Daimler CEO says carmakers could face chip shortage into 2023

                MUNICH: Soaring demand for semiconductor chips means the auto industry could struggle to source enough of them throughout next year and into 2023, though the shortage should be less severe by then, Daimler AG's CEO said on Sunday.

Carmakers, forced by the Covid-19 pandemic to shut down plants last year, face stiff competition from the sprawling consumer electronics industry for chip deliveries, hit by a series of supply chain disruptions during the pandemic.

Cars have become increasingly dependent on chips - for everything from computer management of engines for better fuel economy to driver-assistance features such as emergency braking.

"Several chip suppliers have been referring to structural problems with demand," Ola Källenius told reporters during a roundtable event ahead of the Munich IAA car show. "This could influence 2022 and (the situation) may be more relaxed in 2023."

The IAA show is the first major motor industry event worldwide since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Daimler said last week it expected significantly lower third-quarter sales at its Mercedes unit due to a global semiconductor shortage, becoming the latest in a string of automakers to take a hit to revenues.

Automakers from US group General Motors to India's Mahindra and Japan's Toyota  have slashed output and sales' forecasts due to scarce chip supplies, made worse by a Covid-19 resurgence in key Asian semiconductor production hubs.

Källenius said on Sunday that despite the ongoing chip shortage, the German carmaker hopes its own supply of semiconductors will improve in the fourth quarter.

As part of its plans to electrify its model range, Mercedes-Benz will show off several fully electric vehicles at the show in Munich.

These will include global premiers for the EQE, the first fully electric for the premium carmaker’s high-performance AMG brand and a concept car for its luxury Maybach brand. The company will also introduce a fully electric SUV, the EQB, to the European market.

In July, Daimler said it will spend more than 40 billion euros by 2030 to take on Tesla Inc in an all-electric market, but warned the shift in technology would lead to job cuts.

Outlining its strategy for an electric future, the German carmaker said it will build eight battery plants as it ramps up electric vehicle (EV) production and from 2025 all new vehicle platforms will only make EVs.

Källenius said the company's plan to spin off its trucking unit Daimler Trucks by the end of 2021 remains on track.


Latest Ford Explorer introduces Michelin Selfseal tyres

                DETROIT: The new Ford Explorer offers a way to keep road-trippers on track as they #ExploreOurAmerica in the form of new Michelin Selfseal tyres.

Designed to withstand common nail and screw punctures, these environmentally friendly tyres are lined with a natural rubber sealant to fill most tread punctures and dramatically slow the rate at which air leaks – helping ensure your road trip continues without interruption.

“Nothing derails a family vacation like a flat tyre,” said Joseph Billman, Ford wheel and tyre engineer. “Explorer is the ultimate road trip family hauler – and it’s the perfect fit for these new Michelin Selfseal tyres.”

Michelin Selfseal tyres seal 90% of tread punctures up to a quarter-inch in diameter, slowing the loss of air pressure to less than  5 pounds per square inch per week. Results are based on Michelin internal analytical testing. Actual results may vary.

Explorer is the first SUV in the world to offer Michelin Selfseal tyres, which are standard on Explorer Platinum and Explorer Limited Hybrid four-wheel-drive models, and optional on Explorer Limited two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models.

Tyre size for all models is 255/55R-20. All Explorer models are equipped with a spare tyre.

If a nail or screw punctures a Selfseal tyre and remains in place, the sealant surrounds the object to help seal the puncture and avoid air loss. If the object punctures the tyre and comes back out, the sealant is designed to fill tread punctures up to a quarter-inch in diameter.

The sealant is designed to enable drivers to continue their journey uninterrupted. If a tread puncture or low pressure is detected, the tyre should be inspected and repaired by a qualified tyre professional.

Michelin Selfseal tyres are designed to help avoid: dangerous side-of-the-road stops; lost time; loss of vehicle control.

“The all-new Explorer is designed to help our customers feel unstoppable and worry-free,” said Craig Patterson, Explorer marketing manager. “The availability of these new Michelin Selfseal tyres is another great example of that.”


Thailand encourages motorists to use biodiesel to reduce smog

                BANGKOK: Thailand's Ministry of Energy today urged motorists to use biodiesel B10 and B20 to curb worsening smog that is currently gripping the country.

"By using biodiesel B10 and B20, we all can help reduce smog by 3.5 to 25%," said the ministry's Department of Energy Business.

"Biodiesel could effectively relieve the air pollution because emission from vehicles cause 70 percent of (particulate matter) PM2.5," said Nantika Thangsuphanich, director-general of the department. "B10 could cut PM2.5 by 3.5 to 13.5% and B20 could cut PM2.5 by 20 to 25%."

The consumption of B10 and B20 helps reduce PM2.5 and supports palm growers. In 2020 it will consume about 2 to 2.2 million tons of crude palm oil; that is two-thirds of all yields and help increase the price of raw palm nuts by at least 4 baht per kilogram, Nantika said.

Nantika also said that six Thai oil refineries will invest 50 billion baht (RM6.7bil) to improve the quality standard of their products from Euro4 to Euro5.

The improvement is required to be completed before Jan 1, 2024 to reduce smog.

Nantika also said that oil consumption this year would increase by 2 percent from last year to 132 million litres a day.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported Monday that smog levels have worsened in Bangkok with high pollution readings in 34 out of Bangkok's 50 districts, ranging from 50 to 89 micrograms per cubic meter of air.

The Thai government set a safe threshold is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. — Xinhua


Jaguar I-PACE provides ground support for all-electric flight speed record bid

                LONDON: The all-electric Jaguar I-PACE is the towing and support vehicle for a UK-led programme aiming to claim the electric flight speed record later this year, with a target of 480+kph.

The Rolls-Royce "Spirit of Innovation" team has already completed key ground-testing and taxiing ahead of the first test flights in months, supported by the I-PACE.

The aircraft has been created by the ACCEL programme, short for "Accelerating the Electrification of Flight", which includes key partners YASA, the electric motor and controller manufacturer, and aviation start-up Electroflight.

"It is important to us that the ACCEL programme was carbon neutral and this will be supported by having all-electric cars for ground-support,” said Rolls-Royce Electrical director Rob Watson.

The Spirit of Innovation features an electric motor propulsion system delivering 500hp+ with the most power-dense battery pack ever assembled for an aircraft providing enough energy to fuel 250 homes or fly London to Paris on a single charge.

The I-PACE uses two electric motors producing a total of 394hp with power delivered by a state-of-the-art 90kWh Lithium-ion battery featuring 432 pouch cells.

Coincidentally, I-PACE is capable of 470km (WLTP) on a single charge – exactly the distance by road from London to Paris. With the ability to charge at 100kW, I-PACE drivers can add 125km of range in as little as 15 minutes.

The ACCEL project highlights Rolls-Royce’s commitment to ensuring new products will be compatible with net zero operation by 2030, and all products will be compatible with net zero by 2050.

Rolls-Royce will be using the technology from ACCEL and other electrification activity to bring a portfolio of electric and hybrid-electric products into the urban air mobility, commuter and more-electric aircraft sectors.

In a similar vein, the Jaguar Racing Formula E team’s experiences on-track help generate real-world improvements in Jaguar’s roadgoing electric vehicles. Several members of the ACCEL project team have come from Formula E backgrounds.

Just as Spirit of Innovation will pave the way to a future of electrified flight, I-PACE is an all-electronic forerunner of Jaguar’s future. By the middle of the decade, Jaguar will have undergone a revamp to emerge as a pure electric luxury brand with a dramatically beautiful new portfolio of emotionally engaging designs and pioneering next-generation technologies.


GM launching return to work plan for salaried workers in January

                WASHINGTON: General Motors Co will launch its return-to-work plan for most salaried workers early next year after it faced employee criticism over an earlier planned start date, the largest US automaker said on Monday.

GM said the shift will help achieve company goals as it accelerates its transformation and enters a "rapid launch cycle" of new electric vehicle models.

Last month, GM said it would not mandate that workers return to offices before 2023, just days after it told them that they would be expected to work three days on-campus each week before the end of the year.

GM will ask salaried workers on hybrid work schedules to return to offices starting Jan 30, a source told Reuters, adding that it will result in an average of three days per week in office for hybrid employees.

The automaker has 53,000 US salaried employees. The company said that after the change in January, the vast majority of those workers will be in the office at least part of the time.

GM said last month its revised timetable was based on discussions with employees and told workers in an email it would "listen to your feedback so that we incorporate it into our implementation plans."

Tens of thousands of GM workers, including hourly workers assembling vehicles and components, have continued in-person work during Covid-19.

GM has hired many workers over the last two years who are not based in the Detroit area. The automaker said Monday the return-to-work policy does affect "employees whose roles are fully onsite or designated as remote."


Alfa Romeo 105 / 115 Series (1963 - 1977) to be reborn in carbon fibre

                LONDON: UK-based Alfa Romeo restorers Alfaholics has produced new "clothes" for the 105 / 115 Series (Giulia) that had its production run from 1963 to 1977. And it's all made out of carbon fibre.

Dubbed the Alfaholics GTA-R 300 - Build 023, this "build" programme is a full carbon fibre body conversion which helps save 70kgs over its steel-bodied stablemates.

Alfaholics is known for its GTA-R builds and the 023 build is part of its R-Type programme that comes with a plethora of options that include engines, suspension, upholstery and audio systems to name a few.

The work-in-progress kit will take on the company's latest GTA-R Ultraleggera billet titanium lightweight suspension package for further weight savings and geometry optimisation.

In terms of power-to-weight ratio, the build is expected to achieve more than 300bhp per tonne.

The company looks set to provide a full carbon fibre kit for avid restorers over its previous provision of just the front hood, doors and boot lid.


Insure yourself for 30 mins or up to 27 days with Daimler's CoverOn

                STUTTGART: A short trip at the weekend, a quick drive to a store or moving: there are plenty of reasons for borrowing a car at short notice on a private basis. But parents or friends may be reluctant to hand over their car to an additional driver who is not included in their insurance policy, because any damage could prove costly.

Help is at hand in such situations in the form of CoverOn, a new digital insurance solution developed by Daimler Insurance Services and supported by Allianz as the insurer.

CoverOn, the new short-term insurance for all makes of vehicle, provides an easy way of insuring additional drivers. Flexible insurance terms are available, starting from 30 minutes up to 27 days. An integral component is the CoverOn roadside assistance, which offers customers various forms of assistance in the event of a breakdown or accident.

The booking and payment processes are entirely digital via smartphone while on the move or at home.

"With CoverOn, we are making a further step towards to mobility by enabling private journeys to be insured as simply and flexibly as possible," said CEO Daimler Insurance Services Dr Ingo Telschow.

CoverOn is also suitable for test drives taken at a dealership. Here, the short-term insurance reduces the excess for any claims relating to test drives.

"With CoverOn we are able to offer an innovative insurance coverage in cooperation with Daimler Insurance Services. The flexible short-term insurance is in keeping with modern-day requirements. As such, it fits into our portfolio of innovative and digital products," said Allianz Automotive CEO Dr Claudius Leibfritz.

CoverOn would be introduced in additional countries soon.


Vehicle sales expected to shift into high gear for 2022

                KUALA LUMPUR: Vehicle demand in Malaysia is set to bounce back in 2022 following the two-year onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic that resulted in automotive sales slumping to a 14-year low in 2021.

Underpinned by the post-pandemic global economic rebound as well as better business operating conditions and incentives on the local front, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is projecting vehicle sales in 2022 to grow 18% year-on-year to 600,000 units.

MAA president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said consumer spending is expected to revive in tandem with the country’s economic recovery, while the introduction of new models at more competitive prices will also spur interest.

“The continuation of the sales tax exemption for passenger vehicles into 2022, companies ramping up production and deliveries of vehicles to fulfill backlog, together with new orders, will be the main contributors in improving sales of new motor vehicles,” she said during a virtual press conference yesterday.

Aishah added that the central bank’s decision to maintain the benchmark overnight policy rate at 1.75% will also help to spur economic recovery.

“This may help to stimulate domestic spending, especially for big-ticket items like new cars.”

In spite of the upbeat outlook, Aishah cautioned that car companies could still face lingering uncertainties and potential challenges ahead.

“The automotive industry may continue to face pandemic-related disruption challenges and supply chain issues such as a new wave of Covid-19 infections, shortage of semiconductors chips, rising cost of freight or even uncertainties in our domestic political scene, which may affect the country’s economic growth momentum and in turn the sales of new vehicles.

“However, it is unlikely these disruptions will cause major upheaval in the economy, given the experiences learnt in the handling of the Covid-19 crisis over the past two years.”

Aishah added that 2022 will also see plenty of car companies having aggressive promotional campaigns to push sales and to recover lost market share from last year.

Additionally, Aishah said the introduction of new models, including electric vehicles (EVs) at more competitive prices, will help sustain buying interest.

“Since the government announced the exemption of excise and import duties, there has been a lot of interest for EVs.

“The government is also ramping up all the policies to ensure there is more emphasis on EVs right now.”

To support the development of a domestic EV industry, the government announced during the tabling of Budget 2022 in October last year that it would provide full exemptions on import and excise duties and sales tax, as well as road tax (up to 100%) for EVs.

Individual income tax relief of up to RM2,500 will also be given on the costs of buying, installing, leasing or repayments of EV charging facilities.

Additionally, the government also announced in Budget 2022 that the sales and services tax exemption, which is 100% for locally assembled or completely-knocked-down passenger vehicles and 50% for imported or completely-built-up passenger cars, has been extended till June 30, 2022.

Aishah said the tax exemption on EVs has stimulated interests of original equipment manufacturers to invest in Malaysia.

“I am also told that the government is very serious about ensuring that EVs will be the future type of vehicles in Malaysia.”

Aishah said a total of 274 units of EVs were sold in Malaysia last year.

“For 2022, I believe the sales number will be a lot higher, especially in light of the tax exemption.”

MIDF Research in a report yesterday noted that new EV model introductions have been picking up pace.

“Since the introduction of the duty exemptions for EVs in Budget 2022, new EV model introductions have picked up, which is a positive in building up demand for EVs and the supporting infrastructure.

“Within the EV space, we think opportunities will be mainly in brand and model expansion within the next 12 months, given the lack of domestic representation and limited offerings currently.”

Total vehicle sales dropped 4% year-on-year to 508,911 units in 2021, as various movement restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic last year hampered business operations for months.

The last time annual automotive sales were lower than last year’s numbers was in 2007, when the total industry volume (TIV) hit 487,176 units.

In spite of the abysmal sales performance last year, the contraction was still lesser than the TIV contraction recorded in 2020, which was at 12.4%.

A total of 529,514 vehicles were sold in 2020.

On the whole, Ashah said 2021’s TIV performance was still a commendable achievement, given the tremendous challenges faced by the industry last year.

“In fact, it was slightly higher than our forecast of 500,000 units that we announced in July last year,” she said.


China carmakers are ordering their own ships to get export ready

                SINGAPORE: Two of China’s biggest automakers are so determined to ensure their cars make it from factories on the mainland to anyone who wants to drive them they’ve bought their own ships.

BYD Co., which only makes electric and hybrid cars, is going the extra length to avoid any last mile supply chain snarls, ordering at least six ships in October, each with the capacity to carry 7,700 cars, for 5 billion yuan (RM3bil).

State-owned SAIC Motor Corp., which already operates the world’s fifth-largest shipping fleet via transport arm SAIC Anji Logistics Co., has a tender out for seven new carriers that can each hold 8,900 vehicles.

Representatives for SAIC and BYD declined to comment.

With the vessels in question not expected to come online for several years yet, it’s a bold bet on lasting global consumer demand for Chinese cars.

China recently overtook Germany as the world’s second-largest auto exporter, sending almost 2.6 million vehicles abroad in the first 10 months of 2022, eclipsing 2021’s volumes.

Even October’s unexpected drop in demand for Chinese goods didn’t derail that upward trajectory with car and chassis exports growing 60% from a year earlier to 352,000 units in the period, or a record high $7.1 billion.

But while auto exports have surged, “the number of car carriers globally has barely increased,” said Xing Yue, the head of Clarksons Research Services in Shanghai, a unit of the world’s largest shipbroker.

Shipping costs have skyrocketed and there’s now “lots of investment pouring into building new ships for vehicle transport because of this demand-supply mismatch.”

The lack of vessels is stretching an auto supply chain already worn thin by a scarcity of semiconductors, pandemic-related labor shortages and months of port congestion intensified by China’s Covid-19 lockdowns.

Daily rates for vessels that can carry up to 6,500 cars (commonly known as roll-on/roll-off ships, or ro-ros) have surged to about US$100,000 (RM437,000) a day as of October, more than tenfold 2020 levels and the highest on record since at least 2000, according to Clarksons.

With all the last leg supply chain disruptions it makes sense for Chinese automakers to strike out on their own, according to Tobias Bartz, chairman and chief executive officer of Rhenus Logistics.

Ships have become “such a scarcity,” he said on the sidelines of a conference here last month.

The shortage has meant that some vessels almost 30 years’ old are still operating instead of being scrapped, raising the risk of accidents. Trying to extinguish any lithium-ion battery fires that occur may also be harder.

Chinese automakers aren’t alone in their desire for more freighters. Tesla Inc., which uses Anji Logistics’ car carriers, has also had trouble transporting vehicles from its factories.

“There weren’t enough boats, there weren’t enough trains, there weren’t enough car carriers to actually support the wave” of vehicle deliveries at the end of the last quarter, CEO Elon Musk said during Tesla’s third-quarter earnings call.

“Whether we like it or not, we actually have to smooth out the delivery of cars intra-quarter, because there just aren’t enough transportation objects to move them around.”

This latest pinch point may be new but BYD and SAIC aren’t the first automakers to run their own shipping fleets. Toyota Motor Corp. owns shipping company Toyofuji Shipping Co., while South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co. has logistics group Hyundai Glovis Co.

It’s also a telling sign of how far Chinese automakers’ export ambitions go.

Just a few years ago, China was mainly selling cars to developing nations in Africa and the Middle East. But the rise in electric-vehicle production has boosted made-in-China cars in Europe, which is now the biggest market for Chinese auto exports.

China exported over 852,000 EVs in the first 10 months of this year, up from almost nothing a short while back. Over a fifth of those were Tesla electric cars produced in the US automaker’s Shanghai gigafactory.

To be sure, some aren’t entirely confident that buying ships now is the right decision.

“Car shipping costs are set to come down as the risks shift from backlogs to a glut in the car market,” said Craig Fuller, founder and CEO of supply chain market intelligence provider FreightWaves. With supply chain bottlenecks easing, “the risk is more on the demand side of the equation,” he said.

Until that inflexion point, Chinese automakers appear keen to control as much of the process as they can. Electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. and Chery Automobile Co. are also eying ship orders, local media reported last week.

Among Chinese brands, SAIC is the furthest along overseas. It sold 697,000 vehicles abroad in 2021 — bolstered by the success of MG Motor, the British brand it acquired — and is aiming for 800,000 this year.

That’s a way off from meeting its annual shipping capacity, which stands at around 10 million vehicles, but meanwhile SAIC’s ships can and do serve other carmakers too, including Nio.


More motorists using cashless toll payment

                KUALA LUMPUR: Full implementation of cashless toll at major toll highways beginning Sept 9 is expected to run smoothly with positive acceptance from the general public.

SMART Tunnel's Chief Operating Officer Mohd Fuad Kamal Ariffin attributed this to the increasing sales of the e-payment cards, including the Touch'n Go (TnG) and SmartTAG's.

He said promotions undertaken by highway concessionaires had boost the sales of the devices, especially among city dwellers.

"As of today, the percentage of our sales is encouraging and we are confident it will reach our target.

"With our current promotion activity on full ETC (electronic toll collection), we have witnessed a penetration of usage from 77 percent in January 2015 to 81 percent currently," he said here today.

Among the promotions undertaken by highway operators include giving out Touch 'n Go cards to users for a discounted price as low as RM5 besides offering a discount of 20 percent for SmartTag devices.

Effective noon this Sept 9, 12 toll plazas will go fully cashless, with all toll transactions to be conducted electronically via PLUSMiles cards, Touch 'n Go cards or SmartTAGs.

The toll plazas are the Jitra Toll Plaza, North-South Expressway (PLUS); Bukit Kayu Hitam Toll Plaza, PLUS; Lunas Toll Plaza, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE); Kubang Semang Toll Plaza, BKE; Penang Bridge Toll Plaza and Gombak Toll Plaza, Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK).

Six more toll plazas are the Bentong Toll Plaza, KLK; Dato Keramat Toll Plaza, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH); Ayer Panas Toll Plaza, Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE); Sentul Pasar Toll Plaza, DUKE; Batu Toll Plaza, DUKE; and the SMART Highway Toll Plaza.

Full 24-hour top-up lanes to sell Touch'n Go cards and SmartTAG with promotion prices that are affordable for road users and a toll rebate of five per cent would be offered to Class 1 motorists using the DUKE Expressway for three months, beginning Sept 9.

Meanwhile, Konsortium Lebuhraya Utara-Timur(KL) Sdn. Bhd (KESTURI) director Zakaria Shaffie said the concession holder of the DUKE Expressway had already sold 32,000 TnG Cards and 4,000 units of SmartTag On Board Unit (OBU).

He said the use of ETC would not only save time, but also make speedier transaction, more efficient traffic flow and is environment-friendly.

"As we have seen in toll plazas where full ETC has been implemented, definitely there will be resistance from certain quarters, but we feel that this is the right way forward to ensure efficiency in toll operations and for the benefit of toll users," he added.

The operator for Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Projek Lintasan Kota Sdn Bhd (Prolintas), said it had sold 7,377 TnG cards and 4,564 units of SmartTag and expected the number to increase further with their ongoing promotions and campaign.


New Peugeot 408 e-THP goes on preview ahead of launch

PETALING JAYA: The new Peugeot 408 e-THP sedan has been doing the public tour ahead of its launch, which is expected to be soon.

It was spotted at the Publika shopping centre in an affluent neighbourhood of Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. Bookings are now open for the car with an insider hinting that it would be priced under RM140,000.

You may know it as the extended version of the 308 hatch, created as a small family car for emerging markets such as China, Malaysia, Russia and Argentina.

The 408 touts best-in-class cabin space, full LED headlights, start/stop ignition, a 9.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, parking assist, electric parking brake, blind spot sensors , six airbags and traction control. The twin scroll turbocharger boosts the 1.6-litre engine output to 165hp and 240Nm of torque. The powerplant is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

We will bring you the full details when the car is launched locally.

The old 408 (below)


Volkswagen's Skoda may pull out of China, says mag

                BERLIN: Czech carmaker Skoda Auto, part of Volkswagen, is considering withdrawing from China and will make a final decision next year, CEO Klaus Zellmer was quoted as saying by the weekly magazine Automobilwoche.

"The competition is very intense there, so we will consider, together with our Chinese joint venture partner, how we want to proceed," Zellmer was quoted as saying. "If we want to focus our energy, it's worth checking all scenarios and then deciding."

The chief executive said the company could consider simply selling cars in China rather than also producing them there.

Skoda wants to focus more in India at the moment, he said.

Volkswagen said in a statement to Reuters that it was normal business procedure for Skoda to continuously be checking its position in international markets and adapt that to local developments.

"There have been no decisions so far on possible modifications in our strategy," the company said.


Keeping the value of pre-owned cars high

                PETALING JAYA: As the sales of new cars are going up with the economic recovery, so is the growth of pre-owned car market in tandem.

A vast majority of car upgraders and first-time owners considered buying from the used car market, resulting in over 400,000 used cars sold in Malaysia in 2021.

However, it is believed that many pre-owned vehicles do not get a good rate due to many factors such as poor maintenance and vehicle care.

At a Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Malaysia (Bosch AA)’s virtual talk show today, the company's country manager Dillion Goh said many car owners neglected the use of proper and reputable automotive replacement parts and services only to find out later that this could further devalue their cars.

“A vehicle which has a good service record and uses parts by reputable brands such as Bosch, have a better resale value in the pre-owned vehicle industry.

“Bosch has about 65 authorised Bosch workshops in Malaysia, and all our mechanics and technicians are ever ready to offer service consultations and advices on any car issues owners may have,” he said.

 (From left) Bernama TV senior television anchor Jessy Chahal with Chong, Goh and Khor at the show.

A panelist, ezAuto.my CEO Charlene Chong Chia Li, said the company practices transparency and openness to inspiring a higher level of trust from consumers.

ezAuto.my provides a live bidding platform that is cost saving, fast, secure and transparent for both buyers and sellers.

“We want to keep creating end-to-end trusted experience when it comes to buying used cars.

She said there were simple but important ways consumers could protect themselves from buying used cars with low-quality parts that are normally sourced from recalled batches or syndicated remakes.

“That’s why we have a 132-point inspection conducted on all cars that come to us before they are sold off. These checks can determine the value of the car based on any modifications done or even a bad maintenance record,” she said.

The company has a nationwide network of over 4,000 used car dealers throughout Malaysia including East Malaysia and buyers would place the highest offer through the live bidding sessions after completing the thorough car inspection.

ezAuto.my will offer a price to buy the car on the spot and upon agreement of both parties, the necessary paperwork and payment will be completed within 24 hours.

However, if car owners opt for the live bidding session, a reserve price will be discussed and agreed upon between ezAuto.my and the car owner prior to the bidding.

Another panel member, Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia president Datuk Tony Khor Chong Boon, said many Malaysians have accepted the online method of buying and selling a used vehicle instead of going through a used car dealer.

“The truth of the matter is, online or offline, buyers are not excluded from bogus deals or back-handed purchases.

“While we stand strong in our part to promote and protect the interest of all our members in the industry including consumers and dealers, we are grateful to collaborate with Bosch and ezAuto.my to reach more Malaysians and enable them to make the right choice based on their needs," he said.

He also said no car is perfect and the federation always urge buyers to do their own research before making any purchase.

For more information on certified original Bosch car parts and authorised Bosch dealers, log on to Bosch Autoparts Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BoschAA.MY/) or head on to Bosch Autoparts official store in Shopee and Lazada to purchase reliable car parts.


More oomph from Petron Blaze 97 Euro-4M

                PENANG: THE new Petron Blaze 97 Euro-4M petrol promises a “triple action” formula which delivers more power, mileage and engine protection.

Petron’s high performance fuel also meets more stringent environmental standards resulting in less emissions and better air quality.

Winners of a recent Petron Fuel Happy Road Trip contest experienced the smooth performance of the new fuel in cars provided by Honda Malaysia, on a drive from Kuala Lumpur to Penang.

The Honda cars included the City, Accord and new HR-V.

Supported by Tourism Malaysia, the two-day road trip included a night’s stay at G Hotel Kelawai, George Town and visits to Kellie’s Castle in Perak and the Penang 3D Trick Art Museum.

Blaze 97 Euro-4M contains superior additives which allows efficient combustion for optimum engine performance, and provides cleaning action that rapidly removes existing deposits.

Its high octane rating combined with increased dosage of high performance detergent additive, unique organic combustion enhancer, and friction modifier provides for enhanced engine performance.

With Euro-4M fuel specifications, Blaze 97 Euro-4M has significantly reduced sulfur and benzene content resulting in cleaner emissions.

Five Petron terminals in Port Dickson, Bagan Luar, Kuantan, Pasir Gudang and Sepanggar Bay are now Euro-4M-compliant and have been supplying Blaze 97 Euro-4M to more than 560 Petron stations nationwide.

Petron recently won the Silver award for the Automotive Fuels and Lubricants category of the Putra Brand Awards 2015, making it one of the top consumer choice for fuels and lubricants.

Meanwhile, participants on the road trip also learnt more about Petron Blaze fuels and motor lubricants, and the Fuel Happy customer service experience at Petron stations.

In March this year, Petron Malaysia had launched the Fuel Happy campaign across its service stations.

The campaign promised a satisfying and rewarding Petron experience to customers, offering them a surprise treat every week from April till December 2015 at participating stations.

Customers will be given “freebies” during the Fuel Happy campaign period.

The campaign is also Petron’s way of thanking nearly two million loyal Petron Miles members who earn points for every transaction.


How dogs dictate car buying choices

 The Audi allroad wagon gets top marks for being the most dog-friendly car.

ATLANTA: With the growing choice of cars on sale it can be difficult enough to find one that caters for the entire family's needs, especially if said family extends to the dog, too.

According to the latest data from Nielsen and Harris Poll, 62% of Americans have at least one pet in their home and 95% of US pet owners consider said pet a crucial member of the family.

Nowhere is this consideration more pronounced than among dog-lovers. Almost three quarters of pet owners (71%) own at least one dog and a quick glance at the sums involved - US$2.6 billion annually spent just on edible dog treats - show how much Fido is an integral part of the modern American family.

Therefore, news that 22% of Autotrader users in the US claim to have already taken their dog on a test drive or would seriously consider doing so as part of the decision-making process should come as no surprise. Just over half (55%) of dog-owning Americans say that their pet travels with them at least once a week.

All of which explains why for 56% of US dog owners, catering for their pet's automotive needs is just as important as any other member of the family when it comes to buying a new car.

"We know car shoppers take every aspect of their lifestyle into account when shopping for their perfect ride, and four-legged friends are no exception," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader.

With this in mind, the car shopping and price comparison site has named what it feels are the best new cars for those that consider their dog an integral part of the family. Topped by the Audi Allroad station wagon, it's a list dominated by wide-opening hatchbacks, such as the Honda Fit and SUVs and crossovers like the Ford Edge and Jeep Renegade.

But whether the dog travels in an Audi or a Ford, ensuring its safety is crucial. If not restrained by a harness or travel in a carrier, dogs can be at risk of serious injuries, even in low-speed collisions.

 The Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate.

In July, Subaru conducted a series of crash tests on pet carriers and crates in conjunction with the Center for Pet Safety to find the best and worst on the market.

"We are proud to help lead the charge in identifying the best crates and carriers for pet lovers everywhere, while, more importantly, making pet parents aware of the safety measures they can take and the dangers that can occur if they don't," said Michael McHale, Subaru's director of corporate communications.

The Gunner Kennels G1 Intermediate came top in testing. However, whatever make or model a consumer plumps for, Subraru recommends that it be at least 15cm longer than a dog's body and that it comes with its own belts for fixing down in the trunk or the same ISOFIX connectors used in child seats.


UD Trucks launches new Quester 8L

                SERDANG: The new Quester 8L (litre) heavy duty truck has been launched by Tan Chong Industrial Equipment (TCIE), UD Trucks’ sole distributor in Malaysia.

With the new addition of the Quester 8L to the existing Quester 11L offerings, UD Trucks now offers the widest range of applications for sector ranging from long haul, mining and distribution to construction work and regional transportation.

The new Quester 8L comes in 4x2, 6x2 and 6x4 models, adding to the existing models from the Quester 11L of 4x2, 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4.

Now, customers can enjoy one year free maintenance on the UD Quester series as well as a two year vehicle warranty.

In addition, TCIE will be offering a special early bird promotional price for orders on two of the UD Quester models from now till June 30 2016, for a limited number of vehicles.

 From left: Toshihiko Odawara, Director, UD Brand and Product Line; Naoki Kobayashi, UD Trucks Sales Director Malaysia; Filip Van den Heede, Vice President, Aftermarket, Asia Oceania Sales, Volvo Group; Christophe Martin, Senior Vice President, Renault Trucks; Mats Nilsson,President Volvo Group Malaysia; Jacques Michel, President, Asia Oceania Sales, Volvo Group; Dato’ Rosie Tan, Executive Vice President, Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad; Dato’ Robert Tan, Chief Operating Officer, APM Automotive Holdings Berhad; Tan Keng Meng, Executive Director, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd; Wong King Yoon, Chief Executive Director, Tan Chong Industrial Equipment Sdn Bhd; Jaclyn Loy,Executive Vice President and Head of Finance, Truck Group; Lee Kong Leong, Senior General Manager, Sales and After Sales, Tan ChongIndustrial Equipment Sdn Bhd, with the newly launched UD Quester 8L

“UD Quester is the first real heavy duty Japanese truck designed with heavy duty chassis, heavy duty cab and associated heavy features with a proven record of fuel efficient engines and quality,” said Tan Keng Meng, executive director of TCIE.

Mats Nilsson, president of Volvo Group Malaysia said, “The multiple and reliable variants of all UD Quester Trucks are equipped with many great features and one of them is the UD Telematics. This on vehicle electronic system helps customers monitor the health of their trucks and driving behaviour. One of the key features UD Telematics has is its ability to coach the driver in manning the vehicle in the most fuel efficient way. Hence, it is economical for the company and reduces carbon emission to the environment,” he added.

UD Telematics comes factory fitted in every UD Quester truck.

Customers opting to use UD Telematics will be able to have an insight on their fleet, with the system providing realtime locations, fuel reports and allows UD Trucks to monitor the health of the vehicle.

This ensures less downtime for their fleet, consistent fuel savings and less costs for their businesses in the long term.

 The UD Quester’s cabin; it is the first Japanese truck in Malaysia to meet requirements of the European frontal crash test standardi.e.: UN ECE R29 compliance.

“TCIE takes aftermarket services very seriously,” said Tan.

“We have 42 service centres nationwide providing easy access to drivers to bring in their vehicles anytime. To top this, we also have fully equipped mobile service trucks with genuine parts to reach trucks drivers who are unable to come to us,” he said.

“We believe in providing reliability and a total solution to our business partners. This is also the very reason why TCIE is the first private partner in APAC outside of Japan to assemble locally the UD Quester trucks in our Segambut plant,” he elaborated.

TCIE recently rolled out the completely knocked down (CKD) Quester rigid trucks, assembled in their Tan Chong Motor Assemblies Sdn Bhd in Segambut.


New Kia Sorento PHEV revealed

                FRANKFURT: Kia Motors has revealed the new Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, the brand’s flagship global SUV which touts practicality with low running costs and a lot of power.

The new Sorento is the second electrified model in the Sorento line-up, and sits alongside the low-emissions Sorento Hybrid.

The new variant combines a powerful turbocharged gasoline engine with a high capacity battery pack and high output electric motor, giving drivers the ability to complete shorter drives on all-electric, zero-emissions power.

The beating heart of its ‘turbo hybrid’ powertrain is its 1.6-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine, which, on its own, produces up to 180ps and 265Nm torque.

The engine is paired with a high-capacity 13.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and a powerful electric motor which produces 66.9kW and 304Nm torque.

Combined, these powertrain components enable the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid’s powertrain to produce up to 261hp and 350Nm torque.

The new platform and large body ensures the Plug-in Hybrid model retains the generous cabin and luggage space and five-and seven-seat layouts that define other models in the line-up.

It also offers one of the largest cargo capacities in its class, with the larger battery back not taking up significant amounts of boot space – up to 809 litres (for seven-seat models) or 898 litres (five-seat models) with two rows of seats in place.

“The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid completes the new fourth-generation Sorento line-up, and is one of two electrified models available to European drivers," said Kia Motors Europe product planning and pricing director Pablo Martinez Masip.

"It deploys a turbo hybrid powertrain to boost performance, while reducing the car’s environmental impact and running costs. Plug-in models continue to grow in popularity across Europe, and the new Sorento will be one of the most spacious, practical and versatile electrified models available.”

In the first half of 2020, electrified models – including mild-hybrid, parallel hybrid, battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles – accounted for around one in four of all Kia vehicles sold in Europe, with sales accelerating year-on-year.

Sales of the new Sorento Plug-in Hybrid will start in select European markets in early 2021.


Ferrari and Dodge fine-tune artificial noise for electric cars

                BERLIN: High-performance car aficionados revere the roar of eight-, 10- and 12-cylinder engines.

As these rowdy beasts approach obsolescence, manufacturers including Stellantis and Ferrari are betting customers will want to keep making commotion with electric cars.

When Stellantis unveiled its Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept in August, the muscle-car brand debuted an industry-first exhaust system for EVs.

"No, Dodge hasn't found a way for an electric car to pump equal parts engine noise and CO2 into the air,” Car and Driver wrote.

It designed a system to amplify the near-silent hum of electric motors into "a 126-decibel cacophony worthy of the SRT badge.”

Ferrari too is working on a way to create distinctive noises tied to the actual performance of an electric-car powertrain, enabling drivers to not just feel but also hear realistic vehicle feedback.

Analysts at Oddo BHF last month flagged that the Italian supercar maker had filed for a patent for its device, which could go into its first fully electric model coming in 2025.

While the company has declined to comment on the device specifically, CEO Benedetto Vigna believes sound will be essential to any Ferrari, including those powered by battery.

"I’ve no doubt that our electric powertrains will give clients the same thrills” as combustion engines, Vigna said in an interview.

"The point is how to extract the best emotion from the use of this technology, giving something unique to the clients.”

Automakers have long fine-tuned the pitch that projects from their combustion powertrains, to the point that car buffs can name that tune when a particular generation Ford Mustang rolls up, or distinguish between a Lamborghini or Bugatti blaring by.

Unsurprisingly, enthusiasts with strong feelings about how a marque or model should sound have been unsparing in their early assessment of the Dodge concept’s mountain lion-like audio profile.

Brand boss Tim Kuniskis told Motor Trend and Road & Track that much of the initial feedback about the Charger Daytona SRT Concept’s growl was negative, and that Dodge will keep refining it.

The distinct sounds brands like Dodge and Ferrari are working on are much higher stakes than Tesla’s gimmicky "Fart Mode” that’s good for a laugh and little else.

Performance-car makers will have their work cut out for them enticing customers to switch to a new type of drivetrain likely to render vehicles even more expensive.

Because EVs can barely be heard when going slowly, regulators in Europe, the US and China have been requiring that they come with a built-in sound system that alerts cyclists and pedestrians.

Carmakers have a bit more room to maneuvre with different sounds when EVs go faster and emit more tyre and wind noise. Some have even turned to creative outsiders to give their vehicles a sonic edge.

Jaguar tapped electronic musician Richard Devine to design sounds for its first full EV, the i-Pace.

Volkswagen hired Leslie Mandoki, a German-Hungarian music producer who has worked with Phil Collins and Chaka Khan, for the ID.3.

BMW teamed with Oscar-winning film score composer Hans Zimmer - his works include Hollywood blockbusters Gladiator and The Lion King - to create special dins for its electric cars, including a spaceship-like hum when powering up.

"Ever since the industrial revolution and we’ve had combustion engines, the sound of cities - the sound of our lives - have been dictated by that,” Zimmer said in a video on the project.

"Now, suddenly, we have the opportunity to change the sonic landscape of this whole planet.”


BMW takes cues from Apple with radical interior overhaul

                LAS VEGAS: BMW AG’s latest prototype could well preview Apple Inc.’s future car: drivers have zero buttons and switches with a super-sleek interior where the windshield acts as a giant voice-controlled display.

Parts of the technologies showcased in the i Vision Dee concept car, on display at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show here, will be available as soon as 2025, according to chief executive officer Oliver Zipse.

The vehicle - while using Amazon.com Inc. voice recognition know-how - features software mostly developed by BMW in a bid to shut out tech giants.

"We have to be very vigilant not to give away data,” Zipse said during an event in Munich previewing the i Vision Dee.

"Our car will integrate seamlessly into your digital lives to become a true driving companion.”

BMW’s splashy show at CES comes as Apple’s highly secretive car project faces delays to around 2026 as its self-driving plans have proven too ambitious.

But even with the postponement, Apple’s auto push continues to hang over the industry where incumbent manufacturers struggle to integrate complex digital services.

Software delays holding back Volkswagen AG’s EV roll-out felled its CEO last year.

Drivers battling frozen screens and patchy over-the-air updates are contributing to VW losing market share in China, its biggest market.

Mercedes-Benz AG last year recalled 9,100 of its flagship electric EQS sedans in the US to fix a software error that risked disabling rear turn signals.

At BMW, which went for a retro-inspired look for the i Vision Dee reminiscent of its 1960s sedans, developers have had a better grasp on adding to digital capabilities.

Since 2019, BMW has been updating car software wirelessly for a broad suite of functions, including infotainment and safety features. At present, more than 3.8 million BMW vehicles receive over-the-air updates regularly.

"Whoever excels at integrating the customer’s digital worlds into the vehicle at all levels will master the future of car-building,” BMW’s development head Frank Weber said in a statement.

Once in the car, drivers can choose five levels of information to be displayed, ranging from basics like speed to augmented reality with navigation cues projected on the road. Even when driving, short social media messages can pop up on the side.

BMW’s version of Amazon’s Alexa, named Dee, is meant to provide additional assistance. When the driver approaches the vehicle, Dee registers her identity, opens the door automatically and can express moods such as joy or astonishment with visual cues on the grille and headlights.

Putting all information on the windscreen helps to minimise distraction, Zipse said.

BMW, working on a new software-led vehicle platform slated for 2025, said that a head-up display across the windshield will feature in new models made on the "Neue Klasse” underpinnings.


Sime Darby Auto Hyundai introduces home test drives

                PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Auto Hyundai’s (SDAH) ‘Test Drive to You’ campaign offers customers a chance to test drive cars, from their doorstep.

Customers who would like to request for a test drive from their homes can register at : Test Drive to You to book a session.

Promotions include cash rebates of up to RM13,000. Limited stocks available.

SDAH dealerships can be contacted at:

> Ara Damansara 03-7628 2500
> Bangsar 03-2202 2288
> Old Klang Road 03-7984 5388
> Ipoh 05-2533 399
> Prai 04-399 7788
> Skudai 07-234 0714

“The ‘Test Drive to You’ campaign is an exclusive personalised service by Sime Darby Auto Hyundai (SDAH) to reach out to our customers wherever they are. We have a total of six SDAH sales outlets in Peninsular Malaysia which are offering this service. Interested parties just need to register their interest and SDAH will arrange for a personalised test drive session from the customer's home,” said Low Yuan Lung, managing director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.

In carrying out this personalised service, SDAH is committed to customers’ safety and has implemented the following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

This includes:

> Sanitisation of test drive vehicles before and after every test drive session
> The sales consultant and customer will only be allowed in the car when they are wearing masks
> Customers are required to sanitise their hands with the hand sanitiser provided.
> Thermal scanning will be done prior to the test drive. If their body temperature exceeds 37.5?C, the customer will not be allowed to proceed with the test drive
> The sales consultant will be seated in the rear seat throughout the test drive session


UMW Toyota Motor in Penang flood relief efforts

                PENANG: A team of 32 volunteers from UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) braved the flood prone areas to assist in the relief efforts at Seberang Prai Utara, Penang.

The staff from Shah Alam headquarters had initiated a donation drive to fund the mobilisation of dry food, groceries, towels, blankets and other necessities to the flood victims housed at relief centers.

UMWT worked closely with National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), and two relief centres at Sebarang Prai Utara was chosen due to the high density of affected residents.

The volunteers handed over the essentials packed in ration boxes to 220 victims at Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Menora and Sekolah Agama Rakyat Labuh Banting relief centers.

Around 10 Toyota vehicles which are Toyota Hilux and Fortuner were used for the logistics operation to support the relief activity.

During the relief activity, the company also provided assistance to 20 of its employees in Penang who were badly affected by the flood.

Under UMWT’s internal support welfare program, the employees were given an immediate cash relief and ration box to assist them with their daily need items.

“It is heart-warming to see numerous organizations, volunteering groups, and NGOs coming together irrespective of creed and religion to help, during the recent flood,” said Ravindran K, president of UMWT.

UMWT also runs the Flood Assist Service Campaign at its after sales centers for Toyota owners to repair their damaged vehicles.

Towing of vehicles from flood ravished areas, evaluation of extent of damages, interior and exterior washing are offered free and special discount of 25% on total repair cost are offered to affected Toyota vehicle owners under this program.

“We hope the Toyota Flood Assist Package will further ease the burden of our Toyota vehicles owners who were affected by the recent flood,” continued Ravindran K.


Electric Hummer could be part of GM's move into EV trucks, SUVs, say sources

                WASHINGTON/DETROIT: General Motors Co plans to build a new family of premium electric pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles at its Detroit-Hamtramck plant beginning in late 2021, possibly reviving the imposing Hummer brand on some of them, several people familiar with the plans said.

The so-called BT1 electric truck/SUV programme is the centrepiece of a planned US$3 billion investment in the Detroit-Hamtramck plant to make electric trucks and vans, and part of a broader US$7.7 billion investment in GM’s US plants over the next four years, according to a proposed labour deal between the automaker and the United Auto Workers union.

The investments were made public by the UAW on Friday but no details were provided.

The investment would move the automaker into a part of the EV market that is largely untested and where GM has a higher likelihood of turning a profit, analysts said.

“It makes perfect sense to hit the high end of the market in order to generate some revenue that might actually turn a profit,” Auto Forecast Solutions vice president of global vehicle forecasting Sam Fiorani said.

GM is mirroring the approach electric carmaker Tesla Inc took by starting in the high end and then moving down the price ladder, he said.

That is important for a company who previously tried to sell the plug-in electric hybrid Chevrolet Volt and all-electric Bolt cars at lower prices and higher volumes, but failed to sell enough to make those efforts profitable, Fiorani said.

The UAW’s 48,000 GM hourly workers are scheduled to vote next week on the proposed contract that would end a month-long strike that analysts say has cost the No. 1 US automaker about US$2 billion.

GM’s BT1 programme includes an electric pickup for the GMC brand and an electric SUV for Cadillac, both due in 2023, the sources said.

Before then, GM plans to begin low-volume production in late 2021 of the first BT1 model, a pickup, under a different brand, the source said.

A performance variant of the pickup will be added to that brand in 2022, followed by an electric SUV in 2023.

One of the sources said the Hummer name is “under consideration” but a decision has not been finalised. The pickup is codenamed “Project O.”

Bringing back the Hummer name would take advantage of a still strongly recognised brand name, Fiorani said.

Hummers were rugged civilian utility vehicles with low gas mileage that were inspired by military vehicles and were popular with such celebrities as actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and former basketball star Dennis Rodman.

“Putting a Hummer badge on anything is a great idea for General Motors because half the marketing is already paid for,” he said. “Making it environment-friendly is just icing on the cake.”

The pickups and SUVs in the BT1 family will use a new dedicated electric vehicle architecture, including a “skateboard” chassis that bundles electric motor and batteries, the sources said. Fiorani expects the GM electric truck to sell at around US$90,000 or more, while the other vehicles will easily top US$100,000.

GM president Mark Reuss said in June at a UBS conference that the new EV architecture will be highly flexible, enabling the Detroit automaker to build a variety of body types in different sizes, with the capability of providing front-, rear- or all-wheel drive models.

When the plant reaches full production in 2024, it is expected to build about 80,000 electric vehicles a year, the sources said. Fiorani called that figure realistic.

As part of its plans around EVs, GM plans to open a battery plant near its closed Lordstown, Ohio, factory that sources have said would be a joint venture and is part of plans to invest another US$1.3 billion in non-GM plants in the United States over the next four years.

GM chief executive Mary Barra said in April the automaker would make an electric full-size pickup, but provided no further details.

The company has said it plans to invest US$8 billion to develop electric and self-driving vehicles, launching 20 new EVs globally by 2023.

Asked about the details provided to Reuters, GM spokesman Jordana Strosberg said GM doesn’t comment on speculation. But she added the company is committed to an electric future.

“GM believes in an all-electric future and we are making great progress in that area,” she said. “We have announced that a pickup truck will be part of our future portfolio, but have no additional information to provide.”

GM is aiming to be one of the first in what is soon to be a crowded market for electric trucks and SUVs.

Well-funded Michigan startup Rivian has announced plans to build an electric pickup - a premium version of which will top US$90,000 - followed by an electric SUV, beginning in fall 2020. It also has a contract with investor Amazon.com Inc to build up to 100,000 electric delivery vans for the e-commerce giant.

GM previously held discussions about investing in Rivian and using its electric vehicle platform, but sped up its internal EV programme when the startup turned to rival Ford Motor Co.

Ford invested US$500 million in Rivian in April and said it planned to use Rivian’s skateboard to build a new Ford-branded electric vehicle.

Ford plans to unveil an electric version of its own F-series pickup in early to mid-2022, sources previously told Reuters.

It also will begin selling a Mustang-inspired electric SUV next year as part of its plan to invest US$11.5 billion electrifying its vehicles by 2022, including adding 16 fully electric models.

Electric pickups and SUVs - the heart of the US market - could help Ford and GM generate the significant sales of EVs they will need to meet tougher emission standards and electric vehicle mandates in California and other states.

The Trump administration is moving to roll back those standards – and eliminate extra credits that automakers receive from EV sales -but the electric trucks are a hedge if California prevails.


2019 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+: More power and precision

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-AMG launches its performance offering for the new GLE generation with the GLE 53 4MATIC+.

The basis for the signature AMG driving dynamics is provided by the 435hp 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, the fully variable all-wheel drive, the agile 9-speed automatic transmission, the AMG-specific drive programs and the AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL air suspension based on AMG RIDE CONTROL+ with electro-mechanical roll stabilisation.

Its centrepiece is the electrified 3.0-litre engine featuring twin-turbocharging and an electric auxiliary compressor. The 6-cylinder in-line engine generates 435hp and delivers maximum torque of 520Nm.

Its EQ Boost starter generator briefly provides an additional 16kW of output plus 250Nm of torque and additionally feeds the 48 V on-board electrical system.

The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor and is fitted between the engine and transmission. This innovation as well as the intelligent charging via an electric auxiliary compressor and an exhaust gas turbocharger.

All have the same goal: to enhance the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics, but also to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

And this move has been a successful one: The GLE 53 4MATIC+ accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds and achieves an electronically limited speed of 250 km/h.

The EQ Boost starter-alternator also provides the 48 V on-board electrical system with electricity.

The appearance of the GLE 53 4MATIC+ captivates thanks to its AMG-specific radiator grille with 15 vertical chromed strips.

Equally striking is the star in the double ring, the narrow headlamps and the striking A-Wing in the front apron.

It is mounted with 20-inch light alloy wheels with AMG lettering as standard. There are seven rim variants optionally available from 20 to 22 inch.

With the widescreen cockpit, the instrument cluster and touchscreen multimedia display optically combine into one unit. Numerous functions can also be activated via the intelligent voice-operated control "Hey Mercedes".

The AMG Performance steering wheel in black Nappa leather with red contrasting topstitching and red 12-o'clock marking combines maximum functionality and high-quality haptics.


Porsche marks 1 millionth 911

                STUTTGART: After 54 years of continued production the vehicle that redefined what a sportscar should be is marking yet another milestone on its iconic journey.

Even in the world of the automobile, terms like legend and icon may be used far too frequently, but in the case of the Porsche 911, all superlatives are completely justified.

For over a half-century it has constantly pushed the envelope in terms of performance, handling and reliability. It is the most successful car in autosport history, having won more races in more events than any other model (the 911 accounts for over half of Porsche's entire 30,000 race wins to date) and, thanks to choosing a path of evolution over revolution in terms of outward appearance at least, despite its comparative rarity on the road, it is one of the world's few universally recognizable cars.

"We have continued to enhance the technology of the 911, refining and perfecting the sports car," said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG, "that's why it remains a state-of-the-art and technically innovative vehicle."

However, it offers that technology in a way that the brand's dedicated legion of fans will accept and that, more than any other reason, is why it has managed to stay relevant even as competition increases from the likes of Mercedes and McLaren. "Fifty-four years ago, I was able to take my first trips [in a 911] over the Grossglockner High Alpine Road with my father," said Dr Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. "The feeling of being in a 911 is just as enjoyable now as it was then. That's because the 911 has ensured that the core values of our brand are as visionary today as they were in the first Porsche 356/1 from 1948."

The loyalty that the 911 stirs up in owners, along with the fact that unlike Italian automotive exotica, Porsches are built to last, is also why over 70% of all 911s ever built are still on the road today. In other words, the number of 911s currently in use is equal to the total amount of cars ever built by Aston Martin in its 103-year history.

The 1 millionth 911 will not be offered for sale. Instead it will be going to the company's museum, but not before it is goes on a global road trip over the course of the year where it will hit the Scottish Highlands, lap the Nurburgring and take in the US and China.


New BMW Z4 breaks cover at Pebble Beach — as expected

                SAN FRANCISCO: As predicted, BMW has taken the wraps off its Z4 roadster at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California on Thursday, the same place the Concept Z4 was unveiled last year.

The G29 Z4 introduced took the form of the Z4 M40i First Edition. Not all details of the car are forthcoming at this time. BMW said it will release the full details of further engine variants, technical innovations and the diverse equipment features of the two-seater on Sept 19.

The Z4 M40i First Edition is fitted with a straight six engine that doles up 340hp that's good for a 4.6s sprint from 0-100kph. It gets sports suspension with electronically controlled dampers, M Sport braking system and an electronically controlled M Sport differential in the rear axle transmission.

The world premiere at Pebble Beach, some 200km south of here, will be followed shortly by its appearance at the Oct 4-14 Paris Motor Show. It will go on sale worldwide in the spring of 2019.

As a First Edition, the car offers specific design and equipment features that add exclusive accents to the car’s sporty flair. For a start, the limited special edition gets a special paintwork called Frozen Orange metallic. It's complemented with an electrically operated textile soft top in anthracite with silver effect, the BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line, black exterior mirror caps and 19-inch light alloy wheels boasting a bicolour, double spoke design.

The interior of the edition model comprises the Vernasca black leather trim with decorative stitching, electrically adjustable seats with memory function, the option ambient light and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System. Adaptive LED headlights with matrix function for the high beam, BMW Head-Up Display featured for the first time in a roadster and the BMW Live Cockpit Professional offering the latest networking technology.

Vertically aligned headlights, the BMW kidney grille sporting a mesh design, the bonnet stretching sports car-like over the wheels, large air breathers on the front wheel arches and the distinctive spoiler integrated into the rear lid all contribute towards the distinctive look of the Z4.

The interior design also emphasised sportiness. The driver-oriented cockpit styling is underscored by dynamic forward-oriented lines. Likewise, the clearly structured arrangement of all control elements enhances the focus on the driving experience.

The third-generation BMW roadster is being jointly developed with the new Toyota Supra to cut costs, so both sports cars will share components.


New Peugeot 3008 DKR ready for Dakar

                PARIS: Coming off the back of a successful Dakar and Silk Way Rally campaign with the Peugeot 2008 DKR this year, Team Peugeot Total and Red Bull have revealed the new Peugeot 3008 DKR.

This is the successor to the famous machine with which Stephane Peterhansel claimed his resounding 12th victory on the Dakar back in January, and Cyril Despres clinched his first win on four wheels on the Silk Way Rally in July.

The all-new Dakar challenger is based on a new Peugeot SUV, to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show next month.

The new Peugeot 3008 SUV forms the inspiration for the latest evolution, following the company's return to Dakar after 25 years in 2015.

The 3008 DKR also remains loyal to Peugeot's two-wheel drive philosophy, with the first Dakar win for a two-wheel drive car in 15 years nine months ago proving that you don't necessarily need four wheel drive to conquer the toughest landcapes in the world.

"The new 3008 symbolises the next step," said team director Bruno Famin. "Our goal with this car was to take the weaker points of the existing car and make them stronger, while capitalising on all the existing strengths to improve them still further."

The new 3008 DKR improves on its illustrious predecessor in four main areas, namely reliability, driveability, suspension and air conditioning.

The Dakar is the toughest race in the world, taking in 10,000km at high speeds and altitudes, which makes it the ultimate test of reliability for any machine.

Peugeot Sport has ensured that the car's 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbodiesel engine is even more driveable for next year's Dakar, delivering greater torque at lower revs.

The car's suspension is one of the key elements to success on the Dakar, as it governs just how quickly the car can cover the ever-changing untrammelled terrain that is the hallmark of the Dakar, ranging from salt flats, to WRC-style gravel roads, to sand dunes.

For the new 3008 DKR, further work has been done on the geometry and dampers.

Air conditioning is something we all take for granted on our road cars, but the air conditioning that was introduced on the 2008 DKR in Asia this summer has been made even more effective for Peugeot Sport's latest creation.

With crews spending up to 12 hours a day inside the cars, subject to cockpit temperatures in excess of 60 degrees centigrade, the effect of air conditioning on human performance cannot be underestimated.

Even though the drivers are super-fit athletes, the improved air conditioning should help them to perform at a higher level and get more out of the car.

Peugeot Sport will be aiming now for the sixth Dakar win in its illustrious history, with last year's triumph - in which a Peugeot led every proper stage - coming on top of four wins on the Dakar in Africa between 1987 and 1990.

The Peugeot crews have 18 Dakar wins between them and the latest in cutting-edge technology with the new 3008 DKR but the task ahead is still far from easy with an all-new route this year through Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay, as well as strong opposition.


Mazda teases new CX-5 ahead of LA show

                HIROSHIMA: Mazda has announced that the new CX-5 will make its world premiere at the Nov 18-27 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Mazda issued sketchy details on the SUV, only saying that its design and technological features have been further refined to offer "new dimensions of driving pleasure."

This can only mean the CX-5 will look more upscale with improved interior trim and more driver assist technologies in keeping with current trends to improve connectivity and safety.

 The current CX-5.

Comparing the upcoming SUV with the current one indicates that the front end in the new vehicle will have a sharper cut instead of the more rounded front of the outgoing model when viewed sideways.

Besides the new CX-5, Mazda will also have world premieres of the MX-5 RF and the Mazda Prototype race car.


Maverick online workshop Fixter rolls out sanitisation service to Londoners

                LONDON: The pandemic has resulted in new business opportunities for some.

While car sanitisation service have been around for years, it has come into its own with the present crisis set to last for months until an effective treatment or cure for Covid-19  is found. That is a year to 18 months away.

Take Fixter for example. Britain's first end-to-end online car maintenance service provider today introduced a new vehicle sanitisation service for customers here.

A base-level service starts at £29.99 (RM162) covering essential touch points, while a more comprehensive service is also available, covering additional areas of the car.

Once a service has been booked, Fixter will call to arrange and confirm service details with the customers.

Fixter said its team of workers will clean customer vehicles at their doorstep, while following all WHO protocols, including hand washing, gel protocols and maintaining safe distances when dealing with customers to avoid physical contact.

“We want to make it as hassle-free as possible for our London customers to have their cars sanitised – which is why we will go to them and carry-out this new service," said Fixter co-founder and CEO Limvirak Chea.

"We know that since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, concerns about vehicle interior cleanliness has been understandably very significant and we hope that our new initiative will go some way to reassuring customers who want to use their cars.

READ MORE:Malaysian detailers offer sanitisation services as well
Fixter helps elderly Londoners with delivery of essential items

“The safety of our customers and staff is our priority and therefore all of our Fixter specialists follow strict WHO protocols. We use forensic principles to guide the processes of sanitising the customers' car at all times. This is to ensure we don’t cross contaminate or re-contaminate anyone's vehicle. All of our equipment is either disposed of, or sanitised between different bookings.”

Fixter was founded to make car maintenance as easy as booking a taxi. Since launching in Manchester in 2017, Fixter has expanded to more than 100 cities across Britain.


MINI Seven tributes Austin Seven days

                LONDON: MINI has resurrected its old 'Seven' namesake as an ode to the old days of 1959 when the little car was once known as an Austin Seven.

It's purely an aesthetic upgrade, without an mention of price, for the Mini Seven with its new paint scheme and badge for the three and five-door Cooper, as well as the range-topping Cooper S variant.

The new colours, while sporting a roof and exterior mirror caps in Melting Silver, include Pepper White, Midnight Black, British Racing Green and Lapisluxury Blue.

Four engine variants will be made available starting with the range-topping Cooper S with a 2.0-litre (1,998cc) turbocharged engine producing 192hp from 4,700 to 6,000rpm and 280Nm (300Nm with overboost) of torque from 1,250rpm for both three and five door variants.

The three and five-door Cooper will use a three-cylinder 1.5-litre (1,499cc) turbocharged engine instead producing 136hp at 4,400rpm and 220NM (230Nm with overboost) of torque from 1,250rpm.

Where diesel is concerned, the three and five-door Cooper SD gets a 2.0-litre (1,995cc) turbo-diesel mill dishing out 173hp at 4,000rpm and 360NM of torque from 1,500 to 2,750rpm, while the Cooper D makes use of a three-cylinder 1,496cc turbo-diesel engine with 116hp at 4,000rpm and 270Nm at 1,750rpm.

Other updates include exclusive 17-inch twin six-spoke wheels in a two-tone design, door sill finishers, side scuttles with Seven logo and bonnet stripes in Melting Silver with surrounds in Malt Brown as an option.

Inside, the leather/fabric seats are finished in Diamond Malt Brown stitches, while the cabin is accented in Piano Black with the Seven logo found on the central instrument surround - with the option of including Colour Line Malt Brown into the mix.


Cradling your phone to your ear while driving isn't being hands-free

                BERLIN: Both hands are on the wheel, so why does it matter if you're using your shoulder to hold your phone to your ear while driving?

While it may seem to be in keeping with the spirit of laws that allow people to talk on their mobile phones with a headset while driving, cradling your phone is actually quite different - and dangerous.

Just think: What if you need to check your rear-view mirror or look over your shoulder? It doesn't take much for the phone to slip - and then fall between the brake pedal and the floor, or for the driver to lose control as he or she instinctually tries to catch the device.

A court in Germany essentially ruled to this effect in a case where a woman had been caught speeding but was also seen cradling her phone while doing so, bringing two fines, instead of one, for a mobile phone violation. She disputed it, but the court decided against her claim.

To avoid any chance of getting in trouble with the law - or an accident - it's thus best to use a hands-free set to chat with your loved ones when on the road. Plus, it's less stress on your shoulder!


First drive of Proton Perdana to Malacca

                When the eighth-generation Honda Accord was launched locally in April 2008, it was touted as among the biggest D-segment premium sedans.

Also called the Inspire in Japan, that model is the largest Accord ever produced, and that should give you a good idea about the size of the new Proton Perdana 2016. Under a deal with Honda Motor, the new Perdana uses the eighth-generation Accord platform as well as powertrains, safety features and driving technologies.

However, it’s not just a simple rebadge job for the new Proton flagship, as the national automaker has given the previous Accord a massively different exterior design, as well as slight enhancements in handling and comfort features.

Size-wise, at five metres in length, it’s just marginally longer than the previous Accord. The new Perdana gets a sporty fastback design courtesy of Proton, and this gives it a dynamic look that radiates smooth power.

Proton chief designer Azlan Othman said the Perdana’s design is meant to convey style and elegance. Highlights here include stylish headlamps with connecting chrome finish to the Proton “wings” front grille for a more distinctive look, chromed door window surrounds, an aerodynamic shark fin antenna, rear combination lamps with LED lights, and sporty lower diffuser.

The car’s lower front lip features a sleek and wide air intake which also lends a premium look to the front fascia.
Incidentally, Othman also said the new Perdana, and the upcoming Proton Persona and Saga are designed as a family. “When all the cars are out, you will be able to see similarities in the design,” he said.

The new Persona is due to be launched in August, followed by the new Saga in September, and a Suzuki Ertiga-based MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) in October.

As for the interior, it will feel familiar to owners of the previous Accord, as the dashboard design and instrumentation is mostly unchanged, with the exception of a Proton supplied 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system below the central air-conditioning vents. This system has radio, CD, Bluetooth, AUX and USB features and is mated to six speakers.

This is a nice touch by Proton for its new flagship, as the previous Accord came from an era where touchscreen systems were uncommon. As for the mechanical hardware, the new Perdana is offered in two variants, namely 154hp/189Nm 2.0-litre SOHC and a 178hp/222Nm 2.4-litre DOHC engined units priced on-the-road at RM113,888 and RM138,888 respectively.

Proton offers a 5-year or 150,000km (whichever comes first) for the new Perdana. Both are Honda i-VTEC (variable valve timing and lift electronic control) engines, mated to a familiar 5-speed automatic transmission.
Exterior-wise, there isn’t much to differentiate the two Perdana variants.

You can still tell the difference though, as the 2.4-litre unit gets a chromed lower front lip garnish, and a rear spoiler. As for the interior, the 2.0-litre unit has a dark-themed cabin with black mixed fabric/leather seats, while the 2.4-litre unit gets classy beige leather seats.

As for standard kit, both Perdana variants have projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, dual zone automatic air-conditioning, 8-way powered driver seat, and a reverse camera. Also standard are four airbags, ABS (anti-lock brake system) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution), front active head rests, automatic headlamps, front seatbelts with dual pre-tensioner, front and rear parking sensors, ISOFIX points and top tether mount point, and all-round disc brakes, and tyres sized 225/50 with 17-inch wheels.

While the standard kit is adequate for a D-segment saloon, you do get a fair bit more by paying an extra RM25,000. The 2.4-litre Perdana not only has more power, but it also gets extras like ESC (electronic stability control), paddle shifters, audio subwoofer, DVD playback, GPS navigation, 4-way powered front passenger seat, full leather seats, and HID headlamps with auto levelling.

Like the previous Accord, the new Perdana has an independent double wishbone front suspension (instead of the MacPherson strut front on the current Accord). To put that into perspective, the double wishbone suspension is usually preferred by premium and performance cars as it provides a good balance between handling and ride comfort.

However, the MacPherson strut is more commonly used nowadays as it is simpler, less expensive, lighter and more compact. Proton recently organised a media test drive of the new Perdana, on a 200km route from Proton Centre of Excellence in Subang Jaya to Malacca.

Our cars were fitted with Goodyear EfficientGrip tyres, and we drove on a mix of highway and trunk roads, with a lunch stopover in Port Dickson. It was no surprise that the new Perdana handles well, and feels very planted with little body roll when we drove at high speeds.

It has been years since we drove the previous Accord, but in the new Perdana, it was a case of deja vu for us.
While the 2.4-litre unit provided enjoyable power and quick acceleration, there was no noticeable lack of grunt from the 2.0-litre unit.

Floor the throttle on the 2.0-litre unit, and you get responsive, lively acceleration and gusty response - a familiar quality with Honda’s 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine and 5-speed torque converter-type automatic gearbox.

We found more than ample rear leg and headroom, as the previous Accord also had the most spacious cabin in the Accord line-up (it should be noted that the ninth-generation Accord is said to have a roomier cabin, despite being slightly smaller in size).

The only niggle we had was the audio volume of the parking sensors, which we found to be deafeningly loud.
While the reverse parking sensors can’t be controlled, you can disable the front parking sensors via a button behind the steering wheel.

In summary, the new Perdana has head-turning looks, and familiar Japanese driving technologies which combine well for a premium, sporty and refined ride quality.


FIM Racing Homologation Programme for helmets comes into force

                BERNE (Switzerland): As of June 3, after the combined efforts and collaboration between all main stakeholders over three years (since July 2016), the FIM Racing Homologation Programme for helmets (FRHP) has finally come into force for Grand Prix and Superbike racing.

The aim of the programme was to improve riders’ head protection and to respond to the need for a more objective evaluation of the safety performance of protective helmet systems for racing.

The FRHP has been established, with the collaboration of the helmet manufacturers, in order to define a new test standard that goes above and beyond existing ones (e.g. UN ECE 22.05, Snell M2015, JIS T8133).

In addition to Grand Prix and Superbike racing adopting the new standard with immediate effect, it will be mandatory for all circuit racing competitions to adhere to the new FIM homologation process as from their first event of 2020.

While the initial focus has been on circuit racing, the FIM already has plans to extend the FRHP to offroad disciplines and championships in the next few years.

Under this programme, the FIM grants helmets with a homologation certificate and label, which are a mandatory prerequisite to be entitled to access FIM Circuit Racing competitions.

The helmet properties are evaluated through a test protocol which aims to trigger the development of helmets offering optimal protection for riders.

Optimal protection is understood as providing a minimised risk of skull fracture and multiple forms of brain damage, as well as a measured and controlled mechanical performance of the protective padding and the shell.

To be deemed eligible and obtain said homologation, the helmet must first meet the standards set by the FIM, in addition to the approvals accorded by selected international standards, and must fulfil certain criterion which includes:

UNECE 22.05 Type PSnell M 2015JIS T8133 2015 Type 2 Full faceProtective lower face cover: not detachable and not moveableOne-piece shellRetention system with strap and double D-ring
“As we have made clear, safety and in particular rider safety is one of the main pillars of the FIM moving forward, therefore it is important that we can reinforce this message with actual and real commitment by bringing the FRHP into action,” said FIM president Jorge Viegas.


BMW Group wins major engine-delivery contract from INEOS Automotive Ltd

                MUNICH: The BMW Group has secured a major order from INEOS Automotive Ltd. for the delivery of petrol and diesel engines. The contract is the latest move by the German car maker to expand its business providing drivetrains to industrial customers.

The BMW TwinPower Turbo engines are destined for INEOS Automotive Ltd.’s new off-road vehicle project under a contract that is expected to see the delivery of a high-range five-digit number of engines.

The BMW Group operates a global sales and licensing business for its combustion engines, electric batteries and vehicle platforms as part of its dealings with clients inside and outside the car industry.

BMW Group engines with the latest fuel-saving technology have been crowned “International Engine of the Year” in their class numerous times in recent years.

“Our company is famous for efficient high-performance engines that are among the best in the world”, said Pieter Nota, Member of the BMW AG Board of Management responsible for Sales and Brand BMW and Aftersales BMW Group. “We offer a broad range of premium, tailor-made drivetrain technologies and services for carmakers and other customers and believe this is a business area with real growth potential.”

INEOS Automotive Ltd. was founded in 2016 by INEOS Group, a global manufacturer of chemical, oil and gas products.


Safety trumps hefty fines, says Loke

                PASIR GUDANG: The Transport Ministry has rejected the call to review existing hefty fines imposed on offences such as overloading, saying that safety must take precedence.

In warning lorry operators and lorry drivers not to “cross the red line”, minister Anthony Loke said the rules were clear when it concerned lorry drivers caught for overloading.

“I am very firm on this matter. They should not blame us for issuing hefty fines.

“This is a safety matter as overloaded lorries pose a threat to other road users and also damage the roads, ” Loke told reporters after witnessing Johor Port Bhd handling a record container volume of one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) here yesterday.

Loke said enforcement would be carried out by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) under two existing Acts – Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) Act 2010 and JPJ Act 1987.

“It depends on the severity of the offence. JPJ officers can take action through the provisions under the JPJ Act or APAD Act against offenders.

“We have our own internal policy on this matter and the APAD Act will usually be applied to serious cases of overloading, ” he said.

Under the APAD Act, lorry operators caught for overloading are liable to a fine of between RM1,000 and RM500,000 or a maximum jail term of two years, or both.

As for the JPJ Act, a maximum fine of RM2,000 each will be issued to both the lorry driver and the lorry operator.

On Sunday, Pan-Malaysia Lorry Owners Association urged the authorities to review the hefty fines imposed on lorry operators for offences, particularly for overloading.

Its president Datuk Ng Koong Sinn said more than 10 cases of JPJ officers issuing hefty summonses against lorry operators under the APAD Act had been brought to their attention.

One of the offenders was slapped with a fine of RM40,000, raising much concern among association members.

Ng pointed out that there was no provision in the APAD Act to penalise the lorry drivers and consignors, who were equally responsible.

He said since the penalties were “unduly harsh” on lorry operators, it could give rise to the possibility of bribery and corruption involving enforcement officers.


Naza Kia Malaysia offers year-end surprise promotions

                KUALA LUMPUR: Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia, is ending the year with their “Year End Surprise” campaign starting from December 1 till 31, 2018 with up to RM15,000 savings up for grabs!

Headlining the campaign offers is a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage and also up to 5 years free maintenance service.

The Kia Cerato now comes with huge savings of RM15,000 and also comes with a free 1-year insurance.

Save RM10,000 for the new Kia Optima large family sedan or get the compact and fun Kia Picanto that now comes with 2 years of free maintenance service.

Not forgetting the New Kia Rio with RM5,000 savings, this new hatchback comes packed with new advanced features such as the 6-speed Automatic Transmission and also is the first in its segment to comes standard with a Blind Spot Monitoring System, giving the driver a better alerted drive.

Looking for a bigger SUV? Get the new Kia Sorento that comes with a powerful turbo diesel engine and an 8-speed transmission, or the new Kia Sportage that comes with a newly designed LED headlamp that is both practical and striking.

These offers are only applicable for all bookings within the campaign period and with limited units available.


Automatic emergency braking system a must for new cars in Japan from November 2021

                TOKYO: Japan's Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has announced that it will require automatic emergency braking to be installed on new automobiles produced in Japan from November 2021.

The ministry will make it mandatory to install the automatic brakes on imported new cars from around June 2024. It plans to apply for public comments on the issue and revise related regulations in January 2020.

The move by the ministry is largely aimed at reducing accidents mainly caused by elderly drivers in Japan, which has a greying society..

Considering that international standards on an advanced emergency braking system would take effect in January 2020, the ministry said it would seek the following functions in such a system:

> When an automobile running at a speed of 40kph approaches a parked car, it will be prevented from hitting it.
> When an automobile running at a speed of 60kph approaches from behind another car running at a speed of 20kph, it will be prevented from hitting it.
> When an automobile running at a speed of 30 kph comes close to pedestrians crossing a road at a speed of 5kph, it will be prevented from hitting them.

Automatic brake systems detect automobiles and people with a combination of cameras and radar to prevent or reduce collision damage. The percentage of new cars equipped with automatic brakes by Japanese manufacturers was 84.6% as of 2018. — The Japan News/ Asia News Network


Nvidia wants to leap from video games to self-driving cars

                It took Silicon Valley chipmaker Nvidia Corp the better part of a decade to gain acceptance as a global automotive supplier, a lesson for other technology firms hoping to make a similar transition from consumer electronics to car components.

Nvidia had a thriving business in supplying powerful graphics processors for video game consoles and laptop computers when representatives of Volkswagen AG asked if it could adapt the same realistic, three-dimensional displays for the dashboards of Audi luxury cars.

That was 10 years ago - several lifetimes in Silicon Valley terms, but just a couple of model changes ago for the big car maker. It took six years for Nvidia to develop the chips to power the 3-D navigation system display that launched on the 2011 Audi A8, the brand's top-of-the-line sedan, compared with three to four years to develop a new chip for gaming applications.

Along the way, Nvidia engineers learned the hard way they could not just pop a chip designed for a laptop or a game console into a car.

"We had to be taught what 'automotive grade' meant," recalls Danny Shapiro, Nvidia's senior director of automotive operations. In simple terms, that meant no reboots - because a dashboard screen that fails to light up means an angry customer and possibly an expensive warranty repair.

The decade-long effort enabled Nvidia to make the jump from the world of computers and game consoles into the fast-growing market for advanced automotive displays and automated driving systems. It is a leap that other Silicon Valley tech companies want to emulate to cash in on the convergence of automobiles and digital connectivity.

Nvidia's success in landing processors on cars including the Audi A8 and the Tesla Model S sedan illustrates the growing willingness among automakers to look beyond their traditional suppliers to obtain a technological edge.
"They offer us computing systems with the strength" to process vast amounts of data required by new driver assistance systems and displays, said Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi's head of technical development.

Nvidia is still a niche player with a long way to go to crack the top league of traditional automotive chip suppliers.

Much larger companies, including Japan's Renesas Electronics Corp and US chipmakers Texas Instruments Inc, Intel Corp and Qualcomm Inc, dominate the automotive chip business.

Nvidia's automotive sales represented just 4 percent of the company's US$4.7 billion annual revenue in its most recent fiscal year. That in turn is just one-tenth of the US$1.86 billion in automotive semiconductors that Texas Instruments sold last year.

Brooke Williams, TI's business manager for driver assistance systems, said his company already knows how to deal with automakers' demands after 35 years of supplying products for vehicles. "We understand the automotive design cycle and how the vehicle manufacturers and suppliers work."

Nvidia has made the leap to infotainment systems in vehicles, but not yet to self-driving cars.

The company had just US$23 million in sales in the automotive segment in 2011. Growth has surged since. This year, the company expects automotive revenue of US$183 million, and says it has booked more than US$2 billion in future automotive business, most of that involving chips for digital displays and infotainment.

By 2020, Nvidia expects to have chips on more than 32 million vehicles.

The company is pushing to crack the emerging market for driver assistance systems, which include such tasks as self-parking and semi-automated steering and braking. Those systems require huge amounts of computing power in very small packages. Nvidia has developed and begun selling a chip called the Tegra X1 for automotive and gaming uses, which it says can put the power of a supercomputer in a package about the size of a postage stamp.

"Nvidia brings unparalleled graphics capabilities that could prove critical building blocks" for driver assistance systems, said Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore.

Nvidia got coaching from automotive customers who liked the company's technology but were not sure of its ability to measure up to their standards.

Early in their relationship, Audi executives took Nvidia engineers on a trip to Audi's home factory in Ingolstadt, Germany.

"We told the Nvidia guys, 'you make one part, but we assemble a car here from 10,000 pieces,'" said Mathias Halliger, Audi's senior systems architect for connected vehicle technologies. "If even one part is bad, we have a problem." To drive home the point, an Audi tour guide noted that one of the luxury cars had been rejected because of a tiny flaw in the paint.

The plant tour, Halliger said, "helped Nvidia to understand our requirements. It showed dramatically what we were looking for." There was more for Nvidia to learn. A typical automotive production cycle can run five years or more, compared with one year for many consumer products. Nvidia had to go back to its suppliers to make sure that key components, from memory to power supply, could be upgraded as needed over that longer life cycle.

"When you work with car companies and you engage in these developments with them, over the years you adopt their culture," said Nvidia chief executive officer Jen-Hsun Huang, whose personal automotive stable includes two Ferraris and two Teslas.

"But the car is dying to be re-invented."


Driving nostalgia, cars of legend go electric: the MINI E

                OXFORD: The launch of an all-electric version of the MINI in 2020 ushered in a new era for this legendary little city car.

Just over 60 years since the first Mini appeared, the car continues to win over drivers, although now silently and with no CO2 emissions.

As its name suggests, the MINI Electric is a 100% electric version of the famous micro city car. It promises power of 135 kW/184hp for a range of 225 to 234 km, according to the manufacturer.

And this version, which boasts zero CO2 emissions, is already proving popular. The carmaker recently released a limited-edition version in partnership with Belgian creative label Mosaert, founded by the musician Stromae.

It was in 2017, through a concept car, that MINI announced its plan to return to the electric vehicle world. The firm had previously released a prototype, called "MINI E" in 2008, with just 500 models produced.

In a little over 60 years, more than 10 million Mini cars have rolled off the production line. The very first Mini, a 1959 Minor, paved the way for a long line of successors.

All MINI models are characterised by their go-kart-like driving experience, thanks to their rigid chassis, wide tracks and low center of gravity. And the MINI Electric is no exception!


GM explores using ChatGPT in vehicles

                DETROIT: General Motors Co is exploring uses for ChatGPT as part of its broader collaboration with Microsoft Corp, a company executive told Reuters.

"ChatGPT is going to be in everything," GM vice president Scott Miller said in an interview recently.

The chatbot could be used to access information on how to use vehicle features normally found in an owners manual, program functions such as a garage door code or integrate schedules from a calendar, Miller said.

"This shift is not just about one single capability like the evolution of voice commands, but instead means that customers can expect their future vehicles to be far more capable and fresh overall when it comes to emerging technologies," a GM spokesman said on Friday.

The news was first reported by website Semafor, which said that the American automaker was working on a virtual personal assistant that uses AI models behind ChatGPT.

Earlier this year, Microsoft announced a multi-billion dollar investment in ChatGPT-owner OpenAI and said it aims to add the chatbot's technology into all its products.

Microsoft, like other big tech companies, has been ramping up its efforts to embed more technology in vehicles, from infotainment systems to automated driving to operating systems that control battery performance and multiple other functions of a vehicle.

GM in 2021 partnered with Microsoft to accelerate the commercialisation of driverless vehicles.