Triumph's electric superbike moves closer to production

                BERLIN: Pure electric motorcycles do not go down too well with many died-in-the-wool riders, but that has not stopped Triumph from pressing ahead with its TE-1 superbike, which the makers say will offer scorching performance.

The zero-emission TE-1 clearly resembles the firm's trademark Street Triple and is designed to blow away scepticism about limited range and the lack of a rorty engine sound.

The superbike offers an all-new battery with peak power of 170 kW and continuous power of 90 kW. This should be enough to produce a sub-three-second dash from 0 to 100 kph and a terrific top speed.

Triumph said rider benefits include more power for longer, outstanding performance regardless of battery charge, faster charging and optimised bike handling through an enhanced frame position

So far only US maker Harley-Davidson is offering a full-sized electric motorcycle under its new e-brand, LiveWire. Numerous scooter and moped manufacturers have models with electric propulsion.

After three years of work on the TE-1 project with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), a Triumph demonstrator is now ready for extensive testing.

Later this year the results will be analysed and the TE-1 track tested before the project moves forward. Engineers will then test traction and wheelie control before buyers are able to throw a leg over the machine. An exact date for the start of production has not been announced.

WAE has optimised the module layout of the fast-charging batteries in order to balance mass and positioning within the prototype chassis.

A new and bespoke vehicle control unit has been integrated into the battery pack to minimise weight and packaging.


Sabah mulls private sector funding to complete Pan Borneo Highway Phase 1

File pic of a Pan Borneo Highway stretch. — Bernama
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) is projecting the entire 35 packages under phase 1 of the Pan Borneo Highway to be completed in 2040 if the government did not consider other funding initiatives for allocations.

Bung Moktar who is also the state Works Minister said based on 2021 Budget announcement by the Finance Ministry and current trend, it was found that only one package from the remaining 20 packages under phase 1 was approved for 2021.

“Through the projection, Sabah JKR estimated that only five to six packages would be implemented under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and only 21 of the 35 packages would be completed up to 2028.

“Now, the implementation of LPB depends solely on development expenditure and the project is constructed by Sabah JKR. The provision of funds is different from the LPB phase 1 which was implemented via Project Delivery Partner (PDP) in which the project cost and duration are fixed. Nonetheless the PDP concept was terminated on Sept 21 2019,” he told the State Legislative Assembly today.

He was replying to a question by Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak (BN-Usukan) who enquired about the latest status of LPB project especially in Kota Belud area.

Bung Moktar, said if the construction of LPB is dependent on allocation through development expenditure, its construction would take a long time.

He proposed that the federal government allow the Sabah government implement the LPB RM40bil highway project on a private financial initiative.

“I am confident the LPB project could be expedited if we adopt a private financial initiative and I will hold discussion with several local companies early next year on the matter, “ he said.

The Sabah LPB project is being carried out in three phases. The first phase encompasses constructing the 706km highway in 35 packages at a cost of RM15.272 billion.


Renault's trusty R12 sedan was the world's first truly global car

                PARIS: French car giant Renault had ambitious plans for its wedge-shaped 12 sedan that was launched 50 years ago.

Designed for a huge world market with only minimal changes for each country, the robust, no-nonsense Renault 12 proved to be a big success both at home and abroad.

It was a trend-setter too, and inspired numerous global models from other makers such as the Ford Mondeo and BMW's 3 Series sedans.

The 12 was a car with a reliable front-mounted engine, four doors and pliable soft suspension. It also had a dash of Gallic charm and seats that were so comfortable that the car was nicknamed "the rolling sofa."

This global sedan for the masses stayed in production until late 1980, and even longer in Romania, where it was badged as a Dacia.

Owners loved the 12 and many are still in use today. The world concept was new when the 12 made its debut at the Paris Car Show in 1969. Indeed, many car French experts turned up their noses at the final version of what was dubbed project 117 when work started in 1965. For them it was not stylish enough.

France was famous back then for its supersonic Concorde and the super-fast TGV express train. By contrast, the 12 was rather ordinary, with no avant-garde styling features or the quirky aspects common to Citroens. The 12 stood out in the car park though, thanks to what Renault called its "arrow" shape.

The back-to-basics approach enabled Renault to use a raft of parts from other cars in the range, which helped keep down production costs.

The 12 replaced the boxy Renault 8, which was much smaller inside, and La Regie hoped the fresh, new styling would appeal to motorists around the world.

The standard 1.3-litre engine delivered lively performance, and like many of its contemporaries, the 12 had disc brakes at the front and conventional drum stoppers at the rear. The boot would swallow up to 415 litres of luggage.

The Renault 12 went down so well that Renault had to ramp up production to 700 cars a day only six months after the model first entered showrooms.

The list of export markets is long, but the car was especially popular in North Africa, Canada and in South America, where the 12 was assembled at Ford factories alongside the blue oval's own metal.

The 12 was also put together in Melbourne, Australia until it was phased out. Renault's Turkish offshoot turned out its own version until 1980.

Arguably the most famous Renault 12 owner was Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. He used a high-end, super deluxe Dacia version popular with dark-suited top communist officials. Ceausescu and his wife, Elena, were executed after trying to escape following the 1989 revolution.

Less-prominent owners ensured that the Renault stayed at the top of the sales lists throughout the 1970s.

The car's chief rival was the Fiat 124. That design was used as the basis for the Lada in communist Russia and its Eastern European satellites. The 12 also competed with Fords, Hillmans, Simcas, Mazdas and Datsuns.

The terminally dull Renault 9 replaced the 12, by which time La Regie had sold around 4 million of the model. The figure includes the Dacia versions.

The French bought the 12 in large numbers, but it was not a common sight on European roads.

Classic car expert Frank Wilke from the German-based Classic Car Analytics database believes the 12's odd silhouette appealed to many owners looking for something different. The car was also easy to drive and well-appointed in standard form.

Standard features included reclining front seats, a cigar lighter, heated rear window and lights for the boot and glove box lights. There were also central armrests at the front and back. Most of the competition levelled a surcharge for such creature comforts.

Performance is modest by modern standards although the kerb weight of just 880 kilograms and decent aerodynamics mean that even the basic L model with a 54-horsepower petrol engine bowls along nicely until it runs out of urge at around 135 kilometres an hour.

The range-topping Gordini engine was not sold in all markets, but the car wore a nifty "go-faster" stripe in white to show other road users that it meant business. The Gordini could top 185 km/h.

Rust has killed off many R12s, but the model is far from being extinct and still boasts a loyal following. Enthusiast Thomas Franzen in Germany fell for a bright green-painted example a few years ago and has never regretted the bargain purchase. He spent just as much on restoring the 12 and now enjoys leisurely excursions perched behind the spindly black, pre-airbag steering wheel.

Heads turn whenever the 12 comes into view, since Renault's world car is now rarer than some Ferrari models. At German classic car rallies, Franzen's R12 is often the only one at the show.

The best examples are to be found in France and prices are low.

A well-turned example of the first-generation 12 should change hands for around €5,000 (RM23,000) while the more exotic Gordini versions can cost four or five times as much.

The solid build of the R12 means that those still left on roads are set to last for a long time to come. Easy assembly at the factory makes the cars ideal for amateur mechanics, and parts availability is good considering the age of most examples.

Romanian enthusiasts are also embracing survivors, and in many of the countries where the "world car" was made, owners hail the 12 as a thoroughly usable old car whose annual maintenance schedule consists of little more than an oil change once a year.


GM to build Chevrolet Silverado electric pickups at Factory Zero in Detroit

                DETROIT: General Motors Co said on Tuesday its first electric vehicle assembly plant at Detroit-Hamtramck, Michigan, will make a Silverado electric pickup truck under Chevrolet brand.

The US automaker did not say when its production will begin. GM had recently unveiled GMC Hummer electric sport utility vehicle, which will also be built at the plant, also known as Factory Zero.

The company’s plan is part of increased projected spending of between US$9 billion and US$10 billion this year, including more than US$7 billion for electric as well as autonomous vehicles.

GM said the electric Silverado is expected to offer customers a range of more than 640km on a full charge. The news about the company working on the pickup truck was reported last year.

The company is expected to announce a series of new electric trucks, sport utility as well as specialty vehicles that will be built at its Detroit-Hamtramck plant.

Prior to this, GM had said that electric Hummer pickup truck and automated EV shuttle, the Cruise Origin, will be made at the plant.

(Video clip below shows the conventional Silverado with internal combustion engine).


Why you should delete your personal data from your car before selling

                BERLIN: Data privacy concerns are not exclusive to electronic devices and Internet services.

Modern cars also hold a lot of information about their users. For that reason, you should always delete your private data before you sell a car or return one that you hired.

User data can be stored, for example, by the car’s infotainment system or when you use the onboard wi-fi.

Your contact list complete with phone numbers can be transferred if you sync your phone with the car. Other data can include log-in information from subscription services such as music streaming providers.

Although not all stored data is immediately visible to the next owner, it remains theoretically readable.

Since hardly any manufacturer offers a way to delete this data, the only way to do it is in a piece by piece fashion. You should log out of any the car’s apps and delete any subscriptions.

It's also advisable to clear out the list of calls made in the car as well as destinations navigated to, and to disconnect the Bluetooth connection between the car and your phone.

Sometimes the garage door can be set to be opened automatically by the vehicle — you should disable this feature.

Alternatively, you can reset the car’s system to the factory settings. But even then, the smartphone must still be disconnected from the infotainment system and the user must log out of their accounts in pre-installed apps.

If you don't delete everything, you risk your personal data being passed on with the car.

That can also have a negative impact on anyone who buys the car, for example, if the location of the car can be determined or, in the worst case, certain vehicle settings can be accessed.

Anyone who wants to use a rental car or car sharing should avoid transferring such data to the car’s system in the first place. As an alternative you can use connection solutions such as Android Auto or Apple Carplay.

This allows, for example, the hands-free system or other features to be used via the car's technology, but the data remains on your phone.


VW may introduce R-version of EVs

The ID hatch.
WOLFSBURG: Even though Volkswagen hasn't yet launched its first all-electric ID range model, the German auto giant is already considering producing a high-performance R variant. The company is open about the possibility of an R division EV, but won't commit until it's sure it can do justice to the R badging.

VW is building an impressive reputation for itself in the electric car realm, after recently breaking the outright Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record with the ID R Pikes Peak, which Volkswagen describes as "an ambassador" for the upcoming ID range. Although four ID models have already been announced, the first to arrive, the ID hatch, only goes on sale in 2020.

Speaking to the UK's Autocar, R division boss Jost Capito explained, "If we do an R electric car, then it will be a proper R, or else it wouldn't make sense." As for when such a model might appear, Capito said, "We have an idea, based on what's going on on the racing and production side, but we haven't defined a date yet. The development [in EV technology] is going too quick that every month you have changes. At some point, you have to say: this is what we want, define it and go for it."

 The ID Crozz crossover.

Unsurprisingly, the problem facing the engineers and designers tasked with producing an R version of an electric model is the balancing act between performance and practicality. Coming up with a model with blistering performance is no problem, as the ID R Pikes Peak illustrated. The real challenge is producing a car with performance worth of an R badge, which also has a battery life suited to a mainstream car for daily driving.

The most likely models from the ID range to get the R treatment would be the ID hatch or the ID Crozz crossover SUV. Of those, the Crozz seems the more obvious candidate, because its twin-motor setup and larger proportions would accommodate a performance drivetrain a little easier than the more compact ID hatch. Then again, the Crozz would be heavier than the ID hatch, which would put extra demand on the battery — just the kind of problem the good people at Volkswagen have to resolve.


Mercedes-Benz debuts Concept X-Class pick-up truck

                STOCKHOLM: Mercedes-Benz introduced its first pick-up truck concept tonight in Sweden.

We now know the latest product intent as the Concept X-Class. Previously, it was rumoured that it might be badged as the GLT.

As CarSifu has pointed out last week, the pick-up truck shares platform with the Nissan Navara and Renault Alaskan. But in tandem with the brand's image, it would be marketed as a premium pick-up. It is scheduled  for series production and sales at the end of 2017.

The vehicle was unveiled at the art gallery Artipelag in Stockholm, the same spot where the current MINI Clubman was introduced last October.

The concept car is offered in two design variants: the Concept X-Class powerful adventurer and the Concept X-Class stylish explorer (shown here in metallic yellow and white body colour respectively).

The “powerful adventurer” is what Mercedes-Benz define as a classic pick-up – tough, functional, strong, and with off-road capability. The Concept X-CLASS stylish explorer goes a step further and shows what will distinguish the pickup bearing the Mercedes star.

Mercedes-Benz said the one-tonne X-Class would be able to seat five persons and cater for an urban lifestyle and family life.

Hosts of the world premiere was Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management Daimler AG, Volker Mornhinweg, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, and Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG.

Mornhinweg said the target markets for the pick-up are Latin America, South Africa, Europe and Australia. Although Asia wasn’t mentioned, it is possible that selected Asian countries may get the pick-up at a later stage.

The top-of-the-line model will be powered by a V6 diesel in combination with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. The high-torque engine will provide high driving dynamics on the road and off the road.

The all-wheel-drive system will combine an electronic traction system, a transfer case with reduction gear, and two differential locks.

The traction system and the electrically operated on-demand differential locks channel the power to where traction is best. Under extreme off-road conditions, the rear differential and the inter-axle differential can be locked. This will make it possible to safely master difficult obstacles and inclines.

The powerful drive system and the tough ladder-type frame will make a payload of more than 1.1 ton and a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tons possible.

It will have modern driver assistance systems based on cameras, radar and ultrasound sensors to support and relieve the driver in many situations. A host of assistance systems will come as standard.

The market launch of the Mercedes-Benz X-Class in Europe will begin in late 2017. The new model series will be positioned in the segment at an attractive price. The pickup will be manufactured in a production cooperation with the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Production for the European, Australian and South African markets will start at the Nissan plant in Barcelona, Spain, in 2017. The X-Class for the Latin American market will roll off the assembly lines at the Renault plant in Cordoba, Argentina, starting in 2018.

Worldwide the market for mid-size pickups is undergoing a radical change. Gone are the days when they were bought as mere "workhorses". Instead, they are becoming increasingly popular as versatile vehicles for a simultaneous private and commercial use and as vehicles for a strictly private use. The percentage of privately used pickups has been growing steadily for years.

Accordingly, the double cab has emerged as the dominating body style, because it offers room for up to five persons. More and more private and commercial customers ask for vehicles with the characteristics and comfort features of a passenger car. A similar development took place in the segment of off-road vehicles some 20 years ago. Back then, Mercedes-Benz was the first premium manufacturer to launch a sport utility vehicle (SUV), the M-Class, and completely redefined the off-road segment – with lasting success.

"The Concept X-CLASS design variants interpret the hallmark brand design idiom of our SUVs in a most expressive form, and embody the dichotomy of our design philosophy: they are hot and cool", said Wagener.  "With its progressive design the powerful adventurer expresses cool modernity and thirst for adventure, while the stylish explorer on the other hand uses pure emotion to provide a tangible experience of modern beauty."

The distinctive front represents an evolution of the hallmark SUV face of the brand – with a more massive powerdome on the bonnet and headlamps extending far into the wings. The classic SUV front apron and the strongly flared wheel arches put even more emphasis on the sense of width, and give the vehicle an even more solid stance on the road. At the same time, the front cites the single-louvre grille with centrally positioned Mercedes star, the face of the elegant Mercedes-Benz coupés.

The flared front and rear wings make room for a wide track and large tyre/wheel combinations for tough off-road use. 22-inch light-alloy wheels with a contrasting anthracite chrome finish give the Concept X-CLASS stylish explorer a towering and superior stance.

The running boards are integrated into the bodywork and emphasise the athletically sculpted body. Depending on the angle of the incoming light, the paintwork developed specifically for this concept car lends the urban pickup a look that gives the athletic profile even more emotional appeal.

The short front overhang, the long rear overhang and two long lines stretching along the side amplify the focus placed on driving dynamics. The rear of both concept cars sports the hallmark chromed SUV trim at the lower edge, and, as a distinctive feature, a continuous LED light strip in a slim chrome surround on the tailgate. It points to the unique character of the future pickup.

The interior of the Concept X-Class explorer is characterised by a contrast of warm and cool colours, as well as by quality materials. The modern flair is further boosted by round air vents, the free-standing high-resolution central display as well as the central controller and multifunctional touchpad.

Similar to a smartphone, all telematics functions can be controlled with the touchpad by using gestures or by entering letters and characters. At the same time, the characteristics and functionalities typical in the pickup segment have been retained, such as the handbrake in the centre console.

The Concept X-CLASS powerful adventurer towers with a height of 1.90 metres. It has large tyres of size 35x11.50, high ground clearance, and athletic design.

The brand's hallmark SUV radiator grille with two louvres, front and rear underride guard, wing claddings, and matte carbon wheel arches additionally underscore the off-road aesthetics. An electric winch at the front and a metal hook at the rear are further indications of the rugged power of the future pickup.

Customers of the X-Class will be able to choose from different equipment scopes to customise the exterior and interior. In addition, the premium brand will develop a special range of accessories for the pickup, for example bed covers and various styling elements.

A host of interior components that customers know and appreciate from the C-Class and V-Class will be found in the X-Class – from the high-quality materials and the infotainment system to the ergonomic seating comfort.

The X-Class also promises to set new standards in the segment with regard to connectivity. Thanks to the communication module with on-board SIM card, it will be possible to use the extensive Mercedes me connect services. Drivers can connect with their pickup by smartphone, tablet or PC at any time and from anywhere.

The pick-up will be the fourth model in the Mercedes-Benz Vans.


Hankuk Carbon invests in Dymag lightweight carbon hybrid wheels

                LONDON: South Korean company Hankuk Carbon, manufacturers of advanced carbon materials, has invested in Dymag Group Ltd, a leader in lightweight wheels for the automotive industry.

Dymag is a leading British manufacturer of carbon hybrid wheels in the aftermarket segment for luxury and high-performance road and track cars and motorcycles.

In a statement, Dymag said with the latest investment, Dymag will be able to accelerate time-to-market and enable economies of scale in the manufacturing of carbon hybrid wheels.

Focusing on a uniquely scalable and localised approach, the two companies will bring state-of-the-art lightweight composite wheels to more mass-market performance vehicles rapidly, cost-effectively, and sustainably.

Lighter, stiffer and stronger than a traditional cast alloy wheel, Dymag’s carbon hybrid wheels bring huge advantages to all vehicle sectors, particularly electric vehicles.

Tom de Lange, CEO of Dymag said: “Lightweight carbon hybrid wheels bring a vast array of benefits for vehicles - particularly EVs - with no development costs. Thanks to new investment from Hankuk Carbon, combined with the funding we have already received from the UK government and Puma Private Equity, we are now entering the next exciting phase in our journey, bringing our game-changing lightweight wheel technology to a wider audience of global automotive customers.”

Moonsoo Cho, chairman of Hankuk Carbon Group said: “The core objective of our strategic partnership with Dymag has always been to accelerate the growth in the global market potential for high performance carbon hybrid wheels. Building on our existing relationship, we have now become a strategic investor in Dymag, and with this investment we will be further leveraging Hankuk’s expertise in composite materials and industrialisation to automotive customers around the world.”

Designed for high-performance vehicles, from sports cars to SUVs and pickups, the patented carbon hybrid wheel, which combine a carbon outer rim with a forged aluminium or magnesium centrepiece, delivers multiple gains for OEMs, the aftermarket and customers alike.

As well as being 40% lighter than a traditional cast alloy wheel, Dymag’s carbon hybrid wheel brings major gains in reduced unsprung mass and reduced moment of inertia, with less energy required to accelerate and brake.

Another dynamic benefit is a reduced gyroscopic force thanks to the lightness of the wheel itself, which means less steering effort is required. Strength and durability are also greatly improved.

These gains can make a significant difference on any high-performance vehicle, but especially so for large SUVs and pickups, and in particular EV versions of these, where Dymag’s technology can represent a saving of up to 10kg per corner, 40kg total, in unsprung mass versus cast wheels.

Furthermore, this weight-saving has the potential to enhance EV range by around five percent, equating to an extra 25km on an EV with a typical 500km range.

Carbon fibre’s superior flexibility can also reduce Noise Vehicle Harshness (NVH) too – a huge boon for engineers developing an EV where the ICE is no longer masking unwanted noises.

Carbon hybrid wheels also bring aesthetic advantages for OEMs; a forged aluminium or magnesium centrepiece offering greater design flexibility than a solid carbon fibre wheel.

Dymag offers a full range of 18-to-23-inch carbon hybrid wheels, to which it will add new 24-inch and 25-inch examples later this year.


Nissan, Renault, Mitsubishi to share electric car platform, says Nikkei

                TOKYO: Nissan, Renault and Mitsubishi will combine their electric vehicle platforms in an effort to slash prices down to levels comparable to conventional gasoline cars, the Nikkei newspaper said.

The strategy comes as auto giants Volkswagen AG and Toyota are also aiming to mass-produce battery electric vehicles amid tightening emissions and fuel-economy regulations around the world.

Franco-Japanese alliance partners Renault and Nissan have been among the most vocal proponents of the zero-emission technology but have struggled to lower costs enough as they developed their electric cars separately.

The Nikkei said Renault and Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp, which recently came under Nissan's control, will use the same vehicle platform as Nissan's remodelled LEAF electric car expected to go on sale around 2018.

The three companies will share key components such as the motor, inverter and battery, a move that would lower the LEAF's price by about a fifth, the paper said, without citing its sources.


Tesla Roadster heading — into outer space

                SAN FRANCISCO: You can always count on Tesla CEO Elon Musk to catch people off-balance. This time, he aims to blast a cherry-red Tesla Roadster into orbit near Mars.

It's always helpful if you have the means to achieve it. Bearing in mind he's the founder of SpaceX, it's entirely possible for him to put the car on its Falcon Heavy rocket and fired it into outer space.

The founder of the aerospace manufacturer and space transport service provider announced the plan on his Instagram account recently with the catchy title "A Red Car for the Red Planet".

He said the roadster would go up in space to the tune of David Bowie's Space Oddity. His Instagram account shows a number of photos where the car is being prepared for launch into an elliptical orbit around the sun.

As much as the plan would add more shine to the Tesla brand, it has a more mundane reason. SpaceX is doing more test flights of new rockets and such projectiles usually carry concrete or steel blocks to simulate payload. For Musk, it's a case of killing two birds with one stone by strapping a Tesla atop an experimental rocket for a one-way trip into outer space.


Software bug halts VW Golf 8 deliveries

                HAMBURG: Volkswagen is halting deliveries of its Golf 8 model after a software problem was found in some vehicles, a spokesman said.

The software at issue enables emergency calls, a function required by EU regulations since 2018.

The company will decide in the next few days how to deal with affected cars, such as a recall and software update.


2018 Paris Motor Show: Renault's EZ Ultimo concept takes the driving out of travel

                PARIS: More living room than car, Renault's new EZ Ultimo concept ditches the steering wheel and ramps up the luxury ahead at the Paris Motor Show.

At 5.7 metres long and over two metres wide, the self-driving EZ Ultimo is an imposing character with both front and rear-wheel steering.

The fully-electric car concept has the necessary agility to glide seamlessly through tight inner city streets while providing enough lounge space inside for you and two others to relax during the journey.

The concept also makes use of inductor technology, allowing for quick and simple automated charging of the car's battery.

The EZ Ultimo's interior also maintains the comfort-focused atmosphere, with wood, leather and even marble hardtops all featuring.

Instead of the digital touch surfaces that have been so common in other car manufacturer's recent concepts, Renault want to give passengers a much more organic view.

The French carmakers have developed side and rear windows in a rhombic pattern that gives passengers a clear sight of the outside world without having to worry about any reciprocating looks from passersby.


Honda price hike not a result of current govt policy, says ministry

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Finance said on Sunday that the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020 did not result in last week's increase in the price of three Honda models.

It said the government had always ensured that tax policies imposed on the locally assembled or completely knocked-down (CKD) vehicle production industry would not dampen business growth and increase the market price of CKD vehicles.

"The people will benefit directly from the tax incentive enjoyed by CKD vehicle producers through competitive sale prices and indirectly benefit from the economic opportunities created, in line with the government’s aspiration under the National Automotive Policy (NAP) 2020," it said in a statement.

The ministry said there had been no change in the exemption policy on excise duty or customised incentive under the Industrial Linkage Programme and that the local automotive industry would remain stable.

READ MORE: Honda City, Jazz and CR-V cost more now

"It is imperative that companies comply with the audit review and adhere to the existing duty/tax exemption policy and incentive so as not to raise any issue, and act fairly to all companies that abide by the same basis and use the right criteria.

"The Automotive Business Development Committee as the party that evaluates and recommends incentive approval for companies is still using the same assessment method without any changes.

“Hence, the excise duty exemption rate enjoyed by Honda at this time is reasonable and corresponds with the actual level of localisation achieved by the company,” said the ministry.

The ministry issued the statement following a media release by Honda Malaysia on Friday announcing a five per cent to nine per cent increase in the sale price of some of its models and variants effective the same day.

According to Honda, it decided to increase prices after a review of the customised incentives for its CKD vehicle production.


Electric Rimac Nevera with 1,914hp/2,360Nm sets new hypercar benchmark

                ZAGREB: The production version of the Rimac C_Two is now officially known as the Rimac Nevera.

The Rimac C_Two concept car was revealed at the International Geneva Motor Show in 2018.

Only 150 units of the Nevera will ever be made, with each priced at €2 million (RM10mil).

It comes packing 4 electric motors with 1,914hp and 2,360Nm of torque. Range is rated at 550km (WLTP) and it takes 19 minutes to recharge the battery from 0-80% state of charge using a 500kW fast charger.

With the ability to sprint to 100kph in 1.85 seconds and continue the acceleration all the way to a 412kph top speed, the Nevera opens up a new dimension in hypercar performance.

Accelerating from rest to 161kph requires just 4.3 seconds and it maintains its eye-widening acceleration throughout a full-throttle cycle, achieving 300kph from rest in 9.3 seconds, shredding a whole 2.5 seconds from the initial targets.

Finally, it achieves a record-breaking 8.6 seconds quarter-mile (402 metres) time.

The name "Nevera" is taken from a Croation word for a mighty Mediterranean storm.

Nevera's groundbreaking monocoque, developed by the former C_Two chief engineer Daniele Giachi, includes a bonded carbon roof, integrated structural battery pack and rear carbon subframe, is forming the largest single carbon fibre piece in the entire automotive industry.

Weighing less than 200kg and using 2,200 carbon fibre plys and 222 aluminium inserts, the monocoque encases the car's battery to form a compact yet incredibly strong structure with a torsional stiffness of 70.000 Nm/degree.

The level of strength and safety this provides has contributed to the Nevera meeting strict global homologation standards, and delivering the most rigid structure of any car ever made.

The key to the Nevera’s exceptional performance is Rimac’s pioneering electric powertrain.

Every component of the Nevera’s electric powertrain has been exhaustively reworked since its inception to deliver more torque, greater performance and enhanced efficiency.

The unique H-shaped, liquid-cooled, 120kWh, 6960-cell battery was designed from scratch by Rimac and sits at the very heart of the Nevera.

Capable of producing 1.4MW of power, the Lithium/Manganese/Nickel battery also forms an integral part of the car's core, adding 37 per cent structural stiffness to the carbon fibre monocoque.

The battery’s optimum positioning low and central within the car's floor contributes to an ultra-low centre of gravity. This helps create an excellent 48/52 front/rear weight distribution and the best possible handling balance.

Developments of the advanced battery cooling system have made it even more efficient since the introduction of the C_Two, enabling more power to be delivered for greater periods.

Four bespoke surface-mounted permanent magnet motors drive the Nevera’s four wheels individually.

Together, they enable 1,914hp and 2,360Nm of torque, which is triple the output of a "conventional–engined" supercar.

The front and rear wheels are each connected to a pair of single-speed gearboxes.

Capable of instantly summoning maximum torque from the first moment, the Nevera's electric motors are 97 per cent efficient – compared with 40 per cent for the most effective internal combustion engines – and completely maintenance-free throughout their operating life.


Ferrari confirms convertible LaFerrari

                MARANELLO: A drop-top "Spider" version of the most powerful and fastest production Ferrari in history is in development.

In his first official interview since taking over from Amedeo Felisa as Ferrari's CEO this month, Sergio Marchionne told the press that recent rumours about a new hypercar to replace the sold-out multi-million-dollar LaFerrari are true. "[The Spider] is no secret since potential customers have already been approached," he was quoted as saying by automobilemag.com.

The hard-top LaFerrari is the first car from the company to use a hybrid powertrain, but unlike similarly priced models from competitors such as Porsche and McLaren, its system delivers maximum power all of the time.

As for a new Dino ‘entry-level' compact supercar with a V6 engine, Ferrari still wants to make the car a reality but there is some way to go in terms of deciding where it should sit in the range, the power it should offer and its driving characteristics.

On Wednesday Ferrari also revealed that it has had its most successful quarter in history with 1882 cars being delivered to clients around the world since the beginning of the year -- a 15% increase on Q1 2015.


Aston Martin's 2017 Vantage GTS may be the last truly fun car

These days real driving skill is increasingly difficult to flex in a sports car. Sure there are lots of good coupes and amazing roadsters out there, but few come in the manual version that spells unadulterated, exhilarating engagement with the act of driving.

So it was particularly fun the other week to drive the 2017 Aston Martin Vantage GTS Coupe. It's the only V8 manual vehicle you can buy from Aston, period. And there are only 100 of them.

McLaren, Mercedes, Audi, and Porsche all make excellent competitors to this Vantage. But each of them uses a paddle- shifting transmission. On the other hand, chief executive Andy Palmer has gone on record saying that he wants Aston to be the last manufacturer on earth to offer a manual sports cars.

As the first journalist to test drive the Vantage, I can safely say it's strong evidence that he means what he says.   If you are in need of a daily driver sports car that will give you hours of stick-shift delight, call Aston and buy this one. I’d get on that right away, too. Fewer than 10 are left unsold.

A driver's drive
The dawn of the upcoming Aston Martin DB11 later this summer has overshadowed this new V8 a bit, and that's a shame, because the Vantage GTS is the most aggressively playful thing I’ve driven all year.

It has the same 430-horsepower mid-mounted engine set on a 6-speed rear-wheel drive. It’ll take you to 100kph in 4.6 seconds, which is not the fastest sprint time ever, but this is a clear case of qualitative excellence versus on-paper specs (the 490Nm of torque does help.) Top speed is 306kph.

Driving this Vantage through Santa Monica streets and up the 405 before the morning rush hour felt like a vacation from my problems. Later, the curves on Mulholland Drive were the perfect match for its sport suspension and dynamic stability control-it took them with the elegance of a manta ray.

Aston has given us a thick sport wheel and tight rack-and- pinion power-assisted steering here; the turning radius is something to love. The gear box is comfortable to shift through, and the clutch is easy. (Hill-start assist comes standard.) The steel disc brakes respond well when you need them.

It's also welcome to note that the Vantage is just over 172 inches, a full 10 inches shorter than, say, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, and five inches shorter than even a base Porsche 911. You feel the difference-the Vantage gathers itself closer and tighter than those, with an steering radius that puts all others to shame.

I’m not going to make the tired cliché James Bond comparison here that unfailingly accompanies every Aston Martin review. I’ll just say this car gives you an extra pep in your step when you finally alight.

Perfect proportions
As expected, the 2017 Vantage GTS Sport Edition I drove got plenty of attention from the police. Not to issue me a ticket, luckily. Just to come over, ask about the engine, and snap a few selfies on the hood. They also wanted to hear the stainless steel sports exhaust system roar awake a few times. I was happy to oblige.

They’re not wrong. Similar to the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E- Type, the classic Aston Martin body looks so good because of its proportions. The ratio between the length of the hood, angle of the roofline, stacked rear haunches, and tight back end unlocks the pleasure centre of the brain. There is such a thing as absolute beauty-a topic for a different column-so suffice it to say that with its sleek body, halogen projector headlamps, and five-spoke alloy wheels, the Vantage GTS is an objectively beautiful machine.

The cobalt blue paint and 19-inch rims like the ones I had come standard; you can personalize other wheel options ranging from US$2,690 to US$3,785. There are also plenty of carbon fiber options for the mirrors, handles, and headlamps to match the standard front splitter and diffusers. Do it. You might as well go all-in.

Smart options, no clutter
Inside the Vantage GTS, it's mostly cosmetic differences between this edition and the regular models. Aston gives us special GTS badging on the doorsills, cool indented detailing on the cockpit seats, and suede-like Alcantara on the steering wheel and roof. The gearshift is surrounded by carbon fibre.

There are slight blind spots right at the tip of each shoulder, of course-this is to be expected. And you’ll find yourself stopping for gas a lot; combined mileage on this thing is only 15 mpg. But the generous ledge for holding a valise behind you, and the ample seating area makes you forget the inconvenience. The Vantage has plenty of head-, shoulder- and legroom for tall folks like us.

Want more options? You can buy a custom umbrella that matches the car (US$295), a special glass key (US$750), and a 1,000- watt Bang & Olufsen sound system (US$8,330). I like that there isn’t too much else on offer here to clutter up the interior. You will be focusing on the driving, anyway.

The choice for manual fun
The V8 Vantage GTS Sport Edition I drove cost US$139,000, which includes some options and the destination charges. That's a little less than a Porsche 911 Turbo, which is about US$160,000, and a lot less than a McLaren 570S, which costs around US$185,000.

Those are great cars. And yes, you might get some side-eyes from ignorami who wonder why you didn’t choose the Vantage V12. But I’m willing to bet most people who do that haven’t driven this. If you want a real manual driving experience in a high-end daily driver, buy the 2017 Vantage GTS Coupe. After all, you worked at those skills, don’t let them go to waste. — Reviewed by HANNAH ELLIOTTNote: The Vantage GTS is only available in the United States.


Petronas and Maskargo team-up for Harley-Davidson Borneo ride

                KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas and Maskargo have come on-board as fuel and logistics partners respectively for the Borneo International H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Rally Malaysia 2017 from Sept 30 to Oct 9.

The Borneo International H.O.G. Rally Malaysia 2017 will be gathering Harley-Davidson owners and enthusiasts from around the world for an epic 1,450km ride from Kota Kinabalu to Labuan then down to Brunei before Miri, Bintulu, Sibu and ends in Kuching while experiencing the beauty and the culture of Borneo.

Maskargo will provide rapid air freight to transport the motorcycles to Kota Kinabalu for the start of the rally and from Kuching at the end of the rally, while Petronas will supply petrol for the entire convoy throughout the journey.

The rally will also visit several locations where Petronas Dagangan holds its ‘Water for Life’ programme to provide local community access to clean water supply and its ‘Streetsmart’ programme to educate the public on basic road safety.

“Organising this Borneo International H.O.G. Rally Malaysia is a part of our commitments to the Harley-Davidson brand in providing the Harley-Davidson’s community the ownership experience that Harley-Davidson is known for,” said Naza World Group of Companies group executive chairman Datuk Wira SM Faisal Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin.


VW: We need the best people in the world, so English to become our group language

The Volkswagen team in the United States. Volkswagen Chattanooga last week marked the start of series production of the Volkswagen Atlas SUV which will go on sale next year.
WOLFSBURG: German doesn’t exactly have the global appeal as Chinese or English. So finally Volkswagen has realised this (apart from external events that have forced its hand) and is making English the default language for the group.

It all means that if you aspire to work for the German car maker you better be fluent in English if you want to advance your career.

This is all part of the global company’s management revamp to cross pollinate its ranks with a diversity of people and skills, with English as the “glue” that binds them together.
 Dr Blessing
"In future, English is to be the group language," said VW AG human resources management board member Dr Karlheinz Blessing. “This will improve access to the top management level for international top performers and cooperation among top managers.”

"Digitalisation, connectivity and e-mobility will fundamentally change our industry. This is why we are realigning our management culture,” he said.

“Diversity and international experience will be more important for management than ever before. We will promote a culture of discussion and decision-making, accept that errors are made, support self-correction, strengthen entrepreneurial thinking and action, encourage agility and reinforce overarching cooperation throughout the group."

Among other things, greater priority will be given to foreign assignments and knowledge gained in different business areas and brands. The objective is to foster internationality, diversity and a change of perspective.

Volkswagen said it would develop a culture of inclusiveness for women managers to allow them to gain the experience and capabilities they need for appointment to top management positions faster.

"As a globally positioned group, we need the best people in the world," said Dr Blessing. He said international assignments and experience in different markets and business areas will be taken into consideration in future appointments. In a transitional phase up to the end of 2021, the criteria will be taken as guidelines, after which they will become binding, he added.


Younger US buyers more open to self-driving cars

                DETROIT: US consumers who are under 40 are more open than older people to self-driving cars and their underlying systems, according to a survey released on Thursday by JD Power.

The 2016 US Tech Choice Study found that 56% of Gen Y buyers – born 1977 to 1994 – said they trust self-driving technology, compared with 41% for Gen X – born 1965-1976 and 23% of Baby Boomers – born 1946-1964.

Significantly, over one-third of Gen Y buyers would pay US$3,000 (RM11,700) or more for an automated system, the study found, without giving comparative figures for other generations.

"'Will they pay?' is always the key question," said Kristin Kolodge, JD Power's executive director of driver interaction and human machine interface research.

The survey by the marketing information firm should encourage automakers such as General Motors Co, suppliers such as Delphi Automotive Plc and tech companies such as Alphabet Inc's Google, all of which are accelerating development of self-driving cars and systems.

All respondents, however, share a concern for vehicle security and safety, including the potential for advanced technology systems to be hacked or hijacked, the survey found.

Consumers also balked at the projected prices on some of the underlying equipment, J.D. Power said. Lane change assist was among the top 10 tech choices, but dropped off the list when consumers saw the US$1,500 (RM5,860) price tag. Among the most popular items, based on their estimated price, were a camera-based rear-view mirror (US$300/RM1,175) ), smart parking (US$100/RM390) and predictive traffic (US$150/RM585).

With developments in driver assistance systems rapidly advancing, "the industry is at the cusp of a mobility revolution," said Kolodge, "but consumers will decide which technology choices win."

Conducted earlier this year, the online survey of nearly 8,000 vehicle owners found a higher level of trust and confidence among younger consumers in such advanced driver assistance systems as lane change assist and traffic jam assist.

Those systems, which several automakers are phasing into production, are considered a foundation for fully automated vehicles that could begin appearing on US roads in 2020.

The level of trust in such systems "is directly linked to the level of interest in a new technology among automobile buyers," said Kolodge.

Reaction was also mixed to on-demand mobility services such as those offered by ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft, with younger consumers more open to the concept.

There were some light moments in the survey feedback, said Kolodge, with some respondents admitting "they are poor sharers."


Mysterious Aston Martin Valkyrie engine is music to the ears

                LONDON: We now know what a 1,100+ bhp engine sounds like, and it's intense.

Twitter seems to be gaining ground as the favourite way for companies to tease anything from upcoming cameras to the next smartphone innovation. For Andy Palmer, why not do the same with exotic, luxurious hypercars?

The president and group CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd tweeted a clip of the Valkyrie V12 featuring its insane roar captioned "The sound of "THE" GREAT British car company! Thank you @Cosworth @redbullracing #AstonMartinValkyrie #NaturallyAspirated #V12."

The hypercar, orginally codenamed AM-RB 001, gained its official title in March of last year, a title inspired by Norse mythology just days after the development of the Valkyrie in conjunction with Red Bull Advanced Technologies was announced.

Meanwhile an update in July 2017 described the exterior and interior design.

Last Monday, Cosworth, a company specialising in high-performance internal combustion engines and the brain behind that of the Valkyrie's, tweeted a picture of the legendary car, captured by Motor1, captioned "We're famous for breaking records and our latest engine, the Aston Martin Valkyrie 6.5-litre V12, will be the world's most powerful naturally aspirated road engine with 1,130bhp. #Cosworth #AstonMartinValkyrie," which was promptly removed.

Following this short-lived teaser, we were graced with Palmer's tweet, revealing what 1,130bhp sounds like.

According to Road Show, the hypercar is expected to go on sale next year costing "about as much as a nice private island." Nevertheless, after nearly two years of waiting to see this mythological car come to life, seeing one roar live promises to be amazing.


Special edition Bentley Bentayga V8 Design Series arrives from RM1.05mil

                KUALA LUMPUR: Bentley in Malaysia has expanded its Bentayga sports utility vehicle range with the addition of the V8 Design Series.

The hand-crafted (Crewe, England) Bentayga V8 Design Series is currently priced from RM1,045,000 (before duties and taxes) and is the only one of its kind that will ever be made available in the country.

To up its desirability, this ultra-luxury SUV comes fitted with Palladium Grey Paragon seven-spoke alloy wheels with self-levelling wheel badges.

Included as standard is the Bentayga Blackline specification that adds on a body-coloured lower front bumper apron and twin gloss black tailpipes.

A set of discreet Design Series badges located on the lower front doors readily identifies this Bentayga as a special edition.

Inside, the colour-themed cabin is decked out in carbon fibre weave that takes on a diamond quilted pattern that's been polished to a high gloss.

The Duotone colour interior is finally offered for the interior for the first time which means an orange accent hides around a Beluga main hide for the seats.

Also included is the signature Breitling clock (with diamonds) with mother of pearl face in the centre of the piano black dashboard while deep-pile floor mats cover the floor.

Finishing off the cabin are illuminated 'Bentley' scuff plates, drilled alloy sports pedals and powered Bentley Front Seat Comfort specification which includes a massage function, winged comfort headrests and powered seat belt height-adjusters.

Powering this special edition Bentayga is a 4.0-litre (3,956cc) twin-turbo V8 petrol engine producing 550PS at 6,000rpm and 770Nm of torque from 1,960 to 4,500rpm.

An eight-speed automatic manages power delivery the all-wheel-drive system that's accompanied by an electronic differential lock and four driving modes of Comfort, Sport, Custom and Bentley.

in Sport mode, this Bentayga is able to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 4.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 290kph.


Porsche tops 718 model series with 2020 Spyder and 2020 Cayman GT4

                STUTTGART: Porsche has unveiled two models that will be topping the mid-engine lineup thanks to their fresh new six-cylinder boxer engines: the 2020 Spyder and the 2020 Cayman GT4.

On Tuesday, Porsche announced that the 718 mid-engine series is gaining two new members for the 2020 model year; in these models turbocharged flat-four boxer engines have been swapped out for flat-six versions with six-speed manual transmission.

Both the 2020 718 Spyder and Cayman GT4 claim the top performance spots in the segment and share the same technical basis — the only significant difference between the models is the presence of a permanent roof or not.

The new and improved engines can generate 414hp, which brings the Spyder to a top speed of 300kph and the Cayman GT4 up to 303kph; both can sprint from 0 - 100kph in 4.2 seconds.

Compared with their predecessors, the Cayman GT4 has significantly improved aerodynamics as a result of a redesigned muffler, a new diffuser, and a reimagined front end, and the 718 Spyder benefits from a GT chassis for the first time. Though each model has been designed for street use, both have been optimised for the track.

Porsche's 2020 718 Spyder and 718 Cayman GT4 are available for order starting today starting at US$96,300 (RM403,000) and US$99,200 (RM415,000), respectively.


It’s Porsche vs Tesla facing off in Germany’s 'Green Hell'

                FRANKFURT: First there was derision. Then mockery turned into admiration. Now a battle is unfolding between two of the most revered names in the automobile world, Porsche and Tesla Inc. on one of the world’s most challenging race tracks.

"We welcome competition, it helps you to get better step by step. But of course you always have to compare apples with apples,” Porsche AG chief executive officer Oliver Blume told Bloomberg Friday on the sidelines of a panel discussion near the Frankfurt auto show.

The two automakers are vying for electric vehicle bragging rights on Germany’s Nürburgring, a circuit with 73 tight turns (Silverstone in Britain has 18), changing elevations and a brutal length of more than 20km winding through a leafy forest, earning it the nickname "Green Hell.”

It’s here that Porsche’s new Taycan Turbo S set the record as the fastest four-door electric car last month, clocking in at 7 minutes and 42 seconds.

The feat wasn’t lost on a rival sitting thousands of miles away in California: Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk.

Always one to relish a good fight, Musk picked up the gauntlet and has dispatched a Model S to the German hinterland to reclaim the bragging rights as king of the electric sedan.

The confrontation has all the ingredients of an epic battle between incumbent and upstart, infused with social-media feeds that have energized die-hard fans on either side of the Atlantic wondering which of the two cars can shave those vital extra seconds off their lap time.

Adding to the frenzy is former Formula One racing champion Nico Rosberg, who chimed in on Twitter offering to pilot the Tesla. Musk happily accepted in a tweeted reply, but it’s unclear who actually will be behind the wheel.

Porsche’s Blume said Tesla had selected another driver "who knows the Nürburgring well,” but he declined to provide a name.

Musk has a lot riding on the challenge. After Porsche unveiled the Taycan Turbo and Turbo S as its first electric cars last week, he teased the brand for its nomenclature - a turbocharger is only found in a combustion engine. Following the initial ribbing, he found more charitable words in a later tweet, acknowledging the Taycan "does seem like a good car” and its Nürburgring track time "is great.”

Blume said Friday the respect is mutual, but was careful to note the Taycan’s record was achieved with a normal series production car that came straight from the assembly line and can be purchased by customers. Tesla, in contrast, has already been working for about two weeks near the track to modify a Model S for racing purposes to achieve the fastest-possible time, the Porsche CEO said.

While a series version Model S wouldn’t be able to beat the Taycan’s lap time, a modified race version with tweaked suspension and brakes "could go in that direction,” he said. "We have a lot of respect for Tesla, they have achieved a lot and Elon Musk built this company from scratch.”

The stakes are equally high for Volkswagen AG‘s luxury sports car unit, which has watched Tesla turn itself into a veritable alternative for customers seeking a high-performance car but with an electric powertrain, an open flank that the Stuttgart-based manufacturer now hopes to protect with the Taycan.

Musk posted on Sept 6 that a Model S would make an appearance at the track "next week.” Indeed, a modified Model S has been spotted testing on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, according to Car and Driver, which appeared to show the car on the track as part of a general driving session open to others. The model sported flared fenders and an enlarged opening at the front, probably for extra cooling.

When exactly the car might attempt to break the Taycan’s record remains shrouded in mystery. Tesla didn’t respond to a request for comment on its plans. A spokesman for the Nürburgring said Tesla has not officially booked exclusive time with the track.

The Tesla-Porsche competition may be a marketing spectacle, but one that nevertheless helps to draw attention to electric vehicles, said Gene Munster, a managing partner at venture capital firm Loup Ventures and longtime Tesla bull. Munster predicted Tesla would race a souped-up version of the Model S at Nürburgring, and that it will beat Porsche’s Taycan record.

"Elon wouldn’t take it to the track if they didn’t think they would win,” Munster said in a phone interview. "He’s fiercely competitive, and he loves sticking it to traditional automakers. It’s his hobby. He feels confident.”

Tesla tweeted on Sept 11 that a Model S with a new "Plaid” powertrain beat the record for the fastest four-door sedan at Laguna Seca, a race track near Monterey, California, though the time wasn’t achieved during a competitive event and hasn’t been endorsed by the raceway.

Pushing the round below 10 minutes is the ambition of all Nürburgring daredevils. The track is open to both professional and amateur drivers, and the fastest time with a street-legal sports car was 6 minutes and 44 seconds, performed in a Porsche GT2 RS MR on Oct. 25 last year, according to the circuit’s website. That’s an average speed of 185kph for the 20.8km stretch.


Autonomous vehicle simulations validated on UK roads

                LONDON: For the first time, the transport industry will be able to accurately correlate simulated testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads in the UK.

This paves the way for simulation to become a recognised part of the approval process for autonomous vehicles.

This capability has been achieved thanks to a project between simulation software specialist rFpro and WMG, at the University of Warwick.

“You cannot feasibly validate autonomous vehicles in the real world alone, there simply isn’t enough time or money. We must also exploit the expandability of simulation,” said Matt Daley, rFpro Managing Director.

“To do that we must trust the simulation results and so it is vital that we regularly check that they correlate with the real world. Our project with WMG enables the industry to do this on public roads for the first time in the UK. This is a big step towards the approval and adoption of autonomous vehicles.”

rFpro has created a highly accurate digital-twin of sections of the Midlands Future Mobility testbed. While the model will enable the development of autonomous vehicles in simulation, WMG, alongside other Midlands Future Mobility partners, will provide testing and research support to allow customers to carry out effective real-world correlation.

There are currently three areas within the Midlands Future Mobility testbed that can be used immediately to accurately validate virtual test data on public roads; a road network around the University of Warwick campus, an area of Coventry town centre and a section of Holyhead Road, which is one of the main roads in and out of Coventry.

These areas provide a varied selection of roads that are common across the UK. WMG and rFpro are already exploring phase two, with the aim of further extending the digital-twins to cover more of the Midlands Future Mobility route.

More importantly, these real-world routes have the necessary infrastructure required for such autonomous vehicle testing and includes geo-fenced Closed Circuit TV, real-time kinematic corrected GPS and high-capacity wireless connectivity.

This provides independently verified ground truth of the real-world event that is critical for correlation.


Toyota Mirai sets Guinness World Records title with 1,359km zero emission journey

                LOS ANGELES: The 2021 Toyota Mirai has officially set the Guinness World Records title for the longest distance by a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle without refuelling.

The Mirai achieved 1,359km driven on a single, five-minute complete fill of hydrogen during a roundtrip tour of Southern California as it set the record.

The official record attempt was closely monitored by Guinness World Records, adhering to its strict rules and documentation procedures.

On its efficiency-focused August 23 and 24, 2021 journey, the Mirai logged an impressive 152 MPGe with water as its only emission.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Michael Empric validated the Mirai’s tank with a seal at both the start and end of the journey.

The car was driven by professional hypermiler, Wayne Gerdes and co-piloted by Bob Winger.

By the end of the trip, the Mirai consumed a total of 5.65kg of hydrogen and passed a total of 12 hydrogen stations along the drive routes without refuelling. The Mirai was driven mainly during rush hour traffic in temperatures between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius.

“In 2016, the Toyota Mirai was the first production fuel cell electric vehicle available for retail sale in North America, and now the next generation Mirai is setting distance records,” said Toyota Motor North America executive vice president Bob Carter.

“We are proud to be leaders of this exciting technology, which is just one of a growing lineup of zero emission vehicles in our portfolio.”


Hyundai Tucson crosses 1 million unit sales in US

                LOS ANGELES: Hyundai’s highly successful Tucson SUV recently surpassed the major milestone of one million unit sales in the US market.

The 2020 Tucson is the third-generation model in the United States.

The Tucson nameplate entered the US market in 2004 and has spawned two all-new model generations since its introduction, in 2010 and 2016.

Within Hyundai’s formidable SUV line-up, Tucson is the strongest selling SUV model, with April retail sales up 7% year-over-year.

As of April 2020, more than two-thirds of all Hyundais sold were SUVs - reflecting the growing popularity of the SUV line-up with U.S. consumers.

Throughout its 16-year history, the Tucson SUV has been renowned for representing outstanding quality, durability and efficiency.


US proposes 56% vehicle emissions cut by 2032, requiring big EV jump

                WASHINGTON: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday proposed sweeping emissions cuts for new cars and trucks through 2032, a move the agency says could mean two out of every three new vehicles automakers sell will be electric within a decade.

The proposal, if finalised, represents the most aggressive US vehicle emissions reduction plan to date, requiring 13% annual average pollution cuts. The EPA is also proposing new stricter emissions standards for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks through 2032.

EPA projects the 2027-2032 model year rules would cut more than 9 billion tons of CO2 emissions through 2055 - equivalent to more than twice total US CO2 emissions last year.

The agency estimates net benefits through 2055 from the proposal range from US$850 billion to US$1.6 trillion. By 2032 the proposal would cost about US$1,200 per vehicle per manufacturer, but save an owner more than US$9,000 on average on fuel, maintenance, and repair costs over an eight-year period.

"A lot has to go right for this massive - and unprecedented - change in our automotive market and industrial base to succeed," said John Bozzella, CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation representing General Motors, Volkswagen, Toyota and others.

"Factors outside the vehicle, like charging infrastructure, supply chains, grid resiliency, the availability of low carbon fuels and critical minerals will determine whether EPA standards at these levels are achievable."

The proposal is more ambitious than President Joe Biden's 2021 goal, backed by automakers, seeking 50% of new vehicles by 2030 to be electric vehicles (EVs) or plug-in hybrids.

Stellantis said it was "surprised that none of the alternatives align with the President’s previously announced target of 50% EVs by 2030."

The Biden administration is not proposing banning gasoline-powered vehicles, but wants comments on whether it should extend emissions rules through 2035 and on other alternatives. Some environmental groups want EPA to set tougher rules, especially on heavy trucks.

"These standards are very ambitious and they track with the sense of urgency that the president and this administration have as we tackle the climate crisis," EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a Reuters interview, declining to endorse setting a date to end the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles. He emphasized the proposal is a "performance-based standard" and not an EV mandate.

Under the EPA proposal, automakers are forecast to produce 60% EVs by 2030 and 67% by 2032 to meet requirements - compared with just 5.8% of US vehicles sold in 2022 that were EVs.

California in August moved to require all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 be electric or plug-in electric hybrids, but must still seek an EPA waiver to proceed. Regan would not to say how the EPA would react to a California request.

"We'll be on the lookout for that if it were to ever come," he said.

Dan Becker, director of the Safe Climate Transport Campaign, said the EPA proposal should have been tougher.

"Automakers talk out of both sides of their tailpipes, promising electric vehicles while delivering mostly the same old gas-guzzlers and lobbying for weak, loophole-riddled rules," Becker said.

Under the proposal, EPA estimates 50% of new vocational vehicles like buses and garbage trucks could be EVs by 2032, along with 35% of new short-haul freight tractors and 25% of new long-haul freight tractors. Medium-duty vehicle rules are projected to cut emissions by 44% over 2026.


Will the Revero experience better karma the second time around?

                If this new premium hybrid car - the Karma Revero (pic above) - looks familiar, that's because technically speaking, this isn't the first time the car has been launched.

Originally designed by Henrik Fisker, the man responsible for the aesthetics of some of the most stunning cars of this millennium like the Aston Martin DB9 and the BMW Z8, the Fisker Karma, as it was called back in 2008, was meant be the first in a line of ecologically-focused dream cars.

However, luck wasn't on Fisker's side and the company he'd founded only managed to sell roughly 3,000 cars before it went under in 2013.

Three years later, the company has been resurrected with a new management team and a new name - Karma. "Karma is based on the principle of cause and effect, where your actions create your future. This awareness of what we are doing and why we are doing it-which we characterise as acting with intention - is what we stand for, it's authentic," said James Taylor, Karma's chief marketing officer.

However, what hasn't really changed is the car. In 2008, the Fisker Karma was attractive and technologically innovative in equal measure. In 2016, while the car's exterior is still as good-looking as that of any current road-going vehicle, the hybrid technology powering it isn't.

Karma says that the car's inner workings have been upgraded (but hasn't yet provided any figures) and also claims that it's the first car ever to go on sale in the US with a solar cell roof capable of powering the vehicle. Be that as it may, every major automaker now has a plug-in hybrid car in their range.

 An original 2012-model-year Fisker Karma.

And even though the Revero is aimed at the highest end of the market where want trumps need, the reborn car is expected to cost at least US$100,000. It could well struggle to stand out against other hybrids such as the Honda Acura NSX or BMW i8.

"Serving a mass market is not, and never will be, our purpose," said Taylor. "The Revero is for a discerning group of individuals who desire beautiful, clean vehicles and a memorable ownership experience. We are thrilled to start this journey."

The Karma Revero will be available to order from Sept 8.


Harman to better Ford's audio system worldwide

                DEARBORN: As new car buyers say audio brands are influencing their opinions of vehicles, Ford and HARMAN are teaming up to revolutionize in-vehicle experiences through the introduction of all-new B&O PLAY audio systems in Ford vehicles worldwide.

“Customers tell us they value consistent, high-quality audio experiences, and our collaboration with HARMAN is helping provide that. This is just one of the ways we are creating richer, more engaging in-vehicle experiences for customers,” said Ford executive vice president of product development and chief technical officer Raj Nair.

A recent Ipsos 2016 Automotive Audio Branding study, shows roughly one-third of new car buyers say that the audio brand in their next vehicle would have a significant impact on their purchase consideration.

B&O PLAY products reimagine more than 90 years of audio heritage, with natural materials, distinctive design and high-quality audio for seamlessly integrated experiences, whether a listener is in their home, on the go, or soon, in their car.

Ford announced the exclusive collaboration with HARMAN during the automaker’s annual Further with Ford trend conference. B&O PLAY debuts in Ford vehicles globally starting next year.

B&O PLAY’s unique approach creates a customized audio experience for customers with specifically tailored speaker placement and calibration for each vehicle in the Ford range.

This means dynamic tuning ensures optimal sound is maintained in the cabin no matter what driving conditions are like – and regardless of where someone sits.

“Ford and B&O PLAY are a perfect match among brands that stand for quality, freedom and innovative design, coming together to revolutionize the driving experience for consumers,” said Michael Mauser, executive vice president and president of HARMAN’s Lifestyle Audio Division.

“With our shared commitment to seamless engagement and elevated experiences, Ford is the ideal automaker to bring the transformative power of B&O PLAY audio to drivers and passengers worldwide,” he said.

To illustrate the power of sound, Ford and B&O PLAY today unveiled an installation called Sound Journeys, an on-site experience that triggers the five senses.

Using B&O PLAY products, the installation brings to life three different environmental habitats – a forest, a canyon and an ocean – featuring amplified sound. The experience even “visualizes” sound waves, demonstrating how sound can transform everyday spaces, creating richer, more visceral experiences for people.


Perodua unveils new Myvi colours, introduces special prices for the 1.5L

KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua is a hive of activity centred around the Myvi.

First of all, it is offering up to a RM3,800 discount on the 1.5-litre Myvi from May 7 to July 5 as a "thank-you note" to Malaysians for helping made the car one of its bestselling models.

Perodua has sold 890,000 Myvis since it was introduced in May 2005.  “The Myvi remains one of our strongest selling models ... As a thank you, we are giving the best value proposition for everyone,” said Perodua president/CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

To appeal to younger buyers, the Advance version of the Myvi will now be available in two-tone colours, which is a combination of Metallic Ebony Black & Electric Blue. It is priced at RM55,118.

Perodua also announced it is phasing out the Myvi 1.3L Premium X (AT) and Premium XS (AT) in line with changing market demands.

Perodua is also introducing a new line of affordable service parts brand dubbed ProGanti to encourage customers to use quality and reliable parts.

“As an introduction, we will introduce the six most common service parts under ProGanti, which have been tested and are distributed by Perodua. The ProGanti parts come with six months warranty. We will further increase the number of parts to 30 by year-end,” said Aminar.

The car maker also urged customers and prospects to attend its "Riuh Bersama Perodua" open day on May 7 (9am to 5pm) where they could enjoy food, promotions and prizes at its sales and service outlets.

Perodua said Myvi and Axia customers could also buy new accessories for the upcoming Raya season.

In other related news, Perodua has opened a technical training centre at the Perda-Tech facility in Nibong Tebal, Penang. Perda-Tech is a training body under the Lembaga Kemajuan Wilayah Pulau Pinang (Perda). The Perodua Technical Training Centre is set up to train students in automotive mechanics and maintenance.

According to the agreement, the centre would be used as a training lab for Perda-Tech students and in return Perda-Tech will allow Perodua to conduct sales training for some 1,000 employees in the northern region of the country at its location.

As part of the agreement, Perodua has invested RM263,700 to furnish the facility with equipment and vehicles; while Perda-Tech will provide the facilities for both training and lodging for Perodua staff attending training.

Perodua will also train the lecturers from Perda-Tech over six months after which they would be able to train Perda-Tech students.


The Weeknd previews new song in Merc commercial

                STUTTGART: Canadian musician The Weeknd notably appeared in a commercial for Mercedes-Benz's new EQC electric SUV.

The advertisement, which first aired in Germany, also features an instrumental snippet of a yet-unreleased song, supposedly entitled "Blinding Lights."

While the commercial is only a minute-long, Mercedes-Benz announced that a full film starring the "Starboy" vocalist will be released just in time for Black Friday on Nov 29.

The snippet of "Blinding Lights" arrived on the heels of The Weeknd's return on Instagram, which prompted fans to believe that his long-awaited fourth studio album was on the way.

Details about the forthcoming full-length are still scarce to this date, although the musician cryptically tweeted last year that "some chapters are smaller than others. not this next one though..."

The Weeknd dropped his last full-length, "Starboy," in 2016. The award-winning vocalist has since unveiled the six-song album "My Dear Melancholy," which arrived in March 2018.

More recently, he has shared the singles "Lost in the Fire" and "Power is Power," in which he teamed with Travis Scott and SZA for the "Game of Thrones" companion soundtrack "For the Throne."

In addition to working on his new album, The Weeknd will star in the upcoming new film from the Safdie brothers alongside Adam Sandler, Idina Menzel, Lakeith Stanfield and NBA legend Kevin Garnett.

"Uncut Gems", which will hit US theaters on Dec 13, has been described by distributor A24 as "an electrifying crime thriller about Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score."

While waiting for both The Weeknd's new album and "Uncut Gems," discover the commercial for Mercedes-Benz's new EQC electric SUV :


Perodua targets 6,000 Bezza deliveries, 19,000 orders received so far

                PETALING JAYA: Nearly 6,000 Bezzas are in the process of delivery today, while bookings for the carmaker’s first compact sedan has reached 19,000 units.

“As of yesterday, 5,000 Perodua Bezzas has been successfully delivered since it was launched on July 21 and we expect to deliver a total of 1,000 units by end of today,” said Perodua President and CEO, Datuk Dr. Aminar Rashid Salleh.

“We are very thankful to the Malaysian public for their support and for choosing us as their automotive brand of choice. We are now focusing our efforts on timely delivery of the Perodua Bezza to our valued customers,” Aminar said.

The breakdown of deliveries are 42% for the Perodua Bezza 1.3L Advance Version, 43% for the Perodua Bezza 1.3L Premium X and 15% for the Perodua Bezza 1.0L variants.

READ MORE:
Video review of Perodua Bezza 1.3L Advance
Perodua Bezza drives a good deal
Perodua aims to sell 216,000 cars in 2016
Perodua Bezza launched
Three things you may not know about Perodua Bezza
VIDEO: Carsifu talks about Bezza and first drive
Full Perodua Bezza specs
Perodua Bezza to drive auto sales
Perodua Bezza gets top safety rating
Perodua Bezza priced from RM37,300 to RM50,800
Bezza name used in 2010 for Perodua concept car

The “A” segment compact sedan is the first Perodua vehicle which upper body was fully designed by Malaysians. The design of the Bezza began in 2014 with the support of Perodua’s partner Daihatsu of Japan.

Perodua invested RM300 million to develop the Bezza and the model has 95% local content.

The Perodua Bezza is produced at its’ EEV-certified plant, the Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, which is a highly modern facility with over 75% automation rate (the same plant which produces the Perodua Axia).

The sedan name takes inspiration from the word ‘Beza’ in Bahasa Malaysia, which means ‘different’. And that is exactly what Perodua’s first energy efficient sedan is – distinctly different.

The Perodua Bezza, with prices ranging from RM37,300 for its 1.0L standard G (manual transmission) to RM50,800 for its 1.3L Advanced variant (automatic transmission).

The car comes in 6 different colours, which include Sugar Brown and Ocean Blue for 1.3L variants, which are new metallic colours for Perodua, as well as existing colours of Lava Red, Ebony Black, Glittering Silver and Solid Ivory White.


Ferrari heir sets up succession with trust for supercar firm stake

Piero Ferrari set up a family trust this month to manage his stake of around 10% in the Italian luxury sports carmaker. — Reuters
MILAN: Piero Ferrari, son of founder Enzo and the second largest shareholder in Ferrari, set up a family trust this month to manage his stake of around 10% in the Italian luxury sports carmaker, a US regulatory filing showed.

The move outlines plans for succession in relation to the group's shareholding structure.

Piero Ferrari's daughter Antonella and his grandsons Enzo Mattioli Ferrari and Piero Galassi Ferrari have been appointed as the trust beneficiaries, the filing published late on Monday showed.

The trust represents "an instrument useful to preserve the unity" of Piero Ferrari's current participatory interest in Ferrari, the filing said.

Piero Ferrari, 77, has transferred the "bare ownership" of its shares to the trust, whose value amounts to around 4 billion euros (RM18.8bil) at current prices. He will retain voting rights in the company, which exceed 15%.

The move does not affect a current consultation pact Piero Ferrari has with Ferrari's largest investor Exor, the holding company of Italy's Agnelli family.

Dutch-based Exor owns around 23% of Ferrari and around 35% of voting rights.

Both Ferrari and Exor declined to comment.


Volvo serves up CNY savings on Twin Engine PHEV range

                PETALING JAYA: Volvo Car Malaysia, the premium Swedish car brand, is offering great deals for this year's Chinese New Year with angpows worth up to RM13,888.

The Swedish carmaker is running its "Recharge the year with Prosperity" campaign from now until Feb 29 for its range of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV).

Additionally, a Recharge package worth RM10,000 will be added when purchasing a Volvo PHEV which will be covered by a five-year maintenance-free package and an eight-year PHEV battery warranty.

The vehicles included starts with Volvo's flagship model, the XC90 sport utility vehicle (SUV) that's available in either T8 Twin Engine Inscription or T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus and are priced on-the-road without insurance at RM399,888 and RM409,888 respectively.

Also included is the mid-size XC60 SUV which is also available in either T8 Twin Engine Inscription or T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus and are similarly priced at RM333,888 and RM343,888 respectively.

In the executive sedan category, Volvo offers up the stately S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription (RM366,888) and S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus (RM386,888) as well as the sporty S60 T8 Twin Engine R-Design (RM295,888).

For all Volvo PHEVs, power comes from a 2.0-litre (1,969cc) turbocharged engine that and an electric motor that has a combined output of 407hp and 640Nm of torque.

Entertainment comes from a Bowers & Wilkins premium audio sound system which is only available in Inscription Plus models.

For added safety, all of Volvo's PHEVs come featuring the company's Intellisafe suite of preventive safety features that include City Safety for collision avoidance and mitigation with intersection support for pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection.

Also included are front and rear collision warning and mitigation support, driver alert control, lane-keeping aid and run-off road mitigation, blind spot information system with steer assist and cross-traffic alert with auto brake, seat belt detection with graphical indicator for all seats, anti-lock brake system (ABS) and emergency brake assist.


KL City Grand Prix to feature V8 supercars

                KUALA LUMPUR: Motorsport enthusiasts will have an opportunity to witness the top five V8 Supercars series racing teams in the streets of Kuala Lumpur come this August.

GT Global Race (M) Sdn Bhd chairman Tunku Naquiyuddin Tuanku Ja'afar said the exhibition race was part of the collaboration for the inaugural KL City Grand Prix to be held from Aug 7 to 9.

"V8 will bring five demo cars with five drivers. We have entered into an agreement for the V8 Supercars to race at our track for four years from 2016," he said at the KL City GP pre-launch on Wednesday.

KL City GP, a festival of super sports cars racing, will be held on a 3.2km circuit designed within the main streets around the Kuala Lumpur and is organised by GT Global Race in alliance with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

The city race track starts from KLCC and passes through Jalan P. Ramlee, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Pinang and back to the KLCC.

Tengku Naquiyuddin said besides the GT car racing, KL City GP would have four other races namely the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, Formula Masters, Porsche Carrera Cup and Audi R8 LMS Cup.

Meanwhile, SIC's chief executive officer Datuk Razlan Razali said SIC have the expertise in turning city streets into a circuit with safety precaution taken.

"We (SIC) have the experience regarding the circuit. Street circuit and Sepang Circuit used the same principle to build, safety is our priority. We will build a temporary track for this event," he said.

Commenting on the involvement of V8 Supercars, Razlan said SIC had been hoping to bring the supercars to race at Sepang Circuit but acknowledged that the race would be more exciting to watch in the streets.


Shell launches first-ever engine warranty programme

                KUALA LUMPUR: Shell Malaysia has launched a unique and free engine warranty programme — the first of its kind to be offered by a lubricant maker in the country.

The warranty covers 15 major engine parts against lubricant-caused failure for up to 12 years or 200,000km from the car's manufacturing date (whichever comes first).

Car owners can get the free Shell Helix Engine Warranty (SHEW) if they buy Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology or Shell Helix HX7, and their cars are under eight years old, and have done less than 100,000km.  Under SHEW, customers can claim up to RM15,000 (for Helix Ultra with PurePlus users) and RM8,000 (for Helix HX7 users) in repair costs.

Shell Lubricants (South East Asia) executive director Troy Chapman said, "SHEW is a value-added programme that benefits drivers who choose Shell Helix."

About 1,000 Shell stations and 1,000 authorised car workshops in Malaysia are SHEW participants.
Shell Lubricants (Malaysia and Singapore) general manager Leslie Ng said, "Registering for SHEW is quick and simple."

Car owners can register for their warranty at any authorised Shell Helix Engine Warranty workshop when they perform their oil change, free of charge. Customers can also obtain their free starter kit when they buy a 4-litre pack of Shell Helix Ultra or Shell Helix HX7 from a Shell retail station and register online at the SHEW microsite.

To continue enjoying the warranty, customers need to change their engine oil in line with their manufacturer’s recommendation, not exceeding six months from their last oil change, and reactivate their warranty via their workshop or online. There is a minimum run-in of 30 days or 1,000km after registration on the programme before a claim can be made. The warranty is transferrable to the next car owner, to help protect the resale value of the vehicle, provided the new owner maintains copies of the last receipts to prove the continued use of Shell Helix Ultra or Shell Helix HX7.

To make a claim, customers can call 1800 18 1855.

A customer representative will arrange for the vehicle to be assessed at the nearest workshop, to ascertain if the issue is linked to the engine oil. If so, the cost of engine repairs will be covered by Shell.

Vehicle documentation including oil change records, service receipts and a copy of the vehicle registration are needed.  SHEW was first launched in South Korea in December 2014, followed by Russia, India and Thailand.

"We have seen good response to SHEW to date, and we expect the same for Malaysia, where Shell has a 35% market share for passenger car lubricants," said Chapman.

Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is the oil giant's most advanced motor oil and the first designed from natural gas, using PurePlus technology. PurePlus is a gas-to-liquid process that converts natural gas into a pure and crystal-clear base oil, which has virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil. Base oil is the main ingredient of a lubricant.

Combining PurePlus base oil and high performance additives creates a motor oil that delivers benefits including enhanced viscosity in extreme temperatures, improved fuel efficiency due to less friction, maintaining power and efficiency of the engine over time, lower evaporation - so less need to top up, and long-lasting engine performance.

As for Shell Helix HX7 semi-synthetic lubricant, it uses Flexi-Molecule technology, which activates under high pressures and temperatures to form protective barriers on critical engine parts for better wear protection.

Both Helix Ultra with PurePlus and Helix HX7 are suitable for petrol and diesel passenger cars. For details, log on to www.shell.com.my/helixwarranty.


Honda working on GPS navigation system for shoes

                TOKYO: It will soon no longer be necessary to have your eyes glued to your phone to find your way around the world's major capitals.

Honda, through the start-up Ashirase, Inc., is developing a new kind of GPS navigation system that would create vibrations at the level of the feet and toes to guide the wearer along a precise route and reach their destination without any hitches.

While smartphones have long been taking the place of road maps for getting from A to B without getting lost, companies have been redoubling their inventiveness in recent years to make life even easier for users, whether they are travelling by car or on foot.

It is pedestrians that Honda is now addressing with an original GPS navigation system. Through the creation of Ashirase, Inc, the first start-up of its IGNITION new business creation program, the Japanese manufacturer has revealed that a navigation system implanted in shoes is in development.

While this navigation system can be used by everyone, allowing users to have their hands free and not be affected by the dangers associated with increased smartphone use in a city setting, it was essentially designed to help visually impaired people get around.

Equipped with a motion sensor, the system, which works in conjunction with a smartphone application, is attached to the inside of the shoe. This allows the system to determine your position, and to give you the necessary indications to find your way.

The system operates in a very intuitive fashion, since it is the vibrations felt at the level of the feet which guide you throughout your movement.

If you have to go straight, the device vibrates on the front part of the foot, while if you have to turn, the vibrations will be felt on the right or left side, depending on the direction you have to go. And if you've gone too far, or taken the wrong direction, specific vibrations will also warn you. The simplicity and clarity could allow millions of people to move independently and safely.

"An accident suffered by one of my family members motivated me to take action to realise safer and more free mobility for visually impaired people," said Wataru Chino, representative director of Ashirase, Inc., in a press release.

"I developed the Ashirase and applied to IGNITION, Honda's new business creation program, which led to the establishment of Ashirase, Inc. I am sure that we will face many obstacles as we work towards the market launch of Ashirase; however, we will overcome such obstacles one by one and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to realize the freedom of mobility for visually impaired people,"

The navigation system could be commercially available by the first quarter of 2023.


Swiss court rejects bid to cloak accounts in Ghosn probe

File pic of Ghosn. — Reuters
ZURICH: A Swiss court has rejected an Arab businessman's appeal seeking to block Japanese prosecutors from getting bank account details for their investigation of fugitive former car executive Carlos Ghosn, a verdict released today showed.

Ghosn, the architect of the Renault-Nissan auto alliance, has been fighting multiple probes since fleeing to Lebanon from Japan in late 2019, and has said he hopes to clear his name in financial misconduct cases against him.

Ghosn was chairman of both Nissan and Mitsubishi and chief executive of Renault when he was arrested in Japan in 2018 on charges of under-reporting his salary and using company funds for personal use. He has denied wrongdoing.

Japanese prosecutors sought legal assistance from Switzerland to get documents from bank accounts owned by an associate of Ghosn. Zurich prosecutors agreed last year to hand them over, which prompted an appeal from the unidentified associate that the Federal Criminal Court said today it had rejected.

"The Japanese authorities have concrete indications that funds of allegedly criminal origin may have been deposited in two accounts in the complainant's name" at two unidentified banks, the verdict said.

The verdict did not give the name of the business associate who filed the appeal. Zurich prosecutors identified him only as an Arab businessman whose accounts in question were at two Zurich-based banks they did not name.


Adjusting wing mirrors averts horrific accidents with cyclists

                HAMBURG: Correctly setting up and adjusting a car’s wing mirrors can save you from horrific accidents with cyclists in town and also protect from scrapes while parking, driving experts are saying.

In order to have the best possible view behind the vehicle, the outside mirror on the driver's side should be adjusted – either manually with the hand or using its little electronic joystick – so that the horizon appears midway up the mirror.

According to a major safety inspection firm, TUV Nord, the driver should also adjust the mirror such that their own vehicle is only just visible along the inner edge of the mirror.

The reason for this is that a mirror rotated as far as possible to the outside reduces blind spots: the parts of your surroundings you can neither see in the mirror nor in your peripheral vision. Cyclists and pedestrians are particularly easy to overlook in a blind spot.

But motorists should still be able to see along their own vehicle in the mirror while parking, when scrapes are a big risk, or when leaving a parallel parking space, where cyclists tend to approach from behind in a line very close to the other parked cars.

Likewise, the right-hand wing mirror should also be positioned such that the road surface can been seen in the lower half and cars, trees and the sky are in the upper half. Again, it is helpful for manoeuvring and driving to always have a small part of one's own car in view.


30 bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms shipped to Macau

                GOODWOOD: Following the handover of the first of his highly bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show in March of this year, all 30 Phantoms commissioned by luxury entrepreneur Stephen Hung, Joint Chairman of The 13 holdings limited, have now been shipped from the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England.

The fleet of 30 extraordinary Bespoke Phantoms, that represent the largest single commission in Rolls-Royce history, are destined for The 13 hotel in Macau, planned to open in early 2017.

Crafted in close collaboration with Hung, the fleet comprises 30 Extended Wheelbase Phantoms in the livery of The 13 hotel, two of which are ‘Gold’.

The livery applied to each of The 13 Phantoms comprises a specially formulated ‘Stephen Red’ exterior paint developed to the exacting requirements of Hung, complemented by a hand-painted gold twin coach line that culminates in a specially designed The 13 motif.

The Bespoke 21” wheels are also finished in ‘Stephen Red’.

Included in the fleet are two ‘Gold’ Phantoms, which will be reserved for use by select guests, each featuring a gold Spirit of Ecstasy, gold Pantheon grille, gold interior accents and diamond encrusted Rolls-Royce badge.

Additionally, the ‘Stephen Red’ paint that is used for the ‘Gold’ Phantoms is infused with fine particles of pure gold.

The stunning exterior theme of the fleet is elegantly echoed in an exquisitely crafted interior. A specially developed wood staining technique evokes the ‘Stephen Red’ colour scheme, whilst a chequered pattern integrated to the rear seats echo the marble entrance hall motif of The 13 . The clock was designed in collaboration with master jeweller Graff.


Highway traffic set to reach four million vehicles

                KUALA LUMPUR: Traffic at all major highways is expected to reach four million vehicles daily following the lifting of the interstate travel ban.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Comm Datuk Mat Kasim Karim said 3.8 million vehicles were on highways nationwide on Thursday but traffic remained smooth.

"The Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) estimates the number of vehicles at all highways will continue to increase to four million daily as many are travelling interstate.

"Some 4.5 million vehicles were on the road daily in February and March last year prior to the implementation of the movement control order (MCO)," he said when contacted today.

On Thursday, some 1,112,215 vehicles were on the North-South Highway, 112,852 on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway, and 41,221 vehicles on the East Coast Highway, Comm Mat Kassim said.

"Traffic at toll plazas also increased on Thursday compared to a week before, prior to the lifting of the interstate travel ban.

"At the Jalan Duta toll plaza, traffic increased some 29% from 43,008 vehicles to 55,333 vehicles. (There was also a) 28% increase at Sungai Besi toll plaza, 37% at Skudai toll plaza, 38% at Juru toll plaza, 126% increase at Gombak toll plaza – which is 65,490 vehicles compared to 29,042 a week prior – a 69% increase at Bentong toll plaza and 40% increase at Karak toll plaza," he added.

Comm Mat Kasim said no unusual traffic congestion has been detected so far.

"Traffic remains smooth and my department personnel have been deployed to monitor the situation.

"We are also working with other agencies such as the MHA and highway companies to ensure that travellers abide by Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP)," he added.

Comm Mat Kasim said his department will focus on advocacy and total enforcement to ensure all motorists abide by the rules so that traffic remains smooth.