Perodua Bezza sedan open for bookings from July 16

                PETALING JAYA: Perodua's first sedan will be open for bookings nationwide from July 16.

It is the national car maker's first Energy Efficient Sedan (EEV), which is fully designed by Malaysians with support from Daihatsu.

“The long wait is over as we will soon launch our very own sedan on July 21. This sedan is the culmination of decades of technology collaboration and technology transfer with our partner Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd,” said Perodua president/CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

“It is with their guidance that we are now able to stand on our own with this ground breaking new model and it is the sedan that fits every Malaysian needs.”

Prices have not been released yet but are believed to be from RM40K-RM50K plus, straddling the gap between the Axia and Myvi.

The sedan comes in five variants, the 1.0L Manual Transmission & Automatic Transmission; the 1.3L “Premium X” Manual & Automatic Transmission; and the 1.3L “Advanced Version” Automatic Transmission.

The Bezza 1.3L Advance variant comes equipped with a Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) which is a safety function that detect and reduce skidding hence allows the driver to maintain stability while driving.

This variant also comes with Brake Assist (BA) and Traction Control (TRC) which allows the driver to maintain traction on a slippery road. It also has the Hill Start Assist (HSA) that prevents the car from rolling back on slopes when the brakes is released, giving the driver time to switch to the accelerator pedal.

In addition to these safety features, the Bezza variants come equipped with ABS, EBD and also intermittent operated windshield wiper which changes speed in-line with the vehicle’s acceleration (speed sensing wiper).

This will further improve the car’s safety features as it improves visibility when driving in the rain.

The sedan has one of the biggest boot spaces in the market with 508 litres available in its class.

“It is also versatile enough with the foldable rear seats configuration (60:40) which result to 8 +1 seating configurations to allow for maximum flexibility to address a variety of situations for the customer. It does not compromise the interior which has plenty of leg room for a compact sedan,” said Aminar.

The Perodua EEV sedan is a first of its kind for the compact car company as the car comes in a new 1.0 litre 1KR-VE engine with VVT-i and a 1.3 litre 1NR-VE engine with Dual VVT-i. The manual transmission has 5 speeds while the electronic automatic transmission (E-AT) has 4 speeds.

The Bezza 1.0 litre engine may reach up to 22.8km per litre for its manual transmission, while the automatic transmission can potentially travel 21.3 kilometres per litre with eco driving.

“This feature is part of the model’s fuel saving technology adapted to Malaysian weather - another first for Perodua and a first for a national carmaker,” Aminar said.

Meanwhile, the eco driving 1.3 litre’s manual transmission variant can potentially travel 21.7 kilometres per litre, while the automatic transmission can travel 22km per litre with ‘Eco Idle’ System which available in the Advance variant only. The full tank can potentially allow the car to travel up to 792km.

The ‘Eco Idle’ system will automatically stops the engine when the car is idle and restarts upon release of the brake, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Drivers can deactivate this feature if they wish.

Improvements to the exterior design also result in the best drag coefficient (cD) in Perodua history, said Aminar.

Another first for Perodua is the push start/stop button and smart entry with smart key which available in the 1.3L variants only.

The Bezza 1.3L Advance variant is equipped with a multimedia-mobile link device where a user can access social media and entertainment features of their Android gadget when the vehicle is static.

Users can also interface navigation applications such as Waze and Google Maps through this “Smart Link” feature.

On top of these features, back passengers can also charge their devices at a USB port located at the rear centre console.

The Bezza variants is packed with features such as shark fin antenna, remote boot release, one-touch power window with jam protection, front and front corner sensors, reverse camera and reverse sensors.

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

Perodua said it uses eco-friendly water-based paint which also provides a better finish.

“This Perodua sedan, named Bezza, is our second transformation model (after the Axia) and our first global-ready car with the 1.3L Advance variant packed with advance safety features,” Aminar said.

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

“The sedan name takes inspiration from the word ‘Beza’ in Bahasa Malaysia, which means ‘different’. And that is exactly what Perodua’s first EEV sedan is – distinctly different,” Aminar said. The double "Z" in the name resembles the number "22", which alludes to the fact that Perodua has been in the market for 22 years.

The car was designed based on customer feedback and preferences. The respondents were from both urban and rural areas nationwide.

“The result is that potential buyers were looking for a sedan which has global features but at the consumers’ price,” Aminar said.

While gearing up for this important launch, Perodua is also throwing a Raya open house at its 181 showrooms and service centre nationwide from 9am to 5pm on July 16.


Stuttgart's Mercedes museum to host another car auction in 2015

                STUTTGART: Daimler is set to hold another exclusive car auction following the success of the 2014 event coordinated by Bonhams.

It will take place on March 28 at the Mercedes-Benz Museum here.

While it remains to be seen which models will go under the hammer in 2015, the sale will likely be similar to the first one held at the Mercedes museum in July 2014.

During this event, around 40 of the brand's most emblematic cars were auctioned off by Bonhams, including a 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing" and a 1934 500K, bringing in total revenues of close to 12 million euros (around RM50mil).

On July 12, 2013, Bonhams carried off its highest car sale yet during an auction taking place outside of the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The Mercedes W196 driven by Juan-Manuel Fangio to victory in the F1 World Cup in 1954 sold for no less than £19.6 million (around RM106mil).


Polestar reveals initial markets for new subscription model

                GOTHERNBURG (Sweden): A volume carmaker having a performance arm isn't exactly groundbreaking as we've long had the likes of the BMW M Division and Mercedes AMG.

But although Volvo now having the Polestar performance brand itself isn't particularly revolutionary, the way it "sells" its vehicles certainly is. Instead of customers choosing from all the usual ways of purchasing a vehicle, the new Polestar 1 is only going to be available on a subscription basis, and the company has just revealed which markets can take advantage first.

Polestar underwent a successful launch back in October, and while it's no surprise the car itself has buyers lining up for it, the fact they appear to be unfazed by the new subscription system may raise a few eyebrows - and possibly even encourage other automakers to consider similar systems in future.

Customers in the USA, China, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands will be the first to be able to physically interact with the Polestar brand in what the company calls a "Polestar Space."

A Polestar Space will presumably be a retail environment somewhere along the same lines as Tesla currently operates in the US. The countries that have been selected for the initial launch of them have been chosen to some degree due to initial customer demand in those markets.

The first Polestar Spaces will open in the middle of 2019, and the locations of further outlets across the world will be confirmed at a later date.

The Polestar 1 is a 2+2 Grand Touring Coupé with a 600 horsepower Electric Performance Hybrid powertrain capable of travelling 150km on purely electric power, which is the longest range on electric only of any hybrid in the world.

Buyers can only have them on a no-deposit, all-inclusive monthly payment subscription basis, designed to deliver hassle-free usage as it covers insurance, depreciation, collection and delivery for inclusive servicing, and a number of other on-demand benefits as-and-when they may be required.


Cam-free Freevalve engine edges towards production

                GUANGZHOU: The world’s first FreeValve engine for mass production will be driven on to the Qoros stage at the Guangzhou Motor Show in November, 2016. The “Qamfree” engine will be powering a Qoros 3 hatchback that has been modified specifically for the Guangzhou show.

The technology was developed by FreeValve AB, based in Ängelholm, Sweden, and owned by Koenigsegg.

Qoros debuted the Qamfree engine with FreeValve technology in a concept car at the Beijing Motor Show, in April 2016.

Called “Qamfree” in the Qoros application, FreeValve uses a pneumatic-hydraulic-electronic actuator to replace the traditional camshaft-based method of controlling valve operation in an internal combustion engine. This results is much more precise and completely customisable control over valve duration and lift, on both the intake and exhaust sides.

The engine on show at Guangzhou is a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine using FreeValve technology to produce 230hp and 320Nm of torque. This represents a 47% increase in power, a 45% increase in torque and a 15% reduction in fuel consumption when compared to a traditional camshaft engine with similar specifications.

The benefits are not confined to significant performance improvements and better fuel economy, however. In implementing FreeValve technology, manufacturers are able to do away with expensive parts such as the throttle body, camshaft, cam drive, timing gear and cover, wastegate, pre-catalytic converter systems and direct injection systems.

The comparative FreeValve engine is 20kg lighter and much more compact, saving 50mm in height and 70mm in depth, which allows manufacturers exciting new vehicle design and packaging options.

 Koenigsegg founder Christian von Koenigsegg is also chairman of FreeValve AB.

“FreeValve technology has taken many years of testing and refinement but the results are extremely satisfying” said Urban Carlson, CEO of FreeValve AB. “This production-intent engine offers Qoros significant savings in emissions, cost and weight. It also offers groundbreaking benefits to vehicle owners in terms of a near 50% increase in both power and torque, while actually reducing fuel consumption.“

Qoros will use a fleet of test engines in conjunction with FreeValve AB to further refine the technology to suit its own vehicles designs prior to mass production in an as-yet unnamed vehicle in the future.


Influencers and free mask offer help GM and SAIC's China sales rebound

                BEIJING: General Motors’ sales in China saw double-digit year-on-year growth in April, its two local ventures said on Sunday, as the world’s biggest auto market recovers from the coronavirus.

GM’s joint venture with SAIC Motor Corp, which manufactures Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles, said its sales in China grew 13.6% compared to a year earlier. It said it had sold 111,155 units in April, including exported cars.

To attract customers, GM and SAIC have hired social media celebrities to promote its new models and are offering free medical masks to customers.

Meanwhile, SGMW, a separate GM venture with SAIC and Guangxi Automobile Group which produces no-frills MPVs and has started to make higher-end cars, said its sales jumped 13.5% to over 127,000 units last month.

GM, which is China’s second biggest foreign car company after Volkswagen, said its sales in China fell 43.3% in the first three months of 2020 compared with the same period last year.

China’s biggest automaker SAIC, which sold more than 6 million cars last year, said its sales rose 0.5% compared to the same period last year. As well as the GM venture, it also builds its own brand cars and operates a venture with Volkswagen.


Volvo on a winning streak, to announce new S90 today

GOTHENBURG: Volvo Cars posted a 26.0 per cent increase in retail sales for November, selling 49,055 cars globally, which represents a new all-time high result for a single month in its 88-year history.

Volvo Cars is targeting annual sales of 800,000 cars globally in the medium term, following a complete renewal of its product line-up in the next four years.

The global success for the XC90 is paving the way for the all-new Volvo S90 premium saloon – the second car to be based on Volvo’s in-house-developed SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) technology. The Volvo S90 will be unveiled at an event in Gothenburg later today.

READ ALSO:
First drive of Volvo XC90 in Sweden5 highlights of Volvo XC90 S90 teaser images.

For the month of November, sales in China amounted to 8,045 cars, up 15.8 per cent versus the same month last year. The locally produced Volvo XC60 and S60L are the best-selling Volvo models on the market.

Retail sales in Europe as a whole were up by 23.9 per cent to a total of 26,646 cars. Sweden reported a market share of 24.3 per cent, while the Netherlands and Germany were also growth drivers in Europe with substantial sales increases. The V40 and XC60 were the best-selling Volvo models in Europe, while growth was driven mainly by the XC90 model.

The United States reported 6,903 retail sales, up 90.5 per cent versus the same month last year. Sales were boosted by strong demand for the XC90 and XC60 models, which were the best-selling Volvos in the US for the month. Year-to-date sales in the US market are now up 18.0 per cent.

The XC60 was the best-selling model in November, with 13,988 cars sold (2014: 12,360), followed by the V40 and V40 Cross Country models, for which deliveries reached a total of 9,656 cars (9,591). The XC90 was the third best-selling car line, with 6,792 cars.


Thailand's October auto exports up, domestic sales down

                BANGKOK: Thailand's car and truck exports in October increased by 19.07 per cent year-on-year to 111,229 units, rising in terms of value by 36.44 per cent year-on-year to 59.999 billion baht.

However, domestic sales dropped 4.2 per cent to 67,908 units.

The growth in volume and value of exports was mainly driven by the expansion of exports of new models of pick-up vehicles to the Asia, Australia and Middle East markets as well as eco-car exports to the Europe and North America markets, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, deputy chairman of the Automotive Industry Club of Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) at a monthly press conference here on Tuesday.

READ ALSO: Compare Malaysian auto sales

Total automotive exports including engines, parts and spare parts in October increased by 22.83 per cent to 79.623 billion baht, he said.

In the January-October period, exports rose by 9.03 per cent to 1,016,595 units worth 491.519 billion baht, an increase of 11.67 per cent, he said.

With engines, parts and spare parts included, the export value for the 10-month period stood at 699.877 billion baht, an increase by 7.04 per cent, he said.

However, domestic sales continued to be weak, mainly due to the country's weak economy plus other factors such as low prices of agricultural products, slowdown in private investments as well as strict loan requirements imposed by financial institutions concerned about high household debts, said Surapong.

However, on a positive note, domestic sales in October were 9.8 per cent higher than in September, he added.

In the January-October period, domestic sales stood at 621,740 units, down 13.6 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Surapong said Thailand's car and truck production in October stood at 165,381 units, a growth of 3.52 per cent year-on-year due to increased production of new models of pick-up vehicles for export.

Production for export in October increased 3.66 per cent year-on-year to 108,016 units, while production for the domestic market rose 3.25 per cent year-on-year to 57.365 units, he said.

Total production for the January-October period increased by 1.84 per cent to 1.597 million units, he added.


World’s biggest battery recycler is helping fuel future of cars

Disposal and recycling information sits on a lithium-ion battery pack on the Volkswagen ID.3 electric car. — Bloomberg
SHANGHAI: The former university professor leading one of the firms most crucial to the future of transport has a warning for anyone eyeing his patch.

"I want to tell everyone who wants to enter this market: don’t do it, you are wasting your money,” said Xu Kaihua, chairman of Chinese battery metals maker GEM Co.

"Only the top five will survive.”

The firm Xu founded in Shenzhen in 2001 has adopted an expansive business model that’s made it central to supply chains stretching from the cobalt and nickel mines of Africa and Southeast Asia to the motors of Volkswagen and BMW cars.

GEM’s diverse footprint includes a plant in Indonesia that will allow it to avoid that nation’s export ban on nickel, a key raw material. And, the company is already the world’s biggest recycler of metals from used batteries.

The strategy has established GEM in a small band of Chinese firms including Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. and Jinchuan Group Co. whose relatively low profile belies their collective significance to the future of energy use.

GEM makes the kind of high-purity chemicals derived from nickel, cobalt and lithium that will be required in massive quantities over the next decade as the world’s automakers electrify their fleets.

GEM has "a unique position” in the battery supply chain, said Hans Eric Melin, founder of London-based consultancy Circular Energy Storage, who has visited the company’s facilities.

"They have managed to leverage their historical role as recyclers to become one of the leading battery material companies.” The company is also heavily favoured by analysts, with 11 of 12 surveyed by Bloomberg holding buy ratings on its Shenzhen-listed stock.

In an interview earlier this month in Yichang, Hubei province, where the company operates one of 15 plants across China, Xu talked about a "green dream” that prompted his switch from academia to commerce.

"When you start a company, you need to have a vision. I understood we would eventually need to use recycling to solve the problem of limited resources,” he said.

Xu, now 53, specialised in metals recycling at Central South University in neighbouring Hunan province.

His goal is for GEM to collect and process 30% of China’s discarded electric vehicle batteries, as more and more units flow back into the supply chain over the coming decade.

"Now everybody is talking about recycling batteries, it’s a very hot topic, but there are few guys that can do it properly,” said Xu.

Recycling key

Some 39,000 tons of cobalt and 125,000 tons of nickel could come from spent batteries by 2030, helping to offset any shortfall in mined supply, according to BloombergNEF. For cobalt, that would meet more than 10% of projected demand.

By 2025, GEM wants to get 8,500 tons of cobalt and 19,000 tons of nickel from recycling.

While China’s slump in EV sales after it cut subsidies this year would seem to be a headwind for GEM, for Xu it means it means that new competitors will struggle to find a foothold.

The company says it makes about a fifth of the world’s precursor material — a chemical mix that’s used in the cathodes that store and release electricity in rechargeable batteries.

"For battery metals, there’s a lot of new capacity from newcomers,” he said. "But we have great cooperation with our customers. For new capacity, it’s going to be difficult for them to break in.”

Although GEM struck a five-year deal in October to take a big chunk of the top cobalt miner’s output from the Democratic Republic of Congo, its investment strategy has been focused on securing enough nickel.

"In early 2017 we decided that the problem for us on the supply side was going to be nickel,” Xu said.

As cobalt prices rallied, and Chinese companies rushed to the DRC to lock up material, GEM took a different tack.

Xu talked with Xiang Guangda, the chairman of Tsingshan Holding Group Co., which had upended the nickel market by pioneering mining-to-steel investments in Indonesia. Now, GEM is the lead investor in a consortium to produce battery chemicals on the same site as Tsingshan’s stainless steel plant in Sulawesi.

It’s a development that will put the company on the right side of Jakarta’s pledge to stop its mineral wealth from disappearing overseas.

"Xiang gave us the confidence to join his project,” Xu said.

"He already has the facilities there — the port, the power, the roads. That halves the cost of anywhere else. And because Tsingshan is there already, we don’t have to deal directly with the government.”

While the facility has faced skepticism over its costs and time-line, Xu said he aims to get the plant into testing in the middle of next year, and to reach 70% to 80% of its full production capacity by 2021.

The two companies also plan a joint-venture cathode plant in China, located near the factories of the world’s top battery producer, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co.


Apple's self-driving car effort stuck in low gear, says report

                SAN FRANCISCO: Apple's quest to produce a viable self-driving car remains stalled despite years of work, with its team plagued by setbacks as rivals race ahead, The Information tech news website reported Monday.

Buzz surrounding a potential Apple car began some eight years ago with the vehicles being touted as the first new "big thing" from the company since its iconic co-founder Steve Jobs died in October 2011.

However, self-driving Apple cars have had trouble on streets near its Silicon Valley headquarters, bumping curbs, straying from lanes, and almost hitting a jogger legally crossing a road, The Information said, citing interviews with people who worked on the project.

The article maintained that team troubles resulted from ever-shifting goals and leadership, staff turnover, and lack of faith in the project by high-ranking Apple executives.

Apple chief Tim Cook early last year portrayed self-driving cars as an ideal match for the technology giant during an interview released by the New York Times.READ MORE:
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"An autonomous car is a robot and so there are a lot of things you can do with autonomy; we will see what Apple does," Cook told journalist Kara Swisher's "Sway" podcast.

Cook hinted that an option could be for Apple to build an autonomous-driving technology platform used by automakers.

He expressed admiration for electric carmaker Tesla, which is among companies developing autonomous driving capabilities.

Apple first revealed its self-driving tech aspirations in 2016 and Cook has since then said he saw autonomous driving systems as a "core technology" for the future.

Apple acknowledged last year that it trimmed its team devoted to self-driving car technology but stressed that it's still in the race.

Most major auto manufacturers and many technology groups are currently developing autonomous vehicles, considered to be the future of the automobile, along with electric power.

Less than a year ago, Waymo, the self-driving unit at Google's parent company Alphabet, expanded its robotaxi service to riders in San Francisco in another step toward fully autonomous ride-hailing.

The company allows "trusted testers" to hail rides in self-driving cars with an "autonomous specialist" on board for backup.

The move expanded the Waymo ride-hailing program which has been operating in Phoenix, Arizona since 2017 as rivals work to launch similar operations.

Waymo has been moving ahead of most competitors and has raised billions of dollars in anticipation of a wider launch.


To beat porch thieves, Amazon slips packages in car boot

                SEATTLE: Not content to stop at slipping packages inside customers’ front doors, Amazon.com Inc on Tuesday started a new program to deliver packages to its members’ parked cars.

The world’s largest online retailer is rolling the program out in 37 US cities for customers with newer compatible vehicles and plans to expand the service. All that is required to have packages delivered to a car is downloading an app from Amazon and linking it to the vehicle’s so-called connected car service, such as General Motors Co’s OnStar system or Volvo Car Group’s On Call service.

The in-car delivery effort is part of Amazon’s drive to leave packages where they cannot be easily stolen. Since 2011, Amazon has offered secure lockers for urban customers.

“Amazon will keep looking for ways to reduce last mile friction and cost. I’m sure many consumers would prefer to have their car trunk opened remotely by a third party than their front door,” said Greg Melich, an analyst at MoffettNathanson.

The in-car service builds on an effort Amazon launched last fall called Amazon Key. That system uses a US$220 (RM861) combination of an Internet-connected door lock and camera to allow Amazon delivery drivers to place packages inside the homes of members of Amazon Prime. By contrast, the in-car delivery service is free for Prime members. It will be offered in San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Nashville, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C. and other areas.

The in-home delivery option put Amazon in direct competition with so-called smart home security companies such as Alphabet Inc’s Nest Labs and presaged Amazon’s US$1 billion acquisition of connected doorbell maker Ring.

“I think this is a good example of Amazon’s test-and-learn culture. The company tries many different things, some are successful, others less so, but all provide important insights for the company,” Atlantic Equities analyst James Cordwell said.

But the new in-car delivery service may have broader reach because it works with many compatible cars from Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Volvo, with plans to deliver to more makes and models in the future.

In a statement, GM said there are at least 7 million owners of compatible GM models. Amazon has not disclosed how many customers have tried its Amazon Key in-home service.

In-car delivery also gives Amazon an in-between option for customers who might want a more secure delivery location than the front porch but do not want delivery people inside their homes.

The Amazon delivery service taps into the car’s built-in unlock feature without ever giving the delivery person a pass code or other permanent access to the car.

“Everything is securely encrypted between the two services,” said Rohit Shrivastava, Amazon Key’s general manager.

Shrivastava also said that Amazon cannot see or track the customer’s car; instead, the customer gives Amazon an address where the car will be parked and publicly accessible, along with the make, model, color and license plate number to help the delivery person find the right car. Customers also get several reminders on their phones before, during and after the packages are delivered.


Next-gen Porsche Macan to go fully electric

                STUTTGART. Porsche aims to build the next generation of the Macan as a fully electric series.

This will be the first all-electric compact SUV from Porsche, and is due to roll off from its Leipzig plant at the start of the next decade.

The development represents an expansion of the Porsche range in the field of electromobility: the Taycan – the first purely electrically driven sports car from Porsche – will be launched to market at the end of 2019, followed shortly thereafter by its derivative, the Taycan Cross Turismo.

The decision to make the next generation of the Macan at the company’s Leipzig site was taken as early as the beginning of July last year. Making this investment in electromobility at the Leipzig site creates the opportunity to produce fully electric vehicles on the existing production line in future.

The next generation of the Macan fires the starting pistol for electrification. Like the Taycan, this compact SUV features 800-volt technology and is based on the Porsche PPE architecture (Premium Platform Electric) developed in collaboration with Audi AG – highlighting the future viability of the site and enhancing its flexibility and efficiency even further.

 Porsche's Leipzig plant.

Porsche Leipzig GmbH started series production of the Cayenne SUV in 2002, with 259 employees. Since then, the site has been continually developed to become one of the most advanced and sustainable production facilities in the automotive industry. It produces more than 90,000 units annually for global markets.

What is currently the final expansion stage was put into operation two years ago, making it possible for the Panamera series to now also be made in Leipzig, and bringing employee numbers up to today’s figure of more than 4,000. Since the groundbreaking ceremony in February 2000, Porsche has invested more than 1.3 billion euros in development in Leipzig.
“By 2022, we will be investing more than six billion euros in electric mobility, and by 2025 50% of all new Porsche vehicles could have an electric drive system, said Porsche chairman Oliver Blume.

"Over the next 10 years,we will focus on a drive mix consisting of even further optimised petrol engines, plug-in hybrid models, and purely electrically operated sports cars. Our aim is to take a pioneering role in technology, and for this reason we will continue to consistently align the company with the mobility of the future.”


Ferrari overtakes Fiat owner as value climbs past US$50bil

                MILAN: Ferrari NV’s market value has surpassed that of Stellantis NV - the auto conglomerate that contains Fiat, which was once the parent of the iconic Italian luxury sports-car maker.

Known for its prancing horse logo and distinctive range of supercars, Ferrari has gained 34% this year, making it the best-performing stock among European auto manufacturers.

That’s sent the market value soaring to €49.2 billion (US$54bil/RM241bil), overtaking Stellantis’s €47.1 billion (RM230bil) and making it one of the three biggest companies on the Milan stock exchange.

Demand for luxury sports cars has held up well among Ferrari’s wealthy customers even as it increased prices, a stark contrast to mass carmakers losing pricing power as the economy heads for a slowdown.

The stock in many ways is comparable to that of big luxury goods firms in Europe, producing total returns in excess of 500% since its spinoff in 2015. During the same period, returns for auto stocks in Europe were about 50%, including dividends.

For a growing crowd of investors, the luxury sector is to the European stock market what Big Tech has been to the US: Dominant businesses whose growth holds up even as the economy waxes and wanes.

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, Europe’s largest company by market value, making it into the top 10 in the world is a testimony to the trend.

Exor NV, the Agnelli family holding company, is still the largest investor in both Stellantis and Ferrari, which was separated out from Fiat Chrysler in 2015.

Ferrari had a market value of about US$10 billion when it was listed in New York in October 2015.

"Ferrari has always been synonymous with luxury, and its multiples also confirm this,” said Vincenzo Longo, a market strategist at IG.

"The stock has been outperforming year-to-date and the trend is about comparable to the big luxury names such as LVMH.”

While Ferrari is benefiting from a surge in demand for its luxury cars, Stellantis shares have been under pressure after the company posted disappointing first-quarter sales in Europe on May 3, reflecting a looming downturn in the region driven by inflation and higher interest rates.

Stellantis’s 14 car brands include Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Opel and Chrysler, and its total consolidated shipments last year fell to about 5.78 million vehicles.

The high-premium brand Ferrari sold 13,221 units.


Toyota 3S centre opens in Rawang

 Service bay area.

PETALING JAYA: Customers will enjoy better and greater quality services as a full-fledged 3S centre in Rawang is now in full operation.

In a statement by UMW Toyota Motor today, its dealer, UMW Toyotsu Motors Sdn Bhd new 3S centre provide a full-fledged facilities consisting of sales, service, spare parts and also body and paint services all under one roof. This is UMW Toyotsu Motors’ second 3S centre after its first in Shah Alam.

With the opening of this facility at Jalan Batu Arang, the 3S centre is poised to serve the increasing number of Toyota vehicles in the northern part of Selangor particularly in and around the area of Rawang.

UMW Toyotsu Motors has invested RM34mil on a 2.5-acre of land with a built-up area covering 70,622sq ft.

The 3S centre boasts a spacious showroom as it can accommodate five Toyota vehicles at any one time, whilst its service team can service up to 72 vehicles daily.

While waiting for their vehicles to be ready, discerning customers could certainly enjoy its comfortable and quiet customers’ waiting lounge that provides uninterrupted Wifi internet facilities.

UMW Toyota Motor currently has extensive network of 99 sales and after sales outlets including dealers, throughout the nation to meet the increasing number of Toyota vehicles in the country.

To find out more about sales, services, facilities and to make an appointment, contact UMW Toyotsu Motors Sdn Bhd, Rawang at 03-6092 8252 (pilot line) or log on to www.toyota.com.my for more information.

 Customer area.


Vehicle sales in January ride up 19%

                PETALING JAYA: Vehicle sales in the country rose by 19% in January 2023 to 49,461 units from 41,533 in the same month of last year.

Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), however, said the total industry volume (TIV) for the month was 35% lower month-on-month than sales in December 2022 which were at 76,657 units.

The weaker sales number for January was attributed to the shorter working month, owing to the Chinese New Year festive holidays and the ongoing shortage of chips and components which continued to affect certain automakers.

MAA expects better vehicle sales for February as it is a full working month.

Additionally, it believes sales for the month would be supported by automaker’s fulfilment of bookings made during the sales tax exemption period last year.

In terms of production, the total number of vehicles for the month was 58,527 units compared with 42,961 units in the same month in 2021.


Kawasaki looks to an electric future

                KOBE: Just like car makers, motorcycle makers are also facing the challenge of energy transition - they too must adapt and find alternatives to fossil fuels.

This is the case of Kawasaki, which has announced a wide range of electric bikes from 2025, with a complete switchover scheduled for 10 years later.

Kawasaki is taking the lead by announcing a long-term plan with several stages.

The first step is to offer a dozen electric or hybrid models in its catalogue by 2025.

However, the Japanese manufacturer has some way to go to achieve this since, for the moment, its experience in the field is limited to a prototype presented two years ago.

To achieve this, a brand-new entity has been created, called Kawasaki Motors. It will focus on the manufacture of motorcycles, of course, but also four-wheeled off-road vehicles, water scooters and various motors.

The idea is to be able to react more quickly to market trends and to offer new products that are both safer and more sustainable.

Kawasaki is already working on hybrid powertrains and has also presented an electric motorcycle prototype.

The manufacturer has even said it is working on a hydrogen-powered Ninja H2, which means that it is really exploring all possibilities for powering its future models.

The goal is to introduce 10 electric or hybrid motorcycles by 2025. At the same time, five new innovative fuel quads are also expected.

Eventually, by 2035, Kawasaki hopes to be fully electric, and to have completed its transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources.


2019 Peugeot 508 wagon: frameless doors and premium audio

                PARIS: The 2019 Peugeot 508 SW brings a new sense of style to the highly competitive D-segment estate car market, with a sleek design including frameless doors, a dynamic body shape and a spacious cabin.

It also features a top-of-the-range hi-fi system designed by Focal, the latest generation Peugeot i-Cockpit and the latest-generation driving aids to meet EuroNCAP standards.

Set to be revealed at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, the 508 SW has frameless doors - a unique estate car feature for a mainstream carmaker, full LED headlights and opalescent LED daytime running lights.

In the cabin, there are ergonomic, wrap-around seats offering five multi-point massage programmes, a range of premium and sophisticated trim and upholstery materials and a panoramic opening glass roof.

With the aid of the Magic Flat function, allowing the driver to fold back the two sides of the rear bench seat, the all-new Peugeot 508 SW is never short of space, boasting a total load space capacity of 1,780 litres.

Of this total volume, 530 litres comes from the boot (with luggage cover closed), designed to be simple in shape and entirely practical, with hands-free, powered tailgate.

Pierre-Paul Mattei, Peugeot 508 product design director, said: “We wanted to design a unique SW with a very strong personality that was perfectly situated at the heart of its segment. The secret of the rear structure performance in terms of compactness and rigidity is the sensible and practical boot with an extremely sleek design. Similarly, the frameless doors provide the perfect response to accessibility in a vehicle with a very low roof line.”

With 10 loud-speakers fitted with exclusive Focal technology, this hi-fi system provides pure, fine sound.

New features for the range include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Keeping Assist and a Night Vision system - a first for the segment.

This system utilises an infra-red camera to detect living beings in front of the vehicle at night time or in low-visibility conditions to maximise safety.

The all-new Peugeot 508 SW is built on the EMP2 platform making it an average of 70kg lighter than the outgoing generation while the new eight-speed EAT8 automatic transmission with electric gear lever and one touch control is an option.

Meanwhile, there are two new petrol engine options based on the PureTech 1.6-litre engine.

Also, there are four diesel options are based on the BlueHDi 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre.

In ECO mode, when twinned with the EAT8 gearbox, the PureTech engine automatically switches to freewheeling mode.

This function, available between 25km/h and 130km/h, eases internal friction in the gearbox and reduces fuel consumption by around 3%.

In the second half of 2019, the range will be supplemented by an efficient Plug-in Hybrid petrol powertrain with an extended ZEV range of 50km (WLTP cycle).

The batteries will be located under the row 2 seats to preserve the roomy boot.


Hello Nissan owners, you can extend warranty with TC Warranty Plus

                KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Chong Motor Holdings' insurance arm is offering an extended warranty to existing Nissan owners called TC Warranty Plus, which extends the warranty period beyond the standard three years.

The TC Warranty Plus programme is restricted to private-use vehicles and takes effect after the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty period of 3 years or 100,000km (whichever comes first) has lapsed.

Tan Chong Insurance Business Stream said three packages are offered namely EW 150, EW 200 and EW 25.

Tan Chong Insurance Business Stream senior general manager Say Teck Ming said the packages were being offered in response to demand and to give car owners peace of mind.

Customers who sign up for the warranty programme will qualify for a set of free petrol engine refresh kit, valid till Oct 31.

New Nissan and Infiniti models are backed by a seven-year warranty with unlimited mileage, which was offered from January this year.

In a separate development. Edaran Tan Chong Motor and Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn Bhd have announced its expansion for Takata airbag inflator replacement which is held not only at their service networks but also at selected Tesco outlets as shown below.


Fancy a Porsche roof tent to go with the sports car?

                STUTTGART: Porsche recently introduced a new new roof tent it's selling to customers who are also nature-lovers.

Made by its accessories division Porsche Tequipment, the hardcase, which was developed at the Weissach Development Centre and co-designed by Studio F.A. Porsche in Zell am See.

The hardcase design can be installed on the roof transport systems of the 911 (GT, Cabriolet and Targa models excluded), Macan, Cayenne, Panamera and Taycan – both with and without roof rails.

It is quite the room with a view, with two side windows and a roof window as standard. The all-season, two-person tent is now available to order from Porsche sales partners for €4,980 (around RM23,000). Delivery is set to begin in November 2022.

In the extended position, the floor surface measures 210 x 130 cm. A comfortable, high-density polyfoam mattress is integrated.

The tent walls are made of a breathable cotton blend. With water-resistant zips and a separate rain cover for entry, the tent is designed for wetter weather too.

The side walls mimic the flyline of the 911 and feature a PORSCHE logo. Highlights in the interior include the highly insulating quilted lining in Light Grey. The head end features a mountain silhouette. The mattress features the same quilting pattern.

Both side windows can be fully opened for ventilation. An insect guard offers protection against mosquitoes and an additional black-out function helps keep the light out.

Buyers can choose between the Black/Light Grey and Black/Dark Grey hardcase, each of which is adorned with a matt black Porsche logo. Additional optional Tequipment accessories will be available soon. This includes an inner tent, a heated blanket and a shoe and bag organiser.

The tent and its hardcase weigh 56kg. Drivers are advised to limit the top speed to 130kph when travelling with the packed roof tent.


Nissan looks to crowd-sourced playlist on Spotify as LEAF turns 5

                NASHVILLE: Nissan has launched a Spotify playlist specially curated by LEAF fans around the world in celebration of the fifth anniversary of the delivery of the world's first all-electric LEAF.

"Nissan LEAF owners are among our most enthusiastic customers, and we wanted to get them involved in a unique way as we celebrate LEAF's anniversary, so we asked followers on Facebook and Twitter which songs they would choose to honor the all-electric vehicle's five years on the road," said Nissan director for electric vehicle sales & marketing Andrew Speaker.

"With suggestions ranging from No. 1 hits to obscure B-side tracks, LEAF fans helped us cultivate the perfect soundtrack for this occasion."

Users can search for the "100% Nissan LEAF 5th Birthday" playlist on Spotify and enjoy 10 fan-suggested songs that can be streamed via the Bluetooth connection in the LEAF or other Nissan models.

The first LEAF was delivered on Dec 11, 2010, to Olivier Chalouhi of San Francisco, and since then Nissan has become the world's leader in electric vehicle sales with nearly 200,000 LEAF vehicles sold globally and more than 88,000 sold in the United States.

Nissan recently introduced the new 2016 LEAF, which has available best-in-class range of 172km, making it the first affordable EV to get more than 160km on a single charge.

All LEAF models feature an 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107hp and 254Nm of torque, providing a highly responsive experience that consumers often expect from traditional, petrol-powered vehicles.


Feb 15-21: All fuel prices up


Locally assembled Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4Motion opens for booking from RM245,000

                KUALA LUMPUR – Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is now accepting pre-bookings for the new Arteon R-Line 4Motion.

Locally assembled at Pekan, Pahang, the new Arteon is expected to be priced between RM245,000 and RM255,000 when it launches.

Introduced to the Malaysian market last year, the Arteon is Volkswagen’s flagship model – a true showstopper that combines a sleek silhouette with dynamic handling and performance.

Stylish and fast, the new Arteon is offered with new enhancements, including updated interior and exterior, new technology and engine.

The first model to carry the new Volkswagen and R logos, the athleticism of the Arteon R-Line is further emphasised with sporty R-Line trimmings.

The redesigned front grille and bumper are more prominent and compliments its full LED headlights.

At the rear, new LED 3D lights with sequential indicators adds character to the Arteon’s sloping fastback design.

The Arteon is built for performance and is powered by a 2.0L TSI turbocharged engine.

Paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), it produces an impressive output of 280PS and torque of 350Nm between 5,100 to 6,500rpm, all transferred via a 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

The Arteon completes the 0-100kph sprint in 5.6 seconds.

Its new cockpit was designed to impress – highlights include a new steering wheel with haptic touch controls, ErgoComfort sports seats in Nappa Carbon leather featuring the new R logo, and a premium Harman Kardon 700-watt 12-speaker audio system.

The 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment comes with voice and gesture control, and now supports both wireless App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For the driver, a high-resolution Digital Cockpit offers convenience and customisation at the touch of the fingertips.

Safety is a key feature, and the driver assistance system in the new Arteon includes Lane Assist, Side Assist, and Driver Alert.

Available metallic colours are Lapiz Blue, Manganese Grey, Pyrite Silver, while pearl effect colours are Deep Black and Oryx White.

Bookings can be made at the Volkswagen eShowroom.

For additional information, visit the Arteon R-Line 4Motion page.


Mercedes and Disney unveil concept car inspired by 'Avatar'

                LAS VEGAS: Disney and Mercedes have formed a somewhat unusual alliance to create an even more unusual vehicle that can also drive sideways.

At this year's CES tech fair here, the car and entertainment giants are showcasing a concept car inspired by the blockbuster "Avatar".

Just as the fictional Na'vi people live in harmony with nature on the planet of Pandora, the futuristic electric car Vision AVTR emphasises the ethical treatment of our resources and the harmony between humanity and nature, Mercedes head of design Gorden Wagener explains.

With a smooth arch silhouette spanning more than 5 metres in length, many of the four-seater AVTR's details have been inspired by nature, Wagener says.

The balloon-shaped tyres recall the alien flowers in the film, while the 33 movable flaps in the rear were modelled after the back of a reptile.

Alongside almost 20,000 LEDS distributed all over the car, including the wheels, the flaps and flower-shaped tyres are supposed to communicate with the car's surroundings.

The movement of the vehicle is also very different from conventional cars, as the four wheels can be powered individually and can be driven in opposite directions. This means that in addition to moving forwards and backwards, the AVTR can even move sideways like a crab.

Behind the transparent doors, which open upwards like the wings of some strange insect, a cosy lounge awaits.

Of course, there's no steering wheel, just a mass of displays. Only when you put your hand onto the control panel located in the centre console does the vehicle spring to life.

Besides letting you set your destination, the controls also let you choose among a large selection of entertainment options that can be displayed on the dashboard.

But beyond all its high-tech capabilities, the AVTR is also supposed to be sustainable. The floor of the vehicle is lined with rattan and the battery uses a cell technology devoid of metals and rare-earth materials and is therefore not only recyclable but biodegradable, too.

If you think this sounds too good to be true, it is. This battery — and basically the entire vehicle — still only exists in the minds of AVTR's designers.

 Mercedes-Benz designers Hartmut Sinkwitz (right) and Steffen Köhl talking about the Vision AVTR's human-centred design.


MAN Truck in Malaysia makes biggest ever deliveries to 14 customers

                SHAH ALAM: MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd handed over its market-leading Euro V-powered New MAN Trucks to 14 customers from across the country and different segments of the economy in what was the company’s largest handover ceremony to date.

Companies that received their trucks from MAN Truck & Bus SE’s senior vice-president and head of Sales Area International, Roman Sitte, were the Penang-based Juta Cahaya Gemilang Sdn Bhd and Sikap Mawar Sdn Bhd; Kelantan-based Mekar Angkut Sdn Bhd and Pancaran Matahari Logistics Sdn Bhd; Terengganu-based Zha Pengangkutan Sdn Bhd, Johor-based SBK Logistics Sdn Bhd, Negeri Sembilan-based L & R Haulage Sdn Bhd and Klang Valley-based AG Sdn Bhd, Gamalux Sdn Bhd, Gill Logistics Sdn Bhd, NX Transport Service (M) Sdn Bhd, Rani Transport Sdn Bhd, Sidhu Brothers Transport Sdn Bhd and Taipanco Sdn Bhd.

Ten of the companies were first-time MAN customers, which reflected the growing confidence among the logistics industry players in the low-emission truck solution from the German marque.

Sitte, who was on his first visit to Malaysia, lauded local customers for their foresight and willingness to embrace technology and join the sustainability journey.

“MAN has a long history in this country that spans more than three decades. However, over the past year or so, our brand has grown by leaps and bounds, driven by a very good product that was able to help businesses achieve both sustainability and profitability goals. Malaysia is now a focus market for MAN SE and we are committed to growing with all of you,“ he said.

 O'Brooks (left) and Sitte at the handover event.

Although MAN believed that the future of trucks is electric and the fully electric MAN eTruck is set to hit the roads in Europe with the first deliveries scheduled for the first half of 2024, Sitte said that the company would not rush into bringing such models to Malaysia until the necessary infrastructure and the right environment and incentives from the government were in place.

“We must make sure that we have the right product at the right time and time the market correctly with the innovation cycle. Meanwhile, diesel engines, especially low-emission variants with Euro V and above specifications, still have a long life cycle ahead. With the trucking industry in transition, we will continue to offer technologically advanced products that best serve or meet the 'real world' needs of our customers,“ Sitte said.

 L & R Haulage Sdn Bhd received the first of their 10 units on order.

MAN Malaysia managing director Andrew O’Brooks said that the company was developing, growing and moving forward with a clear purpose to better support its growing pool of customers.

“Our new headquarters in Shah Alam is shifting into high gear, with the official opening scheduled for July. We have just rolled out our first MAN Truck from the new CKD assembly line. The new service centre within the same integrated facility is able to efficiently service our customers‘ trucks and buses.

 Taipanco was among the 14 customers that received their New MAN TGS.

“We are growing our team and also hosting colleagues from the Cluster who are looking after several other markets in the region,“ he said.

The New MAN Truck Generation with Euro V engines as standard leads the way in driver orientation, fuel efficiency, assistance systems, digital networking and above all, sustainability.

For more information on the New MAN Truck Generation, visit www.man.com.my.


2019 Honda HR-V for US market has Honda Sensing

                LOS ANGELES: The 2019 Honda HR-V has arrived in showrooms in the United States with refreshed styling, new technology, and a more refined driving experience.

For the first time, the HR-V now features the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies – including but not limited to Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKAS).

All HR-V models feature a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines as well as new styling, with revised bumpers, headlights, grille, and taillights.

 2019 Honda HR-VREAD MORE:
Honda HR-V RS previewed in Malaysia

The 2019 Honda HR-V is powered by a 141hp 1.8-litre DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine, mated to a Continuously Variable automatic Transmission (CVT).

At full throttle, the CVT now features revised shift mapping that, under hard acceleration, more closely resembles the stepped gear changes of a conventional fixed-gear transmission.

 2019 Honda HR-V

This “stepped” feel gives HR-V a more familiar feel during acceleration, while also helping to reduce interior noise levels.

Additionally, HR-V's CVT uses a more refined and natural feeling engagement, staying at lower revs more often.

Other improvements include HR-V shifting to higher revs under deceleration, providing a measure of engine braking force and better responsiveness when the driver returns to the accelerator pedal.

 2019 Honda HR-V

Thanks to a revised stay-spring mechanism for the hatch, it's now easier than ever to access HR-V's rear cargo space.

The HR-V also uses the multi-position 2nd row Magic Seat, similar to the Honda Jazz, which is easily reconfigured for maximum cargo and passenger carrying capacity.

 2019 Honda HR-V 2019 Honda HR-V 2019 Honda HR-V 2019 Honda HR-V 2019 Honda HR-V 2019 Honda HR-V


GM wants Trump administration to back national electric vehicle programme

                WASHINGTON: General Motors Co said it wants the Trump administration to back a nationwide program to boost sales of zero emission vehicles like electric cars, even as the government has proposed ending California’s ability to require more clean vehicles.

GM says a nationwide programme modelled on California’s effort could result in 7 million electric vehicles, or EVs, on US roads by 2030. The largest US automaker said the requirements would not apply if “battery cost or infrastructure targets are not practicable within the time frame.”

GM product chief Mark Reuss told reporters that governments and industries in Asia and Europe “are working together to enact policies now to hasten the shift to an all-electric future. It’s very simple: America has the opportunity to lead in the technologies of the future.”

A national mandate also would create jobs and reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and “make EVs more affordable,” Reuss added. GM also wants the programme to offer incentives for electric autonomous and ride-sharing vehicles.

GM has said it plans to offer 20 EVs globally by 2023.

The Trump administration in August proposed reversing Obama administration fuel rules and freezing standards at 2020 model year levels through 2026.

The administration has proposed barring California from setting its own emissions requirements or requiring more zero emission vehicles. The administration is also considering eliminating all emissions compliance credits that automakers receive for building EVs.

Other automakers, including Tesla Inc, did not comment on GM’s proposal. The Trump administration and California officials did not immediately comment but one environmental group called the GM proposal “a distraction.”

Luke Tonachel, director of clean vehicles and fuels at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said automakers should focus on maintaining the Obama era rules that call for hiking fuel efficiency requirements at about 5 percent annually through 2026.

Automakers and others have until Friday to file comments on the administration’s proposed emissions revisions. Major automakers say they do not support freezing requirements.

California wants 15.4 percent of vehicle sales by 2025 to be EVs or other zero emission vehicles. Nine other states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York, have adopted those requirements. In January, California Governor Jerry Brown set a target of 5 million zero-emission vehicles in California by 2030.

A nationwide ZEV plan would give automakers more flexibility to meet a single nationwide target, rather than specific state sales requirements, GM said.

California Air Resources Board chief Mary Nichols said last month the state will “continue to insist on cars that produce fewer emissions, including millions more zero-emission vehicles.”

The Trump administration criticises California’s ZEV mandate, saying it requires automakers to spend tens of billions of dollars developing vehicles that most consumers do not want, only to sell them at a loss.


Mazda CX-5 production crosses one million

                HIROSHIMA: The one-millionth Mazda CX-5 rolled off the assembly line at the end of April. The company’s popular compact SUV achieved the landmark less than three years after going into production in late 2011. Only one other model from the carmaker – the Mazda3 – has reached the figure faster.

Introduced to the fast-growing global segment in February 2012, Mazda’s first-ever compact crossover was also the first production model with the complete range of SKYACTIV Technology and a KODO: Soul of Motion design. The CX-5 thereby ushered in a new era at Mazda that has helped put the carmaker on the road to success. The model has since won more than 60 awards around the world, including the prestigious Car of the Year Japan 2012-2013 as well as numerous best SUV and crossover accolades. It was Japan’s top-selling SUV in 2012 and 2013, and is also Mazda’s most popular model in several European markets including Germany.

“I am delighted to see the CX-5 reach the 1 million unit mark in only three years and five months,” said Masashi Otsuka, CX-5 programme manager. “We are committed to continue enhancing this model into the future to ensure that it remains a popular choice among people with active lifestyles and will appeal to even more customers.”


Mercedes turns up the power

                STUTTGART: Mercedes AMG engineers have been horsing around, quite literally with its most compact sports models in an attempt to squeeze even more horsepower and therefore create even more distance between them and the competition.

The 2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine that powers the AMG versions of Mercedes's CLA and GLA is an engineering tour de force. With 360hp on tap, it is the most powerful mass-produced engine of its kind.

However, records are made to be broken, and as everyone form Audi to Ford is now focused on squeezing similar levels of performance from their own smaller four-cylinder engines, the mechanical magicians at AMG - Mercedes-Benz's tuning and performance arm - have decided to move the goal posts once more.

 The GLA 45 AMG.

The 4-Matic (i.e., all-wheel-drive versions) of the CLA 45 four-door coupe, its shooting brake sibling and the GLA 45 crossover now boast 381hp and an extra 25 Nm of torque. In practical terms it means the CLA can now race from a standstill to 100kph in just 4.2 seconds (4.3 seconds for the shooting brake) and the much less aerodynamic GLA can manage the feat in 4.4 seconds.

The powerplant tweaks have been accompanied by changes to the transmission - gearing is even more focused on speed and rapid progress and some of the technology for it has been taken straight from the company's flagship supercar, the Mercedes AMG GT.

It has four different settings to suit the type of driving required comfort, sport, sport+, and individual. And, if owners pump for the optional AMG Ride Control sports suspension and the AMG Dynamic Plus package, like a video game, a new "race" setting is unlocked.

 The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Shooting Brake.

"Thanks to the optimally coordinated measures, our compact sports cars are not only the most powerful but also the most agile models in their class," notes Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes AMG GmbH. "They have all the prerequisites for enabling us to continue seamlessly with our success story in this highly competitive environment."

All three cars are available to order now and will be going on sale in Europe from September. Prices start at €56,168.00 for the GLA 45 4Matic and €56,673.75 for the CLA 45 4Matic in four-door coupe form rising to €57,268.75 for the Shooting Brake version.


BMW revamps 'i' electric car division to focus on self-driving tech

                MUNICH:  BMW has transformed its "i" division into a development centre for self-driving cars, a board member said, a major strategic shift for the unit previously focused on making a family of lightweight electric vehicles.

While Tesla's Model 3 will hit showrooms in 2017, and as rivals Porsche and Audi are working on all-electric cars for release by 2019, the German carmaker appears to have put such cars on the back burner. Its next fully-electric car is not due until 2021.

The company has changed tack after its only fully battery-powered car, the i3, failed to gain traction with the public, with only 25,000 sales last year. By contrast, Tesla has already received more than 370,000 orders for its Model 3.

Now, rather than seeking to match the likes of Tesla and Porsche with a new zero-emissions sports limousine for release within the next two years, its main focus will be on developing an electric car with the next generation of technology: autonomous driving.

In an interview at the company's headquarters here, BMW board member Klaus Froehlich, who is in charge of development, said he had relaunched the i division in April as a unit devoted to producing cars that drive themselves.

"It is now in ramp-up stage. We call it Project i Next."

 BMW i3.

The revamp also follows at least four high-profile staff defections from the division this year. Dirk Abendroth, manager of BMW's "i" powertrain group, Henrik Wenders, vice president product management BMW "i", and Carsten Breitfeld, vice president engineering, head of the i8 vehicle program, were poached by a Chinese electric vehicle startup.

As part of its autonomous driving push, BMW is hiring experts in machine learning and artificial intelligence. It is also integrating the functions of existing computer driven assistance systems like cruise control, emergency braking, lane-keeping support and automatic parking.

With a fully autonomous vehicle, BMW could launch a ride-hailing business without having to pay drivers, Froehlich said, giving carmakers a competitive edge over new ride-hailing companies like Uber [UBER.UL] and Lyft which are eroding car sales by making part-time use as convenient as ownership.

Earlier this month Toyota Motor Corp said it would invest in Uber, and Volkswagen announced a US$300 million investment in Gett, a smaller ride-sharing company.

BMW too may partner with a ride-hailing firm, particularly in markets like China, but the Bavarian carmaker's strategy on potential partnerships with companies in this space is still being worked on, Froehlich said.

Sales of highly autonomous vehicles - ones where permanent active input from the driver is not required - are not expected to gain traction until 2020, but could then rise to around 9 million a year by 2025, according to analysts at Exane BNP Paribas.

China, the world's largest car market, is likely to be the market where autonomous cars will first emerge on a large scale, Froehlich said.

"China is extremely fast implementing technology. Last year, more electric cars were sold in China than in all the other global markets combined," he added.

BMW is also considering expanding in the area of reserving parking spaces and electric car charging stations over mobile phones, a market which is still fragmented within countries. The carmaker has already invested in ParkNow and Parkmobile, two digital parking and payment services.

"We want to actively participate in a consolidation process," Froehlich said.


Drive too fast and we will seize your car, say Austrian police

                VIENNA: Police in Austria will now confiscate the cars of people driving well over the legal limit in order to discourage those who flout the country's speed laws for fun.

Austria is following the example of Switzerland and Italy where similar laws allow police take away the cars of those caught going way over the limit.

In extreme cases, when cars that have been grabbed more than once or drivers drastically exceed the limit, the vehicles can be sold off, with the state keeping the proceeds, Austrian transport minister Leonore Gewessler announced in December.

The measures apply to those who exceed the general 50kph-speed limit on ordinary roads in built-up areas and the 80kph limit on rural roads. The highway limit is 130kph.

In neighbouring Germany, where large sections of the highway network are completely without a speed limit, police have no regular powers to impound cars which have been clocked at illegal speeds.

The cars can only be seized if they have been caught taking part in illegal street races.


Used car platform myTukar gets US$30 million from Carro

                KUALA LUMPUR: Carro, Southeast Asia’s largest automotive online marketplace, has invested US$30 million into Malaysia-based online car bidding platform myTukar to digitise the local used car dealer industry.

Founded in 2015, Carro seeks to transform car sales for both private sellers and dealers.

Carro provides an in-house financing solution, after-sales services like Singapore’s first on-demand roadside recovery platform and Singapore’s first car subscription service.

Singapore-headquartered Carro has since expanded to Indonesia and Thailand. Across the three markets, Carro facilitated over US$500 million worth of transactions in 2018.

As of August 2019, Carro has raised over US$100 million from SoftBank Ventures Asia, EDBI Pte Ltd, Insignia Ventures Partners and B Capital Group.

Carro’s entry into Malaysia via myTukar signifies the latest step in the company’s regional expansion.

“Malaysia is one of the leading automotive markets and most digitally-savvy countries in Southeast Asia, so this was the next logical step for us after expanding in Indonesia and Thailand,” said Aaron Tan, CEO and Founder of Carro.

“Through myTukar we plan on working with thousands of dealers across Malaysia to catalyse the growth of the used car market. Over the next few years, we plan to triple their existing transaction volume to over US$500mil.”

 Fong Hon Sum (left) with Aaron Tan.

Set up in 2017, myTukar is a Malaysian online car bidding platform that allows private sellers to schedule a vehicle inspection with a sales service agent.

Following which, the platform will facilitate a live bidding process amongst more than 1,500 dealers that myTukar currently works with nationwide.

myTukar aims to help car sellers to evaluate, inspect and sell their cars at higher values via the live bidding process that is fast, secure, transparent and free for all users.

In 2018, the company partnered with vehicle warranty provider Guard My Ride Sdn Bhd to offer up to six months’ warranty on vehicles sold via myTukar’s platform.

For used car dealers, myTukar offers quick and easy enrolment and bidding processes as well as financial assistance.

As of July 2019, myTukar has sold over 1,000 cars on its platform.

“Malaysia’s used car marketplace has been underperforming over the last decade, chiefly due to used car dealerships facing stagnating sales during this period. To grow their revenues, traditional dealerships here must embrace digital technology to reach a wider customer base,” said Fong Hon Sum, CEO and founder of myTukar.

Fong is an automotive sales veteran with nearly two decades of experience.

Starting his career in 2003 with automotive distributor Tan Chong Motor as a salesperson, where he stayed until 2013, Fong won the accolade of ‘Top Salesperson of the Year’ for five consecutive years – being singled out for his pioneering use of social media in his sales strategy.

After leaving Tan Chong Motor, Fong founded Cassa Auto – a Kuala Lumpur-based used car dealership – with just five used cars before quickly growing its business to more than 200 cars per month.

In 2017, Fong decided to establish myTukar and within six months of the company’s inception, Fong helped to raise around RM3 million from investors.


No Renault deal by year-end, say sources

                TOKYO/PARIS: Nissan Motor Co Ltd doesn't expect to reach an agreement with top shareholder Renault by year-end on retooling their alliance as some of the Japanese automaker's board members are pushing to move cautiously, people familiar with the matter said.

France's Renault SA wants Nissan to invest in a new electric-vehicle unit it plans to spin off as part of a major overhaul.

Nissan wants Renault to sell some of its roughly 43% in the Japanese company to put the two carmakers on more equal footing, Reuters has previously reported.

The two-month-old talks, which continue, now look likely to run into the new year, four people said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The delay comes as some Nissan board members have emphasised a need to move carefully and are particularly concerned about the transfer of intellectual property, two of the people said.

There was some opposition from the board at the start of this month to the idea of closing the deal by year-end, one of the people added.

Some members said that rushing to close the deal before addressing concerns - including on technology sharing - would fail to build on efforts to improve governance that followed the ouster of former alliance chairman Carlos Ghosn, the person said.

Japan's powerful trade ministry also doesn't want to see a deal pushed through prematurely, another of the sources said.

Nissan and Renault declined to comment. No one was immediately available for comment at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

For Renault, any delay in Nissan talks risks slowing CEO Luca de Meo's timetable for the reboot he has promised investors. His sweeping plan includes a separate, pending deal with China's Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd to carve out Renault's petrol engine business.

The sharing of technology had emerged as a sticking point in the Renault-Nissan talks, Reuters reported in October.

Sore point

The relationship between Nissan and Renault has long had political overtones. The French government is Renault's biggest shareholder. The French trade ministry declined to comment.

With Nissan holding only 15% of Renault - and without voting rights - French dominance of the alliance has long been a sore point in Japan. Many Nissan executives see the relationship as unbalanced, especially regarding product development.

Reuters reported this month that the automakers would delay announcing the deal on Dec. 7 as they struggled to bridge their differences. That raised the prospect of an announcement by the end of this month, which now also appears unlikely.

Renault has seemed more keen to seal the deal, sources have said. The scale of Renault's planned overhaul has also raised questions about how the alliance will function in practice.

Renault plans to separate itself into five businesses, deepen ties with Geely as well as work with partners as diverse as Airbus on batteries and Google on product design and development.

Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida told Reuters in an interview this month that he was "very confident" the two automakers could strengthen their partnership, saying that how they could "elevate competitiveness" was the key area of discussion.


Nissan LEAF hits half a million

                PARIS: Nissan marked the production of the 500,000th LEAF, the world’s first mass-market 100% electric car.

With half a million LEAF built globally, customers around the world continue to embrace the pioneering zero-mission vehicle.

The milestone was achieved at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, England, almost a decade after the model first went on sale. The plant has built more than 175,000 LEAF cars since it began producing the model in 2013.

The Nissan LEAF has won accolades around the world including Car of the Year 2011 in Europe, World Car of the Year 2011, and Car of the Year Japan in 2011 and 2012.

The 500,000th LEAF found its happy owner, Maria Jansen, in Norway.

“My husband and I chose to buy a Nissan LEAF back in 2018, and we loved it,” Jansen said. “We’re very excited to become the proud owners of the 500,000th Nissan LEAF. This car really meets our needs with extended range and enhanced technologies.”

The LEAF offers customers advanced technologies to enhance safety, comfort and control on the road. These include the award-winning ProPILOT – a “hands-on, eyes-on” system that allows the car to stop, restart and stay centered in its lane – and e-Pedal technology for one-pedal driving.


Land Rover Defender Double Cab commemorative edition: RM198,800

                PETALING JAYA: Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia has released the last lot of Double Cab Defenders in limited commemorative
special colours, in commemorating the anniversary celebration of the iconic Defender.

The last 12 units of Defenders in Malaysia spots contrasting black roof and rims for the Sicilian Yellow and Montalcino Red whilst contrasting silver roof and rims are paired with the Baltic Blue double cabs.

Coloured stitching for the leather gear knob, steering wheel and seats are matched to the exterior paint.

The headlining of the commemorative edition Defenders in Malaysia have also been upgraded to provide a luxurious feel to the
overall cabin.

The commemorative edition is retailed at RM198,800 (inclusive of GST but excludes road tax, insurance and registration).

It is powered by a 2.2l Diesel engine and paired with a 6-Speed manual transmission.


Barely road-legal Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series can hit 325kph

FRANKFURT: The Mercedes powerhouse subsidiary AMG has been looking at ways to cram as much racetrack performance into one car without losing the road permit.

Using many features from racing sports and 730-horsepower engine, its newest street-legal racecar would feel comfortable on the race track.

AMG has now announced plans to launch its GT as a Black Series version in future. With know-how from the world of racing, excessive amounts of more power and an eye-catching design, this Coupe is now the most ambitious model in the AMG range, the manufacturer says.

Prices for the car are to be announced in the coming weeks, and the car is to be available at dealerships in Europe before the end of this year.

At its heart is a reworked V8 engine, which now generates 730hp from 4.0 litres of displacement, making it the most powerful eight-cylinder in AMG history.

It needs just 3.2 seconds to race from standstill to 100kph and can reach a top speed of 325kph. Of course, all this makes for one thirsty car, and Mercedes says fuel consumption averages 12.8 litres per 100km.

In order to make all this muscle safe for city streets, Mercedes has revised not only the chassis but also the aerodynamics. There are lowered sills and spoilers, an almost completely covered underbody, so-called splitters at the front, as well as a massive diffuser and a two-level spoiler including an electrically controlled tear-off edge.

Since all this car's muscle-flexing will heat things up under the bonnet, the Black Series has a larger grille to keep things cool, as well as large air intakes at the front.

Large parts of the exterior are also made in lightweight carbon. A lighter construction is also a feature on the inside, where the cockpit is notably scaled back, compared to many other Mercedes cars with tight-fitting bucket seats, thin doors and a slimmed-down dashboard.

A roll cage, four-point seat belts and a fire extinguisher on board are also available on request for buyers who want to use it for the intended purpose of racing.


Chevrolet Cruze hatch to launch in China

                SHANGHAI: A hatch variant of the all-new Chevrolet Cruze will go on sale in China next month, joining other global markets that have also recently introduced the vehicle.

It is the latest member of Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger car nameplate in China and worldwide.

Last year, 208,718 Cruzes were delivered nationwide.

The all-new Cruze Hatch features a unique roof and rear-end structure – including wraparound taillamps and an integrated spoiler at the top of the liftgate.

It opens to offer 699 liters of cargo space behind the rear seat.

With the rear seat folded, cargo space expands to 1,336 liters.

It is built on General Motors' (GM) most advanced global midsize car platform, with a wheelbase that has been extended to 2,700mm for added roominess.

The all-new Cruze Hatch has a newly tuned chassis with outstanding handling that is fit for driving at Germany’s famed Nurburgring track.

The new model maintains the Cruze sedan's classic powertrain combinations.

It adopts a 1.4T top-mounted SIDI engine as well as a 1.5L top-mounted SIDI engine.

The powerplants are paired with a choice of an intelligent seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DCG) transmission with the start/stop function, an all-new six-speed Dynamic Start/Stop Shift (DSS) transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.

The all-new Cruze Hatch delivers combined fuel economy of 5.7 L/100 km.

Features include Chevrolet's new-generation MyLink intelligent infotainment system and OnStar's new-generation Smart Driver, as well as 4G LTE in-car Wi-Fi.

The technology monitors vehicle conditions for ultimate safety while enabling occupants to maintain real-time connectivity with the outside world.


Flying Dutch wins world solar car race in Australia

                ADELAIDE: Dominant Dutch team "Nuon" Thursday won an epic 3,000-kilometre solar car race across Australia's outback for the third-straight year in an innovative contest showcasing new vehicle technology.

The World Solar Challenge, first run in 1987 and last held in 2015, began in the northern city of Darwin on Sunday morning with 41 competing cars, with Adelaide in South Australia state the final destination.

Cheers and chants of "Nuna" roared from the large Dutch contingent as the "Nuna 9" car - travelling at an average speed of 81.2kph — crossed the finish line mid-afternoon.

"Welcome to #Adelaide @NuonSolarTeam, winner of the @bridgestone #BWSC17 Schneider Electric Challenger Class," race organisers tweeted.

The US' University of Michigan "Novum" was on track for second place ahead of Belgium's Punch Powertrain.

The event has become one of the world's foremost innovation challenges with teams looking to demonstrate designs that could one day lead to commercially available solar-powered vehicles for passengers.

Google co-founder Larry Page and Tesla co-founder J B Straubel are past competitors who credit the event in influencing their careers

The win is the seventh for Nuon, with their car overcoming cloudy skies as they took the lead early and stayed ahead in the elite Challenger class, which features slick, single seat aerodynamic vehicles built for sustained endurance and total energy efficiency.

The team's winning time was 37 hours, 10 minutes and 41 seconds. When their team finished first in 2015, it took them 33.03 hours.

Team manager Sander Koot said they changed their strategy and driving style to cope with weather conditions that included wind gusts of up to 60 kmh.

They also positioned the car so it could benefit from the windy conditions like a sailing ship, the team's aerodynamics expert Jasper Hemmes told organisers.

There is also a Cruiser class which aims to showcase solar technology for mainstream vehicles that are more practical for day-to-day use.

Another Dutch team, Eindhoven, is on track to finish Friday and win that class, with Germany's HS Bochum tracking second.

The vehicles are powered by the sun and mostly developed by universities or corporations, with teams hailing from Australia and across the world including the United States, Malaysia, India and South Africa.

They are allowed to store a small amount of energy but the majority of their power has to come from the sun and their vehicle's kinetic forces.

The crews drove between 8am and 5pm each day with seven checkpoints along a route cutting through the heart of Australia's central desert region, to get updates on their standings, the weather, and do basic maintenance.


Static electricity, not mobile phone usage, causes sparks and starts fire

KUALA LUMPUR: The use of mobile phones at petrol stations will cause a fire, right?

Wrong, say experts. It’s just an urban legend, circulated via e-mail as early as the late 1990s, claiming that the microwaves emitted from mobile phones could generate a spark that could ignite petrol fumes.

While in theory, microwaves can generate sparks when it comes into contact with metal, the waves emitted from phones are far too weak to create an explosion, says Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) electrical engineering professor Dr Chandima Gomes, who specialises in lightning protection.

“Microwaves from a mobile phone are at a very low intensity, something like 2.45GHz. In order to create that kind of spark, you need a very high-powered microwave. There is no scientific evidence to say that mobile phone emission is enough to create a spark,” he said.

The belief was even put to test on the popular Discovery Channel programme MythBusters.

The hosts filled a gas chamber with fumes and then made a phone call inside it to see if it would ignite. The results were negative.

US-based Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) executive vice-president Robert Renkes said it was static electricity from a person’s body that causes sparks when it comes into contact with the petrol pump, that creates fires.

After investigating hundreds of fire cases, Renkes said the “mobile phone” accidents usually occurred when a person was fuelling up and had returned to the interior of the car to make a call.

“When inside, their bodies rub against the seat, creating static electricity and charging the body.

“So they’re sitting in the car, they generate static, they pop out again, they haven’t dissipated their static, and they touch the pump nozzle.

“As gasoline goes in, the vapours come out of the filling pipe, so you have a source of ignition when the static discharges from your hand to the nozzle – exactly where the vapours are coming out of the filling pipe,” he was quoted as saying in a newspaper.

Similar reports have also been issued by the US Federal Communications Commission, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association, and the Oklahoma University Center for Study of Wireless Electromagnetic Compatibility.

However, Dr Chandima contends that static electricity is unlikely to build in Malaysian petrol stations, given the high humidity that automatically absorbs excess charges in the body.

Commenting on Tuesday’s incident where a woman suffered serious burns while refuelling her car in Setapak here, Dr Chandima said the victim might have been charging her phone or was using a deteriorating battery, hence sparking the fire.

“What happens is when a phone is really hot and you have petrol fumes, the sudden expansion of the fume from the heat may have caused the problem,” he told The Star.

“Shell UK has published a study on radio frequency sparks from mobile phones, concluding that portable cell phones properly used do not represent a meaningful hazard on the retail forecourt.

“Without doubt, apart from the human acts of smoking and striking a match, the thing that represents the greatest hazard on the retail forecourt is the motorcar!”

Despite the scientific evidence, the rumour – fuelled by the advent of the Internet – caught on.

According to Kent University sociology professor Dr Adam Burgess, the stigma was also further enforced because of a global safety drive by the British oil industry, following a Scotland oil rig disaster in 1988.

However, the Malaysian Petrol Dealers Association president Datuk Hashim Othman said it was better to be “safe than sorry” with their safety campaign which includes posters warning against the use of mobile phones in stations.

“We also ask our workers to tell people not to use their phones. Sometimes we cannot force, we just advise.

“We have done studies with the Fire and Rescue Department and it has been proven that some handphones do trigger a magnetic field that isn’t conducive when there are fumes. I don’t know the details, but it can catch fire, especially during hot weather. It has happened before, especially with the old phones. I’m not sure about the new ones,” Hashim said.

Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Wira Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim also advised people to abide by the warning signs in petrol stations.

“The only thing is because the incident in Setapak seldom happens, people couldn’t care less. Warnings to turn off the car engine and not use phones or smoke are already there.

“But unfortunately, the people need to have something happen before they believe,” he said.


Stay the night with Bentley

                LONDON: If you happen to drop by Istanbul, Turkey, you now have the choice of staying in the new Bentley Suite at The St. Regis Istanbul.

This is a collaboration between  Bentley and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and the suite is  inspired by the Continental range of Bentley grand tourers.

The suite lends itself to entertaining with an expansive balcony overlooking Maçka Park with breath-taking views of the Bosphorus and the city. The living room and bedroom, as well as the one and a half baths, dressing room and powder room feature bespoke details derived from signature Bentley design cues.

Christophe Georges, Director of Product and Marketing, commented: “The new Bentley suite at The St. Regis Istanbul marks the next phase of the partnership between Bentley and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. The emergence of Turkey as a modern luxury destination affords Bentley the opportunity to bring our signature style and contemporary design to a new and discerning audience of travellers who want to experience the soul and sophistication of a gateway city in an environment of exceptional materials and finishes.”

The entrance foyer benefits from mirrored ceilings, reflecting a marble floor inset with a Continental wheel inspired design. On entering the living area, walls of curved veneer evoke the Continental while highlighting the suite’s corner location. Floor to ceiling windows maximise the panoramic experience, providing a unique entertaining space against the backdrop of some of Istanbul’s most iconic sights. These same vistas can be enjoyed from an oversized terrace.

The living room features a bespoke built-in sofa crafted from Bentley leather, which brings Bentley’s unique motoring luxury indoors. The sofa, equipped with two champagne bottle coolers, features signature Bentley diamond upholstery with curved lines that echo the architecture of the suite. Overhanging the scene, a captivating light installation based on the Continental’s jewelled headlights and the sinuous curves of the Nürburgring Racetrack completes the room.

Further cues can be found in the elegant wet bar. Inspired by the wings of a Bentley dashboard, olive ash is accented with engine spin, anthracite and claret. The bar doors open to reveal three Breitling clocks, allowing guests to enjoy a cocktail while keeping time with contemporaries in Istanbul, London and New York. A bespoke humidor is incorporated into the bar set up; hand crafted in the Bentley woodshop alongside the cars that inspired the suite.

Handcrafted finishes and individual furnishings are prevalent throughout. His-and-hers jewellery boxes cosset guests’ treasured items during their stay and sit alongside items from the Bentley home collection, notably the chaise in the bedroom. Bentley’s iconic matrix grille also features in abstract form; captured in wool and silk in an exquisitely crafted rug.

Marking the debut of the luxury brand in Turkey, The St. Regis Istanbul is designed by award-winning Turkish architect Emre Arolat, and is a modern interpretation of Istanbul’s glamorous Art Deco era.


Hyundai Kona enhanced

                LONDON: The new Hyundai Kona has been enhanced with a variety of updates following customer feedback in Europe.

A design update – including, for the first time, an optional sporty N Line trim – gives it a dynamic new look.

The Kona N Line stands out through its sporty front and rear end, body colour claddings, and specific diamond-cut wheel design.

 Kona N Line.

An enhanced powertrain line-up provides both sporty and eco-friendly options. Upgraded connectivity and convenience features make for an even more comfortable experience on the road.

“Customers are demanding more SUVs and electrified solutions – Hyundai is responding with a combination of both. As one of our most popular models, Kona has played a key role in Hyundai’s success in Europe in recent years,” said Hyundai Motor Europe marketing & product vice-president Andreas-Christoph Hofmann.

Hyundai said the powertrain line-up for the Kona see a performance increase and are more sustainable. At the top of the line-up is an enhanced 1.6-litre T-GDI Smartstream engine with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, which brings 195hp to the table.

READ MORE: Hyundai Kona coming to Malaysia in Q4, booking opens

The new Kona is also available as a hybrid option, which was added to the Kona line-up in 2019. This powertrain features a 1.6-litre GDI engine and electric motor with a combined output of 139hp, paired with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission and with two-wheel drive.

The Kona interior is completed by new colours and materials. The new console area is disconnected from the instrument panel to stress the horizontal layout.

New ambient light technology illuminates the centre cup holder while new rings around the speakers and the air vents with an aluminium finish. Also new to this model is a 10.25-inch digital cluster.

The new Kona features the Hyundai SmartSense Active Safety Features which includes Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with stop and go, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Lane Following Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Seat Alert, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist now with optional cyclist detection.


New Nissan 4S centre opens in Glenmarie

SHAH ALAM: Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the official franchise holder of Nissan in Malaysia has officially expanded its reach into the Glenmarie, Shah Alam area with the launch of its new flagship Nissan 4S (sales, service, spare parts and spray-paint) Centre.

With a built-up area of 165,318 square feet, the new RM20mil centre also houses a MUV Certified Nissan Pre-Owned and Used Vehicles office and display area, Hire Purchase and Insurance Division as well as a Vehicle Distribution Centre.

In addition to its 4S services, the new centre is also capable of providing car body repair and alignment services.

At the front, the new centre’s showroom floor is capable of displaying up to 15 Nissan vehicles at any one time and is manned by 28 Nissan sales personnel, while the rear is equipped with 27 bays (manned by 27 services personnel) and is capable of servicing up to 100 cars daily.

Waiting customers will have access to free Wifi and may treat themselves to the modern lounge or refreshment bar.

And those with children will have access to the centre’s Kid’s Corner to help keep their children occupied.

For the first time, ETCM also included a dedicated motorsports boutique, where customers have access to official Nismo and Impul products, while another boutique includes tinting, car detailing, car care products and customized car wraps from V-Kool.

Lastly, a Zen Lounge has also been provided and has been equipped with massage chairs from Gintell.

 ZEN Lounge equipped with Gintell massage chairs.

“We stand by our philosophy to provide quality products and services to our customers across our network,” said ETCM executive director Datuk Dr Ang Bon Beng.

He added that regardless of whether it was a 1S or 3S centre, it was customer satisfaction that comes first from the moment they step through the door.

 Motorsport boutique featuring NISMO and IMPUL products

To date, ETCM has an extensive network of 100 Showrooms including dealers, and 60 Tan Chong Express Auto Service (TCEAS) Workshops throughout the nation.

For more information, log on to www.nissan.com.my or call Nissan Customer Care Centre Hotline at Toll FREE 1800-88-3838.


Ferrari built for Formula One legend to be auctioned off

                NEW YORK: A Ferrari driven by five-time Formula One champion Juan Manuel Fangio, will be auctioned off in New York in December.

The 1956 red Ferrari is "the Holy Grail for car collectors and aficionados the world over" and could go for more than US$28 million, Sotheby's auction house said ahead of its Dec 10 sale.

The car - Ferrari 290 MM, chassis 0626 - was specially built for Fangio, the legendary Argentinian driver who drove it in the 1956 Italian endurance race Mille Miglia, where he came in fourth.

 Fangio - AFP

But the vehicle had a distinguished career of its own, later being driven by other celebrated racers, including Phil Hill, the only US-born Formula One champion.

After it was retired from racing, the Ferrari was owned by French collector Pierre Bardinon before being purchased by its current owner, who was not named.

"Driven by the greatest drivers of the 1950s and built for possibly the greatest driver in history, this is a car with which Enzo Ferrari was personally involved and is a fundamental part of Ferrari folklore," Sotheby's car specialist Peter Wallman said.

The auction house's "Driven by Disruption" sale of cars and car-related memorabilia will also feature a blue Ferrari 500 Mondial built in 1955 and a psychedelic Porsche once owned by American rock music legend Janis Joplin.


Babyark presents 'world’s safest car seat'

                LONDON: Israeli child safety tech startup Babyark has come up with a baby seat it claims is the world’s safest car seat.

Designed by Frank Stephenson, the product known by the same name as the company,  is said to be designed and engineered to meet the highest standards of safety using unique impact absorbing technology, advanced materials including carbon fibres and a connected sensor system.

Babyark said the design was inspired by the structural integrity and simplicity of an egg and is shaped like a pod.

Babyark is built using military grade, energy-absorbing technology and carbon fibre frame, the seat’s “SafeCoil'' steel-based shock absorption system gently slows the seat forward momentum at a safe and controlled rate.

The seat is also made with a unique "BioArk" side impact protection, biomimicking the woodpecker’s unique plate-like bone natural protection system.

Accelerometers and gyroscopes within the seat can record the force of any crash and notify owners whether the seat can be reused.

An integrated 14 sensors in the seat’s base, constantly monitor a wide range of parameters. Babyark signals to the caregiver if the seat is properly installed, and in addition via smartphone app it signals to the caregiver if the child passenger is properly buckled.

Stephenson is responsible for the design of some of the most iconic automotive vehicles including BMWs, Ferraris, Maseratis, McLarens, MINI and Fiat 500 models.