Car seats: Make sure the belt is fastened tightly enough

                BERLIN: If you have a car seat with an integrated belt, you're probably afraid of pulling it too tight, lest you make life uncomfortable for the little one.

However, this could potentially do the child more harm than good, experts say.

In the event of an accident, a child can easily slip out of a seat if they're not strapped in tightly enough, according to Germany's Auto Bild magazine.

A good rule of thumb is that you should not be able to fit more than one hand between the belt and the child's chest, the experts say.

And if the child fastens their own seatbelt, it should always be checked before you set off.

As a general rule, children should use a car seat until they are between 8 and 12 years old.

If a child is too small to use a normal seatbelt, an accident could cause them to slip out of the diagonal belt, leaving them at risk of internal injuries caused by the lap belt.


Toyota chalks over 6,600 unit sales in July, Hilux remains king of trucks

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd announced today it has registered healthy sales of 6,637 units for July.

It comprised 6,624 Toyota units, while Lexus recorded total sales of 13 units.

Total year-to-date sales up to July stood at 52,548 units, compared to 35,561 units (Toyota + Lexus) for year-to-date sales registered in July 2021, a 48% increase from the previous year.

The Hilux has remained the best-selling pick-up truck in Malaysia since 2005, recording total sales of 1,788 units in July.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said the company is focused on ensuring prompt vehicle delivery.

For August, the Toyota distributor is having a
Yaris and Vios promotion, offering benefits worth RM4,000 on top of cash rebates.

The automaker expects sales to steadily increase as Malaysians take advantage of deals and savings to upgrade to new cars.


Honda updates HR-V, aims for 1,500 unit sales a month

PETALING JAYA: Honda Malaysia hopes to sell 1,500 units of the HR-V a month following some cosmetic updates to the compact SUV.

The HR-V is now offered with a Dark Ruby Red Pearl, which is also available  in the City. The existing colours are Taffeta White, Modern Steel Metallic and Ruse Black Metallic.  As part of the updates, the HR-V also gets a new 17” wheel design for all three variants. In addition, a "rear shelf" is offered as an optional accessory priced at RM550.

"The Dark Ruby Red Pearl colour blends well with the stylish design and smart features of the HR-V," said Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Katsuto Hayashi. "I believe that it will appeal to young executives and young families who seek a more vibrant and lifestyle looking compact SUV."

Since its launch in February 2015, the HR-V has sold over 28,500 units as of April and remains in the lead position in the compact SUV segment.

The HR-V is powered by a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine paired with a Continuous Variable Transmission. It is noted for its versatile storage space and advanced technology features such as Automatic Brake Hold and Electric Parking Brake. It has also achieved a 5-Star Asean NCAP rating.

Honda Malaysia said it has raised production to reduce the waiting period for the SUV to between one and two months.

For more details, call Honda at 1-800-88-2020 or visit www.honda.com.my.


Climate goals at risk if only rich countries adopt electric cars

                LONDON: Europe's plan to phase out combustion-engine vehicles has put the region at the forefront of climate protection.

Yet without progress cleaning up poorer nations' roads, it won't be enough to keep global warming below dangerous levels.

Take Nairobi, for example. The Kenyan capital's vehicle fleet doubles every eight years and its roughly 4.5 million inhabitants rely on minibus taxis called Matatus to get around. While they're cheap, they tend to be older and often run on dirty diesel.

While virtually all of the world's population growth by 2050 is forecast to take place in developing countries, thousands of cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America may stick to fossil fuel-powered vans, buses and motorcycles for decades, said Rob de Jong, who heads the mobility unit at the United Nations' environment program.

In Kenya, carbon dioxide emissions have roughly doubled since 2005, with the transport sector responsible for much of the increase.

"If we only bring electric vehicles to the US and Finland and the Netherlands, we will not meet the Paris climate agreement targets," De Jon said in a phone interview.

"We need low- and no-emission vehicles also to be introduced in low- and middle-income countries."

Most EVs are sold in the US, China and Europe, where state-backed purchasing incentives and investments in charging infrastructure make it easier for customers to abandon combustion cars.

Yet in many developing nations, a lack of government spending power and patchy infrastructure present major obstacles to making the switch.

The European Union this month proposed that member states stop selling cars with any emissions no later than 2035 -- a move expected to speed up EV adoption and help the region reduce transport emissions that have climbed by a third since 1990.

Richer nations are responsible for most of man-made warming, with three-quarters of industrial emissions originating in North America, Europe and China, according to University of Oxford research.

Africa accounts for just 3% of the total, but its share is expected to climb rapidly due to population growth.

When the Paris climate accord was adopted in 2015, countries pledged to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.

Researchers now believe a 1.5-degree cap is required to avoid some of the most catastrophic consequences of climate change, putting pressure on the West to also assist poorer nations in their quest to rein in emissions.

Countries including Uganda and Morocco have already introduced rules to raise the quality of the hundreds of thousands of used cars imported from the West every year.

Most of these vehicles are between 16 and 20 years old, meaning the industry has contributed to worsening air pollution in the region.

Part of the problem is that global automakers design their cars, vans and motorcycles to win over well-heeled customers in the West, largely ignoring the needs of potential buyers in poorer markets, de Jong said.

"We don't want a Tesla Model S -- we need a small US$10,000 urban vehicle," he said. "We don't want a Harley-Davidson or Vespa -- we want a US$1,500 electric motorcycle that is very sturdy and can carry three people and a goat."

Electric motorbikes

Local EV startups are cropping up across Africa to capitalize on the potential.

Demand for battery-powered vehicles is already vastly outstripping supply in nations like Rwanda, where motorbike maker Ampersand is expanding its bike and battery-swap station network.

China's BYD Co. is selling its electric vans in Kenya via a local distributor that aims to import as many as 100 units by the end of the year.

The Kenyan government's electricity producer has spent hundreds of millions of dollars drawing geothermal energy from the volcanic Rift Valley -- power for the grid that startup ARC Ride plans to use to charge its fleet of electric rickshaws and motorbikes.

Yet without additional institutional backing and the resources wielded by major automakers, scaling up local manufacturing and electrifying auto fleets may remain elusive.

Volkswagen AG, the world's second-largest automaker, plans to accelerate the rollout of EVs in Europe in a push that could see its namesake brand fading out combustion engines in the region between 2033 and 2035.

But the industrial giant also is exploring bioethanol in Brazil and has suggested that in some parts of the world, fossil fuels may stay around longer.

ARC Ride is trying to speed up the shift. The company aims to offer cleaner transportation in several African cities and is currently focusing on Nairobi, where its motorbike fleet has helped deliver for Uber Eats.

The startup plans to roll out the vehicles as taxis in Rwanda from next year.

"These cities are rapidly growing, and it would be catastrophic for the climate if that growth is carbon-heavy," chief executive officer Joseph Hurst-Croft said.

"We really can and urgently need to leapfrog whole energy systems to create transport that’s cleaner end-to-end."


Malaysians want more EVs on the road, says BMW survey

                KUALA LUMPUR: A survey by BMW Group Malaysia revealed that eight out of 10 Malaysian drivers desire to see more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, with the hope of contributing to a more environmentally conscious world.

The recent online survey, which polled 4,000 drivers from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, was aimed at further understanding familiarity and preference toward EVs among South-East Asian drivers.

Other topics explored included attitudes toward the impact of EVs on the environment as well as factors that would motivate them to buy one.

However, misconceptions on EVs remain, hindering the switch, the poll suggested.

BMW Group Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser said it was encouraging to see the level
of awareness and excitement around sustainable mobility, and that Malaysians view EVs as a gateway to a more premium driving experience.

"Being the pioneer of electrified mobility in Malaysia and having been in the field since 2015, we have observed how Malaysian drivers are receptive and even enthusiastic about transitioning to EVs.

"However, they remain concerned about key issues surrounding it, all of which we have been actively working to alleviate,” he said.

In addition, he said to introduce the best that the German automobile group has to offer with the latest fleet of vehicles, the company has been proactively developing its infrastructure for charging the vehicles.

"With these initiatives, there is also an opportunity to change the perception of prospective EV owners in Malaysia on the significant advancements made.

"Also, an electric future for the passenger vehicle market in Malaysia is closer than they think.”

The poll also showed that 72 per cent of Malaysian respondents chose reduced carbon emissions, cost savings from using electricity instead of petrol (49 per cent), and a more premium experience (40 per cent) for a more electrified Malaysia.

Specifically, 33 per cent of Malaysian respondents believe that EVs can only travel up to 100km before requiring a recharge; 41 per cent expect EVs to be more expensive to service or maintain over a period of 10 years; while 29 per cent believe that charging EVs would pose difficulty.

More than half of the Malaysian drivers surveyed would likely choose a petrol vehicle (59 per cent) for their next purchase, despite motivations to go green.

Some common concerns raised were the electric range of EVs, the maintenance costs, as well as the difficulty in keeping their EVs charged, the survey revealed.


Nissan vehicles now available on Lazada Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has officially launched its Nissan Flagship Store on Lazada - Malaysia’s top e-commerce platform - for a convenient and secure new Nissan vehicle purchasing experience.

In conjunction with the launch along with Lazada’s 5.5 Sale, customers can now book the all-new Nissan Almera 1.0L Turbo, new Nissan Navara pick-up truck, Nissan X-Trail sports utility vehicle or Nissan Serena S-Hybrid multi-purpose vehicle from as low as RM250.

The first 55 customers will receive a Nescafe Coffee Machine worth RM598.

The Almera 1.0L Turbo now comes with Urban accessories package worth up to RM 5,500 and an attractive Flexi Financing offer from as low as RM540 monthly, while the new Special Civil Servants Promotion offers the Almera 1.0L Turbo VL variant with starting price from RM71,906 only.

Additionally, the new and radically redesigned Nissan Navara 4x4 2.5L Turbo Double-Cab comes with many best-in-class technologies, including an array of Nissan Intelligent Mobility driver assisted features and safety systems, is also available with an attractive Flexi Financing offer from as low as RM950 monthly.

The X-Trail now comes with Impul or Aero Edition accessories package worth up to RM5,600 while the Serena S-Hybrid comes with free 3 years maintenance service with parts and labour included.

ETCM sales and marketing director Christophet Tan said the company was excited to expand its Nissan models on Lazada and making them readily available to everyone who prefers the convenience of shopping at their fingertips.

“In this challenging time of Covid-19 pandemic, digitalisation has been fast-tracked and we are confident that this move is another way for the brand to enhance its services and at the same time offer great deals when purchasing a new Nissan on a digital application,” he said.

Customers can click into Nissan Flagship Store on Lazada at www.lazada.com.my/shop/nissan-malaysia-flagship-store.

For details, call Nissan Customer Care Centre hotline at 1800-88-3838 or log on to www.nissan.com.my.


BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Getting acquainted in Lisbon

                Reaching out to a bigger market is always a key target that sways the decision of carmakers when considering a new model and BMW is no different in this respect.

Its latest baby is the 2 Series Gran Coupe, the fourth variation in this model line that sees such accomplished company as those from the 4, 6 and 8 Series.

What gives it star quality is that the 2 Series Gran Coupe is the only one with a front-wheel drive model option in this select group of four-door coupes.

The decision to add such a model to this particular range is driven by the fact that there are BMW customers who want a 2 Series in a bigger form for their ‘growing needs’ (read that as young children) but do not want a 3 Series that is deem too big size-wise.

 The M235i.

At first glance, you might find that desire a bit misplaced as you could easily mistake the 2 Series Gran Coupe for the 3 Series in dimensions.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is actually smaller all round as it runs on a shorter wheelbase that is almost 180mm shorter; it also weighs a lot lighter by between 110 and 200kg depending on model variants.

Compared to the 2 Series Active Tourer, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is 220mm longer at 4,562mm being a four-door car and 130mm lower for the coupe look, while sharing the same 2,670mm wheelbase and body width.

With the slipperier coupe body, the Gran Coupe also gains an aerodynamic advantage, albeit marginally over the Active Tourer at 0.25 Cd (versus 0.26).

BMW followed up on the 2 Series Gran Coupe world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November last year with an international media drive in Lisbon, Portugal.

As BMW Malaysia is only looking at the petrol engine variants, we had a go at the range topping M235i xDrive (all-wheel drive) and 218i front-wheel drive, which is the entry-level version that would be introduced locally.

The route, with its tight and twisty nature that wounds through the countryside and villages, was a lot shorter than what we were used to – about 100km to and fro between Lisbon and Ribeira, a world surfing seaside haven.

We started with the M235i that has the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the BMW Group and sprints to 100kph from standstill in 4.9 seconds.

All that aggression comes from a 2.0-litre engine that boasts of the BMW TwinPower turbo technology, Valvetronic variable valve timing and Double Vanos variable camshaft timing.

In sheer power, it delivers 306hp and 450Nm of torque; more than enough punch to move a 2 Series Gran Coupe weighing 1,570kg kerb very quickly.

It is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and the car we drove came with the optional Adaptive suspension system to complement the Sports suspension design.

A major note is in the change in rear suspension design with the 2 Series Gran Coupe having the multi-link axle in place of the central arm system.

This is a more comfortable set-up and we found the ride, especially in the rear, most accommodating in that respect.

There are no grab handles but we found enough brace points in the foldable central armrest and door armrest while sitting in the rear as we meandered through the winding stretches at fair speeds.

At the driving wheel, we found the available torque peaking from 1,750rpm useful, especially when the 450Nm of torque stays flat till 4,500rpm.

We could feel this huge torque output putting us firmly on the road as we made our way through the sinuous stretches without the need to use the paddle shifts to gain a lower gear.

With a width of 1,800mm, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is still a fairly wide car to pilot through narrow winding roads and we had to temper our aggressive driving style.

 Frameless windows

Nevertheless, we could carry a fair bit of speed and the slight, and almost unnoticed, body roll made it pretty flat driving that we fully enjoyed.

BMW says the suspension elements are tuned to perform flatly without affecting ride and we concur on that note.

We ran on 235/35 R19 Continental PremiumContact 6 tyres, which were lower profile than the standard size 240/40 R18, but good ride comfort was never in doubt.

We ran off the road once while coming to terms with the car’s dimensions along narrow roads and drove across a fair share of bumpy stretches but there was no jarring note all round.

This impression was brought down a notch when we hopped into the 2 Series Gran Coupe 218i, which ran on Pirelli P Zero 225/45 R17 against the standard specification of 205/55 R16.

We experienced a firmer ride that wasn’t quite as comfortable as that of the M235i though it remained comfortable for its level of motoring.

It was a pity that we couldn’t check out the 218i’s handling characteristics as the return route to Lisbon covered mainly highway driving.

The 1.5-litre three-cylinder with full BMW specifications produce enough with 140hp and 220Nm that peaks earlier at 1,480rpm; it is paired with a seven-speed Steptronic dual clutch transmission.

There is no want of push but after driving the M235i earlier, we could feel the slight lack of urgency when we hit the accelerator.

Performance-wise, BMW says the 218i would accelerate to 100kph in 8.7 seconds, almost four seconds slower than the M235i, while top speed is 215kph against 250kph.

There was also a less refined note but the 218i stayed just as quiet cruising on the highway with fairly subdued road rumble coming through over the varying road surfaces to break the monotony.

Its smaller size against the 3 Series was clear in the interior, especially the tighter legroom at the rear although it accommodated our 165cm Asian frame quite nicely.

Being targeted at the 30-40 age group that comprises the family types with young children, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s interior would be about right.

With 430 litres of luggage space, it would meet the needs of this targeted group too and the standard 40:20:40 split rear seatrests would free up space for more items.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe would be introduced in Malaysia as an imported car and should find appeal among those eyeing sporty-type family cars.


Tesla slashes car prices in China for second time in 3 months

                SHANGHAI: Tesla cut car prices in China for the second time in less than three months today, deepening its discounts in the world's largest auto market as competition picks up and the demand outlook darkens.

The latest cut, along with a reduction in October as well as various incentives that amount to as much as 10,000 yuan (RM6,410) extended to Chinese buyers over the past three months, amount to a 13% to 24% reduction in Tesla's prices from September.

On Friday, the US automaker slashed prices for all versions of its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles in China by between 6% and 13.5%, according to Reuters calculations based on the prices shown on the website.

The starting price for Model 3, for instance, was cut to 229,900 yuan (RM148,000) from 265,900 yuan (RM171,000).

The move comes after industry association data showed December deliveries of Tesla's China-made cars fell to 55,796, the lowest in five months, as it reduced output and lowered prices to deal with rising inventories.

It also takes place just days after Beijing wound down a subsidy program that helped build the world's largest eletric vehicle market. Softening demand has forced Tesla and its rivals to absorb the brunt of that decision to maintain sales.

The US electric vehicle maker is also facing intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. The Model 3 and Y have been the only models it delivers in China, though on Friday it announced prices for the Model S and Model X in China.

BYD, which has a much larger variety of offerings that comprise both plug-in and pure electric vehicles, saw its retail sales in China double in December while Tesla's fell 42%, according to data from China Merchants Bank International.

The China prices of the Model 3 and Model Y cars are now 24% to 32% lower than in the United States, Tesla's largest market, Reuters calculations showed, due to reasons including different material and labour costs.

Tesla will sell the Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid in China from 1,009,900 yuan (RM648,000) and 1,039,900 yuan (RM667,000) and , respectively, nearly 10% higher than its US prices, its website showed.

Tesla said previously that it would start delivering the two high-end models, imported from the United States and subject to China's 15% tariff, in the first half of the year to its Chinese customers.


Hyundai Motor to replace battery systems in costly EV recall

The Kona Electric.
SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co will replace battery systems in some 82,000 electric vehicles globally due to fire risks, a problem which combined with an earlier recall is likely to cost the automaker an estimated US$900 million.

Most of the latest recall applies to its best-selling electric car, the Kona EV, which was first recalled in October for a software upgrade after a series of fires.

But in January, one of the recalled vehicles caught fire and South Korean authorities launched a probe into whether the first recall had been adequate.

LG Energy Solution, a division of LG Chem Ltd which makes the batteries, said in a statement that Hyundai Motor has misapplied LG’s suggestion for fast-charging logic in Hyundai’s battery management system and that the battery cell should not be seen as the direct cause of the fire risks.

The new recall applies to roughly 76,000 Kona EVs as well as some Ioniq EV and Elec City models.

There have been some 15 cases of fires involving the Kona EV - 11 in South Korea, two in Canada and one each in Finland and Austria, according to the transport ministry.

Hyundai said in a statement that of the total 1 trillion won in estimated recall costs, some 38.9 billion won was due to the first recall.


Automakers urge US support for EV charging, R&D, incentives

                WASHINGTON: A major automotive trade association on Tuesday urged U.S. policymakers to back sweeping support for electric vehicles (EV), including new incentives for research and development and consumer purchases.

President-elect Joe Biden has made boosting electric vehicles a top priority and pledged to build 550,000 new EV charging stations. He also supports new tax credits for consumer purchases and retrofitting factories for EV production.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the auto trade group representing General Motors Co, Volkswagen AG , Toyota Motor Corp, Ford Motor Co and nearly all major Automakers, called in a report released Tuesday for a series of steps to boost the EV market and to revamp regulatory oversight of self-driving vehicles.

John Bozzella, the group's chief executive, in an interview argued "the future of the industry" is at stake as it spends heavily on electric and self-driving vehicles.

The technologies "will redefine motor vehicle transportation for decades," the alliance said in its report.

Congress has debated legislation to speed up adoption of self-driving cars and new incentives for EVs but has not approved either.

Automakers face significantly tougher emissions rules under Biden and the industry is split over whether to continue backing President Donald Trump's efforts to bar California from setting vehicle emissions rules.

California governor Gavin Newsom said in September he wants the state to bar the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles by 2035.

Automakers invest about US$26 billion annually in R&D in the United States.

The alliance backs "enhancing R&D incentives over the next 3-5 years" and "facilitating and expanding access to capital to support" the industry's transformation over that period, it said in the report.

Automakers also back new incentives to transition factories to building cleaner vehicle technologies.

The group said China "has already established EV battery supply chain and manufacturing dominance" and noted China is also moving aggressively to develop automated vehicles.

During his election campaign, Biden said China was on pace to dramatically outpace the United States in EV production.

"We can own the electric vehicle market - building 550,000 charging stations - and creating over a million good jobs here at home - with the federal government investing more in clean energy research," Biden said.

Last month, a group of major US utilities, Tesla Inc, Uber and others launched a group to lobby for EV-friendly policies.

The alliance noted the auto industry is spending US$250 billion by 2023 on EVs. Bozzella said additional incentives are needed to boost EVs current 2% US market share.

It called for revising building codes to make EV charging easier and boosting government EV fleet purchases.

Under Trump, the White House rejected new tax credits for EVs as it proposed to kill existing credits and made it easier to sell gas-guzzling vehicles.


Nissan Micra updated for 2021

                PARIS: Nissan hits refresh on its iconic Micra, marking the next step in the evolution of the successful city car that first debuted in Europe 38 years ago.

The updated 2021 Micra enhances the customer offering, whilst maintaining the current grade line up of Visia, Acenta, N-Sport and Tekna.

This will enable customers to maintain a clear understanding of the Micra line up whilst improving the options available to them.

As we have worked to improve the Micra line up overall, we have particularly focussed on enhancing our premium derivatives.

LED headlamps are now standard on both N-Sport and Tekna grades and we are pleased to be able to offer 17-inch diamond cut alloys as standard on Tekna, alongside the Intelligent Around View Monitor.

Giving Micra a more elegant and athletic appearance, whilst maintaining its technologically advanced reputation.

Micra’s enhanced 1.0-litre turbocharged engine offers both a dynamic and efficient driving experience. The unit is compliant with the Euro 6d emissions standards, yielding improved fuel-efficiency and reduced emissions.

The 2021 Micra goes on sale in November 2020, starting from £13,995.


Refreshed BMW X5 to get lit-up grille

                MUNICH: The facelifted BMW X5 will get an illuminated grille, copying an idea already seen in the X6 and its sub-brand Rolls-Royce.

This was evident in a teaser video it posted on its Twitter account on Monday.

The new X5 launch is expected to be today.

The refresh would see revisions to headlights and taillights as well as new exterior colours and wheel designs.

The cabin would see the infotainment system getting an upgrade to BMW’s iDrive 8.

As for powerplants, the six- and eight-pot inline engines would likely get electrified, while the plug-in hybrid would have a more powerful engine.

We can expect total output of 389hp and 600Nm of torquecoming from a powertrain that integrates an electric motor with a turbo 3-litre petrol mill.


Fuel subsidy scheme details to be finalised this June

                PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will meet with the Finance Ministry this month to finalise the targeted fuel subsidy scheme.

Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the meeting would finalise all things related to implementation, policy, financial implication, data and processes related to the scheme.

"This includes the question of whether we will maintain a ceiling price for fuel or whether to remove it altogether," said Saifuddin at a press conference here today.

Saifuddin, however, said the date for when the targeted fuel subsidy scheme would be implemented had yet to be decided.

The targeted fuel subsidy scheme was announced during the presentation of Budget 2019.


Touch ‘n Go RFID how-to issued following rocky rollout

                PETALING JAYA: A list of dos-and-don’ts for using Touch ‘n Go (TnG) RFID technology has been issued, following a problematic rollout that caused traffic jams along highways recently.

Bernama tweeted the infographic quoting PLUS Malaysia Bhd, with key advice being to avoid sticking one’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on tinted glass or too close to a steel object (like the vehicle’s frame).

It also asked users to wait 24 hours after having their RFID sticker attached before using it, and not to hold it up by hand when approaching the tollgate, which should be approached between 15-40kph.

As the implementation of the RFID tag system at 83 toll plazas along the North-South Expressway enters its fifth day, checks by Bernama in Selangor, Perak, Kedah and Negri Sembilan found that traffic conditions have improved with no unusual congestion occurring in RFID lanes.

While motorists previously had to go to official fitment centres to install the RFID, they could now self install it, if buying it online or at a petrol station.

The infographic titled “Correct RFID usage” also gave general best practices like remembering to connect the RFID to the user’s eWallet and to ensure there is enough credit to pay the toll.

The Malaysia Competition Commission is monitoring the execution of the RFID system, saying it would safeguard the interest of road users.

Meanwhile,  PLUS Malaysia has issued an apology today over the RFID issue. It said it would restore SmartTAG lanes at a number of key toll plazas to improve traffic flow.

It was reported on Jan 17 that motorists hit traffic snarls on PLUS’ North-South Expressway (NSE) caused by detection issues with their vehicle RFID tags.

The problem was even discussed by the Cabinet and commented on by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who said motorists should continue to have alternative payment options even after RFID is rolled out.

Following a statement by Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof instructing the toll operator to fix the issue, PLUS deployed personnel to be on standby to scan RFID tags with a handheld device.

Motorists found to have issues would be offered a detection diagnostic at the nearest Touch ‘n Go (TnG) fitment centre and if the RFID was found not to work, TnG will replace it for free.


UD Trucks achieves 15,000 Quester milestone

                PETALING JAYA: UD Trucks recently celebrated its achievement of producing 15,000 Quester units at its Thailand-based plant in Bangkok.

The Japanese transportation solutions provider expects South East Asia’s trade volume to increase by 130% in 2023 with the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community, which will push demand for local and cross-border land transportation.

For the past 40 years, Volvo Group has invested 2.0bil baht (RM255mil) with the aim of expanding UD Trucks’ Bangkok plant to an annual production of 20,000 units.

Being the first completely built-up production facility for UD Trucks outside of Japan, the plant’s significant production of 15,000 Quester units aligns with its vision of supporting markets worldwide and furthering SEA as an economically competitive region.

Combining Volvo Group's technology and UD Trucks’ Japanese manufacturing methods, the Quester’s GH8E and GH11E engines are touted to provide optimal fuel efficiency while maintaining high performance levels.

Every Quester truck is incorporated with UD Telematics Services which connects to a UD Trucks workshop to monitor and detect each vehicle’s condition and service needs before a potential emergency occurs.

Complementing the Quester’s reliability, the company looks to reduce downtime through its UD Extra Mile Support, which offers an extensive network of service technicians providing aftersales service with genuine parts, service planning and vehicle handover training to help optimise fleet performance.


TC Trucks Sales launches new King Long bus

                PETALING JAYA: TC Trucks Sales Sdn Bhd (TC Trucks Sales), a subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (Tan Chong Motor), has scored another milestone in its business recently with the local launch of the new King Long XMQ6120AS bus chassis by China's Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co Ltd (King Long).

Available in two chassis variants, namely the premium XMQ6120AS-P and standard XMQ6120AS-S specifications, this new bus is aimed at fleet owners and tour and travel operators.

The launch event was graced by Datuk Tan Heng Chew, President of Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd and Simon Xie Wei Guo, Director of Overseas Sales and Marketing, Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co. Ltd.

King Long specializes in the design, research and development, manufacturing, and sales and services of large and medium-sized buses, coaches and minivans. With three large manufacturing bases in China, King Long is one of the largest bus and coach manufacturers and produces more than 20,000 buses and coaches, and 30,000 mini vans annually.

The launch of the new King Long intercity express and tourist coach chassis was the first bus chassis to be introduced following TC Trucks Sales’ appointment in June 2018 as the sole and exclusive distributor, assembler and aftermarket service provider of  King Long coaches and buses in Malaysia.

Tan Keng Meng, Head of Tan Chong Group Truck & Bus Business Division, said at the launch, “The new King Long XMQ6120AS bus chassis is designed to provide customers with reputable and reliable bus chassis solutions for various applications to meet our customers’ business demands.

“TC Trucks Sales is extremely delighted to partner with King Long as the sole and exclusive distributor in Malaysia. The introduction of this new bus chassis marks a key milestone for us. Leveraging on our extensive network of branches, quality aftermarket services and capabilities offered within our group, we are confident that we can bring success to the King Long brand and market presence here.”

The XMQ6120AS-P premium variant is powered by a Weichai 400hp engine with ZF’s 6-speed automatic transmission while the XMQ6120AS-S standard variant is equipped with a lighter-in-weight and compact-in-size Cummins 375hp engine with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The new King Long XMQ6120AS bus chassis is now open for bookings. In conjunction with the launch, TC Trucks Sales offered a promotional package which include RM8,000 rebates on bus chassis with three free maintenance service for parts and labour for the first 40 units booked, which 19 units are sealed and sold to four customers namely Five Stars Express Tour & Travel Sdn Bhd, Mayflower Car Rental Sdn Bhd, Pioneer Coachbuilders Sdn Bhd and Siang Malam Travel & Express Sdn Bhd.

In addition to TC Trucks Sales’ comprehensive aftersales support throughout Malaysia, customers who purchase the new bus chassis will also enjoy a warranty of 2 years or 200,000km, whichever comes first.

Customers can contact TC Trucks Sales at 603-61891896 for more information.


Buying a used plug-in-hybrid: Will it fall short on the old battery?

                BERLIN: If you've ever considered buying a used plug-in hybrid car, you've probably worried about the state of the battery. But experts say these rechargeable batteries won't be as fast to wear out as the one in your smartphone.

"We can now certify that drive batteries have a very long service life and the battery often lasts longer than the vehicle itself," says Volker Blandow from German inspection agency Tuev.

Drivers had long been worried about rapid battery aging, and yet years of inspections have not confirmed these fears.

To further put your mind at ease, you can also visit a specialist workshop to get a good idea of the number of charging cycles and any other signs of battery ageing, the testing experts say.

Second-hand hybrids that have been driven mostly on electric power will also have less signs of ageing. "The wear and tear of an electric motor is much less than with a combustion engine," Blandow says.

In the end, buying a used plug-in hybrid is not much different from buying a used petrol or diesel car. Having your car professionally inspected is therefore just as helpful as buying from a trustworthy source and a test drive.

Offering the best of both electric and combustion engine worlds, cars with plug-in hybrid technology combine a conventional petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and a battery.

This means they can cover a certain distance purely electrically and emission-free and can be plugged in at home to recharge. The petrol or diesel engine can then cover longer distances if necessary.


Hyundai, Kia invest US$110 million in UK electric van startup Arrival Ltd

                LONDON: Korea’s Hyundai Group is backing a UK electric vehicle startup that plans to begin selling battery-powered delivery vans in 2021, the companies said today.

Hyundai and sister firm Kia are making the investment of €100 million euros (RM454mil) in Arrival Ltd.

Founded in 2015 and based here, Arrival has developed a boxy, futuristic-looking shuttle bus aimed at the commercial delivery market. The company said its van will have a range between charges of 480km.

In a statement, Arrival said it will work with Hyundai and Kia to develop a variety of electric vehicles, initially for the commercial market. Those vehicles will be built on Arrival’s modular vehicle platform or “skateboard” that bundles motor, batteries and chassis components, similar to the skateboard developed by US startup Rivian.

Rivian is backed by Ford Motor Co and Amazon, and has a contract to build 100,000 electric delivery vans for the e-commerce giant, starting in 2021.

Hyundai and Kia last year invested US$89 million (RM362mil) in Rimac Automobili, a nine-year-old Croatian company aspiring to build electric supercars that is also backed by Porsche AG.

Arrival said its vehicles will be equipped with advanced driver assist features and can be upgraded with self-driving systems.

The vehicles are designed to sell for the same price as similar models powered by internal combustion engines and to be built in small “microfactories.” That strategy is the opposite of US electric vehicle rival Tesla, which uses massive “gigafactories.”

Last fall, Arrival, which until now has operated largely in stealth mode, hired General Motors veteran Michael Ableson to head its new North American operations.

With a small factory in Banbury, England, Arrival said it now has 800 employees in five countries, including Germany, Russia and Israel.

Arrival previously said it would use BlackBerry’s QNX operating system to connect safety features in its electric vehicles.

Arrival said its prototype delivery vans are being tested by the Royal Mail, DHL and UPS.


BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe prototype dons QR-coded camouflage

                MUNICH: BMW is trying something different for a change when it comes to its camouflaged cars under development.

Its BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is draped in an eye-catching multi-coloured camouflage that includes a large QR code on the front doors directing curious eyes to www.bmw.com/2-series-gran-coupe. The site offers early information on the first four-door coupe in the premium compact segment.

BMW engineers are putting the finishing touches to the car as it undergoes calibration drives around the Munich area.

The new model will make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November before its worldwide market launch in spring 2020.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is a spin-off from the classical sedan format. It is front-wheel-driven and shares an array of technological developments with the recently unveiled 1 Series.

One feature of the new car’s technical armoury is the ARB (near-actuator wheel slip limitation) technology featured in the BMW i3s

ARB uses a slip controller positioned directly in the engine control unit rather than in the control unit for the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system. Eliminating long signal paths means that information is relayed three times quicker, while the driver perceives wheel slip being brought under control up to 10 times faster.

BMW said this traction control technology teams up with the standard BMW Performance Control to deliver a direct and intense driving experience with both front-wheel drive and the xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive of the M235i xDrive.

The sporty range-topping model is fitted with the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the BMW Group line-up, producing 306hp. It also comes as standard with the newly developed mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential, which gives the car an even sportier edge by creating a locking effect between the front wheels.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is said to have a generous cabin space and modern connectivity features.

BMW said the global model is targeted at "design-led customers in urban areas" who enjoy driving. It would also be sold as an appealing addition to the model line-up, particularly in markets where the sedan body style enjoys strong popularity.


Connected cars moving targets for hackers

                LAS VEGAS: As cars evolve into rolling mobile computers, the potential for disastrous cyberattacks has become a new road hazard.

Israeli cybersecurity firm GuardKnox demonstrated the threat in a Formula 1 driving simulation at the Consumer Electronics show this week here.

Moments into the virtual drive, a GuardKnox engineer playing the role of hacker struck and the steering wheel no longer controlled the speeding car.

The faux race was over for the driver, stuck on the side of the road in a scenario that cybersecurity specialists say could become very real.

New car models are packed with computer chips, sensors and mobile technology that hackers could exploit to sabotage systems or commandeer controls.

Opportunities for attacks are being revved up by the trend of self-driving, electric cars communicating in real-time with the cloud, smart city infrastructures, and one another.

GuardKnox chief executive Moshe Shlisel gave an example of a hacker remotely taking control of a fuel tanker truck, sending it to crash into a building.

"It's September 11 on wheels," Shlisel said in an interview at CES.

Cybersecurity has become as integral to vehicle engineering as crash safety and fuel efficiency, according to Henry Bzeih, a former member of the Council for Automobile Cybersecurity, who spoke at the Las Vegas event.

"Connectivity is the reason why this is happening," Bzeih said.

"Now, all elements have to be designed with cybersecurity in mind."

'Anything is possible'

Israeli startup Upstream logged more than 150 cybersecurity incidents involving automobiles last year, twice as many as in 2018.

The majority of those hacks involve remotely car door locks, but an increasing number targeted software applications or connections to the cloud.

Last year in Chicago, dozens of luxury cars were stolen by hacking Daimler's Car2Go app.

"The ultimate worst-case scenario would be if somebody applies one of the car functions when it's not supposed to do that, and does that across multiple vehicles," said Upstream vice president Dan Sahar.

"For example, someone hits the brakes on all vehicles of a specific model at the same time. That would be catastrophic."

Since cars in model lines share engineering specifications, they share system vulnerabilities by design.

"If you can design an attack and execute it on a computer, and that computer is attached to a car, anything is possible," said Ralph Echemendia, expert in cybersecurity and self-described "ethical hacker."

Five years ago, a pair of cybersecurity researches remotely commandeered the controls of a Jeep Cherokee by taking advantage of a vulnerability in its infotainment system, triggering a recall of vehicles.

Never-ending battle

Carmakers have responded to the menace by offering bounties for vulnerabilities found by researchers and paying partners to build security into components.

Upstream collects data shared to the cloud by vehicles, scouring it in real time for strange activity that could signal hackers are up to no good.

GuardKnox engineers drew on their experience in the Israeli air force to design a processor that protects computers in vehicles and also serves as a secure operating system.

As in the world of smartphones and desktop computing, hackers relentlessly seek ways to infiltrate new software or features in automobiles in an ever-escalating battle with defenders.


Singer teams up with Yun San Motors in Taiwan expansion

                TAIPEI: California-based luxury automotive brand, Singer Group, Inc., recognised worldwide for its restorations of the air-cooled Porsche 911, announces its expansion in Asia and welcomes Taipei-based Yun San Motors into the company’s global partner network.

With current global partnerships reaching from North America, across Europe to Hong Kong, the new relationship with Yun San Motors further strengthens Singer’s brand in Asia.

New clients in Taiwan would be able to learn about Singer’s services and discuss their requirements in a sophisticated and welcoming environment, surrounded by a high level of customer support from the team at Yun San Motors.

The announcement also means that both Singer’s existing clients and future owners in Taiwan would have access to expert, in-country servicing and maintenance from a trusted partner.

Already on the roads of Taiwan is a 1991 Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer. Named the Taiwan Commission by its owner, the car is presented in Silver Metallic with matte side stripes and Olive lettering.

The interior is trimmed in Olive Green with Alabaster stitching. Lightweight carbon fibre track seats have been selected, with embossed suede inserts and brass grommets.

The heart of this machine is a 3.8L, naturally aspirated, air-cooled flat-six, paired with a 5-speed transmission. The signature centre-mounted fuel-filler and external side-mounted oil filler are both specified.

Singer founder and executive chairman Rob Dickinson is enthusiastic about the Taiwanese connection.

“The Porsche 911 is of course loved all over the world and we restored our first car for Taiwan in the early years of Singer. It’s very exciting to be taking this next step in Singer’s second decade.

"As we complete restorations of these incredible machines for a growing number of owners in Asia, we need a remarkable partner to look after them. I’m delighted that Yun San Motors will be there to support our amazing clients in Taiwan and to represent Singer.”

“The growth of the Singer brand over the last 10 years has been remarkable. We look forward to supporting Singer’s clients, building the brand and seeing more of these beautiful cars on the road here. Yun San Motors represents some of the most iconic automotive names in the world and I’m delighted that Singer is now part of the family,” said Yun San Motors chairman Timothy Chang.

Founded in California in 2009, Singer has become globally known and respected for its celebration of the Porsche 911. The company undertakes bespoke restorations for owners of the air-cooled cars.

Over the past decade Singer has become a luxury brand with a global clientele and is now synonymous with the concept of Reimagining – bringing together heritage with 21st century engineering and material science.

The brand has been growing beyond car culture, with an award-winning Swiss watchmaking division, Singer Reimagined, launched in 2017.

Singer Group : Quick highlights

2009 – Singer Vehicle Design launched - first Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer presented during Monterey Car Week
2014 – First AWD restoration completed
2015 – First Targa restoration completed
2017 - Singer Reimagined watch company launched in Geneva, Switzerland
2018 – Results of Dynamics & Lightweighting Study presented at Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monterey Car Week.
2019 – TUV certification completed for European markets
2020 – Global Partner Network expands to Germany


Bezza Advance versus Saga Premium — which to buy?

                Consumers now have more choices in the budget sedan segment, with the recent launches of the new Perodua Bezza and third-generation Saga.

A frequent question we get is - which is the better car to buy? Our answer is - that depends on your budget, transport needs and usage, and compromises you are willing to make.

Also, the Bezza comes in 1.0 and 1.3-litre forms, with five variants priced on-the-road at RM37,300 (1.0L manual): RM39,300 (1.0L auto): RM42,800 (1.3L manual): RM44,800 (1.3L auto Premium) and RM50,800 (1.3L auto Advance).

The 2016 Saga only has a 1.3-litre form, and there are four variants priced on-the-road at RM36,800 (Standard manual); RM39,800 (Standard CVT), RM42,800 (Executive CVT) and RM45,800 (Premium CVT).

Now, CarSifu compares both cars, with more focus on the highest grade variants (check out the comparison table).

Size and rear headroom

In terms of footprint, the Bezza is a bit smaller than the Proton Saga, but it has a much bigger boot - 508 litres versus the Saga's 420 litres.

But the Saga has the better design in terms of rear headroom - with more than an inch of gap between our heads and the rear roof line, when we leaned back in the rear seats.

In the Bezza, however, it is just about adequate for 1.73-metre adults like us, as our heads touched the rear sloping roofline when we leaned back.

Driving and fuel economy

As for driving experience, the Bezza has a 4.5-metre minimum turning radius, which gives it an advantage in tight U-turns (compared with the Saga's 5.1-metre minimum turning radius.

The Bezza Advance uses a four-speed automatic gearbox and 1.3-litre dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligence) engine, while the Saga Premium has a CVT (continuously variable transmission) and 1.3—litre single VVT engine.

Both cars produce similar power and torque.

 The Saga meter cluster. Bezza engine.

The Bezza is quite a nippy car, because like typical Perodua cars - it is lightweight (Bezza Advance has a 930kg kerb weight) and has good power-to-weight ratio.

Perodua claims fuel consumption can be miserly, with the Bezza Advance able to achieve 4.54 litres per 100km (compared with Saga Premium CVT using 5.6 litres per 100km).

Fuel efficiency is where the Bezza Advance has the advantage, as it has a dual VVT-i engine, electric power steering, engine Eco Idle (or Auto Stop-Start) and is a much lighter car compared with the Saga Premium's kerb weight of 1,075kg.

In the Saga, steering is the hydraulic powered-type.

Safety and comfort features

Both the Bezza Advance and Saga Premium have similar safety features.

While both cars have a 5-year or 150,000km (whichever is first) warranty, the Bezza Advance costs RM5,000 more as it has extra kit like smart entry and push-start ignition, a large touchscreen display, GPS Navigation, and leather seats.

 The Bezza feature list.

Both cars have a reverse camera, but on the Saga Premium, the camera view is smaller as it is integrated with the rear view mirror.

Conclusion

Like choosing a laptop computer, the right choice will depend on what you want out of a car and your budget.

The Bezza has the bigger boot and better fuel efficiency, while the Saga is slightly bigger and has better rear headroom. In a head-to-head comparison, the highest grade Bezza offers more kit but costs RM5,000 more.

In a nutshell, the Bezza would be ideal if you find the bigger boot space and superior fuel consumption are more important than other considerations. On the other hand, the Saga would be right for the person who prizes better headroom. And it's the cheaper choice as well.

Back to you.


Hennessey celebrates 10th Venom F5 hypercar delivery

                HOUSTON: Hennessey has delivered a milestone 10th Venom F5 to its owner over the holidays.

The striking metallic blue F5 Coupe, with brilliant white stripes, was delivered at Hennessey Special Vehicles in Sealy, Texas where a specialised team manufactures the hypercar in a dedicated facility.

Signed off for full production in March 2022 by company founder and CEO John Hennessey, plus chief engineer John Heinricy, the Hennessey Special Vehicles team has now assembled more than a dozen F5 Coupes and Roadsters.

As of last week, 10 production units had been hand-delivered to customers – a collective output of more than 18,000 bhp.

The rate of manufacturing is increasing monthly, despite ongoing supply chain challenges, and Hennessey expects to deliver more than 20 Venom F5 hypercars in 2023.

The company, which has grown to more than 90 full-time team members, when Hennessey Performance and Tuner School is included, plans to expand its manufacturing capacity further this year.

While all 24 Venom F5 Coupe commissions sold out in 2021, Hennessey is still offering the Venom F5 Roadster – an open-roof variant of the 480+ kph hypercar.


Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup debuts at Sepang this weekend

                SHAH ALAM: A total of 38 drivers will start the first ever running of the Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup in the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) this weekend (May 21-22) 2022) at the Sepang International Circuit.

The event will see the running of two 1-hour races on Saturday and Sunday, with two-driver teams competing in three generations of Vios vying for total prize monies amounting to RM60,000.

The Vios Sprint Cup is run in addition to and independently of the Vios Challenge, and will feature two rounds within the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) with each round offering two races.

It retains the format of a one-make series as in the Vios Challenge – meaning everyone will be taking to the track in an identical race-prepared Toyota Vios with stock standard engine and transmission, as well as suspension, tyres and fuel - to ensure a level playing field with emphasis on race craft, driving skills and experience.

The event brings together a star-studded line-up of local racers consisting of professionals, international drivers, gentlemen drivers, young drivers and simulator stars.

Racers signed up to compete include experienced contenders such as Tengku Djan Ley, Mark Darwin, Mohd Fariqe Hairuman Eddie Lew, Boy Wong and William Ho, as well as young sensations the likes of Naquib Azlan, Hayden Haikal, Mika Hakimi, Nabil Azlan, Bradley Benedict Anthony, Timothy Yeo and Alister Yoong.

To level the playing field even further, the race does prohibits two experienced drivers to be paired together.

Driving for Prima Pearl TD Racing, Tengku Djan will partner teenager Mika Hakimi this weekend, while another strong contender Mark Darwin will team up with another teenager Bradley Benedict Anthony for Laser Motor Racing.

Axle Motorsports meanwhile, will field two all-teenage teams with the first pair of drivers consisting of Hayden Haikal and Naquib Azlan, and the second car driven by Alister Yoong and Muizz Musyaffa.

Race 1 of the GR Vios Sprint Cup on Saturday will see both drivers driving in two separate qualifying sessions, with the faster driver required to start the 1-hour race before making a mandatory pit stop for a driver change.

In Race 2 on Sunday which will start as a reverse grid order based on the results of Race 1, the slower driver of the pair will start the 1-hour race and again required to make a mandatory pit stop. Both races will be a rolling-start format.

UMW Toyota Motor President Ravindran K said that unlike the Vios Challenge which is usually confined to approximately 30 minutes of racing, the Vios Sprint Cup is designed to up the ante and to double the excitement on the track.

“Unlike a full-blown endurance race where racers pace themselves, this is a one-hour sprint to the finish which means the drivers will be going all out for the duration of 60 minutes from the very first corner in order to maintain an edge,” he said.

Toyota will also be introducing the GR Vios Enduro Cup in conjunction with year end’s Sepang 1000Km Endurance Race.

Ravindran said since UMW Toyota began committing itself to motor-racing in 2017, the objective has always been to see how the brand could contribute to not only the growth but to make Malaysian motorsports even more vibrant.

“The format of a one-make race has proven to be an incredibly successful formula, attracting not only professionals and experienced racers, but also newcomers and young talent.

“The GR Vios Sprint Cup continues this tradition but by changing the dynamics of the race, continues to generate enormous interest and participation which we hope will help to create more excitement in Malaysian motorsports,” he said.

The overall champion in each of the two races at the GR Vios Sprint Cup stands to win RM10,000 cash, followed by RM8,000 for the first runner up, RM6,000 to the third place winner, and RM4,000 and RM2,000 for the fourth and fifth place winners respectively.

In total, the Vios Sprint Cup offers prize monies amounting to RM60,000 per round.

UMW Toyota Motor is also putting up an additional RM30,000 in prize monies for its Toyota dealer teams making the Vios Sprint Cup the second most lucrative racing event in Malaysia next to the Vios Challenge.

Head on down to the Gazoo Racing Vios Sprint Cup at the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) this weekend (May 21-22) at the Sepang International Circuit, or tune in to the races that will be broadcast live on www.toyota.com.my and UMW Toyota’s Facebook page.

For more information, visit www.toyota.com.my.


Harley-Davidson defends LiveWire spinoff after stock decline

                NEW YORK: Jochen Zeitz, the chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson Inc., shrugged off the lacklustre debut of the company’s electric motorcycle division via a blank-check merger, arguing it’s the right strategy for the 119-year-old manufacturer.

LiveWire Group Inc., the standalone electric motorcycle brand spun out of Harley-Davidson, raised US$295 million on Sept 27 after closing its merger with AEA-Bridges Impact Corp., a special purpose acquisition company.

That’s far short of the US$545 million anticipated when the deal was announced in December.

Zeitz, who will act as CEO of both companies for the time being, said the loss-making EV business has the cash needed to fund its business plan and it’s expected to turn a profit in 2026.

Spinning off LiveWire was the right move to build credibility with EV enthusiasts, attract talent, and reach new customers, he said.

'Strategic clarity'

Electrification of Harley-Davidson’s signature heavyweight motorcycles will come later, when battery technology has improved.

"I don’t build brands based on what the market does when you go public,” Zeitz said in an interview at Bloomberg’s New York offices.

"I believe in the strategy of separating the brands” to bring about "strategic clarity” to operations, he added.

In the nine months since the deal was announced, investors have shied away from blank-check transactions and the broader market has declined amid runaway inflation and rising interest rates.

Zeitz brushed off the stock market declines.

"I’m not a day trader.”

Harley-Davidson unveiled its first electric motorcycle in 2019, though sales were limited by its US$30,000 price tag.

Zeitz, who served as a board member for more than a decade before becoming CEO in 2020, said that bike confused consumers because it was sold under the Harley-Davidson brand, which is known for heavyweight cruisers with roaring V-twin gas engines.

Harley-Davidson discontinued that model and last year came out with the LiveWireOne, which sells for US$22,799.

The less expensive S2 Del Mar will go on sale next spring.

LiveWire designed the electric powertrain and software to manage the battery in house, which will allow it to easily expand its line up.

It has also partnered with Taiwan’s Kymco as a contract manufacturer that could help it expand in Asian markets.

Battery costs

Zeitz said battery costs, which have surged in the past year, are unpredictable and it’s unclear whether rising interest rates and a potential recession could dent growth plans for both LiveWire and Harley.

Harley-Davidson will retain a majority stake in LiveWire, and Zeitz didn’t rule out supporting it or raising more capital if profitability proves elusive.

He will remain CEO of LiveWire for as long as two years, starting when the deal was announced in December.

He said it’s worth the risks to be the first incumbent motorcycle maker to stand up an all-electric company.

"If you look at other motorcycle manufacturers they’re sort of dancing around the discussion, like a lot of autos danced around that discussion when Tesla was winning,” he said.

"I’d rather take the lead and I think we have a unique opportunity, which is always more risky if you’re the first.”


Toyota wants all batteries returned

                BRUSSELS: Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has set itself the challenge of increasing its 91% average battery collection rate to 100%, via a new strategy for their internal collection system through its retail network.

Toyota boasts of its hybrid batteries out-living the vehicles that they power – often only being recovered when cars reach the end of their useful life, or if they have been involved in an accident.

The collection of batteries can also be collected at any authorised end-of-life vehicle treatment operators, which is why the Japanese automaker has announced an extension of its current battery recycling agreements till 31 March 2018.

Since July 2011, the France-based Société Nouvelle d’Affinage des Métaux (SNAM) has been taking back and recycling nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) batteries, previously used in the Prius, Auris Hybrid, Yaris Hybrid and all Lexus hybrid models.

Additionally, since August 2012, the Belgium-based company - Umicore NV, has handled lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, which are used in Prius+ and Prius Plug-in models.

Used hybrid batteries are still mainly destined for recycling, but TME has started to research options for the remanufacture of NiMh batteries, potentially giving them a second life as a vehicle or as a stationary energy source.

Stationary batteries can potentially store surplus renewable energy, for example as an emergency back-up, or cheaper, or help manage fuel costs by storing cheaper, off-peak electricity.

“When our customers buy a hybrid, they already know that they are in for outstanding fuel efficiency, a stress-free driving experience and a reliable car,” Toyota Motor Europe general manager environment affairs Steve Hope.

Since 2000, roughly 850,000 Toyota and Lexus full-hybrid vehicles have been sold in Europe.


Czinger announces worldwide reveal plans for 21c hypercar

                LONDON: Due to the cancellation of 2020 Geneva Motor Show due to the coronavirus outbreak, Czinger Vehicles will globally launch as a brand and unveil its 21C hypercar in London, UK on 10 March 2020.

Czinger had completed its Geneva International Motor Show stand build and lifted the covers off its two revolutionary 21C hypercars with a twist – mounting bikes and surfboards on top in a nod to the brand’s Californian heritage.

Limited to just 80 cars, the 21C places the driver and passenger in the middle of the car in a jetfighter-style layout.

The 21C is capable of 0-62 mph in 1.9 seconds and a quarter mile time of 8.1 seconds.

Czinger has utilised its own revolutionary technologies to create a 1250hp drivetrain and computational manufacturing methods to keep the dry weight under 1200kg, for that all-important 1:1 power-to-weight ratio.


Indonesia tax cut drives electric car sales for Hyundai, Wuling

                JAKARTA: Sales of electric cars in Indonesia jumped last month after the government launched tax incentives, auto executives said, in an early sign that electric vehicle (EV) adoption is gaining traction in Southeast Asia's largest economy.

Effective from April, Indonesia cut the value-added tax (VAT) on electric cars from 11% to just 1%, provided they are manufactured with at least 40% local content.

Hyundai Motor Co's sport-utility vehicle Ioniq 5, a model eligible for the tax cut, saw sales jump three-fold to more than 600 units in April compared with the previous month, Sanghoon Yoon, an executive with Hyundai Motor Asean said on the sidelines of a seminar on energy transition here.

 The Wuling Air EV cabin.

"At the moment, EVs are very expensive because of the battery," Yoon said on Tuesday.

"So I think in the beginning we need a kind of subsidy from the government and it will increase the demand for EVs."

Hyundai aims to sell 10,000 units of Ioniq 5 in Indonesia this year, helped by the tax cut and as a shortage in semiconductor chips eases, he said.

That compares with 3,000 units sold since the model was launched in 2021.

Sales of Wuling Air EV, a small car manufactured by SGMW Motor Indonesia, part of a joint venture (JV) that includes Chinese firm Wuling Motors Holdings, surged by more than 80% on a monthly basis to more than 740 units, said Dian Asmahani, marketing director for the Indonesian arm of the JV.

The two models are the most popular electric cars in Indonesia.

Hyundai's Yoon said the South Korean company plans to introduce more battery-EV models in Indonesia to capture the growing market.

Fitch Ratings said in February sales of four-wheeled EVs, including hybrid models, in Indonesia is expected to exceed 50,000 units in 2023, up from 20,681 units last year, noting that government incentives could provide potential upside to the forecast.


Proton's Roslan Abdullah gets deputy CEO job

                PETALING JAYA: Proton has promoted Roslan Abdullah to the post of deputy chief executive officer.

He officially assumed his duties on Jan 1.

Roslan succeeds Datuk Radzaif Mohamed, who has retired.

Previously, Roslan was the Proton vice-president for sales and marketing as well as Proton Edar Sdn Bhd chief executive officer, roles he had held since June 1, 2020.

A Finance & Accountancy degree holder from the University of Brighton, United Kingdom, Roslan has over three decades of experience in the automotive sector including appointments at Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (Modenas), Isuzu Hicom Malaysia and Honda Malaysia where he held the dual roles of president and chief operating officer.

“Roslan has played a key role in supporting the leadership of Proton and guiding the overall management of the business, particularly by strengthening the sales and marketing functions," said Proton CEO Dr Li Chunrong.

"I am confident we will be able to form a strong partnership to lead the company to greater heights.”


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia declares another record-breaking year, over 13,000 vehicles sold

                KUALA LUMPUR: Last year marked the fifth consecutive record year for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) with a total of 13,079 vehicles sold.

The German marque saw a 9% overall growth and a market share of 2.4% (as of Nov 2018) making Mercedes-Benz the best-selling luxury car brand in Malaysia.

In 2018, MBM’s performance was spearheaded by the locally produced sedans, which recorded 7,910 units sold followed by the Mercedes-Benz SUVs with 2,613 units sold, especially by the Pekan, Pahang-built Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 and GLC 250. The demand for SUVs is expected to keep growing in this segment.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz compact cars recorded a total of 1,875 units sold and lastly, the Mercedes-Benz Dream Cars recorded a total of 662 units sold, which saw a spectacular growth of 77%.

MBM President and chief executive officer, Dr Claus Weidner said: “2018 was another successful year in the 15 year-long extraordinary journey for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and the Mercedes-Benz brand. Our efforts to invigorate the brand experience for our increasingly diverse fans have been fruitful and we are happy to retain our position as the number one luxury lifestyle brand."

While vice president of sales and marketing at MBM, Mark Raine said, “We are extremely proud of our history-making performance for 2018. We delivered 13,079 Mercedes-Benz Cars to customers, further cementing our position as the leading premium brand in Malaysia.

"Our fresh-faced product portfolio with the locally assembled Mercedes-AMG C 43 and GLC 43, and all-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has succeeded in keeping our fans excited about the brand."

There were 20 vehicle launches throughout 2018 which sustained a healthy momentum of demand for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

As for 2019, Weidner said, “This year will be another exciting year for Mercedes-Benz with refreshing innovations and new benchmarks to elevate the customer experience. We are excited to share these updates in due time.”


Startech options for Range Rover Evoque

                PETALING JAYA: Naza-Brabus has launched Startech customisation packages for the Range Rover Evoque.

The Startech product lineup includes custom-tailored 21-inch forged wheels, a ride-height kit that lowers the vehicle by 35mm, a sport exhaust system and high-class interior options.

For the three-door and five-door Evoque, Startech designers have developed new fascia for the front and rear that replace the production bumpers. The nose of the crossover receives a more dynamic profile with the striking air inlets and the front spoiler that seems to "float" in the Startech fascia.

The shape has been fine-tuned in wind tunnel tests to further reduce lift on the front axle, which benefits directional stability at high speeds.

The Startech rear fascia impresses with more than just an integrated diffuser: the new rear fascia also features distinctive tailpipes that can be combined with the production exhaust or with the Startech stainless-steel rear muffler.

Startech suspension engineers have developed three-piece wheels with a diameter of 21 inches. The Monostar R wheels in size 9Jx21 are especially light and yet extremely tough thanks to the use of high-tech forging technology in their production.

The five-spoke design also sets itself apart with its unusual black-painted wheel spider with polished contours.

These exclusive wheels are mounted with high-performance street tyres in size 265/40 R 21. There are also one-piece, cast Monostar R wheels in sizes 9Jx20 or 9Jx22.

Meanwhile, Startech sport springs are specifically calibrated for use with sporty low-profile tires and the production shocks. Also, the Startech performance kit for the 2.0-litre SI4 petrol engine that normally produces 240hp is in the final stages of development.

As for the interior, Startech offers attractive accessories such as an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and aluminum pedals, foot rest and shifter.

Where prices are concerned, a typical Startech conversion for the Evoque can cost RM56,591 for a package with front and rear bumpers, rear spoiler, 20-inch wheels, body paint and ContiCrossContact 245/45 R20 tyres.

Naza-Brabus is the exclusive sole distributor of Brabus-tuned cars and Brabus performance parts in Malaysia. Startech is a company under the Brabus group.


Honda Civic Type R officially launched at RM320K

                SERI KEMBANGAN: The highly anticipated Honda Civic Type R has finally and officially arrived and is priced on-the-road with GST without insurance at RM320,000.

With 60 bookings received so far, the Type R only comes in one colour option - Championship White, while being accompanied by a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty with free labour service up to five times within 100,000km or five years (whichever comes first).

There are also two window tint options by Ray Barrier, namely the Premier 6 (RM2,400) and Premier 6+ (RM2,600), but does  not include the front windscreen film.

READ MORE: CarSifu drove the new Honda Civic Type R in DresdenIt is powered by a 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged engine with 320PS at 6,500rpm and 400Nm of torque from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm, all of which gets managed by a six-speed manual gearbox with a rev-matching function.

At the launch ceremony being held at Malaysia Autoshow 2017, managing director and chief executive officer of Honda Malaysia, Toichi Ishiyama said, “At Honda, we are committed to offer products that are of high value and also advanced in technology to provide joy to our customers. But we have also taken pride in ensuring we retain the core fundamental value in all our products which embodies the elements of ‘Fun to Drive.’

“The All-New Civic Type R is a global model that not only carries the most advanced of automobile technology, but also expresses Honda’s Racing Spirit & ‘Fun to Drive’ DNA. This is what makes Honda unique – we strive to ensure all our models provide the Joy of Driving to our customers,” added Ishiyama.

The Type R is Honda’s iconic racing and sports model whose name and reputation is almost cult-like. The Type R has built quite a reputation over the last 25 years since the model was first introduced in 1992. Its development characteristic has always been dynamic performance and mechanically simple in order to achieve best performance both on the road and on the race track.

The 3-Way Driving Mode offered in the All-New Civic Type R allows drivers to experience different dynamic performance in various driving environment. The COMFORT, SPORT and +R modes provide drivers and car enthusiasts with both the race car-like performance and the desired comfort that is required as a daily commute car. The 3-Way Driving Modes controls the Adaptive Damper System (ADS), Drive-by-Wire throttle (DBW), Electronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), traction and brake system.

At a glance, the exterior of the All-New Civic Type R indulges in every sense with its defined body of racing perfection. Designed as a hot hatch with low and wide stance, the All-New Civic Type R was developed on the Honda Civic Hatchback platform with high rigidity body frame. The outstanding exterior symbol that sets the All-New Civic Type R apart is none other than the iconic red H badge which is the embodiment of Honda’s “Challenging Spirit” and racing legacy.

An icon in its own right, the All-New Honda Civic Type R is designed to be race-ready from the inside out in order to meet the car enthusiast’s desires. The D Spoke Leather Steering with Titanium Silver Trim gives the feeling of grip to tackle the toughest turns on any track. Its most Lightweight Bucket Front Seats comes in red panel pin stripe, combined with carbon deco panel to complete the racing package. Every All-New Civic Type R is built with its own special serial number plate positioned strategically on the center console – which stands as a constant reminder of the Type R’s exclusivity.

To provide the driver with racing feel, the soft-touch switchgear of the All-New Civic Type R is designed to deliver high-quality feel and positive action. It comes with standard features including the 3-Way Driving Mode integrated with 3 types of Meter Display. The illumination light and meter design changes based on the selected mode to offer three distinct looks as well as to indicate Throttle Response and Brake Input, Turbo Boost Meter, REV Indicator, G-Meter Display and Lap Time depending on which drive mode has been selected using the console-mounted switch.

Equally well-equipped safety wise, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Dynamic Guidelines are made available in the All-New Civic Type R. This latest Civic Type R is also equipped with ISO Fix and a total of 6 Airbags.

The All-New Civic Type R is an import model from Honda’s plant in Swindon, United Kingdom while the engine is being produced in Anna, Ohio (Honda of America Manufacturing Inc). The warranty for the All-New Civic Type R is 5 years with unlimited mileage at 10,000km service intervals at any of the 20 authorized Honda Sport Dealer nationwide.


Ford working on helping the blind see via 'Feel The View' smart car window

                COLOGNE: The sighted often take their vision for granted. But for those who are blind, views are something they miss in their experience of the world.

Until now, that is.

Ford is developing a prototype smart car window that aims to allow the blind or partially-sighted people to visualise passing scenery through touch.

"Feel The View" takes pictures that are turned into high-contrast monochrome images. These are then reproduced on the glass using special LEDs. By touching the image, different shades of grey vibrate with a range of 255 intensities, allowing passengers to touch the scene and rebuild in their mind the landscape in front of them.

Feel The View was conceived and developed by Ford's team in Italy and GTB Roma, in collaboration with Aedo – a local start-up that specialises in devices for the visually impaired.

“We seek to make people’s lives better and this was a fantastic opportunity to help blind passengers experience a great aspect of driving," said Ford Italy spokesman Marco Alù Saffi.

"The technology is advanced, but the concept is simple – and could turn mundane journeys into truly memorable ones."


Over 30,000 workshops to be licensed

                PUTRAJAYA: More than 30,000 motor vehicle workshops in the country including service centres, tyre and accessories shops will be required to have a licence to operate when laws regarding maintenance and repair services of vehicles are enforced.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Bill,will be tabled in Parliament in March to safeguard the rights and interests of consumers besides ensuring the industry continues to thrive.

He said more than 30,000 workshops would be granted licences to operate after fulfilling the requirements set by the ministry according to the categories of services provided.

"The workshop also needs to have enough qualified mechanics to obtain a licence according to their service category. There are workshops that provide the full service, then there are those providing services such as knocking out dents on the vehicle and painting only. This category will be decided later,” he said here last week.

Hamzah said the bill was drafted following public complaints on poor services provided by some workshops.


Tiny classic Ford Escort expected to fetch a fortune at British auction

                LONDON: If bling is more your thing than driving then this is the perfect car for you. It’ll never be roadworthy, but this Ford Escort is worth a fortune. Why? It’s a one-off 1:25 scale model made from silver, gold and diamonds.

The project has been a slow-burning labour of love for professional jeweller – and petrolhead – Russell Lord. The owner, over the years, of 55 full-sized Ford Escort cars, Lord first began work on this model 25 years ago, pouring thousands of hours into completing the car.

The body is made of silver and the car also features gold brakes and spoiler, 18-carat gold wheels and bonnet hinges, 18-carat white gold front grille, 72-point diamond headlights, orange sapphire indicators and ruby rear brake lights.

“It’s been a hobby that I’ve come back to again and again but three years ago I determined to finish it. I know this car inside out – so there were no plans I just built it from the ground up piece by piece,” said Lord, from Essex.

Based on the works rally car driven by Ari Vatanen in the late 1970s, the Mk2 Escort – which cost 90,000 euros (RM415,000) in materials alone – will be auctioned on the car auction website www.themarket.co.uk on May 2, with all profits donated to charity.

Details include spinning pulleys on the front of the engine, a moving diamond-encrusted platinum gear stick and the glass windows – that involved smashing countless vases to find sections of glass with exactly the right curve.


Naza KIA Malaysia offers up opportunity to meet BLACKPINK

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, is back to offer K-pop fans another exciting Blackpink experience.

The seven-week nationwide roadshow, as part of the global contest - Kia BLACKPINK WANNA BE, will be searching for two of Malaysia’s biggest "Blink" fans to treat on an all-expense-paid trip to Seoul, South Korea to meet the Korean super girl group.

The grand prize comes inclusive of accommodation, flight tickets, Seoul city tour and "meet-and-greet" passes to an exclusive "by-invitation-only" Kia Special Party at Kia BEAT360.

The lucky winners will also get to attend the Melon Music Awards 2019 and a Korean culture class to experience the ‘Korean wave’ from the country's oldest traditions to the latest K-pop hit.

The roadshow has already made a stop in Penang and will be heading South to Johor Baru on Oct 5, followed by Melaka on Oct 12 and Selangor on Nov 16.

The best five "Blinks" will be picked from each roadshow venue for their lip-sync performance and impersonation of the group.

Of the 20 "Blinks", the semi-final will only allow for five finalists to enter the grand finals which will be held on Nov 17 at Sunway Pyramid in Bandar Sunway.

To enter, a video recording of the participant is required and must include dressing, singing and dancing as one of the members of Blackpink before posting it up on Facebook or Instagram.

The online posting must be accompanied with the hashtags #KIAMalaysiaBLACKPINK, #KIABLACKPINKWANNABE, #KiaOnBeat as well as one of the upcoming regional competition locations - eg. #PENANG

Also, the social media page must be set to ‘Public’ and a link sent to https://bit.ly/BLACKPINKContestForm.

The collaboration between Kia Motors Corporation and Blackpink marks the first of many K-pop collaborations to be announced this year by the South Korean automotive manufacturer.

For more information on ‘Kia BLACKPINK WANNA BE’, log on to http://bit.ly/KIABLACKPINKWannaBe or follow their Facebook feed at https://www.facebook.com/kiamalaysia/.


Volvo Car Malaysia appoints new dealer in Johor Baru

                JOHOR BARU: Volvo Car Malaysia has appointed Pekin Auto Sdn Bhd as its latest dealer representative in Johor Bahru, in line with its expansive transformation plan.

The new 3S Centre (Sales, Service, and Spare Parts) located near Skudai, will adhere to Volvo Cars’ latest VRE (Volvo Retail Experience) requirement.

“VRE goes beyond its Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics; it is the manifestation of our brand values and our desire to take care of our customers throughout their whole journey with Volvo Cars,” said Nalin Jain, managing director of Volvo Cars.

Volvo Car Malaysia is aggressively implementing the next phase of its transformation plan with a premier focus set on ‘customer experience’ and dealer network.

This latest addition to the Volvo Car Malaysia dealer network, brings the nationwide total of dealers to 13 with more locations expected in the coming months.

The company’s growth in representation in turn has helped record increased sales for the brand – more than 60% in the first half of 2019.


Good news to kick off 2016: Fuel prices down

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices for the month of January will see a reduction across the board.

RON95 petrol will go down by 10 sen to RM1.85 per litre, while RON97 will go down by 20 sen to RM2.25 per litre.

The price of regular diesel will drop by 30 sen to RM1.60 per litre, while the price Euro 5 diesel will also go down by 30 sen to RM1.70.

Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia president Datuk Hashim Othman confirmed this when contacted.

The price of RON95 for the month of December was RM1.95 per litre while the prices for RON97, regular diesel and Euro 5 diesel were RM2.45, RM1.90 and RM2.00 per litre respectively.

The Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry decided to set the prices of petrol and diesel on a managed float from Dec 1 last year following a removal of all fuel subsidies.


Biden promotes EVs with tyre-screeching Hummer test drive in Detroit

                DETROIT: US President Joe Biden climbed behind the wheel of an electric Hummer SUV on Wednesday and sped off with a screeching of tyres, in a test drive to tout billions of dollars in electric vehicle investment.

"Anyone want to jump in the back, or on the roof?" Biden asked reporters after taking a few laps at a General Motors plant. "These suckers are something else!"

The test drive, at a General Motors Co electric vehicle assembly plant here, the largest city in Michigan, was part of a nationwide White House tour promoting the US$1 trillion infrastructure bill Biden, a Democrat, signed into law on Monday.

The law provides US$7.5 billion in funding to build out the nation's electric vehicle charging network, investments the industry says will inspire more Americans to buy electric vehicles, and manufacturers to produce them. Electric vehicle sales accounted for just 1.8% of the US new vehicle market in 2020.

In Detroit, Biden lavished praise on Detroit's Big Three automakers, especially GM, for embracing EVs.

"In the auto industry, Detroit's leading the world in electric vehicles," Biden said. He did not mention Tesla Inc, the US automaker that accounts for nearly 80% of US EV sales but is not unionised.

"You know, up until now, China has been leading in this race," Biden said, speaking about EV manufacturing. "That's about to change" because of infrastructure law, he said.

Biden's approval ratings have dropped as inflation increases, and Democrats are promoting the bi-partisan bill as proof the party can deliver in a divided America. Michigan is a key political battleground state in US elections.

Next up, thousands in EV tax credits

Biden also touted his proposed US$2 trillion social safety net spending plan being debated in Washington. The bill contains up to US$12,500 in tax credits for US-made EVs, including a US$4,500 credit for union-made vehicles.

The bill is a key pillar of Biden's domestic agenda but progressive and moderate lawmakers in his party have not yet agreed on what exactly should be in it.

Biden stressed Wednesday the "Build Back Better" bill would be paid for by increasing taxes on corporations, turning to GM CEO Mary Barra to make his point that big companies are not paying as much as they should.

"Guess what? They ain't paying enough," Biden said. "Sorry Mary."

With Americans jittery over inflation and the prospect of a shortage of goods during the holiday season, Biden said he had been assured by executives of Wal-Mart and Target that they would have plenty of items to buy despite supply-chain woes.

"Their inventories are up and they’ll have all the toys, food and other items that shoppers are looking for in the holiday season. That’s going to happen," he said.


Tesla owners in China get free supercharging amid coronavirus outbreak

                SHANGHAI: To reduce the spread of the coronavirus by means of refueling the Tesla, the company is offering free supercharging to owners until the outbreak has subdued.

As first reported by Electrek, Tesla owners located in China are receiving notifications on their vehicle displays stating that all supercharging is free until the coronavirus epidemic is under control.

The message was originally in Chinese but can be read in approximative English here:

"In order to facilitate your travel during the outbreak of the epidemic, from now on, we will temporarily open all Tesla vehicles to charge at the supercharging station for free until the epidemic is resolved. We hope that during this extraordinary period, you will be able to efficiently replenish electricity when needed and use the car smoothly. After the epidemic eases, we will notify you again before restoring your vehicle to its initial configuration. We hope to provide you with a modest force. Tesla has the final decision and interpretation of this event."

Thus far, over 4,000 people have been infected with the virus and over 100 have died. As a result, public events, transportation, and facilities have been cancelled or shut down to reduce the spread of the disease. As a result, more people will likely have to travel with private cars.

Tesla has previously taken similar measures when disasters have struck over the years including when Hurricane Irma, Florence, and Dorian hit, as well as in particular areas that were affected by California's wildfires.

Free supercharging in China is expected to continue until the outbreak has been controlled.


Ford gives up on Japan and Indonesia

                BEIJING/TOKYO: Ford said today it will close all operations in Japan and Indonesia this year as it sees "no reasonable path to profitability" in the two countries where it has struggled to gain market share.

Ford will exit all areas of business, including shuttering dealerships and stopping sales and imports of Ford and Lincoln vehicles, according to an email from Asia Pacific president Dave Schoch to all employees in the region viewed by Reuters. Product development carried out in Japan will be shifted elsewhere.

"Unfortunately, this also means that our team members based in Japan and Indonesia will no longer work for Ford Japan or Ford Indonesia following the closures," Schoch wrote in an email regarding the decision that was sent to employees today.

Ford, one of Detroit's "big three" automakers, follows in the footsteps of General Motors Co, which last year decided to stop making GM-branded cars in Indonesia - with the loss of 500 jobs - amid intense competition from Japanese rivals.

Ford began operating in Japan in 1974 and has 52 dealerships in the country, employing 292 people. Last year, it sold around 5,000 vehicles in Japan and held a share of around 1.5 percent of the imported new car market.

In Indonesia, where it entered the market in 2002, Ford has a staff of 35 and sells through 44 franchised dealerships. Last year, it sold around 6,000 vehicles, taking a 0.6 percent share of the total new car market in a country struggling from economic slowdown.

"In Indonesia, without local manufacturing ... there's just really no way that automakers can compete in that market, and we do not have local manufacturing," said a Ford spokesman based in Shanghai, confirming the content of the email.

The company has also had a tough time selling its Fiestas, Mustangs and Explorers in the Japanese market, which is dominated by Toyota Motor Corp, Honda Motor Co, Nissan Motor Co and other domestic brands.

On top of that, vehicle sales have been falling in Japan as the population ages and demand for cars by young people decreases.


Mastercard and PLUS team up to introduce PLUS RFID in Penang, pilot project starts Dec 15

Ong (left) at the launch of the PLUS RFID pilot project today. With him are PLUS executives and other officials.

GEORGE TOWN: Mastercard announced today its partnership with PLUS Malaysia for the pilot launch of PLUS RFID.

Leveraging Mastercard’s payments technology, PLUS RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is claimed to enable, safe, convenient, and seamless toll payments for highway users in the northern region of Malaysia.

The pilot programme will start on Dec 15 and be carried out at toll plazas in Penang (Penang Bridge and Butterworth-Kulim Expressway) and in Kedah (Jitra).

The partnership offers highway users an innovative payment solution that that speeds up the toll collection process as there is no longer the need to stop at the booth to hand over cash.

PLUS RFID will be rolled out in phases to all PLUS highways and made available to all Malaysians. Registration is free.

To participate in the pilot, highway users need to register at www.plusmiles.com.my/rfid. A sticker with a built-in RFID chip that is unique to each vehicle will be generated after registration. Participants can choose to register their Mastercard debit or credit card, along with their personal details.

In addition to PLUS RFID, Mastercard will expand its contactless footprint by launching the first contactless-enabled rest and relaxation station at Dengkil Southbound Rest and Service Area. The Rest and Service Area will enable local businesses to offer the convenience and speed of contactless payments to their customers.

“More than half of the world's population today live in cities, a number that is set to increase to 70 percent by 2050," said Mastercard country manager (Malaysia and Brunei) Perry Ong.

"With so many people living and working in and travelling in and out of cities, many countries face challenges in transit such as road congestion. Mastercard is proud to partner with PLUS to enable drivers to speed up their commute time and make their journeys smoother.”


Mercedes-Benz announces 10% price hike on its most popular car

                BERLIN: The GLC is to Mercedes what the Golf is to VW and the F-150 is to Ford: There's no car that sells better for the brand.

But the German SUV has fallen behind the times somewhat. The upmarket manufacturer wants to change this with a new generation of this posh SUV — albeit with an eyebrow-raising price.

Launching in Europe in the third quarter, the new GLC is set to cost upwards of €57,632 (RM259,000), Mercedes has announced. That makes the SUV a solid 10% more expensive than its predecessor.

The announcement comes as manufacturers have been shifting more resources to the luxury car segment where profit margins are higher, while entry-level cars are giving way amid supply chain problems.

Manufacturers across Europe have meanwhile been increasingly looking for ways to charge more, according to market research showing that car buyers should prepare themselves for higher prices in 2022 and beyond.

But, for its part, Mercedes argues that the GLC's new price gets you significantly more car (even quite literally).

The GLC is not only better equipped than before (case in point: a standard electric tailgate), but you also get a more visually streamlined city off-roader with more space.

READ MORE:Study shows manufacturers driving up prices for new cars

Roads and parking spaces may be staying the same size, but this SUV is growing again, and the GLC has added 6 cm in length and an extra wheelbase of around 2 cm. This should provide even more space for the passengers in the back and a luggage compartment that is 10% larger with a volume of 600 litres.

In addition, there is a completely digitalised cockpit with a flat screen behind the steering wheel and a touchscreen that literally rises up out of the centre console.

In addition to the MBUX infotainment system, the car also has a new high-tech assistance system that uses built-in cameras to let the driver see through the bonnet onto the road when driving off-road or manoeuvring.

Technically, the GLC is again closely related to the C-Class, using its rear-axle steering, for example. However, some of the engines are different.

The GLC urban off-roader, something of an automotive paradox, has been selling like hot cakes for the company as a kind of inflated cousin of the C-Class.

The GLC starts with a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 150 kW/204 hp or 190 kW/258 hp and a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 143 KW/197 hp or 195 kW/265 hp. Later - unlike in the C-Class - a six-cylinder diesel is to follow. This will have a capacity of 3 litres and produce more than 220 kW/300 hp, project manager Peter Kolb announced.

According to the manufacturer, all combustion engines are electrified with a 48-volt system and are supported by a 17 kW/23 hp electric motor.

For the 219 to 240kph starting engine versions, Mercedes promises consumption figures of 7.3 litres of petrol or 5.2 litres of diesel. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 167 or 136 g/km.

To bridge the gap to the electric future, the GLC is also available again as a plug-in hybrid - this time with more choices and more range.

According to Mercedes, two petrol engines and a diesel engine are being paired with a 100 kW/136 hp electric motor and a battery of around 32 kWh. This should enable the GLC to reach up to 140kph and cover more than 100km on electric power.


Ferrari faithful rev IPO price to top of range

                NEW YORK: Ferrari NV priced its initial public offering at the top of expectations on Tuesday, raising US$893 million, as drivers enamoured with the luxury sports car maker snapped up its shares alongside institutional investors, defying a choppy market.

Ferrari, controlled by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA), pulled out all the stops to market itself to some of its cars' owners as well as Wall Street, and also limited the offering to a 9.1 percent stake in the company.

The strategy paid off, as the IPO was priced in New York on Tuesday at US$52 per share, the top end of its indicated US$48 to US$52 per share range, according to people familiar with the matter. The IPO gives Ferrari a market capitalisation of around US$9.8 billion.

The sources asked not to be identified because the pricing details of the IPO were not yet public. Ferrari did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The proceeds will be used to help fund FCA's ambitious growth plan centered around the revamp of its Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Maserati brands. A successful listing will bolster FCA's finances at a time when its calls for a merger partner have fallen on deaf ears.