Amazon to help Toyota build cloud-based data services

The deal is an expansion of Amazon Web Services’ existing collaboration with Toyota, and marks the e-commerce giant’s expanding foray into the transportation business. — Reuters
TOKYO: Amazon.com Inc’s cloud computing unit will help Toyota build a platform to help manage and monetise data gathered from the automaker’s global vehicle fleet, the companies said on Monday.

Toyota said its Mobility Services Platform will enable it to process and analyse data that can be used to develop vehicle services from ride and car sharing to behavior-based insurance and maintenance notifications.

The deal is an expansion of Amazon Web Services’ existing collaboration with Toyota, and marks the e-commerce giant’s expanding foray into the transportation business.

In July, AWS announced it was expanding a partnership with Germany’s Volkswagen AG to help develop the automaker’s cloud-based software and data portal into an industry-wide marketplace where business customers can buy and sell industrial applications.

In the automotive sector, AWS previously has partnered with automotive suppliers such as Aptiv, Panasonic Corp and Nvidia Corp, big transportation providers such as Uber and Avis, and self-driving heavy truck startups Embark and China’s TuSimple.


Shell and BonusLink cater to your delights

                PETALING JAYA: Shell Malaysia and BonusLink launched a new campaign "Memori Indah Bersama, Bonus Berganda", to reward customers with either a free Cornetto Vanilla or Chocolate ice-cream, or a Milo UHT 200ml pack when they spend a minimum of RM40 and use BonusLink at Shell.

The six-week nationwide campaign runs from Aug 17 to Sept 27.

"We want to delight our customers by making these normal routines a treat, and we hope with these rewards we can inject some joy in their everyday journeys," said Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd managing director Shairan Huzani Husain.

“Our members are the backbone of the company, and we are fully committed to continuously enhance the BonusLink loyalty program in realizing every moment a bonus for our members," said BonusKad Loyalty Sdn Bhd CEO Melvin Ooi.


Stellantis to raise stake in China JV with GAC to 75%

                MILAN: Stellantis plans to increase its stake in its 50-50 joint venture in China with Guangzhou automobile Group (GAC) to 75% as part of its efforts to tackle one of the weak spots in its business.

The deal remains subject to approval by the Chinese government, Stellantis, the world's number four carmaker said today.

Additional details on Stellantis' plan for the Chinese market will be disclosed as part of a global strategic plan to be presented on March 1.

Boosting its business in China, the world's biggest auto market, is one of the areas analysts want addressed when chief executive Carlos Tavares unveils his detailed strategy.

Created through the merger of Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot-owner PSA at the start of last year, Stellantis' needs to do better in China where its market share remains almost negligible when compared to rivals.

Stellantis said last year it would create a simplified structure to develop the Jeep brand in China.

The carmaker said today it would keep working with GAC to grow the brand in the country.


CATL to supply BMW with cylindrical cells from 2025

                SHANGHAI: Chinese battery giant CATL said today it will start supplying cylindrical cells to BMW from 2025 to power its new series of electric vehicles.

The battery maker has signed an agreement with BMW in which it is nominated as the supplier of the cylindrical cells for the German carmaker, CATL said without elaborating.

BMW declined to comment.

CATL has been supplying BMW for a decade. The Chinese firm is looking at potential battery factory sites in the United States to supply carmakers including BMW, with a goal of production beginning in 2026, Reuters reported earlier.

BMW will launch an electric platform by 2025. The German carmaker said its upcoming products will upend the perception the German carmaker is behind on electrification and make its stock compete with the likes of Tesla Inc.

It marks a rare move by CATL, which has been supplying most of its auto clients including Tesla with square cells.

Tesla recently started making its 4680 lithium-ion batteries, a cylindrical cell with 46-mm diameter and 80-mm length that can hold about five times the energy of its current smaller 2170 cells.


Shell targets behavioural change in young bikers

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Malaysia has kicked off the 2018 edition of its road safety movement with four major programmes aimed at driving home the importance of road safety among young motorcyclists and youth.

Shell Malaysia Road Safety Movement or fondly known as #ShellSelamatSampai (#SSS) is a Shell Malaysia social investment programme that comprehensively drives road safety awareness and behavioural change among motorcyclists and youth, who contribute to the highest fatality rate in road crashes in Malaysia.

For the first time, Shell Advance, the leading motorcycle engine oil brand in Malaysia, will be actively involved by conducting motorcycle maintenance workshops to inculcate the habit of proactive maintenance and proper lubrication practice.

Properly maintained vehicles, including motorcycles, are crucial in reducing the number of road accidents.

This year, #SSS consists of four main components, namely #SSS School Outreach, #SSS MyLesen, #SSS School Challenge and #SSS Varsity Challenge.

The #SSS School Outreach programme will see Shell Malaysia attempt to drive home its ‘Goal Zero’ accident-free zone message through a fun, educational and interactive roadshow to 20 schools nationwide.

In the #SSS MyLesen programme, Shell will sponsor 40 Sabahan students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Badin in Tuaran and SMK Inanam in Kota Kinabalu to obtain a valid motorcycle-riding license.

The selected students would have the opportunity to undergo training on defensive riding, road safety awareness and how to handle emergencies, and a motorcycle maintenance workshop by Shell Advance.

The programme sees a joint effort collaborating Shell Malaysia with the Road Transport Department (JPJ), traffic police (PDRM) and the Ministry of Education.

Meanwhile, the #SSS Varsity Challenge aims to challenge students in six selected universities across the country, namely Curtin University, Monash University, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi Mara, to develop technical prototypes or devices for road safety intervention that could help prevent road-related accidents among road users with a Grand Prize of RM10,000 in cash awaiting the most impactful, creative and sustainable project.

This year the selected twenty schools nationwide would also take part in in the #SSS School Challenge, which is similar to the #SSS Varsity Challenge in terms of objective and reward.


McLaren reveals details of new carbon fibre chassis plant

                LONDON: McLaren's has announced the first details of its new Composites Technology Centre.

Based close to the campus of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield, and built with support from Sheffield City Council, the new centre will be responsible for the development and manufacturing of the Monocell and Monocage carbon fibre chassis in future McLaren cars.

This next generation Monocell will be built using advanced automated manufacturing techniques developed in conjunction with the AMRC. The new facility is due to start construction in early 2017 with the first pre-production carbon fibre chassis expected to be delivered to the McLaren Technology Centre in the second half of 2017 using trial manufacturing processes in the AMRC before going into full production by 2020.

 The McLaren Composites Technology Centre is located near the University of Sheffield.

For more than 30 years, McLaren has pioneered the use of carbon fibre in vehicle production. The McLaren MP4/1 was the first car on the Formula One grid to feature a carbon fibre chassis. Compared to the aluminium structures of the time, carbon fibre was lighter but stronger and therefore faster but safer.

By the following season, most competitors had adopted this new material in the construction of their cars, and it continues as the prevalent construction material today. And on the road, the now-iconic McLaren F1 from 1993 was the first road car ever to be built with a carbon fibre chassis. This car still holds the world record for the fastest naturally-aspirated road car.

Since 1981, McLaren has not built a car without a carbon fibre chassis.

The creation of the new McLaren Composites Technology Centre represents the company’s first purpose-built facility outside of the current McLaren campus. Formed through a partnership between McLaren Automotive, the University of Sheffield’s AMRC and Sheffield City Council, the new Composites Technology Centre will create more than 200 jobs through a combined investment of nearly £50 million. The target is that the new Centre will deliver cost savings of around £10million when compared to costs of today and £100 million of GVA (gross value added) benefit to the local economy by 2028.


Petrol station owners face action for selling RON95 petrol to foreign vehicles

Mohd Hairul affixing a ministry circular about the sales of RON95 and RON97 petrol as well as diesel at a petrol kiosk in Jalan Skudai, Johor Baru, today.
JOHOR BARU: Action can only be taken against petrol station owners for selling RON95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles and not the customers who made the purchase, says the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

Its Johor director, Mohd Hairul Anuar Bohro, said as such, petrol dealers should take proactive measures to curb such transactions.

“When they apply for a business licence, the law clearly states that action will be taken against them and not their customers or vehicle owners.

“Petrol dealers are urged to comply with regulations,” he said after conducting checks at a petrol station along Jalan Skudai here today.

The Star reported today that after the Malaysia-Singapore border reopened on April 1, many motorists with Singapore registration plates were seen filling their vehicles with cheaper RON95 petrol (yellow nozzle) as opposed to RON97 (green nozzle).

It is against the law as only Malaysians are allowed buy RON95 petrol, a subsidised fuel.

Photos of their act have been making the rounds on social media, causing a stir among the public.

 A sign at a petrol station barring motorists using foreign-registered cars and motorcycles from buying RON95 petrol.

There was even one photo of a Singaporean who had his car propped up on a jack, ostensibly to be able to add more fuel.

Meanwhile, Mohd Hairul Anuar said those who took photos of such acts were free to file a complaint with the ministry.

“We will not stop them from doing so, as long as they can produce the necessary details and proof such as photographs, location and time of occurrence.

“We want to combat this issue as RON95 petrol is meant for Malaysians and the state chapter of the ministry will ensure that local consumers’ rights are safeguarded,” he added.

Last Sunday, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said petrol station operators selling subsidised petrol to foreign-registered vehicles will face stern action, with the law providing for a maximum fine of RM2mil.

According to him, instructions have periodically been issued to all fuel companies and petrol station operators near the Singapore border about the ban on the sale of RON95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles including motorcycles.

The ministry has also ordered all its state offices bordering Singapore and Thailand to intensify monitoring and inspections as well as to take stern action against any party that violates the Control of Supplies Act 1961 (Act 122) and (Control of Supplies Regulations 1974), he said.

The Act stipulates a fine not exceeding RM1mil, or a jail sentence of not more than three years, or both, for individuals; and fines not more than RM2mil for entities or companies that violate the law.


Toyota Gazoo Racing Velocity Esports Championship in August/September

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) will be running the second season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Velocity Esports Championship.

It is open to Malaysians aged 18 and above.

The racers will have to go through a time-trial phase at Cove Esports in Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya, Selangor on 31 August/1 September and 14/15 September.

The top 40 racers with the fastest lap times will then be eligible to enter the Grand Final.

The grand finals of the Esports Championship will be held at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (Centre Court) on 21/22 September from 10am to 9pm.

From the top 40 qualifiers, one will be crowned as the champion for 2019.

This year, winners will share a bigger prize pool of RM70,000.

For the Esports Championship, Thrustmaster will supply its T-GT ultimate racing simulator for Gran Turismo Sport and also for future Gran Turismo games.

All participants will use the latest 2019 Toyota GR Supra, Toyota’s flagship sportscar developed not only for the real motorsports but also for the competition in Gran Turismo Esport.

This year, they will be racing around the Fuji Speedway in Japan, the famous 1.475-km long circuit with one of the longest straights in the world.

The top 10 finalists will be competing on a 10 lap race on a best-of-three tracks which are Kyoto Driving Park, Suzuka Circuit as well as Fuji Speedway.

“Esports is a rapidly rising industry in Malaysia, as well as regionally and globally. It provides thrills and excitement of racing experience for the younger generation and Toyota’s involvement in this activity complements the dynamic and sporty side of the brand through the Toyota GAZOO Racing banner,” said Mr. Ravindran K., president of UMW Toyota Motor.

“We are very delighted with the overwhelming response from the public towards our very first Toyota Gazoo Racing Velocity Esports Championship last year, which was one of the largest Esports event in the country. We are confident that it will be more challenging this year, as more talented drivers would want to compete in the competition,” he added.


Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro now available

                KUALA LUMPUR: If the second generation Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI isn't your cuppa, here's the 2.0-litre version. Audi Malaysia today announced the introduction of its Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro, which combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with its quattro permanent-all wheel drive system that's similarly available on its larger-engined stablemate.

Currently available for booking at all authorised Audi dealerships, the fully imported Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro is priced from RM524,900. It can also be specified with an optional S line package (RM15,000) which includes sportier accoutrements such as front and rear bumpers, diffusers, 20-inch cast aluminium wheels, S line sports steering wheel, sport seats and special inlays among others.

Externally, it's virtually identical to the Q7 3.0 TFSI with the exception of the downsized 19-inch five V-spoke design alloy wheels from the 20-inch cast aluminium wheels. The front is dominated by a bold Singleframe grille as well as LED headlights and signature LED daytime running lights.

Under the bonnet is a four-cylinder in-line petrol engine with direct fuel injection and exhaust gas turbocharging as well as an eight-speed tiptronic transmission that develops a maximum output of 252hp and a maximum torque of 370Nm between 1,600rpm and 4,500rpm. The SUV accelerates from 0-100kph in 7.1 seconds.

Despite its sporty capabilities, the Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro has a fuel consumption rating of 7.4l/100km, while CO2 emissions is at 172 g/km.

Standard equipment includes adaptive air suspension that works together with a continuously variable electronically controlled air spring damper system for improved ride and handling characteristics while helping the vehicle remain levelled at all times, regardless of load distribution.

In addition to the standard Auto, Dynamic, Efficiency, Comfort and Individual settings, the Audi drive select in the Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro also features an Allroad mode which prepares the vehicle for mixed terrain by lifting the ride height by 25mm and Lift/Offroad mode which prepares the SUV to go far off the beaten track by raising the ride height to the maximum of 60mm. On the other hand, there is a convenient loading mode that lowers the rear axle by 45mm for better accessibility to the boot.

Upon entry, the Audi Q7 is a luxurious lounge for up to seven people, with electrically adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support, a generously apportioned second row with ample leg room and a versatile electrically-operated third row of 50:50 split seats that can be folded down to increase the cargo space from an already spacious 770 litres to a cavernous 1,955 litres. Front seat passengers are greeted with finely crafted dashboard featuring a two-tone inlay featuring an upper inlay in silver grey with a diamond finish and a lower inlay in anthracite with an anodised finish.

With a four-spoke steering wheel with multifunction plus and shift paddles providing an executive yet sporty interface with the vehicle, the inside of the Audi Q7 is truly a dynamic place to be.The Audi MMI navigation plus with MMI touch infotainment system that forms the nerve centre of the vehicle can be accessed either via the 8.3” central screen with high-resolution graphics also rises automatically from the dashboard upon engine ignition or through the driver information system (DIS) that is built into the driver instrument cluster, providing easy control of the vehicle’s navigation, infotainment and telephone features.

In terms of infotainment, the Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro comes equipped with the Audi sound system featuring a 9-channel amplifier with 10 loudspeakers for a total output of 180 watts.

The new Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI quattro also comes packed with all the electronic and mechanical features that the 3-litre variant enjoys, including a start/stop system with energy recovery, tyre pressure loss indicator, hill descent control, Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) which includes Traction Control (ASR), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a total of eight airbags.

Specsheet-Audi-Q7-2.0.compressed.pdfAlternative link for Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI specifications

READ MORE:
Audi’s second generation Q7 full-sized SUV arrives
Hybrid vs non-hybrid: Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7


Aston Martin Works enables owners to future-proof their classic cars

                LONDON: Aston Martin Works is announcing the availability for the first time in decades of new major components, including gearboxes and engine blocks, for some of the brand’s most iconic sports cars.

Working with trusted suppliers, the team at the heritage home of the world-renowned British car maker has developed entirely new engine blocks, cylinder heads, gearboxes and other major components – all built to original manufacturer specifications – which are now being made available to owners of DB4, DB5, DB6 and certain V8 models from the 1960s and 1970s.

The move to invest in the creation of new tooling to manufacture key components for some of the most famous members of the brand’s historic back catalogue means that owners of these sports cars can once again return their vehicles to fully original specifications.

The drive to remanufacture items such as gearboxes came about as part of the Aston Martin continuation programme that led to the need for new parts while also generating a full understanding of which parts were immediately available and which had not been manufactured for years.

“Working with the exceptional engineers, key parts suppliers were tasked with developing these new components," said Aston Martin Works president Paul Spires.

“The heritage department at gearbox supplier ZF, for instance, was invaluable in helping to recreate original specification gearboxes – making these parts available for the first time since the early 1970s.”

For more details of the parts available, pricing, and information about fitting by the expert team at Aston Martin Works, owners may contact worksservice@astonmartin.com.


Volvo Trucks gives back to Malaysia’s underprivileged

                SHAH ALAM: Volvo Trucks, one of the world’s largest heavy-duty truck brands, recently launched its corporate social responsibility initiative comprising the contribution of a heavy-duty Volvo FM330 4x2 rigid truck complete with customised body frabrication to the Kechara Soup Kitchen Society (KSK) , a registered non‐profit organisation that provides food sustenance and basic medical care for the homeless and poor communities in Malaysia.

The initiative is part of Volvo Group’s global corporate social responsibility programme called the Seasonal Gift which is carried out annually around the globe, with the key objective to creating better welfare and prosperity for local communities by supporting meaningful social causes.

The truck, once handed over to KSK, will serve as a multi-purpose vehicle for food collection and distribution, mobile clinic and mobile space for educational activities for poor communities in the rural areas.

Mitch Peden, Managing Director of Volvo Malaysia shares, “We at Volvo Trucks are very excited to have identified KSK as the beneficiary of our Seasonal Gift corporate social responsibility fund. The decision to donate a truck to KSK was a logical one, given that all their charity work is fully in line with Volvo Trucks’ core values of quality, safety and environmental care.

“KSK’s charity efforts emphasise on reducing hunger and social issues, which help raise the quality of life for the homeless and poor families from all backgrounds. We also understand that KSK has been actively running a food bank programme and had been facing several logistical challenges. Thus, we believe our truck can truly help KSK to operate more effectively for the benefit of the communities."


Police foil tyre smuggling attempt in JB, two held

                JOHOR BARU: An attempt to smuggle 727 tyres worth more than RM600,000 through the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) have been busted by the cops here.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said that the Marine Police Region 2 arrested a 56-year-old local man and seized the tyres at the Kempas Toll at about 5.35pm on Thursday (Oct 28).

"The police were monitoring the entry and exit point of the CIQ at about 1pm. They later followed a lorry that was moving suspiciously.

"The tyres were later found in the vehicle and were believed to have been smuggled in from Singapore. We believe that the syndicate operates by declaring not to carry any goods when passing through the CIQ.

"We are collaborating with the Customs Department to investigate how such an incident could have happen," he said in a press conference at the Marine Police Region 2 headquarters here today.

He added that following the first arrest, another suspect was nabbed the following day by the Johor Baru North D9 Special Investigation branch at Taman Sri Skudai.

"We believe that the second suspect, who is 28-years-old, is the person in charge of managing the delivery of untaxed tyres from Singapore to Malaysia," he said.

He said that the lorry driver was remanded for seven days starting from Oct 29 until Nov 4 while the second suspect was remanded for two days from Oct 30 until Oct 31 and the case in being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967

Asked if there was a possibility of insiders from the CIQ being involved in the syndicate, Comm Ayob said the matter was under investigation.

"There is a lane dedicated for lorries that are not carrying any loads. An access card is required for them to pass through the lane.

"So, we need to know where are the flaws that are causing this to happen.

"This time, we are able to stop the smuggle of tyres but there are other contraband, such as cigarettes, alcohol and drugs that might also be smuggled in a similar manner. We are more worried about that," he said.


Toyota offers to buy back bZ4X EVs over risk of wheels coming off

                TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp. is offering to buy back fully electric SUVs that owners have been ordered to stop driving because their wheels could fall off.

The Japanese automaker said it’s working "diligently” on a remedy for vehicles included in a June recall of its bZ4X. That notice, which also affected Subaru’s Solterra, said hub bolts on the vehicles’ wheels could loosen and cause the wheels to detach.

Toyota has offered owners free loaners and $5,000 credit toward payment of existing loans or lease or the purchase price of cars that are paid off. Drivers who receive traditional gas-powered cars will receive reimbursements of their fuel cost.

In recognition of the inconvenience caused by the stop-driving order, Toyota is also offering to repurchase the electric SUV, an extreme step following a recall.

The buyback was reported earlier by Electrek.


MINI John Cooper Works Clubman, Countryman get performance-boosting upgrades

The new John Cooper Works Countryman.
LONDON: MINI has unveiled the latest versions of the Clubman and Countryman featuring more horsepower and more torque than before.

MINI announced this week that the company is ramping up the Clubman and Countryman's performance with a new engine, updated transmission, and tailored chassis; these two models, according to the company, are their most powerful models "approved for public road use" since MINI was founded nearly 50 years ago.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engines that powered the previously most potent Clubman and Countryman have been redesigned to produce 306hp and about 447Nm of torque instead of 228 hp and 351Nm of torque.

 The JCW Clubman.

This upgrade, paired with a new 8-speed sports transmission with integrated mechanical differential lock for the front wheel, allows each model to make the sprint from 0 to 100kph in 4.9 seconds and 5.2 seconds, respectively.

A new track-inspired cooling system, bigger sport brake system, and model-specific chassis have been integrated into the models to optimise performance and secure the new Clubman and Countryman in the compact premium segment.

Though the availability and pricing has not yet been announced for either model, the starting prices will probably clock in close to that of the highest grades of the Clubman and Countryman currently available: US$35,900 and US$37,900.


Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign arriving late 2020

                YOKOHAMA (Japan): The first customer model of the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign will go on display at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March 2020, before deliveries begin in late 2020 for the limited-edition car.

Italdesign claims that customer demand for the production version of the car - limited to 50 examples globally, has been strong with a significant number of deposits having already been received.

With the price starting from 990,000 euros (RM4.6mil), international customers are currently in the process of bespoke-ing their vehicles with only a limited number of reservations still available.

Italdesign developed, engineered and constructed the car with a distinctively crisp exterior and interior that hails from Nissan's design centres in London, England as well as San Diego in the US.

Along with a large adjustable rear wing mounted with two uprights to complete the overall look, other key design features include a pronounced power bulge on the hood, stretched LED headlights, lowered roofline and a prominent "samurai blade" cooling outlets behind the front wheels.

In Japan, customers can now purchase a GT-R50 by Italdesign through SCI Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of VT Holdings, which has been appointed official importer and distributor for these exclusive cars in the country.

Subject to certification and homologation in all relevant markets, customers can expect to get behind the wheel of their personalized Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign sometime between late 2020 and the end of 2021.

Powering each GT-R50 by Italdesign is a NISMO-tuned 720PS hand-built 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6.

Nissan collaborated with Turin, Italy-based Italdesign to create the model that's based on the latest Nissan GT-R NISMO in commemoration of the 50th anniversaries of the GT-R in 2019 and Italdesign in 2018.

The prototype vehicle, which debuted in June 2018, will be on display at this year’s NISMO Festival, held at Fuji Speedway on Dec 8.

The model will subsequently be shown at Nissan Crossing in Tokyo’s Ginza district in December, and at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2020.

“Our customers have relished the personalized experience provided by Italdesign, who have a long tradition in the exclusive field of ultra-rare, bespoke high-performance vehicles. Their experience with the GT-R50 has been incredible and I can say first-hand that each car will certainly be a standalone masterpiece,” said Nissan global sports car program director Bob Laishley.


V12 engine on the way out, says Mercedes-AMG

The V12 mill in the Mercedes-AMG S 65.
STUTTGART: Although they only power a relatively small number of Mercedes-AMG models these days, V12 engines are something the performance arm of the German automotive giant is somewhat synonymous with.

However, that's not going to be the case for too much longer as the company's boss Tobias Moers has told the Autoblog website he doesn't feel they're necessary for AMG's products, especially vehicles totally unique to the brand such as the AMG GT.

Some people will inevitably bemoan the demise of the V12, but it's actually hard to argue against consigning it to history as something like the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 in the AMG GT 63 S produces more horsepower than the 6.0-litre V-12 twin-turbo in the S65 AMG.

Ok, the V-12 does produce a lot more torque, but that's counteracted to some degree by the adverse effect the weight of the extra four cylinders has on handling. And as the V-8 is used extensively throughout the rest of the Mercedes vehicle range it's more affordable to modify and develop for different applications.

Moers also gave an interesting insight into the company's decision to produce the AMG four-door. It seems a large part of the reasoning behind producing the more practical GT was because the brand was losing customers to rivals. Moers said existing E and C-Class AMG owners were increasingly in the market for more exclusive and higher performance models that were also still relatively practical. Until AMG launched the GT it didn't have a car to satisfy these customers, but now it does of course.

Another interesting fact is the reason why the AMG GT four-door can be had with even more power than the incredible GT R coupe, which most would probably expect to have been the more powerful of the two cars. It turns out it's mainly because the four-door GT is heavier and has all-wheel drive, so AMG saw the weight as a good argument for the additional power, and then there was the fact the all-wheel drive system meant the car would be more than capable of handling it.

 The AMG GT four-door. The Mercedes-AMG S65 Coupe.


Get RM5,000 rebates with Honda City and BR-V

                PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia is offering a special rebate worth RM5,000 for the purchase of the BR-V and the S, E and V variants of the all-new City under its "1 Million Dreams" campaign.

To qualify, the cars must be registered before March 31.

This special rebate is an additional reward on top of the current promotion, Honda 1 Million Dreams March Special by the company.

The special rebate includes cash rebate, service voucher and spare parts voucher worth up to RM5,000.

Since its launch late last year, the fifth generation City continues to excite the market with pioneering technologies, new powertrain and sporty design, making it a game changer in the B-segment.

Complementing the sleek appearance and striking design, the V variant features LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), LED Fog Lights, LED Taillights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is also restyled to provide high-level comfort with roomier rear legroom with rear air conditioning as a standard feature across all variants.

Leading in its segment, the City is equipped with the most powerful engine in the segment – a new 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC engine that is the most powerful in its class, delivering 121PS and 145Nm of torque as well as providing an ideal balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) promises smooth driving experience.

Meanwhile, the updated BR-V, also launched last year, is consistently in demand by customers.

As a range-topper, the BR-V boasts a 1.5L SOHC i-VTEC engine delivering 120PS, and also gets a CVT.

Its eye-catching exterior includes new front grille, new front bumper with lower garnish, new front fog light garnish, new shark fin antenna, new rear bumper with lower garnish and new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheel design.

The interior design of the seven-seater crossover is even more attractive with new leather seats featuring red finishing in the V variant. The V variant also comes with paddle shifters.

Honda Malaysia is also giving away seven Special Edition models through the “1 Million Dreams" campaign as appreciation to the customers for their unwavering support towards Honda Malaysia.

The contest to win the seven cars is on-going until March 24.

For contest details, log onto the campaign’s website honda.com.my/1milliondreams/entry or visit any of the 102 Honda authorised dealerships nationwide or call Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020, or log on to www.honda.com.my.

On top of that, Honda Malaysia is also holding the 1 Million Dreams Grand Finale in Bukit Jalil National Stadium car park C on March 27 and 28 from 10am until 10pm.


Hyundai asks Google for assistance

                LAS VEGAS: At the 2017 CES Korea's biggest car company will be offering the first demonstrations of how it plans to integrate its cars and their controls with Google's smart home platform.

Hyundai has been quick to adopt advances in the consumer electronics industry for the benefit of its customers. For example, it was one of the first car makers to offer support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

And now it is also one of the first mainstream automakers to make the connection with Google Assistant on the Google Home platform.

"Our customers are finding smart home integrations like the one we are showcasing with Google Home to be very useful and convenient," said Manish Mehrotra, Hyundai Motor America's director of digital business planning and connected operations.

Managed via the company's existing BlueLink app, users will be able to send verbal commands to their car from the comfort of their homes, as long as they're within range of the Google Home speaker. To begin with the instructions will be simple such as pre-setting the cabin temperature based on the weather forecast or checking on charging levels if the car is a plug-in hybrid.

However, this integration also removes a layer of digital bureaucracy. You'll be able to ask Google assistant to recommend a good local restaurant, for example, and then to send the related navigation instructions direct to the car's display.

"We will continue to add layers of convenience to the Blue Link connected car system and our cars, making features like remote EV charge management, remote locking, temperature and remote start easier than ever while sitting on the couch and saying ‘Ok Google'."

At last year's CES, luxury carmaker BMW demonstrated a very similar system for its BMW Connected customers. However, rather than Google, it was integrated with Amazon's Alexa personal assistant. And since September the integration for BMW owners in the US and Europe has become a reality.

Hyundai is also planning to bring its integration with Google to its existing customers as soon as possible.

As well as looking at what's possible now, technologically, from autonomous driving to connected healthcare, Hyundai will also be demonstrating what it will be offering consumers in the future.


Grab testing RM50 monthly subscription plan

                PETALING JAYA: Grab has announced the pilot test of GrabClub, a monthly subscription service that aims to provide users with more savings on services like rides and food delivery.

Users who buy the Grab-It-All-Pass for RM50 a month will receive RM110 worth of vouchers, in the form of RM60 worth of ride rewards (capped at RM4 per ride for 15 rides) and free delivery for 10 GrabFood orders (with a minimum RM20 order value). At the moment, ride and delivery offers under the Grab-It-All-Pass are limited to the Klang Valley.

The pass is available to the first 35,000 sign-ups and it can only be paid for using GrabPay credits, an e-wallet feature in the Grab app. To get the pass, open your Grab app, click on the green profile photo on the left and look for GrabClub.

GrabClub rewards are currently available within Klang Valley.

After you have subscribed to the plan, your savings vouchers will appear under the My Rewards tab in GrabRewards. Vouchers that are not utilised within the monthly cycle will be forfeited.

Take note that subscribers will be automatically charged for the next cycle, with deductions to be made from the user's GrabPay credits. In the event of insufficient credits in the user's GrabPay wallet at the renewal period, they will receive an alert prompting them to top up the balance.

Grab advises users who wish to cancel the plan to do so before the start of the next cycle as the cancellation will only take effect from the next subscription cycle date. Grab says it reserves the right to make changes to the subscription plan but promises to notify users in advance so that users will have a chance to cancel if they so wish before the changes take effect in the next cycle.

Users can cancel at any time on the Grab app – go to the Subscriptions section, enter the My Membership page, select the subscription to be cancelled, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Cancel button.


Chainless electric cargo bikes deployed in Germany for city delivery

                BERLIN: In a development set to help make urban deliveries more sustainable and reduce wear and tear, chainless cargo bikes are being launched in Germany with an innovative new drive that needs no chain, gear rings or any other mechanical components.

The system uses a pedal generator which produces constant pedal resistance and provides electricity via cable for the motor in the rear-wheel hub.

The so-called Free Drive set-up means that pushing the pedals requires much less muscle power than conventional e-bike drives – a major benefit for cargo bike riders on long delivery routes.

Surplus electrical energy is stored in the bike's battery for later use. In this way, the Free Drive can deliver a total drive output of 250 watts.

Schaeffler and German engineering company Heinzmann first unveiled its chainless drive system to the public in August 2021.

Since then it has been extensively trialled and the first customer is Munich-based CIP Mobility, which markets a range of electric cargo bikes for commercial customers under its mocci brand. Other clients are in the pipeline.

The mocci bikes uses many recyclable components and can typically be used for delivering food, mail and medicines in urban areas.

"With Free Drive, replacing worn-out drive chains are a thing of the past," said Jochen Schroeder who heads Schaeffler’s E-Mobility business division.

"We need to rethink mobility for tomorrow's cities," said Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive Technologies at Schaeffler. "Electric cargo bikes fill an important gap here, particularly in last-mile goods delivery."

Schaeffler said the global electric cargo bike market was valued at 630 million dollars in 2021, nine percent up on the prior year, and is projected to grow to 2.14 billion dollars by 2032.


Environmental groups pan Biden planned vehicle emissions rules rewrite

                WASHINGTON: Environmental groups on Tuesday criticised an expected Biden administration proposal to revise US vehicle emissions that is set to be released as early as next week that they argue is not aggressive enough in cutting auto pollution.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are reviewing then President Donald Trump's March 2020 rollback of fuel economy standards to require 1.5% annual increases in efficiency through 2026, well below the 5% yearly boosts set in 2012 by then President Barack Obama's administration.

The proposed rules are expected to be similar in overall vehicle emissions reductions to California's 2019 deal with Ford Motor, Volkswagen, Honda Motor and others that aims to improve fuel economy 3.7% annually between 2022-2026, sources briefed on the matter said.

NHTSA and EPA declined to comment on the details of the planned proposal, which is expected to begin with revisions to the 2023 model year.

The Associated Press reported earlier the 2026 model year requirements could be higher than the Obama 5% annual hike.

Consumer Reports said its analysis has shown the California framework would only deliver about half of the consumer and climate benefits of the original Obama standards and many groups have called for tougher rules. Consumer Reports said it is "urging the Biden administration to put much stronger standards in place."

Dan Becker, Director, Safe Climate Transportation Campaign, said the anticipated Biden emissions proposal is not expected to go far enough.
"Biden is letting the car companies coast," Becker said. "Longer term, the president must issue rules that phase out sales of new gas-powered cars and SUVs and other light trucks by 2030."

General Motors Co last month said it backed the vehicle emissions reductions outlined in the California deal but asked the Biden administration to give automakers more flexibility to hit the carbon reduction target between now and 2026.

Biden has steadfastly refused to back any specific date to phase out the sale of gasoline powered passenger cars and trucks.

California said last year it plans to end the sale of new gasoline powered vehicles by 2035.

"We need to eliminate the tailpipe pollution from new passenger vehicles by 2035 if we hope to curb climate change based on science and help ensure livable communities," said the Environmental Defence Fund.


Tesla pushes back Model 3 production target again despite progress

A Model 3 on display in Los Angeles in November last year. — Bloomberg
SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla Inc delayed a production target for its new Model 3 sedan for the second time on Wednesday, disappointing investors even as it claimed “major progress” overcoming manufacturing challenges that have hampered the vehicle’s rollout.

The electric vehicle maker headed by Elon Musk said it would likely build about 2,500 Model 3s per week by the end of the first quarter, half the number it had earlier promised. Instead, Tesla said it now plans to reach its goal of 5,000 vehicles per week by the end of the second quarter.

The delay sent shares of the Palo Alto, California-based company down 2 percent in after-market trading.

The Model 3 is critical to Tesla’s long-term success, as it is the most affordable of its cars to date and is the only one capable of transforming the niche automaker to a mass producer amid a sea of rivals entering the nascent electric vehicle market.

Building the car efficiently and delivering it without delays to customers is also critical, as the money-losing company faces high cash burn. Delays increase the risk that reservation-holders will cancel orders.

”The further delay to (production volume) will leave analysts and investors focused on the implications for cash as we head through the first half of the year,” said Evercore analyst George Galliers.

The company burned through US$1.1 billion in capital expenditures in its third quarter and said in November that fourth-quarter capex would also be about US$1.1 billion.

In delivering 1,550 of its new Model 3 electric vehicles in the fourth quarter, Tesla fell short of Wall Street expectations. Analysts had expected 4,100 Model 3 sedans to be delivered in the fourth quarter, according to financial data and analytics firm FactSet.

The estimates for Model 3 deliveries by different brokerages varied widely. While Evercore analysts estimated 5,800 deliveries, Cowen analysts expected just 2,250.

Tesla said 860 Model 3 vehicles were in transit to customers at the end of the fourth quarter.

The company said it delivered a total of 29,870 vehicles in the fourth quarter, including 15,200 Model S vehicles and 13,120 Model X cars. Analysts had expected total deliveries of about 30,000.

Tesla had initially predicted to reach the milestone of 5,000 vehicles per week in December, but in November deferred the target to the end of the first quarter.

Tesla said on Wednesday its production rate had increased significantly despite the delays.

“In the last seven working days of the quarter, we made 793 Model 3s, and in the last few days, we hit a production rate on each of our manufacturing lines that extrapolates to over 1,000 Model 3s per week,” the company said in a statement.

That pace of production is still below that of many carmakers. A conventional car factory operating at full speed on two shifts can churn out nearly 1,000 vehicles a day.

The Model 3 - which starts at US$35,000, or about half the price of its flagship Model S - was met with great enthusiasm when its prototype was first unveiled in early 2016. Tesla said in August it had about 500,000 reservations for the car and demand was not a constraint.

Production, however, hit snags during a period of “manufacturing hell” Musk first warned of in July. Among the issues Tesla faced was its battery module assembly line at its Nevada Gigafactory, which required a redesign. In its third quarter, Tesla built just 260 Model 3s.

Although bullish investors have generally waved off early Model 3 problems, instead focusing on the future prospects of Tesla, critics warn that Model 3 issues could sour demand for Tesla’s mass-market vehicle, delay sorely needed revenue and compromise the company’s ability to raise cash in the future.


2017 Geneva Motor Show: Singapore hypercar Vanda Dendrobium finally revealed

                GENEVA: The covers have come off Singapore's first-ever hypercar, the Dendrobium, which has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The brainchild of Singapore electric mobility experts Vanda Electrics, Dendrobium is a two seater all-electric sports car concept, which features a striking design and a target top speed in excess of 200mph.

Specialising in battery technology, research, innovation and design, Vanda Electrics is one of Singapore's leading e-mobility companies. Its revolutionary strategy is to develop a range of global electric products that capitalize on the trend towards zero emission mobility and focus on three key segments: luxury, consumer and industrial.

With the launch of a fast-charging zero emission electric light commercial vehicle (http://vandaelectrics.com/pro-anttruck/) and electric mini scooter (http://motochimp.com) taking place later this year, the company has chosen the 2017 Geneva Motor Show to unveil its most exciting model yet, a high performance halo product that will sit in the luxury sector.

A project that has been many years in the making, Dendrobium is finally being realised as a result of rapid advancements in electrification technology, which allows headturning styling to be combined with high performance, compact e-powertrains.

Vanda Electrics has also engaged a small number of key partners to develop the Dendrobium concept car.

Technical partner is Williams Advanced Engineering, the technology and engineering services division of the Williams Group. The division specialises in a number of core areas that are highly relevant to Dendrobium, including aerodynamics, lightweight structures, vehicle integration and, of course, electrification. Williams Advanced Engineering has taken the project from the design stage to dynamic concept car.

Designed by Vanda's in-house team, Dendrobium's shape incorporates an automatic roof and doors, which open in a synchronised manner, resembling a fully-opened dendrobium flower, a genus of orchids native to Singapore.

This unique feature is not just for show either - it also improves access to the cockpit, making ingress and egress easier than other hypercars. The tear drop shape that forms around the cockpit and ends in the tail - where the plug-in port is located, just behind a panel above the charging light, which shows the status of the car's battery - is a design feature that has remained a key part of Dendrobium from the initial sketches.

Other highlights of Dendrobium's exterior are the aerodynamic floor, rear double diffuser and front splitter. At the back, the rear light bar floats over the tail of the car, and throughout the design there is pure, motorsport-inspired functionality, such as the exposed double wishbone front and rear suspension. That motorsport theme is continued in the materials used. In order to meet its target weight of 1,750kg, Dendrobium features a composite monocoque chassis, carbon-fibre body panels, carbon ceramic brake discs and lightweight alloy calipers inside 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin high performance tyres.

Carbon fibre is also used extensively in the interior, fitting with Dendrobium's minimalist but functional design brief. The driver sits in a bright red body-hugging sports seat - which contrasts with the predominately black interior. Both driver and passenger seats feature stitching and motifs inspired by muscle fibres.

The interior of the Dendrobium concept has been trimmed using leather from Scotland's Bridge of Weir Leather Company.

In front of the driver is a digital dashboard flanked by two rear-view displays, which take feeds from wing-mounted cameras. All of the dashboard buttons are hexagon-shaped: a recurring design theme throughout Dendrobium, replicated in the air vents, front grille and headlight bezels.

Although strictly a concept car at this stage, performance targets for Dendrobium are a top speed in excess of 320kph and 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds. The project will feature the latest lithium-ion battery and electric powertrain technology calling on Vanda Electrics' own expertise and, of course, that of technical partner Williams Advanced Engineering.

Should Dendrobium go into production, a layout featuring two inboard-mounted electric motors per axle, with a single-speed gearbox and differential at the front and a multi-speed gearbox and differential at the rear, is envisaged. If Vanda Electrics receives enough positive interest at the Geneva Motor Show, the first model is expected to hit the road by 2020.

"Dendrobium is the culmination of a dream. Our design team has had sketches of an electric hypercar on the drawing board since the mid-90s, but that vision was many years ahead of its time," said Vanda Electrics CEO Larissa Tan.

"As electric technology has advanced, we have been able to revisit this vision and now, as we launch our revolutionary global e-mobility strategy, the timing is finally right for us to take the wraps off a halo model."


Superbiker who zoomed along Penang bridge at over 250kph arrested

                GEORGE TOWN: Police have arrested a motorcyclist who allegedly zoomed along the Penang Bridge at speeds exceeding 250kph.

The 28-year-old nurse from a private hospital was arrested at his home at the Rifle Range flats in Ayer Itam at 5.52pm Tuesday.

In a statement by the north-east Penang police district headquarters, police tracked down the suspect and his  Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R after he blatantly posted a video of his act on Facebook, which subsequently went viral.

"During the incident at 1.30pm on Friday (April 17), the suspect took only two minutes and 10 seconds to cross the bridge on his motorcycle.

"In the video recorded using a dashcam, it showed the motorcycle reached speeds exceeding 300kph.

"The video also showed the motorcycle being ridden recklessly and endangering other motorists as it overtook them on the bridge," said the statement.

The suspect, who is out on bail, will be charged in court on May 7 under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous riding.


Mercedes-Benz in preliminary offshore wind deal for electricity from 2027

                BERLIN: Mercedes-Benz has struck a preliminary agreement with an offshore wind provider to supply electricity equivalent to 25% of its demand in Germany from 2027 onwards, a spokesman for the carmaker said on Monday.

The energy provider, which the spokesperson declined to name, will reserve the energy for Mercedes-Benz from an offshore wind park under construction in the Baltic Sea.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine and spiking gas prices have stepped up the urgency for German industry, which consumes another 30% of the country's energy, to move away from fossil fuels, with tools like carbon offsets and renewable energy certificates no longer enough to meet the new goal of energy independence.

The carmaker, which previously said it aims to cover 70% of its energy demand with renewables by 2030, said in April it was sourcing all its electricity for Germany from green sources from 2022 onwards under purchase power agreements with Statkraft and Enovos.

It is also planning to build a wind farm in the northwestern German state of Lower Saxony by 2025 that is able to produce a hundred megawatts of electricity, equivalent to over 15% of the carmaker's annual demand in Germany.


Retro cars versus classics - can you have the best of both worlds?

                FRANKFURT: Cars can be compared to vinyl records and analogue cameras: the more tangible the future becomes, the more tightly some people cling to the past.

Just as vinyl is once again very popular with music lovers and some amateur photographers are junking memory cards in favour of film, young and classic cars are also enjoying growing popularity. Thanks retro-styled cars, you don't need a genuine classic vehicle in order to conjure up nostalgic feelings.

Old cars will always retain their charm, said Hans-Georg Marmit from the KUeS car expert association. And if they are actually registered as classics, owners can sometimes save on vehicle tax and insurance and also avoid paying to enter city congestion zones. There are however some disadvantages when it comes to everyday use.

"Not only is the level of comfort and convenience much lower than in modern cars, but there are also big sacrifices in terms of safety," said Marmit.

Airbags are a rarity in classic cars, and electronic assistance systems are completely absent. Not to mention the increased maintenance and more frequent repairs required by older cars. "Only a few classics are genuine daily drivers," said Marmit.

A compromise are so-called retro models by manufacturers who seek to capture the spirit of the good old days with the design and philosophy of a new model.

"There are a lot of examples of this," said Frank Wilke of classic car price assessment portal Classic Analytics, "but only a few have managed to pull it off."

In many cases, retro-styled cars have little more in common with their cherished predecessors than the model name but are usually much cheaper to buy. Even some bread-and-butter cars from yesteryear have become classics and command high prices.

The space-saving, Microlino electric city runabout is one of the more successful retro creations. The four-wheeled Microlino is a new version of the microcars which were once common in Europe until the 1960s.

The two-seater bears more than a passing resemblance to the Italian-designed Iso Isetta “bubble car” once manufactured by BMW long before it became a major automotive player. The two-tone blue and white Karo Artega is equally vintage-inspired.

"Of course there are technical parallels and the combustion engine has been replaced by an electric motor but engine, but just like back then it is all about minimalist mobility and offering a lot of room in a small space," said Wilke. "These cars are also designed to be a lot of fun to own."

The comparisons stop when it comes to the price. The originals were budget cars for those could afford no better, but are now sought-after. Ironically, a good cherished Isetta can fetch €20,000 (RM98,000) whereas prices for the Artega start at €14,000 (RM69,000) an the Microlino costs a few thousand euros less. Both are due to go on sale this year.

Wilke is less enthusiastic about the current MINI generation even though rally legend Rauno Aaltonen, who once won the Monte Carlo event in the original, has praised the newer car’s agility and go-kart-like cornering. The current MINI is a world apart from the famous Alec Issigonis-designed original.

"If you want that genuine Mini feeling you have to buy a real Mini," said the expert.

Wilke also remains unconvinced by the Honda E, the amazingly cute, tech-crammed first electric car from the Japanese maker. Some liken it to the very first VW Golf but Wilke thinks the body design is nothing like as genial and it does not come cheaply either.

Ford has managed to retain the character of the Mustang which is still a muscle car in an age when such masculine concepts might be considered out of date. "Of course the Mustang has come a long way and it benefits from improved technology, enhanced build-quality and better handling," said Wilke.

At the same time, it offers the same down-to-earth combination of power and affordability. A new one costs €49,300 (RM241,000) compared to around €44,000 (RM215,000) for a clean, classic Mustang GT from 1965.

The BMW Z4 and Morgan Plus 6 roadsters show just how far apart two cars based in the same drivetrain can be.

The Morgan is hand-built and whereas BMW is proud of having transported the roadster die into the 21st century, Morgan head Steve Morris is well aware of his conservative clients.

The Morgan is an as old-fashioned as the rules will allow.

"A lot of people think a fourth wheel on our cars is a new-fangled feature," said Morris in a tongue-in-cheek reference to Morgan’s iconic three-wheeler which was introduced in 1909. Production stopped in 1936.

Those who cannot make up their minds whether to opt for old or new can choose from a wide range of ”born-again” cars, often completely refurbished classic such as Jaguar E-Types and Aston Martins sports cars. These have been updated with modern equipment such as xenon headlamps, driver assistance systems and even airbags.

A company near the German city of Ingolstadt specialises in sprucing up the VW Beetle, Mechatronik from Pleidelsheim breathes new life into old Mercedes-Benz models and David Brown focuses on remastering the classic Mini.

A Mini remastered by David Brown is handcrafted and costs a small fortune to buy. The combination of authenticity and high-tech costs from £75,000 (RM425,000).


Toyota expands Camry range updates kit

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor has announced the addition of two new variants for its Camry line-up with the introduction of the Camry 2.5 Hybrid Premium and the Camry 2.0G X.

The 2.0G X and 2.5 Hybrid Premium get priced on-the-road with GST and insurance at RM159,900 and RM64,900 respectively, while being positioned below the current range-topping Camry 2.5 Hybrid Luxury at RM174,900 and above the Camry 2.0E at RM152,900,

Firstly, safety has been improved across all models by having seven airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill-start assist and emergency stop signal as standard.

READ MORE: Sharper and sportier Toyota Camry to make world debut next month

While all variants now sport a lower leather boot for the gear shifter, the 2.5 Hybrid Luxury reserves a few goodies for itself, such as the blind spot monitoring system, rear cross traffic alert, the 12 JBL Green Edge speakers and a 5.1-channel surround sound system.

As for the new 2.0G X variant, it reserves a dark brown upholstery with Mughal Teak wood interior trim for itself and borrows the wireless Qi-charger from the range-topper.

Manual sunshades for the rear windows, a powered rear sun-screen, an 8-way power-adjustable seat with a front passenger shoulder switch find their way into the top three variants, which means the 2.0 E misses out on these goodies.

The new Camry 2.5 Hybrid Premium and Camry 2.0 E both share the same 16-inch wheels, while the Camry 2.5 Hybrid Luxury and new Camry 2.0G X get to bond over their 17-inch wheels.

Both Hybrid variants now come with front LED fog lamps, JPJ-compliant Toyota Premium Security and Solar Film as well as a digital video recorder as standard (optional for Camry 2.0 E and 2.0G X).


Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor introduces aftersales loyalty programmes

                KUALA LUMPUR: Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has launched two new aftersales loyalty programmes – the i-Care Plus and a Loyalty Card that offer discounts and freebies exclusively for Hyundai customers.

The Hyundai i-Care Plus programme is only eligible for vehicles that are four years old or older, and customers can sign up for this programme at any of Hyundai’s authorised service centres nationwide.

For RM20, customers will get six discount vouchers which offer a 10% discount on selected parts, and a 5% discount on labour charges, in addition to two free bottles of engine oil and an oil filter.

Available for a limited time from April, the i-Care Plus programme is valid for 35 months from the date of purchase.

The Loyalty Card, meanwhile, is an exclusive privilege that comes automatically with the ownership of any Hyundai model.

Membership privileges include exclusive monthly promotions, such as a 20% discount on KLIMA Fresh and BlueChem products for the month of April.

Customers can expect more privileges in the future such as birthday month discounts on after sales service, discounts on Hyundai merchandise and a higher trade-in value when you purchase another new Hyundai vehicle.

Existing customers can register for their complimentary Loyalty Card at any authorized Hyundai service centre nationwide and check for promotional updates via Hyundai’s official website: www.hyundai.com.my.

HSDM managing director Low Yuan Lung said the new customer loyalty programme was testimony to the company’s promise in offering distinctive value to Hyundai car owners here, in the spirit of its tagline ‘Geared for Distinction.’

“We hope to bring more value and benefits to our customers through such specially designed programmes, as we focus on enhancing the customer experience with Hyundai,” he said.

For details, contact Hyundai at 1300-13-2000 or log on to www.hyundai.com.my.


Toyota ready to introduce new hybrids to Malaysia

                SHAH ALAM: Nope, no car launch today. Just more build-up from UMW Toyota Motor about the brand's shift to car electrification.

Recall our last post on the matter last Monday that UMW Toyota Motor might dish up the Corolla Cross Hybrid today as many in the motoring press had expected.

Well, that didn't happen. But we are expecting it soon anyway, as the artwork accompanying this article showed an SUV that looks like the Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Basically, what UMW Toyota Motor wanted to say today is that Toyota has the latest hybrid electric cars (HEVs) and that they are ready to be introduced to Malaysia soon.

It went on to plug the virtues of its hybrid technology, now in its fourth generation. It said
Toyota's latest HEVs benefit from having dual power sources, are silent, reliable and have reduced emissions.

The technology had also been put through the rigours of motorsports with Toyota's involvement in Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race and the World Rally Championship.

What UMW Toyota Motor aims to do in Malaysia syncs with Toyota's global ambition to sell 8 million electrified vehicles by 2030.

READ MORE:  German auto giants place their bets on hydrogen cars

“For the immediate future, we are absolutely positive that the HEV is the most accessible and realistic choice for Malaysian customers in terms of practicality and infrastructure, with an enormous potential in Malaysia," said UMW Toyota Motor deputy chairman Akio Takeyama.

Toyota has been one of the earliest pioneers of hybrid electric technology and has advanced it for
over 20 years since the introduction of the first generation hybrid Prius in 1997.

Electrified cars today come in the form of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV); Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV); Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle(FCEV).

They are selectively deployed in various parts of the world depending on what is best suited to the energy policies and readiness of individual countries.

Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are seen as a transition phase to full electric cars, whether powered by battery or hydrogen.

Toyota is also working on e-fuels made from hydrogen designed to improve fuel efficiency dramatically.

UMW Toyota Motor said in terms of CO2 emissions, both HEVs and BEVs have almost similar values from vehicle production, energy generation to ownership over a period of 10 years, making HEVs suitable for local needs based on the current energy mix in Malaysia.

“Toyota HEVs are at their most advanced today, and presents itself as the most realistic, immediate, economical and practical solution for mass market production and sale in terms of reduced CO2 emission, practical usage, and price acceptance by customers.”

In addition, no charging stations are required, Takeyama added.


F1 wants two races in Shanghai, says city sports boss

File pic of Japanese Grand Prix.— Reuters
SHANGHAI: Formula One chiefs want to stage two races here this season after the Chinese Grand Prix was postponed because of the coronavirus, the city's sports boss said Monday, adding there was no final decision.

This year's pandemic-disrupted world championship is expected to launch with a double-header in Austria on July 5 and 12, with Silverstone in England also hosting two races.

The Chinese Grand Prix, originally scheduled for April 19, was postponed in February but Formula One appears determined to race in the country -- one of the sport's key markets -- in the second half of this year.

Asked if there would be two grands prix in Shanghai instead of the usual one, Xu Bin, director of the city's sports bureau, told Shanghai People's Radio: "This was proposed by the F1 management company.

"Everyone knows that F1 has officially announced that they have resumed the first eight European races this year, but none of them are in Asia."

Xu added: "We are still communicating with F1 to see if there is any possibility of hosting two races in Shanghai, but there is no final decision yet.

"Of course we should see how the virus is being controlled."

China, where the coronavirus emerged late last year, had seen a significant drop in the number of infections and deaths.

However, the country is now racing to control a fresh outbreak in the capital Beijing.

Formula One was thrown into chaos in March when the curtain-raising Australian race was cancelled hours before the opening practice session, as the virus spread around the world.

The Singapore, Japan and Azerbaijan grands prix were cancelled on Friday over logistical problems caused by coronavirus.


Matt LeBlanc joins 'Top Gear'

                LONDON: "Friends" star Matt LeBlanc has landed a new role as the co-presenter of the BBC motor show "Top Gear."

The US actor will join current host Chris Evans when the series returns to screens in May this year, the BBC has confirmed.

"As a car nut and a massive fan of Top Gear, I'm honoured and excited to be a part of this iconic show's new chapter," said Matt. "What a thrill!"

LeBlanc has previously appeared as a guest on the show, setting the fastest-ever time in the ‘Star in a Reasonably Priced Car' segment when he achieved an as-yet unbeaten lap time of 1m 42.1s in the Kia cee'd.


Start-ups, IT giants explore auto world of tomorrow

                FRANKFURT: For a glimpse of the automobile of the future, take the escalator up to Hall 3.1 at the IAA motor show and step into the “New Mobility World”.

This is the world of the new buzzwords - connected car and automated driving.

This year for the first time one of the vast exhibition halls of Frankfurt’s sprawling trade fair grounds has been dedicated to small hi-tech start-ups, but also IBM and Deutsche Telekom, not names usually associated with car shows.

Perched high above the other halls where the world’s carmakers recruit long-legged, scantily-clad women to show off their latest models, the New Mobility World is home to geeks -- firms such as Blabla Car, Drivy and Carzapp, active in geeky sounding fields like “urban solutions,“ “digital infrastructure” and “multi-modal markets”.

According to the consultancy firm AT Kearney, the market for the self-driving car could be worth more than 500 billion euros ($566 billion) by 2035.

The completely driverless car may still be a long way off, but. fast-evolving technology is being used to make driving safer and less stressful via a whole range of different assistant capabilities.

 The Audi A7 Sportback has been modified to park itself, a feature the new BMW 7 Series comes with.

For example, German behemoth Deutsche Telekom, with its own stand at the IAA for the first time, is showing off its solutions for the intelligent or connected car.

On top of bringing the Internet into the vehicle, Deutsche Telekom has developed applications pointing drivers to the cheapest petrol stations in the vicinity, or the best tourist sites. It even allows them to open the garage door for when they arrive home and set the heating.

It is an area where Silicon Valley giants Google and Apple are also active.

They may not have their own exhibit at the IAA yet, but their apps and technologies are almost omnipresent among new cars on display. And Google executives have come to Frankfurt this year to participate in round-table discussions.

If the two US tech giants are cooperating with automakers, they are also seen as potential rivals, as Google is working on a self-driving car of its own and there are rumblings about an Apple electric car.               -

“Carmakers, very strong in the traditional world of the automobile, are seeking to maintain their position,” said Stefan Bratzel, director of the Center for Automotive Research.

“But groups like Google and Apple are also trying to move into the market. And the industry takes them seriously given their financial firepower and strength of innovation.”

In the area of alternative powertrains, the success of startups such as Tesla, the US maker of luxury electric cars, is also forcing traditional manufacturers to sit up and take notice.

Electric cars are still very much a niche market, both in the United States and Europe.

But with double- and even triple-digit growth seen in some countries, German carmakers, for one, are determined not to be edged out of the race.

Martin Winterkorn, head of Volkswagen, said that Europe’s biggest car maker was “in the process of reinventing itself”.

“We will launch 20 new electric and hybrids by 2020 ... and by the end of the decade, we will have transformed all of our new cars into smartphones on wheels,” he said.

Another trend the industry is watching is the changing relationship between people and their cars.

As cities become ever more crowded, fewer and fewer people see any advantage in actually having their own car. And they no longer see it as the status symbol it once was.

That means business models such as car-sharing are mushrooming and manufacturers like Daimler and BMW are keen to get a slice of the action.

Drivy is a small French start-up making its first appearance at the IAA.

Launched in 2010, the company allows car-owners to rent out their vehicle to other people when they are not using it themselves. And Drivy describes itself as the European leader in the field.

“Fewer people are buying cars and are interested in new concepts of mobility like ours,” the head of Drivy’s German operations, Gero Graf, told AFP.

Experts say that the combined forces of cooperation and competition have always driven the industry forward.
Still, “manufacturers may have to reinvent themselves at the risk of becoming mere parts suppliers and leave the creation of added value to Google,“ said German auto expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer.


KLIMS’18: Sup Up Cars thrills visitors

                KUALA LUMPUR: Visitors at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 (KLIMS’18) are thrilled by the extensive “art-on-wheels” display of exotic high-powered cars at the "Sup-Up Car" zone where the cars are customised with stunningly colourful vehicle body stickers and wrapping.

The motor show is being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) till Dec 2.

The "Sup-Up Car" zone presented by Wrap Xpert, Tom’s Stickers and ODR Lubricants has supercars including the Ferrari 458 Italia, Range Rover Velar, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with eye-catching gull-wing doors, Bentley Continental GT, the Lamborghini Gallardo, the McLaren 650S GT3, and the Cadillac Escalade 180" - the longest souped-up limousine in Malaysia.

Visitors were also enthralled by the Art of Speed zone which showcases the latest custom-built bikes including the BMW R75/6 White Angel by the Rusty Factory, and the Valkyrie bespoke science fiction concept by Kenstomoto.

Among the visitors were 53-year-old Nasir Mat who drove from Seremban with his wife Jaridah Kadir, 52, and 15-year-old son Emir Hakini.

It was the second visit to the motor show by Nasir and his family, as their first attempt last Sunday came to naught after failing to find a parking spot.

"We took a day off from work to come here. The Sup-Up Car section is very interesting with cars like the McLaren 650S GT3," said Nasir.

As for 33-year-old engineer Mizam Zawawi, who hails from Kuala Lumpur, his favourite "Sup-Up" car is the second-generation Honda NSX sports car.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old student Nian Xiang from Puchong also admired the exotic "Sup-Up" cars.

"My favourite is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. There are many nice cars here and I can't get enough of them," he said.

On Thursday, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One driver Valtteri Bottas was also the star attraction, as F1 fans crowded the Petronas booth and many formed a queue during an autograph signing session with the Finnish race driver.

Also present was Petronas Dagangan Bhd managing director and CEO Datuk Seri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir who pointed out that Petronas supplies the F1 team with not only racing fuel and engine oil, but all the ancillary fluids that are used in the race car.

"We work very closely with the F1 team. Our job is to make sure the Mercedes-AMG F1 car drives faster than the competition," said Syed Zainal.

KLIMS’18 offers visitors a chance to win either a Toyota C-HR, a Honda City or a Perodua Myvi through a lucky draw.

Every entrance ticket purchased is entitled for the lucky draw at the motor show, which is held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

Entries for the lucky draw close at 9pm on Dec 2, and the winning tickets will be drawn at 9.30pm on the same night by Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Datuk Aishah Ahmad.

MAA is the organiser of the motor show, which features over 74 marques of vehicle brands and automotive products spanning over six exhibitions halls covering two levels at MITEC.

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.

Entrance fees are RM20 on weekdays and RM25 on weekends.

For children aged three 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 five 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.

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

 www.stevenleong.com


Next-generation Mercedes-AMG C 63 will be a hybrid

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-AMG may have only just unveiled its latest C 63 models at the New York Auto Show last week, but thoughts are already turning to the next-generation of these superb cars.

Although it might not be as earth-shattering a revelation as it might have been a few years ago, Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Möers has revealed to Australia's Car Advice "[The] next-generation Mercedes-AMG C 63 will be a hybrid — that's now a given."

For most people at the moment, hybrid and electric powertrains generally mean slightly more expensive versions of existing models that offer better fuel economy than a regular petrol or diesel, and the opportunity to feel as though they're doing their bit for the environment by driving one. At the moment, the high-performance possibilities of electrified propulsion systems are mostly reserved for incredibly expensive supercars, but there are signs the technology is starting to filter down into more affordable models.

Of course, a high-performance C 63 hybrid might not be in quite the same affordability bracket as something like a Focus ST performance hybrid variant would be, but at least it would be a step in the right direction away from a Porsche 918 or a McLaren P1.

AMG has to tread a fine line with its models between constantly increasing power and performance, and at the same time staying on the correct side of ever more stringent emissions targets. The refreshed C 63 develops 503 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, but early reports of a plug-in hybrid next-generation SL under development suggests somewhere in the region of 700 horsepower. Because of that, it's reasonable to expect the whole AMG lineup to become increasingly more powerful as hybridisation starts to take hold.

At the moment, the micro-hybrid powertrain in the current 43-series AMGs makes 429hp and 522Nm of torque, which is significantly more than the 362hp and 502Nm offered by the twin-turbo inline-six. Add a similar uplift to the AMG C 63 and things definitely start to get interesting.

As the C 63 has only just been refreshed a new generation is some way off yet. We'll therefore see the new SL-Class first, which the AMG boss says is "going to be something very different from the current car."


Proton sales exceed 100,000 units

                PETALING JAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd has exceeded its 100,000-unit sales milestone in the three quarters of this year, with 102,353 units sold in the first nine months of 2022, a jump of 40.2% compared to the previous corresponding period.

In a statement yesterday, Proton said it saw another strong domestic and export sales month in September at 14,872 units, which brought its sales for the third quarter of 2022 to 42,229 units, making it the best quarter for the year-to-date and helping it smash through a key sales milestone.

“This makes it the fourth consecutive year that the 100,000-unit sales level has been exceeded and the achievement came two months earlier than in 2021,” it said.

Compared to its rivals, Proton remains second in the sales table with an estimated market share of 23.8% in September.

“The overall total industry volume for September is estimated to have receded to approximately 62,500 units, the fourth best total of the year as the market continues its march towards posting its best sales year,” it said.

It said its performance was due to the stability in production numbers and the appeal of its models.


VW Golf R tested: An everyday car and weekend warrior

                The Volkswagen Golf is a storied hot hatch from the German marque so much so that there is now four variants to choose from varying in price and performance such as the Golf TSI Sportline, Golf TSI R-Line, Golf GTI and Golf R.

The Golf R sits atop the pyramid offering the most performance out of the bunch and is, naturally, the most expensive of the lot.

It is also the new-kid-on-the-block compared to the rest and does not have the reputation of the GTI.

So is it worth spending the extra money for it to get more power and speed?  Let’s look at what the Golf R has to offer.

Performance
This is what the Golf R is all about. Under the hood is the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine which has a maximum output of 290PS at 5,400rpm and a maximum torque of 380Nm from 1,850rpm.

It is paired with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch DSG transmission and the 4Motion all-wheel drive system distributes its power accordingly.

It takes only 5.1 seconds to go from 0 to 100kph and top speed is electronically-limited to 250kph.

Exterior
The new, facelifted Golf R has minor updates to its looks and now features a new bumper, a block pattern lower grille intake and the advanced adaptive LED headlamps with dynamic light assist.

At the rear, you will find a refreshed LED tail lights and four-slat diffuser.

The most telling of the changes come in the form of the 19-inch Pretoria Black alloys with 235/35 profile tyres.

The changes are not immediately noticeable at a glance and it’s the R badge and the quad exhaust pipes in the rear which sets it apart.

The styling is muted and does not outperform the GTI in terms of aggressiveness. In fact the GTI looks more sporty with its red coloured brake calipers while the R is simply grey.

Interior
And the same can be said of its interior which is covered in grey. It does have sports seats though, wrapped in Vienna R leather upholstery and there are hints of carbon-fibre trim on the dash, gearknob and the doors.

It does not mean that it’s boring though. It just doesn’t call attention to itself with red stitching or accents like most performance-oriented cars out there.

Yet it is refined when you look at the layout of the dashboard with its 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the flat-bottomed R sports steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Also eye-catching are the 12.3-inch Active Info Display virtual instrument cluster and the brushed stainless steel pedals.

The driver gets the power adjustable seat with memory and it is cosy all-round with dual zone climate control and rear vents.

The rear seats sits two comfortably as the centre tunnel is tall as to accommodate its all-wheel drive system.

The Golf R has 343 litres of boot space which can be extended to 1,233 litres with the rear seats folded and makes for a practical car indeed.Ride and handling
Besides boasting powerful performance figures, it wouldn’t mean much if it’s a difficult beast to tame. Of course that is not the case with the Golf R.

You have five driving modes to choose from: Eco, Comfort, Normal, Race and Individual.

So depending on the mood or situation you are in, you can switch between modes or leave it at Race because that’s the most fun of all.

In Race mode, the exhaust note is louder and the suspension is stiff which is uncomfortable for rear passengers. But not so for the driver. Put the pedal to the metal and gasp at the furious acceleration it produces.

Turbo lag is hardly noticeable and take-offs are immediate.

The gear shifts are also quick and the DSG transmission slots in the correct speed confidently be it straightline or cornering.

The steering is sharp and it is so effortless to throw the car around yet so planted that you will be left wide-eyed and grinning ear-to ear.

The brakes are equally impressive with a good bite to it and it’s always a joy to hear the engine automatically rev-matching as the gears shift down.

Practicality
Now here’s the amazing thing about the Golf R. Yes, it is a bat-out-of-hell and yet, it can be tamed for a quieter, more comfortable ride.

Just choose the Eco drive mode and the car gets real quiet, the dampers are softer and the gear mapping makes for better fuel efficiency.

Don’t be fooled into thinking the car is slow in this mode because it isn’t. The car gets back into action as soon as you hit the accelerator. It’s just quieter as the exhaust note does not flood the cabin compared to Race and even Normal mode, which makes it very practical for everyday driving.

Safety
The Golf R has advanced safety features such as the Proactive Occupant Protection System which uses electrical pre-tensioners to remove slack from the front seatbelts and prevent the occupants from moving to a position in which they are more likely to be injured if a collision occurs.

When a collision does occur, the Automatic Post Collision Brake System triggers emergency braking. It also has XDS+ Advanced electronic differential lock for improved road handling and is linked to the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC).

There is Manoeuvre Braking which automatically brakes the car when it senses objects up to 10kph during parking. And it comes equipped with seven airbags, Driver Alert System, rear view camera and ISOFIX.

Equipment
Extra kit on the Golf R includes front/rear fog lamps, brake hold, electronic parking brake, cruise control, automatic headlights/wipers, keyless access lock/start, Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC), Air Care dual-zone climatronic system, 19-inch wheels, progressive steering, 9.2inch touchscreen “Discover Pro” Navigation infotainment system with gesture control, 10 GB jukebox, USB and iPod/iPhone interface, SD card slot, AUX-IN, Bluetooth, 8 speakers, App-Connect smartphone connectivity (MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, Dynamic Light Assist (DLA) advanced light beam control with LED taillights and dynamic indicators.

Price and reliability
The Golf R is priced at RM295,990 (on-the-road without insurance), and is covered by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) with a package that includes a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, 3-year free maintenance, and 5-year roadside assistance.

Three colours are available for the Golf R: Lapiz Blue, Pure White and Deep Black.

Summary
If you’ve got the money to spare, skip the GTI and go for the Golf R instead. Its minimalist design makes it a sleeper car - unassuming yet blisteringly fast when you want it to be. It’s both an everyday car and weekend warrior.

Plus you’ve got ample boot space for your luggage needs and even more if you fold down the seats.

The Golf R has performance, convenience and comfort and you’d be hard-pressed to find another car like this at this price range.

READ MORE:
VW Golf R Mk7 driven
VW Golf R updated for 2018
VW Golf GTI: Fun in spades
Volkswagen rolls out RM167K Golf R-Line
Volkswagen Golf GTI updated
Updated Volkswagen Golf in two trims
Euro hot hatch comparo: Audi TTS vs AMG A 45 vs Golf R
From Nice to St Tropez in VW Golf GTI


High-range Karma Revero EV coming 2021

                LOS ANGELES: Karma Automotive announced the expansion of its Revero series with the addition of a GTE variant.

The GTE will be the company’s first all-electric vehicle that will join the GTS, GT and original Revero as the fourth model in the family.

There will be two model version of the GTE which starts with a 320km and 480km-range configurations at first with a hyper-range variant coming later that's said to be able to achieve an estimated 640km of range.

The 320km variant will come with a 75kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) lithium-ion battery while the an extended range 480km will have a 100kWh NMC battery.

The company said that using a DC 150kW fast charger, the GTE will reach 80% of charge in under 30 minutes.

Through AC charging at 11kW, the GTE will be able to be fully charged overnight.

Additional details on the hyper-range version will be available at a later date.

Built on the Karma E-Flex Platform, the GTE will also feature technology from the company’s recently announced platform development initiative, designed to offer new electric mobility solutions to partners through highly versatile extended range battery applications to all-electric chassis systems.

For performance, the GTE is targeted to provide 0 to 100kph sprints of under 3.8 seconds while featuring electronic torque vectoring.

Like its predecessors, the Revero GTE will be assembled largely by hand at Karma’s Innovation and Customization Center (KICC), the company’s manufacturing facility in Moreno Valley, Calif.

Intended for further availability later in the third quarter of 2021 in China and Europe, the Revero GTE was developed, styled and engineered at the company’s facility that's located specifically in Irvine, California.

The US-based company will open a preorder process on karmaautomotive.com in coming months, with market-availability scheduled for Spring 2021.


South Korean brands again sweep J.D. Power's US initial quality survey

                DETROIT: South Korean brands again demonstrated the best initial quality among 32 automotive brands sold in the United States, according to an annual ranking by researcher J.D. Power, with about half of the domestic brands better than average and all European brands below average.

Genesis, Kia and Hyundai, all part of the Hyundai Group, were the top three brands in the 2019 US Initial Quality Study (IQS), which measures problems in the first 90 days of vehicle ownership. The latest IQS results were released on Wednesday.

Among those brands scoring below the industry average of 93 problems per 100 vehicles were Japanese automaker Honda, German luxury maker Mercedes-Benz, Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s Jeep and General Motors’ Cadillac.

Anchoring the bottom of the rankings were British brands Jaguar and Land Rover, both affiliates of India’s Tata Motors.

J.D. Power said Tesla was not included in the latest IQS because its sample size was "unrepresentative.”


Continental rolls out ComfortContact CC7 in Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Continental Tyres today announced the introduction of the ComfortContact CC7, which arrives after the launch of the UltraContact UC7 in August last year.

Compared to its predecessor, the ComfortContact CC6, the comfort-focused ComfortContact CC7 provides enhanced safety on the road through significant improvements in handling and braking without sacrificing comfort and low noise levels, said Continental.

Created for a wide range of vehicles, the ComfortContact CC7 is available from 13- to 16-inch tyre size fitments for mini-compacts, compacts, mid-size family vehicles and MPVs.

Continental Head of Replacement Tyres Asia Pacific, Dalibor Kalina, said the company's market understanding showed that a key criterion for drivers in Asia-Pacific is comfort, as compared to their Western and European counterparts.

“As a result, Continental has established a reputation across our Asia-dedicated line of products for tyres that are quieter and more comfortable.

“The ComfortContact CC7 represents our flagship product in the comfort segment,” Kalina said.

A tyre’s comfort parameters are typically measured through the vehicle’s Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) characteristics.

According to Continental’s research, tyres can be responsible for around 50% of the noise produced when driving.

Continental head of R&D Asia Pacific Bob Liu said tyre-to-road noise and turbulence increase and become much more noticeable vehicles travel at higher speeds.

“Tyre noise is also becoming an increasingly important factor for electric vehicles whose drive systems are barely audible. For both conventional and electric vehicles, this means selecting the right comfort tyre is a crucial decision that can greatly improve in-cabin acoustics.”

“Our answer to this is the new ComfortContact CC7, upgraded with Comfort+ Technology that promises a smoother drive experience and a quiet ride for more moments of tranquillity and peace of mind - 'Driving Comfort, Redefined by Technology',” said Liu.

Continental Tyre Malaysia managing director Andrea Somorova said the company did extensive research into the needs of drivers in Malaysia and created a product to fulfil their requirements.

Continental assembled a global team of more than 30 engineers and experts who spent more than 7,500 hours designing, simulating, building and prototype testing in bringing the ComfortContact CC7 to market.

More than 500 tests under various road and laboratory conditions were carried out, with a distance enough to circle the Earth over seven times.

Engineered for our comfort tyre segment, Comfort+ Technology is specifically for drivers who prioritise comfort for themselves and their passengers.

Comfort+ Technology encompasses the ComfortContact CC7’s three key features, “Z.E.N”, – Zero Shock Pattern, Everflex Compound, and Noise Muter.

The ComfortContact CC7’s Zero Shock Pattern features a unique tread pattern design that reduces shock from traditional blocks.

It is engineered to significantly reduces harshness even on bumpy and uneven road surfaces, bringing superior rolling comfort to the next level.

The Noise Muter comprises two noise-reducing technologies that effectively reduce noise for better sound comfort.

Firstly, the Noise Breaker 3.0 breaks up sound waves into smaller ones and prevents them from building up and travelling into the car cabin.

Secondly, Helmholtz Resonators, named after the German physicist who discovered the Helmholtz Resonance theory, are noise-absorbing chambers on the tyre’s pattern surface that draw in airwaves and absorb noise frequencies before they can exit.

Besides focusing on comfort aspects, Continental’s engineers have also built in a long tyre life for the ComfortContact CC7 to withstand daily wear and tear.

Whether it’s for short daily commutes or long-distance road trips, the ComfortContact CC7’ Everflex Compound is a resilient all-season compound that makes the tyre suitable for use across a wider range of temperatures and seasons.

For more information, refer to www.continental-tyres.com.my.


New Peugeot 3008 1.6 THP spotted

                SHAH ALAM: The new second generation Peugeot 3008 sport utility vehicle (SUV) will soon have its official launch in Malaysia, but we've managed to catch this fully-imported from France SUV before that happens.

Voted European Car of The Year (2017), the 3008 is available in two variants - the entry-level ACTIVE and range-topping ALLURE, which will be priced on-the-road with GST without insurance at RM142,888 and RM155,888 respectively.

Both variants will be covered by a recently introduced five-year warranty (three-year manufacturer's and contract of two additional years by the manufacturer) or 120,000km, whichever comes first and as usual, all new Peugeot owners are treated to a three-year complimentary 24-hour Peugeot Roadside Assistance service, exclusive access to the Peugeot Lounge at Subang Airport and Peugeot Privilege membership.

For colour options, there's no official word just yet, but if Ultimate Red or Pearl White has been opted, then that's going to up the final price by an additional RM1,590 (including GST).

READ MORE:
First drive of Peugeot 3008 SUV in ItalyBoth vehicles will be sporting a familiar 1.6-litre (1,598cc) Turbo-High-Pressure (THP) engine under the hood with 165PS at 5,500rpm and 240Nm of torque from 1,400 to 5,000rpm for the six-speed automatic gearbox to manage before the twist reaches the front wheels.

In terms of standard fitment, the entry-level ACTIVE gets automatic halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, rear LED "Claw Effect" lights, automatic wipers "Follow Me Home" function and 18-inch Los Angeles wheels with 225/55 series tyres.

Inside, there's the new next-generation Peugeot i-Cockpit layout with a 12.3-inch digital head-up cluster display (not to be mistaken for a heads-up display), 8.0-inch multi-function stand-alone colour touchscreen, automatic dual-zone climate controls, with second row air diffuser, flat-top and bottom leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, automatic electric parking brake, programmable cruise control with speed-limiter and Mistral MECO fabric seats.

There's also five driving modes of Normal, Mud, Sand, Snow and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) Off from the advance grip control rondel, as well as Hill Assist Descent Control, six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic brake assist, dynamic stability control, anti-skid regulation and electronic stability control with hill assist.

The range-topping ALLURE model, differentiates itself with a slightly different grille, modified bumper to fit its uniquely-shaped automatic full-LED headlights with LED sequential scrolling indicators and also sports external chrome accents found at the bottom front end and sides of the SUV as well as black leather upholstery and an eight-way powered driver's seat with three memory slots. Other than the items mentioned, everything else is pretty much status-quo.

Stay tuned for the official launch!

Peugeot 3008 ACTIVE 1.6 THPPeugeot 3008 ALLURE 1.6 THP