Proton In 2018: Part 10 – Exports Resume As Local Sales Go Up… [+Video]

After a short period of inactivity for PROTON in exporting cars, the Malaysian automotive manufacturer is now back in action for the second half of 2018. Recently, PROTON resumed exporting cars to the Middle East, marking the first time the Company has done so since formalizing its partnership with Geely. A symbolic flag-off ceremony was held at Westports Malaysia’s berthing area to commemorate the occasion, with Proton cars lined up to be driven on board the Grand Diamond cargo vessel.

Demand remains strong for Proton products…

The port of arrival in the Middle East is Aqaba in Jordan and from there, the cars will be distributed to Iraq and other neighboring countries. The first shipment will consist of
453 Proton cars
, which have a strong following in Middle Eastern markets. The enthusiasm for the cars is such that there are even active owners clubs in the region despite the slow-down in exports over the past few years.

“This ceremony marks a starting point for PROTON as we resume and ramp up shipments to the Middle East in the coming months. It’s also the first export shipment since the partnership with Geely commenced and we expect our export market to have a positive outlook in the future so be prepared for more such announcements from as early as August this year,”
 said
Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of PROTON.

Voicing the same sentiment
 Eddie Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Westports
, said,
“We are equally excited to partner PROTON in its efforts to export cars all over the world, particularly as its last major export to Egypt was back in 2015. We believe Westports’ partnership with our customers like PROTON together with shipping agents like Sunship will further strengthen both brands, and help ensure cars sent over are in pristine condition.”

PROTON quality improvement efforts bear results…

Dato’ Radzaif’s enthusiasm for PROTON to grow its export market are backed by improvements to its product quality. Ever since the Company implemented the Global Customer Product Audit (GCPA) system on its production processes, the number of demerit points registered has seen a threefold improvement. Based on a sliding scale where smaller scores equates to better quality, the current GCPA score for PROTON as at the end of June 2018 is 1763 demerit points, with a year-end target of 1500. This compares favorably with Geely and Volvo who also use GCPA and have current scores of 1200 and 850 points.

“PROTON has always strived to produce high-quality products for our domestic and export markets but the collaboration with Geely has introduced a new quality mindset along with a shared quality audit system that is also used by Volvo. Using it as a roadmap we have managed to lower our demerit points threefold as we aim to deliver ever better cars to our customers,”
 he added.

Expanding export activities with assistance from Geely…

Also present at the ceremony was
Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON
.
“The Middle East markets hold high regard for products from Islamic countries like Malaysia. The demand for cars will grow as their economies develop and will help fuel the growth of our export business. The ASEAN market however will remain as the main priority for PROTON’s export business so we are excited about the opportunities available in the region.”
 he said.

PROTON is also leveraging on Geely’s extensive overseas network
 operations to increase the cost effectiveness of its own operations.
“We are exploring all opportunities to grow export volumes for PROTON. Geely are making a big effort to support us in this initiatives and there is a lot of experience within the group so we hope to leverage on it to enable us to sell more cars outside of Malaysia,”
 added Dr. Li.

Image from FreeMalaysiaToday

Meanwhile in other news from the sales side, PROTON marked the end of the first half of 2018 by posting strong sales numbers for the month of June. Sales grew by
50%
 over the previous month as
6,173
 Proton cars were sold to Malaysians eager to take advantage of zero rating for GST and the Duit Raya promotion offered by the Company.

Approximately 10% market share with Saga and Persona leading sales…

In line with the increase in sales, total market share also increased with PROTON garnering approximately a 10% share of Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the month compared to 9.5% previously.

As with previous months, the Saga and Persona continue to lead sales, with the former registering nearly 3,000 units sold. Buyers were attracted to the strengths of PROTON’s compact family sedan with its class leading affordability, spaciousness and handling as well as the ‘Best Saga deal in 10-years’ promotion offered in June where a brand new Saga could be bought for less than RM30,000. Improved product quality for all Proton cars was also a contributing factor as the implementation of the Global Customer Product Audit (GCPA) system has seen a big reduction in production line demerit points for all cars.

“PROTON had its best sales month for 2018 in June, proving that Malaysians continue to find the current range of Proton cars attractive thanks to the range of features that have been engineered into each model. The attractive promotional offers we had, zero-rated GST price and an overall improvement in the quality of our cars helped to boost sales, which we are hopeful of carrying over for the remainder of 2018,”
 said
Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON Edar.

Improving quality scores…

After obtaining a J.D. Power Customer Service Index (CSI) score of
755
 points in 2017, PROTON embarked on a quality improvement initiative to perform better in 2018. The CSI score is measured by examining dealership performance in five areas (in order of importance): service quality (32%); service initiation (22%); vehicle pick-up (18%); service advisor (15%); and service facility (13%) and to improve its score, PROTON has initiated activities to boost scores in each area.

Initial scores using PROTON’s own stringent internal audit system are already showing an improvement in CSI scores. Via the GCPA system implementation, the quality of the Proton cars has improved 3 times in the past 8 months, measured by the VOLVO quality standards. Combined, both activities the CSI initiatives and the product audit exercise, these will see an improvement in the overall experience customers have with the brand.

Supporting Tabung Harapan Malaysia As announced previously, PROTON is contributing RM10 for each car sold from
 1 June to 31 December 2018
. Therefore, following the first month of the programme, a sum of
RM61,730
 has been appropriated for Tabung Harapan Malaysia. With sales on an upswing and the launch of their first SUV due to happen before the end of the year the Company is optimistic about the amount of funds growing much larger.

“PROTON is proud that we have managed to earmark over RM61,000 for Tabung Harapan Malaysia in just the first month of our contribution initiative. It is our intention to sell even more cars for the rest of the year so as to contribute as much as possible to the fund that will eventually benefit all Malaysians,”
 explained Rashid.

New SUV receives boost from Tun Dr Mahathir…

While the launch of PROTON’s first SUV is still some months away, the pre-publicity build up for the first product jointly developed with Geely recently received a boost. The 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, recently met with the Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Li Shufu, and following their discussions the premier got behind the wheel of the first right hand drive (RHD) pre-production unit of the SUV.

VIDEO: Our PM Tun Dr. Mahatir checks out the voice-activation system in the upcoming #Proton SUV! Looks like Proton's first sports-utility vehicle is going to be well equipped! Stay tuned to Piston.my as the launch day approaches!

Posted by
Piston.my
 on Isnin, 2 Julai 2018

An avid driver, Tun spent the ensuing weekend putting the test car through its paces and told the media the following week that it was very good and he was impressed by its quality. He also commented that the SUV would be a good product for the Malaysian automotive market and added that he wanted more Malaysian companies involved in the supply of automotive components. Having gained the stamp of approval from the Prime Minister, PROTON is intensifying its publicity efforts for the SUV in the lead up to its launch later in the year.

“We are happy that the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, approves of our efforts with Geely. This confirms that PROTON are on the right track and now that pre-production of the SUV has commenced we will soon begin our media and customer previews to build momentum ahead of the actual launch,”
 said Rashid.

Photo Gallery…

				Image from FreeMalaysiaToday


eFuel to be used in Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup

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

The new 911 GT3 Cup (992) makes its racing debut in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in Monaco Grand Prix this weekend and it will be the first time the car’s 4-litre naturally aspirated engine will run on Esso Renewable Racing Fuel. Referred to as ‘eFuel’, this is a blend of fuels mostly made of lower carbon, renewable, bio-based components.

The first racetrack test of the Esso Renewable Racing Fuels was held 2 months ago at the Zandvoort circuit in the Netherlands. As in the entire 2021 season, the first version of Esso Renewable Racing Fuels will be used there. This is mainly based on an advanced biofuel whose raw materials consist of organic waste. On this basis, an ExxonMobil team of scientists and engineers composed a racing fuel that, in initial tests, has shown the potential for significant reductions in CO
2
emissions.

Second version to be used next year
In the course of the 2022 season, the two companies plan to use the second version of the Esso Renewable Racing Fuels which, for the most part consists of eFuels. These eFuels are the focus of the collaboration between ExxonMobil and Porsche. eFuels are synthetic fuels that are generated using renewable energy from hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the air.

With the eFuel-based Esso Renewable Racing Fuel, it is possible to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 85% if it complies with the current fuel standard according to the necessary blending. The eFuel comes from the Haru Oni pilot plant in Chile that generates hydrogen, which is then combined with captured carbon dioxide drawn from the atmosphere to produce methanol. ExxonMobil is providing a license and support for the proprietary technology to convert the methanol which will result in a lower-carbon fuel.

Future consumer adoption potential
In the pilot phase, over 130,000 litres of eFuels will be produced in 2022. Porsche and ExxonMobil are working together to gain valuable experiences to find pathways toward potential future consumer adoption. The switch to so-called eFuel is planned over the course of the 2022 season. As the main buyer of this fuel, Porsche will use the eFuels from Chile in the Porsche Experience Centres in addition to the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup in the 2022 season.

“Purely electrically powered vehicles have the highest priority for us,” emphasized Michael Steiner, member of the Board of Management for Research and Development at Porsche. “eFuels complement our drive strategy perfectly. They offer our customers the option of driving cars with combustion engines and plug-in hybrids that are almost CO
2
-neutral. By working with ExxonMobil, we can test the eFuels under demanding conditions on the racetrack. We are thus taking another step on the way to a marketable and CO
2
-reduced eFuel that can replace conventional fuels.”

New Porsche 911 GT3 offers pure racing technology


Linde’s Hydrogen-Powered Mobility Technology To Support Zero-Emission Vehicles In Malaysia

Vehicles in Malaysia will one day be powered by a cleaner fuel alternative; hydrogen, an element found in water. Towards this end,
Linde Malaysia
, a member of
The Linde Group
, is gearing up to share its expertise in fuelling solutions to help power Malaysia’s automotive industry with zero-emission hydrogen technology.

“The world’s challenges associated with global warming (caused by CO2 emissions) pose a fundamental threat to the future of our planet. Linde sees hydrogen as an integral part of our renewable energy future in addressing this challenge. With over 25 years of research and development in hydrogen fuelling technologies, Linde has invested significantly at the global level in the future market for hydrogen. There are strong indicators that the market is receptive towards alternative fuels and energy with alternative mobility becoming more prevalent, particularly in Asia,”
 explained
 Linde South Asia and ASEAN Regional Managing Director, Rob Hughes
.

(Seated, second from left) Linde South Asia & ASEAN Regional Managing Director, Rob Hughes, and (seated, third from left) Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) Group Chief Executive Officer, Sharbini Suhaili, during the signing of the Memoradum Of Understanding between Linde and SEB to explore the potential of hydrogen

Malaysia is an attractive place for Linde to invest further, tapping into its richwater resource for the production, storage and supply of hydrogen and other industrial gasses. This is partly due to its abundant water resource, receiving an average of 2500 to 5080 millimetres of rainfall annually.
“Technology, innovation and an inventive spirit have been at the core of Linde from the very beginning, making us the technology leader for end-to-end sustainable hydrogen solutions. Linde is no stranger to the automotive industry as we deliver hydrogen fuelling solutions for cars, buses and even forklift trucks. We intend to grow the commercialisation of hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles and boost our efforts with our partners to create infrastructures that enable greater adoption of hydrogen-electric mobility. Linde has seen success with this model across Europe and is now extending its focus here in Southeast Asia,”
 said Hughes.

More about the technology…

Hydrogen is categorised as a clean fuel, releasing water vapour when converted into fuel. Hydrogen is produced through natural gas steam reforming or the electrolysis of water. Its carbon-neutral nature means vehicles powered by hydrogen have zero-emissions, a solution that directly helps mitigate climate change. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is the most commonly occurring element in nature, which means it is renewable.

Hydrogen-powered cars are equipped with a hydrogen fuel cell and an electric motor. Inside the fuel cell of the car, the hydrogen reacts with oxygen drawn in from the ambient air. Hydrogen molecules separate and create electricity to power the electric motor, and water. The automotive industry stands to benefit from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) because they help reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions which greatly mitigates climate change.

This further supports the nation’s aspirations to reduce carbon emissions as demonstrated by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology, Science And Climate Change’s (Mestecc) recent announcement to introduce an Energy Efficiency Bill in 2019 to help Malaysia cut carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 in compliance with the Paris climate accord.

Hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles have a short refuelling time of only three minutes and the ability to cover 500 to 600 km. This makes hydrogen-powered vehicles comparable to conventional vehicles. The water vapour from the exhaust of a hydrogen-powered vehicle is clean to the point that it is drinkable, demonstrating its zero emissions feature.

Solidifying its commitment to the Malaysian market, Linde will be providing its technological expertise across the hydrogen value chain to Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), following the construction of the latter’s pilot hydrogen production plant and refuelling station, the first of its kind in the state of Sarawak and Southeast Asia. Linde also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the potential of hydrogen and how it can be potentially applied into other aspects together with SEB. The move demonstrates interest in clean fuel alternatives for a more sustainable automotive industry in Malaysia.

To date, Linde has equipped around
 150 fuelling stations
 globally with innovative hydrogen refuelling technology. Linde is actively involved in collaborative partnerships to jointly develop new solutions for hydrogen as a fuel. It is a member of the ‘Hydrogen Council,’ the first global initiative of its kind, launched in January 2017, with the goal of positioning hydrogen among the key solutions of the energy transition to help meet climate goals. The council is made up of 13 CEOs and Chairpersons from various industries and energy companies including
Daimler, Royal Dutch Shell, The Linde Group, Alstom, Honda, Hyundai, Kawasaki
and
 Toyota
 among others.


BMW i3 Urban Suite previews the mobility experience of the future

For the past 7 years, the BMW i3 has played the role of an ‘ambassador’ for pure electric driving pleasure, sustainability and intelligent connectivity in urban areas. These qualities have helped to make it the world’s best-selling electric car in the premium compact segment. Soon, at the coming CES (Consumer Electronic Show) in Las Vegas, the BMW Group will show a mobility experience tailored entirely to the passenger’s individual needs – the BMW i3 Urban Suite.

Transformed i3 interior

To achieve this, a standard BMW i3 underwent a complete transformation (with only the driver’s seat and dashboard left untouched) so that its interior now has the relaxed feel of a boutique hotel. The aim was to create an inviting space with a high feel-good factor in which to spend time – the perfect place for relaxing, enjoying in-car entertainment or focusing on work in a laid-back setting.

The changes made include, among other things, the installation of a large, comfortable seat with footrest, a screen that flips down from the headliner, and a personal Sound Zone.

Sustainable mobility

The i3 Urban Suite also represents a logical step forward in the BMW Group’s commitment to sustainable mobility. The car is underpinned by a holistic approach to making responsible use of resources, encompassing the powertrain with zero local emissions, the careful selection of materials and the production processes involved.

Fabrics containing recycled materials therefore come together with certified wood and olive-tanned leather, while the floormats are made from recyclable materials that can be fed back into the materials cycle, as per circular economy principles.

In preparation for the CES, a fleet of standard i3 EVs were converted into Urban Suites in Munich and then shipped to Las Vegas where they can also be seen moving around the streets of the city that regards itself as the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’. Indeed, anyone wishing to be chauffeur-driven to their desired destination can use a special app to hail one of the i3 Urban Suites.

The car will offer its passenger a first-hand experience of the BMW Group’s innovative and sustainable mobility concept, while clearly demonstrating that luxury travel in the future will have nothing to do with vehicle size.

The i3 is part of the BMW i family which is a comprehensive concept for sustainable mobility. The i3 with eDrive is designed especially for cities with restrictions for certain vehicles. The i3s impresses with its brisk acceleration, from low speed or even from standstill – and with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with an everyday range claimed to be up to 260 kms. Currently, the i3s being sold in Malaysia is priced at
RM278,800
 (excluding insurance).

All-electric BMW i3s now available – RM278,800


Savings of up to RM6,000 on new Ford Ranger Raptor and Wildtrak

The Chinese New Year festive season is coming up and if you want to celebrate it with a brand new vehicle, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has some deals for you which could save up to RM6,000. The savings are for the Ford Ranger Raptor and Ranger Wildtrak models (selected year) and while stocks are available.

The Ranger Raptor is still the only pick-up truck of its kind in Malaysia and even the region. Built with the expertise and assistance of Ford Performance, it sets a new benchmark as the first and only factory-built performance pick-up truck in the country.

While there are some models which have bodykits installed to give them a more macho look but the performance is not increased, the Ranger Raptor has enhanced performance to go with its much more aggressive appearance. In particular, the Fox Racing Shox that are installed as standard provide higher damping forces at full bounce and rebound to enable better off-road capabilities – and the ability to handle jumps.

The Ranger Raptor comes with a powerful 2-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine which produces 213 ps/500 Nm which goes to the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. An intelligent Terrain Management System offers 6 modes, including a Baja Mode, which customise the engine and performance characteristics to the terrain for optimum grip and stability.

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

Not everyone may need the extreme capabilities of the Ranger Raptor but still want off-road capability without giving up on refinement. This is where the Ranger WildTrak will prove to be an ideal choice. Besides a generous list of standard equipment and features, it also has an array of smart safety technologies.

Some of the first-in-class features are Autonomous Emergency Braking with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. There’s also Semi-Automatic Parallel Parking which will certainly be welcome by those who have been deterred by the vehicle’s size and length. At the touch of a button, the computer slots the Ranger Wildtrak in and all the driver has to do is manage the power.

Its 2-litre Bi-turbo diesel engine is also mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox and provides drivers with 180 ps of power and 420 Nm of torque. This gives the WildTrak the ability to carry a maximum payload of 1000 kgs and a towing capacity of 3500 kgs.

To locate a Ford showroom in Malaysia, visit
www.sdacford.com.my
 . In view of the current pandemic requiring observation of SOPs, customers are encouraged to make an appointment first. They can do so using WhatsApp to connect to the Ford Sales Line at
+60 19-204 1200
.

Click here for other news on Ford and Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.


Volkswagen dealers offering special deals to celebrate re-opening of showrooms

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), like all the car companies, is happy to be able to resume business after over two months of forced shutdown of all retail activities. During that time, virtually no new vehicles were sold which of course has an impact on the year’s total sales volume. For the whole of 2020, which also had a period of shutdown, the company sold 3,379 Volkswagens and in the first 7 months, it sold 1,657 units. During the same period this year, it has reached only 1,110 units.

To celebrate the reopening of business and try to maximise sales in the remaining months, authorised Volkswagen dealers are offering exclusive deals that include free insurance coverage for the first year, RM3,500 rebate (if purchased online), and additional savings of up to RM6,500 for the Passat Elegance.

Those who choose the Passat R-Line will get a year’s supply of petrol free  and additional savings of RM5,500; if they use the online channel for the purchase, they can get another RM3,500. The Tiguan Allspace Highline, a popular model, also has the RM3,500 rebate for online purchases, plus RM2,000 of savings. With the sales tax exemption still ongoing until the end of this year, customers also get to save money for all models.

For now, assembly of Volkswagen models in Malaysia are not affected by the global shortage of semiconductors. New units continue to roll out of the assembly facility in Pekan, Pahang, and there is no waiting period for any model as stocks are readily available.

Assembly of vehicles is still ongoing at the assembly facility in Pahang, although many factories around the world have to suspend operations due to the global shortage of semiconductors.

To comply with the latest set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Health Ministry, visitors to showrooms nationwide must have completed full vaccination (including the required period post-vaccination) to gain entry. They also have to follow the other SOPs that have been in force for more than a year, ie temperature scanning, registration via
MySejahtera
 and wearing facemasks. VPCM gives assurance that only fully-vaccinated sales consultants will serve customers.

Those who wish to take test-drives are also permitted to do so in states under phase 2 of National Recovery Plan. They must also be fully-vaccinated individuals. All models in the Volkswagen line-up are available for test drive, including the recently launched
Arteon R-Line 4MOTION.

During the Malaysia Day weekend period, Volkswagen dealerships will be hosting a virtual showroom event from September 16 to 19. Customers may tune in to the respective dealership’s social media channels to learn about the models and latest offers.

For more information or to locate an authorised dealership, visit
www.volkswagen.com.my
.

Volkswagen Arteon: How Does It Feel & Drive After 10,000KM?


Perodua beats 2020 target by 10,154 units, in spite of difficult conditions

In spite of many weeks of forced shutdown during the first half of 2020, Perodua bounced back in the second half to not only make up for the lost period of sales but even managed to exceed its forecast of 210,000 units by 10,154 units for a total of 220,154 vehicles (registered nationwide).

The achievement was helped by the government’s PENJANA stimulus program which gave exemption of sales tax to the auto industry, and for Perodua customers, that meant saving the 10% normally imposed. As reported recently, the
sales tax exemption has been extended
 and will be allowed up till the end of June 2021.

“We thank all Malaysians for choosing Perodua and the government for extending the sales tax exemption under PENJANA to sustain the sales momentum which the automotive industry is now enjoying,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

Measures to protect customers and employees are in place at all Perodua outlets in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures specified by the Health Ministry.

He added that Perodua manufactured 220,968 vehicles in 2020 despite temporarily halting production between March and May 2020 due to the Movement Control Order (MCO). “Despite this, the tax exemption introduced in June 2020 succeeded in spurring car buyers’ interest that was able to sustain the players as well as the local automotive ecosystem,” he said.

One million EEVs

“Perodua also hit the one million Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) milestone in November 2020 – exactly two years after achieving the first half-million. This further solidifies our position as Malaysia’s largest EEV manufacturer,” said Dato’ Zainal.

Besides being busy selling and delivering new vehicles, Perodua also upheld its role as a good corporate citizen by providing protective equipment and other necessities to hospitals, schools and government agencies during the year in support of the fight against COVID-19.

The better-than-expected sales achievement had a direct positive impact on the Malaysian automotive ecosystem, helping both independent parts suppliers and dealers weather the challenges in 2020. Perodua has always been mindful of the need to help its suppliers and dealers to maintain a healthy business position.

Dato’ Zainal said that for now, Perodua will continue to fulfil outstanding orders and push for higher sales in 2021. The target for the year will be announced later on.

To locate a showroom to view, test or buy a Perodua vehicle, visit
www.perodua.com.my
.

Perodua registers record number of vehicles in one day – over 5,000 units


Hyundai Creta Officially Launched In Malaysia – RM 149,888

The Hyundai Creta has been formally introduced in Malaysia by Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM). The feature-rich SUV, which is only available in the Plus trim, enters the crowded B-segment with a modern aesthetic, practical connectivity, and extensive active safety.

Exterior

The Creta is somewhat longer and features a bold-looking front end that resembles Mitsubishi Motors’ Dynamic Shield face, although being around the same size as the more recognisable Kona. The ‘Parametric Jewel’ radiator grille, which is present in the most recent models as well, is a distinctly Hyundai aesthetic element.

The Hyundai Creta’s Parametric Jewel face has daytime running lights that are LEDs that are hidden under the grille, giving it a threatening and mysterious appearance. When combined with the LED projector headlamps installed on the bumper, they produce an eye-catching and fashionable visual trademark at night. It also comes with 17″ alloy rims.

The Hyundai Creta comes in Dragon Red Pearl, Galaxy Blue Pearl, Titan Grey Metallic, Midnight Black Pearl or Creamy White Pearl.

Interior and Safety

Numerous technological features are installed inside to improve comfort, convenience, and drivability. These features include a 10.25-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and voice recognition, auto air conditioning with rear air vents, keyless entry and start, as well as an electronic parking brake with auto hold.

The Creta has a full five-star New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCA) rating for safety thanks to its standard six airbags and extensive Hyundai SmartSense suite of active safety features, which also includes Forward and Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and High Beam Assist

Powertrain

Smooth, effective and quick movement is made possible by the Creta’s Smartstream G1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers 115 PS at 6,300 rpm and 144 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm to the front wheels through a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The Creta’s character is demonstrated by the fact that there are no fewer than four distinct drive modes available to the driver: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart.

Price

For Peninsular Malaysia, the Hyundai Creta costs RM149,888 on the open road before insurance. For our first 150 purchasers, we are including a complimentary extended warranty of 5 years/300,000 km as well as 3 years/50,000 km of free service.


Most people have their smartphones with them all the time, and as these devices show the time and date, the watch may seem unnecessary. Nevertheless, it still has a place in our lives and sales still continue. Now Porsche owners will also find more reason to wear watch – specifically the new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 – Porsche Edition.

This is a new luxury connected timepiece that does more than just show the time and other information usually found on the more sophisticated (and expensive) watches. It has Wear OS which can show information from Porsche vehicles on its face, turning it into a more useful accessory.

The watch follows the launch of the TAG Heuer x Porsche Carrera Chronograph, which celebrated the two companies’ rich history of motor racing heritage and the launch of their global partnership in 2021.

Both the physical watch and the software have design features used in the all-electric Taycan, which evokes the car’s exterior. The watch face was inspired by printed circuit boards and racing circuits, offering an animated visual effect which connects Porsche’s models and TAG Heuer watches with a feeling of technology and speed.

Car-related design
The design of the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 – Porsche Edition has numerous features inspired by the frozen blue lacquered
Taycan
 electric sportscar. For example, the large 45 mm case in black titanium is highlighted with details in the distinctive metallic shade seen on the car. The case is sandblasted black titanium, giving the watch a light, sporty feel and the black ceramic polished bezel has a dedicated scale going from zero to 400, referencing a Porsche car’s speed, which can be used to read functions relating to the car or to display metrics like heart rate.

The ceramic bezel of the watch gives it the feel of a traditional high-end timepiece. The crown has a large diameter, and stands out from the watch, so there’s lots of room for a finger to access the crown, making it easy to access apps on the go.

The pushers have a mechanical feel, highlighting TAG Heuer’s 162 years of heritage in making high-end mechanical watches. Running a customised version of Google’s Wear OS system, the watch offers a range of exclusive timers and sport and wellness apps which highlight TAG Heuer’s expertise in sports timing, including motorsports.

Connection to the car
Owners of specific Porsche models will be able to connect their watch to their vehicle. When connected, they will see information displayed in ‘complications’ on the watch face. At the time of launch this week, there are four complications available.

The first shows how much energy is left in the car’s battery pack and works with both fully electric as well as hybrid models. The second shows ‘car autonomy’ information, displaying how many kilometres remain before the battery pack or fuel tank are empty.

The third is a shortcut to the Wear OS My Porsche app which enables users to control their vehicle heating and air conditioning. The last complication shows the total mileage driven. To activate these features, users need to have Porsche ID, Porsche Connect Subscription and the My Porsche app on the watch and phone.

The Taycan electric sportscar is one of the models that can be connected to the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 – Porsche Edition.

Porsche and TAG Heuer
Although Porsche and TAG Heuer a strategic partnership in February last year, the two companies have been associated various times for over 50 years. Similarities of heritage can be traced all the way back to the entrepreneurs of the companies whose visions changed their chosen fields forever. Edouard Heuer was responsible for the first manufactured chronograph and Ferdinand Porsche constructed a new electric wheel hub motor. Both these accomplishments earned medals at World Fairs held in Paris 11 years apart.

The true cornerstones of today’s partnership, however, are descendants of the brands’ founders. In 1963, the first Heuer Carrera chronograph was introduced, designed to let drivers tell the time at a glance in the heat of action. Jack Heuer, the great-grandson of the founder, was also responsible for the Heuer Monaco, the first square-faced, water-resistant automatic chronograph watch. Its name evoked the Monaco Grand Prix as well as the renowned Monte Carlo Rally which Porsche won in from 1968 to 1970 with its 911 model.

With its sale to the TAG Group, Heuer became TAG Heuer in the mid-1980s. At this time, Porsche and TAG Heuer jointly developed and produced the TAG Turbo Engine that enabled the McLaren team to win three consecutive F1 world titles.

The Porsche 99X used in the all-electric single-seater Formula E World Championship.

In 1999, the relationship between Porsche and TAG Heuer grew even stronger – from the Porsche Carrera Cup and Supercup competitions, followed by the Endurance World Championship and more was yet to come. Porsche created its own Formula E team with TAG Heuer as title and timing partner in 2019.

Porsche has long distinguished itself in endurance events and together with TAG Heuer, its GT Team has competed in the World Endurance Championship. In addition to physical competitions, TAG Heuer also engages in virtual racing by supporting the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup. More recently, both companies have partnered in Formula E, the all-electric  single-seater world championship.

A Porsche stars again in new Top Gun movie, and it’s not a replica this time


Tata CURVV concept SUV previews next-generation electric model from carmaker

SUVs makes up the largest market segment today and this is the case in every market in the world, even in India where foreign brands have been introducing new SUV models in recent years. The Indian carmakers also have their own SUVs although most are still the more ‘traditional’ type designed more for ruggedness than style.

But that will soon change if a new SUV concept by Tata Motors is any indication. The concept, called CURVV, has a design more like the crossover SUVs of today. It’s an edgy sporty look with a coupe profile that is typical of modern SUV typology. Presumably, the design has been done in-house and is proposed with an electric powertrain as well as a combustion engine powertrain.

In keeping with its SUV image, there is extra ground clearance so it stands tall, with a large offset for the front and rear ends. Cladding with a grooved pattern below the sills give a a visual sense of ruggedness. At the lower front and rear, the protective panels also have a similar pattern.

The lighting concept at the front is unique and whether it will actually be in the production model remains to be seen. There is a thin line that runs across the edge of the bonnet and is illuminated with ultra slim LEDs. Together with triangular shaped headlamps, there is a visual signature for the model. The same full-width LED feature is used at the rear as well, with the LEDs illuminating in red.

Much thought has gone into aerodynamic efficiency and airflow around the pillars has been made as smooth as possible. The wheels also have ‘aeroblade’ inserts to close off the openings which can cause micro turbulence.

The interior has been kept simple with a clean dashboard although the production model might not be as clean when equipment like the audio system and air-conditioning is added. But what is important, according to Tata, has been the integration of new technologies and the Human-Machine Interface (HMI). Apart from more efficient interior packaging, the designers have also aimed for a more premium feel through the use of high quality materials and finishes. To brighten up the interior, there’s a panoramic sunroof which covers much of the roof.

From statements by senior Tata executives, the concept model seems very much like a preview rather than just a showcar. In fact, it is expected to become a production model within the next two years.

“With this magnificent Electric SUV Concept – CURVV, our focus has been to enable customers with a product option that is the perfect amalgamation of modern functionality and design.  With a robust SUV DNA at its core, and a plethora of new age materials, features and interfaces, we are confident that this concept will redefine mainstream SUV design,” said Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd.

“Furthermore, with the concept CURVV, we now enter the Generation 2 EV architecture which will further enhance the adoption of EVs in India by overcoming the current barriers. With this new architecture, we will strengthen the key pillars of range, performance and technology, while retaining safety and reliability,” he added.

Tata Motors to launch EV models with ZIPTRON technology developed in-house


High-speed Police Chase In Klang With Suspect Stealing Unmarked Police Car

High-speed car chases with police chasing the bad guys are usually what you see in movies or, in more recent times, videos of the cops in America in real-life action. So it must have been quite amazing for motorists in the Klang area to see a real-life chase recently.

The chase was over a distance of 30 kms as police pursued a robbery suspect from Banting to Port Klang in Selangor. According to South Klang district police chief Cha Hoong Fong, the 31-year old suspect was driving a Proton Inspira recklessly along the road near the Kampung Pendamar Mosque. He was unable to avoid oncoming traffic as he tried to squeeze between two cars that slowed down to cross over a speed bump.

As he was travelling at high speed when his car hit the bump, it flew into the air and also sideways, hitting the other two cars before skidding to a stop at the roadside. The police said that he then left the car and ran off on foot into the surrounding kampung area.

Police officer from IPD Klang Selatan on crime prevention patrol in the district.

As he was running off, an unmarked Perodua Myvi driven by a police team from the Selangor contingent police headquarters Criminal Investigation Department (CID) stopped behind the Inspira and the officers chased him. Apparently, the CID team had already been pursuing him which must have been why he was speeding recklessly.

Unexpectedly, the suspect somehow came back to where he had started from and as the Myvi was not occupied, he jumped in an started to drive it off! The police officers who spotted him in the car fired several shots to try to get him to stop but he sped away. The suspect did not get far as he was subsequently caught by the police near Jalan Kem, Port Klang on the same day.

“The Selangor CID forensics unit has inspected the incident location and the South Klang district police headquarters has opened investigation papers under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder,” said Cha.

He added that the suspect possessed several drug and criminal records, and was handed to the Subang Jaya police headquarters for further investigation over the robbery under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code.

Police Ask Motorists Not To Publicise Their Roadblocks Or Presence On Waze


Proton In 2018: Part 2 – Gearing Up For The Biggie Of 2018!

Our first national carmaker, Proton, announced another round of the
Dealers Network Upgrade
 agreement at a signing ceremony recently, held at the Proton Centre of Excellence in Shah Alam. Following the earlier two batches which were held in December 2017 and January 2018, this time, a total of 10 dealers will be upgrading their outlets to
3S
 and
4S
.

Present at the ceremony were,
Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of PROTON
 and
Yohan Mokhtar, Director of Special Project of PROTON
, who signed the agreements on behalf of PROTON. Positive on the future, Proton is encouraged by the increasing number of dealers who are upgrading their outlets to 3S and 4S to serve their customers better and to ensure that customers get the best – top notch sales and services experience when they visit a Proton outlet.

“Month by month, we see more dealers joining to upgrade their outlets. Surely, this means that Proton is a brand worth investing – a promising brand. I am delighted that we have many entrepreneurs here who share the same view. I applaud their courage and farsightedness. These are businessmen who understand the need to invest more now, in order to enjoy much more in the future. Customers today are very different than before. Their needs have gone from expectation of a simple service when they walk into an outlet, to a different level all together. Now it becomes a lifestyle need. It is important for us to stay connected with the market requirements in order for us to be on top of our game, and to serve our customers professionally and with integrity,”
 said Dr. Li.

Li also added that the opportunities in PROTON are abundant for those interested to join the PROTON dealership.
“I truly believe we are on a strong foundation to elevate PROTON to greater heights. There is never a better time than now to be part of the PROTON dealership. Already, we have a very good dealer incentive support scheme, which is one of the best in the industry. Our chance is here and now, and you should grab the opportunity to grow together with us. I am sure, the decision you make today is a stepping stone for better things to come. With your support, PROTON will progress and rise, and together we shall make it a success story”
.

Recently, in an effort to further convince Proton Dealers just how serious Geely is about the partnership with Proton, a visit in early March was organised for them to the
Geely Research Institute (GRI)
 in Hangzhou Bay, which opened their eyes to the possibilities awaiting in future thanks to the technology they are developing and the scope of research being done by Geely.

You can read about their observations at this link here:
NEWS RELEASE – THE GEELY EFFECT _ FROM THE MOUTHS OF PROTON DEALERS


Now Everyone Can Talk To Actual Humans At AirAsia’s Support Centre

Don’t you just feel annoyed every time you are forced to ‘chat’ with a bot for customer service? Most businesses use this bot feature to save on having to pay a salaried human, but this forces you to navigate through hundreds of steps before actually ‘chatting’ with a human being.

AirAsia has finally brought back its live call feature to ease the lives of its customers. People who have urgent matters can now get accurate answers faster. They have also launched a new feature for the super app called refund tracking.

In response to consumer demands for real-time phone support, the option will be made accessible to visitors at the end of their chatbot engagements but only if the issue is determined to be “urgent or essential”.

Flights departing within 24 hours or sudden changes in travel plans due to medical reasons or emergencies are examples.

Kesavan Sivanandam, AirAsia Aviation Group’s Chief Airport and Customer Experience Officer, assured customers that the live agents are trained to handle emergency situations and provide personalised assistance, and that they will be available in English, Bahasa Melayu, Chinese, Thai, and Bahasa Indonesia.

However, you must still use the self-service tools and Live Chat support accessible on its Super App and AI-powered chatbot, Ask Bo, for general inquiries and non-urgent situations.

Customers can now access the new refund tracking tool by clicking on the ‘My Cases’ tab and entering their case number to get a more thorough status on their refunds on its super app or website.

AirAsia also claims that as of February 2023, they have paid out USD 2.1 billion (RM9.2 billion), or 98.4%, of all refund claims made since the pandemic began in March 2020.


Special Edition of Honda City now available, priced from RM75,955

“For many years now, the City has been the best-selling B-segment model in Malaysia. As a way to give more value to Malaysians who have been very supportive towards Honda Malaysia, we have decided to introduce a Special Edition to the City with an attractive price of
 RM75,955
, excluding insurance,” said Toichi Ishiyama, Managing Director & CEO of Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd (HMSB).

The value-added extras

Besides two colour choices – White Orchid Pearl and Passion Red Pearl – the City Special Edition has additional value-added features to offer more convenience to the customers. These features are two Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), Built-in Tollcard Reader, Door Visors and Boot Organiser.

The DVR (shown above) offers peace of mind for drivers as it keeps video recordings of the journey, with a second unit for rear view recording. In the event of a dispute after accident, the records could establish how the accident occurred and which party is responsible.

The Built-in Toll Reader (pictured below) offers more convenience for motorists as they do not have to pause to touch the card or, if they do not fix the electronic tag, hold the unit up as they pass through the toll plaza. The Built-in Toll Reader works with a TouchNGo card slotted in and is installed in the glovebox. The signal is sent from a small unit in the windscreen. The remaining value in the card is also visible on a small display.

As for the Door Visors (above), these have been aerodynamically optimized to have minimum wind noise. They can act as rain guards, allowing the driver or passengers to roll the glass down slightly for fresh air when it rains.

The Boot Organiser (below) will be useful for keeping large and small items in place. Women will appreciate it as it can keep pairs of shoes together instead of being shifted around when the car is cornering.

34% of Honda sales in Malaysia

The City, which has a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine, has been the biggest sales contributor for HMSB. From January to July this year, it accounted for 34% of total sales for the company.

“The City Special Edition is being offered in conjunction with our
 Road to 900,000
th
 Unit Milestone Campaign
. I hope everyone can grab the opportunity and visit any of our 98 Honda dealerships nationwide to view, test drive and book the City Special Edition today!” Mr. Ishiyama said.

For more information or to locate an authorized dealer to book/test drive the City Special Edition, call Honda’s Toll Free number at
 1-800-88-2020
 or visit
www.honda.com.my
.

Click here for other news and articles about Honda in PISTON.MY
.


Upgraded Team Fordzilla P1 prototype showcased at Gamergy 21 with better streaming capabilities

The full-scale prototype of Team Fordzilla's P1 – Ford's virtual racing car created in collaboration with the gamer community – was unveiled at gamescom 2021 as the ultimate racing simulator. Now, it’s being showcased at the Gamergy 21 event in Madrid, Spain with impressive new streaming capabilities.LICENSE EXPIRES: In perpetuity.  LICENSE BY: Enrique Brooking (enriquebrooking.com). LICENSE SCOPE:  A - Earned editorial, press releases, press kits, B - All non-broadcast digital and online media, C - All non-broadcast digital and online media, plus Retail and POS (showrooms, events etc), D - All print media (newspaper, magazine etc). REGION: GLOBAL. COPYRIGHT AND IMAGE RIGHTS: This content is solely for editorial use and for providing individual users with information. Any storage in databases, or any distribution to third parties within the scope of commercial use, or for commercial use is permitted with written consent from Ford of Europe GmbH only.

The full-scale prototype of Team Fordzilla’s P1 – Ford’s virtual racing car created in collaboration with the gamer community – which was
unveiled at gamescom 2021
 as the ultimate racing simulator has been further developed with impressive new streaming capabilities.

Showcased at the Gamergy 21 event in Madrid, Spain, this month, it now has three 4k cameras that are aimed at the pedals, steering wheel and face. Also incorporated is a 10×4-metre screen so all the action of simracing streams from the P1 racer to gaming fans in an instant. The car is powered by an HP Z4 workstation with players controlling the game through an integrated gaming steering wheel and pedals. HP Reverb G2 goggles give the player a high-quality virtual reality display as they race the world’s great online racetracks.

Enhanced lighting, both front and rear, softly mimics a sleeping person’s breath as the P1 awaits the next race. They then come to life during race time, as the rear lights synchronize with braking moments during play to connect outside spectators to the action. Aural stimulation is also offered, with a built-in audio system channelling realistic, personalised sound design for the driver to take the racing simulator experience to a whole new level.

Project P1

When Team Fordzilla’s original P1 was unveiled, it was the first virtual racing car designed in collaboration between the gamer community and designers from a carmaker. The team unveiled a full-scale prototype of the vehicle 3 months later.

Following the success of the P1 project, Team Fordzilla is now launching a second series as it again seeks collaboration with gamers and Ford designers to
create a new Supervan
. Ford has experience creating race-inspired Supervans based on its Transit models, the first being 50 years ago in 1971. The new Supervan Vision Concept will imagine what an extreme performance model of future Transit models will look like in the virtual dimension.

Ford designers are also at work to create a new Supervan. They can draw inspiration from earlier Supervans like the one below which raced round Goodwood in 2013.

Team Fordzilla

Team Fordzilla made its debut at gamescom 2019 and set out to find driver teams in Germany, Spain, France, Italy and the UK, with a team captain selected for each. In addition to competing in regional and European simulation racing championships, Team Fordzilla also hosted its first Fordzilla Cup competition in 2020.

“The P1 racer is an incredible design project and as a racing simulator is a fantastic experience for the player. This latest development with HP means we can stream that excitement to more people and help them to see the future possibilities of simracing,” said Emmanuel Lubrani, Team Fordzilla, Ford of Europe.

Synergies between gaming and mobility

With the distinction between real and virtual worlds blurring, Ford is increasingly intrigued by synergies between gaming and mobility and how they could help shape the way in which we all get about in the future – whether that is as commuters, as passengers in autonomous vehicles or simply enjoying the thrill of performance.

In 2017, it was the first carmaker to have a stand at Gamescom, which it also later used to conduct the first-ever vehicle reveal at the show. This was the Ranger Raptor, the performance version of the popular global pick-up.

Ford forming racing teams in Europe to compete in esports competition [w/VIDEO]


Impressive performance in S1K by Team Proton R3’s all-ladies entry

Team Proton R3’s third consecutive win in the recent Sepang 1000km (S1K) race certainly grabbed headlines but also deserving praise was the was the impressive result for the team’s third car. This was a Saga with an all-ladies crew comprising Faye Kusairi, Nurul Husna and Leona Chin.

Unlike the other R3 drivers, Faye and Nurul did not have prior experience of competing in the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS). They were selected via the team’s lady drivers search initiative. Leona, however, is a professional racer who has been competing in the MCS.

From 26
th
 to 7th

In the tough 9-hour race, the trio put in a fine effort after starting from 26
th
 position to finish a respectable seventh. A demonstration of team spirit and skill, the 2019 S1K was in fact the first time all three shared the same car.

Ready to battle in the 2019 S1K!

Despite their unfamiliarity with each other, the inherent speed of all three was evident during practice sessions for the race. They were consistently setting times that put them in the top eight. Their qualifying session however was compromised by a small technical issue, consigning them to start from the back of the M-Production class grid. Nevertheless starting 26th did not dampen their spirit and during the race, they drove with great skill and patience, methodically working their way up through the field.

“The S1K was extremely memorable and surreal for me. I am amazed we finished seventh from 26th on the grid but it proves how quick the Proton Saga and our trio of drivers really is. To be honest, I really feel that if we were given another chance, I think we can make it up on to the podium,” said Faye.

“Our lady race drivers performed admirably and drove really well to mount a great comeback from their low grid position. To finish seventh in what is one of the toughest S1K races in recent memory is a great achievement and the best finish ever achieved at the race for an all-ladies driving crew,” said a delighted Gary Lee, Head of Team Proton R3.

Proton Saga proves racing prowess

Despite being R3’s newest car, the 2019 Proton Saga has already proven its ability to be a quick track car. The short development cycle (the model was launched in August this year) meant the team faced a tremendous challenge to get it ready on time, but the results have proven how suitable the Saga is for motorsports.

“The Proton Saga is a model synonymous with Proton and was the very first model the company used for motorsports. In more recent times, we favoured other models but last year we started using it again for the MCS and S1K in 2018. This year’s car is brand new and despite the very short timelines, the results have been very impressive. This therefore proves the Proton Saga is capable of performing in a variety of environments, from daily commuting to family outings and competing in Malaysia’s biggest race, making it truly a Malaysian favourite,” said Dr Li Chunrong, CEO Of Proton.

Proton R3 wins Sepang 1000km again – that’s 3 years in a row!


New Nissan Townstar aims to continue lead in electrified LCV segment in Europe

A new entry in the European light commercial vehicle (LCV) market is the Nissan Townstar, with a future-proofed powertrain that is electrified but also having a petrol engine option. Said to be Nissan most technologically comprehensive LCV to date, it has over 20+ technologies for efficiency, safety and functionality.

The main target of the new compact van is the electrified segment of the LCV market, where the Nissan e-NV200 was a pioneer and leader. “With tougher emissions standards, urban access restrictions and ever-increasing demand for last-mile delivery, businesses large and small need to find effective and sustainable solutions to remain competitive and optimise their operations,” said Emmanuelle Serazin, LCV & Corporate Sales Director, Nissan Europe.

Van and combi versions

Built on the Alliance CMF-C platform, it is developed for optimum efficiency and versatility in urban environments, the Townstar is offered in van and combi (passenger) versions, the latter offering comfortable accommodation for families on the go. Connectivity features such as E-Call, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and wireless phone charging are available.

The van version is designed for the operations of small and medium businesses, especially in the city. Various configurations are available with  up to 3.9 cubic metres of cargo space. The cargo area integrates large sliding doors on the side, with the possibility to have 60/40 French doors with 180-degree opening or a tailgate at the rear.

The LCV can transport two Euro pallets and up to 800 kgs of cargo. It also includes smart storage solutions and a dedicated space for on-board office tools.

285 kms, 42-minute recharging to 80%

The fully electric version has an enhanced 44 kWh battery with advanced EV technology and intelligent energy management. In comparison to the e-NV200, the Townstar powertrain has an output of 90 kW/245 Nm and the range is said to be up to 285 kms on a single charge. With DC charging, an empty battery pack can be recharged to 80% within 42 minutes, it is claimed.

Those who do not want the electric version can still get the Townstar with a 1.3-litre petrol engine. This 130 ps/240 Nm engine is fully compliant with the latest Euro 6d-Full emission regulations.

ProPILOT system in EV version

There’s a broad range of Nissan safety technologies and advanced driver assistance features, including Side Wind Assist and Trailer Sway Assist. Automatic emergency braking is standard as well as Hands-Free Parking and Intelligent Cruise Control, while the Around View Monitor (AVM) is being offer for the first time in the compact van segment.

Nissan also provides drivers of the electric Townstar with the ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system. The system will automatically slow the vehicle to a full stop and accelerate by following the vehicle ahead, as well as keeping it centred in the lane – even around a gentle curve.

The Townstar is first European model to carry the new Nissan brand logo, and the latest model to be introduced under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan. It comes with an industry-leading, pan-European 5-year/160,000 km warranty, plus  a separate 8-year/160,000 km warranty covering the battery pack.

Nissan to invest £1 billion in establishing Electric Vehicle (EV) Hub as a world-first EV manufacturing ecosystem


F1 (Round 21/Final round) – 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Results and Highlights

♦ Lewis Hamilton, already the 2019 World Champion Driver, finished off the season with another win at Yas Marina. It is his fifth victory at the event.

♦ Although Charles Leclerc finished third overall, his position is not confirmed as there is an investigation into the amount of fuel that was  actually in the Ferrari.

♦ Valtteri Bottas finished finished the race in 4th after having started from the back of the grid.

♦ In the closing stages of the race, McLaren’s Carlos Sainz, Jr. gave one last push and moved into 10th place to finish 6th overall in the Driver’s Championship.

♦ Alex Albon is the only one of the four rookies this year who had not driven an F1 car at Yas Marina (although he is familiar with it, having raced in GP3 and F2 events there).

The champion driver and champion team of 2019

Click here for the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship Calendar


Dacia Bigster Concept previews new range-topper for Romanian carmaker

Dacia, the Romanian carmaker that is part of the Renault Group, may not have a high profile in the global auto industry but it’s been pretty good at drawing from the technical pool of the group and the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance. As a result, it has produced competitive products which enjoy a following in 44 markets.

The company is now looking at new horizons in the C-segment and has developed a concept model to gauge response. It is likely that this will be positioned as a range-topper when it goes into production by 2025.

C-segment SUV, B-segment price

Known as the Bigster, the 4.5 metre SUV proposal is a roomy and robust vehicle  with a target cost of the B-segment. It will use the modular CMF-B platform which was unveiled to the public at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. The platform is designed to be used for a wide range of models and embodies the Drive the Future plan, featuring electric engines, advanced driving aids approaching self-driving technology and advanced connectivity technologies.

The CMF-B platform (already used for the new Sandero) will replace the three platforms previously used by Renault and Nissan (including the Micra and Clio IV platforms) and 85% of its components are new (compared with the Clio IV platform).

New design language

The Y-shaped lighting signature highlights the SUV’s bold and assertive style. This is an element in the brand’s new design language which appears to still be evolving. There is no chrome trim or imitation-aluminium, and the Bigster Concept uses only raw recycled plastics for all exterior protective panels.

The generous outside dimensions suggest a very spacious interior. The dark green coat underpins ‘the adventurous explorer’ within.

Powertrains for the Bigster concept will be advanced and electrified, with hybrids and what the company refers to as ‘alternative energy’ (probably pure EV).

Aznom creates the Palladium hyper limousine SUV


JPJ announces VW vehicle registration series

If you are one of those car buyers who considers unique number plates as an extension of your car’s personality and to a certain extent even your own, well this news should intrigue you. Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan Malaysia (JPJ) has introduced vehicle registration numbers beginning with “VW” for cars registered in Wilayah Persekutuan. This would be good news for those considering a Volkswagen as their next purchase. Such a number plate would not only stand out and be considered unique, but could prove to be a valuable investment.

Unique number plates are a sought after item these days. Many a car buyer, superstitious or not, pay top dollar for vehicle registration numbers such as these. Even if you aren’t into that type of thing, a VW series number plate for your VW should fit very nicely.

As a mean to allure potential car buyers even further, Volkswagen have announced that they are still conducting their trade-in programme for the Jetta and Passat until the 31st of March 2017. The programme allows you to trade in your VW and purchase a new one at a lower cost than usual. Apart from that, the automaker is also offering a limited early bird discounts until the 31st of April for the all-new Tiguan which will be launched soon. The small and cheerful
Polo
 is also being offered at RM69,888 for a limited time and so are a number of other VW models.

So, if you are in the market for a new VW and reside in KL, you should be in for a real treat because it will be sometime until such a unique sequence of alphabets come along again in the near future.


12 teams to compete in final round of Proton marketing competition

Proton has announced the list of 12 teams that will compete against each other in the final round of the ‘
Intelligence that Inspires Challenge
’, a marketing competition that takes a leaf out of the carmaker’s tagline for its executive SUV, the Proton X70.

The event, scheduled to take place at the Proton Centre of Excellence (COE) in Shah Alam, Selangor, on July 29 2019. At the event, the competing teams present their marketing case studies to a panel of judges consisting of Proton senior management, experts from the field of marketing and members of the media.

A showcase of fresh ideas

During the final round, all teams are required to do a presentation, replicating a marketing pitch the students are likely to face upon graduating and joining the working world. It will therefore be a true test of not just their marketing knowledge and presentation skills but also a test of their ability to perform under pressure.

The team from Politeknik Port Dickson carrying out some activities with Fire & Rescue Personnel.

The 12 teams, which come from all parts of Malaysia including East Malaysia, are:

Politeknik Port Dickson

Politeknik Kota Kinabalu

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai

Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar

Xiamen University Malaysia

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sg Long

Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Kuala Lumpur

Politeknik Sultan Azlan Shah, Behrang

Multimedia University, Melaka

Taylor’s University, Lakeside Campus

DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia, Pekan

CSR activities by Sarawak’s Swinburne University team.

Originality and viability of ideas presented

Prizes will be awarded to winning teams including the tutor, who guided the students to work as a team and to achieve their results. Aside from being judged on their creativity and presentation skills, judges will also be considering the originality of the ideas presented as well as how viable and realistic they are in a real-world setting. This adds an interesting element to the competition as teams will need to consider the practicality of their ideas as well as limitations such as budgets, man power and buyer behaviour.

“The company hopes all participants will walk away with a better appreciation of what it takes to excel in a real-world working environment.” – Proton CEO, Dr. Li Chunrong

“At Proton, we believe the identification of the next generation of business leaders is a priority as these are the individuals who will help lead Malaysia’s economic future. We also want to give graduates from Malaysian universities an opportunity to showcase their talents on a national level and demonstrate the skillsets taught in these institutions,” said Dr Li Chunrong, Proton’s CEO.

“Regardless of whether they win or lose, the company hopes all participants will walk away with a better appreciation of what it takes to excel in a real-world working environment and hopefully they will also become fans of the Proton brand,” he added.

Click here for other news about Proton
.

Still haven’t tried Proton’s popular SUV?
Click here
 to find a showroom where you can view and test one.


Coming soon: World’s First Flying Electric Car Racing Series

“Electric flying cars are a coming reality that will liberate our cities and answer the long-term mobility challenges we face. Nothing drives technology as fast as competition. The F1 racers of the early 20th century possessed a pioneering spirit we are harnessing today to rapidly accelerate progress.  This seed investment represents a significant leap forward in the next great mobility revolution,” says Matt Pearson, founder of the Alauda performance electric flying car company and its racing series, Airspeeder.

Alauda is poised to go racing following the successful completion of a seed investment round. This progress represents significant steps forward in their aim to accelerate the development of electric flying cars through sporting competition.

Airspeeder claims to deliver on the promise of a future proposed in science fiction and gaming. Inspiration from the latter will take the form of a cockpit, furnished with latest augmented reality technology to assist the pilot in navigating the course.

Races in the air

Set to be the most exciting and progressive form of motorsport on the planet, elite pilots will use the sky as their playground in intense head-to-head competition. Multiple teams and manufacturers will be provided the hardware by Alauda as a turnkey solution but afforded freedom to set strategy and draft pilots.

The roster of teams will include established names in racing and entirely new entrants to motorsport who are enticed by the fusion of intense sporting competition and next generation technology. This approach is expected to create the close and intense sporting competition traditional motorsport fans crave.

The Speeders are propelled by the latest electric powertrains co-developed with technical partners drawn from the elite motorsport world. This state-of-the-art form of propulsion will accelerate a zero-emissions future. Rapid electric pitstops and short, intense head-to-head competition will serve the requirements of a generation, native to Esports.

Final ‘manned’ tests of the Speeders are technically ready. These flights will take place in the desert surrounding the firm’s headquarters in South Australia once restrictions relating to the global health crisis are lifted. The first head-to-head dual races are planned to take place in late 2020 with first locations to be announced soon.

Taking a giant leap

A technical facility has been established in Adelaide, South Australia, a region rapidly becoming a global centre of space and aerospace technology with its surrounding deserts the perfect place to test both manned and unmanned flights.

The facility will be both company’s technical base and will house a growing team of engineers and technical specialists drawn from the leading names in aerospace, motorsport and engineering including Rolls-Royce and Babcock Aviation.

A global commercial base in London, England has also been established. It provides important proximity to key technical expertise in motorsport, aviation and the UK’s furtive and rapidly expanding electric powertrain development industry.

Now testing

The firm is currently at a stage of advanced testing as its MK2 electric flying multicopters successfully completed trials throughout 2019. A team of test pilots recruited from the US Air Force and Martin Aviation will test the MK3 advanced development prototype in California’s Mojave desert elite pilots Eventually, they will be able to go up to speeds of 200 km/h in the largest, most powerful octocopters on the planet.

The MK4, first shown as a concept last year will be co-developed in the UK and South Australia, with the latter proving the perfect testing ground for both ground control and manned flights as the sport nears its inaugural ‘Beta Season’. This will include public manned test flights that will demonstrate Airspeeder’s potential.


The phenomenal aerodynamics of the Lotus Evija hypercar explained

Aerodynamics are one of the crucial elements in achieving high performance. Designers and engineers spend thousands of hours running simulations and then testing prototypes in wind tunnels to get the air to flow optimally around the bodywork.

This is the work of Richard Hill as chief aerodynamicist at Lotus Cars, where he has been for more than 30 years. Drawing on his experience and knowledge, the highly experienced senior engineer guided this critical element of the Evija all-electric hypercar to give phenomenal downforce. When asked how the Evija compares to regular sportscars, he replied: “It’s like comparing a fighter jet to a child’s kite.’’

The overall philosophy behind the Evija’s aerodynamics is about keeping the airflow low and flat at the front and guiding it through the body to emerge high at the rear. Put simply, it transforms the whole car into an inverted wing to produce that all-important dynamic downforce.

“Most cars have to punch a hole in the air, to get through using brute force, but the Evija is unique because of its porosity. The car literally ‘breathes’ the air. The front acts like a mouth; it ingests the air, sucks every kilogram of value from it – in this case, the downforce – then exhales it through that dramatic rear end,” explained Hill.

And what role does that deep front splitter play? According to Hill, it’s designed in three sections: the larger central area provides air to cool the battery pack – which is mid-mounted behind the two seats – while the air channelled through the two smaller outer sections cools the front e-axle.

“The splitter minimises the amount of air allowed under the vehicle, thus reducing drag and lift on the underbody. It also provides something for the difference in pressure between the upper and lower splitter surfaces to push down on, so generating downforce.,” he said.

Venturi tunnels through the rear quarters are part of the porosity. They feed the wake rearward to help cut drag. “Think of it this way – without them, the Evija would be like a parachute but with them, it’s a butterfly net, and they make the car unique in the hypercar world,” the engineer explained.

To have active aerodynamics, the Evija’s rear wing elevates from its resting position flush to the upper bodywork. It’s deployed into ‘clean’ air above the car, creating further downforce at the rear wheels. The car also has an F1-style Drag Reduction System (DRS), which is a horizontal plane mounted centrally at the rear, and deploying it make the car faster.

Lotus pioneered the full carbonfibre chassis in Formula 1, and the Evija is the first Lotus road car to use that technology. The chassis a single piece of moulded carbonfibre for exceptional strength, rigidity and safety. The underside is sculpted to force the airflow through the rear diffuser and into the Evija’s wake, causing an ‘upwash’ and the car’s phenomenal level of downforce.

The Evija is set to be the world’s lightest EV hypercar but weight does not actually affect aerodynamic performance. Hill said that the car’s weight has no effect on overall aerodynamics. However, the lighter the car, the larger the percentage of overall grip is achieved through downforce and the lower the inertia of the car to change direction.

Richard Hill’s full title is Chief Engineer of Aerodynamics and Thermal Management, and he has worked at the company’s Hethel HQ since 1986. His role involves collaborating with the exterior designers of all new Lotus vehicles, from the early concept phase of a programme through to testing pre-production prototypes.

Lotus Evija Revealed! Facts & Figures + Video of the world’s most powerful series production road car


Bikes vs. Cars – There Are No Winners In This Competition… [+Videos]

This video has gone viral. In it you can clearly see that while the biker was just trying to get by a car in the right lane, the driver of the car ‘brake-checks’ him… more than once.

Posted by
R'zal Martinez
 on 19hb Mac 2018

Was this really necessary? So maybe the biker shouldn’t have honked and revved his engine, but maybe the car should have just moved over. It takes two-hands to clap, but is it worth possibly killing someone over?

Here are my thoughts on the matter, and the general scene right now when it comes to cars and bikes….

Featured Image from
Wallpapers
.


Data for Road Safety initiative in Europe provides advance warning of dangers ahead

Normally, if a vehicle breaks down and poses a danger to other vehicles because it is in the middle of the road, a responsible owner may run further back to warn approaching drivers, especially if there is a blind corner. Unfortunately, not many do that, so there is a high risk of an accident.

What if there is a system whereby approaching drivers can be warned of such a danger even before they see it? They would then be able to slow down and avoid turning a vehicle breakdown into a possible tragedy with a serious accident.

Such a system has already been developed and is being used in Europe. It is the result of the Data for Road Safety initiative backed by the European Community (EC) and partners include BMW, Ford Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, TomTom, HERE Technologies, and EU traffic management centres. The agreement for the partnership follows a 16-month proof of concept during which tens of millions of Safety‑Related Traffic Information (SRTI) messages – such as broken-down vehicles, slippery roads or reduced visibility – were exchanged between different vehicles.

Anonymised data from the vehicle, such as use of foglights, emergency braking or airbag activation, is computed onboard to determine the presence and location of potential hazards. These warning messages are sent and distributed to SRTI partners who collate hazard messages from various sources and then share with multiple vehicle brands.

Any relevant SRTI messages are immediately sent – again, using cellular communications – to vehicles in the vicinity of the potential hazard and appear on the driver’s dashboard display. As well as warning other drivers, the information can be used to alert emergency services, providing accurate location data in seconds to help accelerate assistance.

“The Data for Road Safety ecosystem is a public-private partnership that delivers enriched data to improve road safety in a very tangible way, so it is a win-win situation for society as a whole,” said Joost Vantomme, chairman of the new SRTI ecosystem. “The vehicle manufacturers participating in the project are willing to share data on a daily basis, and will continue their endeavours to contribute to the SRTI data ecosystem, together with all partners.”

In the case of Ford, its system known as Local Hazard Information (LHI) was introduced in early 2020 and is now being enabled on new models in Europe. LHI connected car technology warns other drivers of Ford vehicles (which have the system) of safety incidents and can also connect to vehicles of multiple brands.

This means many vehicles on the roads can send out advance warnings of potentially dangerous driving conditions on the road ahead.  This will help improve road safety by enabling more drivers to prepare for dangers ahead.

“Connected vehicles help drivers to anticipate hazards that may be lurking just around the next bend,” said Peter Geffers, manager, Connected Vehicles, Ford of Europe. “Road-safety data-sharing ecosystems are more effective the more vehicles and telematics sources they include, extending the benefits of this technology to those who do not drive Ford cars represents a significant step forward.”

Road accidents can be reduced by studying why they happen


Selangor MB visits Toyota assembly plant to see Standard Operating Procedures

Assembly Services Sdn Bhd (ASSB), the wholly-owned subsidiary of UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) involved in the local assembly of Toyota vehicles, was recently visited by the Menteri Besar Selangor, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari, who was there to personally view the facility’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Accompanied by the top management of UMWT and ASSB, the Menteri Besar was briefed on the best practices and procedures put in place in accordance with the government’s SOPs. During his tour of the plant, which currently assembles the Toyota Yaris and Vios models, he saw various areas such as the motorcycle parking section, staff locker rooms and canteen where changes have been made to meet social distancing requirements.

The ‘new normal’

In accordance with the SOPs, body temperature checks are conducted daily, with hand sanitization and utilization of face masks are made part of the ‘new normal’. In the canteen, the seating has been rearranged to provide distancing and the menu now consists of pre-packed food. Besides staggering working times, new procedures aimed at minimizing interaction so as to reduce the risks of coronavirus spread have also been adopted.

ASSB has also adopted measures from Toyota plants in other countries in response to the pandemic. One example shown was the installation of an additional partition at the Door Assembly Process.

While at the plant, Dato’ Seri Amirudin also visited Toyota Boshoku UMW Sdn Bhd, a joint-venture between Toyota Boshoku and UMW Toyota Motor which makes seat sets, door trims, headlinings, package trays for use in many models assembled locally.

PPE production for frontliners

As it has suitable equipment,
Toyota Boshoku UMW set up production lines to produce Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
 which is required by medical staff treating COVID-19 patients. More than 10,000 PPE items consisting of Boot Covers, Head Covers and Gowns were provided by UMWT to the Ministry of Health for distribution to hospitals around the country.

A small ceremony was held for ASSB and Toyota Boshoku UMW to hand over PPE kits to the Menteri Besar as a gesture of goodwill to the Selangor state government. The kits consisted of 100 pieces each of gowns, head covers and boot covers.

Aerial view of the ASSB complex at the Bukit Raja Industrial Estate near Klang. It is one of two production facilities making Toyota vehicles in Malaysia and began operations at the beginning of 2019.

“We are grateful to the Selangor State Government for its approval and guidance which enabled ASSB to resume operations after a lengthy shutdown due to the Movement Control Order earlier. Our plant has implemented all the necessary requirements of the Standard Operating Procedures and additionally, we have also adopted some best practices developed by Toyota factories in other countries,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

“Toyota Motor Corporation is also very serious about providing safe and healthy conditions for all employees. As a member of the global Toyota family, ASSB can therefore draw on healthcare advice and best practices from TMC regarding additional measures that can be taken here in Selangor,” added Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

Toyota vehicle assembly in Malaysia resumes, starting with Vios and Yaris models


Volkswagen’s Trinity project to produce more capable electric cars by 2026

Volkswagen has been rolling out is all-electric ID. range of vehicles but by 2026 – that’s just 5 years away – the carmaker will go further with its electric vehicles. This will be the outcome of Project Trinity which will see an electrically powered sedan that will set new standards in terms of range, charging speed and digitisation. It will also have autonomous driving capabilities higher than what is currently available.

The project name ‘Trinity’ is derived from the Latin ‘
trinita’
 and stands for the ‘tri-unity’. Accordingly, Trinity stands for three crucial themes: a newly developed electronics platform with state-of-the-art software, the simplification of the supply structure, and fully networked and intelligent production at the main plant in Wolfsburg, Germany.

The all-electric Volkswagen ID. family is already appearing in showrooms.

“Trinity is a sort of crystallisation point for our ACCELERATE strategy, a lighthouse project, our software dream car,” said Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “The newly developed vehicle architecture will set standards in terms of range, charging speed – charging as fast as refuelling – and digitalisation.”

Greater autonomy, less driver involvement

In addition, Trinity will make autonomous driving in the volume segment possible for many people. By the planned start of volume production in 2026, Trinity will already reach Level 2+ and be technically ready for Level 4. With this level, human interaction is not required so the driver does not have to maintain a view of the road ahead or surroundings. It is expected that the artificial intelligence will be advanced enough to assess more complex situations, and take action to avoid an accident. This is already available now with Automatic Emergency Braking but the driver still needs to give attention.

Autonomous driving for more people

“We are using our economies of scale to make autonomous driving available to many people and to build a learning neural network. In this way, we are creating the conditions for the continuous exchange of data from our vehicle fleet – for example, on the traffic situation, on obstacles or on accidents,” said Mr. Brandstatter. “Trinity thus gives people time and saves them stress. After a long highway trip, you arrive at your destination relaxed – because you have been driven by a ‘chauffeur’ to your vacation or to your home after work. Trinity therefore becomes a kind of ‘time machine’ for our customers.”

With the production of the new model, the Wolfsburg plant will become a showcase for state-of-the-art, intelligent and fully networked production processes. “We will completely rethink the way we build cars and introduce revolutionary approaches. Digitalisation, automation and lightweight construction play an important role here,” added Mr. Brandstatter.

Future vehicle models such as Trinity will be produced with considerably fewer variants, and the hardware will be largely standardised. The cars will then have virtually everything on board and customers will be able to activate desired functions ‘on demand’ at any time via the digital ecosystem in the car. This will significantly reduce complexity in production.

New business models

By developing the automobile into a software-based product, Volkswagen is creating the conditions for new, data-based business models. Entry barriers to individual mobility are to be lowered while, at the same time, offering even more attractive usage packages.

Volkswagen intends to generate additional revenue in the usage phase – for charging and energy services, for software-based functions that customers can book as needed, or for automated driving. “In the future, the individual configuration of the vehicle will no longer be determined by the hardware at the time of purchase. Instead, customers will be able to add functions on demand at any time via the digital ecosystem in the car,” Mr. Brandstatter predicts.


Run-flat tyres – an example of technology transfer from motorsports

Run-flat tyres, though seemingly a recent development, have been around since the 1930s although they were not as commercialized like today. From the 1980s onwards, most of the major manufacturers developed tyres that could continue to be used even when the air pressure was lost due to a puncture. This capability was initially required for military vehicles as well as vehicles carrying important people that might be attacked.

Eventually, run-flat tyres entered the market and appealed to carmakers because they not only provided extra safety and convenience but also gave the possibility of leaving out the spare tyre and saving some weight. Of course, due to the technology they have, they are more expensive than normal tyres but are an acceptable extra cost for premium luxury models.

Keeping rallycars running

At Pirelli, development of run-flat tyres began in the 1990s, mainly to provide tyres for rally drivers to continue even with a puncture, rather than being stranded by the side of the road. New technology was tried and tested in rallies by teams associated with the tiremaker. These had a reinforced structure that mad the tyres stronger and able to still run for several minutes after air was lost. In competition, those few minutes made a big difference.

As another example of technology from competition being transferred to road-going cars, Pirelli was able to use the same technology from its first run-flat tyres to offer motorists in 2001. However, as comfort was not a priority when the tyres were used on rallycars, the early run-flat tyres were hard and ride comfort was not so good initially.

Providing tyres that could keep rallycars running even with punctures helped Pirelli to develop run-flat technology.

Improvement in comfort for road use

Nevertheless, Pirelli carried out R&D into new materials and processes to improve comfort and also other aspects such as grip and handling. Thanks to new technology in the tyre’s structure as well as advances in the materials used, the way that the tyres absorb bumps in the road has been refined over time, to the point that they can now offer the same levels of comfort as standard tyres. To use run-flat tyres, engineers have to tune the suspension of the cars accordingly.

The key advantage of having a run-flat tyre is that the driver does not have to stop and change to the spare tyre when a puncture occurs. It is possible to continue for some distance, at least to a tyre shop where the puncture can be fixed or the tyre replaced. However, there are speed limitations (around 80 km/h) and the tyre is intended for emergency use and not long-term use.

Pirelli’s Self Supporting system (blue areas) is incorporated in the sidewalls for specific reinforcement which allows a deflated tyre to support lateral and transverse loads of the vehicle even in the absence of air pressure.

Original fitment by many carmakers

Over the last 20 years, Pirelli’s engineers have developed more than 1,000 different types of tyre featuring run-flat technology of different sizes and seasonal applications. To date, the company has supplied more than 70 million run-flat tyres, mostly as original fitment on models by BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Audi and others.

Good for EVs

Run-flat tyres are also of interest to manufacturers of electric vehicles, which still need tyres to run on. Being able to leave out the spare tyre or even not have to carry a repair kit can mean less weight on board and that can help in adding to the cruising range. Additionally, the space that is usually allocated for a spare tyre can be utilized for the battery pack.

Run-flat tyres are also good for electrically-powered cars which need to be as light as possible, so not having the weight of a spare wheel helps.

Run-Flat technology will therefore also play an important role in electric vehicles as well as autonomous vehicles, the latter by helping the vehicle remain under control even in an emergency situation.

Some of the Pirelli run-flat tyres include Pirelli Elect and PNCS noise-cancelling technology. The former is dedicated to electric vehicles and is focussed on low rolling resistance, reduced tyre noise, immediate grip, and a structure that can support the weight of a battery-powered vehicle. PNCS is focussed on reducing perceived tyre noise inside the cabin, thanks to the use of special sound-deadening material on the inside of the tyre.

So long as motor vehicles run on wheels, tyres will be needed and run-flat technology will remain an important element. Pirelli continues to improve its run-flat tyre range as new technologies become available and affordable, with a view of future requirements by the industry and motorists.


Lower-priced Lotus Evora GT410 joins GT410 Sport

It’s been a while since we heard from Lotus after all the excitement about the Evija electric hypercar. But Lotus isn’t just about the Evija and today, the company has launched a new version of the Evora – the GT410. As a second model in the range, it sells alongside the Evora GT410 Sport, which also benefits from a revised specification.

At £82,900 (about RM440,000) in the UK, the GT410 is £3,000 (around RM16,000) less than the GT410 Sport. It features an enhanced standard spec over the GT410 Sport, providing owners with improved usability and a new level of driving comfort. Numerous features have moved from the Evora options list to become part of its standard specification. Exterior paint colour choices have been revised to include new options, including some historic shades from Lotus’ past.

A more usable ‘daily car’

The product planners set out to make the GT410 a more usable ‘daily car’. Sparco sport seats are installed with air-conditioning creating a more comfortable environment for occupants, while a camera at the back improves reversing safety. This is complemented by a new rear tailgate with a large glass section for improved rear visibility.

A premium infotainment system with sat-nav and Apple CarPlay is now standard and includes Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio is available for the first time. This conforms to the digital radio standard for broadcasting digital audio radio services. It gives the driver a wider range of choices of stations, compared to FM radio.

The occupants will be able to enjoy the entertainment system more with the increased cabin sound insulation. The GT410’s door trims now feature integrated armrests and storage bins for greater comfort and practicality.

The new car has a revised damper rate compared with the GT410 Sport. While it still delivers an impressive performance-oriented experience, the revision creates a more compliant ride for improved real-world comfort. The use of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S all-weather tyres also means better all-year usability.

While the upgrades mentioned enhance value for money, the Evora has already had high level of standard equipment. These include a body-coloured roof, side sills, tailgate, front access panel and mirror backs, red AP Racing brake callipers and silver or gloss black V-spoke cast alloy wheels, 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear. Interior equipment includes cruise control, heated seats, rear parking sensors.

Power continues to be supplied by a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 which develops 416 ps/410 Nm, with a choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The claimed 0 to 100 km/h time is the same at 4.2 second for both transmissions but those who opt for the manual transmission can hit a claimed 298 km/h, 20 km/h faster than with the automatic transmission.

New options for Elise and Exige owners

Lotus has also announced new ways for customers to enhance the specifications of the Elise and Exige, including the reintroduction of the optional Touring and Sport packs. Touring enables the customer to add in comfort and convenience options to create a more desirable ‘road spec’ car, while Sport is based on the more driver-focused features that appeal to those who want to drive in a more spirited way, such as at track days.

2020 Lotus Elise and Exige

Lotus Evija prototypes complete high-speed testing as electric hypercar debuts in China (w/VIDEO)