Kia to move away from traditional manufacturing-driven business model

Earlier this month,
Kia unveiled its new corporate logo
 with the new brand slogan of ‘
Movement that inspires’
. This slogan replaces ‘
The Power to Surprise’
 which has been in use since 2005 (although the US also had a new slogan in 2019 – ‘
Give It Everything
’). With the new slogan also comes a new strategy which the Korean carmaker will probably use throughout this decade, or into the next one.

Signalling the brand breaking away from its traditional manufacturing-driven business model, the corporate name will now be Kia Corporation, instead of Kia Motors Corporation, though the public has usually used just ‘Kia‘ anyway.

Beyond vehicle manufacturing

The strategy will see the company go beyond vehicle manufacturing to create sustainable mobility solutions for customers. According to Ho Sung Song, President & CEO of Kia Corporation, the company’s vision is to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies globally.

“At Kia, we believe that transportation, mobility, and movement represent a human right. Today, we start putting the company vision into action with the launch of our new brand purpose and strategy for the future,” he said.

New brand purpose

Kia’s new brand purpose emphasises that movement is at the genesis of human development. Movement enables people to see new places, to meet new people, and to have new experiences. This connection is the essence of Kia’s new brand – to enable human progress by providing innovative in-car spaces, exciting new products, and meaningful, convenient services that inspire customers and free up time for the activities that they enjoy the most.

Kia has been in the ‘movement’ industry for more than 75 years, starting with Korea’s first domestic bicycles and then manufacturing motorcycles and delivery trucks. As in past decades, it will meet changing customer expectations about how they move, and how their movement impacts the world around them.

The broader vision for sustainable mobility

Reflecting the brand’s broader vision for mobility, Kia is expanding its business to encompass EVs, mobility solutions and services, purpose-built vehicles, and more. Alongside these efforts, Kia will simultaneously promote more sustainable production through the usage of clean energy and recyclable materials.

The company is focused on popularising battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plans to reinforce its global product line-up with the introduction of 7 new dedicated BEVs within the next 6 years. These new models will be in several segments, each incorporating advanced technologies for long-range driving and high-speed charging from Hyundai Motor Group’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).

Purpose-Built Vehicles

Kia is also developing a range of new Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) for corporate customers. These specialised vehicles will be based on flexible ‘skateboard’ platforms, with modular bodies designed to meet the specific mobility needs of a broad range of corporate and fleet customers. Partnerships with the likes of Canoo and Arrival will mean Kia PBVs can offer different bodies mounted on top of an integrated modular ‘skateboard’ platform, tailored to users’ functional requirements.

To know about other promotions, visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
.

Demand for PBVs is expected to grow 5-fold by 2030 due to rapid and sustained growth in e-commerce and car-sharing services. Bespoke Kia PBVs will be tailored to meet the needs of corporate and fleet customers. For instance, these could include car-sharing vehicles, low-floor logistics vehicles, and delivery vehicles.

The change in the company’s corporate name also means transforming the organisation’s working culture. “Changing our corporate name and logo is not only a cosmetic improvement. It represents us expanding our horizons and establishing new and emerging businesses that meet and exceed the diverse needs of our customers worldwide. More importantly, it also means adapting our working culture, enabling the creativity of all our employees and establishing an inspiring work environment,” President Song explained.

First dedicated BEV coming soon

With its growing range of BEVs, Kia is targeting a 6.6% share of the global BEV market by 2025, and global annual sales of 500,000 BEVs by 2026. The first of Kia’s next-generation BEVs will be revealed in the first quarter of 2021, embodying Kia’s shifting focus towards electrification.

Based on new E-GMP technology, this dedicated BEV will boast a crossover-inspired design, while offering an electric driving range of over 500 kms and a high-speed charging time of under 20 minutes. This will also be the first global model to bear Kia’s new logo.

Kia introduces new corporate logo as part of bold transformation move


Entire Perodua sales and aftersales network is ready to serve customers

As the leading car company in the country, Perodua has a huge network of sales and aftersales outlets – all of which had to be closed when the Movement Control Order (MCO) was activated on March 18 this year. Now that the situation regarding the COVID-19 virus has eased a bit – though it has not ended – the government is allowing businesses to resume operations.

However, for Perodua, there are 182 sales, 202 service and 68 Body & Paint outlets nationwide and with the Standard Operating Procedures stipulated by the Health Ministry for the protection of the public as well as employees, the facilities have required some reconfiguration. This is to meet important requirements like social distancing that should be 1 metre apart.

Measures such as markers on the floor to guide visitors to stand apart (above) and seating areas also adhere to social distancing requirements (below). Note that the children’s play area is closed off, for safety reasons at this time.

“We announce today that we have finally put in place the necessary safeguards at all our outlets nationwide to ensure that our valued customers and employees will be sufficiently protected in the light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Perodua outlets restarted operations on a staggered basis from May 12 and the company has been working hard to ensure all the sufficient health and safety measures are in place.

“We thank our valued customers for their patience and loyalty. We will ensure that all their motoring needs will be met as soon and as safely as possible,” he said.

Vehicle production resumed on May 11 and the company is now doing its best to fulfil demand as quickly as possible.

Customers looking to service their vehicles are required to secure an appointment slot beforehand with their service centre of choice. Walk-ins will not be accepted at present to avoid crowding.

All visitors to any outlet must undergo temperature checks before entering the outlets, register their details and adhere to social distancing markers within the outlets at all times. Hand sanitisers are placed at key locations, while the outlets themselves are sanitised regularly.

“These safeguards are part and parcel of our commitment to our collective health and safety, towards making the Perodua Experience the best it can be,” said Dato’ Zainal.

To locate a showroom or service centre near you, visit
www.perodua.com.my
.

War on COVID-19 – Perodua contributes RM2 million to NADMA-COVID 19 Fund


Highlights of the Season 4 Vios Challenge Night Races (first night)

This weekend sees the conclusion of Season 4 of the successful Vios Challenge, a one-make series which was part of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival. After the first round was held, there was a long period of lockdown which prevented subsequent rounds (and other motorsports) from being run. When the restrictions were lifted, UMW Toyota Motor wasted no time in getting the series going again, with a night race – the first ever for the series – planned for this finale round of 2 races.

After the second round, there was no clear favourites to take the titles in each of the four classes. No less than 5 contenders had a shot of becoming the overall champion in the Super Sporting Class, Sporting Class, and Promotional Class. The same applied to the Rookie Class which is for a young group of new racers from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Young Talent Development Program.

PROMOTIONAL CLASS

The most dramatic action this time round came from the Promotional Class. Shukri Yahaya pushed hard from pole position to lead the race from start to finish, as championship contender Zizan Razak struggled to hang on to second spot after having to face increasing pressure from Khai Bahar and Akio Takeyama.

The battle was clearly between Shukri, Zizan and Takeyama, and even with 2 laps remaining, the race was far from over. It seemed like Shukri’s race but Zizan suddenly shot forward to stage a last-minute challenge and overtook Shukri 3 corners from chequered flag to win!

The victory was, however, short-lived when the officials penalized the actor for exceeding track limits during overtaking. This got him a 5-second penalty, effectively relegating him back to second place with Takeyama rounding up the top three.

“I did my best to get away from Zizan as the battle behind me took place but, in the later part of the race, I did notice him coming on even stronger. It was a good fight to the finish and it was unfortunate that there was a penalty involved, but that’s racing,” said Shukri.

Of the five women taking part in this class, Talitha Tan (in her first year with the series) was the highest place, finishing fifth, followed by Janna Nick and Wany Hasrita.

SUPER SPORTING CLASS

In the battle of the veteran drivers, Telagamas Toyota’s Freddie Ang made the most of pole position to stay ahead from the start of the race. He was followed across the finish line by Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin in second spot, and Prime Pearl Auto’s Tengku Djan Ley in third.

The biggest gainer in the race was Tengku Djan who jumped from 10th on the starting grid to finish third. Despite being second quickest in qualifying, Tengku Djan was penalized and repositioned to the back of the grid due to an incident in the previous round.

“The car was fantastic at night. When we race in the afternoon, the high temperatures cause a lot of inconsistencies due to the heat and you find yourself having to manage the tyres and brakes after 10 laps. At night, the car was just perfect and I could post a lot of fast and more consistent times throughout the race,” said Ang.

For Tengku Djan, the third-place finish puts him back into contention for the overall championship after a disastrous Round 2 where he failed to finish on the podium. “We had a good car throughout the weekend and I needed to drive a clever race. I have to drive smart for the final race as I am back to 40-kg ballast which is a huge disadvantage. It’s a question of trying to make up for all the missed points in Round 2,” said Tengku Djan, also known as Malaysia’s ‘Prince of Drift’.

SPORTING CLASS

Late night drama also unfolded in the Sporting Class where 23 Motors’ Ady Rahimy who had run away with the race from pole position, finishing 12.3 seconds ahead of Dream Chaser’s Bradley Benedict Anthony and Dannies Ng in third position, was later handed a one-position penalty. That promoted Bradley as race winner and Ady had to settle for second.

“I want to thank my team for giving me the opportunity to race for them. I’m quite certain that fitness played a big part in tonight’s race; secondly, I did a lot of simulator training to prepare myself for the race. The team also put in tremendous effort to set-up the car but it was unfortunate that the contact resulted in a penalty. We will definitely try for another podium in the final race,” said 22-year old Ady.

The battle for third had no less than 5 contenders battling for a podium finish. Mirza Syahmi Mahzan of Aylezo Motorsports held on to third for the first 12 of the 20-lap race but came under tremendous pressure from Clement Yeo. Yeo did eventually overtook him but went wide on the exit of the last corner which saw him losing not only third place but dropping to fifth position.

“Racing at night is more chilly with lower temperatures and I tend to be a lot more patient and comfortable,” remarked Ng, who started from 12th position to run a calm and collected race into third position.

ROOKIE CLASS

The battle of the young blood saw 14-year old Putera Adam win the 20-lap race with a 1.3-second lead from Jwan Hii and championship contender Naquib Azlan. Driving a calm and composed race, Putera raced ahead of the pack from pole position, followed closely by Hii and Naquib as Mika Hakimi relinquished his position to enter the pit to fix a technical issue. That stop dropped him to fifth position behind Amer Harris.

“The conditions were fine at night; it was drizzling towards the end of the race and everything worked in my favour. Jwan was right behind me, but he had made a slight mistake shifting gears and that that allowed me to pull ahead,” said Putera.

With the overall season class champions still to be decided, it will all come down to the final and second race tonight. There are no clear favourites with no less than 5 contenders still with a shot of becoming the overall champion in each of the 4 classes of racing being contested.

Besides the strict health measures that are followed at the circuit, UMW Toyota Motor has also implemented additional safety measures which include allowing only critical personnel and guests to be at the event. As before, the racing will be broadcast live online for race fans in Malaysia and the rest of the world. The broadcast will be on the UMW Toyota Motor and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia websites at toyota.com.my/tgrmalaysia/, and also on the Toyota Malaysia and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia Facebook pages.


Aspark Owl – first Japanese electric hypercar – claims acceleration record

The owl isn’t known for any speed records but there is one ‘owl’ that has an acceleration record. It’s the Aspark Owl and was recently confirmed as the quickest accelerating car in the world – 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 1.72 seconds, set at the Misano World Circuit in Italy. It is also the first Japanese all-electric hypercar to go into production for commercial sale.

“It’s a great honour for us to announce this achievement, reached in a record time,” said Aspark CEO Masanori Yoshida. “In 2015 when we decided to start this project, no one believed it could have been done”.

From concept to production in 3 years

The Owl was first shown as a concept in 2017 and a production prototype was displayed at the 2019 Dubai Motor Show.  The original plan had been to start first deliveries in the second quarter of 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the schedule. Production is now underway with a limited series of 50 cars to be available worldwide, each one priced from 2,900,000 euros (about RM14.4 million). The Owl will be offered by selected dealers in North America, Europe and Japan, as well as the Middle East.

The hypercar is the product of Aspark, a Japanese company which ventured into car manufacturing in recent years. The company was founded in 2005 by Yoshida and has global operations providing engineering and R&D  services for the automotive industry, as well as for electronic, industrial and medical sectors. It has a Technology Development Centre in Japan and also carries out development and production of the Owl hypercar in Turin, Italy.

The Owl is the first of a series of extreme and disruptive automotive projects planned by the Osaka-based company.  It has the most powerful powertrain with 4 electric motors ever made. The rotational speed of each motor is 15,000 rpm, said to be the fastest in the world.

They produce a total output of 1,480 kW (2012 horsepower), with maximum torque of around 2,000 Nm. That’s 3 times more power than Formula E electric racing cars and 2 times more than today’s Formula 1 cars.

Unique Battery Monitoring System

The centrally mounted unique shape of the battery pack is specifically designed and developed for the Owl. The lithium-ion battery pack has a total capacity of 1,300 kW and can be charged within 80 minutes with 44 kW system.

One of the strongest characteristics of the battery pack is the Battery Monitoring System, which continuously monitors the level of each cell and protects the battery from overcharge, over-discharge, overheat and more. This safety device keeps the battery system under automatic control.

Carbonfibre monocoque structure

The chassis of the Owl is a single piece carbonfibre monocoque structure. The overall weight of the chassis is only 120 kgs. Honeycomb features are used on the chassis in order to absorb the shock as much as possible and to increase the safety. The body of the Owl, weighing 180 kgs,  is completely made with the highest quality level of CFRP, which has high stiffness, an extreme level of lightness and a great beauty.

Stainless steel frames under the carbonfibre roof and a combination of steel frames with high stiffness ensure maximum safety for the occupants in the cockpit in case the car rolls over. It is just 99 cm tall, but the ride height can be varied between 80 and 160 mm.

“By accelerating the final stage of the Owl project in Italy and establishing a new legal subsidiary in Switzerland (Aspark Promotion AG) dedicated to the hypercar business, Aspark reinforces its international presence outside Japan,” said Head of Sales and Communication, “We are not only delivering the premium-level hypercars to our customers, but we also take the full responsibility for aftersales, right level of warranty and full product liability.”


Naza Italia Unleashes Maserati Levante Vulcano Limited-Edition!

One of Ten
. That’s right, you’re looking at just one of 10 super-limited-edition
Maserati Levante Vulcano
 that’s available in Malaysia, brought in by
Naza Italia
, the official importers and distributors of this iconic Italian brand in Malaysia. How
limited
 is limited? Try just
150 units GLOBALLY
!

It’s quite amazing that Naza Italia managed to bag 10 of these considering their rarity in the worldwide market. Each unit comes with a special plaque within the cabin that denotes its exclusivity, i.e. 001/150, 002/150, and so on. Present at the 10
th
 Anniversary celebration was
En. SM Nasarudin Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman of Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn. Bhd.
 who attributed the distributor’s success to Maserati’s innovation and the dedication and commitment of Malaysian team to the brand and business.

He explained:
“We commenced our journey as the Malaysian home of Maserati by launching the Maserati GranTurismo Sports and Quattroporte Sport GTS. This was quickly followed by the introduction of GranCabrio. 2014 was our turning point when we introduced the highly-anticipated Ghibli, an elegant and yet sporty sedan, which was very well accepted by the Malaysia market.”

Subsequently in 2016, Naza Italia-Maserati achieved its next milestone by launching the ‘Maserati of SUVs’, the Levante. In the last few years, the distributor has introduced at least three each year of upgrades and face-lifts of the various models.
“Thanks to Maserati’s continuous innovation, we are able to delight the most discerning tastes of our Malaysian clientele with a comprehensive product line-up that is stylish, refined, technologically excellent and innately exclusive,”
 said En. Nasarudin.

Another key attribute to Naza Italia – Maserati’s success is its 45,000 square feet flagship centre in Petaling Jaya. The state-of-the-art 4S showroom and service centre was inaugurated in 2009 and refurbished in 2015 to meet Maserati’s global brand identity.

Speaking to media at the celebration,
Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO of the Automotive Division at Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn. Bhd.
 emphasised the flagship centre represents Naza Italia – Maserati’s commitment towards the brand and clientele in Malaysia. He said:
“We strive to make the entire experience of owning a Maserati unique and sensational – from the moment you walks through the doors of our showroom, to the point of your car’s delivery and the dedicated after service. To this commitment, and to the delight of Maserati fans and enthusiasts in northern Peninsular Malaysia, the I am pleased to announce that plans are in the pipeline for network expansion in Penang”.

As part of its 10
th
Anniversary celebration, Naza Italia – Maserati unveiled the limited edition SUV (sports utility vehicle), the
Levante Vulcano Limited Edition
, where only ten units will be available for the Malaysia market.

The Levante represents the turning point in Maserati’s history. It trail-blazes through new territory for the brand as the marque makes its first foray into the world of luxury sport utility vehicles in its more than 100-year history. When the Levante was first launched in 2016, it also made a key contribution to completing the marque’s luxury and sporty fleet line-up. Since then, the Levante has been a popular addition to Malaysia’s luxury automotive market.

“As such, it could not be more apt to mark Naza Italia-Maserati’s one decade of achievements with ten exclusive units of the limited edition Levante Vulcano for Malaysia”
 said Dato’ Samson. Indeed, the new
Levante Vulcano
 is produced in a series of just 150 units for the European and Asian markets, including Malaysia. The units for Malaysia are available with twin-turbo V6 engine of 430 hp, as well as exclusive finishes and matte Grigio Lava colour exterior that comes with the new Vulcano logo and the words “one of 150”.

Dato’ Samson closed his address with words of thanks. “We are grateful for the guidance and support of Maserati’s team at both regional global levels and the patronage of our loyal clients. We look forward to another decade of partnership and excellence to continue creating the Maserati ownership and luxury lifestyle experience for our clients here”. The public is invited to visit the Naza Italia-Maserati showroom in Petaling Jaya to view the
Levante Vulcano
 and speak with Naza Italia – Maserati’s team in greater detail about Maserati’s newest offering. Follow @maserati.malaysia (Instagram) and
www.facebook/maserati.malaysia
 for the brand’s latest updates in Malaysia.

About the
Levante Vulcano

The Vulcano limited edition is available with twin-turbo V6 engine of 430 hp, designed by Maserati Powertrain and built at the Ferrari plant in Maranello. The exclusive matte “Grigio Lava” shade of the exterior highlights the Trident SUV’s sporty lines to magnificent effect. The exterior look is completed by the Nerissimo pack details (dark look rear light clusters, black chrome front grille and logos, glossy black window surrounds, body-coloured door handles and burnished exhaust tailpipes), the 21-inch Helios wheels, also with matte finish, and the red brake calipers.

Inside the new Levante Vulcano, every finish is redolent with sporty elegance. The heated, ventilated full Pieno Fiore leather seats come in red colour, featuring electrical adjustment with memories, complete with contrasting embroidered Trident logo on the headrest, and are designed to underline the model’s “volcanic” personality. In addition, it is fully equipped with an impressively comprehensive range of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) with more active functions, whilst retaining the razor-sharp steering feel symbolic of any Maserati. The functions include Integrated Vehicle Control, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Surround View Camera, Highway Assist System, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.

The exclusive allure of the new
Levante Vulcano
 limited edition is further enhanced by the interior trims in high gloss carbon fibre, also used for the gearshift paddles and the insert on the electrically adjustable sport steering wheel, and the chromed aluminium badge on the central tunnel bearing the legendary Trident, together with the new Vulcano logo and the words “
one of 150
“.

The standard outfit is completed by the Bowers&Wilkins premium sound system, the soft close door closure system, the front and rear parking sensors and the full-LED Matrix adaptive headlights. The limited edition Levante Vulcano enters the Malaysian market at the starting price of
RM838,800.00
 (inclusive of local taxes and duties). The price includes
3 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a Free maintenance program of 3 years/ 100,000 km
 whichever comes first (Inclusive of *Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 Years /60,000 km).

2019 Maserati Levante Vulcano Limited Edition Photo Gallery…


Perodua Axia G gains with ABS in 2016

The Perodua Axia G compact car gains anti-lock brakes (ABS) as a standard feature starting 2016 onwards.

Second national carmaker
Perodua
 announced that starting 2016 onwards, anti-lock brakes or ABS will be primed as a standard feature in the Perodua Axia G model. As a result, the Axia G will see a slight price increase of RM1,500.

Previously, ABS was exclusively primed in the Axia SE and Axia Advance variants. Peordua Axia G models booked from December 11th onwards will benefit with this upgrade, albeit with the slightly higher price tag.

For those who booked the Axia G prior to this date, worry not as Perodua has prepared an incentive. Perodua CEO Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh states,
“For our customers who have booked their Axia G between 1st October and 10th December but have yet to receive their vehicle; Perodua will offer a RM500 Perodua voucher as a token.”

Launched in 2014 to replace the Viva, the Axia has since become one of the most affordable cars currently on sale in Malaysia as prices start from as low as RM24,437.16.

Though this is good news, there is no word as to whether the entry-level variant, the Axia E, gains with similar upgrades, suggesting that Perodua will continue offering said base model variant without ABS. And we also reckon Perodua’s other entry-level models, the MyVi G and Alza S, will also remain on sale without ABS as well.


Jaguar Land Rover introduce Project Hero

JLR’s emergency response unit is set to take on the harshest conditions to save lives

Project Hero is essentially a bespoke version of the Land Rover Discovery built for use by the Austrian Red Cross. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, it’s an advanced communication vehicle to support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies(IFRC), which are the world’s largest humanitarian network.

This rather unique Discovery will be trialed by the Austrian Red Cross emergency response teams in the hopes of aiding the saving of lives by speeding up the response times to disasters.

Project Hero’s main party piece is the roof-mounted drone. There’s a fully integrated landing system with self-centering and magnetic retention technology that enables the drone to land on Project Hero’s roof even when the vehicle is moving.

Through the use of the drone, the capacities of the emergency response unit is enhanced by allowing airborne, live footage to be transmitted to the Red Cross’s emergency response teams, helping them respond more quickly and effectively to landslides, earthquakes, floods and avalanches. Due to the changing terrain of unsettled landscapes, the aerial view provided by the drone will enable rescues to assess the situation from a safe distance and deduce an effective plan to rescue survivors.

Powered by the same 3.0-litre TD6 engine of the standard Discovery, Project Hero features a number of enhancements which include a heavy-duty sliding floor in the rear load space, segregation panel behind the rear seats providing additional equipment mounting points, LED lighting to aid night vision and innovative power supply points which accept multiple plug arrangements. It also features a multiple frequency radio equipment enabling contact to be made to other teams.

Project Hero will be stationed at the Austrian Red Cross training centre in Erzberg, in mountainous Eisenerz mining area, and in Vienna, for 12 months from June 2017. Its drone, will be used in simulations in order to develop new techniques of disaster relief. Project Hero will be dispatched when the Red Cross provides support at times of natural disasters, such as heavy snow or floods, or accidents.


Fuel prices for July 13 – July 19 2019


Ford helps Mustang owners seem less obnoxious to neighbours

Ford has introduced a new feature that might help Mustang owners be less ‘quieter’ when arriving or leaving their homes. It helps lower the audible volume of the raspy exhaust notes emanated by the V8 equipped Mustangs, enabling owners to go about their activities without announcing their intentions to the entire neighborhood.

It’s called the Quiet Exhaust Mode, which is available on the latest Mustang that is equipped with the active valve performance exhaust system. It can be activated through the car’s infotainment system – offering three audible exhaust levels namely, Quiet, Normal, Sport and Track.

“Active valve performance exhaust gives Mustang owners the best of both worlds – that classic Mustang sound, and the ability to not wake up your neighbors when you leave the house early in the morning or arrive home late at night,” said Matt Flis, Ford exhaust development engineer.

Also referred to as the ‘Good Neighbour Mode’ this addition to the Mustang line-up should refute the stigma that plague decent Mustang owners – obtuse driving etiquette. It will also allow them to enjoy the vehicle without disturbing the peace and activating about a dozen car alarms.

It’s inception is a result of first hand experience by Steve von Foerster, former head of vehicle engineering for the Ford Motor Company. Apparently, Steve ruffled a few feathers when he drove his Shelby Mustang GT350 out of his driveway one morning. The loud and aggressive roar of the Mustang’s  Coyote V8 maybe music to our ears, but his neighbors of the quite suburb, were more than perturbed.

One of them phoned it in to the Police, requesting law enforcement deal with the disturbance. Steven was long gone by the time the cops come and as such, escaped being ticketed. But this goes to show that you can’t really trust your neighbors to be tolerant with your way of life.

The video below was published by Ford to demonstrate the night and day difference that the new Quiet Exhaust mode feature has on the Mustang’s exhaust note. And going a step further, the company has also introduced Quiet Start, which adds on another layer of stealth.

This feature enables drivers to schedule a time for when they require the engine started so as not to inconvenience their neighbors. Owners can set a time between 8pm and 7am to have this feature activated. Working together with the Quiet Exhaust mode, most people won’t notice that they live right next door to the most advanced muscle car that Ford has ever made.

Apart from the exhaust system, Ford has equipped the new Mustang with a  restyled exterior design and refined interior, Mustang will offer an all-digital 12-inch instrument cluster, a 10-speed automatic transmission, MagneRide damping system and SYNC® Connect with FordPass.

Check out the videos and picture gallery below and let us know what you think of these new additions to the new Ford Mustang.


Third year of growth in Proton sales in spite of challenging conditions

Although it is estimated that the Total Industry Volume (TIV) of new vehicles sold in Malaysia last year dropped by at least 4.6% to just over 505,000 units of passenger cars and commercial vehicles, Proton’s sales for the year
rose
 by 4.5% over its 2020 volume. With December contributing 14,147 units, the Malaysia carmaker ended the year with a total of 114,708 units delivered (including export sales). It was the highest closing figure since 2014 and is the third consecutive year of volume growth for the company.

The brand’s market share in December is estimated to be 20.6% but for the whole of 2021, it would likely be 22.7% (pending official data from the Malaysian Automotive Association). This would be an increase of 2% over the market share in 2020, putting it is a firm second position in overall sales.

SUVs make big contribution

It’s not surprising that the two SUV models – the X70 launched in December 2018 and the X50 in October 2020 – have made major contributions to Proton’ sales numbers. This mirrors the global trend that has been going on many years now where SUVs are very popular.

With a total of 45,149 SUVs sold in 2021, Proton can claim to be the best-selling SUV brand in Malaysia. That number accounted for nearly 40% of its total sales volume. Individually, the
X50
 ended the year with 28,774 units, with December being its best month when 4,310 units were delivered nationwide. It was the second consecutive month the model exceeded more than 4,000 units.

Meanwhile, 16,375 units of the bigger X70 were delivered in 2021 with a final month figure of 1,616 units. This put it at the top of the SUV C-segment, and third in terms of overall SUV sales.

Saga still the bestseller

Nevertheless, the bestselling model for Proton was still the evergreen Saga, with 42,627 units sold. The model is also sold overseas and assembled in some countries as well, enabling better supply of cars to those markets.

Other models that performed well in 2021 were the Exora (4,035 units), Persona (16,153 units) and Iriz (6,708 units). Deliveries rose a bit during December as chip supply issue improved slightly.

Growing international sales

International sales
 were also a major highlight for the company. With 3,018 units exported in 2021, the total volume grew by over 100%. This made Proton the number one local automotive brand for export sales last year. With
local assembly operations
 ramping up in overseas markets coupled to a hopeful loosening of trade restrictions, there is optimism the upward trend will continue in coming years.

“2021 was tough for the automotive industry as a whole and this is reflected in the reduction in TIV compared to the previous year. From a global chip shortage to a spike in COVID-19 numbers that led to another lockdown to skyrocketing transport costs, there were many challenges for industry players to overcome. That is why PROTON’S sales growth in a year where the market contracted was significant as it was the result of careful planning and juggling of available resources,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar.

“Regarding export sales, we are equally proud about being the brand with the highest export volume in 2021 as it proves we are gaining traction overseas thanks to the joint efforts of our International Sales division and our foreign partners. While increasing shipping costs are a growing concern, our planned activities in 2022 means we expect export sales growth to accelerate in the coming years,” he added.

7 new outlets opened

The Proton network of 3S/4S outlets started 2021 with 140 outlets and despite the challenges faced in terms of financing and construction works, another 7 outlets were in operation by the end of 2021.

“The growth of Proton’s ancillary businesses such as Proton Commerce and the increase in the number of outlets is directly linked to the number of vehicles we sell. As sales have grown so have our facilities to cater to an increased number of customers. I would also like to announce we have extended the warranty for the 6-speed automatic gearbox used by the CBU Proton X70 to 5 years with unlimited mileage. This is to further benefit our customers and give them added peace of mind,” added Encik Roslan.

Proton enhances flood assistance offers to owners with more discount on selected parts


Mitsubishi owners in Malaysia happiest with customer services, according to latest J.D. Power study

J.D. Power’s 2019 Customer Service Index (CSI) Mass Market Study for the Malaysian market has ranked Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) highest in providing overall satisfaction to customers for a second consecutive year.

“We are delighted to be ranked highest for the 2019 Malaysia Customer Service Index (Mass Market) Study conducted by J.D. Power. We are even more delighted to win this recognition for the second consecutive year and remained in the top three positions for five consecutive years! This reflects on our commitment to continue to provide a rewarding and positive customer’s experience from the first initiation of purchase to a satisfying after sales service. We will not rest on our laurels, we will continue to stay on top and provide our customers with a satisfying customer experience.” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

An authorised Mitsubishi Motors dealership in Malaysia offering sales, service and spare parts (3S).

2,644 owners interviewed

The study, which has been held annually for 17 years, involved 2,644 owners of Mitsubishi vehicles who had received delivery of their new vehicles between February 2016 and June 2018 and took their vehicle for service to an authorized service centre between February 2018 and June 2019.

The owners were selected by J.D. Power independently and subject to screening prior to being interviewed, and were not introduced or recommended by MMM. The study measured customer satisfaction with the servicing and vehicle-return process and was conducted between February and June 2019.

Rating the experience at service centres

To score overall satisfaction among owners who visited an authorized service centre for maintenance or repair work during the first 12 to 36 months of ownership, they were asked questions about based on five factors. These were service quality (25%); vehicle pick-up (21%); service initiation (20%); service facility (17%); and service advisor (16%). Mitsubishi Motors achieved the highest score of 791 points, 30 points above the industry average.

Click here for other news and articles about Mitsubishi Motors on PISTON.MY
.


Women are now allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia

This is a great time for women in Saudi Arabia, because due to a reform in the country’s regulations, as of June 2018, women will be allowed to drive on their own. King Salman, ruler of the kingdom, has decreed that it is now lawful for women in that country to drive on its roads.

Prior to the announcement, women who were caught driving on public roads would have faced harsh legal punishment which included being arrested and fined. For many years, activist groups have rallied to have the government alter the legislation.

Regardless of how educated or capable a woman was, it was still considered unlawful for her to drive. The Kingdom’s rather conservative policies forbid women from getting behind the wheel, until now. According to an article by the
BBC
, there is an estimated 800,000 chauffeurs who currently ferry Saudi women to their destinations.

Now however, the new ruling will enable Saudi women to experience the thrill of driving, legally, which may negate their need for someone to chauffeur them around. That said, the news was well received all over, especially to activist groups.

Heads of state around the world, including the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, were delighted with the news. This reform could pave the way for other ones, which could lead the Saudi government into accepting a more liberal stance on other issues involving women.

Politics aside, this should be a good time to be a car dealer in Saudi Arabia. This is because, as of today, a big chunk of the population in Saudi Arabia are now allowed to own a driver’s license and a vehicle. This surge in demand for vehicles might result in car dealerships springing up all over the kingdom.

Source:
BBC


First public appearance of New Toyota GR Yaris at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival in Japan today!

The new Toyota new GR Yaris made its first public appearance at the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival held at the Fuji Speedway in Japan. This is the second model that will be added to the GR family – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s sportscar line-up – following the return of the
legendary GR Supr
a.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has been involved in Toyota’s global motorsports activities, developing machines that claimed 5 wins in the 2018 season and took the Manufacturer’s title and Driver’s and Co-driver’s title this year.

The new GR Yaris is said to incorporate all the technologies, knowledge, and experience learned from participation in the World Rally Championship. Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s President, using his TGR Master Driver nickname of ‘
Morizo
’ (which he uses when he enters races) was also involved in the car’s development – not just approving the budget as most presidents usually do but personally testing it and giving feedback to the engineers.

He recently performed the final test of the car, pushing it to its furthermost limits, and has pronounced it ready to be introduced to the world on January 10 at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2020.

2020 Toyota GR Supra has landed in Malaysia! From RM568,000


Driving long distances soon? Be sure to check your vehicle first to avoid unnecessary problems

The borders between states will open from Monday, October 11, for unrestricted travel and many will be driving long distances. Some may be doing so to visit loved ones they could not meet for a long time, and some may want to take a long drive after months of just driving around town, unable to go outside the state.

Before you start going on longer journeys, it’s a good idea to check your vehicle. It’s been parked at home for much longer periods than before (especially if you have been working from home) and although there should be no problems, long periods of not being used or under-utilisation may have a small effect on mechanical parts.

In fact, for many owners, the service schedule usually followed by mileage intervals may not be applicable over the past year as the mileage travelled would have decreased significantly. In this case, manufacturers recommend an interval based on time, usually a maximum of 6 months. This means that even if the mileage has not reached the usual interval but 6 months have passed, then you should send the vehicle in for the scheduled service.

If you don’t do the checks yourself, many companies offer free inspection services to their customers. For example, Perodua has its Tweckbot inspection which is provided free during festive seasons.

Fortunately, today’s vehicles require a lot less maintenance than the older ones. There are more electronic components in place of mechanical types and these have no moving parts to wear out. Many replaceable items also last longer, eg sparkplugs, air filters and even engine oil but they eventually need to be replaced so the engine operates at its best.

But there are still things that you, as an owner, can do yourself and should do so prior to every long-distance trip. This is to minimise the possibility of a breakdown (or worse, an accident) due to failure of some system. It can spoil your holiday and cause much inconvenience if you are on the highway and worse if you are on a country road. Fortunately, insurance and car companies as well as highway concessionaires like PLUS provide rescue services that can provide assistance.

If you are travelling on a PLUS highway and have a breakdown, PLUSRonda teams will come and help you. But it’s better to minimize the likelihood of a problem on the journey by checking that vehicle is in good running condition before starting your journey.

TYRE PRESSURES

Over time, tyres lose some of their air and the pressures start to be lower than what is recommended. Unless there is a puncture, the loss is gradual and often not noticeable just by looking at the tyres. Modern tyres also have a stronger construction which ‘masks’ under-inflation so little difference might be felt in the steering.

This is why it is useful to have a tyre pressure gauge. It is available in accessory and hardware shops and isn’t very expensive. You can use it to check the pressures regularly or when you suspect something may be wrong. Carry out the checks when the tyres are cold for consistency as tyres will heat up at different rates when they are rolling. If you cannot do so but need to check as you are driving, then compare the pressures and if one shows a very big difference from the others, it is possible that it has a puncture or a faulty valve.

When checking the pressures of the four tyres, don’t forget the spare as well. Many people do not do so from the time they get their new car and then one day, when they do need it and take it out, they find that it is almost flat! As it may be troublesome to check the spare regularly if you keep other things in the boot, you can inflate it higher than normal so it will have more air for a longer period.

A space-saver tyre is a thinner tyre with high pressure and meant only for use as a temporary replacement when a tyre is punctured. It should not be driven at speeds higher than 80 km/h and should be taken off when the punctured tyre is repaired or replaced.

Many cars  nowadays also have emergency tyres or ‘space-saver’ tyres. These are thinner tyres with higher pressures in them. They are lighter and take up less space but they are meant only for emergency use. They are only for replacing a punctured tyre so you can get to a tyre shop for repairs or replacement. Furthermore, you should not drive at over 80 km/h and remove them when not needed. They too need their pressures checked and the correct pressure is usually shown on the sidewall.

It’s a good idea to have wheel alignment and balancing done before a long journey. If the wheels are not aligned properly, uneven wear on the tyres will occur when driven over hundreds of kilometres.

It would also be a good idea to check the tyres for nails before a long journey. Look carefully at the tyre tread area and remove sharp stones that are stuck. Generally, a tyre should wear out evenly over the whole tread area; if you see that it is uneven in some way, ask a tyre shop to check the alignment and balance.

FLUID LEVELS

There are various sensors in modern engines to monitor various fluid levels but it is still a good idea to do it the ‘traditional’ way – using your eyes. The oil level is usually checked by taking out the dipstick and looking at the level in relation to markings (this is usually explained in the manual). Other fluid levels to check would be the brake fluid, windscreen washer fluid and radiator coolant. These are in translucent containers with markings showing the levels. Be sure they are all within the normal range and top up if necessary.

A word of warning: a low brake fluid level is often an indication that the brake pads are worn out. So if the level is quite low, you should have the brake pads checked and replaced if they don’t have much friction material left. You’ll be surprised how fast the material gets worn out when a little is left.

If any of these lights appear on your instrument panel, they may not only mean there is a problem but the fluid could be low, brake pads worn or the sensors  dirty. Whatever it is, if the light keeps coming on or stays on, do send the vehicle to a service centre for a check as it can affect safety.

If your vehicle is equipped with a maintenance-free battery, then no check is needed. However, if it is the conventional type, then you need to look at the level inside. The plates should be covered with fluid and if they are not, then distilled water (referred to as ‘battery water’) can be added. Be sure not to over-fill as the acid in the battery will spill out and cause corrosion which is hard to remove.

ALL THE LIGHTS

Modern lighting systems on cars are more long-lasting and if there is a failure, there is likely to be a warning on the instrument panel. For older cars, though, the only way is to check by actually switching them on and off. Every lighting system is important for safety – the headlights to illuminate the road ahead, the signal lights to show your intentions and the brake lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is coming to a stop or stopped. Therefore, they all need to be in good working order (also a legal requirements) and you should be sure they are.

CABLES AND HOSES

You can also check the condition of wires, cables and hoses. Hoses are usually for the engine cooling system or the air-conditioning system. Of these, the radiator hoses are the ones that need checking. Over time, they may deteriorate and if not changed, they could rupture or leak. Of course, with many modern cars, it is also impossible to see the cables as the engine bay is to tightly packed or has covers. In this case, you would probably have to rely on the service centre to do the checks.

Many authorised service centres have an inspection service that checks all the important areas and items. This is usually a public service and offered free to customers, especially during festive seasons, as a way to help reduce accidents. Perodua, for instance, has their free Tweckbot service that ensures vehicles are in a safe and good running condition.

THE WIPERS AND GLASS

This is something that many do not check and like tyre pressures, wiper blades deteriorate so gradually that the change is not noticeable. Their wiping performance becomes less effective as the rubber wears out and the wearing may not be consistent so there will be some patches of water left on the glass. This means they should be replaced and doing so is not difficult. Unless you own a Bugatti or some very rare model, most workshops and spare parts shops will be able to provide a replacement set as there are universal designs. Don’t delay on replacing worn wiper blades as they are vital for driving safety on rainy days.

The windscreen glass also needs to be clean to ensure clear visibility. There are many spray-on cleaners that can be used to clean them inside and outside. Be sure to wipe thoroughly as areas that are not cleaned properly will deflect light and causing irritating flare. To keep the outside clean, pour some windscreen washer fluid into the container. This usually contains some additives to remove oil and other dirt.

In the past, articles on vehicle maintenance would usually end with a reminder to drive safely. Today, we also need to remind you of the need to adhere to Standard Operating Procedures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Do keep spare facemasks in the vehicle and have hand sanitizers and antiseptic wipes as well. If you feel better using gloves as additional protection, be sure not to use the disposable plastic type when refuelling as static can occur and start a fire or even an explosion. When at R&R or any public area, remember social distancing and stay at least 1 metre apart.

Stay safe, stay healthy and happy motoring!


ADVERTORIAL: Using walnuts to keep your engine performance at its best

Modern engines with more advanced engineering and technology run more efficiently, developing higher power outputs while more advanced manufacturing processes have reduced tolerances, improving efficiency and durability.

However, regardless of all the advancements in technology, the internal combustion process that has been used since the motorcar was invented still creates a by-product that affects operating efficiency. This is the formation of carbon deposits that build up inside the engine, especially the areas where fuel and air come in.

The companies that formulate fuels have tried their best to address this issue with additives that control deposits. Disassembling the engine to do a decarbonizing job is another solution but it is time-consuming. So over time, the deposits accumulate and performance starts to drop with fuel consumption increasing and motoring costs start to go up. As most engines now use fuel injectors, the deposits can also prevent maximum fuel injection and with fuel flow interrupted, idling will be rough.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia offers a solution that can remove those carbon deposits quickly, safely and without weakening the metal parts. It’s called Walnut Granulate Blasting and is a method that is approved by Volkswagen AG.

Effective and environment-friendly

As the name suggests, walnuts are involved – yes, the same walnuts that have health benefits can also help keep your engine in good health. As they are blasted against the metal parts in the fuel intake areas of the engine (eg the valves and ports), the carbon deposits are removed. It’s far more effective than solutions that use fluids which take some time as the chemicals have to dissolve the deposits. Furthermore, since chemicals are not used, the process is environment-friendly and when the walnuts are disposed, they are biodegradeable.

Walnut Granulate Blasting actually began in the 1960s when it was developed for the US Navy to remove old paint without stripping the protective coating underneath. In later years, it was found to have other applications where deposit removal was required but without causing damage to metal parts.

Over time, carbon deposits collect on the valves, affecting their movement and reducing efficient operation. Performance drops and consumption rises. After Walnut Granulate Blasting, they are smooth and clean (right) and the engine can run efficiently again.

Walnuts are a good media because they have a certain abrasive quality but at the same time will not cause damage to the metal parts since they are softer than metal. They remove the deposits like sandpaper would but do not scratch or scrape away any metal as they are organic in nature.

Walnut Granulate Blasting is done with a machine that blasts the walnuts into the intake areas of the engine. The pressure is very high but controlled to ensure that damage is not caused. There is no necessity to change the engine oil or oil filter (unless required at the time) as there is no dust or other residue that is generated during the blasting.

Available from RM515

The Walnut Granulate Blasting service is available at all authorized Volkswagen service centres in Malaysia from RM515 (depending on the engine size and type). It is recommended to be done every 45,000 kms and as it is fully approved by Volkswagen AG, there will be no effect on the factory warranty if it is still in effect.

Additionally, to complement the Walnut Granulate Blasting service, VPCM recommends a dose of Volkswagen Genuine Fuel Additives. These additives enhance the efficiency and quality of fuels used. The VW Fuel Additive also helps clean other areas of the fuel delivery system and provides protection against corrosion and pre-mature wearing. This allows the engine can perform at an optimum level.

For a limited period, Volkswagen dealers are offering a Liquid Power Kit at a special price of RM169. This kit consists of 1 litre of Engine Oil, 200ml of Fuel Additive and a complimentary 1 litre bottle Windscreen Washer Fluid, plus a 2020 Volkswagen Calendar.

Volkswagen Cares

“We are continuously looking for ways to improve our services and offerings to our customers under the Volkswagen Cares brand promise to provide value-added and quality services. Walnut Granulate Blasting is a cost-effective service which we have introduced that we believe will help to maintain the driving pleasure of our Volkswagen vehicles as well as reduce motoring costs,” says Erik Winter, Managing Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia.

To know more about the Walnut Granulate Blasting service, please
click here
. Information on Volkswagen products and services in Malaysia can also be found at
www.volkswagen.com.my
.


BMW Group Malaysia continues to help B40 income group with subsidies for childseats

BMW Group Malaysia has been among the more supportive car companies with regard to the introduction of childseats by car-owners. As far back as 2019, the company was already running a subsidy programme to help parents in the B40 income group to purchase childseats required when the mandatory requirement came into effect in 2020.

Now it has announced the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme in collaboration with long-term partner Safe ‘n Sound, to provide fully subsidised childseats to parents in the B40 income group. This programme is part of the BMW Safety 360° initiative. It follows on from the successful subsidy programme that saw over 300 childseats delivered to parents across Malaysia since the end of 2019.

The new subsidy programme will provide parents with childseats for children of up to 36 kgs with donations previously made by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.

Over the past 2 years, BMW Group Malaysia has provided subsidies for parents in the B40 income to purchase childseats.

“For over eight years, the BMW Safety 360° initiative has focused on raising awareness and encouraging action amongst families for more responsible road and car safety practices in Malaysia. Although we have placed a strong emphasis on child carseats in recent years with our many programmes and partnerships to advocate for the use of these seats, we recognise that the issue of low uptake must be tackled beyond verbal advocacy and partial subsidies, especially within communities that are in need in a time like this. With the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme, we aim to continue making child safety seats even more accessible to parents who can use a helping hand, ” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

How to apply

The NEXTStep Subsidy Programme is applicable for families expecting a newborn or with a child up to 36 kgs, and whose monthly household income is below RM3,500. Parents can register at the
Safe ‘n Sound website
 from now
until May 22, 2022
. Eligible applicants will be notified by Safe ‘n Sound via a WhatsApp to the contact number they provide.

Selected parents from outside the Klang Valley will be notified on the delivery status, while parents within the Klang Valley will be informed of a date, time and place to pick-up their new childseat. A suitable seat will be selected for the recipient according to their child’s respective weight and height, as well as vehicle requirement.

The range of fully subsidised childseats and prices (including shipping fees to recipients outside the Klang Valley) are shown below:

“For those still traveling back from their hometowns with their children, we would urge parents to think of their children’s safety by ensuring the right child car seats are used while on the road,” Mr. de Visser added.

BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia contributes over RM200,000 to BMW Safety 360° subsidy programme


Nissan Promotions For Chinese New Year

Festive seasons are times when many people may want something new to celebrate and if it’s a new car you’re considering, Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM) has some special offers for new Nissan vehicles. Its Chinese New Year promotion to welcome the Year of the Rabbit is
from January 1 to 31, 2023
 and purchasers of the new Nissan Serena, Navara, X-Trail and Almera can enjoy savings of up to RM9,950.

The promotion includes an add-on of RM1,000 for a customized Accessories Package for the respective models, as shown below:

Chinese New Year Aftersales Service Campaign
During Chinese New Year and other major festivals, Malaysians typically return to their hometowns to be with loved ones and the journeys may be long. It is therefore important to ensure that the vehicle is in tip-top condition and to ensure this for Nissan owners, be sure to send your vehicle to a Tan Chong Ekspres Auto Servis Sdn. Bhd. (TCEAS) Service Centre or authorized Nissan Service Dealer.

During the period from January 1 to February 28, 2023, you can even win a prize from a total RM388,000 when you service your vehicle. Just spend a minimum of RM388 in a single bill (terms & conditions apply) and you stand a chance to win RM8, RM18, RM88, RM188, RM288, RM888 cash vouchers or ‘
Ang Pao’
 gifts in a lucky draw. Each customer will have one chance for the lucky draw.

Nissan Social Media Spot-the-Rabbit Contest
For those active on social media, there’s also an opportunity to win Watsons vouchers in the ‘
Count & Hop Into Prosperity’
 Contest during January. Open to all members of the public in Malaysia, the contest runs on the
Nissan Malaysia Facebook
 and
Instagram
 Pages with no purchase required (terms & conditions apply).

To enter the contest, all the participant has to do is count the number of rabbits hidden in the visual shown and provide the answer, together with contact details, via the Nissan Malaysia Facebook Inbox. The participant should also tag 3 friends in the comments section to complete the submission.

Submissions with the correct answers will win Watsons vouchers worth RM20 which can be used at any Watsons outlet in Malaysia. There will be a total of 88 prizes to be given out and selection of winning submissions with the correct answer will be on a first come-first served basis.

Try before buying
It’s a good idea to try a vehicle to know how it feels before committing to buying it, and all authorized Nissan showrooms offer test-drives of the various Nissan models. What’s more, during the promotion period, for each test-drive taken, the customer will receive Watson’s Voucher worth RM20 after completion of the drive.

For those who are unable to visit a Nissan showroom, product information and arranging a doorstep test-drive can also be done at the
Nissan Online Showroom
. Or for more information, visit
www.nissan.com.my
.

Flood Relief Assistance Program For Nissan Owners

Click here
 for more videos at The Piston Show.


Cycle & Carriage offers Study Grant to local youths interested in a career in the automotive sector

Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad is now accepting applications for its Study Grant. The company, which brought Mercedes-Benz to Malaysia and has a wide dealership network, has been offering this grant for the past two years. It is intended to benefit local youths interested in a career in the automotive sector by supporting their access to quality technical and vocational education.

“Talented individuals form the bedrock of our promise to deliver exceptional journeys. For that reason, we believe strongly in planting the seeds for the next generation of industry professionals. Each recipient deserves the support to help fuel their academic and professional career. We are ready to welcome talented individuals into our network, including a confirmed placement at Cycle & Carriage upon graduation,” said Wilfrid Foo, CEO of Cycle & Carriage.

First recipients of the Cycle & Carriage Study Grant in 2019 with Wilfrid Foo, CEO of Cycle & Carriage (third from right).

The Study Grant is part of Cycle & Carriage’s ongoing commitment to the social development of the local community and the nation’s technical and vocational education. Since its inception in 2019, Cycle & Carriage’s Study Grant has launched the careers of 10 individuals.

Applications are now open for those who meet the following criteria:

Malaysian youths aged 16 years and above.

Currently enrolled in (or have secured a placement) in an automotive course within a skills-training institution accredited by the Department for Skills Development (DSD) of the Ministry of Human Resources or Ministry of Higher Education.

Applicants must also possess a minimum credit in English and Mathematics either at the Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3), Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM) level.

From a household with a monthly income of RM4,850 and below.

The successful recipients will receive a bursary of up to RM5,000 for a maximum of 3 years of study. Grant recipients will also receive internship opportunities during the semester break and career placement with the company.

Applications will be accepted up till
August 31, 2021
. To know more or to obtain an application form,
click here
.

Cycle & Carriage Bintang sends the service centre to your home


The changing view of the driver (w/VIDEO)

Visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
 for more information.

Car interiors have changed a lot from when drivers really did store gloves in the glove compartment, as the metal and wooden steering wheels of early vehicles got ice cold in winter. Believe it or not, house windows were used in cars initially – and only offered as an extra. And while windscreens could be opened in the early years, they became sealed when air-conditioning appeared.

As motoring became a leisure activity, cupholders became popular, especially in America. And automatic cigarette lighters were added at some point to provide convenience to the occupants, instead of having to strike a match.

Then came things like radios for entertainment on the road. Post-war dashboards were influenced by the space race, with more dials, switches and gauges, as technology became increasingly a key part of people’s lives. The advent of video games and the use of hand-held gaming controls influenced steering wheel design, with buttons placed within easy reach of the driver’s thumbs.

The evolution of the interior is ongoing as times change and usage requirements have changed as this video shows.

More but ‘less’

While the trend in recent decades was towards ‘more’ in the car interior to provide more ‘convenience’ – more buttons, more gadgets, more features, more elements – Ford is taking a reductive approach, using human-centric design to declutter the interior and create a holistic space.

Reductive design is intended to provide drivers with a more comfortable and simpler environment. In the case of the Mustang Mach-E, this includes a large, centralised touchscreen that consolidates many of the in-car controls in one place.

“When we think about how cars have changed, we think of what they look like from the outside, but it is from the inside that drivers and passengers see them most of the time,” said Amko Leenarts, Director, Design, Ford of Europe. “It’s been an incredible journey to the dynamic, holistic interior of the Mustang Mach-E, which does more with less while putting all the important controls within easy reach. And we will continue to take this approach with future vehicles, by listening to our customers and designing interiors that best suit their needs.”

Entirely new approach

To step inside the Mustang Mach-E is to encounter an interior unlike any Ford vehicle that came before it. The all-new design is the culmination of refining the things that customers want – spaciousness, technology and a perception of ‘warmth’. It is claimed to be a benchmark on the road towards electrification.

The smooth dashboard with integrated speaker is the latest iteration in an ongoing sear ch to make driving and travelling as enjoyable an experience as possible. For example, wireless charging pads and a digital owner’s manual do away with the need for cables and paper

The driver’s ‘cockpit’ continues to evolve, as shown by these two pictures of the Ford Ranger’s interior in 2003 (above) and in 2021 (below).

“New electrified vehicles with flat floors from front to back provide more spaciousness and offer designers a blank canvas on which to create interiors that place people at the centre of the design,” Leenarts said.

Understanding future needs

To better understand the younger generation of digital natives and anticipate future trends, Ford embarked last year on a unique project: co-creating a virtual gaming race car in collaboration with gamers. Almost a quarter-of-a-million esports fans took part in online polls to help determine the appearance of our extreme Team Fordzilla P1 race car – inside and out.

With greater connectivity and telematics, dashboards will have less physical switchgear and controls, and more touchscreens to manage every function, along with voice command and control.

“The P1 race car was all about streamlining the features down to the gaming essentials, such as speed, race position and lap time. Together with the toned down colour palette, this reduces distraction so the driver can focus on the race. We can also apply a minimalist approach to designing the interiors of the future, where what goes in is what customers want the most,” said Robert Engelmann, interior designer, Ford of Europe.

Visit
www.sdacford.com.my
 to find out more about the advanced interior design of the Ford Ranger.

Human drivers use two eyes, autonomous cars need three eyes


Fuel Prices For November 9 – 15, 2019


Fresh coffee wherever you want it with Suzuki Jimny Beans

In this age of increasing food trucks and mobile food services, here’s an idea from Suzuki’s British subsidiary which turns the Suzuki Jimny into a mobile coffee bar. The conversion of the compact SUV was carried out by Coffee Latino, which specializes in such projects.

The vehicle has a Chiffon Ivory Pearl metallic finish with Bluish Black roof and is nicknamed ‘Jimny Beans’. It will be used by the company for promotional activities in the UK, offering complimentary coffee at the venues.

The conversion makes maximum use of space within the compact dimensions of the vehicle. The front passenger’s seat was removed to accommodate all the services required which include a 57-litre water tank with 3M filtration system to ensure the water is clean. A compact 12V drawer fridge manufactured by Waeco is also fitted which cools milk to -2 degrees Centigrade.

At events, the vehicle can run on either gas or mains electricity with power inverter and has two additional large capacity 125A/H 12V batteries to assist with power if required. For gas, a LPG tank was installed in the limited space under the rear floor section which required a specially designed exhaust system with side exit pipe. And with its 4×4 drivetrain, the little Suzuki can also be taken off-road to camp sites or the beach for fresh coffee.

The high specification coffee machine, manufactured by Fracino, is fully integrated into the rear section of the vehicle with an aluminium-topped work area and milled aluminium effect panel surround. It has the facility to serve two speciality coffees at the same time via its twin milk frothing units as well as central hot water dispenser for tea.

The Jimny Beans project is typical of the services offered by 15-old family-run  Coffee Latino. They offer bespoke and flexible solutions for customers who have different types of vehicles. Additionally, there is also free barista training along with training to operate the equipment safely and properly. For those who want to venture into this type of business, Coffee Latino has lease purchase on its coffee vans, coffee bikes, prosecco vans and other mobile catering solutions.

MINI ideas that were just for laughs on each year’s first day of April


Proton’s annual sales crossed the 100,000 level in 2019, first time since 2015

Since 2015, the total annual sales of Proton vehicles have been below 100,000 units but 2019 saw it cross the 100,000 mark again to record a total sales volume of 100,821 units (including exports). The achievement was helped by a boost in December which were the highest for the whole of 2019 – 11,117 units which was 112% over the corresponding month in 2018 and also the first time the carmaker has sold more than 11,000 cars in a month since July 2014.

While the December sales number is equivalent to a 20.5% share of the anticipated Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the month (pending release of official data by the Malaysian Automotive Association), the final number represents an increase of 55.7% over 2018’s TIV. Proton believes it achieved the strongest sales growth among the top 5 brands in Malaysia in 2019, with overall market share estimated to be at 16.7%.

NB: 2019 sales include exports.

Segment leaders

According to a statement by the company this afternoon, Proton’s sales growth was powered by the X70 SUV, along with double-digit percentage increases in sales for the 4 updated models it launched in 2019. The X70 began its first full year of sales strongly and was the fastest-selling SUV in its class. It maintained its position at the head of its segment for the entire year and ended 2019 with a total of 26,331 units sold, which Proton says makes it the leader within its segment.

Meanwhile, sales of the Saga continued on an upward trajectory after appearing in showrooms on August 6. In December, 3,892 units of the youngest model in Proton’s current range – and also the brand’s oldest nameplate – were registered nationwide, a number which Proton says makes it the most popular A-segment sedan. Total sales for 2019 closed at 38,144 units, equivalent to a 36% increase in volume.

Unfortunately, comparisons of official data will not be possible for another 12 months since the powerful Competition Commission will not allow the transparency of data being published that allows the public to verify such information.

The Persona ended the month with 3,384 units sold, the highest for the model since March 2012 and presumed to be the leader in its segment. Despite a few low months before the improved 2019 model was released, the total sales volume still grew by 29% to 21,876 units for the year.

Sales for the Iriz (left) nearly doubled during 2019 and grew by 97% following the launch of the updated 2019 model in April. The Exora, which has been around for over 10 years, soldiers on and remains a popular choice for those requiring an affordable 7-seater MPV.

Major contributions by X70 and Saga

“The Proton X70 and the Proton Saga are two major ingredients to Proton’s sales success this year. We are humbled by the popularity of the Proton X70 and would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all our customers for their support, despite it being a brand new market segment for the company. As for the Saga, with over 41,000 bookings and counting, it remains as our core product and is a popular choice regardless of a buyer’s age, status and purchasing power, making it a car for all Malaysians,” Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton said.

“While sales of the Persona were very strong following the launch of the updated model, the numbers posted in December show many are becoming increasingly aware of the outstanding features, practicality and value we offer in our family sedan. Proton is confident of maintaining these numbers in 2020, so the company has at least three sales leaders in their respective segments,” he added.

Proton to explore e-commerce platforms to expand reach


Continental Introduces UltraContact UC7 In Malaysia

Like any progressive manufacturer, Continental constantly improves its products. Not only is the upgrading only for current requirements and conditions but also with foreseeable changes in the market in future.

Following the success of its Generation 6 products, the tyremaker has now moved to Generation 7, with the first of this new generation in Malaysia being the UltraContact UC7. An all-round tyre, it prioritizes safety, with an emphasis on exceptional noise comfort and long drive life.

“The specific needs and driving habits of consumers are constantly evolving, and Continental Tyres is committed to bringing continuous innovations that meet those changing needs. We invest heavily in the development of every single product we bring to market, and the resulting UltraContact UC7 truly represents a next-generation upgrade,” said Dalibor Kalina, Head of BA Replacement Tires Asia Pacific.

Significant improvements
In comparison to the UltraContact UC6, the UltraContact UC7 has significant improvements in braking and control on wet ground, important with Malaysia’s tropical climate. Other performance aspects such as fuel efficiency, dry braking, and handling are also enhanced.

To offer the best driving experience to consumers, Continental has developed flagship technologies focusing on the unique consumer requirements for each segment. Specially tailored for the all-round segment, Confidence+ Technology combines the best of the brand’s compound technology and construction design features to create the ultimate tyre that does not compromise on any aspect of safety, comfort, handling, or mileage.

Extensive testing before launch
With on-road safety as the greatest priority, before every new tyre product goes into the market, it is subjected to test after test to ensure that its performance across all aspects meets Continental’s highest requirements.

“We take pride in our safety technologies that have been highly recognised for generations. With ‘Vision Zero’ as our top priority, we strive to achieve zero accidents, zero injuries, and zero fatalities on the road,” said Andrea Somorova, Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia.

The development of the UltraContact UC7 was carried out by a worldwide team of around 25 engineers and material experts. They spent more than 9,500 hours designing, simulating, building, and testing all the prototypes with the target consumer always in mind.

During the development phase alone, Continental engineers conducted more than 850 tests under various conditions, with a combined distance that could circle the earth 12 times. As Bob Liu, Director of Continental R&D Asia Pacific, explained, “We put this tyre through rigorous rounds of testing to ensure we meet our own exacting standards and can deliver cutting-edge tyre technology to consumers. We will continue to do so as we further expand the portfolio to establish powerful, competitive offerings for the market.”

What makes it better?
Featuring the Continental ‘Diamond DNA’ – Diamond Compound, Noise Breaker 3.0 and Aqua Channel Advanced –  the new UltraContact UC7’s superior wet performance is proven by a shorter braking distance and strong grip on wet slippery roads. This is due to the Aqua Channel Advanced surface sipes on the centre part of the pattern which efficiently evacuate water to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

Simultaneously, the innovative Noise Breaker 3.0 design with Flow X-celerator leverages the Venturi Effect principle to accelerate water flow through the groove, improving surface contact between rubber and road.

Thirdly, the Diamond Compound formulation enhances the transformation of kinetic energy into heat at optimum levels, resulting in shorter braking distances – even on wet roads.

The second advantage of the UltraContact UC7 is a quieter and more harmonic drive as a result of reduced noise levels and smooth vibrational frequency. As sound waves travel through the grooves, the Noise Breaker 3.0 interrupts the waves by disrupting the homogeneity of the grooves.

The sound waves are broken up and dissipated into smaller waves, preventing noise from building up and traveling into the cabin of the car. The Diamond Compound with whisper touch also contributes to reduced noise generation by absorbing impact from the road.

The third advantage is long drive life, allow the motorist a better return on his expenditure. The Diamond Compound’s optimised polymer network provides wear resistance for long-lasting tread life.

The UltraContact UC7 is available, in sizes from 15 inches to 18 inches. It is suitable for fitment on compact and mid-size cars, MPVs, and luxury sedans. Although launched, Continental Tyres has not released the prices for the new tyres.

Castrol Malaysia and Continental Tyres Malaysia to collaborate in offering products and services


Lamborghini Countach in ‘The Cannonball Run’ listed in US National Historic Vehicle Register

Who would have thought that a car in a movie about breaking laws would be considered historically significant that is would enter the National Historic Vehicle Register of the United States Library of Congress? That honour has been given to the 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP 400 S that was one of  the stars of the ‘
The Cannonball Run’
.

Only 30 cars to date are considered of national importance for the USA and listed in the register. From now on, all the information regarding the car, its history, a 3D scan of it and copies of all its documentation will be preserved in the Library of Congress.

Actual car used in movie

The car displayed is not just a replica but the actual car that was used in the movie with chassis number 1121112. It was first sold to Lamborghini’s distributor in Rome, Italy, and immediately exported to the USA and sold in Florida. In 1980, Hal Needham, the movie’s director was able to get a Countach to use in the film as the owner of the car was his friend and willing to loan it for the purpose. The Countach was then modified to look even more dramatic than it already was. A front spoiler and twin spotlights were added, along with 3 antennas – and 12 exhaust pipes.

The founder of the sunscreen brand Hawaiian Tropic, Ron Rice, was around during filming and he fell in love with the Lamborghini, buying it over on the spot when it was no longer needed. He kept it till 2004, when it was sold to another person in Florida as well.

Hagerty Drivers Foundation, which manages the National Historic Vehicle Register of the United States Library of Congress, tracked down the car and arranged for it to be displayed this week inside a glass case on the National Mall in Washington DC.

About the movie

‘The Cannonball Run’
, released in 1981, was based on the real-life secret race that had taken place for several years between the east and west coasts of America. Those were the years in the USA when a speed limit of 55 mph (88 km/h) was in effect and where the police were constantly catching people for speeding on the freeways. The speed limit was considered repressive, and a group of passionate motorists decided to challenge the system by racing across the continent in the least amount of time. The start was from downtown Manhattan in New York to a marina on the Pacific Ocean at Redondo Beach in California.

The plot for the movie was fictional and it was intended to be a comedy, although it would later be regarded as being of importance in the history of American culture, particularly the car culture that has always been strong. For the movie, the most representative cars of the era were used with the Countach being the winner in the end. The case including famous names likes Roger Moore, Burt Reynolds, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Junior, and Farrah Fawcett.


PAWI Launches New Rota 360-Degree Flow Forged Wheels

Did you know that famed alloy wheel maker ROTA, a favourite of boy-racers and professionals alike, is from The Philippines? With over 40 years of experience in wheel manufacturing, Philippine Aluminum Wheels, Incorporated (PAWI), manufacturer of
Rota Wheels
, is taking the art and science of wheels to the next level. With the launch of the
Rota 360-degree Flow Forged

Wheels
, it presents a new revolution (pun intended) for wheel manufacturing in the Philippines.

“We are very excited to introduce the Rota 360-degree Flow Forged Wheel,” said
Mr. Michael S. Rojas, President of PAWI.
 “Our new wheel is lighter, denser, and more durable than our high quality gravity cast wheels. And because it’s Rota, it’s very affordable too.”

The Rota 360-degree Flow Forged wheels are made through a process called flow forging, a first in the country. This is done by gravity casting virgin ingots of high-grade aluminum, which is then heated and spun to form the wheel. In effect, flow forging combines the elements of making a cast wheel and a forged wheel, making it lighter and stronger than a cast wheel. That means less unsprung weight and, therefore, improves vehicle dynamics and handling. And it does all that by further enhancing a wheel’s durability under tough conditions.

As with all Rota wheels, the 360-degree Flow Forged wheels have undergone a battery of vigorous testing. Impact, cornering and radial tests are carried out on the wheels to ensure a high caliber of quality the company has been known for, and give customers peace of mind. With testing methods that follow international standards, your Rota wheels will keep on rolling and the 360-degree Flow Forged wheels are no exception.

The Rota 360-degree Flow Forged line will be available soon, both locally and abroad. Set to be released through the company’s extensive domestic and international network, the world will soon experience a Philippine revolution as Rota forges into the future, pun intended again, further evolving the art and science of wheels.


Ford Continues “Driving Skills for Life” in Malaysia, Expanding Programme to Corporate Partners

Ford
 and its local distribution partner,
Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC)
, once again hosted a safe driver training programme to corporate partners and members of the public through the long-standing
Ford Global Driving Skills for Life (DSFL)
 programme. The training sessions were held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) where more than 50 licensed drivers – including corporate partners, participated in two half-day workshops.

According to the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), nearly
81 percent
 of road accidents in Malaysia are caused by driver error, such as unsuitable speed management or impaired driving. Therefore, the Ford
Driving Skills for Life
 programme aims to educate licensed drivers of all ages how to drive safely through practical, hands on experiences, provided free-or-charge, helping them become safer, more aware drivers.

The DSFL workshops addresses various driver risks, such as dealing with unexpected scenarios, speed and space management as well as raises awareness on distracted driving caused by mobile phone use or drowsiness. Family safety tips, such as the importance of ensuring child seats are securely fastened or driving tips for expectant mothers, were also highlighted in both classroom and practical sessions.

“Road safety is a very serious issue and a top priority for us at Ford and SDAC. Apart from ensuring that our vehicles continue to comply with and exceed safety standards, we also consider it our responsibility to implement public awareness initiatives to promote safety. We are proud to be part of this programme and continue to help reinforce best practices for safe driving among Malaysian motorists,”
 said S
yed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion.

An emphasis on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or medication was also incorporated in each training session. This included having participants wear specially designed goggles that help simulate the experience of driving while movement, coordination and alertness are impaired. The DSFL safety training workshop has successfully reached over
100 Malaysian licensed drivers
 this year alone, with scheduled workshops taking place since August. Participants comprised inexperienced young drivers and professional drivers from various private companies.


First details and pictures of all-new Proton X50!

Three years after the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely) took on a 49.9% equity in Proton, the carmaker is about to launch a second brand new model – the X50. Like the X70, it is also a SUV, catering to the most active segment globally.

It is also a model adapted from one which Geely developed and launched in August 2018 – the Binyue (Coolray outside China) – like the X70, which is why Proton can get completely new models into the market in such a short time. Normally, a new model would take a few years to develop but adapting from an existing model means the main time-consuming (and expensive) engineering work has been done already.

However, just as in the case of the X70 (known as the Boyue in China), a Proton version was not merely doing cosmetic changes and putting a different brand badge on. Until Proton launched the X70, there was no righthand drive version of the model anywhere in the world. And that meant additional engineering work which was more than just moving the steering wheel to the right side. Entirely new parts for righthand drive had to be made too, eg a different dashboard, power window switch panel, centre console, etc.

New X50 is adapted from the Geely Binyue/Coolray.

With the urgency to revive Proton and turn it around, the X70 was initially built in China and sent to Malaysia while the factory in Tg. Malim, which started operations almost 20 years ago, was renovated and improved. With that completed, X70 production was shifted to Malaysia and for the X50, Proton can start off right away making the model locally. And, like the X70 too, it will be the first (and for now, only) righthand drive version of the Binyue.

According to Proton DESIGN Head, Azlan Othman, there’s jet fighter influence in the design of the air vents! The last time we heard that was when another designer told us that he was influenced by the Stealth Fighter when he styled the Savvy.

It is only to be expected that lessons learnt from developing the X70 have made the process of developing the X50 faster. For instance, Azlan Othman and his team at Proton DESIGN had to also get used to a new working culture while rushing work on the X70. With the X50, it would be safe to say they were ‘in the groove’ and also had a chance to ‘customize’ the model a bit more.

4 variants, 2 engine outputs

We don’t have the prices yet, but we do know that there will be 4 variants – Standard, Executive, Premium and, appropriately, Flagship. All of them will be powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine with turbocharging. However, the engine in the X50 1.5 TGDi Flagship will have a higher output of 177 ps/255 Nm as it has direct injection. The engine in the other three variants will have port injection and produce 150 ps/226 Nm.

All-wheel drive (AWD) may be nice to have but the cost-vs-benefit doesn’t work well in Malaysia and in any case, most customers don’t really care. So all X50 variants have front-wheel drive only, with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. For those who feel AWD gives better grip and stability in the wet, that argument is less relevant with the advanced electronic stability control and traction control systems available today.

More powerful GKUI 19

And talking of electronic systems, the X50 will have a newer generation of the Geely Key User Interface, or GKUI 19. Like computers and smartphones, the processing power of the system becomes greater over time as processors evolve.  It also has a graphics processing unit (GPU) which helps in reducing demands on the main processor.

Latest generation GKUI 19 uses a more powerful quad-core processor for faster performance.

What this means to the user is more responsiveness – perhaps when ‘
Hi Proton
’ is said, the computer will spend less time ‘thinking’ before responding. Moving to a new generation gave the system designers a chance to revise and refine the interface, simplifying the menu structure while also offering a cleaner layout. The virtual buttons on the 10.25-inch touchscreen (8 inches for the Standard and Premium variants) are large, as they should be to make selection easier. The larger screen also has a resolution of 1920×720 px.

The navigation system in the X70 has sometimes been deficient and to partially address this, Proton has switched to a different digital mapping service. Whether it proves to be better remains to be seen when we get to test the new car. It would be good if there’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto so smartphone apps like Waze or Google Maps can be transferred into the screen but the X50, like the X70, does not have them yet. It is, however, possible to interface using a mirroring function called QDLink.

An eSIM is provided for all variants, providing the necessary connectivity to the digital world. With the Premium and Flagship variants, it is also possible to start the engine as well as the air-conditioner without being inside the car. This is done using the Proton Link app which also allows setting the desired cooling temperature.

Idling the engine wastes petrol since the car is not going anywhere. But it is necessary if you want the luxury of having a cool cabin when you get in because the air-conditioner compressor needs to be powered. So the maximum time the engine is allowed to run is 10 minutes, after which it shuts down and so does the air-conditioner. If you do get in when the engine is running, you can also move off immediately so hopefully, the locking system is secure enough otherwise someone passing by can just get in and drive off!

Safety & ADAS

ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control, Hill-start Assist, Hill Descent Control and Reverse Camera are standard active safety systems across the range. All variants also have a minimum of 4 airbags – front and sides – as well as ISOFIX points at the rear for compatible childseats. The Premium and Flagship variants have additional window curtain airbags and the camera system gives a 360-degree top-down view, as well as a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The X50 Flagship has an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) like the top version of the X70. However, the one in the new model is more advanced and can even operate with Level 2 autonomy. At this level, which is one of 5 levels, the brakes will activate automatically (if the driver does not act) if an accident is predicted as a vehicle or pedestrian are detected in front with the camera and radar.

The cruise control is also adaptive, adjusting the speed to maintain a safe gap and can even drop to standstill and resume moving in accordance with the vehicle ahead. Other ADAS features are keeping the car within a lane, automatically switching from high beam to low beam and a blind spot monitor.

Self-parking is one of the ADAS features in the X50.

The X50 Flagship can also carry park itself, which should be welcome by those who find difficulty doing so. It’s an amazing system which uses the sensors around the body to position the car and all the driver has to do is work the accelerator pedal. Once this feature become standard in all vehicles, there won’t be a need for parking skill when taking a driving test!

Feature differences of each variant

The list of main differentiating features in each variant are shown below and you get 6 body colours to choose from.

Panoramic sunroof is standard only with the X50 Flagship. ‘HiProton’ assistant can open it if you make the request to ‘see the sky’.

In the coming weeks leading to the official launch within a month’s time, we’ll be given more information on other aspects of the X50. As it will be launched within the period when the 10% sales tax is exempted, its price will differ from those registered after December 31, 2020 when the exemption incentive ends. So if you want to save money, order one quickly and it will cost you only RM500 to make a booking which will be accepted from tomorrow (September 16).

Vote for the X50 slogan

While the name has been revealed (not that it was a big secret, except that Proton never really confirmed it), the company is still undecided about the slogan to use for the new model. So, just as with the X70 when the public was invited to vote (for the model name), Proton is again inviting the public to vote for the slogan this time.

There are four slogans:
Intelligence that Amazes
,
Intelligence that Leads, Intelligence that Exceeds
, and
Intelligence that Lives
. We don’t see the page for voting tonight and maybe it will be open when bookings start tomorrow so visit
www.proton.com
 to stay updated if you want to vote.


F1 (Round 9): Results And Highlights Of 2020 Tuscan Grand Prix

♦ This was the first race of the season which had spectators watching from the stands. A maximum of 2,880 spectators (including Ferrari Club members who had a special allocation) were permitted into Mugello on each day of the event.

♦ Scuderia Ferrari, celebrating its 1,000
th
 F1 race, had its two racing cars in the original burgundy colour on the cars of its first race in 1950, and Mick Schumacher drove his father’s 2004 title-winning car on a special lap around Mugello (which is owned by Ferrari).

♦ 15 minutes before the start, Max Verstappen’s car developed a problem. His mechanics fixed it in time for him to start the race. A collision between Pierre Gasly and Kimi Raikkonen had the latter bumping into the Red Bull car and sending it into the gravel at the second turn. End of race for the Dutchman.

♦ Gasly, last Sunday’s winner, also went into the gravel and had to retire, bringing the Safety Car out for the mashalls to clear the debris and cars.

♦ As the Safety Car prepared to enter the pits, another three cars collided on the 7
th
 lap – Carlos Sainz, Antonio Giovinazzi, Nicholas Latifi and Kevin Magnussen. Track conditions were so bad with broken bits all over the pit straight that the red flags came out. That means the race comes to a stop and the cars must return to the pits and shut down, until allowed to restart.

♦ With the four drivers, plus Gasly and Verstappen, that saw six cars out of the race within the first six laps.

A multi-car collision in the 6th lap saw red flags coming out, bringing the race to a stop and the car had to remain in the pits.

♦ From the time the red flags appeared until the cars were released for a restart, some 23 minutes had elapsed. Valtteri Bottas was the lead car in the pack of 13 remaining (Esteban Ocon did not join the restart as the brakes on his car had problems) but by the second turn, Lewis Hamilton shot past him and pulled away.

♦ With a quarter of the race done, Hamilton’s lead from his team mate was around 2 seconds, but Bottas had a strong 9-second lead over Charles Leclerc. Lance Stroll powered by on lap 16 to take third and set his sights on Bottas.

♦ On a day when Ferrari was to be celebrating a milestone, things were certainly disappointing for the
tifosi
 as they saw Sebastian Vettel struggling aong the end-runners and Leclerc also facing difficulties regaining his upper position after his third visit to the pits.

♦ Lap 43 saw Stroll’s race come to an end as he slipped into the gravel, seemingly due to a puncture. For the third time in the day, the Safety Car sped out and red flags appeared to stop the session again.

♦ With 15 laps remaining, only Mercedes-AMG and Ferrari still had both their cars running while the other teams lost one car.

♦ When the race finally restarted, Hamilton managed to stay in the lead while Bottas had to just maintain his pace. Behind him a determined Red Bull,, Alexander Albon, closed in on Daniel Ricciardo, the surviving Renault driver, and got past to a podium position.

♦ Hamilton won again, with Bottas crossing the finish line almost 5 seconds behind. Albon held on to the end, with the reward of his first ever presence on the Formula 1 podium.

The Mercedes-AMG f1 Safety Car was in action on three separate occasions, right from the first lap. The Ferrari Red colour pays tribute to the 1,000th GP of the Italian team at Mugello.
l

Scuderia Ferrari starts its 1,000th F1 race today