely become a thing of the past," says Welsch. His boss at VW, Herbert Diess, is even more explicit: He has already rejected a successor to the small car Up. Given the environmental goals in the coming years, he's even put a big question mark over the VW Polo.

When more expensive means cheaper

VW has every reason to now be questioning the validity of these cars, says Professor Stefan Bratzel, a specialist in automotive economics at the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch Gladbach in Germany.

That's because the cheaper a car is, the more you end up spending on improved exhaust purification and the more difficult it will be to pass these costs on to customers, says the automotive economist.

In the luxury class and the premium segment, the proportionate impact is not so great and can be refinanced better. "But smaller cars are then practically unsellable and are likely to be discontinued."

Andreas Radics of strategy consultant Berylls in Munich wouldn't go quite that far, but he too expects dramatic changes in the range. The model selection will be significantly thinner and the time between new generations of small cars will also be spaced out, he predicts.

"Remaining models will only be able to continue to be part of the range if their model run cycles are significantly extended so that the development costs are amortised."

High prices for electrics without government subsidies

But even if small cars continue to be available, they are likely to become much more expensive, according to many experts. CO2 reduction isn't cheap, according to the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA).

And because car manufacturers usually pass on such costs to their customers, we'll have to dig deeper into their pockets for cars like the VW Polo.

Things get even more expensive without government subsidies making it easier for drivers to go electric. Without these grants, a relatively poorly equipped small electric like the Opel Corsa E ends up costing the same as a well-equipped Astra.

And for the price of a Smart Forfour EQ, you can also get a Golf from VW two classes above.

Pricier cars does not mean pricier mobility

And yet if people someday have to pay more for their cars, this doesn't necessarily mobility will become more expensive. At least that's what the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) believes and links the forecast to further increases in fuel prices.

Because clean cars also need less fuel and electric cars are cheaper to maintain, customers could even save money in the long run, the lobbyists argue.

Although the pressure on small cars is obviously increasing, they will probably not disappear from the market altogether.

It is not for nothing that Toyota, for example, announced the development of a new Aygo in spring. The Aygo X Prologue, which has already been unveiled, has anticipated the future designs with a concept car.

Skoda is meanwhile countering the scepticism of the VW Group boss with a new edition of the Polo-related Fabia.

And the low-cost brand Dacia wants to prove with the Spring that the trend towards electrification does not necessarily have to lead to larger and more expensive cars.

The four-seater measures just 3.73 metres. And for a conventional subcompact, it may be expensive at €20,490. But among the electric cars, it is among the cheapest mass-produced models to come out of Europe.

Goodbye exhaust Polo - hello plug-in Polo?

The first major car manufacturers have also already found their way out of the dilemma - and are using low-cost production in China to help keep the next generation of small cars such as the MINI and Smart affordable, even with electric drive.

VW boss Diess also does not want to let go of the small car permanently. While he has doubts about a future for the Polo, he has already ordered development of an entry-level electric model that will be priced well below the ID.3.

According to Frank Welsch, the price will start at around €20,000. The launch is planned for the middle of the decade - only fitting that the current Polo should also be phased out around this time.


MG Motor launches plug-in hybrid option in Mexico as EV race heats up

                MEXICO CITY: MG Motor is launching a plug-in hybrid SUV in Mexico, the carmaker said on Thursday, as the market for hybrid and electric vehicles in the Latin American country heats up despite a lack of infrastructure and high costs for locals.

The hybrid eHS model is set to hit Mexico's streets today, alongside two combustion-engine models, the company said.

A formerly British brand now owned by China's SAIC Motor Corp, MG Motor opened shop in Mexico in 2020. It said it is looking to claim 5.5% of the country's market share this year.

It will also launch two more models - including another in its electric and hybrid line - in the country this year, Daniel Nava, vice president of MG Motor in Mexico, said.

Mexico is looking to bump up its EV production even though the cars remain expensive for most Mexicans and impractical to drive in much of the country, according to a Reuters analysis.

Mexico has about 1,100 charging stations nationwide, mostly clustered in large cities, restricting EV use for long-distance drives. However, hybrid models could be a step forward until there is more EV investment, analysts say.

MG Motor's eHS model will sell in Mexico for 825,000 pesos (RM203,000) - 36% to 49% more expensive than the price range listed on MG Motor's Spain website, though less than the model's expected price in India.

The price in Mexico reflects the car's plug-in hybrid model, which is more costly than other hybrid models, and is comparable to competitors' prices, Nava said ahead of the announcement

Other countries, particularly in Europe, offer incentives for hybrid purchases, he added.

This comes as Mexico, a major carmaking hub, looks to convert half of its auto production to zero-emission vehicles by 2030. In March, it nabbed a US$5 billion (RM22bil) Tesla plant in the northern state of Nuevo Leon.


Porsche 911 Turbo and Turbo S set to debut at Detroit show

                STUTTGART: Porsche's new 911 Turbo gets two 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-sixes with one that plays to a higher tune and both can be found in either a coupe or convertible.

Earmarked for launch in late January, 2016, the new car gets a newly formed front end with side airblades, LED front lights with double fillets, redesigned rear light clusters with their four-point brake lights and aura-like illumination, new door handles without plastic shell inserts and a set of seven-spoke 20-inch wheels that are now half an inch wider.

Even the exhaust has been redesigned as well as the rear lid grille that features three parts - the right and left sections have longitudinal louvres, while the middle is a separate cover to help optimise air induction for the engine.

The new 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine in the new 911 Turbo now boasts 535bhp thanks to modified inlet ports in the cylinder head, new injection nozzles and higher fuel pressure - the Turbo S pushes out 575bhp with its new turbochargers and larger compressors.

Furthermore, the German sportscar builder is still the only manufacturer to utilise turbochargers with variable turbine geometry for petrol engines.

Both engines also feature dynamic boost function to improve engine response during dynamic operation by maintaining the charge pressure during load changes and is more pronounced in the Sport and Sport Plus modes.

On the performance plane, the 911 Turbo S Coupe sprints to 100kph in 2.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 330kph (12kph more than before), while the 911 Turbo adds 0.1 second (3.0 seconds) to that time and is 10kph slower (320kph) - but still 5kph faster than its predecessor.

Fuel consumption has been rated at 9.1L/100km, while the convertible drinks a little more at 9.3L/100km, bringing about a 0.6L/100km in overall improvement thanks to an improved electronic engine and transmission management with revised gear change mappings.

Standard features include the Sport Chrono Package with mode switch and Sport Response button, a new 360mm GT sport steering wheel adopted from the 918 Spyder that comes with mode switch, which consists of a rotary ring with stepped positions used to select one of the four modes of Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual.

Another motorsport-inspired feature is the Sport Response button at the centre of the mode switch, which preconditions the engine and gearbox for the best possible responsiveness at the push of a button and allowing the vehicle to produce optimal acceleration for up to 20 seconds.

The Sport Response functionality can be called up as often as desired and from any of the driving modes, while a running timer in the instrument cluster indicates the the elapsed time to the driver.

A new Porsche Stability Management (PSM) Sport Mode is also available, which is independent of the driving programme that has been selected, and alters the PSM’s intervention threshold much more than was the case in Sport Plus mode of the previous model.

The new mode makes it possible to approach performance limits even more closely, especially when on a race circuit.

The PSM warning lamp lights up, and a message in the instrument cluster indicates that the PSM system's contribution toward driving stability is limited, but the PSM still remains active in the background, even in the PSM Sport mode. However, a long press of the PSM button will completely deactivate the PSM.

The new 911 Turbo S now offers an larger differentiation between performance and comfort by including PDCC roll compensation as standard as well as the PCCB ceramic brake system.

New options for the 911 model-spread includes a radar-based lane change assist and a lift system for the front axle that increases ground clearance by 40mm when at low speeds.

The newly developed Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with online navigation is making its way into the cockpits of 911 Turbo models as standard and comes with a multi-touch monitor with high-quality glass surface.

Navigation can also access the latest traffic information in real time, while Routes and places can be visualised with 360-degree images and satellite images.

Additionally, select vehicle functions can now be remotely controlled and the system can now process handwritten inputs, while both mobile phones and smartphones can be integrated via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cable.

As in the previous models, the Bose sound system is offered as standard, while the Burmester system is also avialable as an added option.


McLaren celebrates production of its 15,000th car

                LONDON: McLaren Automotive celebrated the manufacture of its 15,000th car last Friday, seven years after production first began.

The 15,000th car, a 570S Spider in Curacao Blue from the company’s Sports Series family, represents a further significant milestone for the British sportscar and supercar brand, and comes less than 18 months after the 10,000th car was completed in December 2016 at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, Surrey.

The introduction of a second production shift in 2016 to meet rising global demand for McLaren vehicles has seen production double from around 10 cars a day to 20, with over 90 per cent of vehicles built in Woking exported to more than 30 markets around the world.

McLaren achieved record sales in 2017, selling a total of 3,340 cars. Demand has been stimulated by the launch of two new products, the 570S Spider within the Sports Series and the 720S within the Super Series. Around two-thirds of sales in 2017 came from the Sports Series and one-third from the Super Series. A new Ultimate Series model, the McLaren Senna, has recently entered production and the first of just 500 customer cars will shortly be completed.

The McLaren Production Centre was designed by Foster + Partners and took 14 months to build from breaking ground to July 18, 2011 when the first car, a McLaren 12C, was approved for shipping.


Ford starts CNY promotions

                KUALA LUMPUR: Ford has a Chinese New Year festive promotion that offers 0.88% interest rate per annum and cash rebates on selected models, valid now through Feb 28.

All Fiesta, Focus, Kuga and selected Ranger buyers can enjoy the 0.88% interest rate, while an additional RM1,888 cash rebate is being offered to Focus customers, and RM3,888 to Fiesta 1.0L EcoBoost customers.

In addition to the "Ford CNY Promo", Ford’s aftersales promotion is offering all Ford customers a free multipoint inspection by Ford-certified technicians and a 10% discount off parts and lubricants from Ford, Motorcraft and Castrol.

Valid from February 1 to March 31, this promotion is applicable for all Ford models and can be redeemed with a minimum spend of RM1,000 on mechanical repairs (accident and body repairs are excluded from this promotion).

To participate, customers simply need to register for an e-mail coupon at www.fordconsumer.com and present it at any authorised Ford Service Centre.


Four in 10 motorists worldwide are tempted to go electric

                LONDON: Electric vehicle purchase intentions continue to grow around the world. According to a recent study, more than 40% of motorists are now considering switching to an electric vehicle when they make their next purchase.

While one in two motorists worldwide still plan to choose a combustion engine car for their next vehicle purchase, 41% are already planning to switch to a 100% electric or hybrid model, and a further 2% could opt for a hydrogen-powered car, according to a study published by the consultancy firm, EY.

But the results can vary greatly from country to country. While the majority of people in Italy (63%), South Korea (56%), Singapore (55%) and China (51%) would like to buy an electric or hydrogen powered vehicle in the near future, the majority of those in Australia (75%), India (65%) and Canada (59%) would like to continue to buy gasoline- or diesel-powered cars.

The main reasons encouraging drivers to go electric are environmental protection (49%), as well as the financial incentives available (29%), range (28%) and available charging infrastructure (28%). Unsurprisingly, drivers' biggest concern is the cost of ownership (50%).

Note that one of the most striking measures of the Green Deal unveiled by the European Commission concerns the obligation for manufacturers to stop producing new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035.

Indeed, in Europe and elsewhere, today's sceptics will probably have little choice but to switch to electric in the coming years.

The study was conducted by the consulting firm EY among more than 9,000 motorists in 13 countries (Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom.


Tips on buying a used Porsche 911

                HAMBURG/COLOGNE: The Porsche 911 has been a sports car benchmark for nigh on 50 years and German rally ace Walter Rörhl summed up its appeal when he once said: "a garage without a Porsche 911 is a dull, empty space."

Owning an 911 is the fulfilment of a dream for many drivers and since a new one costs around €120,000 (RM553,000), many fans on a modest budget opt for a second-hand version - not that a pre-owned Porsche is a cheap proposition either.

The earlier air-cooled 911s have soared in value, with 964s and 993s regularly starting at well over €30,000 (RM138,000).

To recap, the car's heritage goes back to 1948 and the blobby 356, itself a descendant of Ferdinand Porsche’s first-ever Volkswagen. The 911 that we still know today emerged in 1964.

At Porsche, design and the six-cylinder boxer engine form a unique union. "This combination did not exist before and it still represents the ultimate in sports cars for many fans," says Frank Wilke who heads market watchdog Classics Analytics.

Adherence to tradition makes the 911 one of the popular sports cars for Henning Hinze too. "The 911 has technically moved with the times, but still has the fascination of a yesteryear car. It has a sporting feel but is suitable for everyday use," says the editorial director of the German cherished car magazine Auto Bild Klassik.

Planting a six-cylinder boxer engine in the rear of a sports car was an unusual concept decades ago and it still is. The result is unique handling which proved to be a winning concept.

"The 911 is practical in every motoring situation," says Hinze. "With the 911, you can drive slowly in the city and hustle fast on mountain passes".

Adding to the experience is the rasping bark of the engine, the 911's acoustic calling card.

Modern Porsche 911s rarely turn heads despite their desirability, which makes them more socially-acceptable to many owners than more outlandish Ferraris or Lamborghinis.

Yet all of this has its price since driving a Porsche has never been easily affordable and it never will be.

In the case of air-cooled 911s, according to Hinze, G-series models between 1973 and 1989 are a good choice, especially the models of the late 1970s and early 1980s with 2.7 litre and 3.0-litre boxer engines.

The early F-series (1963 to 1973), on the other hand, is for purists willing to put up with the extra expense of ownership and diva-like ownership qualities. The later type 964 (1989-1994) was very expensive to maintain along with the last air-cooled boxer, the type 993 (1993-1998).

The cheapest entry into the world of the 911 is currently offered by the model known internally as the 996. It first came onto the market 25 years ago. Although diehard Porsche fans frowned upon the first water-cooled six-cylinder boxer engine, the type is now accepted.

"Even though the change from air to water cooling was tantamount to the end of the world for hardcore Porsche fans and the egg-shaped headlights were reviled, the 996 still is still sporty and comfortable today," says Wilke.

There's good news on the price front too. According to Hinze, models from the facelift onwards (built in 2001) are suitable for everyday use and offer "a lot of Porsche for the money".

Well-maintained examples are available for less than €25,000 and models with automatic transmission are cheaper because they are less in demand. However, the torque converter automatic is a tad less agile.

After bottoming out eight years ago, prices for 996s are rebounding slightly. According to Classic Analytics, models in good condition (grade 2) are worth around €27,000.

Frank Wilke considers a Carrera Coupé to be a sound buy since only it offers the original 911 shape. With a manual gearbox, inconspicuous paintwork and a black interior, a 996 will always find another buyer if the owner decides to part with it.

"However, just because the 996 is the most keenly-pried 911, doesn't mean it's economical to own. Spare parts and repairs can really cost money with this model because overhauls are complex," says Wilke.

Henning Hinze advises owners to buy the best car they can afford. Models offered at the lower end of the market have often been neglected and will cost a lot of money to bring up to scratch.

"There are no Porsche bargains to be had anymore, all of the cars are in demand," says Hinze. On the other hand, there are plenty of 911s on the market so would-be owners need not feel under time pressure to secure one.

It is always a good idea to have a budget for repairs. "As a rule of thumb almost any fix is going to cost at least €1,000 - regardless of whether you are talking about brakes, tyres, suspension or a defective heating system," says Hinze. An engine overhaul can easily set you back €15,000.

Sound paperwork with details of regular maintenance and repairs is essential with a high-end machine like the 911.

Tyres, brakes and suspension components wear out more quickly on a car designed to be driven hard. Porsche engines are robust, but costly to fix when things go wrong.

If you are not well-versed in mechanical matters, take a knowledgable friend or an expert along to view the car.

Finally, it is worth noting that although running a Porsche may seem expensive, a well-maintained 911 typically has much more inherent value than a standard family car of the same age.


Setel now takes the worry out of charging your EV

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel epayment app Setel has announced a new feature for users to locate and activate electric vehicle charging stations through the app.

The company said users can start by using the Search icon on the app to find the nearest EV charging station and get directions.

They can tap on Start Charging and select an available charger that is compatible with their vehicle.

Activating the charger through the app also allows users to view the charging status and rates. An electronic receipt will be generated once the session is complete.

Payment will be deducted from the Setel wallet and users can also earn Mesra points with every transaction.

Setel CEO Mazlin Erawati Ab Manan said the new feature allow the company to showcase its efforts towards sustainability.

“It is both a product of listening to our customers and part of our long-term plan to continuously innovate for inclusive mobility, in support of the global efforts towards decarbonising road transport,” Mazlin said in a statement.

The company added that the new EV charging features on the app can be used at five pilot locations, namely Lotus’s Tecso Kepong, EV Connection Workshop in Petaling Jaya, Carsome PJ Automall, Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort in Penang and ACO Group headquarters in Johor Baru.

According to information on its website, charging price ranges from free to RM1.20 per minute.

More locations will be announced later.

Setel was first introduced in 2018 as a mobile platform payment solution for customers at Petronas stations nationwide.


Hyundai changes official pronunciation to 'Hyun-day'

                LONDON: Hyundai is formally adopting a new pronunciation of its name in the UK after admitting in a new advertising campaign that many people get it wrong.

Hyundai is changing the previous anglicised pronunciation of "High-un-die" to the pronunciation "Hyun-day" which is also used in the US.

The name had been wrongly pronounced by many English speakers because the firm used to adapt the sound of its name in advertising to make it simpler for various local populations to pronounce.

"It won't be easy to change decades of customer habit," said Hyundai's UK managing director Ashley Andrew.

"We predict a period of confusion among punters – a theme covered in a new TV advert, which sees people Googling the wrong thing with the old pronunciation," said the manager.

In the ad, a woman's voice says: "If you think you know our cars and how to say our name, maybe it's time to think again."

The name Hyundai comes from the Korean word hyeondae, which translates to "modernity" in English, representing the company's philosophy of "continuous innovation".

Hyundai meanwhile commissioned a survey of 2,000 adults in Britain which highlighted that 45% turn to a dictionary or thesaurus to double check the pronunciation of other tricky words like quinoa and zoology.


Caltex offers premium diesel engine oil Delo 400

                KUALA LUMPUR: Chevron, which markets the Caltex brand, unveiled its latest premium diesel engine oil – Caltex Delo 400 MGX SAE 15W-40.

The revolutionary formulation constitutes a higher specification, and is specially designed to meet the Malaysian market requirements.

This improved formulation will benefit both new and older diesel engines – helping customers to utilise just one heavy duty engine oil that operates efficiently in both high- and low-sulphur diesel fuel environments.

“The oil and gas industry in Malaysia produces a mix of low and high sulphur diesel fuel which ranges between 15 and 5000ppm. The introduction of the Caltex Delo 400 MGX SAE 15W-40 is proof of our commitment and goal to providing customers with ground-breaking products which not only boost performance but reduce operating costs as well, while keeping their diesel equipment operating reliably,” said Chevron Lubricants, Asia Pacific Marketing Manager, Lennard Kwek.

The Caltex Delo product range includes lubricants and coolants providing premium protection, performance and bottom-line value for on- and off-road diesel-powered equipment. These products are found and utilised in all major heavy industries such as commercial transportation, construction, mining, agriculture, and power generation.

“Many customers serving in the heavy equipment industry are facing challenging situations including exposure towards excessive occupational heat owning fleet of variant ages operating in both high- and ultra-low sulphur environments. The introduction of Caltex Delo 400 MGX addresses these issues, while adhering to the latest American Petroleum Institute (API) specification as well as many American and European Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEM) approvals.

"Furthermore, one of the advantages offered to customers is the synthetic-like performance at the cost of mineral products, which significantly reduces the costs of premium lubrication costs,” said Chevron Lubricants, Cluster Asia Pacific, Area Business Manager, Asim Khan.

 (From left) Dr. Simon Chung, Regional Technology Specialist, Chevron Lubricants, Asim and Kwek.

Chevron uses ISOSYN Technology to formulate its top-tier Delo products, combining premium base oils with high performance additives with the company’s formulation expertise to provide excellent protection for diesel engine parts – at a competitive value.

This new advanced formula Caltex Delo 400 MGX SAE 15W-40 delivers excellent soot dispersancy, as well as wear protection and sludge control to guard against loss of engine life and help reduce oil consumption.

Caltex Delo 400 MGX SAE 15W-40 also has the added advantage of a single fleet oil, thereby, reducing the need for multiple diesel engine oils. The new product is specifically developed to help meet emissions regulations as well as adheres to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) requirements and performance specifications of the local markets.

Delo with ISOSYN helps to extend service protection and maximise engine durability as well as operating costs.

The newly launched Caltex Delo 400 MGX SAE 15W-40, is currently available in drum packaging through our appointed distributors at a recommended selling price of MYR 9.50/L.

For more information on Caltex and its products, visit this website.


Have Hyundai, will travel

                PETALING JAYA: Win an all-expense-paid trip to Spain and be among three lucky Hyundai customers to witness first hand how the Hyundai i20 performs at the upcoming World Rally Championship (WRC) in Tarragona, Spain.

According to managing director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM), Lau Yit Mun, the Hyundai Motorsport Team has established itself as a genuine contender in the tough WRC environment since its debut last season.

“This year the Hyundai Motorsport Team will carve another important milestone by adding the fourth Hyundai i20 WRC into the race. The i20 WRC which is the culmination of Hyundai’s latest high performance technology has performed very well in tough terrains and we would like to give our customers an opportunity to witness its performance live,” he said.

Hyundai customers only need to send their cars to any Hyundai authorized service centre for their regular service maintenance from now to Aug 15 2015 and spend a minimum of RM500 to be eligible to participate in a lucky draw contest that will win them a package to watch the WRC in Spain.

Themed ‘Service your way to Spain!’ this service campaign offers more than just an opportunity to win a trip. Every customer who sends the car in for servicing during the campaign period will be given a 20% discount on selected Hyundai Genuine Parts, a 10% discount on labour charges, a free 20-point inspection and also a limited edition Hyundai umbrella with a total of RM250 spent on a single receipt (while stocks last).

The WRC will be held in Spain from Oct 22 to 25 2015 is sure to be a thrilling race with WRC cars put to the test on both gravel and asphalt tracks in the hills of Tarragona.


Infiniti ProPilot Assist arrives in China with new 2020 QX50

                SHANGHAI: The new 2020 Infiniti QX50 arrives in China with the innovative ProPilot Assist driver assist technology, which combines Lane Keep Assist and Advanced Intelligent Cruise Control to help keep the car centered in its lane and maintain a set distance from the traffic in front.

Developed to support the driver, the hands-on, eyes-on system helps to enhance the driver’s experience behind the wheel, rather than remove them from the equation.

“China is an important growth-market for Infiniti and in 2019, the QX50 was our best-selling vehicle in that market,” said Mike Colleran, corporate vice-president and global chairman of Infiniti Motor Co.

In a continued effort to maintain vigilance against the spread of Covid-19, the 2020 Infiniti QX50 was unveiled via a livestream event hosted by local executives with the support of a celebrity brand ambassador.

Broadcast across several popular social media platforms, at its peak, up to 10 million people across China joined the livestream.

“Anyone that drives on highways or spends time in heavy traffic during their daily commute will appreciate the benefits of ProPilot Assist and arrive feeling less fatigued,” said said Kevin Mao, managing director of Infiniti China.


Isuzu is top commercial vehicle brand in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: For the fifth year in a row, Isuzu Malaysia maintained its No. 1 position as the nation’s preferred commercial vehicle (CV) brand for 2018, according to overall sales figures recently released by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

Isuzu Malaysia ended 2018 with total combined sales of 6,036 units of trucks from its varied segments.

Isuzu Malaysia leads the Commercial Vehicle automotive segment by a stark difference of 584 units against a main competitor.

CEO of Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Koji Nakamura expressed his delight over the brand’s success in achieving the top spot for the fifth consecutive year.

Nakamura also added that this remarkable achievement would not have been made possible without the unyielding support and top-notch services rendered by Isuzu Malaysia’s skilled dealers and workforce.

According to Nakamura, “Despite facing market saturation, Isuzu Malaysia managed to surpass sales volume of well-known brands due to the tremendous effort put in by all parties involved. Dealer activities saw great improvements through various aftersales plans and measures, aside from timely fulfillment through the Isuzu Service Centre (ISC).”

He then added, “Heading towards the 2019 target, Isuzu aims to be more ‘proactive’ in identifying new possibilities. We will move towards better support and greater cooperation between internal key divisions, to maximise business opportunities and enhance dealer development activities.”


MCO in six Selangor districts from May 6-17

                PUTRAJAYA: The movement control order (MCO) will be carried out in six districts in Selangor from May 6-17, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Senior Minister said interstate and inter-district travel will not be allowed.

The affected districts are Hulu Langat, Petaling, Gombak, Klang, Kuala Langat and Sepang.

The other districts still under the conditional MCO are Kuala Selangor, Sabak Bernam and Hulu Selangor.

He said the closure of Ramadan bazaars in Selangor is under the state government's discretion.


German ministry proposes €5 billion car bonus scheme, say sources

Heavy traffic in central Berlin. Germany is expected to present a stimulus package on Tuesday, which could total up to €80 billion (RM384bil). — AFP
FRANKFURT: Germany’s Ministry of Economics has proposed a €5 billion (RM24bil) buyer bonus scheme as part of an impending stimulus package in an effort to boost car sales, two people close to the matter said on Sunday.

Global car sales have slumped as production lines and showrooms shut in response to the coronavirus pandemic. A business sentiment survey by the Ifo institute this month showed the German auto sector at its lowest ebb since 1991.

The heads of the co-governing Social Democrats (SPD) and Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) are expected to present the overall stimulus package on Tuesday, which could total up to €80 billion (RM384bil), according to one media report.

The economy ministry’s proposal is for purchase premiums to be paid to buyers of electric vehicles and conventionally powered cars worth less than €77,350 (RM372,000) each, with the scheme expiring at the end of the year, the sources said.

The ministry declined to comment.

The proposal still has significant hurdles to clear.

SPD head Norbert Walter-Borjans said he was in favour of supporting the auto industry but that incentivising purchases of conventional combustion engines was the wrong path.

“If the state subsidises (new cars), then that must go along with a change towards alternative engines. If discounts, then that must be for electric cars”, Walter-Borjans said.

The economy ministry’s plans foresee a basic premium of €2,500 (RM12,013) per car, which would be topped up by €500 (RM2,403) for fuel-efficient vehicles. Existing incentive programmes would be increased by €1,500 (RM7,208) for electric cars and €750 (RM3,604) for hybrids.

A slew of policymakers and industry groups have spoken out against premiums for car purchases, arguing that the stimulus programme should adhere to climate-change policies and not favour a single industry.