A farewell to the BMW i3: An electric pioneer ahead of its time

                MUNICH/COLOGNE: Over the years there have been many pioneering cars, with varying degrees of success. One of them has recently said goodbye.

The all-electric BMW i3, launched in 2013, set technical standards that still stand today. The compact hatchback could go from a standstill to 50 km/h in around three seconds.

"The BMW i3 was a true pioneer in electric mobility and a bold move by BMW," says Paolo Tumminelli, professor of design at Cologne University of Applied Sciences.

"It was the first car from BMW that was conceived and designed purely as an electric car, with all its advantages and disadvantages."

Good use of space

The designers made full use of the space advantages of not having an internal combustion engine onboard.

The electric motors were in the rear under the trunk and the batteries were in the floor, meaning a car with compact exterior dimensions had a lot of interior space.

The disadvantage of a short electric range was offset by a range extender in some models — this was a small petrol engine that could charge the battery.

The body, which was only four metres long, was made of carbon fibre, aluminium and plastic, and was lighter than one made of steel.

"That alone shows the quality of the well thought-out and innovative concept," Tumminelli says.

At 15.3 kWh per 100km, the four-seater, which weighed just 1.3 tons, consumed relatively little power.

"The i3 represents BMW's entry into electric mobility and counts as a major milestone in the company's long history," says Caroline Exner, product manager for the i3.

In total, BMW sold around 250,000 units in 74 countries. But now the car is no more. The last model rolled off the production line at the end of June.

First step towards pure e-mobility

The i3 was a leader in electromobility when it was introduced, almost as significant as the electric cars made by Tesla, according to Professor Stefan Bratzel, the director of the Centre of Automotive Management (CAM) in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany.

"The i3 was an interesting attempt by a German manufacturer to develop its own electric platform and a stand-alone vehicle. The approach resembles Tesla and represents the beginning of e-mobility by a German manufacturer," he says.

However, high development costs and expensive carbon production made the i3 economically unsuccessful and sales figures never reached expectations.

Bratzel blames the sales segment chosen for the i3 — a small electric car for around €35,000 (RM156,000) did not interest the masses.

"BMW could have made more money with a larger vehicle class," he says.

Time machines and aluminium bodies

Other auto pioneers in the past have had a similarly difficult time. For example, there was the 1981 De Lorean DMC-12, now known chiefly for being the time machine in the "Back to the Future" movies.

It was designed to be the first ethical automobile because it was sustainable and built to last, Tumminelli says. Its stainless steel bodywork and gull-wing doors certainly stood out, but the car was a flop.

Then there was the Audi A2, which impressed many in 2000 with its aluminium unibody construction, but it was discontinued after only five years. "The non-scalable aluminium spaceframe was simply too expensive," Tumminelli says.

As is often the case in automotive history, the i3 was ahead of its time and came onto the market too early.

According to Tumminelli, innovative and progressive models such as the Fiat 500, Renault Twingo, Renault Avantime, Porsche 928, Smart Fortwo or Audi A2 all suffered teething problems or a lack of public acceptance.

The fact that the i3 is now being phased out is due to its platform.

"There are few synergies with other models, which is expensive in production and development," Bratzel says.

BMW's new cars are all built on a shared modular system.


Jeep Wrangler Rubicon now in LEGO set

                DETROIT: Jeep and the LEGO Group have revealed the newest LEGO Technic model, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

The new model is aimed at LEGO fans of all ages as they recreate the high-performance 4x4 systems, rugged tyres, fold-down rear seats and classic seven-slot grille in LEGO Technic form.

Once the build is complete, builders can create endless off-road adventures with the feature-packed, 665-piece model.

A button-operated front steering system and axle-articulation suspension means owners will love testing out the model on obstacles everywhere. The toy comes in an eye-catching yellow-and-black colour scheme.

The LEGO Technic Jeep Wrangler will be available from Jan 1 from LEGO.com, LEGO stores and other retailers globally, priced at US$49.99 (around RM204).


First Genesis luxury model looks set to be a hit with Koreans

SEOUL: The Genesis EQ900 will be offered in three engine variants and will be fitted with an autonomous driving system called highway driving assist that enables the car to maintain a set distance from a vehicle automatically in front of it.

A recent report in a South Korean national newspaper Korea Joongang Daily said the full-size luxury car from Hyundai's luxury arm would be sold with a choice of a 3.3-litre engine, a 3.8-litre turbo engine and a range-topper 5.0-litre engine.

Apparently, South Koreans have been quite taken by the buzz surrounding the Genesis EQ900 that they have started booking in droves on the first day without knowing the specifications of the car. The daily said 4,342 bookings were received by Hyundai in the first 24 hours when pre-orders opened.

The design of the EQ900 is inspired by the Hyundai Vision G coupe concept, and it replaces the Equus. Hyundai is expected to roll out six Genesis models by 2020, with the current Genesis being renamed as the G80.

As befits a luxury car with an eye on besting the European premium marques, the EQ900 will come with a raft of features such as DAA (Driver attention Alert), ASD (Active Sound Design) and HVCS (Hyundai Variable Control Suspension).

The EQ900 will launch in South Korea on Dec 9 followed by a global debut in 2016. It will be exported as the G90.

Stay tuned and we will bring you further details on launch day.

An image of a near-production G90 spotted on a South Korean road posted on the bobaedream.co.kr site.

Hyundai Vision G coupe concept (below)


Malaysia and Singapore to reopen borders from Aug 10 subject to conditions

                JOHOR BARU: After a hiatus of almost five months, Malaysia and Singapore are expected to reopen the border to different groups of travellers starting Aug 10.

In a joint press statement by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and his Singaporean counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said that both governments have agreed to implement the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA).

“These two schemes are meant to address the needs of different groups of cross-border travellers between both countries, ” they said in a statement.

They said that the RGL would enable cross-border travel for essential business and official purposes between both countries.

Eligible travellers will have to abide by the prevailing Covid-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed upon by both countries, which include undergoing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab tests.

They added that travellers would also be expected to submit a controlled itinerary to the relevant authorities of the receiving country and adhere to this controlled itinerary during their visit.

Meanwhile they added that the PCA would allow residents of Singapore and Malaysia who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country to enter that country for work.

“After at least three consecutive months in their country of work, they may return to their home country for short-term home leave and thereafter re-enter their country of work to continue work for at least another three consecutive months, ” they added.

They added that travellers would also have to abide by the prevailing Covid-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed by both countries.

They said that officials in Malaysia and Singapore were working expeditiously towards the targeted implementation of the RGL and the PCA on August 10.

They added that this would give the opportunity for the relevant agencies of both Governments to continue their consultation to finalise the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the two initiatives.

Malaysia and Singapore also said in the joint statement that both governments have agreed to publish the requirements, health protocols, and application process involved for entry and exit into Malaysia and Singapore 10 days prior to their implementation of the RGL and PCA.

They said that this is being done in recognition of the keen interest of residents in Malaysia and Singapore and to facilitate smooth cross-border flow.

The statement added that Malaysia and Singapore have also agreed to develop other appropriate schemes for the cross-border movement of people including a daily cross-border commuting proposal for work purposes for travellers from both countries, while taking into account the required health protocols and available medical resources in both countries to ensure the safety of the citizens of both sides.

This will allow both sides to progressively restore cross-border people-to-people interaction and economic exchanges.

Malaysia closed the border on March 18, when the movement control order was implemented.

Only a few hundred lorries ply the two land crossings with Singapore daily.


New Cerato Koup Turbo-GDI priced at RM136K

                KUALA LUMPUR: Kia distributor Naza Kia Malaysia has announced the availability of the new Cerato Koup Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (T- GDI), which is priced at RM135,888.

According to a Kia press release issued on Friday,  the model feature a bolder and more sophisticated design.

The slim radiator grille design, HID headlamps and LED projection fog lamp emphasise its sporty image. The profile of the Cerato Koup Turbo-GDI is enhanced by frameless doors, black high-gloss door mirrors and door handles, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Its rear comes with an LED high mounted stop lamp, dual muffler tail trim, carbon fibre look bumper garnish and LED rear combination lamps.

The interior carries on the sporty theme ith a driver-focused cockpit and generous use of soft-touch materials for added refinement. The supervision cluster benefits from a TFT colour LCD screen. Driver comfort is boosted by electric lumbar support and air ventilation.

The car also boasts motor-driven power steering (MDPS) with flex steer, a 4.2-inch touchscreen audio with rear view camera, push start ignition, and an audio system with 6-speakers. Motor driven power steering (MDPS) with flex steer provides three operating modes to help fine-tune the driving experience: Comfort mode for city driving, Normal mode for regular steering conditions and Sport mode for highway or heavy steering.

Other premium features available include a sunroof, a welcome light and dual zone auto air conditioner with cluster ioniser and auto defog system.

Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine which produces 201hp and 265Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The turbo engine allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 7.4 seconds.

Safety gear is competitive, with the car having Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist System (BAS), Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Seatbelt Reminder, ISOFIX as well as six airbags.

“As the first petrol turbo model by Kia to hit the Malaysian market, the new Cerato Koup Turbo-GDI is set to be an icon for the brand. It is the fastest car in its class and at RM135,888, is currently the most affordable 200hp car in the segment,” said Naza Automotive Group group chief operating officer Datuk Samson Anand George.

The car comes in a choice of three body colours: Racing Red, Aurora Black Pearl and Clear White.


Bangkok International Motor Show 2023: Toyota LPG HEV taxi concept

                BANGKOK: At the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show, the Toyota LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) taxi concept reiterates the Japanese automaker's vision of achieving carbon neutrality through multiple drivetrains.

Designed specifically for use as a taxi, the concept car has a unique yellow-green color scheme, giving it a distinct identity for Thailand.

It also has a high roof design, and the cabin is spacious and designed with a low flat floor to facilitate the use of ramps for wheelchairs.

This feature makes it convenient for all passengers, especially the elderly and children, to enter and exit the cabin easily.

Equipped with a large electric sliding door and Toyota Safety Sense features, the LPG HEV taxi concept focuses on both comfort and safety.

Like Toyota's JPN Taxi which appeared at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show 2017,
the hybrid powertrain combines electric power with LPG.


Toyota to reproduce limited spare parts for A70 and A80 Supra

                TOKYO: Toyota Gazoo Racing announced today that it will reproduce additional spare parts for the A70 and A80 Supra under its GR Heritage Parts Project, and will sell them both in Japan and in North America, Europe, and other overseas countries.

The project reproduces spare parts that have been discontinued, and sells them as genuine parts. For the A70 and A80 Supra, this will be the first addition since spare parts were announced in 2020.

Availability of reproduced parts varies according to region; the parts listed here are for Japan.

The parts will go on sale from next month and would be sold through Toyota dealers, in the same way as normal genuine parts.

 Clutch master cylinder for A70 Supra.

However, the reproduced parts will be in limited production. So old Supra owners can buy them only while stocks last.

Details such as part numbers and production periods will be published on the Toyota Gazoo Racing website from July 1, beginning with the parts that are ready.

The A70 Supra was sold from 1986 to1993, while the A80 Supra had its run from 1993 to 2002.

Toyota Gazoo Racing had kicked off the GR Heritage Parts Project in early 2020, with the 2000GT (1967-1970) also included in the programme.

The 2000GT was a collaboration with Yamaha and was considered as Japan's first supercar.  A high-performance sports car with a favourable record of victories in numerous races, the 2000GT is also known for its appearance as the "Bond car" in the 007 film You Only Live Twice.


Hyundai Motor Group heir apparent named as chief vice chairman

Eui-sun attending the company's new year ceremony in Seoul, on Jan 2. — Reuters
SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Group appointed heir apparent Euisun Chung as chief vice chairman today, moving him a step closer to succeeding his father as head of South Korea’s second largest conglomerate.

Chung, 47, will assist his father and group chairman Chung Mong-Koo, who promoted his son to respond to “deteriorating global trade issues and changes in competitive dynamics in major markets,” Hyundai Motor Group said in a statement.

South Korea’s government has called for reform of the country’s family-owned conglomerates, known as chaebols.

Chung, the 80-year-old chairman, has made few public appearances and skipped his New Year speech to employees in recent years.

“In his new capacity, chief vice chairman Euisun Chung will oversee the entire group’s operations, aiding and reporting to chairman Mong-Koo Chung,” the group said in a statement.

The appointment is also part of an effort to “improve future competitiveness and secure future growth engines” at a time when the auto industry is undergoing major changes, the group said in a statement.

The younger Chung was vice chairman of the conglomerate’s crown jewel Hyundai Motor Co since 2009, after his stint at affiliate Kia Motors.


GM said to be working with 'all the best startups' on next-gen EV battery tech

                DETROIT: General Motors Co, as part of a US$27 billion initiative to match or surpass Tesla Inc in the electric vehicle sector, is working with "all the best startups" on next-generation EV battery technology while planning a big boost in production capacity for its new Ultium battery system, an executive said on Monday.

"We're partnering with some great companies," including Honda Motor and LG Chem, on electric vehicles and batteries, said Doug Parks, GM's executive vice president of global product development. But "we're also looking outside the company to startups to get on the front edge of that learning curve."

Parks, speaking at an investor conference, said GM continues to build its relationship with Honda, with whom the US automaker is jointly developing several future electric vehicles.

"There's an opportunity for more," Parks said. "We could extend that relationship to other segments," including sharing combustion-engine vehicles and platforms with Honda.

GM chief executive Mary Barra said nearly a year ago that the automaker had boosted its spending budget on electric and automated vehicles from US$20 billion to US$27 billion through 2025.

Parks said much of that US$7 billion increase is tied to spending on additional production capacity for the Ultium battery, which is slated to go into production in Ohio next year in a US$2.3 billion joint venture with LG Chem.

With all the electric vehicles that GM has planned for North America - some 20 models by 2025 - "we're going to need more capacity" for batteries, Parks said. "So there's more investment coming after the initial wave in Ohio."


2021 Hyundai Elantra launched: Sportier, longer and roomier

                LOS ANGELES: Hyundai has launched its all-new 2021 Elantra and Elantra Hybrid at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood.

The 2021 Elantra features Hyundai’s latest Sensuous Sportiness design identity and hybrid electric vehicle technology.

The new Elantra Hybrid has a 1.6-liter GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, which combines with the electric motor to deliver a total system output of 139hp and up to 264Nm of torque.

This engine mates with Hyundai’s quick-shifting, six-speed, dual-clutch transmission – providing a more dynamic and engaging driving experience.

The high-efficiency electric motor has an electric only driving mode that delivers instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist at higher vehicle speeds.

The 2021 Elantra Hybrid is projected to have a fuel economy rating of 21.25km per litre.

Meanwhile, the non-hybrid Elantra variants offer the 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle engine with 147hp @ 6,200rpm and 179Nm of torque @ 4,500rpm.

These models use an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) which takes advantage of a chain-design belt that improves fuel efficiency by an additional 1.2 percent.

Hyundai’s IVT shift response is said to closely replicate automatic transmission step shifts.

Thanks to Hyundai’s third-generation vehicle platform, the new Elantra weighs less, has better fuel economy and is stronger compared to the previous generation.

This platform also allowed engineers to lower Elantra’s center of gravity for more agile handling.

In the event of a collision, this platform improves safety because it uses a multiload path structure.

To transform the 2021 Elantra into its new four-door-coupe look, Hyundai engineers and designers had to make it longer, lower, and wider compared to the sixth-generation model.

The 2021 Elantra has more front headroom and the same amount of rear headroom as its predecessor.

The longer wheelbase also provides a best-in-class 38 inches of rear legroom and the wider track width means improved shoulder room in the front and rear.

There are two 10.25-inch screens all under one piece of glass. The cluster has different views: utility, driver assistance and navigation.

Dual Bluetooth support is also available, so two devices can be paired at the same time—one for phone calls and one for streaming audio.

Safety features include:

- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection uses the car’s front-facing camera to help detect an imminent collision with a vehicle or pedestrian and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking automatically

- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) helps prevent accidental lane departure by sensing road markings, automatically steering the car if necessary

- Lane Following Assist (LFA) may automatically adjust steering to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane of travel. LFA can help keep the vehicle centered on both highways and city streets.

- High Beam Assist (HBA) eliminates the need for drivers to manually switch high beams on and off at night

- Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system that monitors a spectrum of driver-related characteristics to help detect driver fatigue

- Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

It is now known that a performance-oriented N Line variant will join the next-generation Elantra sedan range, as a performance teaser was shown as the end of Hyundai’s livestream event.

There is a good chance that this N Line variant will use the turbocharged 2.0-litre 275hp four-cylinder engine from the I30 N.


Chery continues to set new sales records

                SHANGHAI: Chinese automaker Chery reported that it has maintained monthly sales of more than 100,000 units for 10 consecutive months, as of end-March 2023.

The group also saw a new sales record in the first quarter, as its cumulative sales increased 44.1% year-on-year.

The group pointed out that it has been China's top passenger car exporter for 20 consecutive years, and notched 11.2 million customers worldwide.

Chery has five global research and development centers and a network of 1,500 overseas dealers, with its vehicles sold in more than 80 countries and regions.

In Malaysia, Chery is due to start local assembly of the Tiggo 8 Pro and Omoda 5 in June followed by their launch in July.

The Tiggo 8 Pro will be available at launch with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration.

A plug-in hybrid combining a 1.5-litre turbo mill paired with two electric motors would likely arrive in 2024.

The 7-seat Tiggo 8 Pro should give the Proton X90 a good run for the money. The Proton SUV, also a 7-seater, is expected to launch by mid-2023.

As for the Omoda 5, Chery is expected to spec the 5-seat SUV with a 1.5l turbocharged powerplant though it's also available with a 1.6l turbo mill in other markets.

Malaysians can also look forward to the all-electric variant of the Omoda 5 coming after the first wave of combustion-engined SUVs.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with Auto Shanghai 2023, Chery will host nearly 1,000 overseas dealer representatives from more than 80 countries and regions at its 2023 Global Dealer Conference.

In a statement, the group said the conference is the first face-to-face communication between Chery and its global partners since the end of the three-year Covid-19 pandemic at its headquarters in China.

The conference aims to strengthen Chery's internationalisation strategy, and negotiate the group's future development plans with its global partners.

Driven by its "Yaoguang 2025" strategy, Chery aims to continue developing its new energy vehicle strategy with hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Meanwhile, at Auto Shanghai 2023, Chery launched a Green Public Welfare Fund Plan as the group says it continues to "play an active role in protecting the environment and building a better international community" and looks forward to working with various global public welfare organisations.

The group noted that it has been involved in aid and charity initiatives to help victims of Türkiye's devastating earthquake, public welfare activities for women in Kuwait, as well as care for children in South Africa's welfare homes.

Auto Shanghai (2023) saw the covers pulled off Chery International's all-electric Omoda 5 in what seems to be its final form before market release.

 Omoda 5 EV. Omoda 5 EV. Omoda 5 EV.

According to official company spokespersons, this electric vehicle has been earmarked for arrival in Malaysia as early as the first quarter of 2024 in two variants with a maximum range of 430km.

Gone is the Omoda 5's initial diamond-designed front grille but it still maintains its floating roof design, muscular sheet metal along its flanks and chiselled lines at the front and rear quarters - all while prominently showing off its Omoda nameplate up front and sporting a set of aero-designed wheels finished in a two-toned design.

 Tiggo 9. Tiggo 9. Tiggo 9.

Also on display was the company's upcoming flagship Tiggo 9 sports utility vehicle (SUV) that's currently in production in left-hand-drive form with deliveries in China expected to start in May.
The right-hand-drive version will soon follow and is expected to launch sometime in 2025 with both a 2.0-litre turbocharged internal combustion engine.

For the time being, a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor will power the Plugin-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) version.
Built on the T1X modular platform, the company's higher-ups are still considering how best to offer up this SUV in Malaysia. TJ-1 C-DM PHEV. TJ-1 C-DM PHEV.On the other end of the spectrum in terms of size is the company's new TJ-1 Chery Dual-Mode (C-DM) compact SUV.This light off-road SUV was recently green-lit for series production as a PHEV on April 7 and has been included in the list of vehicles headed for Malaysia.

"Rugged" best describes the TJ-1's looks with a floating roof and a large rectangular grille with a dot-matrix design which proudly showcases the CHERY nameplate.

Above the grille is a thin LED strip that connects the high-mounted LED daytime running lights (DRLs) while two stacked LEDs below them function as the main headlights.

The company has promised that the TJ-1's engine will be able to accept RON92 petrol (available in China), have a thermal efficiency of more than 44.5%, provide over 1,400km of range, consume 4.2 litres per 100km at best and sprint from 0 to 100kph in 4.2 seconds.

The right-hand-drive TJ-1 is also expected to be launched in 2025 as well in both ICE and PHEV versions while sharing the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Tiggo 8 PHEV. Tiggo 8 PHEV.For the time being, Malaysians can expect to see the Tiggo 8 mid-sized SUV and Omoda 5 compact SUV make their respective debuts in Malaysia as soon as June/July with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine while the Tiggo 8 PHEV is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2024.


Jaguar Land Rover owner Tata Motors names ex-Daimler executive CEO

Llistosella will take charge of Tata Motors in July. — Bloomberg

LONDON: Tata Motors Ltd. has appointed former Daimler AG manager Marc Llistosella to become its next chief executive officer after Guenter Butschek asked to step down due to personal reasons.

Llistosella, who previously headed Daimler Trucks in Asia, will take charge in July, Tata Motors said Friday. Butschek, a former Airbus SE executive, has been CEO since 2016 and will stay on until June 30, according to the company.

"Marc is an experienced automotive business leader with deep knowledge and expertise in commercial vehicles” and "extensive operational experience in India,” Tata chairman N Chandrasekaran said in a statement.

While Tata Motors beat expectations for the quarter that ended in December, it has struggled with falling sales and rising debt.

The Mumbai-based company is largely dependent on its Jaguar Land Rover luxury-vehicle unit and laid out plans last year to cut costs by £2.5 billion (RM14bil).

The Tata group has had a history of attracting global talent at Tata Motors and Llistosella comes with a similar pedigree to Butschek, who had also spent time at Daimler, said Utkarsh Sinha, managing director at consultancy Bexley Advisors.

The automotive industry is going through a significant disruption in terms of technological changes and how vehicles are owned and used, Sinha said. "In this environment, having a global outlook is critical for any long term successes,” he said.


Singapore Power to build 500 EV charging points

                SINGAPORE: In a boost for electric vehicle adoption in Singapore, SP Group (SP) has
announced plans to launch Singapore’s largest public electric vehicle charging network, with 500 charging points nation-wide by 2020.

EV users can conveniently access the charging points at locations such as shopping malls, residential areas, business parks and industrial sites.

The first batch of 30 charging points will be in operation by end 2018.

Singapore is regarded as an ideal environment for EVs as it is highly urbanised and compact.

This pervasive charging network will plug a critical gap in scaling up EV adoption in Singapore by reducing range anxiety in EV drivers.

To ensure that the charging network is accessible and convenient for public usage, SP is developing a mobile app that will allow EV users to make payment electronically and receive real-time information such as the location and availability of charging points, and automated updates on charging duration.

“SP Group is committed to delivering a high-quality, sustainable lifestyle for our customers. Our nation-wide electric vehicle charging network will encourage greater adoption of green mobility, and support Singapore’s sustainability goals,” said Mr Wong Kim Yin, group CEO of SP Group.

The island-wide network will be fully compliant with Singapore’s national charging standards and comprise both AC and DC chargers, with power ratings ranging from 22kW to 50kW.

Of the 500 charging points, more than 100 will be 50kW-DC charging points, a fast charge technology that can fully charge an EV in as little as 30 minutes.

This network will significantly boost the number of DC chargers in Singapore which has fewer than five DC chargers today.

Compared to vehicles with an internal combustion engine (ICE), EVs offer lower operating costs in terms of energy and maintenance, and a cleaner ride with zero tailpipe emissions.

Each EV is able to about halve the carbon emissions from a comparable ICE car after factoring in Singapore’s power
generation profile, thereby contributing to Singapore’s climate change mitigation commitments.

The quieter EVs also contribute to reducing noise pollution.

SP Group’s electric vehicle journey commenced back in 2016, when it started to convert its entire vehicle fleet to electric vehicles.


Perodua Bezza - full specs

                RAWANG: The new Perodua Bezza sedan is expected to be a hot seller, with the national automaker aiming for 15,000 monthly bookings.

There are five variants, priced on-the-road at RM37,300 (1.0L manual): RM39,300 (1.0L auto): RM42,800 (1.3L manual): RM44,800 (1.3L auto Premium) and RM50,800 (1.3L auto Advance).

It has a 5-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first) warranty.

Tyres are sized 175/65 with 14-inch rims.

Boot capacity is a huge 508 litres, and there are 8 plus 1 seating and storage configurations with a 60:40 split-folding rear seat with trunk pass-through feature.

Each front seat-back has a "da pao (takeaway)" hook and a storage pocket, and a anti-theft “handbag hook” is on the front passenger seat.

The Bezza comes as standard with dual front airbags, ABS (anti-lock brake system) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution).

Also standard are ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tether, and Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) for driver only.

Only the top-of-the-range 1.3L auto Advance variant gets dual front SBR and vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control, regenerative braking system, hill start assist, and a multimedia system with navigation, Smart Link for Android smartphones, and a reverse camera.

Also exclusive to the 1.3L auto Advance variant is a fuel-saving technology called eco-idle, where the engine is automatically shut down and restarted at traffic lights or during standstill in traffic congestion.

All 1.3L variants get a wiper speed link-to-vehicle-speed feature.

The Bezza is powered by new 1.0-litre three-cylinder and 1.3-litre four-cylinder engines.

These are improved and more powerful and fuel economical engines, compared with those in the Perodua Axia and Myvi.

The 1.0-litre engine has VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligence), while the 1.3-litre has dual VVT-i.

Perodua claims fuel consumption can be miserly, ranging from 21km per litre (1.3L auto Premium) to 22.8km per litre (1.0L manual).

The Bezza also has a low kerb weight, ranging from 865kg (1.0L manual) to 930kg (1.3L auto Advance).

Perodua Bezza 1.0LEngine: 998cc 3-cylinder DOHC, VVT-i
Maximum power: 67hp at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 91Nm at 4,400rpm

Perodua Bezza 1.3LEngine: 1,329cc 4-cylinder DOHC, dual VVT-i
Maximum power: 94hp at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 121Nm at 4,000rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
Standard features: Two airbags, ABS (anti-lock brake system) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution), ISOFIX child seat anchors and top tether, and Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) for driver.
Features (1.0L variants): Remote control boot release, audio system with USB
Features (1.3L variants): Remote control and release-button for boot, audio system with USB and Bluetooth, wiper speed link-to-vehicle-speed, regenerative braking system, rear USB port, smart entry and engine push-start button, solar and security window film
Features (1.3L auto Advance): Vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control, hill start assist, multimedia system with navigation, Smart Link for Android smartphones, reverse camera, dual front Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR), Eco-idle.
Price on-the-road: RM37,300 (1.0L manual): RM39,300 (1.0L auto): RM42,800 (1.3L manual): RM44,800 (1.3L auto Premium) and RM50,800 (1.3L auto Advance).
Warranty: 5-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first)


Lotus lets loose yet another limited edition

Clive Chapman, son of Lotus founder Colin Chapman and director of Classic Team Lotus poses with the Lotus Elise Cup 260.
LONDON: The Lotus Elise Cup 260 combines extreme performance with extreme exclusivity and as such, according to Lotus at least, is the best iteration yet of its lightweight, mid-engined open-top street-legal race car.

Taking fabrication, aerodynamics and behavioral cues from its track-only cars as well as from its bigger and more potent Lotus brethren the Exige and the Evora, the Elise Cup 260 features the most advanced external aerodynamics package yet applied to the model line, plus the largest helpings of carbon fiber in the construction process. All of which cuts the car's curb weight to just 902kg.

It's also the first ever Elise to get adjustable Nitron high-performance dampers (with 24 individual settings) as standard that work in concert with the car's fully independent double wishbone suspension and adjustable front anti-roll bar (all of which are absolute necessities for taking the car on different circuits in different conditions).

Combine all of that with an all-alloy 1.8-litre supercharged engine, and the 250hp car is capable of hitting 100kph in just 4.2 seconds.

Lotus, which next year celebrates 70 years, will cap the Elise Cup 260 at just 30 examples; the car has been built in homage to the company's late founder, Colin Chapman to the specifications he would have demanded if he'd still been at the helm

This latest limited edition compact road rocket arrives in the wake of a report from the UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) that shows Britain is in pole position when it comes to low volume automotive objects of desire.

The report outlines how Britain has become home to the world's biggest and most diverse collection of specialist car companies, from Ariel and Aston Martin to Bentley, BAC, Rolls-Royce, McLaren, Morgan and of course Lotus. Despite offering very different types of automobile, the marques have two things in common: they offer cars in low volumes; and with high values. In 2016 alone, this tiny group of companies turned over a combined £3.6 billion (RM20bil) such is the demand for their products.

Indeed, it has been as much due to his obsessive focus on building extremely limited editions and models destined to be future classics, as his ability to work with Mercedes to bring the all-new DB11 up to the same technological standards as its Italian and German competitors that Dr Andy Palmer has been able to reverse Aston Martin's fortunes since taking over as CEO in 2014.

And in recent years, Lotus has been taking a very similar approach by creating a host of focused limited editions aimed at very different types of drivers and car collectors. The company returned to profit this year and has just been acquired by Geely, Volvo's parent company, meaning that it will finally have the available funds to develop completely new models to sit alongside the existing range.

What's more, Aston Martin, Lotus and all the other specialty carmakers in the sector are on the verge of an even greater payday.

If lingering questions surrounding Brexit (over 60% of these low-volume cars are for export) can be answered swiftly, these car companies are expected to see their combined production swell by 60% by 2020, as there is currently no shortage of potential buyers around the world.

As for the Lotus Elise Cup 260, prices will start at £59,500 (RM332,000) in Britain and €76,000 (RM379,000)in Europe before the addition of optional extras or bespoke elements.


BYD lowers starting price for Seagull electric hatchback

                SHANGHAI: Chinese electric car maker BYD has set the starting price for its Seagull hatchback at 73,800 yuan (RM47,528)), about 6.3% lower than its initial advertised price, its website showed.

The vehicle attracted significant attention at the Shanghai auto show at a price starting from 78,800 yuan (RM50,722) - half the price of the cheapest new energy vehicles available elsewhere.

BYD's website showed that buyers will be able to pick from two versions with a range of 305km, offering different options on tyres and features such as wireless phone charging, at prices of 73,800 and 78,800 yuan. It had advertised the two versions at 78,800 yuan and 83,800 yuan (RM53,941) during the auto show.

The company's longer-range version will be priced at 89,800 yuan (RM57,803), down from the 95,800 yuan (RM61,665) advertised at the show.

The previously advertised amounts were "presale" prices, the company said in response to a Reuters query.

More than 40 auto brands including BYD have followed Tesla in cutting prices on electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles since January in the face of softening demand in the world's largest auto market.


Blame this accident on the cockroach

                SINGAPORE: The sight of a cockroach crawling in her car gave a 61-year-old woman such a fright that she crashed into one end of an overhead bridge in Jurong East Central last Friday.

In photos of the aftermath shared on Facebook, the red Mazda is seen mounted on the pavement. Its front bumper appeared to be heavily damaged after hitting the railing at the base of the bridge's staircase.

The police said they were alerted to the accident involving a car in Jurong East Central, towards Science Centre Road, at about 7.30am.

READ MORE: How to keep cockroaches away from your car

The woman was conscious when taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. The Straits Times understands that the woman, who was alone in the car, suffered minor injuries. It is believed that she was driving along the road when she got a shock at seeing a cockroach in the car.

She then lost control of her vehicle and swerved in the direction of the overhead bridge. Her son arrived at the scene shortly after the accident.

Police investigations are ongoing. No word on the fate of the cockroach though.


Porsche delivers more than 300,000 vehicles worldwide in 2021

                BERLIN: Porsche delivered a record 301,915 vehicles to customers worldwide last year, 11 percent more than in 2020, the German luxury sports car manufacturer said on Wednesday.

"The overall result is very promising and shows the strategy to further electrify our fleet is working and is in line with demand," said Detlev von Platen, member of the Executive Board responsible for sales and marketing.

Porsche increased its deliveries in all sales regions worldwide.

The share of electric vehicles was particularly high in Europe, where total deliveries rose seven percent to 86,160 vehicles, of which around 40 percent were plug-in hybrids or all-electric cars, according to Porsche.

The models with the highest demand in 2021 were again the brand's SUVs, led by the Macan. A total of 88,362 customers became Macan owners. The Cayenne followed in second place with 83,071 vehicles.

The all-electric Taycan saw an outstanding increase: a total of 41,296 units, which is more than double the number of deliveries compared to the previous year.

The sports car icon, the 911, was also handed over to more customers than ever before with 38,464 deliveries. The Panamera saw 30,220 deliveries. The 718 Boxster and 718 Cayman were delivered to 20,502 customers.

With 95,671 units delivered, eight percent more than in the previous year, China remained Porsche's largest single market in 2021, according to the company.

Porsche also posted increases in deliveries in Germany, where 28,565 vehicles were delivered, nine percent more than in the previous year, and in the United States, where deliveries rose by 22 percent to 70,025 units.

"Demand remains high, and our order books are looking very robust, so we start 2022 full of momentum and confidence in all regions of the world," von Platen said.  - Xinhua

 von Platen.


European industry commissioner demands action from VW

                BRUSSELS/BERLIN: Germany's justice minister and Europe's industry boss increased the pressure on Volkswagen to compensate European consumers as well as US drivers for its diesel emissions scandal, potentially adding to a hefty bill.

Volkswagen has been mired in scandal since September when it admitted it had cheated US tests by using software known as "defeat devices" to mask nitrogen oxide emissions.

In the United States, Volkswagen Group of America has promised goodwill compensation worth US$1,000 each to tens of thousands of vehicle owners.

But in Europe, VW officials have said they will repair vehicles to remove illegal software, but have no plans to pay consumers compensation, arguing they have suffered no loss.

Europe's Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska, who has had a series of meetings with VW and will meet Chief Executive Matthias Mueller in Brussels on Thursday, wrote to him on Jan 15 with a list of demands.

High on the list is that the estimated 8.5 million European owners of VW cars fitted with defeat devices, out of 11 million worldwide, should be compensated.

"I would like to ask you to reconsider your stance regarding compensation and reflect on the ways to offer compensation also to the European consumers," Bienkowsksa says in the letter seen by Reuters.

The EU executive can apply only moral and political pressure in a very different legal framework from the United States.

"The issue of compensation goes beyond the difference in the legal set-up between the US and the EU and plays a fundamental role in viewing VW as a responsible and trustworthy company," Bienkowska writes.

Germany's Justice Minister Heiko Maas is also unhappy with the disparity in the way customers are being treated.

"Minister Maas has already said a few weeks ago that he considers an unequal treatment of US and German, European customers unacceptable," a ministry spokesman said during a regular news conference on Wednesday in Berlin.

Volkswagen has made a provision of 6.7 billion euros (US$7.3 billion) globally for the repair process.

Apart from the repair bill, VW has the prospect of massive fines and litigation.

In the United States, VW faces fines of up to US$46 billion for allegedly violating environmental laws.

Germany has long worked to protect its car industry, weakening European Union legislation that could damage its profits and EU sources say it is expected to continue negotiating to minimize the damage.

It has won backing from other member states as governments fear job losses if they hurt a sector that provides jobs for 12 million people and accounts for 4 percent of the European Union's gross domestic product, according to Commission data.

Slowly, however, political and public pressure is growing. Lawyers have begun private litigation against Volkswagen, while the European Parliament has set up a committee of inquiry into why EU regulations failed to prevent Volkswagen's use of illegal software.

Bienkowska's letter also asked for precise detail on the number of vehicles affected by illegal software and technical details on "corrective measures".

The European Union regulatory regime is likely to remain different from that of the United States, where the Environmental Protection Agency has enforcement powers.

But the European Commission is seeking to wrest some of the responsibility for policing the car industry from member states, through legislative proposals on national car approval bodies to be published next week.

Separate proposals to be published later this year would require carmakers to give full details of the emission performance of their cars, including nitrogen oxide levels as well as carbon dioxide, making it easy for consumers to challenge them for excessive pollution.


Mercedes-Benz A 250 Motorsport Edition on sale at RM257K

PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today announced the availability of the limited-edition A 250 Motorsport Edition.

This version features a unique design inside and out, combining the styling elements of the AMG Line, performance-minded Aerodynamics package and striking trim elements and accents in petrol green to underline the sporty nature of this model.

This RM256,888 limited-edition A-Class was created to celebrate  the successes of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 team.

With its fresh design, the Motorsport Edition has a sporty appearance, and by virtue of the petrol green colour highlights it is strongly reminiscent of the successful Formula 1 racing cars. Areas of the front and rear bumper trim are painted in petrol green, and the same colour adorns the rim flanges of the AMG light-alloy wheels.

The AMG rear aerofoil is embellished with petrol green highlights, as are the exterior mirrors. Eye-catching details in the interior include the petrol green surrounds of the air vents and the contrasting petrol green topstitching on places like the dashboard, floor mats, the armrest in the centre console and the armrests on the doors.

The sports seats upholstered in black leather/DINAMICA microfibre have petrol green decorative strips, as do the black seat belts.

The Motorsport Edition comes standard with the Night package, LED  headlamps, the AMG Exclusive package and the Audio 20 CD.

A choice of four body colours are available — cirrus white, cosmos black, polar silver and mountain grey.


Slew of Mazda model launches makes Bermaz Auto top pick for September

                KUALA LUMPUR: Kenanga research expects car sales in September to be supported by the higher delivery of new models from Perodua, Honda, Toyota, Proton and Nissan, and will continue to be higher year-on-year owing to the weak demand post tax holiday last year.

However, automotive sales volume is expected to be weaker in September as compared to August because of the spate of public holidays this month.

The research house maintained its 2019 total industry volume target at 600,000 in line with MAA's forecast and expects the exciting new launches to offset the lack of sales-boosting events such as the one-off 2018 tax holiday.

It continues to favour Bermaz Auto (BAuto) as its top sector pick with a target price of RM2.75 due to expected earnings recovery form the stream of all-new models, superior margins and steady dividend yield of 7.2%.

"BAuto will launch its popular facelifted and turbo variants of CX-5 on 30th Sept, and all-new Mazda CX-8 on 1st Oct. "BAuto is also looking to bring in the all-new CX-30 (CBU from Thailand) and facelifted CX-3 (CBU) in Dec 2019," it said.

To recap, automotive sales in August came to 51,148 units with only Proton registering higher month-on-month growth due to its popular Proton X70 and supported by its Saga, Iriz and Persona facelifts.

Sales plunged y-o-y due to the higher base effect from the tax holiday between June 1 and Aug 31, 2018.

Perodua surfaced as the only gainer with a 13% increase in sales y-o-y.

Nissan had the worst sales performance, falling 11% m-o-m and 48% y-o-y due to a lack of all-new model launches to spur demand and lower traction from Nissan X-Trail facelift.

Following the August performance, Perodua continues to lead with a higher market share of 41% as compared to 37% in August last year.

Honda's market share slipped to 15%, and tied Proton in second place as the latter improved its sales performance.

Toyota and Nissan both experienced lower market share of 11% and 3% respectively, while Mazda maintained its market share at 2%.


Exicom claims 40% share of EV charger market in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Indian EV charger and Li-ion battery maker Exicom says it has become the largest EV charging brand in Malaysia with 40 per cent share in the country.

It said it had achieved the feat in three years since it entered South-East Asia.

The company has a strategic tie-up with Green EV Charge (previously known as Yinson GreenTech) for expanding the charging infrastructure in the country.

Exicom also supplies fast chargers to car dealers through Pekema (Persatuan Pengimpot Peniaga Kenderaan Melayu Malaysia). It is also setting up fast charging stations on Malaysian highways with various partners including Tenaga Nasional.

Exicom said one of the biggest factors impeding the growth in adoption of electric vehicles is the lack of charging infrastructure.

"Malaysia has immense potential for growth in the EV markets in the SEA region," said Exicom managing director Anant Nahata.

"We take pride in participating in the growth and development of the EV ecosystem with rigorous R&D and technology-backed products."

Exicom has already deployed DC chargers at various automotive headquarters and key showrooms, with a nationwide rollout predicted to accelerate over the next 24-36 months.


New MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman introduced

                KUALA LUMPUR: MINI Malaysia has expanded its line-up with the new high-performance  John Cooper Works 3 Door and the new John Cooper Works Countryman.

The recommended retail prices with Sales and Services Tax Exemption (on the road, without insurance) for the 3 Door and Countryman are RM311,259 and RM383,463 respectively.

The cars come with the MINI 4 Years unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service.

Both vehicles get Piano Black Exterior trims with door handles, the MINI logo, and model badges receiving a high-gloss black treatment.

New adaptive LED headlamps with variable light distribution and matrix function for the high beam lights, as well as Union Jack styled tail lights, also come standard for both models.

The 3 Door gets a newly redesigned larger grille that forms a single unbroken hexagon which is more prominent.

The Adaptive LED headlights are now enclosed in a new black inner housing which is also replicated for the taillights.

Air cooling openings are also enlarged to ensure optimum temperature control for brake systems in extreme sporty driving conditions.

The model-specific side scuttles now decorate the front side panels and the rear apron which features two sports exhaust tailpipes.

Powering the 3 Door is 2.0-litre 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower turbo engine that delivers up to 231hp and 320Nm of torque developed with the racing expertise of John Cooper Works.

Paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission, the 3 Door is capable of sprinting from a standstill to 100kph in just 6.1 seconds with a top speed of 246kph.

Fuel consumption is measured at 6.3 litres per 100km of travel, with CO 2 emission of 143g/km.

Developed in co-operation with specialist manufacturer Brembo, the sports brake system of the 3 Door provides powerful stopping power and consists of four-piston calliper brakes with internally ventilated discs and red brake callipers bearing the John Cooper Works logo.

Agile handling fit for both the racetrack and the winding city traffic is provided by the new improved Adaptive Suspension set up with frequency selective dampening technology, ensuring an optimised balance between sportiness and ride comfort.

Inside, the 3 Door features a new steering wheel with horizontal spokes and a new design, buttons integrated on an even surface with Piano Black finish, along with the John Cooper Works logo on the lower spoke.

Lined with the MINI Yours Aluminium Interior Surface, the cockpit presents a horizontal appearance stretched through enlarged décor parts.

The 3 Door also gets a redesigned centre instrument with an 8.8-inch touch display in black panel design, which houses a new operating system with a modernised graphic display.

As a result, the selection and control of vehicle functions, audio programme, navigation, communication and apps are now more intuitive.

For the first time, the Live Widget feature is also available via swiping motion on the touch display.

Also utilising black panel technology is the new 5.0-inch Digital Instrument Cluster display.

Another welcome addition are the different interior Colour Worlds – “Lounge” and “Sports” – a feature tied to the display surfaces to set the mood of the drive.

In Lounge mode, the display surfaces appear in relaxing shades of blue and turquoise, whereas switching to Sports mode causes the screen backgrounds to glow in red and anthracite.

On request, the Colour Worlds of the displays can be synchronised with the MINI Driving Modes that come standard in MINI John Cooper Works models.

This allows for colour changes to occur in tandem with the accelerator pedal, steering characteristics and, optionally, the damper and gearshift characteristics.

Meanwhile, the Countryman also received a refined exterior and modern design accents, including a new radiator grille design.

Exclusively for the Countryman is the MINI Yours Illuminated Interior Surface in Piano Black.

The Countryman is equipped with the most powerful engine ever used in a MINI, a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower turbo engine, featuring an independent cooling system, delivers an impressive output of 306hp and 450Nm of torque.

Paired with the intelligently controlled ALL4 all-wheel drive and an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the Countryman goes from 0 to 100kph in just 5.1 seconds.

This new model has a top speed of 250kph and has a fuel consumption of 7.6 litres per 100km of travel, with CO 2 emission of 175g/km.

To ensure not only hallmark agility, but also particularly high steering precision and handling, the Countryman has a high-rigidity chassis, suspension and damping features refined with racing expertise, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and electromechanical steering.

Adaptive Suspension and sports brake system consisting of four-piston fixed calliper disc brakes on the front wheels and a single-piston floating-calliper disc brakes on the rear wheels are also fitted.

The Countryman's interior has also been updated with new accents, combining the flair of a sports car with a contemporary, premium ambience.

The 5.0-inch Digital Instrument Cluster display behind the steering wheel is now standard, while the 8.8-inch colour display with touchscreen function located on the characteristic central instrument panel has been updated with a bezel and touch-sensitive control panels in high-gloss Piano Black.

The Countryman also receives a new steering wheel design which further refreshes its look.

Both cars also feature premium equipment such as Dinamica Leather John Cooper Works Sport Seats, Head-Up Display, Comfort Access system, MINI Driving Modes, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and Panoramic Sunroof.

Driving Assistant comes standard, consisting of the digital high-beam assistant, speed limit information, person warning with light city braking function and approach control warning with light city braking function.

Both models also arrive with the Parking Assistant – a first for the 3 Door – coupled with the Lane Departure Warning.

Their operating system is now more advanced and comes with an updated graphics display and new connectivity features.

The screen display has been given a new modern look, while options for selecting and controlling vehicle functions, the audio system, hands-free telephone system, navigation, and applications have also been expanded.

Advanced connectivity features, audio and navigation features are also now available as standard on the new models.

These include the Digital Instrument Cluster, Teleservices, MINI Online, Intelligent Emergency Call, Remote Services, telephony with wireless charging, Concierge Services, MINI Navigation, and Apple CarPlay preparation.

For greater connectivity, the new MINI App can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

Exterior colours are the exclusive Rebel Green, Midnight Black and White Silver which are accompanied by roof colour in striking Red.

BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser said, “From the three overall victories at the Monte Carlo Rally back in the 1960s to more recently, the six overall successes at the Dakar Rally, the thrill and excitement in a MINI brought upon by motorsports truly transcends time.

“The new MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door and the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman are a distillation of that timeless motorsports fascination, honed by years of expertise under the John Cooper Works name.

“The John Cooper Works name continues to garner excitement and fascination in Malaysia, as seen with MINI Malaysia’s remarkable success in 2020, with local deliveries contributing to 10% of John Cooper Works’ total retail volume in Malaysia.

“With these new models, we will continue fuelling that passion for Big Love that we have ignited within our MINIacs,” he said.

The models are covered by a 5 Years Roadside Assistance programme that include a 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services and when needed (over 200km from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services.

The MINI Roadside Assistance programme can be accessed by contacting 1 800-88-8808.

The new online service programme will now allow customers to schedule their service needs directly at their preferred MINI Authorised Dealerships via https://service.mini.my.

With MINI Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, ownership of the 3 Door starts from RM3,458 per month and the Countryman from RM4,258 per month (based on estimates of 80% loan on a five-year tenure).


Wealth migration spurs a record-setting quarter for Rolls-Royce

                NEW YORK: Following news that sales had fallen 26% in 2020, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. announced on April 8 that the first quarter of 2021 went much better.

So far this year, Rolls-Royce has sold the most vehicles in the marque’s 116-year history, up 62% from the same period in 2020.

The number of vehicles delivered globally, 1,380, also exceeds the brand’s previous record, set in 2019—and sets up the automaker for a bullish year even while the pandemic continues. “We have every reason to be optimistic for the remainder of 2021,” said chief executive officer Torsten Müller-Otvös.

Sales expanded the most in China, an unsurprising gain considering other automakers’ success there. Bentley Motors Ltd.’s sales in the country doubled in 2020, according to brand president Adrian Hallmark; China will become Lamborghini’s second-biggest market by the end of this year, CEO Stephan Winkelmann told Bloomberg in March.

But it was in a lesser market in the US where Rolls-Royce got its most surprising boost: Sales in Florida were up 40% from the first quarter of 2020.

One dealer in South Florida says that while his showroom typically carries almost 30 Rolls-Royces in stock, it now has just four—and everything coming in has already been sold.

“People are spending money,” he says. “So many hedge funds have been moving [here]. That has really influenced our business.”

The movement bears witness to the Covid-related migration of wealthy buyers to secondary markets such as Florida and Texas, where Austin has become the so-called Silicon Valley of the Southwest. Rolls-Royce released its Ghost sedan there in 2020 and saw sales increase there by double digits in the first quarter this year.

The growth was pushed specifically by sales of the Cullinan SUV and the new Ghost, according to numbers released by the brand. That may help explain the big first-quarter boost: Martin Fritsches, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas president and CEO, had attributed the below-average sales in 2020 to the rollover lull between the first-generation Ghost and the new one, which hit showrooms just in time for the start of the new year.


David Beckham is the new Maserati global brand ambassador

                MODENA: Maserati has partnered with global sporting icon, philanthropist and style trailblazer David Beckham to drive the Italian luxury performance brand forward.

The new global brand ambassador would help Maserati in its next leg of journey and break new grounds.

Maserati chief marketing officer Paolo Tubito said the brand is moving forward into a new era.

"Maserati is driven to challenge the status quo being innovative by nature, powered by passion, and unique by design.

"The partnership with David is the embodiment of all these values,” he said.

Beckham said he was excited to partner Maserati which shared his appreciation for the very best innovation and design.

"I’m looking forward to working closely with the brand at such a pivotal time in their history and continuing their growth on a global scale,” he said.

The first act bringing together Maserati and Beckham’s values is an inspiring video showcasing the innovative spirit which sees the former English soccer team captain performing an audacious act of driving in a Maserati, just for the sheer joy of doing the unexpected.

In the 59-second video, "Becks" skipped mundane daily tasks and treated himself to several exciting tyre-burnout donuts in the Levante Trofeo, Maserati's ultimate performance sports utility vehicle.


Thailand International Motor Expo 2015: Thais rushing to buy cars ahead of price hike

                BANGKOK: Huge crowds throng the 32nd Thailand International Motor Expo 2015 here, drawn to various sales promotions as visitors started buying vehicles in anticipation of a hike in car prices next year.

The increase in prices for Thai passenger cars and trucks is due to a new excise tax structure that will start from Jan 1, 2016.

Under the new tax structure, a vehicle will be taxed according to its rate of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions instead of engine displacement. Cars that emit less carbon dioxide will have a lower tax rate.

Held from Dec 3 to Dec 13, the motor expo is spread out over a total display area of over 100,000 sq metres, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors.

The event's organiser Inter-Media Consultant Co Ltd predicted vehicle bookings at the motor expo to hit 50,000 units for cars and 3,000 units for big bikes, resulting in sales of over 55 billion baht (RM6.46bil). The exhibitors include 33 car marques from 11 countries and 15 motorcycle brands from eight countries.

Subaru happiness

Among the highlights is the facelifted 2016 Subaru XV which gets updated front looks including L-shaped lights located next to the fog lamps.

Powertrain remains the same, with Subaru’s trademark horizontally-opposed or “boxer” 2.0-litre engine producing 150ps at 6,200rpm.

Prices in Thailand are 1.1 million baht (RM130,352) for the standard XV and RM1.2 million baht (RM142,232) for a premium variant which has extra kit.

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Subaru Levorg sport tourer also made its Asean debut at 2.35 million baht (RM279,260).

A successor to the fourth-generation Subaru Legacy Tourer (2003-2008), the Levorg is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder DIT (Direct Injection Turbo) Boxer petrol engine that produces 170ps and 250Nm of torque.

This is mated to Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission.

The new 1.6-litre DIT power unit is billed as offering the same performance as Subaru’s existing 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated Boxer engine, despite being 36 percent smaller.

Subaru also brought in its Viziv 2 concept, which has a plug-in hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.6-litre direct injection turbo engine with CVT transmission, three electric motors, and a lithium-ion battery pack.

Mercedes-Benz SUV power

Mercedes-Benz showcased its revised GLE 250d sport utility vehicle, which was upgraded earlier this year with sportier front and rear looks, and improved drive systems.

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

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

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

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

The second-generation GLC, with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, offers Dynamic Select handling control system, the Agility Control suspension with steel springs and a variable damping system as standard.

Compared with its predecessor, the new GLC has a much more spacious cabin.

 Intrado Concept.Hyundai hydrogen concept

As for Hyundai, the Korean automaker brought its concept car Intrado, which has a range of more than 600km, yet emits only water. The concept made its debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

The Intrado concept has a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain with a 36kW lithium-ion battery  – the most powerful ever fitted to a fuel cell electric vehicle.

The Intrado uses two high pressure hydrogen storage tanks capable of holding hydrogen pressurised to 700 bar.

The exterior styling of the Intrado is based on Hyundai’s fluidic design language.

This concept shows Hyundai’s desire to produce lighter, stronger cars that are even better to drive and simpler to repair.

The name Intrado is inspired by the underside area of an aircraft’s wing that creates lift.

The result of close collaboration between Hyundai Motor’s design and engineering teams in Europe and Namyang, Korea, the Intrado was styled at the Hyundai Design Centre Europe in Russelsheim, Germany – as indicated by its codename, HED-9 (Hyundai European Design-9).

Isuzu Blue Power

Isuzu showcased its new 1.9-litre diesel Ddi Blue Power engine for the D-Max, billed as the first such to be used in pick-ups.

This new engine delivers 150hp at 3,600rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,600rpm.

Another highlight was the Isuzu Safety Car from the "Isuzu One Make Race", which had big 18-inch wheels, and a customised body kit with red and blue paint job.

MG style and DNA

British marque MG brought its CS urban compact SUV concept, which is billed as embracing the iconic brand's sporting DNA.

Highlights of the MG CS design include headlights which have a multi-faceted ‘shard’ structure that refract light in different colours and shape from the side, but coalesce to form MG’s trademark octagon from the front.

The new MG5 four-door coupe-style subcompact was also launched, and it has projector headlamps, daytime running lights and a sunroof.

The MG5 has two 1.5-litre engine options, namely a VCT unit with 106hp and 135Nm of torque, and a turbocharged unit with 129hp and 210Nm of torque.

Honda BR-V

A popular exhibit among the visitors was the Honda BR-V seven-seater, which is due to be launched in Thailand early next year.

Honda calls the BR-V an active sport crossover, and it has sporty looks with projector headlights with LED position lamps, LED tail lights in C shape design, and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

The BR-V is powered by a 1.5-litre SOHC, 4-cylinder, 16-valve i-VTEC engine that delivers 117hp at 6,000rpm and maximum torque of 146Nm at 4,700rpm, plus a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) developed under Honda’s “Earth Dreams Technology”.

The spacious cabin has seven seats in three rows with multi-adjustable functions, automatic air-conditioning and rear-passenger air vents between front and second row seats for better rear air flow.

Safety features include two airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist (HAS).

Mitsubishi Mirage and Pajero Sport

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi had the Thai premiere of the 2016 Mirage compact car, which has a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder DOHC MIVEC engine mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT gearbox.
It comes in five variants, and is priced from 383,000 (RM45,658) to 567,000 baht (RM67,630).

The new Mirage has a refreshed design with a chrome front lower grille garnish and LED tail lights.
Higher priced variants have projector bi-xenon HID headlamp with spectrum LED position lamps, rear spoiler with LED high-mount stop lamp, and two-tone 15-inch alloy wheels.

Extra safety features can include Forward Collision Mitigation System which uses a laser radar monitor the vehicle ahead and detect an impending impact and automatically applying the vehicle brakes, as well as Radar Sensing Mis-acceleration Mitigation System which regulates engine power while emitting an audible warning when the driver depresses the accelerator promptly.

Also showcased was the 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV, which is powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine that is mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission.

Features on the new Pajero Sport include an electric parking brake, a multi-allround monitor and fully automatic climate control.

Toyota convertible concept and Fortuner

The Toyota FT-86 Open concept is based on the rear-wheel-drive "86" sports car.

With an electrically operated soft top, the cocnept offers “open-top thrill” to the joy of driving.
This concept convertible version of the Toyota Sport GT 86, retains a coupe form with the 2+2 configuration.

It is designed by Toyota Boshoku Milan Design, and is powered by a Subaru-sourced, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre boxer engine mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox.

Also on display was the new seven-seat family SUV Toyota Fortuner, which shares the rugged underpinnings of the robust Hilux pick-up.

Engine options include Toyota's new 2.8-litre direct-injection four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that develops 177ps and 450Nm of torque.

A new six-speed automatic transmission is also available, with sequential shift and paddle shifters.
Top grade variants get bi-LED headlamps and LED daytime running lamps, rear view camera, Traction Control, and Hill Assist Control.

Check out our gallery of lovely ladies taken at this motor expo.


Lotus builds Elise GREAT Britain

KUALA LUMPUR: Lotus Cars Malaysia has today announced the limited edition Lotus Elise GREAT Britain for sale locally.

The car is based on the recently introduced Elise 20th Anniversary and is equipped with standard and additional options exclusive to the Malaysian market.

It was introduced in conjunction with the GREAT Britain marketing campaign by the British High Commission to Malaysia. The campaign is the biggest British international marketing initiative to woo tourists and investors to the country.

Weighing in at 924kg, the special edition Elise is touted as a sports car designed for the performance enthusiasts.

The GREAT Britain package includes the “Sport Pack” which is equipped with lightweight forged wheels, lightweight centre console, lightweight black cloth trimmed Sport Seats and Bilstein Sport Dampers. A sport mode is also included which increases throttle response and alters the traction slip thresholds allowing the driver enhanced control before intervention.

The Union Jack decals on the side intake of the car identify the Great Britain Special Edition.

The additional option that comes with this Special Edition are Soft Top, Black Style Pack which includes matt black wheels and a matt black rear diffuser. The Lotus Elise GREAT Britain Edition is available in three metallic colours - Metallic Silver, Metallic White and Metallic Yellow.

To attract sales, Lotus said the first three customers will enjoy a complimentary Touring Pack on top of the Sport Pack available. The Touring Pack option will replace the seats with Ebony Black leather sport seats.

Lotus did not say how many units would be built.

The RM254,888 car is available for booking now.

Also open for booking is the Exige S Automatic, which started selling in Britain in January. The 346bhp, 3.5-litre supercharged V6-powered Exige S is a tad quicker than the manual and goes from 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds, 0.1 seconds ahead of the manual.

The Exige S Automatic will be on display at the Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur, from Aug 5-9 (10am - 10pm) along with the Evora S Sport Racer and Elise 220 Cup.

Lotus Cars Malaysia said those who buy a Lotus at the roadshow would qualify for 3 years warranty, 2 years free service, one time lessons at the Lotus Driving Academy, glass coating and membership to the Lotus Owners Club Members. It would also settle the insurance and road tax, subject to terms and conditions.


Thailand gears up for motor show as pandemic restrictions ease

                BANGKOK: Thailand’s capital on Tuesday prepared to host its twice-postponed annual auto show, with organisers saying it would showcase the country’s success in containing the coronavirus.

From Detroit to Geneva, motor shows have been forced to cancel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, throwing the future of the industry’s traditional way of marketing new models into doubt.

The 41st Bangkok International Motor Show opens to the public on Wednesday after being pushed back twice since March.

“This is more than the motor show, but also Thailand’s reputation because the other event organizers will be watching,” said Prachin Eamlumnow, chief executive of head organizer of the event, Grand Prix International.

Thailand will be the first to host a motor show on this scale since the pandemic, he told reporters.

Thailand has had no locally transmitted cases of Covid-19 for about seven weeks and has been easing restrictions imposed to tackle the outbreak, seeking to get its economy moving again.

The Southeast Asian country is a major regional car production hub, with its previous motor shows registering more than a million visitors.

Organisers have pledged to limit crowds this year and control entry at the show, where 25 car brands - including Ford and Subaru - and 22 motorcycle manufacturers will display their products.

Each brand’s booth has entry and exit points and guests are required to scan a QR code, a type of barcode, with their mobile phones when entering and leaving, unlike at previous shows when people could roam freely.

Staff at the booths will also be wearing masks or face shields during the show, which runs from July 15 to July 26.

“The government allowed us to hold it, but we still must be very careful,” said Prachin.


Shell launches Diesel Euro 5 in Sarawak

                BINTULU: Diesel vehicle owners in Sarawak can now benefit from Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5, which is now available at stations in Bintulu and in due course Miri, Kuching, and Sibu.

"We are proud to announce the availability of our Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 in Sarawak. Here at Shell, our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are on a mission to make their life’s journeys better.

"Hence, we are bringing our best diesel fuel to Sarawak that will give our customers one less worry on the road and help them leave happier for their journey ahead.

"This is also in line with our strategy of providing cleaner and innovative energy solutions, leveraging on our leadership in fuels technology,” said managing director of Shell Timur Sdn Bhd, Shairan Huzani Husain.

Shell FuelSave Diesel Euro 5 is formulated with DYNAFLEX Technology, with new dirt-busting molecules for a clean and efficient engine.

For more information, please visit www.shell.com.my/SarawakE5


Buy a Mitsubishi, get holiday rewards worth up to RM11,000

KUALA LUMPUR: It's almost the end of 2017 and Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is organising another round of promotions by offering holiday rewards worth up to RM11,000.

The value of of rewards depends on which model is chosen. The highest is for the ASX model while the Outlander buyer is entitled to RM10,000 and the Triton buyer, RM8,000.

The promotion runs until the end of the year.


New VW Golf R unleashed

                WOLFSBURG: The new VW Golf R has made its world premiere,

The performance all-wheel-drive variant of the standard Golf (Mk8) boasts a 27hp gain over the outgoing model.

This five-door hot hatch is available in three colour options starting with the signature Lapiz Blue Metallic and is followed by Pure White and Deep Black Pearl Effect.

On the external spectrum, the Golf R comes fitted with a sunroof as standard while the front end gains a new front bumper that's accompanied by a front splitter, R-specific air intake grilles and high-gloss black elements.

Compared to the stock Golf, the body now sits 0.8 inches closer to the larger 19-inch wheels that partially hide the blue-painted brake callipers that bear the "R" logo.

The front ventilated disc brakes have been up-sized from 340 x 30mm to 358mm x 33mm ventilated discs that get abused by the front dual-piston callipers which are now 60% lighter (per side) than before.

The brakes are now actuated by a larger master brake cylinder that's said to provide a more precise response in combination with a sporty and short brake pedal travel.

The front wheels have had their alignment altered to -1°20’  to help improve cornering performance and stability.

Also fitted are exclusive side skirts, matte chrome exterior mirror caps with R-logo projectors as puddle lights and an LED crossbar that light up as the daytime running lights.

The rear now possesses a newly designed diffuser in high-gloss black that's flanked by chrome-plated twin exhaust tips while a roof spoiler helps create some much-needed downforce for the rear axle.

Power comes from a 1,984cc turbocharged TSI (EA888) direct and port-injected engine producing 315hp and 420Nm (+40Nm) of torque from 2,100 to 5,350rpm.

The twist may be sent to all four wheels but is slightly rear-biased and gets managed by a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission in the US market.

The 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is said to be exclusive to the US with a newly developed rear differential to help distribute power between the front and rear axles or 100% exclusive to the rear or more specifically 100% to one of the rear wheels.

The electric power steering system has also been tweaked and now takes into consideration the current steering angle, accelerator pedal position, lateral acceleration, yaw rate and current speed.

The new aluminium subframe helps to reduce the weight of the front suspension by 3kg.

The new Golf R underwent its final tuning on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife race track, and includes new “Special” and “Drift” driving profiles in addition to the traditional Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual profiles in Driving Mode Selection.

In the Race profile, the coasting function (freewheeling without drive power) is deactivated, the engine sound is increased, and the DSG, DCC, steering and the AWD system are adjusted to a sportier setup.

In the Special driving profile, all of the main drive system parameters were configured for the Nordschleife - including the new AWD system and with the DSG transmission, the Golf R was able to shave off 17 over its predecessor - based on internal tests on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

Compared to Race mode, the Special profile has softer damping settings, to make sure the Golf R can maintain maximum contact with the road on the undulating Nordschleife.

The lateral behaviour and AWD controls are optimized to handle the corners of the Nürburgring.

Furthermore, downshifts in automatic DSG mode, depending on the brake pressure, is said to complement the braking ahead of corners.

In Drift profile (meant for track use only), the parameters for the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) change to "ESC Sport" and the distribution of power via the AWD system enables the Golf R to spin its wheels.

To help ensure that the profile is only selected on private roads, the infotainment system always displays a confirmation prompt before it is activated.

Inside, the cabin features many digital displays and controls starting with the 10.0-inch Discovery Pro colour touchscreen greets its driver with a new R welcome screen while the configurable Digital Cockpit instrument display begins its start-up process.

The sports seats are upholstered in Nappa leather featuring carbon-look elements with blue accents in the side sections, as well as a blue R logo in the backrest.

A heated and multifunction leather-wrapped sports steering wheel comes with “touch” controls and haptic feedback along with contrast stitching and paddle shifters.

There is also a dedicated "R" button that allows the driver to access five driving modes of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual. Hard-pressing the R-button automatically activates Race mode.

Other standard equipment includes a carbon look dash panel décor, R-specific door trim, brushed stainless-steel pedals and driver footrest and a 30-colour ambient lighting system.


Daihatsu comes to aid of flood-stricken customers

                SHAH ALAM: In an effort to ease the burden of those severely affected by the unfortunate recent flood, Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (DMSB) has introduced a special flood relief programme as part of its initiatives to support its affected customers nationwide.

Under the programme, customers will get:

> Towing service subsidy of up to RM100
> Up to 40% off selected spare parts with one year/20,000km warranty (whichever comes first)
> 20% off on labour services
> Free vehicle inspection & door-to-door Daihatsu Mobile Service

Open to all Daihatsu vehicles affected and damaged by flood, the programme runs from now till Feb 28 next year at all authorised Daihatsu service centres.

This programme will also benefit both individual SME owners as well as corporate fleet.

As an authorised Hino Malaysia dealership, any DMSB Hino affected owners will also be eligible for Hino Flood Relief Assistance that is running concurrently and consecutively with Hino Malaysia.

Daihatsu Malaysia Group managing director Arman Mahadi said the unprecedented flood had impacted Malaysians and their daily lives.

“Among the impacted Gran Max users include business owners engaged in their daily operations, courier dispatchers on their daily delivery run, and even long-haul drivers commuting from state-to-state, to which all require immediate vehicle inspection followed by servicing.

“Transportation industry and the likes of Daihatsu commercial vehicles are essential and among the more vital economic activities for a business, having a single vehicle off the road for a period of time would cause some sizeable impact.

“All things considered, our Daihatsu Flood Relief Programme aims to prioritize safety of all our users so as to increase fleet uptime in running an efficient operation,” Arman added.


Dedicated Mercedes and Fuso 3S commercial vehicle centre opens in Ipoh

From left: Daimler Commercial Vehicles South East Asia (Regional Centre SEA) sales & customer service FUSO Antonio Randazzo, Mercedes-Benz  Malaysia (Commercial Vehicles) vice president Albert Yee, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad CEO Wilfrid Foo, Cycle & Carriage Bintang general manager (Commercial Vehicles) Goo Tiong Kwan and Cycle & Carriage Bintang (Perak) dealer principal Sarveswaran Rajasegaran.

IPOH: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Commercial Vehicles (MBM CV) together with authorised dealer, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, recently celebrated the opening launch of the Cycle & Carriage Bintang Commercial Vehicle Centre (Cycle & Carriage CV Centre) in Gopeng, Perak.

The launch also represents Cycle & Carriage Bintang’s 13th dealership, and its foray into the FUSO retail business, having previously provided FUSO after sales only, and is located at 23 (Lot 213087) Jalan Industri 3/1, Kawasan Perindustrian Gopeng, 31600 Gopeng, Perak Darul Ridzuan.

 From left: Yee, Randazzo and Foo shaking hands at the opening.

The RM1.1mil Cycle & Carriage CV Centre, with a built-up area of 13,412 square feet is a 3S (Sales, Service and Spare-parts) centre and is able to display up to eight commercial vehicles, while possessing an open-air canopy concept and a customer lounge for more comfort.

It also comes equipped driver amenities that include a reading area, prayer room, rest room complete with beds and recliners, four work bays, a full length work pit and a dedicated engine repair area and is able to service up to 43 vehicles a month.

For shorter turn-around time for commercial vehicle inspection, the CV Centre is strategically situated near PUSPAKOM to reduce the customer waiting period of their vehicles.

 From left: Yee Foo presenting the mock key to Chuan City Enterprise Sdn Bhd managing director Khaw Poh Seng.

During the same event, the company also marked the delivery of a Mercedes-Benz Actros prime mover each to their new owners Chuan City Enterprise Sdn Bhd and Pek Ong and Sons Nurseries Sdn Bhd.

“Living up to our tagline, ‘Trucks you can trust’, we are pleased to launch this Cycle & Carriage Commercial Vehicle Centre, enhancing our reach in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia," said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president of commercial vehicles Albert Yee.

Cycle & Carriage Bintang has presence in 13 locations nationwide and the latest centre is its first dedicated outlet for Mercedes-Benz and FUSO commercial vehicles only.

 From left: Yee and Foo present the mock key to Pek Ong and Sons Nurseries Sdn Bhd director Louis Law Wen Soow.


British engineer claims his fuel cell invention could offer 2,400km range

                LONDON: Read this tale with a pinch of salt. It sounds farfetched but a former navy officer-turned-inventor has inked a multi-million dollar deal to produce his electric car "battery" that he claims will take drivers 2,400km without needing to charge.

Britain's Mail On Sunday reported that Trevor Jackson, 58, has invented aluminium-air fuel cells that he said could also power buses, lorries and aircraft.

Electric cars today are powered by Li-ion batteries, where lithium is a rare combustible metal Aluminium, in contrast, is the planet's most abundant metal with the earth's crust containing 8% of the metal.

British engineering firm Austin Electric will produces the  aluminium-air fuel cells, which it intends to install in electric vehicles next year.

"It can help trigger the next industrial revolution. The advantages over traditional electric vehicle batteries are enormous," said Austin Electric CEO Danny Corcoran. Austin Electric owns the rights to use the old Austin Motor Company logo.

Jackson, an engineer by training, has worked in the navy, managing nuclear submarine reactors. He set up Metalectrique Ltd in 1999 to find green ways to power vehicles.

The technology Jackson has refined was first developed in the 1960s. Scientists found that aluminium dipped into a caustic electrolyte, could trigger a reaction between the metal and air to produce electricity. Jackson said he had since come up with an electrolyte that is harmless enough to drink.

Sceptics have dismissed Jackson's technology, saying it was unproven, and its benefits exaggerated. In our case, we will believe it when his "invention" can be independently verified.


Covid-19: Jaguar and Land Rover deploy global fleet

                LONDON: Jaguar and Land Rover have deployed more than 160 vehicles globally to support emergency response organizations during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

A total of 57 vehicles, including 27 of its new Land Rover Defender sport utility vehicles have been issued to the British Red Cross to deliver medicine and food to vulnerable people across the UK due to social distancing rules.

The teams in Spain, France, South Africa and Australia have loaned vehicles to their Red Cross societies as well and more markets are offering help to their local teams.

This service is being provided with fleets of vehicles now available due to the postponement of launch events.

The company is working closely with the UK government and has offered its research and engineering expertise, as well as digital engineering and design, the printing of 3D models and prototypes, machine learning, artificial intelligence and data science support.

Protective equipment is being donated to the National Health Service including wraparound safety glasses to the Royal Bolton Hospital, St James’s Hospital in Leeds and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Together with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the trio has worked together over the last 65 years to help communities prepare and respond to emergencies with disaster-preparedness projects around the world.

Through its partnership with the British Red Cross, Land Rover has also helped fund emergency relief efforts through the Disaster Relief Alliance, which supports community resilience programs in the UK and around the world, providing financial assistance immediately when disaster hits – including the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The British Red Cross has already given £200,000 (RM1.1mil) to support Asian countries severely affected by the pandemic.


Lotus Evija electric hypercar with 2,000PS goes public

                LOS ANGELES: The all-new Lotus Evija hypercar has made its public debut at the world-renowned Monterey Car Week, which drew to a close at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday.

The Evija received plaudits from across the automotive world at Car Week, from the likes of high profile collector Jay Leno, social media star Supercar Blondie and the Petersen Automotive Museum Checkered Flag 200, gaining many new fans, friends and customers along the way.

“Seeing the Lotus Evija debut at The Quail was fantastic – the brand has an amazing history and it is exciting to see its future unfold with the first of its new sports cars,” said The Quail (A Motorsports Gathering) motorsports director Gordon McCall.

“This is exactly the start we hoped for. Evija is an outstanding and exceptional car – designed and engineered to put Lotus back on the map as the innovator and technical leader that it is. Many orders are now taken, giving us great confidence to hit our planned volume as we enter production next year,” said Lotus Cars’ CEO Phil Popham.

With a target output of 2,000PS, it is the world’s most powerful series-production road car (limited to a maximum of 130 examples) that is designed and engineered in the UK and will be produced at Hethel - the home of Lotus since 1966.


Why you should pre-heat your electric car in cold weather

                BERLIN: The heart of an electric car is its battery, and because range and limited charging infrastructure are still a key factor to many drivers, it's essential you watch out for extreme temperatures, which will ruin your electric's performance.

Electric cars can lose between 20 and 50 per cent of their range in winter, studies have shown, while the battery's lifespan will also be shortened by colder temperatures.

However, this effect can at least be mitigated by strategic heating.

By warming up your car with a pre-air conditioning before setting off, you'll avoid a cold battery having to heat itself up when you start up. If you're plugged in, you'll save the battery from strain by taking the air conditioning from the power grid.

On the road, meanwhile, you'll strain the battery less if you heat just where you need it, for example just with seat and steering wheel heating, instead of the whole interior if you're on your own.

If you arrive home on a cold day, it's also best to immediately charge the car while the battery is still warm.

Electric vehicles can lose more than 40 per cent of their range depending on weather conditions, according to tests carried out by the AAA motoring club in the United States. The results are similar to tests carried out by a German car magazine and by the country's huge ADAC motoring club.

On average, the electrics lost 41 per cent of range when the outside temperatures were frigid, according to the AAA. This means that the range of a car that manages 100 kilometres in summer conditions was slashed to just 56 km in sub-zero conditions.

The biggest range losses occurred when an electric car's power was used for heating the interior and defrosting windows. Cars with conventional petrol or diesel engines use waste heat from combustion for these tasks.

Hot climes can also cause problems, since air-conditioning needed to cool down the car's inside also drain the batteries, thus reducing driving range.

With the right care, experts say, you can have a good influence on the life of your electric car battery. The experts say it's good to keep the battery charged at a level of between 40 and 80 per cent - not unlike the guidelines for smartphones.

Charging and discharging in this range puts less stress on a lithium-ion battery, which has a positive effect on its service life.


Toyota testing new hybrid tech

                NAGOYA: Using a "Camry" hybrid prototype and a fuel cell bus, Toyota Motor Corp will bring a brand new technology to the streets of Japan for testing this year.

The tests will evaluate the performance of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors, which could lead to significant efficiency improvements in hybrids and other vehicles with electric powertrains.

Power semiconductors are found in power control units (PCUs), which are used to control motor drive power in hybrids and other vehicles with electric powertrains.

PCUs play a crucial role in the use of electricity, supplying battery power to the motors during operation and recharging the battery using energy recovered during deceleration.

At present, power semiconductors account for 20% of a vehicle's total electrical losses, meaning that raising the efficiency of the power semiconductors is a promising way to increase powertrain efficiency.

By comparison with existing silicon power semiconductors, the newly developed high quality silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors create less resistance when electricity flows through them.

The technologies behind these SiC power semiconductors were developed jointly by Toyota, Denso Corp, and Toyota Central R&D Labs Inc.

In the Camry hybrid prototype, Toyota is installing SiC power semiconductors (transistors and diodes) in the PCU's internal voltage step-up converter and the inverter that controls the motor.

Data gathered will include PCU voltage and current as well as driving speeds, driving patterns, and conditions such as outside temperature.

By comparing this information with data from silicon semiconductors currently in use, Toyota will assess the improvement to efficiency achieved by the new SiC power semiconductors.

Road testing of the Camry prototype will begin (primarily in Toyota City in Japan) in early February 2015, and will continue for about one year.

Similarly, on January 9, 2015, Toyota began collecting operating data from a fuel cell bus currently in regular commercial operation in Toyota City.

The bus features SiC diodes in the fuel cell voltage step-up converter, which is used to control the voltage of electricity from the fuel cell stack.

Data from testing will be reflected in development, with the goal of putting the new SiC power semiconductors into practical use as soon as possible.