All charged up: BMW iX3 with 460km range gets digital world premiere

MUNICH: The all-electric BMW iX3 made its world premiere in digital format today.

The broadcast of the live stream began at 10:00 CEST (4pm in Malaysia).

As published before, the all-electric iX3 model will hit showrooms by the end of 2020. It is built at its China-based BMW Brilliance Automotive joint-venture (BBA) plant in Dadong.

The X3 is the first model to be available with a petrol or diesel engine, plug-in hybrid drive system or all-electric drive system.

With the iX3, the BMW Group is adding another fully-electric vehicle to its portfolio that will not only tap into new customer groups but also arrives on the market at a time when demand for electric vehicles is expanding significantly.

The electric car is based on the X3 and combines the versatility and robust functionality of a premium mid-size SAV with ground-breaking drive technology for locally emission-free driving pleasure.

The iX3 comes ready with BMW's fifth-generation eDrive technology, including a drive unit with the electric engine, power electronics and transmission highly integrated into a central housing.

This significantly reduces the installation space and mass of the drive technology relative to output and offers added flexibility for installing new electric powertrain components in different vehicle derivatives and its iX3's electric motor no longer requires the use of rare earth materials.

The fifth-generation electric drive train also includes new and more powerful high-voltage batteries thanks to their scalable and modular design that can be used flexibly in the respective vehicle architecture and at the respective production locations. Power density of the electric drive system increased by 30 per cent over the BMW Group’s existing fully electric vehicles.

With a range of around 460km in the WLTP test cycle, the iX3 paves the way for BMW eDrive technology, which will also be used in i4 and iNEXT models from 2021 on.

The eDrive electric motor produces maximum output of 210 kW/286hp and peak torque of 400Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100kph in 6.8 seconds (the X3 30i does it in 6.4 seconds), top speed (electronically limited): 180kph.

Power transfer to the rear wheels delivers a classical BMW driving experience. The  iX3  promises a combination of low electric power consumption and high charging capacity, enabling long-distance journeys at high average speeds. Adaptive suspension, fitted as standard, optimises sporting responses and comfort. Also standard are 19-inch light-alloy wheels with new, drag-reducing design.

With a 150 kW DC fast-charger, recharging from 0 to 80 per cent of the high-voltage battery’s capacity takes 34 minutes. A 10-minute charge adds 100km of range (WLTP).

BMW worked with award-winning composer Hans Zimmer to create the soundscape for electrically powered models. The various sounds make their debut in the iX3 and adds emotional depth to the driving experience. Powerful drive sound are available in cars with the equipment line “Impressive”. when starting and deactivating the electric drive system.

The SUV has 510 litres of storage space that can be expanded to as much as 1,560 litres.

HIGHLIGHTS (pdf)


Aston Martin: From one Vulcan to another

                LONDON: As the last remaining airworthy Avro Vulcan prepares for its final flight later this month, the iconic 1950s British V bomber has been united with its modern namesake: the Aston Martin Vulcan.

Vulcan XH558 – currently being operated by the charitable trust Vulcan To The Sky – is due to retire from "active service" in October, going on to form the centrepiece of the educational Vulcan Aviation Academy & Heritage Centre at its home base,  Robin Hood Airport near Doncaster.

Ahead of that final flight, the famous Cold War-era long range bomber was paired with the Aston Martin Vulcan – the new track-only supercar – via a special fly-past at Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire.

The British luxury car maker’s most intense creation to date, the Aston Martin Vulcan is born out of extensive motorsport experience. Using the brand’s flair for design and engineering, the 800-plus bhp, all-carbon fibre Aston Martin Vulcan delivers extreme performance.

Uniquely for Aston Martin the new supercar – limited to just 24 examples worldwide – allows owners the opportunity to tailor their track day experience through a graduating scale of detailed power and performance adjustments.

First deliveries of the track-only Aston Martin Vulcan to customers worldwide will take place before the end of 2015.

Pilot Martin Withers, who flew the Vulcan XH558, said: “Being at the controls for this unique fly-past was a memorable occasion.

“Personally, it is great to know that the Vulcan name will live on not only in the history books, and at the new educational centre in Yorkshire, but via Aston Martin’s incredible new sports car.”


Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo debuts, three variants from RM646K

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo is launched in Malaysia today, and is available in three variants that offer over 400km range.

The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo is priced (with SST exemption) from RM645,209; Taycan 4S Cross Turismo from RM728,727; and Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo from RM968,928

The first Cross Utility Vehicle (CUV) or sports wagon from Porsche, the Taycan Cross Turismo is touted as a versatile and fully electric companion for everyday life, as well as travel and leisure adventures with its robust and sporty design.

The large tailgate at the rear of the Taycan Cross Turismo allows a generous load volume of more than 1,200 litres of load capacity when the rear seatbacks are folded down.

In addition, the vehicle offers 47mm more headroom for rear-seat passengers.

All-wheel drive, air suspension and Performance Battery Plus is fitted as standard across the Taycan Cross Turismo model range.

The Performance Battery Plus, which has a total capacity of 93.4 kWh, is fitted as standard across the Cross Turismo model range.

All variants get 800-volt technology for fast charging.

Performance numbers for the three variants are as follows:

> The Taycan 4 Cross Turismo with 280 kW (380 PS), overboost power for Launch Control 350 kW (476 PS), acceleration 0-100 kph in 5.1 seconds, top speed 220 kph, range (NEDC) 437km

> The Taycan 4S Cross Turismo with 360 kW (490 PS), overboost power with Launch Control 420 kW (571 PS), acceleration 0-100 kph in 4.1 seconds, top speed 240 kph, range (NEDC) 436km

> The Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo with 460 kW (625 PS), overboost power with Launch Control 500 kW (680 PS), acceleration 0-100 kph in 3.3 seconds, top speed 250 kph, range (NEDC) 425km

The high-tech chassis with all-wheel drive and adaptive air suspension is standard across the Cross Turismo model range, providing 20mm higher ground clearance, as compared to its Taycan saloon counterpart.

With the optional Offroad Design package, ground clearance is increased by up to 30mm. This means that the Cross Turismo can be driven on challenging off-road terrain, especially with the new “Gravel” mode exclusive to the Cross Turismo.

This new feature manages torque distribution through traction-optimised shifting and other chassis settings, increasing the suitability of the Cross Turismo for poor-quality roads.

Off road design elements include wheel arch trims, unique front and rear lower aprons and side sills.

As part of the optional Offroad Design package, the Cross Turismo has special flaps at the corners of the front and rear bumpers and at the ends of the sills. These make for a striking exterior as well as providing protection from stone impacts.

The Taycan Cross Turismo will be available for viewing at Porsche Centres nationwide in the coming weeks.

To schedule an appointment to view the car, go to https://bit.ly/TaycanCrossTurismo_MY.


Navigation apps, ranked: Are paid apps better than Google Maps?

                BERLIN: Holiday fun (post-pandemic, of course) can quickly end in a family feud if everyone in the car has their own opinion on the right way to get somewhere. But in the age of navigation apps like Google Maps, there should be no excuse.

If you want to find the right way to your destination quickly, you can get good guidance for free. But what about the paid apps?

Berlin-based Stiftung Warentest, one of the most widely trusted consumer watchdogs in Europe, has ranked the paid versions against Google's free navigation service, putting a total of 17 international solutions to the test.

The key finding was that spending money does not necessarily get you there faster or more smoothly, and two paid apps were ranked just "satisfactory."

The consumer watchdog, widely influential among German speaking consumers, rated a total of 13 navigation apps, as well as the two classic navigation devices the TomTom Go Discover 7" (€299/RM1,489) and the Garmin DriveSmart 65 & Digital Traffic (€250/RM1,245). Here, the testers only compared the two most expensive models from the major providers.

The demand for pieces of navigation hardware like this has "dropped significantly" with the growing popularity of smartphone navigation, the watchdog testers say - and we can certainly believe them.

But at a time when Google Maps offers more and more functions for free, how much demand is there really for paid apps, which are sometimes rather pricey?

Testament to TomTom's enduring appeal and wide variety of apps, this navigation specialist is ranked in the apps category several times and even takes the lead in Android apps with the paid app TomTom Go Navigation.

And yet the ubiquitous Google Maps is still close behind, say the watchdog testers, with almost as many functions and options. A close third in the Android category is the paid app Sygic GPS Navigation.

The best app on iOS is Google Maps, still maintaining its lead over Apple Maps, also free. The testers put Sygic GPS Navigation, which requires a fee, third.

A major factor differentiating mapping apps is whether or not they will save your maps on the device for offline use. Only some apps like TomTom Go Navigation and Google Maps do this.

While this will eat up your phone's memory, it will also save you from using mobile data when you're navigating. Say you're planning a holiday in a different city or region, then it pays if you can download the map of your destination to avoid paying for extra data, especially if you're abroad.

Apps like Apple Maps, TomTom AmiGo and Waze, for example, are free on iOS and Android (and rated "good") but the map material all comes over the internet and is then loaded for each respective route.

In that case, it's the other way round: Your storage space remains free, but your data volume will only increase.


UMW Toyota Motor posts 27% higher sales in February

                SHAH ALAM: UMW Toyota continues to see positive performance in February, delivering 6,366 of Toyota and 66 Lexus vehicles.

This is a significant jump of 27% compared to the 5,026 units sold for Toyota and 48 for Lexus in February 2021.

The No.1 non-national automotive brand is optimistic about 2022 with its ongoing March promotions that offer value added benefits worth RM4,000, featuring the Toyota best-sellers Vios and Yaris, as well as upcoming highly anticipated product launches.

Last month, UMW Toyota Motor unveiled the new Toyota Camry which boasts enhanced performance, improved safety and security that unleashes exquisite dominance.

 New Camry.

Built with the Toyota New Global Architecture Platform (TNGA), the 2022 Camry ensures a new standard of comfort, luxury and performance.

The heart of the car is a 2.5-litre Dynamic Force engine offering cutting-edge performance that works in tandem with the Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission to ensure the Camry’s agility and efficiency.

UMW Toyota Motor president Ravindran K said the company appreciated the support given by its customers our customers have given towards the Toyota brand and are optimistic about the continuous growth of the Malaysian automotive sector.

 Vios.

“As we continue to innovate and bring mobility products offering the absolute best technology and safety that enhances lifestyles, we trust that Malaysians will continue to choose Toyota as their preferred road companion,” he said.

Last month, UMW Toyota Motor also organised several initiatives to give back to the community it operates in.

This includes a contribution of RM140,000 to the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) which goes towards the purchase of a new Digital Doppler Ultrasound Machine to provide better treatment to cancer patients.

 Yaris.

UMW Toyota Motor also concluded its 15th Dream Car Art Contest that successfully raked in over 2,300 entries.

The three winners of the National Contest will be representing Malaysia in the World Contest in Japan.

Additionally, UMW Toyota Motor launched a new 2S outlet with Body & Paint services in Skudai, Johor as part of its pursuit of delivering Toyota Quality Experience and convenience to its loyal customers.

The new outlet in partnership with Super Evergreen (Nusajaya) Sdn Bhd will accommodate the steadily increasing number of Toyota customers in the state.

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


BMW releases details of 4-door 8 Series Gran Coupe ahead of launch

                MUNICH: BMW has finally released details of the rumoured 4-door 8 Series Gran Coupe, which is slated for a world premiere at the inaugural BMW Group #NEXTGen event here.

The worldwide launch of the car will start a few months later in September.

The 4-door sports car joins the 8 Series Coupe and 8 Series Convertible as the third model in the 8 Series range.

The new 8 Series Gran Coupe is the only model in its segment derived directly from a two-door sports car. Its resultant dynamic potential, plus a longer wheelbase and model-specific chassis tuning, create a balance between sports performance and ride comfort.

Four model variants are available from launch: the V8-based M850i xDrive Gran Coupe; 840d xDrive Gran Coupe; 840i Gran Coupe; and 840i xDrive Gran Coupe.

Because the windscreen frame is more upright, the roofline is also higher, meaning additional headroom in both the front and rear. The roofline merges into the tail in a graceful sweep, via a fin-shaped transition in the vicinity of the C-pillars that emphasises the elongated silhouette.

The rear window, meanwhile, also follows a slightly steeper line in order to produce a larger boot aperture. An additional character line accentuates the sweeping elegance of the body and powerfully flared surfaces integrate pronounced shoulders into the overall effect.

The side window graphic reaches its conclusion at the rear in another hallmark BMW design cue. On the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, the counter-swing at the trailing edge of the side window graphic – the Hofmeister kink – is  upright.

The flared wheel arches and wide track also play a defining role in the form of the rear end. Horizontal lines and sculptural surface contours
give the tail a broad but also light appearance. The slim all-LED rear light clusters extend deep into the flanks. And twin exhaust tailpipes with a trapezoidal contour are positioned either side of the rear apron’s lower section.

The four-door car has a 3,023-millimetre wheelbase – an increase of 201mm over the 8 Series Coupe – and measures 5,082 millimetres in length (+ 231 mm), 1,932 millimetres in width (+ 30 mm) and 1,407 millimetres in height (+ 61 mm).

The Gran Coupe’s front section is identical to the 8 Series Coupe’s design up to the point where the A-pillars start. The wide, low-slung
front end exudes sporting intent and a confident presence. Adaptive LED headlights are fitted as standard. The optional BMW Laserlight with Selective Beam produces a high-beam range of around 600 metres.

The extra length of the wheelbase and generously sized door apertures give passengers in the rear unprecedented legroom for a BMW coupe – and they are able to get in and out more easily than ever as well.

Those in the rear seats also benefit from substantially greater shoulder room and headroom than in the two-door version of the new BMW 8 Series, making the second-row seats even more comfortable to travel in.

The optional panoramic glass roof helps to give the interior of the new 8 Series Gran Coupe an exceptionally light-filled fee. The 1.5 square
metres glass surface area stretches from the windscreen to the rear window.

The front section of the roof and the interior blinds open and close at the touch of a button or with the radio remote control, delivering a controlled supply of fresh air. The rear blind can also be opened and closed from the rear compartment. A four-zone automatic climate control system and electric sun blinds for the rear side windows and rear window are both available exclusively for the four-door variant in the 8 Series line-up.

The ambient lighting fitted as standard in the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe accentuates the forward-pointing lines inside the car to dramatic effect.

Standard specification for the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe also includes an instrument panel and door shoulders wrapped in fulled leather, electrically operated sports seats with head restraints integrated stylistically into the seat backrests, and Vernasca leather trim. The multifunction seats fitted as standard in the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe come in Merino leather trim with extended appointments.

Another option available for the BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and in cars with the M Sport package are the new M Sport seats with highly distinctive bucket-seat styling.

The extended centre console is exclusive to the new 8 Series Gran Coupe model, as is the rear seat unit featuring outer seats styled as individual seats. The contours and seam patterns of the outer rear seats are modelled on the sports seats in the front.

The rear seats likewise offer excellent lateral support and integral head restraints, allowing their occupants to also share in that undiluted sports-car feel. A third seat for use on short journeys nestles between the two outer seats and has a complete seatbelt system, making
the new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe a 4+1-seater.

The car’s luggage-carrying setup can be varied the 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear backrest, whose individual sections can be folded down from the boot using a lever. With a capacity of 440 litres, the boot is big enough to accommodate three golf bags.

The 8 Series Gran Coupe have an almost completely sealed underbody, active air flap control, Air Curtains and slender exterior mirror bases.

As well as the doors and the outer skin of the roof, the bonnet, front shear panel, engine subframe, front bulkhead and rear bumper support are all made from aluminium. The plastic boot lid, the magnesium cockpit support and the use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic in the centre tunnel help to both reduce weight and distribute it to optimum effect.

As a result, the four-door version’s weight penalty over the BMW 8 Series Coupe has been limited to around 70 kilograms. Fitting the optional carbon-fibre roof lowers the car’s centre of gravity even further and there is also the option of an M Carbon exterior package comprising air intake bars, exterior mirror caps and a rear diffuser insert all made from CFRP.

The 4.4-litre V8 engine in the new M850i xDrive Gran Coupe has peak output of 390 kW/530 hp and peak torque of 750 Nm; the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The 3.0-litre engine in the 840i Gran Coupe and 840i xDrive Gran Coupe versions produces maximum output of 250 kW/340 hp and torque peaking at 500 Nm. The 3.0-litre unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology weighs in at around six kilograms less than the engine it replaces and makes its mark with noticeably enhanced elasticity throughout the rev range.

The 840i Gran Coupe powers from rest to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, the new BMW 840i xDrive Gran Coupe in 4.9 seconds.

Meanwhile, there's also a diesel version. The 3.0-litre straight-six diesel unit in the 840d xDrive Gran Coupe has peak output of 235 kW/320 hp and peak torque of 680Nm. The 840d xDrive Gran Coupe races from 0 to 100 kph in 5.1 seconds.

All of the engines available for the new 8 Series Gran Coupe meet the Euro 6d-TEMP standard. They link up with an eight-speed Steptronic
Sport transmission, which comes with shift paddles on the steering wheel as standard so the driver can also change gears manually.


Honda goes all in on electric cars in stark contrast to Toyota

                TOKYO: Honda Motor Co. has become the first of Japan’s automakers to state publicly it will phase out sales of gasoline-powered cars completely, setting 2040 as the goal and giving newly minted chief executive officer Toshihiro Mibe a once-in-a-career chance to put his stamp on a firm that can trace its lineage back 84 years.

“It’s a very bold target,” said Yachiyo Tanaka, an analyst at automotive research company Fourin. “Honda has pledged to pull ahead of other automakers by introducing the latest technologies.”

The spoils, if Mibe can pull it off, are significant.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and firms with a first-mover advantage may capture market share. EV penetration in the nation is 1%, well down on China, the world’s biggest market for electric cars, at around 6%.

But it’s a bet that stretches beyond Japan’s borders, too.

Global sales of passenger EVs are set to rise sharply, jumping to 14 million in 2025 from 3.1 million in 2020, according to BloombergNEF.

Honda, which gets about 56% of its revenue from North America and around one-quarter from Asia ex Japan, has already begun aligning itself with powerful carmakers overseas, last year striking a pact to use General Motors Co.’s battery technology.

Honda’s electric strategy also include its traditional strength —motorcycles.

Honda plans to unveil three new electric two-wheelers by 2024, as well as 10 new EV cars in China within five years (its first mass-produced Honda e, released last year, has a global sales target of 10,000 units annually).

While motorcycles only represent around 14% of Honda’s total revenue, their sales volumes are much greater.

Honda is selling around 15 million two-wheelers a year versus around 4.5 million cars. Pit that against BNEF forecasts for electric two-wheeler sales of 78 million in 2040 from 27 million in 2020 and it’s not hard to see the appeal.

In March, Honda formed a consortium with Yamaha Motor Co., KTM AG and Italy’s Piaggio & C SpA to develop swappable battery standards for electric two-wheelers, tricycles and quadricycles as the fall in global lithium-ion battery prices lures high-volume manufacturers further into the motorcycle market.

Honda “won’t hesitate” to form alliances if necessary, Mibe, who took the reins on April 1, said at his inaugural press conference that month. He added he thinks the Japanese government’s target is reasonable.

“We can’t postpone making an effort and then expect to reach the target at the last minute,” said Mibe, 59, although he did note that selling only zero-emission vehicles by 2040 will “be an uphill struggle.”

Honda declined to make Mibe available for an interview.

Critics of Honda’s strategy wonder whether the goal is realistic. Bigger players like Ford Motor Co. aren’t expecting to be 100% carbon neutral until 2050 while Toyota Motor Corp. sees hybrids playing a much more important role.

 Mibe.

It’s a short-term tactic to grab stakeholder attention as the focus around environmental, social and corporate governance picks up, said Takeshi Miyao, an analyst at Carnorama.

For Honda to position itself in the market it had to say something different from Toyota, he said.

“Honda had no choice but to unveil a plan that’s almost opposite to appeal to investors. It’s no use saying the same thing,” Miyao said.

Honda’s decision to end its long history with gasoline-powered engines is a marked shift.

The pledge also comes after former CEO Takahiro Hachigo embarked on a cost-cutting exercise amid falling profits at Honda’s car unit, shutting factories, slashing models and scrapping the company’s participation in the Formula One World Championship at the end of the 2021 season, leaving fans dismayed.

Honda became involved in Formula One more than half a century ago, competing as an entrant, constructor and engine supplier and scoring multiple championships in the world’s most watched motor-sport competition.

“I’d never imagined Honda would say farewell to engines because that’s how Honda has succeeded up until now,” one person tweeted. “I thought F1 was Honda’s DNA, so it’s sad hearing about its withdrawal.”

The split was bittersweet for engineers within Honda, too. It can be harder to differentiate electric cars in the market, which is a concern for those across the auto industry, one said.

Another, who also declined to be identified because they’re not authorised to speak publicly, said while the all-electric goal may be challenging, at least Mibe has laid out a clear strategy and the general feeling inside the company is one of positivity.

“It was a statement that only the CEO could make” and inevitable considering the way the world is going, said Tomiji Sugimoto, a former Honda engineer who now heads an automotive consultancy. But the goal is persuasive because Mibe himself is an engineer by training, said Sugimoto, who retired from Honda in 2016 after a 39-year career and knew Mibe personally.

Mibe isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. A 34-year veteran of the automaker, he’s spent vast chunks of his time running R&D efforts at the company, focused on striking the tricky balance between innovation and commercialisation.

In April 2020, he also became the executive in charge of "Monozukuri", a Japanese word that literally means the making of things.

Honda’s electric push boils down to “how fast we can make the EV business profitable,” he said when fronting the press earlier this year. “Companies that do it fast will survive.”


Japan's Subaru plans biggest-ever global recall over brake lights

                TOKYO: Subaru Corp plans to recall around 2.3 million vehicles globally over a brake light problem, in what would be the automaker’s biggest-ever recall as it grapples with a series of quality-related issues following rapid expansion.

Japan’s sixth-largest automaker said today that it was recalling nearly 2 million of its popular Impreza and Forester models in the United States, its biggest market, and other countries, along with around 300,000 units in Japan to fix a fault with the brake light switch which can lead to ignition problems.

Vehicles affected were produced from 2008 through 2017. If all of the identified vehicles are recalled, it would be the automaker’s biggest in terms of affected units, excluding the ongoing Takata airbag recall.

Since late 2017, Subaru has been reeling from a host of problems ranging from faulty components to inspection re-dos which, coupled with weakening sales in the United States, has forced the automaker to slash its full-year profit outlook to its weakest in six years.

Quality-related issues have cast a pall on the automaker which enjoyed years of rapid growth in the United States, where it won over affluent and liberal-minded consumers with advertisements featuring slogans championing love and inclusion.

Such branding boosted the image of the tiny automaker, prompting it to ramp up production in the United States, which accounts for around 60 percent of its global sales volume.

But in January, Subaru halted production at its sole car factory in Japan for nearly two weeks, holding up roughly 60 percent of its global output after it found a defect in a power steering component.

Late last year, it announced a global recall of its signature boxer engines over an issue with its valve springs, while it has launched a series of domestic recalls for re-inspections after it admitted to cheating on testing processes.


China Automobile, SRI Elastomers sign MoU on tyre recycling

                KUALA LUMPUR: Main Market-listed China Automobile Parts Holdings Ltd (CAP) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SRI Elastomers Sdn Bhd to build a production facility for tyre recycling in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, China.

The planned facility will recycle “end of life” tyres and other processed rubber scrap using SRI’s proprietary devulcanisation process and technology into a rubber compound to be utilised in the production of new value-added rubber products.

At the signing ceremony, SRI chief executive officer Gopinath B. Sekhar said the plant was planned for a capacity of 10,000 tonnes per annum initially and could be increased as and when necessary by adding more modules.

“This technology would allow the factory to produce in large batches. The initial investment is estimated at RM3mil,” Gopinath said at a briefing after the signing ceremony.

The details of the business partnership was not yet firmed up but would likely see SRI licensing its product to the joint-venture company with CAP, Gopinath said.

CAP managing director Li Guo Qing said the deal would eventually broaden CAP’s revenue base and also enable it to tap into China’s demand in the recycled rubber industry.

“SRI’s technology is a closed loop recycling process that reuses 100% of the scrap tyre which leaves no wastage of valuable materials, with zero pollution and leaves a low-energy footprint,” Li said.

Gopinath said the company was now applying for patents for the compound.

The process of creating the SRI compound begins with crumb rubber or rubber powder produced by shredding and grinding up scrap tires, its statement says.

The pure comb rubber is then put through the SRI activation process to create a rubber compound, which can be used in a range of products when blended with the manufacturer’s virgin compound.

This process is an alternative to the traditional disposal methods such as burning and dumping tyre and rubber wastes.


EU reaches deal for ban on new combustion-engine cars as of 2035

                BRUSSELS: The European Union reached a deal to effectively ban new combustion-engine cars from 2035, a move that will reshape transportation and mark a significant step on the path to reduce carbon emissions.

The bloc’s three key institutions — its executive arm, the parliament and member states — reached a deal Thursday that will require carmakers to reach a zero-emission target by 2035.

The agreement requires a 55% cut in emissions this decade as the EU sets a course to reach climate neutrality by 2050.

"It’s the start of a big transition of the European Union,” Jan Huitema, the parliament’s main negotiator, said in an interview earlier on Thursday. It "shows it is doable.”

The deal marks an unexpectedly rapid advance for what was one of the EU’s most controversial proposals when it was announced a little over a year ago as part of a green overhaul of the bloc’s economy.

And it marks the death knell, at least in Europe, for a mode of transport that has dominated the region since it was invented in the 19th century.

"European car makers are already proving they are ready to step up to the plate, with increasing and increasingly affordable electric cars coming to the market,” the EU’s climate chief, Frans Timmermans, said in a statement.

"The speed at which this change has happened over the past few years is remarkable.”

The agreement has global ramifications.

As the world’s largest trade bloc, the EU has a reputation for setting standards globally and is home to many some of the biggest car manufacturers like Volkswagen AG and Daimler Truck Holding AG.

The former said this week that it would stop selling combustion engine cars in Europe between 2033 and 2035.

There’s a push to ban combustion engine cars completely in the US too. California adopted plans in August to mandate a gradual phasing out of vehicles that run on combustion engines, with only zero-emission cars and a small portion of plug-in hybrids allowed by 2035.

That move will ripple beyond the Golden State, as the rule will likely be adopted by 15 other states that have signed onto California’s existing zero-emission vehicle program.

Keeping a major pillar of the EU’s green deal on track through an unprecedented energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is also a boon for those who argue that the war can accelerate the transition, rather than hold it back.

The EU can also now go to climate negotiations in Egypt in less than two weeks with concrete evidence that it’s making progress on implementing its climate policies.

The COP27 meeting is seen as the moment where countries show that they are living up to their green commitments.

The regulation will be the first to be approved under the EU’s green plans, known as "Fit for 55,” which aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% this decade.

Other policies include a major overhaul of the bloc’s carbon market, as well as measures to spur renewables and energy efficiency.

Some groups criticised the deal, suggesting it could lead to a buildup over time of older emissions-spewing cars rather than new generations of potentially more efficient ones.

"With today’s agreement, a ‘Havana effect’ is becoming more realistic,” Jens Gieseke, a lawmaker and negotiator from the conservative European People’s Party, said in a statement.

"After 2035, our streets might become full of vintage cars, because new cars are not available or not affordable. Today’s deal slammed shut the door to new technological developments and put all the eggs in one basket. This is a mistake.”

There are few exceptions to the new rules. Both the council and parliament agreed that niche manufacturers — including Automobili Lamborghini SpA — which produce a small number of vehicles will receive a 1-year delay on the emissions targets.

A non-binding element favoured by member states that calls on the commission to propose registering vehicles running exclusively on carbon-neutral fuels after 2035 was included in the final deal.

"We are now keen to see the framework conditions which are essential to meet this target reflected in EU policies,” said Oliver Zipse, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association and chief executive officer of BMW AG.

"These include an abundance of renewable energy, a seamless private and public charging infrastructure network, and access to raw materials.”


40 years of Audi five-cylinder engines

 1978: first five-cylinder diesel: In 1978, Audi presents its first diesel model for the Audi 100 (C2). The five-cylinder naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of two liters develops 51 kW (70 hp) and 123 newton meters (90.72 lb-ft) of torque. It also powers the next-generation C3, propelling both the sedans and the Avant versions.

INGOLSTADT: The five-cylinder engines from Audi have achieved cult status – partly due to their successful deployment in motorsport and also on account of their reliability and economy. They have played a vital role in defining Vorsprung durch Technik and to this day provide an emotional driving experience with their characteristic sound.

The first five-cylinder gasoline engine powered the Audi 100 (C2) in 1976. The model, known internally as Type 43, was to be positioned higher than its predecessor in the market. The four-cylinder engines at the time were not suitable for this plan according to the developers.

 Audi 100 GLS 5E (C2), model year 1979

In the early 1970s, Audi engineers began talking about the possibility of introducing five and six-cylinder inline engines. The latter were ruled out due to the installation space required and unfavourable weight distribution. So those responsible opted for the five-cylinder inline engine, based on the new EA 827 engine concept. This four-cylinder inline engine was used throughout the VW Group in the 1970s – in the Audi 80 and Audi 100, for instance. The derived 2.1-litre five-cylinder engine produced 100 kW (136 hp). A modern injection system increased efficiency and power development. Delivery of the Audi 100 5E began in March 1977.

As early as 1978, Audi presented the first diesel version: a naturally aspirated diesel with a displacement of two liters and producing 51 kW (70 hp). One year later, the first turbocharged five-cylinder gasoline engine made its debut – another pioneering feat from Audi. With an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and 265 newton meters of torque, it powered the new top model, the Audi 200 5T.

 Audi quattro (B2), model year 1980 (Geneva Motor Show)

The five-cylinder gasoline engine in the 1980 Audi “Ur-quattro” had even more to offer. With turbocharging, an intercooler and permanent four-wheel drive, it constituted a powerful technical package for the racetrack and the road.

Initially, it delivered 147 kW (200 hp). In 1983, the Finn Hannu Mikkola won the drivers’ title in the World Rally Championship in this car.

In the same year, Audi introduced the wide-track Sport quattro, which was 24cm shorter. It was powered by a newly developed four-valve five-cylinder unit made of aluminum with an output of 225 kW (306 hp).

It made the Sport quattro the most powerful car built to date by a German company for use on public roads. The model formed the basis for a new Group B rally car, with the four-valve powerplant delivering 331 kW (450 hp) from the very start. It was used for the first time in the penultimate race of 1984, the Ivory Coast rally.

 Audi quattro A2, Group B, model year 1983.

The other 11 rounds of the season were contested by the Swede Stig Blomqvist in the Group B Audi quattro A2 producing 265 kW (360 hp). In the end, he won the drivers’ title and Audi took the manufacturers’ title.

Even after Audi withdrew from rallying in 1986 there were other racing highlights: in 1987, Walter Röhrl won the Pikes Peak Hill Climb (USA) in the Audi Sport quattro S1 (E2). The racing car developed 440 kW (598 hp). And the IMSA GTO excelled on the US touring car scene in 1989, delivering 530 kW (720 hp) – from little more than two litres of displacement.

Audi presented another milestone in automotive history at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt am Main in 1989: the Audi 100 TDI. It was the first production car with a five-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged diesel engine and fully electronic control. The powerplant generated 88 kW (120 hp) from a displacement of 2.5 litres.

Audi continued to refine its range of five-cylinder gasoline engines. In 1994, the Audi RS 2 with an output of 232 kW (315 hp) came on to the market. As an Avant with the power of a sports car, it established a new automotive class.

The year 1994 saw the five-cylinder units bow out of the B segment, when the Audi A4 (B5) was introduced. They were gradually replaced in the mid-1990s by the new V6 engines. The last five-cylinder engines, the 2.5 TDI in the Audi A6 and the 2.3 Turbo in the Audi S6, were phased out in 1997.

 Audi Sport quattro (B2), model year 1984.

Then in 2009 there was a big comeback – with turbocharging and gasoline direct injection in the Audi TT RS. The transverse-mounted engine developed by quattro GmbH produced 250 kW (340 hp) from a displacement of 2.5 litres. It also offered outstanding performance in the RS 3 Sportback and in the RS Q3. The TT RS plus, which Audi presented in 2012, mustered up an impressive 265 kW (360 hp). Today, the 2.5 TFSI in the Audi TT RS produces 294 kW (400 hp). An international jury of motoring journalists has voted the five-cylinder powerplant “Engine of the Year” seven times in a row since 2010.

Those who would like to see the first Audi with a five-cylinder engine can currently do so at the Audi Forum in Neckarsulm. The classic car exhibition entitled “From zero to 100” features numerous exhibits, which Audi uses to look back at the eventful history of its successful model. One of the first five-cylinder TDI units from a 1989 Audi 100 is also on display. The exhibition runs until Nov 6.


Rain sensors and park mode make for potential chaos in car-wash

                MUNICH: When entering a car-wash in a modern vehicle with automatic transmission, drivers shouldn’t shut down the car’s engine, explains Germany’s largest automobile club, the ADAC.

Turning the car off will automatically put the car in parking mode (P), making the wheels lock and rendering the car-wash’s pull chain ineffective. The experts recommend leaving the engine running and putting the automatic gear shifter in neutral (N), letting the wheels rotate freely.

Drivers can also look up how exactly to proceed in the vehicle’s manual, under vehicle care, car-wash or transmission.

Drivers should also be careful with rain sensors on windshield wipers. If the car is pulled through with the engine running or the ignition switched on, the sensors should be switched off.

Many car-washes point this out to drivers, and for good reason: if the wipers get wet and suddenly activate, the car-wash brushes can damage the wipers.

Another possible snag is a car’s automatic electric parking brake, which poses even more of a problem than a rain sensor, says Thomas Drott of the German Association of Petrol Stations.

If the brake suddenly engages, the car can slip off the pull chain and get damaged, or the stalled car can be shunted from behind by another vehicle.

However, Drott notes, even if this happens and the wheels suddenly block, the probability of major damage is rather low.

In countries like Germany, car-washes are limited to 0.5kph. In the United States, where the chains run faster, assistance systems in car-washes tend to be more of a problem.

Forbes.com reports that many more driving aids have to be switched off before entering car-washes, and problems can arise when, for example, collision warning systems see brushes as obstacles and bring a car to a stop.

Since most collision warning systems only start operating at 3kph, it’s unlikely that these problems will arise a slow-motion car-wash.

The ADAC advises drivers not to switch off collision avoidance. It can be quite complicated to deactivate and you might forget to restart it.


Stellantis to announce strategic plan in March

                PARIS: Stellantis, whose brands include Citroen and Fiat, said it would announce a new long-term strategic plan in March.

"A bright future ahead: Long-term strategic plan to be announced on March 1, 2022 ," the company said today.

The announcement came as Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said that the European Commission's strategy to phase out combustion engines in favour of electric vehicles is a political choice that carries environmental and social risks.

Since merging Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot to create the world's No. 4 carmaker by production, Tavares has mapped out a 30 billion euro electrification plan.

 Tavares.

"What is clear is that electrification is a technology chosen by politicians, not by industry," he said in a joint interview with France's Les Echos, Handelsblatt, Corriere della Sera and El Mundo.

He added there were cheaper and faster ways of reducing carbon emissions.

"Given the current European energy mix, an electric car needs to drive 70,000km to compensate for the carbon footprint of manufacturing the battery and to start catching up with a light hybrid vehicle, which costs half as much as an EV (electric vehicle)," he said.

He also said a ban on thermal vehicles by 2035 in Europe means carmakers need to start transforming their plants and supply chains quickly.

"The brutality of this change creates social risk," he said.

In a detailed interview which touched on the various challenges Stellantis is facing, Tavares also nuanced his promise not to shut down plants in Europe.

"I generally hold on to the promises I make, but we also need to remain competitive," he said, citing in particular production costs in Italy which were "significantly higher, sometimes the double of those at plants in other European countries," mainly due to "exorbitant" energy prices.

Pointing to Rome, where the government is working to bring down industrial costs, he said: "It takes some time for the measures to be implemented. We will discuss this again at the end of 2022."


Fuel prices up again

                PETALING JAYA: Fuel prices have moved up for the second week in a row.

RON95 petrol is now RM1.97, RON97 ar RM2.22 and diesel at RM1.96. They were currently at RM1.93, RM2.19 and RM1.91 respectively.

Prices are valid from July 13 to July 19.


Lego Technic Bugatti Chiron launched

                KUALA LUMPUR: Lego Group and Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. (Bugatti) have today revealed the new Lego Technic Bugatti Chiron.

Only the second model from the Lego Technic’s Ultimate subtheme, the Technic Bugatti Chiron was developed in partnership with Bugatti.

The model encapsulates the magic, power and elegance of the Bugatti Chiron, unveiled to the world two years ago.

“Our Lego designers have done an amazing job capturing the details of this iconic Bugatti design,” said Niels B. Christiansen, CEO of the Lego Group.  “It truly stands as testament that with Lego bricks you can build anything you can imagine,” he added.

Below are some key details of the Lego Technic Bugatti Chiron:

- It is a 1:8 scale replica model so a mere eight times smaller than the actual car itself.
- Measurements: Over 5” (14cm) high, 22” (56cm) long and 9” (25cm) wide.
- It is made up of 3,599 Lego pieces.
- It is packed full with intricate details and immersive touches:
- Aerodynamic bodywork with an active rear wing
- Spoked rims with low-profile tires
- Detailed cockpit with movable paddle gearshift
- Detailed W16 engine with moving pistons.
- A Lego Technic 8-speed gearbox with paddle gearshift
- A steering wheel bearing the iconic Bugatti emblem.
- A speed key which enables you to switch the active rear wing from handling to top speed position.

Victor Plange, the head of marketing at Lego Malaysia and Singapore chimes in, “The Technic Bugatti Chiron creatively incorporates technology and Lego together to encourage an exciting and more holistic play - learn experience for Malaysians from all walks of life.”

Each individual model comes personalised with its own unique serial number, carefully stored under the hood to unlock special content on lego.com/technic.

Hidden discreetly under the hood, you will also discover an additional authentic Bugatti Chiron detail – the stylish Bugatti overnight bag.

Staying true to Bugatti’s heritage, the model features the classic duo-tone blue color scheme reflecting the brand’s signature colour, and a set of identifiable stickers for additional detailing and authenticity of the build.

Delivering a final ’artistic’ touch, the set comes enclosed in an exclusive box and includes a ’coffee table’ style collectors booklet with comprehensive building instructions.

Fans can also dive deep into the inspiration behind the design with series of nine exclusive podcasts featuring Bugatti and Lego experts.

The Lego Technic Bugatti Chiron, which was unveiled at Lego House at the company’s headquarters in Billund, Denmark today, retails at RM1,999.90 and is available from June 1 at all Lego Certified Stores (LCS) and Legoland.

Buyers of the new model stand to win exclusive VVIP tickets to Fullerton Concours D’Elegance Singapore Car Show on 1 July 2018.

Each ticket gives the winner access to the Bugatti car exhibit, as well as an exclusive photo opportunity inside the Bugatti Chiron.

These winners will also be given RM600 allowance and meet the Bugatti team.

10 VVIP tickets are up for grabs from 1-17 June 2018.

All you need to do is capture the receipt and submit your details via Whatsapp no: 011-64056705 (LEGOBCRECEIPT NUMBERNAMENRIC).

Winners will be notified through phone and original receipts will be used to redeem the tickets.

For more information, please visit https://lego.build/bugattiContest2018MY


W Series cancels 2020 season

                LONDON: Motor racing's all-female W Series cancelled its 2020 season on Thursday due to the Covid-19 pandemic but promised to return next year with at least two support races on the Formula One calendar.

The series, which started last year, had been due to award points towards a Formula One superlicence for the first time.

The cancellation will be a particular setback for Britain's inaugural champion Jamie Chadwick, who had hoped to defend her title and move a step closer to Formula One.

Chadwick already has 10 points from finishing fourth in the Asian Formula Three series before the coronavirus lockdown.

"Our decision not to stage on-track races until 2021 is not one that has been taken lightly," said W Series chief executive Catherine Bond Muir in a statement.

"Now that we have taken the very difficult but ultimately unavoidable decision... we will focus our energies clearly on 2021 when we will resume our on-track racing programme bigger and better than ever before."

She said 2021 would include support races for Formula One at the US and Mexican Grands Prix, as was planned this year.

"W Series has had an incredible impact on the world of motorsport, and we were excited to have them join our schedule this year," said Ross Brawn, Formula One's managing director for motorsport.

"It is a big disappointment for all of us that due to the difficulties presented by Covid-19 the events will not take place, but we are looking forward to some exciting racing in 2021 when W Series returns."

W Series was due to support the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) in Europe but the coronavirus has hit that series, with a limited run of races in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands now scheduled.

The original plan had been for British-based W Series, which has drivers from 12 countries, to race in Russia, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Britain and the Netherlands before hooking up with Formula One in the Americas.

The drivers will still compete in a W Series Esports League due to start on June 11.


Givi introduces new top case

                PETALING JAYA: Givi, the world’s premier motorcycle accessories manufacturer, recently unveiled a new generation of top case - the B42N “Antartica.”

Developed after a detailed research and development with input from motorcyclists, this large 42-litre capacity box is able to store one modular helmet and rain suit with ease.

Looking slick and current, the polygon exterior shape and a stronger structure makes this monolock top box as the best polymer case produced by Givi to-date.

The safety of the riders has also been taken into account when designing this top box which gets reflective elements at front corners.

These reflective elements enhance the rider’s visibility to other road users especially in the dark.

The Antartica is also fitted with Micro 3 locking system, the latest generation locking system which is user-friendly and smooth to lock and open.

The top case will be on sale from August at Givi Points and official dealers nationwide.

It is priced at RM420 and comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.


10,000-15,000 traffic summonses issued daily, says Bukit Aman

                KUALA LUMPUR: Between 10,000 and 15,000 traffic summonses have been issued daily nationwide since the recovery movement control order was implemented on June 10, whereby interstate movements are allowed.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Datuk Azisman Alias said among the most common offences were speeding and beating the traffic lights.

He said the number of traffic summonses issued showed that drivers still had the wrong attitude, which needed to be improved.

"Since the start of the recovery MCO, JSPT has issued between 10,000 and 15,000 traffic summonses daily," he said as a guest on Bernama TV's Malaysia Petang Ini programme on Friday.

Azisman said those issued with the traffic summonses would have to pay within the stipulated period and they would be offered a discount for a certain period.

On JSPT's preparedness now that interstate movement is allowed, Azisman said JSPT had response teams ready to act quickly to ensure smooth and controlled traffic flows.

"In addition, the JSPT also provides police patrol cars and the Motorcycle Patrol Unit at each rest and service area (R&R) so that the JSPT can respond quickly in the event of an emergency or increased traffic on the highways," he said, adding that the current traffic flow nationwide was under control.

Last Sunday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the conditional movement control order would be replaced with the recovery MCO from June 10 to Aug 31.

The recovery MCO, among others, allows for interstate movement and group activities such as cycling and motorcycle convoys.


Volvo XC60 wins World Car of the Year 2018

                NEW YORK: Volvo is on a roll this year. After its XC40 won the 2018 European Car of the Year in Geneva, its XC60 was picked as the 2018 World Car of the Year at the New York Auto Show.

The World Car of the Year win is the first in this competition for Volvo Cars. The XC60 also scooped the prestigious North American Utility of the Year Award earlier this year.

These two accolades come hot on the heels of Samuelsson’s World Car Person of the Year recognition, awarded by the same panel of international media in Geneva earlier this month. Samuelsson was given this inaugural award in recognition of his work in driving the success of Volvo Cars in recent years.

In the new XC60, Euro NCAP’s best overall performer in 2017, Volvo’s City Safety Autonomous Emergency Braking system has been enhanced with steering support for when automatic braking alone may not help avoid a potential collision. In addition Oncoming Lane Mitigation with Steer Assist which helps mitigate head-on collisions and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Steer Assist functionality has been added to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions.
XC60 is available with a range of diesel and petrol engines as well as Volvo Cars’ award-winning T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid at the top of the powertrain range, delivering 407hp and acceleration from 0-100km in just 5.3 seconds.

“I am pleased to see our company’s product investments paying off,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Cars. “We are up against some tough competition, but this award for the XC60 show that Volvo has the right combination of design, connectivity and safety that appeals to customers across the world.”

The XC60 was chosen from an initial entry list of 34 vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of 10, reduced to three finalists announced in Geneva earlier this month:  the Mazda CX-5, Range Rover Velar and Volvo XC60.

To be eligible for the overall World Car award, the candidates must become available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2017 and ending May 31, 2018.

The World Car Awards jury of motoring journalists also recognised five other cars in their respective categories.

READ MORE:
CarSifu drove the Volvo XC60 in Barcelona
Volvo XC60 wins 2018 Japan Car of the Year
Volvo plant in Belgium starts making XC40
Volvo XC40 is Car of the Year 2018
Volvo's Håkan Samuelsson named 2018 World Car Person of the Year Volvo XC60 T8 Inscription.

The Audi A8 won the World Luxury Car title; BMW M5 for World Performance Car; Range Rover Velar for World Car Design of the Year; Nissan LEAF for World Green Car; and VW Polo for World Urban Car.

The Road To World Car began in Frankfurt on Sept 12, 2017 and ended on Wednesday in New York.

This year marks the 12th year of World Car’s partnership with the New York show, and the fifth consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained their ranking as the No.1 automotive awards programme in the world in terms of media reach.


Hertz names former Ford CEO Mark Fields as interim CEO

                MIAMI: Hertz Corp has named former Ford Motor Co chief executive Mark Fields as its interim CEO, the rental car company said today.

Fields succeeded Alan Mulally as president and CEO of the No. 2 US automaker in 2014. He was ousted in 2017 and replaced by Jim Hackett.

Hertz Corp, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, operates the Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar rental car brands.

Fields joined the Hertz board of directors in June. He is also a member of Qualcomm's board of directors and is a senior advisor to TPG Capital.

At Hertz, Fields succeeds Paul Stone, who becomes president and chief operations officer, the company said.

In May, Hertz said a group of investors including Knighthead Capital Management, Certares Opportunities and Apollo Capital Management would fund the company's exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The 103-year-old rental car company was once owned by General Motors, which resold it to previous owner John Hertz in 1953.

Subsequent owners included RCA, United Airlines parent UAL Corp and Ford, which sold the business in 2005 to private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.


All-electric BMW i7 xDrive 60 arrives from RM729,800

                KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Malaysia has announced the official pricing of the all-electric BMW i7 xDrive 60 luxury sedan at RM729,800.

The retail pricing is on the road without insurance but includes sales and service tax.

The model is also offered with Extended Warranty and Service Package.

The electric i7 arrives in the M Sport variant and is among the latest models offered by the premium automaker for the 7 Series portfolio.

Available alongside the new i7 are the recently introduced new 750e xDrive variants and the new X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence sports utility vehicle.

Featuring an output of 544hp(400kW) and over 600km of driving range (WLTP), the i7 presents the new BMW design language – termed Forwardism, for the luxury class.

Its split BMW Iconic Glow crystal headlights and the strikingly illuminated kidney grille frame establish the distinct presence of the luxury sedan, complemented by first-class equipment and a sophisticated ambience.

With the Straight Line Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the i7 xDrive 60 can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM 8,401 based on estimates of an 80% loan on a seven-year tenure.

Owners of the i7 xDrive 60 will also receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

> BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme
> BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
> The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card
> BMW Service Online

Customers may contact their preferred authorised BMW dealer to learn more about the new all-electric i7 or visit the website for more information.


Australia to build superhighway for electric vehicles beside Great Barrier Reef

                MELBOURNE: Australia is building a superhighway offering free charging stations in a bid to boost use of electric vehicles, the northeastern state of Queensland said on Thursday, most of its route fringed by the Great Barrier Reef tourist attraction.

The move comes as governments around the world regulate to cut emissions by boosting the use of electric vehicles.

Britain this week said it would ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2040, following France. The mayors of Paris, Madrid, Mexico City and Athens have said they plan to ban diesel vehicles from city centers by 2025.

Australia's new superhighway, an 1,800-km stretch of mostly coastal road alongside the Great Barrier Reef, will be supplied by renewable energy, State Minister Steven Miles said in a statement.

"This project is ambitious, but we want as many people as possible on board the electric vehicle revolution, as part of our transition to a low-emissions future," he added.

Eighteen towns and cities will make up the first phase of the superhighway, which will become operational in the next six months, making it possible to drive an electric vehicle from the state’s southern border to the far north, he added.

The road runs from Coolangatta on the border of neighboring New South Wales to the city of Cairns, in Australia's far north.

Brisbane-based charging station maker Tritium will supply most of the project's charging stations, a spokeswoman for the state government said, with Schneider Electric supplying the rest.

Tritium's commercial director, Paul Sernia, confirmed the company had supplied its products.

The government's early support for the project is a signal to the market that Queensland is serious about electric vehicles, said Behyad Jafari, chief executive of Australia's Electric Vehicle Council.

The step "provides certainty to unlock investment to grow our economy and create new, high skilled jobs," he added.

Australia's uptake of electric vehicles lags other nations, but is set to increase to around 12,000 by 2020 and about 1 million by 2030, Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg said in May.

Australia's management of the Great Barrier Reef has come under sustained criticism amid the biggest ever coral die-off as a result of the strongest El Nino in 20 years, a weather event scientists say is exacerbated by climate change.

More than two million people visit the reef each year, generating more than A$2 billion (US$1.53 billion) in tourism dollars, an Australian government report showed in 2016.


Hyundai, now the No. 3 carmaker, takes aim at Toyota and VW

                SEOUL: The world’s third-largest carmaker isn’t from the US, Japan or Europe, at least not anymore.

It’s South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co.

While Toyota Motor Corp. and Volkswagen AG vie each year for pole position atop the global automobile industry, Hyundai has quietly slipped in behind them, surpassing General Motors Co., Nissan Motor Co. and Stellantis NV in annual volumes along the way.

Founded 55 years ago as a manufacturer of affordable vehicles for its home market, Hyundai’s international expansion only began in earnest in the 80s.

After working for decades to shake its image as an upstart, Hyundai’s Genesis is now going head-to-head with other luxury car brands, while the carmaker is duking it out with Ford Motor Co. for second place in US electric vehicle sales this year, behind Tesla Inc.

"We are on the right track, and this year we were very strong,” President and co-chief executive officer Jaehoon Chang, 58, said in an interview from a library at Hyundai’s Seoul headquarters last week.

"Our supply chain management was key. We’re trying to be flexible, and optimize and protect production as much as we can in spite of the chip shortage.”

With greater scale, however, comes bigger challenges, including the suspension of a large factory in Russia and new US legislation that could hurt EV subsidies.

The manufacturer also faces higher raw material costs, an ongoing chip shortage and allegations that Hyundai’s suppliers in Alabama hired underage workers.

North America represented 21% of total sales last year, making it Hyundai’s biggest single market, while just 17% of revenue came from its home market.

Hyundai’s global presence is rooted in the company’s strong manufacturing base in South Korea.

At Ulsan, located at the mouth of the Taehwa River on the peninsula’s eastern coast, it operates the world’s biggest assembly plant with an annual production capacity of 1.4 million vehicles.

From the vessels shipping cars abroad to the steel used in both, all are part of the same conglomerate, started by the grandfather of Euisun Chung, Hyundai Motor’s other CEO and executive chair.

With another nine factories spread across the globe, the automaker sold 6.6 million vehicles in 2021.

This year, revenue is on track to expand 21% to 141.7 trillion won (US$108 billion), the highest growth rate among major carmakers, according to the average of analysts’ projections.

Critical to those gains, and its prospects going forward, is Hyundai’s embrace of electrification.

While other carmakers take more deliberate steps, the South Korean company raced ahead, pushing out models such as the Ioniq 5 and affiliate Kia’s EV6 just as demand started to outpace supply.

At the same time, Volkswagen has struggled to get its EV strategy on track, while Toyota is still hedging its bets, betting on hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells, as well as EVs.

Emboldened by that success and backed by 19.4 trillion won in investments, Hyundai plus Genesis plans to introduce at least 17 battery-powered EVs by 2030, as well as 14 by Kia, which will be a "huge enabler” to reach the company’s goal of 1.87 million annual EV sales in 2030, Chang said.

That would represent 11% of the US market, and 7% globally, according to the automaker.

Leading the charge is the Ioniq 6, Hyundai’s latest EV. Introduced earlier this year, the sedan can travel as far as 610km.

With a sleek, rounded body and interior lighting that can change colour depending on the speed of the car, the Ioniq 6 is aimed at younger buyers.

Ioniq 6 sales in South Korea began in September at prices starting at 52 million won, or US$40,000.

In Europe, home to some of the biggest EV-adopting countries, pre-sales for an initial allotment of 2,500 Ioniq 6s sold out in less than a day. It was "actually few hours - proven evidence of demand,” Chang said. The US rollout will begin in early 2023.

Genesis sales will expand 10% this year to 220,000 units, Hyundai forecasts. In a move that will pit it more directly against Tesla and legacy brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai plans to make its Genesis luxury line fully electric by the end of the decade.

"This segment has a high barrier to get into, so that was very challenging once we started,” Chang said. "So we focused on design first, how we can be differentiated from others. We focused more on the drivers, more on the passengers, let them feel comfortable - to define luxury as comfort.”

This week, Hyundai also unveiled the latest iteration of its Kona subcompact SUV, designed first as an EV but also being made available with a combustion engine and hybrid variants.

While Hyundai may be navigating the EV transition more smoothly than some peers, it also faces shared challenges.

Asked whether Hyundai was close to any decision regarding the fate of its plant in Russia, where operations have been suspended since the start of the war in Ukraine eight months ago, Chang said company had little choice but to "monitor the situation.”

"It’s not easy for us, because of the scale of the plant,” he said.

While Toyota and Nissan exited Russia in recent months, Hyundai has a much bigger operation in St. Petersburg that, together with Kia, assembled about 200,000 vehicles a year before the war, or around 4% of the automaker’s global output.

Regarding China, where Hyundai is seeking to reposition itself as a more upmarket brand, Chang said "we need to sharpen our edge.”

Car sales in what is the world’s biggest market declined 4.2% last month as Covid-related lockdowns kept buyers aways from showrooms.

In Alabama, Hyundai is investigating allegations that two suppliers, Hwashin America Corp., a Korean maker of chassis and auto-body components, and Ajin Industrial Co., a Korean auto-parts manufacturer, both employed minors at their plants in Greenville and Cusseta, Alabama.

"Hyundai does not condone or tolerate violations of labor law,” the automaker said in an emailed statement. "We mandate that our suppliers and business partners strictly adhere to the law, and we take reports of alleged violations very seriously.”

Another challenge for Hyundai is the US Inflation Reduction Act, which requires that EVs be assembled in North America with batteries made from materials sourced from friendly trading partners in order to quality for tax credits.

Hyundai has been working with the South Korean government to persuade the US Treasury Department to tweak the bill or loosen enforcement as it works to finalize guidance.

"This is a very critical moment,” Chang said.

While the legislation requires carmakers to assemble their EVs in North America to receive the subsidy, Hyundai doesn’t yet have any operational EV plants, although it is seeking to build a US$5.5 billion EV and battery facility in Georgia.

"We’re expecting some flexibility in giving us more time to be fully ready for this.”


Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883 review

                The Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883 with its edgy looks and all black-out theme, certainly has good aesthetics.

The unit that was offered to me for review came with a fuel tank unique colour - Hard Candy Gold Flake.

Its nine-spoke cast aluminium wheels were simply gorgeous.

This bike has a comfortable sitting position.

The solo saddle, handlebar and the foot peg have been designed carefully to ensure the rider feels at home on this smallest family member of the Harley-Davidson line-up.

I did not have to stretch my legs and arms while riding the Iron 883.

The classic peanut-shaped tank which is an iconic part of the Sportster is very much enhanced with eye-catching colour.

The 12.5-litre tank still holds strong today with its traditional styling and attitude.

The Iron 883 is powered by the air-cooled, 883cc Evolution V-Twin producing 75Nm at 3,500rpm.

This motorcycle is very much at home in and around the city.

It is an ideal bike for commuting to work and complete the daily personal chores without worrying the cruel traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur.

Its compact size makes parking easy in tight places.

The bike does well at low speeds which made my ride in traffic jam a breeze.

Not only that, the design of the handle allowed me to ride and squeeze between cars on the road.

Its torquey engine and low centre of gravity makes also it easy to handle at slow speeds.

I took the opportunity to ride the bike fast from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Selangor using the trunk roads of Tanjung Malim.

The on-rushing air was too much for me to handle when I was going around 130kph on the Sungai Buloh to Tanjung Malim highway.

Air was hitting the chest and my head was bobbing aimlessly.

I stopped my head from bobbing by lowering it a bit but the air was still slamming my chest.

Bikes of this sort has always been known for this type of problem when the rider is light.

Slowing down to around 120kph made the ride more comfortable.

I was enjoying every bit of the bike and passengers in passing cars took pictures of me on many occasions.

It must have been the eye-catching colour of the fuel tank - Hard Candy Gold flake, orangey yellow with gold dust effect.

There is also so much of power on this bike.

What I like very much about this bike is the throttle response which is very responsive without any no lag or sudden burst of power.

Every time I push the bike harder, I found there was still untapped power available. Very nice indeed.

This bike is ideal for those who are ready to move on from a 500cc and below to those with a bigger capacity.

One of the key highlight of this bike is the rear suspension.

Many reviewers have praised while others said it was nothing extraordinary.

Personally, the new technology for the suspension which is called as the emulsion technology (oil and air mix) definitely is better than the conventional suspension.

The twin rear shocks with this new technology cushioned my ride well especially on the trunk roads of Tanjung Malim where I had to endure countless badly-patched stretches.

Meanwhile, the 39mm front suspension complements rear suspension well.

During hard braking, the firm front fork kept me safe from excessive nose-diving.

The riding experience was enjoyable, regardless the bad condition of the roads and zig zags turns that came with them.

If one compares any Harley-Davidson suspension to Japanese bikes, truth to be told that the latter is much more comfortable. Harley-Davidson is getting there, slowly but surely.

The Iron 883 is equipped with single caliper brakes for the front and rear.

Few bike reviewers have suggested that dual caliper brakes were better but my opinion is that the single caliper-type brake is sufficient for a bike of this size since the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is included.

The ABS definitely gives all the assurance that one need in any braking condition.

I did few fast entries into corners and the response from the bike was great.

And my exit was equally fast thus making every turn under my control.

The bike did not oversteer neither slide and I was in control all the time. It was a nice experience.

The Iron 883 has definitely met the need of the young urban market.

The design and handling of the bike is applaudable.

The Iron 883 might not be the fastest bike but definitely oozes with plenty of attitude.


Road in Gaza named 'Malaysia Street'

                KUALA LUMPUR: The Gaza municipality has named a road in the western district of Gaza City as "Malaysia Street" in commemoration of Malaysia's National Day today.

Sharing the announcement in his posting on Twitter, Palestinian Cultural Organisation Malaysia chairman, Muslim Imran, stated that the road sign is located at Ansar roundabout, to the west of Gaza City.

He also posted a picture of the road sign installation which was written in Arabic and English.

The sign stated that Malaysia is a South-East Asian country that gained its independence from Britain on Aug 31, 1957, and its capital is Kuala Lumpur.

"Malaysia has an important role in supporting the Palestinian cause. It always calls for an end to the Israeli occupation and granting the Palestinian people all their rights. It also rejects normalisation with the Israeli occupation," inscribed on the road sign.

When contacted by Bernama, Muslim said this is the first time a major place or venue in Palestine is named after Malaysia.

"This is an act of appreciation for Malaysia’s solidarity with Palestine. Palestinians, in Gaza in particular, have seen Malaysia’s contributions and commitment to uphold their struggle over the years," he said.

Muslim pointed out that this act of gratitude and appreciation will certainly have positive impact on bilateral relations.

"Malaysia’s decision to name one road in Kuala Lumpur as ‘Jalan Palestin’ and Palestine’s decision to name a road in Gaza as ‘Malaysia Street’, of course is a good step forward in cementing this friendship.

"Hopefully someday Malaysians will be able to visit a free and liberated Palestine," he added.

Last year, Kuala Lumpur City Hall renamed Jalan Raja Laut 1 as Jalan Palestin, in a show of support for the Palestinian people's struggle.


Toyota already leads VW by over 1 million vehicles in global car sales race

                LONDON: Toyota Motor Corp looks poised to repeat as the world’s largest automaker for a third straight year, having outsold Volkswagen AG by more than 1 million vehicles through April.

While both automakers’ China operations have been hamstrung by lockdown measures, Toyota has better managed to limit the damage.

The Japanese manufacturer said Monday that worldwide deliveries slipped 5.8% in the first four months of the year, whereas sales for its German rival plunged 26%.

Toyota has managed to continue outpacing VW despite coming up short of a production target last month that the company had pared back due to the spread of Covid-19 in Japan and overseas.

President Akio Toyoda told employees in March that the automaker was re-examining manufacturing plans along with suppliers to avoid "exhaustion.”

The company set a record for worldwide vehicle output that month.
VW has struggled this year in China, its largest market, with deliveries dropping 30% through April.

The automaker also has a much bigger presence than Toyota in Western Europe, where Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has further disrupted already strained supply chains.


Smaller EV prices to come down as EV sales climb, says IEA

                BERLIN: Nearly one in five cars sold globally this year will be electric, with the prices of smaller EV models dropping to rival those of combustion engine cars in North America and Europe by the mid-2020s, the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicted today.

The agency raised its EV sales forecasts in part because of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, which supports green industry and subsidises consumers' purchase of electric vehicles (EVs), IEA executive director Fatih Birol said on a media call.

China features prominently, making up half the EVs on the road worldwide including battery-electric cars and plug-in hybrids, and with 60% of EV sales last year taking place there, according to the IEA's annual outlook on EVs.

The country has also seen prices for some smaller EV models edging lower towards those of their combustion engine equivalents, said the IEA's energy technology policy head, Timar Guell.

Electric car sales globally are expected to surge 35% this year to 14 million, the report said, comprising 18% of the passenger car market, up from just 4% in 2020.

"Our current expectation is that we can see price parity in small and medium-sized electric cars in North America and European markets somewhere in the mid-2020s... for larger cars like SUVs and pick-ups, purchasing parity is likely to come later, probably into the 2030s," Guell said.

Governments are investing in EV expansion out of concerns over the environment, to boost industrial policy and decrease dependency on oil, demand for which will fall by 5 million barrels a day by 2030 because of the EV transition, Birol said.

SUVs and large cars account for nearly two-thirds of EVs in China and Europe and a greater proportion in the United States.

In emerging and developing economies, two- or three-wheel electric vehicles outnumber cars. Over half of India's three-wheeler registrations in 2022 were electric, according to the study.


Immendingen is Mercedes-Benz global vehicle testing centre

                STUTTGART: The Test and Technology Center Immendingen is where Mercedes-Benz Cars is consolidating its worldwide vehicle testing, including the further development of alternative drives such as hybrids and electric vehicles under the product and technology brand EQ.

Future assistance systems and automated driving functions are also tested here. The Test and Technology Center Immendingen was officially opened in September 2018 after a construction time of around three and a half years.

Immendingen is located in Baden-Württemberg, 130km to the south of Stuttgart and 40 kilometres to the north of Radolfzell on Lake Constance.

Mercedes-Benz is currently creating around 300 new jobs in Immendingen. Already now, around 250 employees are working on more than 30 different test stretches on which different driving conditions can be simulated.

A particular focus is placed on the four strategic areas for the future, Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric. Daimler has grouped these under the acronym CASE.

"High-tech vehicles require high-tech testing. Our Test and Technology Center in Immendingen has numerous facilities for testing and perfecting new technologies, including alternative drives and driving assistance systems. At the same time we can relieve traffic congestion, for example by relocating our endurance testing to our test site," says Markus Schäfer, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.


Mercedes-Benz adds Apple Music in EQS, C-Class and S-Class

                STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with Apple Music to provide the full integration of Apple Music into the Mercedes me connect service “Online Music” and the MBUX infotainment system.

After linking a Mercedes me account to the vehicle, Apple Music subscribers will have access to more than 75 million songs, thousands of editorially curated playlists, and daily selections from the world’s best music experts, including all of the artists and hosts broadcasting across its Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country global live-stream radio stations.

Drivers can also say “Hey Mercedes” using the MBUX voice assistant from the steering wheel control or directly on the display to request songs, albums, playlists, or radio stations.

"We use the possibilities of digitisation through over-the-air updates to make the time our customers spend in their Mercedes as entertaining and fulfilling as possible," said Sajjad Khan, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG and CTO.

"The seamless integration of online music streaming offers customers digital access to their own personal music enjoyment. With Apple Music, we have now fully integrated another service that fits perfectly into the Mercedes-Benz online music portfolio."

This built-in integration will be available to new C-Class and S-Class owners with start of production this month, and to EQS owners this summer. Existing C-Class and S-Class owners with the latest generation of MBUX will also be able to enjoy the Apple Music integration with an over-the-air update later this year.


Tony Fernandes sells Caterham Cars to Japanese group

                LONDON: Caterham Cars has been acquired by Japan-based automotive group, VT Holdings, from AirAsia's Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun.

The company assumes custodianship of the legendary British sportscar brand having been the Japanese importer for the Seven since 2009, where it currently sells over 120 cars annually.

Financial details were not disclosed.

As one of Japan’s largest retailer groups with over 200 showrooms nationwide and investments in UK, Spain, Thailand and South Africa, VT Holdings is also the importer for a collection of two and four wheeled brands including Royal Enfield and Lotus in its home-market.

Motorsport, and the global track-day communities, have always played a central role in Caterham’s commercial success. The brand now joins a group led by chief executive, Kazuho Takahashi, who also raced competitively in JGTC, Super GT and Super Taikyu championships for the past 20 years.

“VT Holdings is proud to welcome Caterham to the group. We have not only purchased a globally renowned performance car manufacturer but become custodians of a motoring legend. We will protect and develop the Seven to meet the legislative challenges that lie ahead,” said Takahashi.

Caterham Cars CEO Graham MacDonald said: "As a team, we’re all excited about starting to write the next chapter for this very special brand.”

Caterham Cars sell to 20 markets globally with exports accounting for 60% of its annual new car sales volume.

Fernandes and Kamarudin are respectively the CEO and chairman of budget airline AirAsia.


Indonesian capital shift gives impetus to plan for highway extensions to Kalimantan

                PETALING JAYA: An ambitious plan is in the making to build a complete network of highways in Borneo linking the most remote areas in Sarawak to Sabah and then on to Kalimantan, where the new Indonesian capital will be located.

Works Minister Baru Bian said that for the first time, the Federal Government had committed itself to the Trans-Borneo Highway, which would not only complete the loop of highways around Borneo but also bring socio-economic benefits and physical development to more than 100,000 people there.

Due to the proximity and the need to work with Indonesia to ensure a seamless highway crossing, he said he had met Indonesian president Joko Widodo over the matter last month.

Jokowi, he said, was receptive to the idea.

This is the first time there will be complete connectivity between Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan.

Explaining the 4,000km Trans-Borneo Highway, Bian said: "Under the previous Pan Borneo Highway alignment, it meant going in and out of Brunei eight times, which means your passport is stamped eight times."

"Being a Sarawakian from the remote area, I proposed that the highways connect to the hinterlands of Sarawak along the border of Sabah and Kalimantan, connecting villages such as Ba' Kelalan, Bario, Long Semadoh, Long Luping, Long Sukang, and Lawas to Temburong and towns like Merapok and Sipitang in Sabah.

"In addition, villages like Long Lama, Long Bedian, Long Seridan, Long Napir and Pa' Berunut will also be connected. Long Pasia in Sabah will also be connected through Long Semadoh," Baru said.

He said that under Budget 2020, RM600mil had been allocated for the much-needed 40km Jalan Kalabakan-Serudong and the construction of the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security Complex, and government housing quarters.

Serudong is the last town in Sabah at the border before one crosses over to eastern Kalimantan in Indonesia.

The RM600mil was from the RM1.2bil cost reduction of the Pan Borneo Highway.

Bian said that Indonesia is also building highways on its side to connect to Serudong so that when its new capital moves to eastern Kalimantan, it will be well connected to Sabah and Sarawak.

The location of the new Indonesian capital in Kalimantan has yet to be announced although some had pointed to Palangka Raya in central Kalimantan.

Baru said the proposed Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR), with spur roads linking remote areas such as Ba' Kelalan, would bring much-needed infrastructure development to the people along the route.

"This (Ba' Kelalan) is the last frontier of Sarawak which is unconnected. For the last 60 years, the development was always focused on coastal roads but nothing in the hinterland.

"There is potential for huge development as agricultural lands are aplenty and among the most fertile lands in Sarawak with high-quality pineapples, coffee and vegetable produce.

"We would have to acquire the lands that we need to cut through and the land price will definitely go up."

He spoke of better access to schools and health facilities for the 100,000 Orang Ulu (natives).

"The potential for eco-tourism is also huge. The three highest peaks in Sarawak - Mount Mulu, Mount Murud and Batu Lawi - are located around this area. Then you have the world heritage Mulu National Park there also," said Baru.

He said that the cost of the highways from Long Lama with the spur roads and on to Lawas would cost RM5.2bil.

"Now, it is in the first stage which costs RM2bil - which is from Lawas to Pa' Berunut - about 90km," said Baru.

He said that only the first stage of the SSLR had been passed in Budget 2019.

Baru said that the funds would be requested from the Federal Government over a period of six years but if a proposal to build the roads through private finance initiative, deferred payments and annuity models is accepted by the Cabinet, then the project could be sped up.

Ba' Kelalan village head George Sigar, 73, said a proper highway to Ba' Kelalan from the "outside world" would bring much-needed economic benefits.

"At the moment, it takes us five hours by timber road to the nearest hospital. With a good highway, this may take three hours. For the 2,012 villagers, we have been hearing for a long time that there will be road coming to us. I only hope it will be during my lifetime," Sigar said.


Two-hour parking limit in Subang Jaya and Puchong from June 1

                PETALING JAYA: Getting a parking spot when running errands in some commercial areas in Selangor's Subang Jaya and Puchong will be easier from the middle of this year.

Starting from June 1, Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) will impose a two-hour parking limit in selected commercial areas under its jurisdiction.

Subang Jaya mayor Johary Anuar said the matter was being finalised and commercial areas in USJ 9, USJ 10, SS19, Bandar Puteri Puchong as well as Bandar Sunway are among those in the review.

“These will be known as ‘two-hour parking zones’. We are also studying other roads and areas.

“The rates for these zones will be 60 sen for half an hour or RM1.20 per hour,” he said after chairing the council full board meeting yesterday.

Johary said the move to impose a time limit had been in the works for some time to improve parking availability in the affected areas.

“We aim to make the street-parking facility available to visitors to the areas rather than being dominated by those who work there,” he said.Johary: A system to monitor vehicles parked in these zones will alert enforcement officers if any have been parked for longer than allowed.

After the two-hour limit, private and commercial vehicles must vacate their spot and these motorists will not be allowed to park in the same area, he said.

“We will introduce a system to monitor vehicles parked in these zones to alert our enforcement officers if anyone has been parked for longer than allowed,” he added.

MBSJ’s public parking system is also set to transition to fully online payment methods in the form of mobile apps and e-coupons starting April 1.

Johary confirmed that the use of scratch coupons and pay-and-display parking machines would end on March 31.

A spokesman from the council’s treasury (parking section) said parking fee applications that would continue included Smart Selangor Parking, Flexi Parking, Jom Parking as well as Boost and Touch n Go e-wallets.

“Those who do not own smartphones will be able to pay for parking to authorised e-coupon vendors.”

He said parking coupons that were bought but unused could be refunded before March 31.

He added that details on the process and the location for refunds would be announced soon.

On another matter, Johary said the city council would work to prevent a recurrence of the floods that swept Selangor last December.

“We will strengthen our by-laws and make conditions for development stricter to ensure sustainable development.

“We will also establish an alert system to inform and disseminate warnings concerning floods, especially for residents in flood-prone areas.”

He said the system was designed to detect water levels and rainfall and sound an alarm to warn residents.

“It will also trigger an alert at MBSJ’s command centre where more warnings will be issued to chat groups with community leaders; agencies involved in rescue and disaster management as well as to the public via our social media,” he said.

Johary added that the alert system and additional steps like engaging and educating residents as well as updating phone numbers of community heads in hotspot areas needed to be done before the next monsoon season.


Renault asks FIA to drop Racing Point appeal

The Racing Point race car driven by Sergio Perez. — AP
PARIS: Renault have requested Formula One’s governing body FIA to withdraw its appeal against the punishment imposed on Racing Point for copying Mercedes’ brake ducts, the French team said on Tuesday.

Stewards docked Racing Point 15 points and fined €400,000 (nearly RM2mil) for a breach of the sporting regulations at every race since the Austrian season-opener.

Renault had joined Ferrari in protesting the stewards’ decision, seeking stricter punishment against Racing Point.

But Renault have now decided against taking the matter to FIA’s International Court of Appeal, leaving Ferrari the only team still chasing the matter.

“Beyond the decisions, the matters at issue were vital to the integrity of Formula One, both during the current season and in the future,” Renault said in a statement.

“However, intensive and constructive work between the FIA, Renault... and all Formula One stakeholders has led to concrete progress in safeguarding the originality in the sport by way of amendments to the Sporting and Technical Regulations planned for the 2021 racing season, confirming the requirements to qualify as a constructor.

“Reaching this strategic objective, in the context of the new Concorde Agreement, was our priority. The controversy of the start of this season should be put behind us, as we need to focus on the remainder of an intense and unique championship.”

Racing Point, whose 2020 car is a close copy of last year’s Mercedes, were allowed to continue competing without having to redesign the offending parts.


What's special about Rolls Royce Dawn Mayfair Edition

                LONDON: There probably isn't any such thing as a Rolls Royce that's not what you would consider seriously exclusive, but there's exclusive and then there's the Rolls Royce Dawn Mayfair Edition. The Dawn Mayfair edition is as unique as it gets because it's a one-off model ordered by a British dealer group, H.R. Owen, to celebrate 85 years of creating desirable and exclusive cars.

The car features a number of bespoke touches, which among other things, include the world's first Dawn copper dashboard and embroidered tread plates that read: "Special Commission - Mayfair Edition One of One."

The car was designed by the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London team, who drew their inspiration from the world of high-end horology. It was built at Rolls Royce's Goodwood headquarters, and it's now been made available to view at H.R. Owen's Berkeley Square dealership in London.

The Dawn copper theme is prevalent throughout the car, with an exterior colour of Berwick Bronze and copper also adorning the audio speakers and bullets on the Arctic White seats.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London is the flagship dealership of this most exclusive of British auto brands, and the dealership a real mainstay of the exclusive Mayfair area of London in the heart of Berkeley Square. H.R. Owen's association with Rolls-Royce now dates as far back as 1932, although the dealership enjoyed its most successful year ever just last year in 2016.

Rolls Royce brand director Claus Andersen said of the unique special edition, "Our clients value exclusivity, and in this 1 of 1 Dawn Mayfair Edition, we have one of the most exclusive models ever built by Rolls-Royce. The success of the Berkeley Square showroom has put us in a position to be able to offer such a stunning car, and we're excited to find its very lucky owner."

Of course, no price is being advertised for the Rolls Royce Dawn Mayfair Edition, but it's going to be more than the "regular" car's recommended starting price of £264,000 (around RM1.5mil). As ever with such things, it's probably a case of if you have to ask the price, chances are you can't afford it.


Singapore rolls out tough measures to keep cars off the roads

Motorists entering the central business district in Singapore. — AFP
SINGAPORE: In the battle against the car, space-starved Singapore has deployed road tolls, massive spending on public transport, and a licence fee that bumps the cost of an average vehicle to over US$80,000 (RM333,000).

But urban planners looking for solutions to gridlock may find the draconian measures hard to replicate in other less-compliant cities.

Singapore has gone further than any other major city to avoid the monster jams that have blighted Asian metropolises such as Jakarta or Manila.

The tough approach has been possible as Singaporeans are used to strict control — with media closely monitored and harsh punishments for minor crimes — and are fearful the city-state will be flooded with vehicles without the curbs.

"I think the system can be made better and fairer," said Joel Lee, a 28-year-old technician.

He said authorities should make "a distinction between those who need cars, be it for work or family commitments, and those who just want more cars as a status symbol".

Authorities' main tool is the certificate of entitlement, or COE. Every potential car buyer must bid for a certificate and the cost is added to the vehicle price.

The current cost of a COE for an average family car is almost S$50,000 (RM153,000), pushing the price of a Toyota Corolla to S$114,000 (RM350,000).

But COEs fluctuate depending on demand and at their high point four years ago the same car was S$159,000 (RM487,000) — six times the price in the US.

The certificates are valid for 10 years, after which the car must be scrapped or the certificate renewed.

Despite the high price, many in the financial centre, home to hordes of wealthy expats and millionaires, have bought cars, with some 600,000 on the streets — a considerable number for a limited road network.

Other key measures include controlling the number of vehicles on the road and charging tolls on main roads at busy times.

Authorities last month decided to freeze the number of private cars on the road from February for at least two years, citing land scarcity.

But the decision sparked anger and was followed by a jump in the price of COEs by several thousand dollars, in what the Straits Times newspaper described as "panic buying".

To mitigate its tough policies, Singapore has built a modern public transport network with a subway, overland trains and buses, and the government recently announced a plan to spend S$28 billion (RM86bil) to upgrade the system.

Ride-hailing apps Grab and Uber have helped those unable or unwilling to spend on a car, and the government plans to build 700km of cycle paths.

But the subway has recently been hit by repeated delays and breakdowns during rush hour. In the most serious incident for years a tunnel on the network flooded last month, crippling a main line for 20 hours, and sparking widespread anger.

Some are now questioning the government's plan to make Singapore a country where most people walk, cycle or take public transport.

"The government has been trying to make the city 'car-lite' but you have a train system that’s not very reliable," said Jason Lin, a 66-year-old retiree.

"If you take a bus, because there are so many cars, it'll take a long time. It can be very frustrating."

Speaking in parliament this month, Lam Pin Min, a senior minister of state for transport, insisted there significant growth in the transport network was planned and there would be "less need to own a car".

Singapore has not heavily promoted electric cars as it pushes public transport — unlike rival financial hub Hong Kong — but an electric-car sharing scheme starting next month is a first step to changing that.

Other places echo Singapore's approach — London has a congestion charge while Paris sometimes orders some private cars off the road due to air pollution — but they are unlikely to copy the city-state's tougher measures as it would be too risky.

"COE is not a very popular measure, and any government that tries to implement this kind of a measure in any other country may lose elections," said Vivek Vaidya, a transport expert at business consultancy Frost and Sullivan.