Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia to field Mark Darwin

                SHAH ALAM: Toyota Vios Challenge race driver Mark Darwin will be Malaysia’s representative in Team Asia driving a Toyota Corolla Altis for the Thailand Super Endurance 600 min race.

Darwin will team up with drivers from the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand for the race that will be held in December at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, Thailand.

The race forms part of Toyota’s initiative to develop budding talent in the region by offering them greater opportunities to participate in the international arena.

 Takeyama (left) and Darwin.

“We are proud to be able to name Mark Darwin for this Super Endurance 600 Race. It is a key part of Toyota’s initiatives globally to use motorsports as a means of developing not only our cars, but more importantly, to provide our talents with the opportunities that allow them to fully realize their potentials,” said deputy chairman of UMW Toyota Motor Akio Takeyama.

Following the selection in Kuala Lumpur, Darwin 27, voiced his gratitude to Toyota for the opportunity to represent the country.

“It is an honour and a privilege to have been selected to represent Malaysia for this experience. I am looking forward to race with other drivers in the Corolla Altis and I hope that we will be able to get the results that make Malaysians proud,” said Darwin who left for Thailand to undergo a four-day intense training stint on the Bira and Buriram circuits.

Darwin will immediately return from his stint in Thailand to lead his charge in the Vios Challenge this weekend at the MAEPS circuit in Serdang.

As one of the top contenders in the series, he will be looking to settle down quickly and learn the course in an effort to break Tengku Djan’s domination on the series.


New Kawasaki Z900RS brings retro back

PETALING JAYA: Fans wishing for more choices of retro-themed bikes should be delighted with the entry of the new Kawasaki Z900R, which represents Kawasaki’s long awaited foray into the retro genre of motorcycling.A throwback to its 1970’s predecessor, the famed Kawasaki Z1, the Z900R is not slouch when it comes to all the bells and whistles that defines performance. Let’s start with theliquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve 948cc in-line four cylinder engines, which is a detuned version of the mill taken from the naked Z900 so that the Z900R gives more punch in the midrange.  The bike was unveiled to the media at Kawasaki Malaysia’s Chinese New Year event here yesterday.The newest addition to the Z family features 41mm inverted front forks, slipper clutch, and Kawasaki Traction Control, all housed within a modern trellis frame to bring great performance while sporting handsome good looks. The high-quality clutch with assist and slipper function working in unison with its transmission to produce a smooth ride, while the fully adjustable rebound damping and preload in the rear shocks help ensure total comfort.The bike also features a meticulously tuned exhaust pipe to produce the best balance between sound and performance so that the entire package not only looks good, but sounds good too. While Kawasaki in-line four cylinder engines are known for their great-sounding exhausts, this is the first time that Kawasaki has used sound research to craft the model’s ideal exhaust note.The long, flowing stainless steel header design that mates to the short, low hanging megaphone silencer ensures that the “original” look of yore is maintained.A visual masterpiece of the Z900RS is the beautiful 17-litre teardrop-shaped fuel tank, which is reminiscent of the Z1, and the entire frame was designed with the aim of showcasing the fuel tank.Speed scrubbing is performed by a full disc brake setup featuring modern ABS. The radial-pump front brake master cylinder is paired to a pair of 4-piston radial-mount monobloc calipers gripping a pair of 300mm discs, while the rear brake is a single piston, pin-slide caliper that grips a 250mm disc.The Z900RS is equipped with Kawasaki TRaction Control, which has two performance settings riders can choose from: Mode 1 prioritises acceleration, while Mode 2 provides greater reassurance by facilitating riding over slippery surfaces.The entire package weighs in in a not-too-pudgy 214 kg, wet, while seat height is a very accessible 800mm.The stylish appearance of the standard Z900RS is available in Metallic Flat Green and Candytone Orange. The Z900RS will be available by March, at a price of RM67,900 and RM69,900 (prices inclusive of GST), for the base model and the SE respectively.


Italy's revived Lancia brand unveils logo ahead of electric reboot

                ROME: Italy's Lancia brand has announced its return to the international automotive market as a premium electric carmaker, with a sci-fi concept and a trio of models headed for Europe.

The move follows an earlier pledge by its Franco-Italian-American parent company Stellantis that it would try to revive the cult Lancia marque, which largely disappeared from the market after a decline in the 1990s.

Stellantis previously indicated that there will be more than one model for the brand and sales would resume outside of Italy for the first time since 2017.

Presenting a new Lancia logo, as well as a sci-fi looking sculpture teasing the brand’s new design language, Lancia chief Luca Napolitano said "the new era of Lancia is beginning."

"We like to call Lancia a classic progressive brand," said the CEO at the Lancia Design Day presentation at the end of November.

Lancia's new logo is the eighth in its 116-year history and will be introduced in the new Ypsilon and its updated dealer network in early 2024.

The new aluminium logo keeps the familiar outer shield shape and the inner circle found in previous versions, but adopts a different font and is on a shiny background. The left-side vertical line is a lance inspired by the 1957 emblem.

Lancia said the curves of the abstract-looking sculpture which serves as a design study are inspired by the classic Aurelia B20 and the Flaminia, even if the boat-like study has neither a cabin nor wheels. It does feature a circular sunroof, however.

Industry insiders believe the plan is to launch three electric cars on the European market every two years until 2028: the Ypsilon (2024), the SUV Aurelia and an electric version of the Delta (2028). Not much is known about the trio yet.

The petrol-engined Ypsilon still sells well and it will be both the brand's last model with an internal combustion engine and the first with an e-drive.

The electric car will be based on the electric version of the Common Modular Platform, like the Peugeot 208, Opel Mokka and DS3 Crossback.


Honda Malaysia launches facelifted CR-V, prices from RM139K

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia today announced the launch of the facelifted CR-V, which is available in three variants.

The variants and their prices are: 1.5L TC-P 4WD (RM162,910.18), 1.5L TC-P 2WD (RM157,615.91) and 2.0L 2WD (RM139,912.53).

All prices are on-the road without insurance and sales and service tax (SST).

Honda also announced that the SUV has received bookings of 600 units within a month.

The new CR-V continues to deliver power with its 1.5L VTEC Turbocharged engine, generating up to 193PS and 243Nm of torque, while the 2.0 2WD is powered by a 2.0 litre SOHC i-VTEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 154PS and 189Nm of torque.

The updated CR-V includes a redesigned front and rear bumper, a gloss black grille bar, smoked-finish taillights.

The 1.5L turbo variants get 18-inch wheels with a new five-split-spoke design, twin tail pipe chrome finish, powered tailgate and hands-free operation by swiping your foot under the rear bumper.

The turbo variants also also come with automatic wipers, premium interior trim and remote engine start.

Inside, the new CR-V’s consoles are designed with greater versatility and usability whereby the front console houses two USB ports located underneath the gearshift, allowing both driver and front passenger to charge their devices at the same time.

Standard equipment across the range include automatic LED headlamps, LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, keyless entry and engine start, a multi-view reverse camera paddle shifters, a seven-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning with rear vents, leather upholstery, power-operated front seats, a seven-inch Advanced Display Audio head unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and eight speakers.

Safety-wise, all variants come with six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Agile Handle Assist (AHA), ABS, EBD, BA, Hill Start Assist and Honda’s LaneWatch blind spot camera.

While, the 1.5L turbo variants get Honda’s Sensing suite of systems which consists of Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF) and Auto High Beam (AHB).

The CR-V comes in Lunar Silver Metallic, Passion Red Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic, Dark Olive Metallic and Platinum White Pearl.

It comes with a five-year or unlimited-mileage warranty and free labour service up to five times within five years or 100,000km.

"The new CR-V is once again pushing the benchmark higher in the SUV segment.  The new CR-V now comes with the next generation advanced technology features comprising a full suite of Honda Sensing safety features and Honda LaneWatch as well as dynamic performance with 4WD system.

"The remarkable driving performance of the new CR-V, in addition to its spaciousness and comfort, makes it suitable for families and discerning individuals who like getaways and prioritise the safety of passengers and themselves," Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toichi Ishiyama.


Zigzag lines for five more Penang roads

Burmah Road in George Town was the first street in the state to get the zigzag treatment.
GEORGE TOWN: In case you see zigzag white lines on Opening roads, they were not made by a drunken worker or prankster.

They are actually to tell motorists to slow down because they are approaching a pedestrian crossing.

AS a precaution to prevent accidents, the Penang government will mark zigzag lines near pedestrian crossings on five more roads.

The five locations are in Light Street (in front of State Legislative Assembly building), Beach Street (near the junction with Bishop Street), Jalan Kampung Kolam (near the junction with Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling), Penang Road (near the junction with Chulia Street) and Gurney Drive (near Gurney hawker centre).

State public works, utilities and flood mitigation committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the first zigzag was introduced in Burmah Road, just in front of the Malaysian Buddhist Association, in October.

“The public are supportive of this initiative but many of them are not aware of its purpose,” he told reporters at a press conference.

Zairil added that to promote awareness of this project, three educational videos had been uploaded onto social media.

“The videos will also be screened by TGV Cinemas in Paragon Mall, 1st Avenue Mall and a mall in Bukit Mertajam before the start of a movie as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.”

Penang Island City councillor Connie Tan Hooi Peng, who was also at the press conference, said the zigzag lines at the five locations would be drawn up by March upon the approval of the council’s infrastructure committee.

“Our focus is on behavioural change. We want drivers to slow down for pedestrians.

“Two deaths have been reported at pedestrian crossings in Burmah Road since 2017,” she said.


Mercedes-Benz beats Tesla for California's approval of automated driving tech

                SACRAMENTO: The California Department of Motor Vehicles on Thursday approved Mercedes-Benz's automated driving system on designated highways under certain conditions without the active control of a driver.

California is one of Tesla's largest markets, accounting for 16% of the carmaker's global deliveries last year, according to Reuters calculations.

But the German carmaker beat Tesla to become the first carmaker to receive authorisation to sell or lease cars with an automated driving system to the public in California.

The approval was granted to Level 3 Mercedes-Benz "DRIVE PILOT" system that allows a driver to legally take their eyes off the wheel but must be available to resume control in need.

The "DRIVE PILOT" system can only operate on highways during daylight at speeds not exceeding 64kph, the DMV said.

Mercedes-Benz said in a statement it will make the automated driving system available in the US market as an option for its model year 2024 S-Class and EQS Sedan vehicles.

The first deliveries for the respective S-Class and EQS Sedan models are expected later this year.

Other systems currently on public roads such as Tesla's Autopilot or General Motors' Super Cruise are classified SAE Level 2, which handle some driving tasks but require drivers to pay attention at all times.

Tesla calls its level 2 driving assistant system as "Full Self-Driving" and says a driver must constantly supervise the feature and intervene as needed to maintain a safe operation.

The permit grants Mercedes-Benz permission to offer its "DRIVE PILOT" system on California highways in the Bay Area, Central Valley, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego and on interstate highway connecting Southern California to Nevada.

Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz also received an approval to deploy advanced automated driving systems on Nevada's roads.


KLIMS'18: Experience driving the Hyundai i20 WRC car in virtual reality

                KUALA LUMPUR: At this year's Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS'18), Hyundai's booth has an interesting offering to patrons with a virtual reality (VR) experience in driving one of their i20 World Rally Championship (WRC) cars.

The VR experience machine was flown in from South Korea to allow visitors to the show a three-minute 'taste' for free of what the rally car might feel like to drive through snowy plains and dirt roads with some standing water.

For Aiman Nabil who rode his Honda Wave 125i all the way from his hometown to the show was exceptionally thrilled.

 Aiman after having experienced the Hyundai VR machine.

"The experience was very realistic for me," he said while smiling from ear to ear. "It is a very realistic driving impression of a WRC car for me and I really want to go again, but the queue is quite long, so maybe a little later," said the 20 year-old student from Malacca .

As for Tan Shao Xiang, a 26 year-old executive from Petaling Jaya who attended this year's show with his 33 year-old banker friend, Tan Boon Chuan for the beautiful cars and brand representatives.

"This isn't my first time experiencing VR, but this is my first time experiencing a setup where half the car is moving and I think this is something that gamers would like very much," said Shao Xiang.

 Tan Boon Chuan (left) and Tan Shao Xiang waiting their turn to have a go at the VR machine.

"For me, it wasn't as real as I had expected, but the suspension is very interesting to experience when you're bouncing from one hill to another in the game," said Boon Chuan.

Participating automotive brands include CAM, Citroen, Daihatsu, DS, Ford, Grand Max, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Lexus, Petronas Motorsports, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Perodua, Peugeot, Proton, Tata, Toyota and UD Trucks.

Opening hours at KLIMS’18 are 11am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 10pm on weekends.

 Tan Shao Xiang (left) waiting his turn as Tan Boon Chuan 'flies' through a virtual snowy forest in an i20 WRC car.

Every entrance ticket purchased stands a chance to win either a Toyota C-HR, a Honda City or a Perodua Myvi in a visitors’ lucky draw.

Also, each online purchase of KLIMS’18 entrance ticket at AirAsia Red Tix is entitled to one entry of fortnightly draws with AirAsia return flights to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Bali, Taipei, Jakarta and Shanghai as well as the grand draw to Tokyo, up for grabs.

Online purchases can be made via the AirAsia Red Tix website (https://airasiaredtix.com) and KLIMS’18 website (www.klims.com.my).

Entrance fees are RM20 on weekdays and RM25 on weekends.

For children aged 3 to 12 years old, entrance tickets are RM5 and students/senior citizens are charged RM5 (weekdays only).

There is also a family package where parents and up to 5 children aged 12 years old and below are charged RM40 (weekdays) and RM50 (weekends).

Those with special needs (with handicapped card/physically handicapped) get free entry together with one accompanying person.

Also, don't miss meeting your favourite celebrities at KLIMS’18 from 3pm to 5.30pm this weekend with Alif Satar and Sazzy Falak tomorrow (Nov 25).

Star Media Group is the official media partner of KLIMS’18.


2018 Car of the Year to be announced Thursday

                PETALING JAYA: Already in its third year, the CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards will honour the best passenger vehicles in the market, with the results to be announced this coming Thursday at a gala dinner at Dorsett Grand Subang, Selangor.

In this 2018 edition, awards for 32 categories are up for grabs including the “Car of the Year” title.

The “Car of the Year” title will be given to the best vehicle as judged by CarSifu’s editorial team.

The first and second runner-up will also be announced and honoured at the event.

Among the categories are Best Compact Hatch, Best Economy Car (1.3-litre and below), Best Large-size Car, Best Mid-size Luxury Executive Car, Best Compact SUV/Crossover and Best Pick-up Truck.

Other categories include Best Design of the Year, Best Business Ride, Best Lifestyle Crossover (RM100,000 to RM200,000) and Best Hybrid Vehicle.

The awards will honour outstanding cars for advancements and innovations in areas such as design, features and green technology.

Also included in the judging criteria are key areas such as safety, performance, comfort, fuel economy, handling, styling as well as the individual “wow” factor.

Some 54 vehicles shortlisted are from brands such as BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Perodua, Peugeot, Porsche, Proton, Renault, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and Weststar Maxus.

Vehicles launched locally from Oct 1, 2017 to Sept 30, 2018 are eligible to be shortlisted for the awards.

Two Honda models won the 2017 and 2016 Car of The Year titles - the Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P and Civic 1.5 TC-P respectively.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has been invited as the guest of honour for the gala dinner.

Some of the award-winning cars, along with several recently launched vehicles, were presented at the CarSifu Auto Show 2018, that was held at Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, in August.

Petron Malaysia is the official fuel partner, Dorsett Grand Subang is the venue sponsor, while Toyo Tires and Silverstone are official tyre partners for both the 2018 CarSifu Auto Show and Editors’ Choice Awards.


Honda's 660ccs of open-top fun

TOKYO: A new mini-roadster, set for launch in Japan this week, turns every trip into a mini adventure and could well find itself arriving on European shores.

The car in question, the Honda S660 is an exercise in perfect miniaturisation. It looks like the company's flagship NSX supercar, albeit one that's been washed at too high a temperature. However, while its proportions have shrunk, the fun has been turned up to 11.

The S660, which is so called because it runs a three-cylinder motorbike-derived 660cc engine with a turbocharger bolted onto it, offers a 45/55 split weight distribution, a great six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. All of which means that the car is as much fun as a go-kart to drive yet is much more practical, road legal and protective against the elements.

Honda has built a special chassis just for this car to ensure it handles like a supercar. And though it has 10percent of a Ferrari's power on tap - the engine can only output 63bhp - thanks to the chassis and to Honda's electronic "Agile Handling Assist" system, all of that power can be used all of the time, whether on the straights or in the bends.

And while it's a triumph of engineering, it's also a prime example of how even the most stringent regulations can't spoil driving fun. The S660's diminutive size and output mean it is classed in Japan as a k-car or keijidōsha. Vehicles that can meet this top tier of regulation in terms of emissions, fuel economy and physical size are rewarded with lower insurance premiums, lower vehicle taxes and priorities and privileges in terms of parking and road use.

The regulations have already inspired a host of wonderful cult cars, most notably the Honda Beat and Suzuki Cappuccino which, in the 1990s became collectable in other countries, most notably Britain due to the fact that the Japanese and British both drive on the left (therefore Japanese cars could just be imported to Britain with no conversion work required).

However, with the new S660, fans beyond Japan's borders may not have to start making import enquiries. Honda is believed to be prepping a European version that would come with a slightly more potent, 1-litre, 127bhp engine.

As for in its homeland, Honda is marking the launch with a special edition S660, based on the original concept car shown at the Tokyo motor show in 2013.

Only 660 examples will be built, but each will get a Bordeaux red soft top, contrasting red interior stitching, a leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, and a special water-repellent coating applied to the external paintwork and to the windows.


E-hailing customers urged to download new MyCar app

Mohd Noah showing the new MyCar app on a mobile phone. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The livelihood of some 12,000 MyCar drivers are at stake following the recent migration of the e-hailing app to a new version.

Although the drivers have moved on to the new platform, few passengers have done so, causing fewer ride orders for the drivers.

MyCar founder and director Mohd Noah Maideen said the new MyCar SuperApp was introduced in April to replace the old app.

“This is a migration to a brand new app and it is different from an upgrade.

“The old version has been deactivated and cannot be used anymore.

“We call on our users to uninstall the old version and download the new app as this will help our drivers to get jobs,’’ he said in a press conference here yesterday.

Some drivers have been complaining that many passengers were not aware of the app migration, causing them to have few orders even during peak hours.

“We used to get about 65,000 ride orders nationwide a day before the movement control order. It has dropped to between 4,000 and 5,000 orders a day,’’ he said.

To help drivers and give passengers time to migrate to the new app, Mohd Noah said MyCar was forgoing its 12% commission until the end of the month.

MyCar is the fastest growing e-hailing platform after Grab, with about 22,000 registered drivers and over three million users to date.

Mohd Noah said the app migration was necessary following some disagreement with the previous developer to make the app multifunctional.

“So we decided to move on and have a brand new app that combines all functions in one,’’ he said, adding that over 80% of its drivers had adopted the new app, with the rest in the process of activation.

“The adoption rate among our customers has been slow, as only about 40% of the three million users have downloaded the new app,’’ he said.Combining the function of e-hailing, food and general deliveries, and shopping, Mohd Noah said the new app was the second multifunction platform after Grab aimed at giving consumers more choices by creating healthy competition.

“We are the first homegrown e-hailing operator that offers various functions through the app.

“For now, the app provides e-hailing functions and we expect to settle all teething issues, including achieving better matching between passengers and drivers, by the end of the month.

“The food, delivery and shopping functions in the app will go live together with the grand launch in mid-September,’’ he said, assuring passengers and drivers that their personal data remain secure with the app change.

“All data belongs to MyCar developer Platform Apps Sdn Bhd and it is safe in our server,” he added.


EV startups from Lucid to Rivian see demand fade, supply chain issues linger

                SAN FRANCISCO: US electric vehicle startups are seeing an unsettling trend, with demand evaporating as potential customers look for deals or hold off on purchases altogether.

Quarterly reports from several companies indicated weakening interest for many of their newer products, a bad sign for companies wrestling with high costs.

Luxury sedan maker Lucid, pickup and SUV maker Rivian and electric semi truck maker Nikola all flagged economic pressure, with industry experts saying price cuts by industry behemoth Tesla and the availability of cheaper EV models from traditional automakers sapped demand for the startups' new vehicles.

An exception was Fisker, which has barely kicked off production of a US$37,499 SUV. That is one of the cheapest prices in the EV group, and Fisker, which has produced only 56 vehicles so far, saw orders improve.

The Model Y from Tesla retails for at least US$54,990 after recent price cuts, Rivian's R1S SUV is priced around US$78,000 and Lucid sells its Air Pure sedans for about US$87,400.

"EV startups have this sort of double whammy," Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at British investment platform AJ Bell told Reuters.

"On the one hand, competition and rate hikes, meaning money ain't so cheap anymore. And on the other hand, inflation, creating a situation where a consumer is thinking hard about the choices that they make now."

New federal incentives of up to US$7,500 for electric cars made in America raised expectations that demand in the sector would jump, although conditions for what counts as US-made have tempered enthusiasm.

Tesla also ignited a price war this year by aggressively slashing vehicle prices, financially secure in its industry-leading profit margins.

By contrast, Lucid reported a slump in reservations to over 28,000 as of Feb 21 from 34,000 on Nov 7, adding it would not disclose the number going ahead. Nikola said issues hurting demand for its battery-powered trucks would not ease any time soon.

Rivian forecast 2023 production well below analyst estimates on Tuesday, citing nagging supply chain shortages.

"Certainly, what we're witnessing in the macro and what we're seeing in terms of interest rate is ... across the industry, having an effective moderating overall demand," Rivian chief executive R.J. Scaringe said on a Tuesday conference call.

Rivian did not provide current orders, a number they have updated every quarter.

Lucid and Nikola shares have fallen about 9% and 5% respectively since releasing results, while Fisker has jumped 31% since reporting a rise in orders.

Venture capitalist Cassie Bowe, a partner at Energy Impact Partners, sees demand picking up from next year as the current sentiment forces EV makers to cut prices and introduce lower-priced models this year, and as the supply chain improves.

Bowe oversees investments in a host of startups, including EV charging companies, and said she was looking at investment opportunities in EV makers.

But the four companies have already lost a combined US$84 billion in value over the past year, given production woes and supply chain disruptions.

"Across the world, there's a little dose of realism that's coming in saying, maybe the targets that have been set up for EVs aren't realistic and cannot be achieved," said Bala Lakshman, a partner at KPMG's automotive strategy advisory.


First-ever drone's-eye view of the NY auto show

                NEW YORK: The New York International Auto Show has just released a video of the show floor experience, shot entirely with drones. The filming is among the largest indoor drone photo shoot ever, covering nearly one million square feet.

The video was shot prior to Friday's public sneak preview and features a bird's-eye-view of the nearly 1,000 vehicles on display.

"We're always looking for new ways to highlight the excitement of the Auto Show," said show chairman John LaSorsa. "Using drones helps capture the experience of the show and bring it to life outside the walls of the convention centre.  It's also a great way for us to showcase the innovative spirit of the Show and its exhibitors.

The footage was shot from a custom designed drone with 12-inch rotors. It housed a 15mm super speed wide angle cine lens shooting at 4K - twice the resolution of HD.

The video is a sweeping view of the show experience and is a must-see for car fans everywhere.

The show runs from April 3 - 12 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan.


CAM launched Co-Star minibus at KLIMS’18

                KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian light commercial vehicle marque CAM launched its new Co-Star minibus which can transport 20 people, at the Kuala Lumpur International Motorshow (KLIMS’18), which is being held till December 2 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

It was launched by Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook, together with R&A Commercial Vehicles Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Wazir Muaz and and director Gwee Bok Wee and exec director Lau Kiat Hoon.

The CAM Co-Star is priced at RM172,400 (Peninsular Malaysia) and warranty is 3 years or 100,000km (whichever comes first).

For a limited time, the Co-Star comes with a free 360-degree camera system (valued at RM3,500) that offers a birds' eye view of the vehicle's surrounding area.

The Co-Star is suitable to be used as executive transporter, shuttle bus, luxury coach, and school bus.

It is 6 metres in length, and its interior size is 1.8m (height) and 1.9m (width).

A city transporter that can be configured with a 16+1 or 19+1 seat layout, the Co-Star is billed as having high ceiling, ample headroom, ample natural light, and a wide viewing angle for the driver and passengers.

The Co-Star has a 2.8-litre diesel engine that produces 107hp at 3,400rpm and 260Nm at 2,000rpm.

It uses a Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox and Bosch fuel supply system.

At the motor show, CAM also launced a new  version of its best-selling Placer-X 3.0L van equipped with a 3.0-litre engine, 6 speed, twin pot brake calliper & heavy duty axle packaged to offer a product with performance, efficiency and enhanced safety.

The Placer-X 18-seater van is known as the longest van in Malaysia, and recently took the Preferred Vehicle by Tourism Industry at Malaysian Tourism Council Gold Award.

The CAM Placer-X is available with 2.5-litre CDTi and 3.0-litre CDTi engines.

The CAM light commercial vehicle range includes 10-18 seater vans, trucks, pick-ups, caravans and now a minibus.

Founded in 2009, CAM vehicles are assembled locally by R&A Commercial Vehicles Sdn Bhd (RACV), a manufacturing and assembly plant under Sendok Group.

CAM vehicles are also distributed by R&A Marketing Sdn Bhd, a member of Sendok Group.

CAM has over 100 sales and service dealers and branches nationwide, and provides a 24/7 service hotline as well as free nationwide towing service to their customers within the vehicles' warranty period.


Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio 100th Anniversary sold out globally

                DETROIT: The 200 Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio 100th Anniversary models have sold out across the world, further emphasising the global fan base for Alfa Romeo and creating immediate collector's cars.

The limited editions of the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio 100th Anniversary wear the celebratory badge of the historic Quadrifoglio logo, reinterpreted with a modern flair by designers at Centro Stile Alfa Romeo in Turin, Italy.

The badge preserves the robust elegance with evolutions in coloUr. A contemporary chromatic touch evokes the brand’s glorious cars and famed sporting victories.

A 2.9-litre turbo V-6 engine with 505hp drives a mechanical limited-slip differential to optimiSe torque transfer, increasing stability, agility and cornering speed.

Gold-coloured brake calipers and carbon fibre-covered grille and mirror caps are exclusive to the 100th Anniversary models.

The interior boasts gold-coloured stitching with the celebratory badge on the dashboard.

The sporty cabin is dominated by carbon fibre, featuring a new 3D finish. The steering wheel is upholstered in leather and Alcantara with black stitching and carbon-fiber accents.

Models wearing the Quadrifoglio moniker represent the direct and engaging Alfa Romeo driving experience that have appealed to every Alfisti.

For the record, the Giulia Quadrifoglio 100th Anniversary is priced at US$85,160, while the Stelvio version is US$92,675.


France weighs cancelling Dakar rally after vehicle blast

                PARIS: France is considering cancelling the Dakar rally after an explosion in Saudi Arabia that badly injured a French driver and prosecutors are investigating as a suspected terror attack, the foreign minister said today.

French prosecutors said Tuesday that they had opened a terror probe over a Dec 30 blast targeting a car in Jeddah, which left 61-year-old driver Philippe Boutron needing surgery for serious leg injuries before he returned to France.

"We thought that maybe it's best to abandon this sporting event... the question remains open," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told BFM television, adding that "there was potentially a terror attack against The Dakar."

The gruelling race, formerly called the Paris-Dakar and now known just as The Dakar, used to be staged from the French capital following a route to the Senegalese capital Dakar.

But security threats along its route in North Africa meant that from 2009 it was held in South America and from 2020 in Saudi Arabia.

National anti-terror prosecutors said in a statement Tuesday they had opened a probe into "multiple attempted killings in connection with a terrorist group."

All five occupants of the car, including the driver, were French.

One of the passengers, driver Thierry Richard, told AFP on Tuesday that he had no doubt that the car was targeted deliberately.

"It was an attack, they blew us up," he said, adding that the incident had felt "like something from a war scene".

The impact of the blast lifted the car off the ground and it immediately caught fire, Richard said.

"We're not stupid, we know what an explosion feels like," he said.

Boutron's son said Thursday that his father had emerged from a coma, though both legs were "badly injured."

France has warned its citizens in Saudi Arabia to excercise "maximum alertness - security risk" in the wake of the blast.

"The possibility of a criminal act has not been ruled out," the ministry said in updated guidance on its website.

France routinely investigates crimes committed against its citizens abroad.

'At any cost?'

In France, media and politicians have raised questions over the insistence of the Saudi authorities and the race organisers that the explosion was not the result of criminal activity.

"Is the Dakar supposed to take place at any cost, despite very strong suspicions that this was an attack?" asked the left-leaning Liberation newspaper, observing that organisers had remained "very tightlipped" about the incident.

Senator Jean-Pierre Sueur, a member of the opposition Socialist party and a former minister, meanwhile asked Le Drian to explain how vigorously the government was pursuing its search for answers from both Saudi Arabia and the race organisers.

In a statement, Sueur said that he had notably asked Le Drian "whether he could explain the reasons why the facts had been kept hidden" and whether French anti-terror investigators would be allowed by the Saudis to investigate the incident fully.

In today's interview, Le Drian called for "the greatest possible transparency" from Saudi Arabia.

French interests had in the past been targeted by "terrorist acts", he said.

In October 2020, a guard at the French consulate in Jeddah was injured in a knife attack.

Two weeks later, two people were injured in an attack on a gathering of foreign diplomats, including French, for the anniversary of the armistice ending World War I.

The final stage of this year's race is scheduled to take place on Jan 14.


Klang Valley, Melaka to move to Phase 4 of NRP from Oct 18

                PETALING JAYA: The Klang Valley which covers Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, and Melaka will move to Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) beginning Oct 18, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Prime Minister said Kelantan, Perak, Penang, Kedah and Sabah will move from Phase Two to Phase Three of the NRP also from Oct 18.

He said this was decided by the Special Committee on Covid-19 Pandemic Management, which convened today.

He said with the transition, all the states in the country have moved to Phase Three of the NRP.

He also announced that e-hailing vehicles will be allowed to operate at full capacity and that R&R on highways can open round-the-clock from Oct 16.


Gentari signs MoU with Thai-based Evolt to develop green EV charging infrastructure in South-East Asia

(From left) Evolt Technology Co Ltd chief business officer Wisaroot Amornchaijaroen, Poonpat, Shah Yang and Green Mobility chief operations officer at M Haikal Zubir at the MoU signing event.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian clean energy solutions provider Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari) via its wholly-owned subsidiary, Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, and Bangkok-based electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure provider Evolt Technology Company Limited (Evolt) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaborations in offering clean energy solutions.

The two companies will jointly collaborate to expand EV charging infrastructure and solutions across Southeast Asia, as well as explore other potential collaboration areas in renewable energy and green mobility solutions.

Gentari chief green mobility officer Shah Yang Razalli said the MoU marked the company's inaugural foray into regional infrastructure development in Southeast Asia.

“Gentari aims to establish a beachhead in Thailand, and this collaboration with Evolt will see us synergising Evolt’s market leadership in Thailand and regional expertise with Gentari’s goal to expand our green mobility network across key markets in Asia Pacific.

He said both Gentari and Evolt would explore potential investments into co-developing regional charging infrastructure beginning in Thailand, with a focus on commercial locations such as shopping malls, hotels and offices, as well as high-traffic transit hubs.

“Meanwhile, as the regional road network becomes better integrated, we also see the potential in exploring roaming services in charging infrastructure that will offer EV drivers a seamless charging experience even when driving across borders,” said Shah Yang.

Evolt Technology Co Ltd founder and CEO Poonpat Loharjun said the strategic partnership with Gentari is an important milestone for Evolt to accelerate the expansion of EV charging stations.

“We have the expertise to identify the right locations for every end-user lifestyle, both at leisure and at work, that offers convenience to access, a seamless journey for commuters, and sufficient coverage.

“Gentari has been successful in rolling out more than 250 charging points in India and Malaysia and is gaining popularity and user trust in the region.

Poonpat said the MoU would see both companies collaborating in the investment and expansion of charging stations in Thailand, thus increasing their capability and readiness for EV charging business opportunities in Asia Pacific.

Since its introduction in June 2022, Gentari has made rapid progress in expanding its green mobility network.

As of Jan 5, Gentari through its affiliated entities, has deployed 151 charging points across 32 locations in Malaysia and a total of 132 charging points in India.

With a mission to be Asia Pacific’s preferred green mobility solutions provider, Gentari aims to capture 10% market share (circa 25,000 charging points based on current estimates) across key markets
in Asia Pacific by 2030.

In the mid-term, Gentari aims to install 9,000 public charging points by 2026, with an anchored presence in Malaysia and India.

For details on Gentari, visit www.gentari.com.


Smell forms part of car-buying decision

                Fragrance alone may not sell cars, but automakers are turning on their olfactory charm to try to sweeten the appeal and distinction of their vehicles.

The elegant curve of a fender, the soft leather covering a steering wheel and the soft thud of a closing door there is plenty to tempt the senses at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

And now carmakers are eager to please the noses of buyers as well, throwing a range of scents, including refined and distinctive "new car smells" into the mix.

"When you walk to a car the design is very important, but if you enter the car, one of the first things you can recognise is the smell or the odour inside the car," Hartmut Kovacs, head of interior emissions at Mercedes-Benz, told AFP.

 The job of Mercedes-Benz olfactory expert Claudia Schempp is to make sure every new Mercedes-Benz has a pleasant odour. She is among a team of smell experts who sniffs each individual material used in the interior.

The sense of smell is a particularly powerful one, explained Annick Le Guerer, an anthropologist and philosopher who has written a book on the subject.

"The sense of smell is linked to the parts of the brain that are used for memory, affectivity, emotions," she told AFP.

"If you put fragrances in your car that remind you of happy times in your life, there is an unconscious impact on your desire to stay in your car longer," she said.

But Emmanuel Boudard, head of interior air quality innovation at PSA Peugeot Citroen, acknowledged "we have not yet identified a fragrance that makes people buy cars."

The opposite is true though.

Studies have shown that "when the odour is too strong, comfort levels drop," Juliette Quatararo, in charge of odour issues at PSA, pointed out.

In fact, a lot of the work around fragrance is to ensure scents are not overpowering and that only the good ones are allowed inside.

"The nature" of the smell is vital, Quarataro said, adding that PSA attempts to ensure its cars do not smell too strongly of plastic or imitation leather.

"There are substances that smell bad that are banned," she said.

Renault meanwhile takes a hard line when it comes to odours.

"Our odour policy is to have as little as possible in the car," the French carmaker said.

Other carmakers too are wary of strong smells.

Kovacs said Mercedes-Benz refuses to use any components that do not meet its odour neutrality standards.

But once manufacturers ensure that the smell of their cars won't drive customers away, some throw in a dash of perfume to entice them to stay.

"The olfactory aspect is as important if not more important than the visual aspect," said Cyrille Gerhardt, who runs "Smell Marketing," a company that specialises in the technique already widely used in hotels and luxury stores and that is catching on among some carmakers.

"Smell that brings back good memories will motivate people to come back," he said.

But be warned "You can have the best smell in the world, but if the visual aspects don't work, ... if the sound aspects don't work, it will not provide an acceptable level of comfort to the client," Gerhardt said.

It is the subtilty of the combination that is important, he said.

In its bid to pamper customers' noses, Mercedes offers a perfume dispenser option with new cars that not only can refresh the lush smell of leather expected in high-end vehicles but even allow S Class limousine riders to add a dash of Chanel number 5.

PSA, which pioneered scent personalisation in France a decade ago with its Citroen C4, plans to unveil a new perfume dispenser next year.

In a bid to strengthen its standing in the high-end segment, the company is working with the "noses" in the perfume Mecca of Grasse in southern France to develop a range of "woody" smells, Boudard said.

But tickling noses is a tricky task, since the appeal of fragrances can be highly subjective.

"There is no absolute consensus on what constitutes good or bad smells," Le Guerer pointed out. - Relaxnews


Nissan and Infiniti to get six new EVs

                YOKOHAMA: Nissan has revealed plans to add six new fully-electric vehicles to the portfolios of the Nissan and Infiniti brands over the next five years, according to Toshihiro Hirai, who's Nissan's corporate vice president for powertrain and EV engineering. Four of the new all-electric models will go under the Nissan banner, while the other two will be new Infiniti models.

These six models are Nissan's share of the 12 EVs that have already been promised by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance between now and 2022, which was revealed in a multi-year business plan last September by Carlos Ghosn, the alliance's CEO.

At the time of the announcement by Ghosn last year, there was no breakdown of how many models would be produced by each brand, but now Hirai has detailed what Nissan's share of the plan will be.

 The LEAF.

And to be clear, all six of the new Nissan and Infiniti models will be pure EVs and not hybrids equipped with powertrains such as the company's new e-Power system.

E-Power still has an important role to play in the automaker's plans as it's a range-extender hybrid that uses a small petrol engine to generate electricity for the electric motor to drive the wheels. That makes the e-Power propulsion system the closest thing to an all-electric vehicle that also offers the kind of range we're used to having with our vehicles. It's not a new idea as a similar system was used by General Motors in the first-generation Chevrolet Volt.

The EV plan does only reflect the next five years of production, and Nissan CEO, Hiroto Saikawa, revealed a separate longer range plan only last month, which, starting in 2021, would see every new vehicle being produced by Infiniti offered either as an EV or an e-Power system vehicle.


Back to old status: No increase in prices of Toyota Avanza, Sienta and Rush after all

The Sienta.
SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor has come forward today to declare that prices of the Avanza, Sienta and Rush have reverted to the old prices following the government move to keep excise duties for MPVs below 1,500cc at the previous duty rate of 60%,

The distributor had raised prices on April 10 in reaction to the sudden increase in excise duties from 60% to 65% by the Customs Department, which took effect on April 1 (which wasn't an April Fools' prank as some had thought).

However, the department had backtracked on Wednesday and decided to keep the duties unchanged. The department had said the decision to revert to 60% was made after taking into account the high demand for completely built-up vehicles.

UMW Toyota Motor said that for customers’ orders collected between April 10 and 12, it would be based on the old prices.


Petrol prices unchanged, diesel 3 sen down

                PETALING JAYA: Petrol prices are unchanged for the fourth week of August while diesel prices are down by three sen per litre.

The price of RON95 will remain at RM2.15 per litre while RON97 will stay put at RM2.43.

Diesel will go down by three sen to RM2.01 per litre from RM2.04 per litre previously.

The prices, which were announced on RTM1 on Wednesday evening, will be in effect from 12.01 am on Aug 24 until Aug 30.

The weekly fuel pricing mechanism came into effect in April this year, and the prices of petrol and diesel had been placed on a managed monthly float system since Dec 1, 2014 following the removal of fuel subsidies.


Volkswagen Tiguan upgraded

                PETALING JAYA: As part of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia’s continuous efforts to enhance the ownership experience for its customers, the Volkswagen Tiguan will receive an upgrade of a new 2019 Active Info Display (AID) and LED taillights.

The upgrades will take effect on all Tiguan units from March 2019 onwards.

The new Active Info Display has a high resolution display colour thin-film transistor (TFT) that is similar to a smartphone. It incorporates functions and features in 2D and 3D graphic display for navigation and media.

There is now a three-view customizable screen via the infotainment with over 30 combinations options. The dials can also be pre-set to show a combination of data and a full 3D view map for better navigation.

 The new Active Info Display.

On the exterior, the LED taillights have been updated to a new unit with distinctive light graphics. More than a style factor, the new taillight also incorporates brake animation that enhances visibility for safety. The taillights continue to be an all LED system.

For added peace of mind, the upgrades will see no price hike to the Tiguan, and it will remain priced at RM165,990 for the Highline and RM175,990 for the JOIN variant.

All Volkswagen cars come with 3 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

The Tiguan combines a 1.4TSI turbocharged direct injection engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) with sport mode to give an impressive output of 150PS and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500rpm to 3,500rpm. It boasts an impressive acceleration of 8.9 seconds from 0 to 100kph.

The Tiguan boast safety features such as six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Multi-collision brakes, Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) as well as hill-hold control.

For comfort, the Tiguan features Park Assist, Manoeuvre Braking and 3-Zone Climatronic. For complete connectivity, the Tiguan comes with App-Connect for easy access to apps via the 8”-inch infotainment touchscreen via MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple Carplay.


Mercedes-AMG GT4 heads to Nürburgring

                NÜRBURGRING: The new Mercedes-AMG GT4 will complete its first racing laps of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (18/19 August), which will see two AMG GT4 on the grid.

The 198,850 Euros (RM1.0mil) race car will be run by two test teams - Uwe Alzen Automotive and Black Falcon for development runs in race conditions.

The latest Mercedes-AMG Motorsport family member in the GT segment is to get its final fine-tuning through the experience from the teams and additional racing mileage at the demanding infamous race track.

Further testing mileage will be added to the programme of the race car, which includes, among others, a 30-hour endurance test at the Lausitzring.

The test races in selected Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring (VLN) rounds is to acquire further insights to help the final fine-tuning prior to delivery of the vehicle to the first customer racing teams at the end of the year.

The VLN is an organisation of motorsport clubs where each hosts one event of a ten-race series held on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

During the fifth round of the VLN, the teams will be competing in the SPX (admission upon special application only) class as the car has yet to be rated for the GT4 category.

The focus isn’t on the sporting achievements, but rather on collecting further relevant data in racing conditions.

Uwe Alzen himself will be controlling the test race from the pit wall while Fabian Hamprecht, Mercedes-AMG test and development driver Thomas Jäger and Mike Stursberg - an all-German driver line-up, will be alternating behind the wheel.

The Black Falcon team has also entered a trio of German drivers of Stefan Karg, Fidel Leib, Mercedes-AMG test and development driver Jan Seyffarth and Spaniard Alexander Toril for the six-hour race.

The race car is based on the Mercedes-AMG GT R previously introduced in June, 2016 and has had its road-going parts replaced to make it race-ready to help it earn the GT4 nomenclature.

“We are not only collecting further technical insights, but also feedback from the various drivers which we can still incorporate into the car. Before we can deliver the first Mercedes-AMG GT4, we will carry out some more of these tests in racing conditions. Not only at the Nordschleife, but also internationally and with various teams,” said Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing head Stefan Wendl.

SPECIFICATIONS:Engine - AMG 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine
Capacity - 3,982cc
Output - up to 510hp
Torque - up to 600Nm

Drive - rear wheels with transaxle construction, front engine, gearbox on the rear axle, linked by a torque tube six-speed AMG competition sequential gearbox with adjustable mechanical differential and magnesium casing with pneumatic operation and paddle shifters.

Bodywork - Aluminium space frame; rollcage of high-strength steel; bodywork with carbon elements.

Safety - Carbon driver safety cell, as per latest FIA regulations, including customisable seat padding and integrated headrest, roof extrication hatch and fire extinguishing system.

Suspension - front and rear Aluminium double wishbones and adjustbale rebound and compression shock absorbers.

Electronics - Motorsport electronics with new torque control, optimised driver aid systems, AMG traction control, competition anti-lock braking system (ABS), race-start-control, service-friendly durable motorsport wiring.

Steering - Electro-mechanical power steering

Brakes - Competition brake system with adjustable ventilated composite brake discs, six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers, front 390mm and rear 355mm discs.

Wheels - 18.0-inch AMG light-alloy forged wheels.

Tyres - Front 305/660 and rear 305/680.

Weight - approx. 1,390kg

Wheel base - 2,630mm

Dimensions - 4,618mm-long, 1,996mm-wide and 1,265mm-tall

Fuel tank - 120-litre (motor sport safety tank)

Acceleration (0-100kph) - under 4.0 seconds

Top speed - over 250kph


Will car prices go up or down?

                KUALA LUMPUR: There has been a buzz that car prices will come down with the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the rate is lower than the current Sales and Services Tax (SST).

Customs Department director of GST Datuk Subromaniam Tholasy said based on computation after taking into account the distribution margin, the price of cars is still expected to be “slightly lower” under the GST, although the difference between the GST and SST is “not a full 4% and is much less”.

“The car industry has become very efficient and competitive over the years. Tax is just one factor.

“The manufacturers should reduce the prices if the production cost is lower due to lower raw material and component prices,” he said.

The prices of steel and raw materials have started to come down recently in tandem with lower oil prices.

However, Malaysia Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said car prices might actually go up instead of coming down.

She said during the interim period when the GST kicks in, customers might end up paying double taxation for their cars.

This is because car companies had already paid 10% in SST for cars they bought before April, and those that bought the cars from a distributor or a non-licensed manufacturer can only claim back 20% of the sales tax they paid, which translates to 2% of the 10%.

“On April 1, customers will have to pay the 6% GST. So in total, the tax would be 8% (from the non-refundable SST part) plus the 6% GST. This means that in actual fact, car prices will increase (during the interim period) because you have to pay tax twice,” said Aishah.

But she also said the GST was a very small element in the pricing of the cars as the major element affecting the pricing was the excise duties the companies had to pay to the Customs Department, which range from 65% to 105% depending on the engine capacity of the vehicle.

This, she said, is one of the main reasons car prices in Malaysia are among the highest in the world.

“We have been asking for a reduction of the excise duty but we still get the same answer: ‘No’.

“The revenue the Government gets from duties (excise duty, SST, import tax) from the Malaysian automotive industry comes up to RM7bil per annum. It is too huge an amount for it to lose.”

She added that the appreciation of the US dollar against the ringgit would also affect the price of cars.

Compared to January last year, the US dollar has appreciated against the ringgit by a significant 28% to 32%. Many car distributors even use US dollars to pay for their Complete Knock Down packs, including those from Japan and South Korea, Aishah said, adding that most imported vehicle components and spare parts were also priced in US dollars.

“With the exchange rate this high, members are trying to mitigate the problem and do what they can to hold on to current prices.

“But how long can they withstand and absorb this? If they do lose money, then they will have to increase prices,” she said.

RHB Research Institute head of research Alexander Chia said based on calculations, there would be “no discernible material change” post-GST for car prices.

He said when the 6% GST replaced the 10% SST, theoretically one would expect car prices to fall, but there was already a difference between the list price and street price of a car.

Chia said there was already a lot of discounting going on at the street price level.

He also said the car market had been a bit slow in the last six to 12 months because “hire-purchase financing at the current levels” was not profitable for banks, so the banks wanted to prioritise other loan sectors instead.

“Banks are also more wary of who they lend to. They are following the responsible lending guidelines of 2012. The way they compute eligibility for loans is significantly more stringent now,” he said.


Ferrari unveils first €390,000 SUV with a plea: ‘Don't call it an SUV’

                MARANELLO: Ferrari NV unveiled its long-awaited €390,000 (RM1.8mil) Purosangue crossover that will haul the supercar maker into a new era of broader appeal.

The company’s most utilitarian model in its 75-year history — with four doors, four seats and a 473-litre trunk — will hit showrooms next year.

While heavily geared over four years of development to meet Ferrari’s track-worthy credentials, the Purosangue represents a break from the manufacturer’s low-slung racing machines and dispels doubts it would ever produce a versatile vehicle.

Ferrari exudes confidence about the Purosangue fitting that description, and is offering a surprise answer to one question: So is it a sport utility vehicle or not?

"Please don’t call it an SUV, because it isn’t,” chief executive officer Benedetto Vigna told reporters in Maranello, northern Italy.

"It’s a Ferrari.”

READ MORE:  Ferrari Purosangue highlights

Vigna’s comment indicates the world’s best-known performance-car maker is still coming to terms with a segment some Prancing-Horse purists believe should be avoided for the brand.

While crossovers and SUVs tend to be less agile than what Ferrari drivers are used to, the almost €225,000 Lamborghini Urus (RM1mil) and €206,800 (RM930,000) Bentley Bentayga have been well-received.

The Purosangue beats both on acceleration, racing to 100kph in 3.3 seconds.

While Ferrari offers the 296 GTB and the SF90 Stradale sports cars as plug-in hybrids, the Purosangue will only be powered by a combustion engine.

The mid-front mounted, naturally aspirated, 715-horsepower V12 and automatic transmission will get the vehicle to a top speed of 310kph.

An exclusive, electric-powered active suspension system Ferrari developed with Canadian partner Multimatic Inc allowed the over-two tonne Purosangue to achieve top sports performance, said Ferrari’s chief marketing and commercial office Enrico Galliera.

Ferrari settled on the traditional engine after agonising at length over what powertrain to use.

"We discussed for a long time which kind of powertrain to mount on the Purosangue," said Galliera.

"We finally decided on a full internal combustion one, since we weren’t willing to compromise and we got that this was what our most loyal customers wanted,” he said.

Giving people something SUV-like without upsetting idealists isn’t the only tightrope Ferrari is walking.

Transitioning to electric powertrains will be needed to comply with emissions regulations, but the manufacturer will also have to meet the expectations of select clientele who pay up for a piece of motoring glory.

After delivering just over 11,100 vehicles last year, Vigna in June detailed Ferrari’s battery strategy, which includes a first fully electric model about three years from now.

Battery-only and plug-in hybrid autos are slated to make up 60% of Ferrari’s portfolio by 2026 as part of a €4.4 billion (RM20bil) investment plan.

The company remains fully committed to making its vehicles carbon-neutral by the end of the decade, Galliera said at the event.

Pre-orders for the Purosangue - which features a brand-new chassis with a single-shell, carbon-fibre roof to lower its centre of gravity — have likely exceeded more than 2,000 units already.

Ferrari is holding a four-day event this week for those who’ve placed a request to purchase.

To maintain exclusivity, Ferrari has said Purosangue deliveries won’t exceed 20% of the carmaker’s total sales during the model’s life cycle.


Volkswagen Vento and Passat get low interest rate promotion

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has introduced a special low interest rate promotion for the Vento and the Passat.

The promotion starts today till Sept 30 and is applicable for hire purchase loans (five, seven and nine years), which starts from as low as 0.28% for the Vento Trendline, Comfortline and Allstar models as well as 0.88% for the Passat Trendline and Comfortline variants.

To up the appeal, both models will also come with a 5-year free maintenance and is valid until Sept 30 too.

The low interest rates according to loan tenure is as follows:

Volkswagen Vento (Trendline, Comfortline and Allstar)
5 years - 0.28%
7 years - 0.88%
9 years - 1.28%

Volkswagen Passat (Trendline and Comfortline)
5 years - 0.88%
7 years - 1.28%
9 years - 1.68%

“We are always looking at ways to offer the best options for Malaysians – and we believe that this combination of very attractive financing, free maintenance, and German engineering at its best will provide our consumers with true peace of mind," said VPCM managing director Erik Winter.

For more information log on to www.volkswagen.com.my


Ducati team riders visit 'Golden Mile' along Jalan Sentul

                KUALA LUMPUR: Workshop owners and customers along Jalan Sentul were treated to a surprise visit by Ducati Team riders - Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone.

The surprise was organised by Shell Advance and was also accompanied by Ducati sporting director Paolo Ciabatti as well as Shell Advance global brand manager Vivek Pareek and the Shell Lubricants Malaysia team.

As a gesture of appreciation, eight lucky workshop owners got to experience the memorable occasion with their customers along the ‘golden mile’ - an area popular with bikers in the Klang Valley.

The riders handed out mementos as a form of thanks to the owners and spent some time to chat with them and pose for photographs.

In addition, three mechanics were awarded prizes for taking part in a special 'fastest bike oil change' challenge, which was organised in conjunction with the visit, and were presented by Ciabatti, Dovizioso and Iannone.

"It was extremely challenging due to the tight schedules, but thanks to the long standing Technical Partnership between Shell Advance and Ducati Corse, and some really special travel arrangements, the team’s visit to Jalan Sentul, which few could imagine, became a reality,” said Shell Lubricants marketing manager Alex Lim.

It was also announced that the Shell Advance team will be conducting a free oil change for the first 500 motorcycles from 9.00am to 6.00pm, on Oct 29 at the P1 parking lot at the Sepang International Circuit.

This first-ever free oil change for owners of motorcycles below 250cc will be given to winners of a recent Shell Advance competition and also to those who purchase a pack of Shell Advance engine oil from Oct 29 to 30.


Setting up highway lanes for self-driving trucks

                TOKYO: The expressway linking Tokyo to Nagoya is soon to be equipped with a lane reserved for autonomous trucks.

The idea is to allow the first driverless trucks to operate on a dedicated stretch of road, in complete safety, and separate from other traffic.

According to Nikkei Asia, the project involves setting up a 100-km lane reserved for driverless trucks, but initially only at night.

The autonomous driving lane will run along a section of the Shin-Tomei Expressway, covering about 100km between Numazu and Hamamatsu. This section is relatively straight, with three lanes on each side, and therefore suited - in theory - to self-driving vehicles. It has not yet been decided whether the lane will also be open to human-driven vehicles.

The project is expected to be up and running by 2024. But in order to do so, it will be necessary to install sensors and cameras at regular intervals along the entire route, all connected in 5G, for real-time data transfer without latency. In this way, if obstacles are detected, approaching vehicles will be able to automatically slow down or even stop in the event of a serious risk of collision.

It should be noted that this is not the only project involving dedicated lanes for autonomous vehicles.

A test will soon be carried out in Michigan, United States, with the creation of a 60-km-long corridor specifically for self-driving vehicles. Here too, all the necessary infrastructure will have to be installed to ensure optimal interconnectivity as well as a safe and fluid traffic.


2020 Nissan TITAN awakens

LOS ANGELES: The Nissan TITAN full-size pickup undergoes an extensive redesign for the 2020 model year and features substantial powertrain updates and unique styling for different trim levels as well as offering standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 across all grade levels.

Every 2020 TITAN is powered by a 5.6-liter Endurance V8 petrol engine rated at 400hp and 562 Nm of torque.

The engine uses Nissan's VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) technology, which combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to provide high performance and crisp response.

The Endurance V8 also features Direct Injection Gas (DIG) technology, which provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non-direct-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering precise injection control.

The engine is mated with a new 9-speed automatic transmission with a larger final gear ratio of 3.692:1– providing more torque at the wheels in a given gear and smoother and faster acceleration.

The 2020 TITAN is available in a choice of 4x2 or 4x4 drive configurations. Nissan TITAN 4x4 models feature a transfer case designed to ensure maximum power distribution in every gear. It distributes torque to both ends and provides four-wheel drive when added traction is needed on snow, ice, sand, mud, dirt, water or gravel.

Durable off-road performance has also been emphasized, with features such as Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, Brake Limited-Slip Differential (BLSD) and electronic locking rear differential.

The 2020 TITAN features an enhanced Off Road Gauge that displays the vehicle's tire angle, relative pitch and roll angles.

The redesigned TITAN lineup offers three unique grille designs to give the truck TITAN's powerful new look includes a higher degree of differentiation between grade levels – one model with different personas.

For example, there are three different grille designs, allowing for more owner customization straight from the factory.

The new headlights produce around 120% more light output in low beam than the previous TITAN design, giving the driver a much better view of both ahead and the sides of the road.

Other new exterior items include the front bumper, fog lights, badging and new wheel designs. The new interlocking frame grille and surround is designed to convey strength, boldness and precision while enhancing cooling performance for the 5.6-liter V8 engine.

The sense of commanding technology continues into the redesigned TITAN interior, which combines first-class accommodations with a sense of crafted detailing and premium finishes.

A 7.0-inch programmable driver information display is nearly three inches larger than most competitors' displays and helps ensure that customers can access meaningful vehicle information easily and clearly.

TITAN's standard 8.0-inch center area display is the largest standard screen in the class, while the available Integrated Command Center with 9.0-inch WXGA touchscreen features WXGA resolution – higher than HD.

The 2020 TITAN is a showcase for Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies, starting with standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 – a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems.

Safety Shield 360 includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and class-exclusive Rear Automatic Braking.

The new TITAN also features a number of other available advanced technologies – Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control, Intelligent Driver Alertness and Traffic Sign Recognition.

Nissan's innovative Rear Door Alert is standard on all grade levels. And, the 2020 TITAN now includes eight air bags.


Panasonic appoints Kusumi new CEO, replacing Tesla supporter Tsuga

Kusumi is likely to be tasked with further overhauling a sprawling business portfolio that ranges from facial steamers to bicycles. — Reuters
TOKYO:  Japan’s Panasonic Corp said today it has appointed Yuki Kusumi, the head of its automotive business, as its next chief executive officer, replacing Kazuhiro Tsuga, a supporter of Tesla Inc chief executive officer Elon Musk.

The change, effective April 1, comes as strong sales of Tesla electric vehicles have allowed Panasonic’s battery business to eke out profits following several years of production troubles and delays at the US partner.

The partnership with Tesla, particularly a US$1.6 billion bet on a battery joint venture in Nevada in 2014, was central to the incumbent chief’s strategy to shift away from low-margin consumer electronics to batteries, factory machines and components.

Kusumi, as the head of the automotive business, oversaw the launch of a joint battery venture with Toyota Motor Corp in April, which took over Panasonic’s business in thin, rectangular-shaped prismatic batteries.

The strategy to focus on business customers, however, has yet to generate stable profits, and the new chief is likely to be tasked with further overhauling a sprawling business portfolio that ranges from facial steamers to bicycles.

Panasonic said separately that it would change to a holding company structure in April 2022, to clarify responsibilities of each business division and speed up decision-making processes.


Is Yamaha stepping up to drive into the car industry?

 The PES2 on-road sport model has an additional electric motor built into the hub of the front wheel to make it a 2WD motorcycle, and it is designed to pioneer new boundaries of performance never experienced before.

TOKYO: One of the world's biggest motorbike firms is teasing a sportscar concept ahead of this year's Tokyo motor show.

Despite being a huge multinational conglomerate that makes everything from mopeds and motorbikes to keyboards, pianos and guitars, Yamaha doesn't officially build cars .... yet.

 Yamaha LMW concept.

And while the idea of a motorbike company moving focus from two wheels to four wouldn't in itself be the biggest of stories, doing so with Gordon Murray - the automotive legend who dreamed up the McLaren F1 - could be potentially huge.

It was at the 2013 Tokyo Show that Yamaha first revealed it was working with Murray. The first fruit of that partnership, the Motive.e concept was one of the stars of the show. An ultra-compact city car that could be powered by an ultra-efficient 80hp gasoline engine or via a full electric unit, with a 160km range, the car was also a showcase for something called iStream, a totally new way of mass producing cars and something that Murray had devoted 16 years to developing.

Described as a "radical cradle-to-grave rethink on the automotive manufacturing process that uses known technologies," it's all about taking Formula 1 processes and jettisoning weight so that cars are more efficient, durable and modular on demand - so the basics of the Motive.e could serve as those for a van or, a nimble sportscar with no need for retooling or investment.

In his most recent official update on the technology in June, Murray said "Not only has iStream proved to be the only light-weighting automotive technology which is available at a lower cost, relative to all other technologies, but it has also proved to be a game changer in the areas of vehicle safety, durability and corrosion resistance, setting new standards in the automotive industry."

 The Resonator125 concept.

However, for iStream to be truly revolutionary, it needs a backer, and it would appear that with Yamaha's teaser image, plus reports that the Motive.e is heading into limited production before the end of the decade, Murray has that support.

It's worth noting that iStream doesn't have to be used purely for ultra-compact city cars. Murray is also heavily involved in the resurrection of the British TVR supercar brand alongside Cosworth engines. He has designed a new V8-powered coupe, set for production in 2017 and it will be using iStream so that coupes can easily become convertibles or grand tourers.

"We see this as a great partnership between three exciting British brands and also an opportunity for us to demonstrate that our iStream manufacturing system, although designed for high volume, is capable of down scaling to the volume levels required for hand crafted sports cars," said Murray.

 The Yamaha MOTIV.e of 2013. - AFP


Bugatti Chiron lands in Singapore for regional debut

                SINGAPORE: In the same week that the Honda NSX was launched here, Singaporeans were also privy to the Bugatti Chiron which was flown into the island republic as part of its world tour.

Following its debuts in Europe and North America, the world’s most powerful, fastest, most exclusive and most luxurious production super sports car was unveiled here today.

Over the past few days, Bugatti and Wearnes Automotive, Bugatti’s dealer in South-East Asia, had presented the 1,500hp Chiron to customers at private appointments. The French super sports car will also be on display this weekend at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. Singapore is Bugatti’s hub in South-East Asia.

For this special occasion, Bugatti and Wearnes Automotive have created a stylish and elegant setting here in the thematic Bugatti blue. The presentation also focused on exhibits and animations highlighting the technical achievements and the design of the car as well as the history of the brand.

This weekend will probably be the most eventful weekend in the Singapore calendar this year. The Chiron will be on show to fans and potential customers in the Amber Lounge at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix. After that, the super sports car will be on display for a short time at the Bugatti Singapore showroom.

The Chiron is the world’s first production sports car with 1,500hp. It has a torque of 1,600Nm between 2,000rpm and 6,000rpm and has a top speed of 420kph, limited for road travel. It goes from 0 to 100kph in less than 2.5 seconds.

The super sports car is to be produced in a limited series of 500 vehicles. More than 200 customers have already ordered their Chiron and the first vehicle is due to be delivered in the autumn of 2016. The basic price in Europe is €2.4 million (RM11.1mil) net.

Wearnes Automotive has been the official dealer of Bugatti South-East Asia since 2006. The two partners recently agreed to continue this cooperation.


From Golden Retrievers and Labradors to Poodles, some dog breeds handle car journeys better than others

                LONDON: The UK automotive marketplace Auto Trader surveyed 25 pet experts to find out if some dog breeds make better travel companions than others on car trips.

Most of them agree that Labradors are the breed that can handle car trips best. And that's not surprising, since these sweet-looking pooches are known for their warm and friendly temperament.

They are also particularly docile, which is why they adapt so well to city life. Although they have an easy-going character, Labradors need to be physically active.

As such, owners should take their dogs for a walk before a car ride lasting several hours, and especially take breaks during the trip.

Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers also tolerate car rides without (too much) complaint. With their small, muscular bodies, Chihuahuas have no trouble fitting comfortably into a car interior.

However, they don't like to be bothered and need peace and quiet to travel in a car. Golden Retrievers are more tolerant of noise than Chihuahuas, but they're more likely to need to let off steam.

Owners shouldn't hesitate to take regular breaks if taking a long journey.

Otherwise, Maltese dogs, French Bulldogs and Poodles are among the breeds that are most tolerant of car travel.

However, the same cannot be said for German Shorthaired Pointers, Beagles and German Shepherds. They are much less suited to this mode of transport than some of their fellow dogs.

Regardless of your dog's breed, there are several precautions you should take before hitting the road with your four-legged friend. Make sure you have certain essential accessories such as a carrier, a partition grille or a seat belt harness.

Your dog is subject to the same obligations as other passengers in the vehicle, in that it cannot wander around as it pleases inside the car or interfere with the driver's field of vision and movements.

The safety and well-being of everyone is at stake.

Beyond the regulations, common sense calls for adapting your driving and anticipating the hazards of the road to make the car trip as pleasant as possible for your furry friend.

Don't forget that, in the event of sudden braking or an accident, a poorly secured dog can become a dangerous projectile. So remember to drive carefully and sensibly.


Peugeot unveils refreshed 3008

                PARIS: Peugeot has announced the refreshed 3008, touting it as more elegant with a redesigned front end, new full LED rear lights, new body colours and a new "Black Pack" option.

It will go on sale in Europe by the end of 2020 and the rest of the world from 2021.

It comes with a rechargeable hybrid engine, two or four-wheel drive and petrol or diesel engines.

The refreshed 3008 comes with the latest-generation driving aids, as well as a new Peugeot i-Cockpit with a new high-quality display headset and a new 10-inch high-definition touch screen.

A new frameless grille symbolises the increasingly modern style, while maintaining a fluid design. In the designer's words, it extends with fins under the headlamps to connect all of the elements. And lastly, the nose of the bonnet now proudly displays the model's monogram, as does the entire Peugeot range.

To emphasise the sportiness, shiny black side scoops and a painted tread plate have been included into the new bumper from the first trim level.

There is a specific grille on the GT / GT Pack with a scalable design pattern to emphasise the stylistic
upgrade of the GT versions.

The front headlamps have also been redesigned to be more aggressive and to split even more from
current codes. They include LED technology from the very first level and are extended by hook-shaped DRLs with a chrome tip. This light signature is in line with the current Peugeot style and is identifiable at first glance.

On the GT / GT Pack levels, full LED headlamps offer an even more high-tech and distinctive look, thanks to the extended light signature and the bend lighting function (EVS) which optimises visibility at speeds of up to 90kph.

Of particular note is the new "Foggy Mode" function which has replaced the fog lights. It is integrated into the full LED headlamps, and switches on the low beam headlamps with reduced intensity when the rear fog lamps are activated.

At the rear, new, upgraded headlamps include full LED technology (including the reversing light),
displaying the 3D claws for a punchy light signature. The indicators are sequential.

The lights are covered with a clear, smoked glass, extending the black boot lid on each side of the
vehicle, which helps to visually widen the rear of the vehicle.

The GT Pack level has a new 19-inch "San Francisco" diamond-studded aluminium wheel on the side to make this finish even more exclusive. In addition, the GT monograms (front wings and boot lid) have been upgraded.

The new 3008 is offered in a choice of 7 colours of which Celebes Blue and Vertigo Blue are new shades. Depending on variant, the 3008 is fitted with 17-inch, 18-inch or 19-inch wheels.

For an even more aggressive look, a new "Black Pack" option is offered, which darkens the grille, monograms, roof and roof bars, among other exterior parts. A set of 19-inch darkened wheels is included.

Engine-wise, the petrol-based 3008 is offered with a 3-cylinder 1.2l mill or 1.6l 4-cylinder mill. The diesel 3008 is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and has been carried over from the outgoing model.

The 3008 plug-in hybrid is available in two variants with electric range of up to 59km. They are the 4WD HYBRID4 300 and the 2WD HYBRID 225. Both versions use the Puretech 180 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.


Massive congestion in Selangor as cops increase roadblocks ahead of Raya

                HULU SELANGOR: Thousands of motorists are wading through massive traffic congestion in the state, following the increase in the number of roadblocks in Selangor to prevent unauthorised interstate travel.

The roadblocks are conducted at various main roads, including highways, state roads and other routes exiting Selangor.

Selangor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Arjunaidi Mohamed said the measure showed the seriousness of the police in preventing unauthorised interstate travel.

"At 3pm on Thursday (May 21), thousands of vehicles were detected leaving Klang Valley and heading to various destinations throughout Selangor.

"However, most of the motorists have the required permission for interstate travel," he told reporters when met at the roadblock near the Tanjung Malim exit along the North-South Expressway on Thursday (May 21).

The number of vehicles told to turn back at roadblocks have gone down due to many realising that they would have to get past many roadblocks, with those lacking proper authorisation not being permitted through, he added.

"As of Wednesday, the ratio of vehicles told to turn back at roadblocks was one out of five vehicles.

"For example, a total of 50 vehicles were told to turn back at this roadblock (Tg Malim exit) between 9am and 3pm (Thursday)," DCP Arjunaidi said.

He also advised motorists to not waste time attempting to leave Selangor and travel to another state without permission.

"Every motorist leaving the state will be checked, and those with no authorisation (to travel) will be stopped and issued with a compound before being turned back," he added.

DCP Arjunaidi said police were conducting roadblocks in various locations along highways, including near Bandar Bukit Mahkota, the Bangi exit, Kalumpang, the Majestic interchange, the Gombak toll plaza and Lekas Highway.

"Even if the motorists manage to sneak passed roadblocks in Selangor, it does not mean they will have the same luck at roadblocks in other states.

"Don't waste your time if you do not have authorisation to travel interstate," he said.

Roadblocks and checks by the Selangor police's compliance monitoring team will be conducted throughout the coming festive season.


Lotus Evija nears production status

                HETHEL, UK: The new manufacturing facility where Lotus will build the Evija all-electric hypercar is being readied for final prototype production.

Series production and first customer deliveries of the all-electric two-seater will begin in the summer.

The Evija is the first all-electric British hypercar and the first Lotus developed under the stewardship of majority shareholder Geely.

At 2,000 PS, the Evija is the world’s most powerful series production road car.

The performance numbers are mind blowing: 0-62mph in under three seconds; 0-186mph in under nine seconds; a top speed of more than 200mph.

The Evija offers full battery charge capability in under 10 minutes; battery power output of 2,000 kW; full EV driving range of 250 miles.

The production facility is situated at the brand’s historic home of Hethel, in Norfolk, UK. It has been built trackside, next to Lotus’ storied 2.2-mile circuit which has hosted testing and shake-down sessions with many Formula 1 legends such as Ayrton Senna, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jim Clark and others.

The result is a versatile and inspiring workspace that will see Lotus hand-build up to 130 examples of the Evija.

The first year’s production allocation is already designated to customers around the world.

Phil Popham, CEO, Lotus Cars, commented: “This is now the newest car production facility in the world, and to witness it move from the drawing board to reality has been deeply satisfying. It’s testament to the commitment of all involved, and is the perfect sleek and high-tech production home for the Evija at our iconic Hethel headquarters.”

He proudly unveiled the completed hall to more than 1,400 Lotus employees during a series of staff briefings held in the new facility, telling them: “With our new factory ready, we are ahead of the pack in the emerging EV hypercar segment and 100% ready for some healthy competition.”

Work on the new Evija factory began in summer 2019. The interior has been fitted on three sides with gantries which frame the build stations. These have been designed and engineered to be sleek and unobtrusive, though robust enough to carry the necessary power, data and compressed air systems required to assemble the Evija.

An overhead gantry crane, multiple vehicle lifts and a wheel alignment ramp have also been installed. The interior is illuminated by more than 30,000 of the latest high-density, low-energy LEDs. A state-of-the-art light tunnel will house the rigorous final inspection, before each Evija is driven out directly on to the famous Hethel test track for dynamic validation.

Highly collaborative in nature, the project has involved the co-ordination of 20 specialist contractors with more than 50 experts on site over the last six months.


Tesla hits Model 3 production target, backs profit view

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc re-affirmed a positive cash flow and profit forecast for the year on Monday after achieving its goal of producing 5,000 Model 3 electric cars in the final week of June.

Tesla, which chief executive Elon Musk hailed on Sunday as having become a “real car company,” said it now expects to boost production to 6,000 Model 3s per week by late August, signalling confidence about resolving technical and assembly issues that have plagued the company for months.

Tesla said it produced 5,031 Model 3 cars in the last seven days of the second quarter.

“We believe reaching the 5K units per week mark is ahead of investors’ expectations (in the 4K to 4.5K range) for Model 3,” Evercore analysts wrote in a client note. “We had expected Tesla to finish the quarter at a weekly run-rate of 4.6K units.”

Money-losing Tesla has been burning through cash to produce the Model 3, and delays have also potentially compromised Tesla’s first-to-market position for a mid-priced, long-range battery electric car as a host of competitors prepare to launch rival vehicles.

Some analysts questioned if Tesla would be able to sustain the Model 3 production momentum, which is crucial for the long-term financial health of the company.

“There’s a big difference between making 5K Model 3 units for 1 week vs. sustaining 5K per week,” Morgan Stanley analysts said.

Production of the mass-market sedan has had several issues, including problems with an over-reliance on automation on its assembly lines, battery issues and other bottlenecks.

To meet its goal, Tesla had set up a new production line inside a tent on the campus of its Fremont factory. The company said the new general assembly line was responsible for about 20 percent of Model 3s produced last week.

Model 3 production tripled to 28,578 in the company’s second quarter from the previous quarter, Tesla said.

The company said 11,166 Model 3 vehicles were in transit to customers at the end of the second quarter, and would be delivered early next quarter.

Reservations at the end of the second quarter stood at roughly 420,000. Tesla has delivered 28,386 Model 3 cars to date. Model 3 reservations totalled 450,000 at the end of the first quarter.

“This is very positive news for Tesla because the Model 3 takes them from a niche core producer to a mainstream automobile manufacturer,” Tigress Financial Partners analyst Ivan Feinseth said.

The company said it expects orders to grow faster than production rate after it starts allowing potential customers to see and test drive Model 3s at local stores.

Despite originally touting the Model 3 as a US$35,000 vehicle, Tesla has yet to begin building that basic version and instead is currently building a higher-priced version as it tries to come out of “production hell.”

“The last 12 months were some of the most difficult in Tesla’s history,” the company said in a statement.


RON95 Euro4M petrol now at all BHPetrol stations

                The BHPetrol Infiniti RON95 unleaded petrol has been upgraded to the Euro4M standard.

This is in line with the government’s directive for all petroleum companies to supply RON95 petrol formulated to meet the Euro4M standard from January 1, 2020.

“Our tankers have been delivering the upgraded BHPetrol Infiniti RON95 Euro4M to stations nationwide since the final week of 2019. We are proud to confirm that all our BHPetrol stations nationwide now supply only Infiniti RON95 petrol with the Euro4M standard,” said Azizul Azily Ahmad, acting CEO of Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd.

With the higher Euro4M standard, the sulphur content has been significantly reduced to 50 parts per million (ppm) from 500 ppm that was allowed for the Euro2M standard.

The reduction of sulphur means that exhaust emission is cleaner, a benefit to the environment.

Less sulphur also decreases the engine’s acid levels, extending the life of the engine and there is also be less clogging in the fuel delivery system.

BHPetrol Infiniti RON95 Euro4M therefore keeps the engine operating efficiently, ultimately giving the best fuel economy and performance.

Like BHPetrol Infiniti RON97 Euro4M, the new Infiniti RON95 Euro4M also has a package of high-performance additives from a global specialist supplier of fuel additives.

These additives have various functions such as cleaning and preventing deposit formation as well as reducing internal friction.

The additive package is included at maximum strength (800 ppm) for the best performance.

“Our imported BHPetrol Infiniti fuels are now cleaner and of a higher grade. We include the exclusive additive package in the advanced formulation at no extra cost to customers to give them the best performance,” said Azizul.

At present, there are about 400 BHPetrol stations around the country and 290 include a BHPetromart convenience store.

Services available include Touch ‘n Go reloads, E-Pay, ATM and of course, the sale of food and drinks.

Certain stations also have car-wash services as well as charging stations for electric vehicles.


Hyundai Elantra N Line debuts, includes hybrid

SEOUL: Hyundai has launched the new Elantra N Line.

The new model is designed and engineered to deliver more enhanced driving fun to the standard Elantra that launched in April.

The N Line model, characterised by N specific design and performance-enhancing elements, offers an attractive entry point to the Hyundai’s high-performance N brand lineup and will expand Elantra’s appeal to a broader range of customers.

Elantra N Line delivers a spirited driving experience, powered by a 1.6-litre GDI turbocharged engine with six-speed manual or seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) that produces up to 201hp and 266Nm of torque.

Hyundai engineers carried out mechanical improvements to Elantra’s suspension to increase stiffness for a gripping performance, aided by 18-inch alloy wheels, multi-link independent rear suspension and larger front brake rotors.

Driver-oriented features, such as paddle shifters and Drive Mode Selector system, enable a racing-inspired experience behind the wheel.

Interior design elements, including a leather-wrapped perforated N steering wheel with metallic spokes, N sport seats with leather bolsters, gearshift with metal accents and leather inserts, and alloy pedals, complement Elantra’s sporty exterior styling.

Elantra N Line’s "low and wide" exterior styling and "Parametric Dynamics" design theme imparts a look of sophisticated sportiness.

Elantra’s cascade grille gets a more aggressive look with an N Line badge and intricate geometric pattern. Arrow-shaped air curtains on the lower fascia support aerodynamic performance and engine cooling while giving the model a high-performance image.

Elantra N Line’s sporty side skirts and 18-inch alloy wheels accentuate the fastback sedan’s low and wide aesthetic. From the side, the car’s dynamic styling is defined by arrow-like creases in its body panels that suggest forward motion. Glossy black molding on the wheel wells, side-view mirrors and side skirts provide a touch of modern sophistication to the overall appearance.

Elantra N Line’s fastback profile merges with a sculpted rear, designed to enhance aerodynamic performance and further express the low and wide aesthetic through horizontal lines. The integrated spoiler, chrome twin exhaust and N Line rear diffuser add to the car’s performance-inspired styling.

Hyundai also launched N performance parts for those who want to further customise N Line models to suit their preference. The N performance parts provide a more dynamic driving experience beyond the base model, allowing customers to get more of the N experience.

Note that N Performance Parts are available only in South Korea for now and that vehicle specifications and features mentioned here may vary depending on country/region.

An array of driver assist, safety and convenience features add to the N experience, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA). In addition, Elantra N Line owners get a Hyundai Digital Key, Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Following the launch of the new Elantra N Line, Hyundai plans to launch Sonata N Line with 2.5-litre turbocharged GDI engine in 2020 to further expand the N Line lineup.

The Elantra Hybrid is due to go on sale in South Korea during the third quarter of 2020; sales in global markets will follow soon after. It is the first new Elantra hybrid in 11 years since the launch of Elantra LPI Hybrid in 2009.

Elantra Hybrid is equipped with a 1.6-litre GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. The permanent-magnet electric motor will deliver 32 kW, powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.32 kWh of capacity positioned under the rear seats.

The 1.6-litre GDI engine combined with the electric motor in Elantra Hybrid delivers a total system output of 139hp and up to 265Nm of torque. 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 combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of more than 21km/km.

“The new Elantra lineup, with N Line and HEV variants, will satisfy a wider variety of customers. The N Line model will appeal to customers who favour a sporty look and spirited driving performance while the HEV model will appeal to those who prefer high fuel efficiency,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President, Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Group. “The expanded selection will help solidify Elantra’s position in the compact sedan segment.”