Scam alert: Don't waste your money on 'car fuel savers'

                HANOVER: Car fuel savers, electronic devices which claim to be able to save you money by reducing your car’s fuel consumption, are widely available online. But do they actually work? In a word, no.

The plug-in modules connect to the diagnostic interface (OBD2), which has been available in almost all vehicles for around 20 years and is used by workshops to read vehicle data or faults.

However, a test by c’t magazine found that none of the tested connectors could communicate with the engine electronics system at all.

The testers found that the device makers use several tricks to convince motorists that the fuel savers are doing something useful.

One is to use different plug colours, for example blue or red for diesel, green or yellow for petrol. In reality, the colours are meaningless.

Then there are switches that the driver is supposed to push at a certain moment. That’s just a distraction tactic, the testers say. At most, the button only changes the flashing of the LEDs on the plug-in.

It might also lead the driver to blame themselves if there are no fuel savings, thinking that they didn't press the button at the right time.

The scammers also urge drivers to be patient, saying that the optimisation of the vehicle's electronics takes effect only after 200km of driving at the earliest. Only after that will the savings effect allegedly kick in.

"As was to be expected, simple OBD2 plug-in modules do not save fuel,” the testers concluded.

Even if it were possible to here and there trim the engine management system — which has already been optimised by the manufacturer — to achieve better fuel efficiency, much greater technical effort would be required than a simple plug-in is capable of.

As well, a plug-in that actually interfered with the engine control system would need to be officially approved for each specific vehicle type and might void the warranty.


China driving slowly towards a greener future

                Interest in electric cars is growing in China, but don't expect a green motoring revolution anytime soon. It's going to take until the end of the decade for electric and hybrid vehicles to constitute 4% of new cars on the road.

Still, the figures, courtesy of Frost and Sullivan, paint a more optimistic picture of the country's personal mobility future than the most recent report from the US Energy Information Administration.

Its 2014 long-term outlook forecasts that it will take until 2040 for plug-in electric cars to represent 1% of new vehicles on US roads. However, it is more optimistic about hybrids, which it believes will make up 5% of the new car total within the next two decades.

Frost and Sullivan's report "Strategic Analysis of the Chinese Powertrain Market," published on Tuesday, highlights that government support for the technology along with financial incentives are helping to make plug-in hybrids and full electric cars more popular with Chinese drivers and to focus businesses on continuing to develop and market the technology.

"Besides the New Energy Vehicle Development Program, the Chinese Government has launched the National Program for Medium-to-Long-Term Scientific and Technological Development and 863 Program to transform the Chinese automotive manufacturing industry," said Frost and Sullivan Automotive and Transportation Research Associate Ming Lih Chan.

"These initiatives will open up revenue opportunities for existing and new entrants in the Chinese powertrain market."

However, there are a number of obstacles to overcome. The most immediate of which is saturation. Affluent consumers who live in China's mega tier-one and tier-two cities have already bought a car, meaning there are fewer people left to market to.

Electric vehicle technology is currently best suited to urban city dwellers, where the charging and servicing infrastructure is comparatively easy to install. But without takers for plug-in cars, there will be no push to start integrating charging points or other services.

As wealth trickles down to other regions, demand for new cars will increase, however, provincial cities, separated by huge swathes of highway, are not best suited for the current generation of electric-only vehicles and integrating the infrastructure would be complex, time consuming and hugely expensive.

Nielsen data shows that tier-three and tier-four Chinese cities are home to 55% of current car owners and represent 68% of the potential car buying market.

Tesla has found to its cost that it's difficult to sell to customers who already have cars, even if the Model S is a truly premium, individualistic statement of a car.

And likewise, it's hard to get potential buyers to take a risk on a car powered by a technology that could potentially leave them stranded halfway home. Even with offering free installation of a home charging box with each Model S, the company has failed to meet sales targets.

But address the infrastructure shortfalls, and interest can pick up. Pike Research data shows how in US states like Texas, that were built on oil, attitudes towards electric cars are changing simply because they're arriving on the market as the infrastructure is also arriving.

As a result, Texas jumped from 42nd to fourth place on Pike's list of states with the most favorable attitudes towards electric cars between 2010 and 2012.


Asean NCAP begins testing Blind Spot Technology

                PUTRAJAYA: The New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian countries (Asean NCAP) have begun testing Blind Spot Technology in cars in an effort to reduce motorcycle fatalities in the region.

According to figures provided by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), motorcycle deaths in Malaysia were among the highest among road users in 2017 with 4,348 deaths.

At the Asean level, a report by World Health Organisation (WHO) claimed motorcyclists and 3-wheelers comprised 34% of road fatalities in 2015.

 Asean NCAP testing the effectiveness of Blind Spot Technology.

Asean NCAP has undertaken the testing of the safety features in passenger cars such as Blind Spot Technology (BST) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) in order to improve its capacity and capability in performing such tests.

Asean NCAP, which is a new addition of NCAP organisations worldwide, is the first to concentrate on reducing motorcycle fatalities as it is unique to this region.

An event was held at a private airstrip in Putrajaya recently where members of the media witnessed the testing of cars with BST for its effectiveness in warning drivers.

The test involved 10 car models fitted with such safety features against 10 popular motorcycles sold in the Asean region.

“The BST development test marks Asean NCAP’s plans in performing actual assessment to test the effectiveness of BST in detecting motorcyclists in blind spot zones. This accord with Asean NCAP’s objective to reduce motorcycle fatalities especially during lane change action.

“The test is based on the requirement as stipulated in the ISO 17387. The test also prepares us for our future roadmap from 2021 to 2030 which places priority in motorcycle safety by having a special domain for it in future assessments,” said Asean NCAP secretary-general Ir Dr Khairil Anwar at the event.

Also present were acting director general of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Dr Siti Zaharah and Asean NCAP chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon among others.

Asean NCAP is targeted to enhance safety standards, raise consumer awareness and encourage a marjet for safer vehicles in the Southeast Asian region.


Want that used car Goo Kantei-certified? Read on

                KUALA LUMPUR: No one wants to buy a used car that's going to be problematic and become costly to repair. Having the car inspected by an authority - whether that's your own trusted mechanic or a specialist organisation - before signing on the dotted line is a prudent move.

Motorists now have a choice when it comes to used car inspection by specialist organisations. A Japanese outfit has just entered the local scene offering such a service that is already being done by Puspakom.

Car Credo is offering the Goo Kantei service, which carries out an inspection of used vehicles and rates them according to their condition.

The Japan-trained Goo Kantei inspector would take 20 mins and cover up to 344 points around the car, inside and under the vehicle. The entire inspection is said to be free from bias and is endorsed by the Japan Autombile Appraisal Association. After an inspection, the customer is issued a certificate with a star rating (up to five stars) so that he can easily see whether the car is worth buying. Car Credo said the certificate would include information on various aspects of the car and explanatory notes in simple language.

 Seen here are Proto Malaysia operations director Wataru Kambe (front), Car Credo director Yasuhito Kusama (third from left) and Goo Kantei inspectors.

The Goo Kantei service is currently being promoted to used car dealers in the Klang Valley although individuals are also encouraged to use the service as well. Car Credo is offering the inspection at a promotional rate of RM130 from now until the end of November and this includes computer diagnostics and two free spots in print and online of the Motor Trader classifieds publication. The normal rate is RM120 and an optional RM60 for the computer diagnostics.

The service is expected to be rolled out beyond the Klang Valley at a later time.

Car Credo is a subsidiary of Proto Corporation, a Japanese company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.  In Japan, the service has been offered since 2006, with hundreds of thousands of vehicles having been certified nationwide.

"Used cars are a big business in Malaysia but until now, customers have been faced with uncertainty when they buy used cars because they are not sure of the condition," said Proto Malaysia managing director Kenya Ikutsu.

"Unless they are experts, they may not be able to detect issues taht may affect the value of the car, particularly safety.

"With Goo Kantei, the experts are from Japan who have special training and years of experience i inspecting used vehicles to evaluate the overall quality," he said, adding that used car certification provided invaluable information to a prospective buyer as well as peace of mind when deciding whether to buy the vehicle.

Also check out 2015 Puspakom Inspection Fees


China’s car wreckage cries out for consolidation

                HONG KONG: Chinese carmakers are involved in a slow-motion wreck.

Falling sales hit Geely Automobile Holdings and Great Wall Motor harder in the first half than rivals partnered with foreign marques.

Both companies have started seeking JVs, too. A better route to recovery would be industry consolidation, and soon.

Domestic manufacturers are getting crunched from every direction. The withdrawal of government incentives last year caused customers to accelerate their purchases.

Geely, whose parent company owns Volvo, blamed new emissions standards for its aggressive price cuts, and by extension a 40% fall in profit through the end of June.

The bottom line at US$9 billion SUV maker Great Wall shrank 60% for similar reasons. Beijing is also now slashing subsidies for electric vehicles, putting even more pressure on margins.

Some sympathy might be expected from the central government, which considers autos a “pillar” industry.

Yet Beijing is also aware the country has far too many car companies, and that too many of them rely too heavily on shared revenue from overseas JVs, which has crippled their export competitiveness.

Sales of BMW models, for example, made up 90% of revenue at US$5 billion Brilliance China Automotive, whose profit fell just 9% in the first half; Guangzhou-based GAC relies on its relationship with Toyota to compensate for slackening demand for its unfortunately named Trumpchi sedan.

Local manufacturers are losing market share at home. It was down to 36% in July, after they ceded 3.9 percentage points from a year earlier.

Even Geely and Great Wall, which had found some market traction for their own models, have started flirting with overseas rivals. The better ones, however, are mostly taken.

Domestic mergers make more sense. Geely and Great Wall are up against mordant state-backed giants such as FAW, along with dozens of smaller rivals and hundreds of EV startups.

Local officials stubbornly prop up weak manufacturers to preserve employment, which keeps them running but weak.

The long-expected combination of FAW with Dongfeng and Changan, for example, has yet to happen. It’s time to start revving up these sorts of deals.

> This article is part of Reuters BreakingViews commentary provided by Reuters correspondents from around the world


Tesla 'recalls' vehicles in China for online software update

                BEIJING: Chinese regulators said today Tesla Inc would "recall" nearly 300,000 China-made and imported Model 3 and Model Y cars for an online software update related to assisted driving, with owners not required to return their vehicles.

The State Administration for Market Regulation said on its website that the move is linked to an assisted driving function in the electric cars, which can currently be activated by drivers accidentally, causing sudden acceleration.

The remote online software "recall" - a first for Tesla cars built in China - covers 249,855 China-made Model 3 and Model Y cars, and 35,665 imported Model 3 sedans.

Tesla, now making Model 3 sedans and Model Y sport-utility vehicles in Shanghai, sold 33,463 China-made electric cars in May, according to industry data.


New Lexus ES to be previewed at KLIMS 2018

                PETALING JAYA: Lexus will showcase the seventh-generation ES (pic) at the KL International Motor Show ahead of its official launch in Malaysia.

This all-new model uses a new 2.5-litre powerplant and the engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that debuts with this model.

Other top exhibits at the Lexus stand are the LS+ Concept and UX crossover.

The Lexus LS+ Concept has played a key role in the development of autonomous driving systems by Lexus engineers. Tech aficionados will be able to look at the various components used to develop the future of driving technology featured in this car.

Another attraction in the line-up is the UX. This compact Urban Crossover (UX) signals Lexus’ entry into this segment and showcases numerous firsts for Lexus vehicles including its unique styling attributes and interior materials. Lexus is happy to tell that its development was led by Toyota's first female chief engineer.

Lexus would also highlight the achievements of a Malaysian team at the Lexus Design Awards.

The Malaysian pair of Paul Yong Rit Fui and Jaihar Jailani Ismail who co-founded Aesthetid submitted a design that helps identify an egg’s freshness and edibility through a colour pigment on the egg shell. The "Honest Egg" design won the Lexus Design Award people’s choice at this year’s Milan Fashion Week.

Lexus said it is promoting the craftmanship of its cars through the Crafted Car Parts Box that showcases the intricacy of each component when isolated from the completed vehicle.

Other Lexus cars on display will be the RX300 Special Edition and LC500.

The motor show runs from Nov 23-Dec 2.


Toyota unveils fuel-cell car assembly line

                TOKYO: Toyota president Akio Toyoda on Tuesday unveiled the assembly line that is making the first mass market fuel-cell car.

The world's biggest carmaker plans to produce 700 units of the four-door Mirai sedan -- powered by hydrogen and emitting nothing but water vapour from its tailpipe - by the end of December.

Production of the car whose name means "future" in Japanese is scheduled to expand to 2,000 units in 2016 and 3,000 units in 2017.

The Mirai, which is being made at the firm's Motomachi Plant in Aichi, central Japan, can travel about 650km without refuelling, some three times further than an electric car, and its tank can be filled in a few minutes like petrol engine vehicles.

"We are thrilled to think that before everyone else, we are taking a historic step toward the establishment of a hydrogen society in Japan," Toyoda told reporters last month when he delivered a Mirai to the prime minister's office.

Fuel-cell technology is seen as the Holy Grail of green cars as they are powered by a chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and produce nothing more harmful than water.

Japanese automakers, including Toyota's rivals Honda and Nissan, have been leaders in the green car sector. The country's seven major manufacturers reportedly plan to spend a record $24 billion to research the sector this year.


Daimler slims down Mercedes management in efficiency drive

                FRANKFURT: German cars and trucks maker Daimler said it would revamp the management of its finance, production and development portfolios to remove duplicate layers between Mercedes-Benz and Daimler AG.

As a result, Daimler’s chief financial officer Harald Wilhelm (pic) will take over responsibility as finance chief at Mercedes-Benz AG from April 1 and Mercedes-Benz chief financial officer Frank Lindenberg will leave, the company said.

Wolf-Dieter Kurz will take on responsibility for product strategy and steering at Mercedes-Benz Cars. He is currently responsible for the business cases of product projects.

Daimler chief executive Ola Kaellenius will take over responsibility for Mercedes Vans from Wilfried Porth, who retains his role as head of human resources, Daimler said.

Markus Schaefer, currently management board member for Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development, will become chief operating officer at Daimler AG, the Stuttgart-based company said.


Bookings open for soon-to-be-launched Chevrolet Colorado at RM95,000

                SHAH ALAM: THe all-new Chevrolet Colorado pick-up truck is now open for booking at all Chevrolet authorised dealers nationwide ahead of its launch soon.

Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, the official sole importer and distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in Malaysia, said the Colorado is the latest model in Chevrolet’s great truck lineage.

The highly anticipated pick-up truck will now go at a selling price starting from RM95,000 (not inclusive of road tax and insurance).

Naza Quest Sdn Bhd also offers a standard five-years/200,000km manufacturer warranty.

In addition, first 100 early bird bookings are entitled to complimentary three years’ worth of parts and labour services.

The all-new Colorado is the latest model in Chevrolet’s great truck lineage, the second-gen facelifted Chevrolet Colorado first made its preview debut early September this year at Chevrolet display area in Naza Automall during the recent Naza Merdeka Auto Fair 2016.

The regional launch of the new Colorado pickup then took place in Cebu, the Philippines a week after, along with the new Trailblazer SUV with presence of selected media from each SEA region.

In addition to its new exterior design, the truck’s appearance is now more refined than ever with more angular lines and strong proportions – a nod to its American truck DNA.

Staying true to its tagline ‘More Than Just A Truck’, this premium American 4-door truck projects tough and capable features, built for those who seek adventure and adrenaline challenges.

With superb engine performance, excellent handling and serious off-road capability, the new Colorado indeed is ready to conquer every terrain while maintaining its refined design of tough yet sophisticated appearance making it an ideal truck for work and play.

The Colorado will go on sale with two engines of 2.5- and 2.8-litre turbodiesels to choose from and in five different variants exclusively for the Malaysian market.

Colour schemes ranges from Summit White, Black Meet Kettle, Switchblade Silver also with two new colour addition including the striking Pull Me Over Red and the more subtle Blue Mountain.

Depending on the variants, the All-New Colorado gets both automatic and six-speed manual transmission which has been tuned to offer better performance, improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

The Chevrolet Colorado is awarded with ANCAP and ASEAN NCAP 5-star rating, thus making pick-up truck one of the safest.

Among the safety equipment are Lane Departure Warning where it helps in alerting drivers when unintentionally drifting out of their lane without a turn signal at a given speed, Forward Collision Alert that warns drivers should the distance between the Colorado to vehicle ahead goes becomes too and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System that informs of tyre pressure abnormalities in each of the 4 wheels for peace-of-mind while on the road.


Volkswagen Vento Turbocharged Tour to kick off in Klang

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will be organising the “Vento Turbocharged Tour” which will be held at 11 selected locations across the country.

Participants can personally feel the power of the Vento’s turbocharged engine, and be educated on basic car safety and driving skills.

This includes proper sitting and steering wheel position, emergency braking, defensive driving skills and also slalom courses.

Members of the public can also participate in various stunt demos sessions.

The award-winning Volkswagen Vento comes with a 1.2l TSI turbocharged direct injection engine that is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission.

With the highest torque in its class, the Vento offers superior driving performance.

The Vento is also rated 5-star by ASEAN NCAP for its range of safety features including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) which participants can put to the test.

Members of the public can also test drive other Volkswagen models, and enjoy special offers on bookings made during the event.

The “Vento Turbocharged Tour” is free of charge and the driving activities are open to those with a valid driver’s license.

Details of the first three tours are listed below:


Moose not allowed to lick cars in Canada

JASPER: If you're in Alberta, Canada, there are electronic road signs warning drivers not to let moose lick their cars.

The new sign on Jasper National Park's Maligne Lake Road has warned motorists in French and English "DO NOT LET MOOSE LICK YOUR CAR."

Parks Canada installed the sign there as moose are a frequent sight on the road, with motorists typically  encountering a dozen moose between Maligne and Medicine Lakes according to a report.

The reason for the moose-licking habit stems from road salt.

"I hate to say it, but this road salt is kind of like (crack to moose)," explained Joe Urie, the owner of the Jasper Tour Company, in an interview with the CBC.

Moose lick the salt off of the tarmac, but they lick it off of a car's body panels too, so they will approach motorists.

It's a problem that's becoming increasingly common as the moose population grows.

As such, motorists are no longer allowed to leave their car if they encounter wildlife in Jasper National Park.

So if you don't want the moose to lick your car, just scare it by honking the horn of your car.


Ford teases 700hp 2019 Mustang Shelby GT500

                DETROIT: The teaser image Ford has released of a new Mustang Shelby GT500 doesn't give a great deal away about the new hardcore Mustang, but it reassures enthusiasts that the trademark GT500 stripes will definitely be adorning this much-anticipated new model.

This is going to be a model for those who find the current Shelby Mustang GT350 just a little too tame, and that's because this one is set to boast somewhere in the region of 700hp. The Blue Oval probably had to come up with something like this to finally deliver an answer to the likes of the 707hp Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and the 755hp Corvette ZR1.

Even though Ford has confirmed the GT500 will feature "innovative track technologies" and "functional track-tuned styling", this won't be an entirely track-focused model not intended for the road. Despite the power, the gaping front fascia and the new, more aggressive front end aero package feeding around into the wheel arches for a wider stance than the regular Mustang, this is very much a car that can be still be used as a daily driver.

Its power and performance is not to be underestimated though, as this will be the most powerful road-legal car Ford has ever produced when it finally hits the road in 2019.

Although the new 2019 Shelby GT500 is said to be unlikely to make the trip across the Atlantic to Europe, it would be foolish to rule it out completely.

After all, few would ever have expected a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 700 horsepower engine from the Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcats to make it to Europe. But it was recently announced at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this month that the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with that incredible powerplant under the hood was in fact headed to Europe.

Furthermore around a quarter of all Mustangs now being built by Ford in the United States are destined for the markets of Germany, China and Britain.


Go stealthy with the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO

                BOLOGNA: The new Ducati Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO, the entry model to the 1100 range, is available in Dark Stealth colour and constitutes a perfect starting point for a customization that indulges the creativity and personal taste of its owner.

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO has the same iconic and original design as the other two models in the range, the Ducati Scrambler 1100 PRO and Sport PRO, and stands out from its "big brothers" for its matt black colour with natural anodized aluminium parts, as well as its customization with classic style rear view mirrors.

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 has the 1,079 cc engine characterized by a generous torque available from low revs and the 15-litre tank.

In terms of electronics, it comes with Ducati Traction Control (DTC), specially calibrated for this model, and ABS Cornering, which guarantees maximum safety and agility in all types of turns.

In addition, there are three standard Riding Modes (Active, Journey and City) to choose from.

The new Ducati Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO is available in all Ducati dealerships and Scrambler Camps starting from the end of October 2020 in the UK.


AMD chip to power auto supplier Aisin’s new automated car parking system

                DETROIT: US chip design firm Advanced Micro Devices Inc on Wednesday said Japan’s major automotive supply company Aisin Corp has chosen AMD's micro processor to power a new system that can help cars park themselves.

“These parking systems have been very much a foothold in the very luxury vehicle market today. Aisin's solution is designed to make this more mainstream, because the solution itself is designed to fit into a very cost effective module,” said Wayne Lyons, AMD’s senior director for the automotive market.

The chip is called the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC and was developed by Xilinx, which was acquired by AMD this year.

Xilinx specialises in chips called FPGAs, or field-programmable gate array. Their circuits can be reconfigured after the chip is installed in things like cars.

This will allow automakers to update not only software, but also the chip, after the car is sold, Rehan Tahir, AMD’s senior product marketing manager for automotive told Reuters.

Tahir said the Aisin auto parking system will start production on 2024 models, but declined to say which car brands would use it.

China's NetEase tumbles after ending 14-year gaming deal with Blizzard
Aisin is a member of the Toyota Group of companies.

Toyota Motor Corp introduced one of the first parking assist systems in Japan in the early 2000s. The system, which guides vehicles into parking spaces, was offered in 2006 in the United States on the top-of-the-line Lexus LS sedan, and now is marketed on a wide range of Toyota and Lexus models, including the Prius.

Tahir said the Aisin system works with four cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors on the car to parallel park and also back into parking spaces.

But the human in the car will have to decide if that spot is in a no-parking zone, he said.


Euro 4M RON95 petrol to be introduced in January 2020

                PUTRAJAYA: RON95 petrol that conforms with Euro 4M (E4M) European fuel standard specifications will be introduced at petrol stations nationwide starting January next year.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry secretary-general Datuk Muez Abd Aziz said the E4M RON95, which is equivalent in quality with RON97, will replace the current the E2-standard petrol.

He said the new E4M RON95 petrol has environmental quality care benefits as it reduces smoke production and provides cleaner engine maintenance.

"The E4M RON95 petrol is of higher quality and the consumers will be able to enjoy it starting next year," he told Bernama in an interview Thursday (Dec 12).

Muez said industry players are preparing to carry out the sale of the higher-grade petrol where works at the depot and gas stations level had been or are being done.
Not many countries have the E4M-standard petrol and the United Kingdom and Australia were among the countries that have been using it, he said.

Prior to this, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail reportedly said that the introduction of the higher quality fuel is one of the efforts to achieve the goal of National Green Technology Policy 2009, which is about reducing environmental pollution and its impact on public health.

The goal is also the 39th promise in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto which is 'Balancing Economic Development with Environmental Protection', he said.


Toyota to use biogas-derived hydrogen tech in Thailand

                BANGKOK: Toyota, Toyota Tsusho, and Mitsubishi Kakoki will introduce biogas-derived hydrogen production equipment for the first time in Thailand.

This equipment will be used as part of a series of initiatives in the areas of producing, transporting, storing, and using hydrogen.

The three companies will continue to utilize Japan's hydrogen-related technologies to promote clean energy tailored to each country and region.

The hydrogen production equipment will be manufactured by Mitsubishi Kakoki and installed in Thailand in November 2023 to produce hydrogen from biogas derived from local chicken manure and food waste.

Toyota and Toyota Tsusho will cooperate on hydrogen production to consider the construction and introduction of an overall system for the compression, storage, and transportation of biogas and hydrogen, as well as the establishment of an operating system.

Unlike conventional hydrogen production equipment for hydrogen station-related facilities, the three companies and their respective local affiliates will work together and hold discussions to optimize the design for local conditions.


XPeng car will be taking to the roads - and the skies - in 2024

                BEIJING: Chinese electric car maker XPeng has unveiled its first prototype of a flying vehicle, intended to go to retail as early as 2024.

The manufacturer also promises a price set to defy all competitors: no more than US$157,000 (RM649,000).

XPeng has designed a flying car that can also drive quite normally on the road, which is, for now, still in the prototype stage.

Like something out of the movies, it resembles a car with two retractable wings.

But at the end of each of them is a propeller strong and powerful enough to get it to lift off and fly through the air. The design also invludes a futuristic interior, midway between car and plane, with a head-up display system.

As for the rest, we'll have to wait a while to know more.

Like a multicopter, the car takes off vertically and lands in the same way. The manufacturer claims that it has already been tested extensively and that more than 15,000 safe flights of the prototypes have taken place to date. A final version, which will obviously be more refined than this prototype, is set to be available in 2024.

At the same time, XPeng also presented its future intelligent driver assistance system, XPILOT 4.0, which will offer a near-autonomous driving mode by 2023, as well as its work on high-voltage charging technologies to accelerate charging times for its electric vehicles.


Hispano Suiza beefs up its Carmen in limited Boulogne edition

Miguel Suqué Mateu posing next to the Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne.
BARCELONA: Following on from last year's unveiling of the Carmen, the recently revived Hispano-Suiza brand has presented the Carmen Boulogne, an even more powerful of its electric supercar.

The new car was due to make its grand debut at the Geneva Motor Show, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus epidemic.

The most significant change is in the engine, which now has a power output of 820 kW, equivalent to 1,114hp, as opposed to 750 kW for the original Carmen.

The Carmen Boulogne is also lighter by 60kg, an improvement that is mainly due to a monocoque chassis that is entirely made of carbon fibre. The result of all these advances is increased performance, with acceleration from 0 to 100kph pared back to just 2.6 seconds and a top speed of 290kph.

The manufacturer has announced a range of a little over 400km, with a battery that can be 80% recharged in only 30 minutes if a rapid charger is used, or in a few hours when plugged in to a standard power outlet.

Only five copies of the new supercar, which will retail for 1.65 million euros  (RM7.7mil) excluding taxes, are to be built, with the first deliveries set to debut in 2022.

The "Boulogne" name is a reference to the Coupe George Boillot race in Boulogne-sur-Mer, which was won by Hispano Suiza three years in a row, from 1921 to 1923.

Founded in 1904, Hispano Suiza made cars until the late 1940s, before specialising in aircraft engines and components and subsequently merging with Snecma, which is now known as the Safran Group.

A few years ago, Miguel Suqué Mateu, the great-grandson of the brand's founder Damian created a new company, Hispano Suiza Cars, which is the producer of the Carmen and the Carmen Boulogne.


Lexus drops Milan design event

                TOKYO: Following the cancellation of this year's Milan Design Week, Lexus has also axed its 2020 Lexus Design Event.

Lexus said it would continue to explore opportunities to work with the creative community despite the setback caused by the Covid-19 pandemic..

The 2020 Lexus Design Award Grand Prix winner announcement, which had been scheduled for the same time, will be held separately at a date to be announced once details are confirmed, said Lexus.

First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award is an international design competition that targets up-and-coming creators from around the world.

The award seeks to foster the growth of ideas that contribute to society by supporting designers and creators whose works can help to shape a better future. It provides a unique opportunity for each finalist to work with a globally recognized designer as a mentor to create prototypes of their designs, and then exhibit them at one of the design calendar's most important events.


E-scooter firm launches refurbishment scheme to cut carbon emissions

                LONDON: An e-scooter rental company has launched a refurbishment project to more than double the lifespan of their vehicles in Europe.

Dott, which operates in Paris, London, Madrid and other major cities across Europe, will dismantle and rebuild its e-scooters to extend their current three years of service to seven years.

They will be painted and fitted with a more accurate GPS system and a phone holder. Refurbishing e-scooters instead of manufacturing and transporting new ones will reduce carbon emissions by nearly half, according to Dott.

Amid the rapid rise of e-scooter rental firms in cities across Europe, environmental experts have raised concerns about the rental e-scooters being dumped on landfills rather than being repaired or recycled once they become defective.

The programme from Dott is initially being carried out in the French city of Lyon, but will be expanded to all locations the company operates in.

"We have always prioritised the maintenance and care of our vehicles, which prolongs their lifespan and helps us to lower our environmental impact," Dott co-founder and chief operating officer Maxim Romain said.

“This new project in Lyon takes our approach to the next level, as we refurbish an entire fleet for the first time. Over 2,000 vehicles will be transformed from some of our longest serving to be as good as new, without the emissions from manufacturing and transporting new vehicles.” — PA Media


GM, Ford seek US nod to deploy self-driving vehicles without steering wheels

                DETROIT: General Motors and Ford Motor have asked US auto safety regulators to grant exemptions to deploy a limited number of self-driving vehicles without human controls like steering wheels and brake pedals.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Wednesday published the separate petitions and opened them for public comment for 30 days.

NHTSA has authority to grant petitions to allow a limited number of vehicles to operate on US roads without required human controls. Both automakers want to deploy up to 2,500 vehicles a year, the maximum allowed under the law, for ride sharing and delivery services. Neither seek approval to sell self-driving vehicles to consumers.

GM and its self-driving technology unit Cruise in February disclosed they petitioned NHTSA for permission to deploy self-driving vehicles without steering wheels, mirrors, turn signals or windshield wipers.

Ford's petition, submitted in July 2021, was previously undisclosed until NHTSA's publication Wednesday.

Ford has said it intended to deploy a self-driving ride hailing and package delivery vehicle early in this decade. The automaker told NHTSA for its self-driving vehicles "having active driving controls and communications would introduce an unacceptable risk to safety."

GM wants to deploy the Origin, a vehicle with subway-like doors and no steering wheels. GM says the vehicles will require all passengers to buckle seat belts prior to the start of their autonomous ride.

In 2018, GM petitioned NHTSA to allow a car built on a Chevrolet Bolt without steering wheels or brake pedals on U.S. roads. In late 2020, GM withdrew the petition.

GM said Wednesday it continues to work with NHTSA "as their review continues and remain eager in seeing the fully autonomous Cruise Origin on the road in the years to come."

Ford wants to deploy self-driving hybrid-electric vehicles "specifically designed and tailored to support mobility services such as ride sharing, ride hailing and package delivery."

A Ford spokesman said the "petition is an important step towards helping create a regulatory path that allows autonomous technologies to mature over time, eliminating controls and displays that are only useful to human drivers."

NHTSA administrator Steven Cliff said the agency "will carefully examine each petition to ensure safety is prioritised and to include considerations of access for people with disabilities, equity and the environment.”


Audi chief sets sights on China in electric car catch-up

                INGOLSTADT: Audi has to speed up development of new models to meet a surge in demand for electric vehicles, especially in China, the German luxury carmaker's CEO said in an interview with Reuters published on Thursday.

"We are in the process of reviewing our entire development process," Markus Duesmann said.

The company needs new and shorter production cycles for the areas of connectivity and software. "And we are also looking more intensively at how this is done in China," Duesmann said.

"I expect that over time we will get close to a development time of 30 months," he added. That compares with a current time of more like 48 months.

The Volkswagen subsidiary has lagged behind fellow German carmakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the pivot towards battery-electric vehicles (BEV).

"In 2030, the BEV share of the premium car market should already be between 60 and 70%, depending on the region," Duesmann said. "We have to react when a market suddenly changes so quickly."

That shift could happen even sooner in China, but Audi's sales performance in the world's biggest car market has fallen short of expectations. The reason, Duesmann said, is that "we still don't have the optimal vehicles on the market for Chinese needs".

From January to March, Audi sold just over 3,000 electric cars in China.

Local heavyweight BYD, meanwhile, overtook the VW brand in the first quarter to become China's top marque with a total market share of 11%, including traditional combustion-engine cars.

Software delays

Unlike BMW and Mercedes, Audi has not brought out any major additions to its model range over the past two years.

The new Q6 e-tron has been delayed by behind-schedule software development.

Its release, now set for the end of the year, marks the launch of a product offensive, with Audi aiming to bring more than 20 new models onto the market by 2025, half of them powered by electric motors.

From 2026, Audi doesn't plan any new combustion-engine models.

Hoping to offset any disappointment in China, Duesmann said the carmaker wanted to strengthen its business in North America, tapping into a strong US car market and Washington's generous subsidies programme.

Audi's strategy "has been reinforced by the Inflation Reduction Act", the CEO said, referring to the programme.

Audi has a plant in Mexico and is currently considering an expansion of its production capacity in the region, perhaps at VW's site in Tennessee.

A decision on this will "definitely be made this year," Duesmann said.


Emergency logistics operator helping to optimise car production

                LONDON: A pioneering trans-global transport operation, successfully completed by emergency logistics specialist Evolution Time Critical, has delivered a significant production timing advantage to a major vehicle manufacturer.

Body panel press tooling was brought into Britain from China by air, cutting delivery time by three weeks compared to traditional sea freight and, as a result, eliminating any threat of a costly vehicle launch delay.

“This project has been a huge undertaking for Evolution Time Critical, with on-time delivery the culmination of months of meticulous planning,” says Evolution managing director, Brad Brennan.

“Even for a company with our depth of expertise, the combination of the sheer physical scale of the shipment and the intricacies of scheduling brought new challenges.”

With a total shipment weight of 200 tonnes, and each of the body panel pressing stamps and dies weighing in excess of 20 tonnes, Evolution Time Critical chartered two Antonov An-124 aircraft – the world’s highest gross weight production cargo plane – and a Boeing 747F to handle the freight.

 The combination of two Antonov An-24 and a Boeing 747F aircraft provided the most viable option for carrying the 200 tonne shipment of body panel pressing stamps and dies, which weigh over 20 tonnes each.

“There are only 22 Antonovs of this type in operation, and for this project - one of the largest air shipments ever for a vehicle manufacturer - we required two, as well as a fully-laden Boeing 747F,” says Brennan.

“The identification and utilisation of these aircraft was central to the successful delivery of this vital tooling and the only way to meet the manufacturer’s time-sensitive needs.”

The latest in a series of similar, smaller-scale operations by Evolution Time Critical to move automotive tooling globally within the last 18 months, Brennan believes the successful delivery will increase vehicle manufacturers’ confidence in undertaking such large projects in the future: “Globalised automotive production strategies are becoming increasingly reliant on the ability of OEMs and Tier suppliers to demonstrate sufficient agility to move production across continents at short notice, without jeopardising supply chain integrity,” he explains.


New CBU Audi A4 launched in Malaysia, priced from RM249K

                PETALING JAYA: The car Audi Malaysia has been teasing about in August has finally arrived. It was officially launched today and it's a sedan touted as "more powerful, more efficient and more intelligent" than before.

It will be available in three variants but only the 2.0 TFSI will be offered at launch. The 2.0 TFSI is priced at RM248,900 (OTR with GST  but without insurance) and the first 100 units is offered at RM239,900, the same as the outgoing  1.8 TFSI.

 The Audi A4 with optional S Line package takes centrestage.
An entry level 1.4 TFSI and a performance-oriented 2.0 TFSI quattro will be introduced locally by January next year. Pricing details for these two variants will be announced when they debut. Audi Malaysia sold the previous 2.0 TFSI quattro at RM312,000.

Just as the 3 Series has been the main cash cow for BMW, the A4 has been the bread-and-butter model for Audi globally. The A4 began life as the Audi 80 in 1972.

Headlights and tail lights are all LED-based in the 2.0 TFSI. Despite being an all-round bigger car with an increase of 25mm in length and 16mm in width, the A4 is up to 120kg lighter than its predecessor due to the mix of materials and lightweight design, resulting it being the lightest vehicle in its class. The new A4 design is evolutionary and conservative rather than dramatic.

The side mirrors of the new Audi A4 also now sit on the shoulders of the car rather than off the A-pillar, imbuing the sportier look previously only seen on the Audi TT and R8, but also improving its aerodynamics.

The BMW 3 Series fighter is also up to 21% more fuel efficient. In addition, it has the best drag coefficient in its class at 0.23.

The centre of the dashboard houses the MMI radio plus, which features a fixed 7-inch screen and the Audi sound system with 6-channel amplifier and 10 loudspeakers outputting 180 watts. In the driver’s seat, the all-new Audi A4 comes fitted with a sporty 3-spoke multi-function plus leather steering wheel with shift paddles as standard.

The new A4 also gets electrically adjustable front seats with four-way lumbar support, class-leading rear seat space as well as a class-exclusive 40:20:40 rear seat split, which can increase the boot space from 480 litres to 965 litres.

Mated with a 7-speed S tronic gearbox, the latest 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine develops 190hp and 320Nm of torque from a lowly 1,450 to 4,200rpm, propelling the A4 from 0-100kph in 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 240kph. The A4 2.0 TFSI maintains class-leading fuel-efficiency with a combined fuel consumption rating of 5.0litres/100km and a CO2 emissions rating of 114g/km.

Built on the new MLB-Evo platform that also underpins the Audi Q7 SUV, the chassis of the new Audi A4 works in tandem with its electromechanical power steering system and newly developed five-link adaptive comfort suspension system with damper control to filter out road unevenness for passengers whilst ensuring optimal driver feedback.

As with all Audi vehicles, the Audi drive select comes as standard, allowing the adjustment of suspension, engine and drivetrain settings to suit the driver’s personal preferences and road conditions. The new A4 also comes equipped with a host of electronic features to ensure an efficient and safe driving experience, including a start/stop system with energy recuperation, Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC), Traction Control (ASR), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), parking aid plus with selective display, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and six airbags.

Two optional packages - S line and Technology - are available at launch to personalise the fifth-generation B9 A4.

The sporty S line package includes more aggressive front and rear bumpers, 18” 5-twin-spoke star design allow wheels, illuminated front door sill trims with aluminium inlays, Alcantara leather front sport seats in black, S line sport leather steering wheel and numerous other sporty features. It retails for an additional RM25,000.

The Technology package, which will be available shortly and expected to be RM25,000 also, will include Matrix LED headlights with dynamic indicators at the front, MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch, Audi virtual cockpit, Audi smartphone interface for Apple Car Play and Android Auto, Audi connect and a rear view camera.

An Audi official said over 100 bookings have been received for the new A4, and deliveries are expected to start next week.

The 2.0 TFSI is available in 10 colours: Glacier White, Floret Silver, Matador Red, Tango Red, Argus Brown, Scuba Blue, Monsoon Grey, Manhattan Grey and Mythos Black, as well as a special Daytona Grey with pearl effect for vehicles specified  with the S line package.

To a question on why it took "so long" to bring the car in (it was already selling in Europe late last year), Audi said it wanted to get the pricing right as it is keenly competing with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.

Local assembly is being considered for the A4, said Audi Malaysia marketing director Rudi Venter.

Also present at the A4 launch and product presentation today were Audi Malaysia product marketing head Izwan Wong and corporate communications head Isaac Lee Mathew.

READ MORE:
First drive of Audi A4 in Venice
Audi models coming in 2017
A look at the Audi A4 1.4 TFSI The standard Audi A4 2.0 TFSI.


UMW Toyota Motor continues strong surge in first four months of the year

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota Motor sold 29,393 units of Toyota and Lexus cars in the first four months of the year, representing an increase of 11% increase over the same period last year.

For the month of April, UMW Toyota Motor sold 6,868 units of Toyota cars and 78 units of Lexus.

The company said the trend is expected to continue and looks to be driving further ahead as the year progresses.

The uptick in sales results for the year-to-date is attributed to the ‘Bersama Lebih Makna’ Raya promotions, which offers benefits worth RM4,000 to those who choose to drive the Vios and Yaris home.

Always a popular choice, these Toyota best-sellers have furthered the jump in sales, with the automotive leader expecting a further hike in anticipation of upcoming new product launches.

 Vios.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said the company would continue to be innovative towards empowering Toyota lovers as the brand promotes best value deals through state-of-the-art mobility, excellent security features along with modernised performance.

“It is heartening to note that we have transitioned well into the endemic phase, and we at UMW Toyota Motor are always encouraged by the support from our customers, especially during this busy Ramadan and Raya period.

“Even with the surprise announcement of Aidilfitri falling a day earlier than expected, all our service centres were fully prepared to assist our customers in their ‘balik kampung’ journey,” he said.

In celebrating the festivities, UMW Toyota Motor launched a film entitled ‘Kota Raya’ via YouTube and several social media platforms on April 26.

 Yaris.

The film features Aedy Ashraf as Aidil, while Fitri is played by Amerul Afendi, with a special appearance by Toyota Gazoo Racing racer and Toyota Yaris ambassador, Janna Nick as Aqila.

The film is inspired by family and the importance of being together, particularly since the travel restrictions impacted the ‘balik kampung’ journey the past two years.

UMW Toyota Motor also reach out to those less fortunate in a collaboration with Harian Metro through their ‘Titipan Kasih’ programme.

With the aim of providing assistance to the underprivileged, this outreach saw UMW Toyota Motor present ‘baju raya’ worth RM150 to 50 children, along with a ‘Kotak Rezeki’ consisting of groceries valued at RM100 to 168 families.

The programme also saw 50 children receiving RM60 each as ‘duit raya’.

Volunteers from UMW Toyota Motor spent the whole day at the Masjid Nurul Iman in Kampung Tengah, Puchong.

Ravindran said the focus of this activity was for the company to share the festive celebration with the less
fortunate.

In addition, UMW Toyota Motor will be celebrating Hari Raya with its ‘Toyota Raya Open House Weekender’ from May 21-22 in all showrooms, nationwide.

This is to reconnect with Toyota customers, both past, present and future, while celebrating Hari Raya together.

The weekend event will see UMW Toyota Motor extend great deals and the latest Ramadan promotions to its customers.

There will be gifts (while stocks last) after test driving any Toyota vehicle, on top of the showroom activities prepared for all.

For more information, visit Toyota.com.my or call the Toyota freephone line at 1-800-8-TOYOTA
(869682).


Hino's widening engine scandal becomes nagging headache for Toyota

                TOKYO: A widening scandal at Japan's Hino Motors over falsification of engine data has become a headache that will not go away for parent Toyota Motor Corp, adding to a difficult year already complicated by multiple production halts.

Hino, Toyota's truck and bus unit, said on Monday it would suspend shipments of small trucks after a transport ministry investigation revealed that some 76,000 of its small trucks sold since 2019 had not been subject to the required number of engine tests.

The small trucks aren't being recalled because they don't violate emissions standards, Hino said, but it has now almost completely halted sales in the domestic market. About 19,000 of Toyota's Dyna and Toyoace trucks use the Hino engine and were also affected, Toyota said.

Monday's revelation was the latest sign of the scandal worsening for Hino since it first announced the data falsification affecting some of its bigger trucks in March.

Since then, it has said it falsified data on some engines going back as far as 2003, at least a decade earlier than originally indicated. All told, about 640,000 vehicles have been affected, or more than five times the figure initially revealed. read more

The issue has also thrown a spotlight on Toyota, Hino's 50.1% owner, with some analysts questioning whether the parent should have done more to oversee standards at the smaller company.

"Toyota's responsibility is serious," said Seiji Sugiura, senior analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Institute, adding that Toyota had responsibility for the corporate culture at Hino.

Hino became Toyota's subsidiary in 2001 and nearly all presidents since then have been those who previously worked for Toyota.

Although Toyota has done necessary tasks as a parent company in terms of approving important matters and giving advice on governance, it could not directly intervene in Hino's management, said Toyota's chief communications officer Jun Nagata.

"I do not believe that we were able to intervene," Nagata said, adding it would be up to Hino to restructure the company and protect its brand.

Corporate culture in spotlight

Shares of Hino fell 6.4% today. They are down 38% this year, making the company the worst performer of the 57 comprising the Tokyo exchange's automotive index.

The woes come in a difficult year for Toyota, after vehicle output fell 10% short of its original plan in the April-June quarter, hit by a global semiconductor shortage and supply chain disruptions because of China's Covid-19 lockdowns.

Still, Toyota's shares are little changed this year.

Hino has said that even though the engine for the small trucks was supposed to be tested at least two times at each measurement point, it was only tested once at each site.

A company-commissioned panel said in a report this month that Hino had falsified emissions data on some engines going back to at least 2003, or more than a decade earlier than previously indicated. read more

Hino blamed an inward-looking corporate culture and a management failure to engage sufficiently with workers that led to an environment that put greater priority on achieving schedules and numerical targets than following processes.

Hino joins a string of Japanese automakers involved in improper emissions tests.

In 2018, the government said Mazda Motor Corp, Suzuki Motor Corp and Yamaha Motor Co Ltd had improperly tested vehicles for fuel economy and emissions.

Subaru Corp and Nissan Motor Co Ltd were under scrutiny for the same reason the year before.

The accuracy of automakers' emissions data was thrown into doubt in 2015 when Germany's Volkswagen AG admitted it had installed secret software in hundreds of thousands of US diesel cars to cheat emissions tests and that as many as 11 million vehicles could have similar software worldwide.


70% of faulty Takata front airbag inflators replaced, says Honda Malaysia

                KUALA LUMPUR: Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd announced that it has replaced 70% of the affected Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflators as of this month.

In a statement today, the carmaker said it had replaced 81.2% of affected Takata driver front airbag inflators, and 59.5% of Takata passenger front airbag inflators.

The company said it would ensure that the airbag inflators would always be in stock, as part of its effort to ensure the safety of the customers and to ease the process of replacing the affected Takata airbag inflators.

It said it would continue its replacement services via the Honda Malaysia Mobile Hub in selected shopping malls and Petronas stations, making it convenient for customers to replace the airbag inflators without having to set appointments.

“To make it even more accessible for affected customers, the Honda Malaysia Mobile Hub in various shopping malls in Peninsular Malaysia will be available every weekend in August,” it said.

The company urged car owners to replace the defective airbag inflators as soon as possible, warning that the airbags may deploy with excessive force and may rupture, resulting in injury or fatality.

“Affected customers are strongly encouraged to make an appointment at any Honda Authorised Service Centre to avoid delays or setbacks in replacing the Takata front airbag inflators,” it said.

Honda customers can check their vehicles recall status either by logging on to www.honda.com.my or www.productrecall.honda.com.my, or by calling the Honda toll-free number 1-800-88-2020.

Honda-Malaysia-Mall-Hubs-and-Petronas-Location-and-Operating-Hours_080817.pdf


Covid-19: Infiniti USA launches digital sales platform

                LOS ANGELES: Infiniti USA has launched a new "Infiniti Now" initiative, with dealers scheduling services to meet customers where they may feel the most comfortable, such as vehicle pickup and delivery, mobile test drives, at-home vehicle delivery, and enhanced vehicle cleaning.

This also may include the frequent enhanced cleaning of high-touch areas and the implementation of social distancing within retail stores.

There is also a 1:1 personal digital shopping tool to connect customers directly with Infiniti salespeople, who will help with everything from browsing and learning about the line-up to scheduling a test drive and getting financing.

The programme can be accessed on www.infinitiusa.com or through a participating retailer website, and will empower consumers to speak with a local retailer via text or video.

Beta testing in select markets for evaluation and optimization has already begun, with a full roll-out for participating retailers beginning July 1, 2020.

Dealers can also text clients an interactive multi-point inspection of their vehicle.

Called ICAR-X Service, this system will update the customer on their vehicle's condition after the technician completes the inspection.

If any items require attention, the customer can authorize additional services from their phone with full transparency of pricing, allowing an exchange of information while respecting social distancing.


Malaysia needs to shift focus to EV perks — fast

                PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s low carbon mobility blueprint, which has sparked interest in the country’s vehicle electrification ambitions, might not be forward-looking enough to drive its Asean electric vehicle (EV) target.

An analyst said Malaysia is still trailing its regional counterparts when it comes to pursuing the EV agenda.

“Neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore are making huge strides in defining their EV plans and are successfully attracting large-scale foreign direct investments.

“Malaysia, on the other hand, is still largely focused on incentives that promote internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). We need to shift that focus if we want to attract more investors within the EV space, or we will risk losing out to our regional peers, ” he told StarBiz.

According to Maybank Investment Bank Research (Maybank IB), the publicly available draft copy of the “Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-30: Decarbonising Land Transportation” report on Malaysia’s upcoming EV roadmap has many positives.

“For a start, it is more EV-focused compared with the National Automotive Policy 2020. That said, it fails to drive home the aspiration to accelerate EV adoption from ICEVs to battery EVs (BEVs).

READ MORE: Momentum building as 12 US states seek to phase out petrol-powered vehicle sales by 2035

“Based on our interpretation, the EV policy is skewed towards plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) and not BEVs. Of the 100,000 units of EV to be fully tax exempted, only 10% (or 10,000 units) is allocated for BEVs, up to 2022.

“This means 90,000 units are for PHEVs, ” it said in a report.

Citing the International Council on Clean Transportation, Maybank IB said the fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions of PHEVs are up to four times the level of what they are approved for, as users do not charge them enough.

“A research by the European NGO Transport and Environment shows that when driven in combustion-engine mode, the carbon dioxide emissions are higher for PHEVs than they are for ICEVs.

“For that, the European Union wants to phase out PHEVs (as they are not considered a sustainable investment) by 2026, compared with 2030 previously, to accelerate its EV transition.”

An industry observer said EV is the future of the automotive industry.

“Each year, we’re seeing global vehicle manufacturers adding a new EV model to their line-up, ” he said.

Maybank IB noted that consumers tend to buy PHEVs solely for their lower price point, rather than for environmental reasons.

“PHEVs, when in pure electric mode, have lower driving range (100km or less) compared with BEVs (300km or more).

“This defeats the purpose of building a nationwide EV charging infrastructure, which is more BEV-purposeful than a PHEV. To emphasise this point, BEVs have consistently outsold PHEVs and hybrid EVs over the past four years by two-to-one.”

Additionally, the research house said PHEV sales in Asia-Pacific peaked in 2018 and have since been declining.

“That said, the policy needs to re-focus on BEVs and less on PHEVs. Until then, Malaysia is unlikely to inspire automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bring in their BEV models and/or relocate their BEV plants here.”

MIDF Research in a report, meanwhile, believes that Malaysia’s low carbon mobility blueprint can drive larger participation in the EV space by foreign OEMs.

“Though it is still subject to cabinet approval and there is no certainty that all proposals will be implemented, the blueprint, which focuses on decarbonising the road transport sector, is a broad positive and could drive larger participation in the EV space by foreign OEMs, local distributors and local manufacturers, in which Malaysia has been falling behind regional peers.”

MIDF Research noted that the blueprint essentially entailed four focus areas, 10 strategies and 45 action plans, surrounding vehicle fuel economy and emission improvement; EV and low emission vehicle adoption; alternative fuel adoption; and greenhouse gas emission and energy reduction via mode shifts.

“The blueprint also outlines the adoption of BEVs in the government’s and government-linked companies’ (GLCs) fleet as a catalyst for wider adoption.

“This involves a target of 10% penetration of BEV in the government fleet by 2022, rising to 20% within 2023 to 2025.

“By 2026 to 2030, it is targeted that 50% of the government’s fleet will comprise of BEVs, ” it said.

For GLCs, MIDF Research said the target is to achieve 20% BEV penetration between 2023 and 2025, rising to 50% between 2026 and 2030.


Over RM260,000 in traffic summonses payments collected by Selangor police

                SHAH ALAM: Police have so far collected RM264,790 in traffic summonses payments after offering a 50 per cent discount in conjunction with the Selangor Keluarga Malaysia Aspirations Tour being held at the Shah Alam Stadium grounds here.

Shah Alam district police chief Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim said as of 4pm today, a total of 2,392 traffic summonses were settled at a temporary counter set up.

As the offer ends tomorrow, he encouraged the public to settle their outstanding summonses either at the event or at the Shah Alam district police headquarters from 9am to 4pm.

"All traffic summonses will be offered the 50% discount, except for non-compoundable offences, cases mentioned in court, heavy vehicle and emergency lane offences, overtaking dangerously and on double lines, beating red lights and exhaust modifications," he said.

The Selangor tour kicked off on Friday with various programmes and activities and ends on Sunday.

Organised by the Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives Ministry, the eighth edition of the event themed "Malaysian Family Entrepreneurs Drivers of National Economy", features about 100 booths set up by small and medium-scale industry entrepreneurs and also 109 activities throughout the three-day event.


Women are ‘better’ drivers than men

                BEIJING: Woman drivers have been drawing increasing public attention, and given their gender bias, some people even consider woman drivers “killers behind wheels”.

According to Chinese tradition, men should work outside home and women within the confines of home. This gender bias has made some people suppose men are good at driving cars while women are not.

Research shows that gender differences do exist, mainly in terms of sense of space and language ability. If men in general have a better sense of space, women normally are better with languages. But that doesn’t necessarily mean all women have a poor sense of space.

In fact, given their cautious nature, women are more careful drivers than men. Statistics also show that most of the “killers behind wheels” are men. — China Daily / Asia News Network


Cycle & Carriage Bintang PJ upgraded

                PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Sdn Bhd together with its authorised dealer, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad (CCB), unveiled the newly upgraded CCB Autohaus located at Lot 19, Jalan 51A/219, Petaling Jaya.

Measuring 150,210sq ft, it accomodates 21 showroom vehicles and a work bay capacity for 40 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars for general and specialised repair solutions. It is managed by 36 retail staff and 79 after-sales staff.

A total of RM43mil was invested into the showroom which displays the latest Mercedes-Benz Corporate Identity (CI) aimed at enhancing the customer experience.

“Our CI is a fundamental aspect of this pursuit of excellence and a key component in the Mercedes-Benz DNA. The CI is also instrumental in maintaining a significant and identifiable presence throughout our dealer network which is why our partners, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad and their relentless enthusiasm for the brand has been so valued,” said Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and chief executive officer, Dr Claus Weidner.

Also present were Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad chief executive officer Datuk Wong Kin Foo and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vice president, sales and marketing passenger cars, Mark Raine.

 Cycle & Carriage Bintang Bhd CEO Wong Kin Foo (left) and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia president and CEO Dr Claus Weidner at the upgraded Mercedes-Benz Petaling Jaya Autohaus.

Built with customer comfort in mind, it features an extended customer lounge area with a vertical garden. In addition, its latest i-Showroom includes digital touch screens for customers to gain a better understanding of Mercedes-Benz product features and sales processes.

“We remain committed to the growth of Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia and after this, will be introducing our newly renovated Autohaus in Georgetown, Penang. Our present showroom in Jalan Tun Razak will be relocated to the trendiest location at TREC KL by the end of February. By the middle of this year, CCB will open its 12th Autohaus in the country at Cheras.

“Our dedication towards delivering exceptional customer experiences continues with another RM30mil investment over the next two years to upgrade our Autohauses in Alor Setar, Bukit Tengah, Juru, Ipoh, Mutiara Damansara and Johor Bahru,” said Wong.

Currently, CCB has a presence in 11 locations nationwide with seven 3S Autohauses, two 1S showrooms and two 2S service centres.


Proton sold 5,283 cars in February 2019, X70 SUV sees surging sales

                SUBANG JAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd has recorded 5,283 new car sales in February 2019.

In a statement today, the auto manufacturer said the number represented an estimated market share of 12.7%, an increase of over 3% compared to the same month in 2018.

“With February being a short month and traditional low period for car sales in Malaysia, due to Chinese New Year holidays, the majority of automotive brands projected a slower month.

“Proton however bucked the trend as sales showed a healthy increase of 37% year on year. Therefore for the first two months of 2019, sales have grown by a cumulative figure of 42% over 2018,” it said.

It added that Proton leads all its rivals for sales growth for a second consecutive month, comfortably reinforcing its position as the third best-selling automotive brand in Malaysia and eyeing a possible return to second place by the end of the year.

Registrations for the Proton X70 continue to increase in volume with each passing month. 2,823 units were registered in February, a number that includes 1,000 units delivered on the same day to customers throughout the country prior to Chinese New Year.

As at the end of February, over 20,000 bookings have been placed for Proton’s first SUV, exceeding initial expectations.

“The X70 is building its fan base and attracting strong support from Malaysian SUV buyers." said CEO Dr Li Chunrong.

“We are very thankful for the bookings we have received and are working very hard to get as many units registered and delivered to our customers as quickly as possible.”


Porsche launches effort to make carbon-neutral 'e-fuel'

                LOS ANGELES: Porsche has no plan to make an electric version of its iconic 911 sports cars. So, how to ensure continued sale of its flagship model far into the future, when governments around the world, including California's, are planning to eventually ban sales of new internal combustion cars?

Porsche's answer: carbon-neutral "synthetic" petrol that could fuel any car's engine, not just Porsches.

Through a new pilot project the German maker of high performance automobiles announced on Wednesday, windmills in Chile would provide electricity to turn water into hydrogen fuel and oxygen.

As part of the same process, carbon dioxide would be filtered from the air. The hydrogen and carbon dioxide would be combined to form methane, to be reformulated as a petrol substitute. Because the carbon dioxide was already in the air, the resulting tailpipe emissions would add no greenhouse houses to the atmosphere.

The aim is to "show what's technically possible," said Michael Steiner, head of Porsche research and development, so that so-called e-fuel can be sampled by drivers and evaluated by regulators as governments crack down on greenhouse gases to address climate change.

The technologies that underlie the Porsche project are already proven and well understood. Water has been turned into hydrogen and oxygen for decades, through the process of electrolysis. Engineers have decades of experience turning methane into petrol-like fuel as well. The increasing capacity of solar and wind energy makes a carbon-neutral process possible.

The potential barriers: cost, distribution and acceptance by customers and regulators.

Once the plant is up and running, the company said, the e-fuel will be used first in Porsche racing cars and cars at Porsche Experience Centers, including the one located in Carson, where potential customers, for a fee, can drive Porsches at high speeds on a racetrack.

Porsche's partners in the venture include Siemens Energy and Exxon Mobil. Once the fuel goes to market, it would use the same gas station pumps as regular petrol. It would be more expensive, though Stein said the price would be competitive with regular petrol if it were untaxed. However, he said, if it catches on, expanded production could lower the cost and price significantly.

That governments would give the fuel a tax break is by no means assured. It's also unclear whether the availability of a zero-emissions fuel compatible with internal combustion engines would cause governments to reconsider their plans to ban sales of new petrol cars. "We don't know" whether regulators will accommodate e-fuel, Steiner said.

Porsche said its commitment to electric vehicles remains firm.

"By 2025, at least 50 per cent of cars we sell will be fully electric or plug-in hybrid," Steiner said.

Earlier this year, Porsche began selling its Taycan all-electric sports car. Next up, the company plans to soon introduce an all-electric version of the Macan compact sport utility vehicle. The company sells a hybrid version of its bestselling car, the Cayenne SUV. - Los Angeles Times


Ford to buy EV charging management platform Electriphireu

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co said today it would acquire Electriphi, which provides charging management and fleet monitoring software for electric vehicles, as the carmaker aims to electrify 40% of its automobiles by 2030.

California-based Electriphi's platform helps track the real-time status of vehicles, chargers and maintenance services, besides providing fleet electrification.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based company did not disclose the terms of the deal, which is expected to close this month and would allow Ford to offer depot charging solutions for customers making the switch from fossil fuels to electric batteries.

Electriphi's charging management platform will be a part of Ford Pro, the automaker's new stand-alone unit to focus exclusively on commercial and government customers.

"By adding Electriphi's existing advanced technology to the Ford Pro electric vehicles and services offering, we can enhance the commercial customer experience and become a single-source solution for fleet depot charging challenges," said chief executive of Ford Pro, Ted Cannis.

Morgan Stanley & Co LLC is serving as a financial adviser to Ford.


Kia Sorento eliminates driver’s blind spots

                LONDON: The new Kia Sorento gets cutting-edge Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) technology, which eliminates a driver’s left- and right-side blind spots.

The Sorento is the first Kia vehicle in Europe to offer this advanced driving assistance feature, one of a range of functions enabled by the car’s new fully-digital ‘Supervision’ 12.3-inch instrument cluster.

BVM is linked with the car’s turn signal, and displays a high-resolution video feed on the left or right side of the TFT-LCD instrument cluster if the driver indicates to change lane with another vehicle hidden in their blind spot.

The video of the blind spot briefly takes the place of either the speedometer or tachometer dial display (or the hybrid system gauge in Sorento Hybrid models), while still showing the driver the vehicle’s current speed.

The video feed comes from discreet wide-angle, high-resolution cameras, one hidden in each of the door mirror housings.

These provide a wider viewing angle than the mirrors themselves to give drivers a clear view of the other vehicle.

Kia’s BVM technology is offered to European Sorento buyers as part of a package which includes a Surround View Monitor and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA), making low-speed parking manoeuvres as safe and easy as possible, as well as a Bose Performance Series audio system.


BMW now offers over-the-air software updates

                MUNICH: BMW models that have the latest Operating System 7.0 will now receive over-the-air software updates just like in smartphones. While BMW has come late to the market with this feature compared with Tesla, it's never too late to do so.

With the Remote Software Upgrade feature, customers would also be able to add digital services at a later date.

Depending on their car’s specification, customers will be able to use Remote Software Upgrade to activate additional functions seamlessly and conveniently from their home, via smartphone or inside the car itself.

The additional functions of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated for models such as the new X5, 3 Series and 8 Series, which all use the latest BMW Operating System.

Future software upgrades would regularly expand and improve the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant’s skills. These cyclical updates are free and include software adaptations and function extensions.

More car makers are starting to follow Tesla's lead in introducing such upgrades remotely because it is convenient and saves them money. However, such practices if not implemented properly and securely may lead to electronic glitches or safety issues if there is an upgrade failure or hacking during the deployment. At the same time, car makers need to educate customers on how the upgrades would alter the car's behaviour or operations, if at all.


Tesla to end production of 60kWh Model S

                SAN FRANCISCO: Tesla has announced that it is stopping production of its cheapest Model S.

The version with the 60kWh battery will be available to order until April 16.

The 60kWh version has a “detuned” battery pack as it can be upgraded to the 75kWh with an over-the-air update. The upgrade is a US$9,500 option. The 60kWh Model S has a 338km range while the 75kWh can go 400km on a single charge.

Both have a single motor in the back to drive the rear wheels.

The base model variant, introduced a year ago, has seen many customers buying it and upgrading it to the 75kWh version, which is why Tesla has decided to axe the cheapest version.

“To simplify the ordering process for our customers, we will be removing the 60kWh option from our lineup,” Tesla said in a statement.

The 60kWh version is priced from US$68,000 (RM302,000) before any state or federal tax incentives; the 75kWh version starts from US$74,500 (RM331,000).


Chrysler brand to become all-electric in 2028

                DETROIT: Chrysler, an iconic American auto brand, plans to transition to an all-electric fleet by 2028, the company now owned by Stellantis announced Wednesday.

Chrysler, founded in 1925 here, announced the new target as it unveiled an all-electric "concept" vehicle at the Consumer Electronics Show.

The automaker plans to launch its first all-electric vehicle for the commercial market by 2025.

The concept vehicle offers connections to customers' digital apps and music, and "intuitive" artificial intelligence, Stellantis said.

"The Chrysler Airflow Concept represents the future direction of the Chrysler brand, providing a peek at the dynamic design, advanced technologies and seamless connectivity that will characterise the full-electric portfolio we plan to reach by 2028," said Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand CEO.

While Wednesday's announcement only concerns the Chrysler brand, parent company Stellantis previously announced plans to invest 30 billion euros in electrification and software through 2025.

Stellantis has promised "best-in-class fully electrified solutions" for all 14 brands, which range from European mainstays like Peugeot and Fiat to American truck makers Ram and Jeep.

Stellantis was formed in January 2021 through the merger of Peugeot SA with Fiat Chrysler.

The Chrysler announcement comes a day after Ford unveiled plans to nearly double production capacity for the electric version of its top-selling F-150 pickup truck due to strong demand.

Also on Wednesday, General Motors chief executive Mary Barra delivered a virtual keynote speech at CES where she unveiled an all-electric variant of the automaker's popular Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.


Volkswagen Alor Star upgraded to 4S centre

                KUALA LUMPUR: Volkswagen Alor Star, operated by Lee Motors Autohaus Sdn Bhd has upgraded their dealership from a 3S centre to a 4S centre with the addition of a Body & Paint facility.

This brings the total of Volkswagen 4S centres in the country to 10.

Volkswagen Alor Star is a one-stop centre that spreads over three floors.

Spanning over 35,352 square feet, the showroom is located on the ground floor, aftersales service on the second floor and the latest addition of Body & Paint on the third floor. The outlet is strategically located at Aman Central in Kedah.

The new Body & Paint workshop offers services such as accident repair, paint touch-up and respray, panel knocking recovery, chassis alignment and paint mixing.

The facilities available are a spray booth, two preparation bays, a polishing and finishing bay, as well as a two-post hoist bay.

A Car-0-Liner alignment bay is available and manned by trained professional panel beater and painters.

Volkswagen Alor Star also uses one of the world’s best water-based paints - Cromax Pro Waterbase, at its new Body & Paint workshop.

Additionally, the 4S outlet is equipped with cargo lifts, diagnostics tools as approved by Volkswagen Germany as well as a special CCTV system where customers can watch their cars being serviced from the comfort of the customer lounge.

Eugene Lee, director and dealer principal of Lee Motors Autohaus said that Lee Motors is fully committed to serving customers with the best service offers and convenience.

“Our goal is to serve as a one-stop centre for all things Volkswagen in the region, and to continue building trust amongst our customers and enhance the overall ownership experience.”

Erik Winter, managing director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia also congratulated Lee Motors on the upgrade.

“Lee Motors have been part of our dealer network for 5 years, and we commend them on their commitment to ensure that high quality and standards are met for our customers. Together with our other dealer partners, we will continue to uphold our Volkswagen Cares promise to increase the joy of ownership of our owners.”

Volkswagen Alor Star operates from Sunday to Friday from 9am to 6pm and is closed on Saturdays and on public holidays. Working hours are applicable to sales, service and body & paint.


Almera NISMO packs kick off entry of Nissan motorsports brand in Thailand

                BANGKOK: Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co Ltd  today  launched the NISMO  brand in Thailand with the unveiling of the Almera NISMO Performance Package and Aero Package at the 37th Bangkok International Motor Show.

The Almera has been the best-selling eco car in Thailand with total sales of over 130,000 units since its launch in 2012.

NISMO CEO Shoichi Miyatani said the two Almera packages were developed by the same design team that worked on the GT-R NISMO.

Also on display at the Bangkok show are the X-Trail with petrol and hybrid engines, Juke  Color Studio and Navara Sportech and Sylphy DIG turbo.

Nissan is throwing in extra goodies for each model on sale at the show.  For example, those who buy the March will receive a free DVD player.

Established in 1984 as the motorsports arm of Nissan, NISMO has built its reputation in the world of motorsports by delivering results in motor racing series around the world. NISMO won 9 titles worldwide last year, including Super GT GT500, GT300 in Japan and GT3 in Europe, Australia, and the United States. NISMO also landed double victories in GT500 and GT300 at Thailand’s Chang International Circuit.


MG4: MG's first bespoke electric poised to grab big market share

                BERLIN: MG means business these days and the company is pressing forward with an affordable electric car that could take the sector by storm.

The dormant English company, which was bought up by the Chinese, was content to sell combustion engines for the last two years, but had already made a name for itself.

The company has now launched its first dedicated electric car, the MG4, at prices starting in Europe from €31,990 (around RM150,000).

No this is not a trendy runabout like the Ora or a luxurious saloon like with Nio, but a boldly-designed yet conventionally-drawn hatchback for the masses.

The gamble could pay off since the car offers as much space at the top dog VW Golf with a combustion engine and the new electric ID3 is a tad too expensive for many.

The rub is that is that the price of the MG undercuts its rivals by 20% yet still manages to offer an attractive package.

At 4.30 metres long, with a 2.71-metre wheelbase, there is sufficient space for four adults and the usable radius between charges of up to 450km provides a good radius of action.

The MG4 breaks the mould too. Whereas Chinese cars in this class were previously mostly inferior copies of other maker's models, the MG4 has an original and coherent design.

The front aspect is pleasing, while the rear is more provocative, with a distinctive spoiler and striking LED flashes in the protruding tail lights.

On the inside, the Chinese car has taken cues from Wolfsburg's ID models but MG's developers have done their homework. There is a small screen behind the steering wheel and a large touchscreen next to it.

But instead of the idiosyncratic gearshift on the steering wheel, the MG driver selects the direction with a fancy rotary wheel in front of the centre console.

Whereas the fingers of VW customers have to fumble over sensor strips in the dark, the most important functions in the MG can be operated unerringly with conventional switches.

MG is generous, at least when it comes to equipment. There is navigation and Apple CarPlay for everyone and a suite of assistance systems ranging from automatic distance control to cameras that take care of the blind spot when turning.

Only the heated seats, the heat pump and the WLAN hotspot are reserved for the top model, which, at €37,990 (RM178,000), costs as much as the VW entry-level model.

The MG4 is based on a new corporate platform that will bring a whole series of electrics into the MG showrooms over the next few years. It relies on an extremely flat battery with a diameter of only 11 cm.

In the MG4 it has 51 or 64 KWh depending on the model variant, is enough for 350km or 450km of range and can be charged with up to 135 kW. This is average at best, but the battery can be conditioned at the touch of a button before charging.

This saves a lot of charging time and still ensures short stops in the end. Under optimal conditions the MG4 can top up its batteries from 10 to 80% in 35 minutes. The car is also capable of bidirectional charging and can supply power for e-bikes or even a holiday home.

The drive is provided by an engine on the rear axle, which produces 130 kW/170 hp in the basic model and 150 kW/204hp in combination with the large battery. Maximum torque is 250 Nm.

This is enough for sprinting times of less than 8 seconds and a top speed that is limited to 160 km/h, as is usual in this class.

While many other electric cars are mundane to drive, the MG4 is fun to hustle along country roads. The chassis is well-balanced, there is a low centre of gravity, quick and direct steering and a stability control system.

The MG4 shows that its owner SAIC is making a serious effort to break into the market. It will need customer trust in order to take on the market leaders.

With solid technology, competitive key data and an unrivalled price, the MG4 certainly has what it takes to challenge European models like the VW ID3.


Demand exceeds supply: Ford to cut orders for hybrid pick up Maverick, says WSJ

                DETROIT: Ford Motor Co is cutting off customer orders for the Maverick, a hybrid affordable pickup that the automaker had rolled out in June last year, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday.

Ford told its dealers in a memo that it is suspending customer orders for the Maverick pickup truck because it is already straining to fill a backlog, the WSJ reported.

The company will resume taking orders for the 2023 Maverick in the summer, the report said.

Ford did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The Maverick compact pickup truck was launched with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain as standard equipment, a technology choice aimed at keeping the vehicle's starting price below US$20,000 (RM84,000).

The worldwide shortage of computer chips has left car manufacturers unable to complete assembly of some new vehicles.

Supply-chain and production disruptions have left auto dealers with reduced inventory levels.


Maserati to make track car that goes beyond MC20 performance

                MODENA: Maserati presented Project24 last week, introducing a limited series of super sports car for the track.

Only 62 units would be built.

The extreme track-only car inherits the specifications of the MC20, enhancing it with technical specifications that have advanced even further: the state-of-the-art V6 Nettuno engine adds new turbochargers to raise its power to 740hp, innovative suspension, carbon-ceramic braking system and tyres tuned up for racing, as well as FIA-approved safety features.

Based on the brand’s obsession with lightness, the target weight of the new two-seat Maserati vehicle will be below 1,250kg. The combination of output and lightness result in a vehicle with a power-to-weight ratio of 1.69 kg/hp.

Designed by Centro Stile Maserati, the Project24 has a completely new look.

Maserati said it is pushing the design boundaries to the limits, free of the constraints usually seen in a racing car. The result is something never seen before, combining beauty with genuine sporty capabilities to become an instant classic collector’s item.

Maserati Project24 is the emblem of exclusivity and will offer a unique range of services, including track-specific experiences and state-of-the-art support, exclusively for the owners of Project24.


Advanced car carriers debut in Malaysia

                PETALING JAYA: Local car carrier company Starrtrek Carriers Sdn Bhd today introduced the Confidential Auriga Deluxe 122 and Blizzard semi-trailers, which it said represent the first of their kind in Malaysia.

The Auriga Deluxe will move vehicles and shield them from the harsh Malaysian weather, road gravel and stone chips due to the trailer being fully enclosed, while the Blizzard semi-trailers are non-enclosed, but offers the ability to load more vehicles than the norm per trip.

The Auriga Deluxe can accommodate a maximum of six passenger vehicles or up to four sports utility vehicles for each trip depending on the vehicle dimension, while the Blizzard semitrailer can carry a maximum of 10 units of cars depending on the dimension and kerb weight.

Use cases for such car carriers are vehicle transfer from manufacturers and distributors to the dealerships; vehicle transfer for import and export; and vehicle transfers to auto shows, new model launches and race events.

In addition, the Auriga Deluxe promises ultimate protection and maximum security. The Auriga's other unique selling points are that side doors can be fully opened to aid vehicle loading and it has a lifting roof with proximity sensors.

Currently, Starrtrek Carriers has a total of one Auriga Deluxe and six units of Blizzard semi-trailers and operate throughout Peninsular Malaysia.

The car carriers are made by Rolfo S.p.A of Italy, with the Auriga Deluxe priced at RM900,000 and the Blizzard at RM500,000.

Both Auriga Deluxe and Blizzard semi-trailers are equipped with advanced hydraulic systems for easier vehicle loading and unloading with minimal handling.

Their lightweight galvanised steel superstructures combined with new technology and innovation enable multiple high loading capacities for today's automotive logistics and transportation business.
 Kumar.
Starrtrek Carriers said it hires "only the best handpicked drivers" to fulfil door-to-door services.

Both Auriga Deluxe and Blizzard are supported by Scania prime movers, which are fitted with GPS and surveillance cameras for safety and compliance.

Starrtrek Carriers managing director Datuk Kumar Prabakaran said its fleet of automotive transporters are the best-in-class European-designed car carriers.

He said the lifespan of the car carriers is 12 years. "Anything after that is a bonus," said Kumar, who has over 30 years’ experience in the Malaysian automotive logistics industry.

“With these state-of-the-art car carriers, we are setting another benchmark for higher quality and no compromise vehicle logistics service. We are proud to be a pioneer in this field and to be able to offer our customers even higher quality door-to-door services."

At present, the Blizzard car carriers have a utilisation rate of 90%, said Kumar, adding that the Auriga Deluxe would be deployed on a weekly run to Langkawi within two weeks.

For more details, go to www.starrtrekcarriers.com.my or make a Whatsapp call to 017-998 8262.


Toyota to integrate Amazon Alexa into its vehicles

                DALLAS: Automakers such as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Nissan, Hyundai Motor, Daimler and Ford, have already introduced Alexa voice commands that can operate vehicle functions such as locks and climate control.

But it seems Toyota is going to be taking things a whole lot further by actually integrating Alexa into some Toyota and Lexus vehicles, starting as early as this year.

Of course, voice command in vehicles is nothing new. But up to now, most systems have been so inconsistent at recognising what we're actually saying that few people ever use them beyond trying them out as a novelty when they first get the car.

However, Amazon's Alexa has already proved its capability in millions of homes around the world, so it makes sense for Toyota and others to adopt it as their preferred system of voice recognition.

BMW is another major automaker that has decided to bring the Alexa app into its vehicles, and this year Toyota will join the party by offering Alexa in vehicles equipped with either the EnTune 3.0 or EnForm 2.0 infotainment systems.

As for what Alexa will actually be used for in the Toyota and Lexus models it's going to be available in, the possibilities are almost endless. The Japanese auto giant suggests a variety of different uses, including taking notes and setting reminders, activating apps, or for controlling other smart devices, such as the heating system and other connected devices in your home. And of course, there's a good possibility you'll be able to order goods from Amazon, too.

It's a forward-thinking move by Toyota, but a little odd when it still doesn't offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity in any Toyota or Lexus vehicle. Despite the growing popularity of Amazon Alexa, it's safe to assume far more people use Apple and Android devices on a daily basis, especially in their vehicles.


How VW Atlas Cross Sport delivers concert-quality sound

                WOLFSBURG: You may be among the millions of vehicle owners who have never taken note of how many speakers your car has. But for many, car audio systems matter greatly – after all, if you’re going to commute in your vehicle a couple hours a day, you should enjoy the environment it creates.

In the digital era, car audio has become less about total volume of sound and more about tuning the sound for the environment. And since 2011, Volkswagen has teamed with Fender and Panasonic to bring a new quality to the sound inside your car.

The first Fender Premium Audio System debuted in the 2011 Beetle, Passat and Jetta GLI, offering 400 watts, eight speakers and the in-person type of sound that has made Fender such a legendary name in music. Volkswagen has continued to partner with Panasonic and Fender to implement systems in other models, including the 2015 Golf, and select Golf, Passat, Tiguan and Atlas models.

With that system, “we’re able to put concert-quality sound inside a vehicle,” said Tom Dunn, Director of Global Audio Solutions at Panasonic. “The emotion of a live performance is something we were all familiar with, but it was not something anyone expected to feel while driving their car.”

Applying that same formula to the 2020 Atlas Cross Sport posed some unique challenges.

“The Atlas has three rows and seven seats, which gives the vehicle a large cabin space,” said David Ernst, Panasonic’s Senior Acoustics Engineer. “The Atlas Cross Sport has two rows and five seats, so we had to pare down the design of the Fender Premium Audio System for the smaller model without taking away any of the quality.”

To adapt the original Atlas audio system for the size of the Atlas Cross Sport, Ernst and his team tested the system with focus groups and people at events and concerts. The team even had musical artists sit in the Atlas Cross Sport and listen to their own music on the system to see how well it matched in quality and expectation.

“We did a lot of fine-tuning to make sure the product would be perfect for passengers, wherever they sat inside the vehicle,” Ernst said.

This latest Fender Premium Audio System includes 12 separate Fender speakers around the Atlas Cross Sport cabin. The 80-mm front-center channel speaker brings vocals to life, as if from a concert stage. In the front doors, two 200-mm dual voice coil woofers deliver lower tones with minimal distortion, even when played at high volumes. Four 60-mm soft dome tweeters, located in the first and second rows, convey the richness and clarity of each instrument.

Two 168-mm speakers in the rear doors deliver a smooth low-frequency and midrange response, and two 80-mm wide frequency speakers in the D-pillar mimic the depth and spaciousness of a concert venue. In the back, a 168-mm subwoofer sits in a 12-liter enclosure, completing the audio spectrum with cabin-filling bass that passengers can feel in their chests. All told, the system can pump out 480 watts of power – enough to help recreate that front-row-concert sound.

After spending months optimizing the Atlas Cross Sport, Ernst says he’s proud of the “concert feeling” passengers have when listening to the final product.

“This partnership is not just about the hardware of the audio system,” said Dunn. “It’s an opportunity to connect with customers on an emotional level. And Volkswagen has always recognized the importance of this connection.”