Lancia Pu+Ra HPE Concept Uncovered, To Be Design Basis For New Ypsilon

Lancia, which is part of the FCA Group within Stellantis, seemed to have no future not so long ago. Its declining sales numbers and a stagnant range with just one model  put its continued existence at risk, and it was only Italians who seemed to have any affinity for the brand.

Stellantis sees Lancia as a brand with some hope and is willing to help it revive and embark on a new era. For a start, the 116-year old company has worked on a new brand vision which takes it into the electric age.

The brand vision has a design vision which was described last November and previewed in the
Pu+Ra Zero
, a 3-dimensional ‘manifesto’ that will guide the designers of the 3 new Lancia models to be launched between 2024 and 2028. Created from the words ‘
Pu
re’ and ‘
Ra
dical’, Lancia Pu+Ra Design is described as a sustainable design language that is intended to ‘last for the next 100 years’.

Design basis for new Ypsilon
While the Pu+Ra Zero was a strange looking ‘vehicle’ (looking like it was a large Microsoft Arc Mouse!), the Pu+Ra HPE concept unveiled today has a form that is more recognisable as a car. Many of its styling elements will appear in the new Ypsilon which will succeed the current one that is 12 years old now.

The ‘HPE’ in the name has been used before in the 1970s and 1980s on the Beta. Back then, it stood for ‘High Performance Estate’, and then changed to ‘High Performance Executive’. In the 21
st
 century, it is now stands for High Performance Electric, with the ‘E’ also referring to ‘Eco-sustainable’, ‘Exciting’ and ‘Evolved’.

Progressive Green is the name of the colour on the bodywork. It is ‘progressive’ in how it looks ahead to the future of the brand and to its customers, while ‘green’ for its value in terms of sustainability. The bluish green shade – with a warm gilt hue, produced using liquid metal with the latest generation pigments – pays tribute to the historic and timeless Lancia Flaminia Azzurro Vincennes.

Past and future links
The front reinterprets the historic Lancia grille, now taken forward into the future by 3 rays of light that make it iconic, memorable and visible from afar. Standing out above the calice is the new Lancia script, produced using an original font that draws its inspiration from the fashion world.

The innovative circular roof provides a broad, panoramic view, with a clear reference to architectural elements and characteristic of the new Lancia design language. The rear window is also reminiscent of the Lancia of the 1970s Beta HPE, with enveloping horizontal lines that revisit the renowned sun blind structure, with a modern twist. The large windows emphasize natural light, for the concept of ‘home feeling’.

‘Home feeling’ experience
Automotive designers look at other industries for inspiration and also see some association in products. For the Pu+Ra HPE, a typically Italian ‘home feeling’ experience was in the brief and they have collaborated with Cassina, a leader in the upscale furniture industry. Like Lancia, this Italian design company has nearly 100 years of history, innovation and research.

Certain furnishings that set the tone of a home have been transferred to the Pu+Ra HPE. These can be seen in the centrality of upholstered items in the living room; the coffee table, a multifunctional central element; and the warmth of the carpet.

The inspiration for the design of Italian furniture is evident in the round carpet and in the front seats, which are inspired by the Maralunga armchairs designed by Vico Magistretti for Cassina. The two free-standing single armchairs have unique proportions and a unique bold chromatic figure.

The pure geometric forms are further expressed in the new round tables, in the centre console and even in the dashboard, which subverts the automotive approach and is based on an iconic single piece of round glass, crossed by clear cuts. At the same time, use of iconic and simple shapes avoid the typical automotive language.

Preview of S.A.L.A. interface
The Pu+Ra HPE previews the S.A.L.A. (Sound Air Light Augmentation) virtual interface that will be in the new Ypsilon. S.A.L.A. is a minimal and smart virtual interface, bringing together the audio, climate control and lighting functions. The driver and passengers can therefore adjust the car’s interior environment simply by tapping a button, or even with the sound of their voices.

And thanks to S.A.L.A, Lancia will be the first Stellantis brand to adopt Chameleon and TAPE (Tailored Predictive Experience) technologies, which centralize the audio, climate control and lighting functions, enabling the environment inside the car to be adapted at the touch of a button or by the voice command.

Moving towards full electrification
In line with Stellantis electrification strategy, Lancia will launch the new Ypsilon with both hybrid and battery-electric powertrains. From 2026, only 100% electric cars will be launched and, from 2028, concurrently with the arrival of the new Delta, the brand will sell only fully electric models.

The technical details are not provided but the targets are a range of over 700 kms, charging time of just over 10 minutes and energy consumption below 10 kWh per 100 kms.

Lancia Revival With New Design Language ‘To Last The Next 100 Years’


21st century Countach unveiled on 50th anniversary of Lamborghini’s supercar

The Countach was undoubtedly a legendary Lamborghini model and an early entrant in the supercar era. On its 50th anniversary, the carmaker has unveiled a successor – the Countach LPI 800-4 – as a futuristic limited edition recreated for the 21st century. It imagines how the iconic Countach (pronounced ‘coon-tach’) of the 1970s and 1980s might have evolved into an elite super sports model of this decade.

The distinctive silhouette with the essential line running from front to rear, sharp angles and lines and idiosyncratic wedge shape, innovated modern super sports design as well as future Lamborghini models. The LPI 800-4 uses those characteristic lines of the original Countach’s five models over nearly 20 years, with the final outline being pure and uncluttered.

One of the many versions of the original Countach. It was one of the very few Lamborghini model names not connected to bulls.

Giving the LPI 800-4 a distinctive Countach face, inspiration was taken from the Quattrovalvole edition with its long, low rectangular grille and headlights, as well as in the wheelarches with their hexagonal theme. The sharp inclination of the greenhouse adopts the straight lines redolent of the original Countach, adjoining the powerful, clean front-to-rear line.

There is no fixed rear wing outside the pure lines, and the airscoops are integrated fluidly in the strong shoulders of the car, embellished with the distinctive Countach slatted ‘gills’. The iconic and aerodynamically powerful NACA air intakes cut into the side and doors of the LPI 800-4 while the distinctive Periscopio lines running through the roof to the rear of the car, particularly distinctive if viewed from above, appear to float towards the rear of the car.

The rear is immediately recognizable from its distinctive inverted wedge shape, with the rear bumper featuring a lower, sleeker line, and the ‘hexagonita’ design shaping the 3-unit rear light clusters. The LPI 800-4 sports the quad tailpipes of the Countach family, connected within the carbonfibre rear diffuser.

The V12 engine of the Countach is as legendary as the design. Mounted at the rear together with its forward-cabin layout, the original Countach featured side-mounted radiators from Formula 1 cars, plus a forward-facing gearbox and tubular spaceframe technology.

The familiar 6.5-litre V12 engine is part of the hybrid powertrain that includes a 48V electric motor (e-motor) to generate up to 803 ps/720 Nm. The e-motor is powered by a supercapacitor providing 3 times more power compared to a lithium-ion battery of the same weight. This enables the 4-wheel drive supercar to rocket from standing still to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, after which it will pass 200 km/h in another 5.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 355 km/h, it is claimed.

The monocoque chassis and all the body panels are in carbonfibre, provide the optimum lightweight solution as well as exceptional torsional stiffness. With a dry weight of 1,595 kgs, the weight-to-power ratio is 195 kg/ps.

Visible exterior carbonfibre features are available in the front splitter, around the front window and wing mirrors, engine bonnet cover air intakes and rocker panel and it is always present in specific interior details. Moveable air vents produced by the state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, and a photocromatic roof – changing from solid to transparent at the push of a button – act as a reminder that this car, despite its historic inspiration, is a future automotive screensaver for the 21st century.

The LPI 800-4 unveiled in California this week is in Bianco Siderale, a finish containing a hint of pearlescent blue and reminiscent of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s own Countach LP 400 S, complete with red and black leather heritage interior.

The interior also takes design cues from the original Countach within the context of a modern car. The classic and luxurious leather features geometric stitching on the specially designed comfort seats and dashboard, sporting a square motif referencing the bold style and optimism of 1970s design and technology. Access for driver and passenger is, of course, via the infamous scissor doors, first introduced on the Countach and that have become a Lamborghini V12 signature.

“The Countach LPI 800-4 is a visionary car of the moment, just as its forerunner was,” said Automobili Lamborghini President & CEO, Stephan Winkelmann. “One of the most important automotive icons, the Countach not only embodies the design and engineering tenet of Lamborghini but represents our philosophy of reinventing boundaries, achieving the unexpected and extraordinary and, most importantly, being the ‘stuff of dreams’. It upholds the Lamborghini tradition of looking forward, of exploring new design and technology avenues while celebrating the DNA of our brand.”

Lamborghini will build 112 units, the number taken from the ‘LP 112’ internal project name used during the original car’s development. Pricing is not known though that is not something potential customers will need to know right away. Those who do book one will get their car during the first quarter of 2022.

Production of Lamborghini Aventador ends with LP 780-4 Ultimae


Honda Introduces Updated Civic Sport And It’s A MANUAL! (No, We Ain’t Getting It)

Yes, you read that right!
Manual. 6-speed. Stick shift. Three pedals.
 Can we get a
‘dayummmm’
 right about now?

Thanks to our friends at
AutoIndustriya
, here’s a few images of the updated
2019 Honda Civic Sport
 paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The only catch though is that it’s only available in the USA for now, and with only one engine option, the
2.0L
 petrol that produces
160Ps and 187Nm
 of torque.

If buyers want a manual Honda with a bit more
oomph
, there’s only the
Civic Type R
 to opt for after this, which ain’t that bad either as we found out
here
.

For more details on the 2019 Honda Civic Sport 2.0L, read the full article
here
.

2019 Honda Civic Sport 2.0L (Images courtesy of
AutoIndustriya.com
)


Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition unveiled

The Aston Martin Wings Series have produced some of the world’s most beautiful limited-edition models and its latest member is no exception. Inspired by the world’s first and only supersonic passenger jet, this is the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition. How special? Only 10 units are available.

Featuring all the lavishness courtesy of the manufacturer’s bespoke service, Q by Aston Martin, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition joins the ranks of other Wings Series models such as the Vanquish S Red Arrows Edition, Vantage Blades Edition, and the V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80. All inspired by the brand’s involvement in the world of aviation.

According to Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda, “It’s only fitting that our great British sports car brand marks the achievement of the incredibly dedicated, talented and ambitious teams of British and French scientists, engineers, designers and aircraft workers who made Concorde, and supersonic air travel, a reality in our skies 50 years ago.”

“Using the DBS Superleggera as our starting point, and with the support of the talented personalisation experts in the Q by Aston Martin service to draw on, we have been able to subtly and sympathetically enhance and highlight some of the car’s most notable features while preserving the elegance, style and sheer brutish road presence for which the Aston Martin DBS is rightly known,” added Reichman.

Some of its unique features include:

Bespoke solid aluminium side strakes

Bespoke British Airways colours livery (roof strake, aero blade, rear diffuser)

Black tinted carbon fibre roof with Concorde silhouette graphic

Unique Q by Aston Martin wing badge with black enamel infill

Jet black painted Civil Aviation Authority aircraft identifier numbers’

Bespoke inspection plaques

The interior is just as unique with some very interesting enhancements which are:

Concorde logo on the front seat facings

Mach Meter graphic embroidered on the driver’s side sun visor

Alcantara headliner displaying a ‘sonic boom’ graphic

Titanium addle shifters made from Concorde compressor blades

Terence Conran floor mats

Solid aluminium seatbelt buckles

As stated earlier, only 10 units will be produced and parts of the proceeds will be donated to Air League Trust for every sale of the DBS Superleggera Concorde Special Edition. This non-profit organisation teaches underprivileged children how to fly and aids with them to work in engineering.

Aston Martin Wings Series is a world of beauties


RM2,000 rebates for Volkswagen Golf R & GTI

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is going strong with the Merdeka celebrations and to make things even better, they are now offering RM2,000 rebates for the Volkswagen Golf R and GTI, two of the hottest hatchbacks here in good ol’ Malaysia.

If you are young, passionate, and want to stand out amongst the crowd, one of the best options out there right now is to drive the latest Volkswagen Golf. The GTI variant is packed with a 2.0TSI turbocharged engine that produces around 230hp and 350Nm of torque.

Paired with a six-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG), you’ll find yourselves rolling around in style, especially with its 18-inch Milton Keynes alloy wheels, all-round LED lights, and several other fascinating features unique to the Golf GTI.

If power is what you desire, then the Volkswagen Golf R has got you covered with 290hp and 380Nm of torque. Thanks to the addition of its 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, this beauty is able to hit 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds from a standstill.

Other unique specs that can be found on the Golf R are:

19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels

All-round LED lights

R ‘Vienna’ perforated leather seats

3-inch Active Info Display + more

Rebates for the rest of VPCM’s line-up are still up for grabs with savings up to RM15,000 for the Polo, Vento, Beetle, Tiguan, and our personal favourite, the Passat (terms & conditions apply). VPCM is also offering a number of special aftersales services from walnut blasting to spare parts in celebrations of Malaysia’s independence.

To know more, head over to
www.volkswagen.com.my
 or visit the nearest authorised Volkswagen dealership today.

Five things we like about the Volkswagen Passat


NOVITEC boosts the Ferrari 488 Pista’s performance even further

The 488 Pista has the most powerful 8-cylinder engine in the history of Ferrari but for those who are still not satisfied, NOVITEC can boost output in three levels up to 802 ps/898 Nm. In its most extreme tune, the supercar should be able to go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and top out at 345 km/h.

Ideal conditions for further enhancements

NOVITEC’s engine experts specialize in making high-performance engines even more powerful. With its twin-turbo forced induction system, the 488 Pista offers the ideal conditions for further enhanced dynamics. To this end, the company adapts two NOVITEC N-TRONIC control modules to the engine electronics, which provide the engine controls with newly programmed mapping for injection and ignition while increasing the electronic boost pressure limit.

In order to optimize the power output even further and enhance the exhaust note, a NOVITEC high-performance exhaust system can be specified. The exhaust system comes in different versions, with or without electronic sound management by means of actively controlled exhaust flaps.

In addition, Pista drivers can choose between versions made from stainless steel or from the especially lightweight INCONEL, the same material also used for exhaust systems in Formula 1 racing. All NOVITEC exhaust systems are fully thermally insulated in order to have a positive effect on the temperature in the engine bay. Also part of the product range are 100-cell sport catalysts, which further optimize the power delivery.

More instant throttle response, stronger pulling power

In the most extreme tuning level, the turbocharged 8-cylinder unit puts out 82 ps more than the production engine. It also delivers an increase in torque by 128 Nm – up to 898 Nm – at a low 3,100 rpm. The NOVITEC performance upgrades for the 488 Pista lie not only in the optimized acceleration and top speed but also even more instant throttle response and stronger pulling power on the road.

In the development of the NOVITEC naked-carbon bodywork components for the two-seater, the designers focused not only on spectacular looks but also and above all on aerodynamic efficiency, which was accomplished in wind tunnel testing.

The front end is extended forward with the NOVITEC spoiler blade, which provides a further reduction in aerodynamic lift at high speeds. A tailor-made molding for the bonnet rounds off the NOVITEC ‘face’ for the front of the sportscar.

The optional rocker panels give the car an even sportier appearance from the side and channel the airflow at the sides with even more precision. Subtle NOVITEC carbon covers for the side mirrors and the carbon triangles at the windows of the two doors add further sporty touches. The rear end is fitted with a spoiler lip to achieve a sophisticated aerodynamic balance.

Further hallmark features elaborate down to the last detail are the black side indicators and reflectors as well as the likewise black LED third brake light. The design package is rounded off with carbon surrounds for the two taillights.

Working with Vossen as a partner for the development and production for the wheels, the largest available variant is the NOVITEC NF10 forged rim. To put even more emphasis on the wedge shape of the mid-engine sports car, the wheels with 5 double-spokes are mounted on the 488 Pista in a staggered combination of size 9Jx21 rims at the front and size 12Jx22 on the rear axle.

NOVITEC chose Pirelli P Zero high-performance tyres of sizes 255/30 ZR 21 and 335/25 ZR 22 as the optimal rubber. The broad range of wheels also includes other exclusive rims in different combinations with diameters of 20, 21 or 22 inches.

Another NOVITEC hi-tech development is the hydraulic suspension system. It lowers the ride height by about 35 mm. The hydraulic front lift system allows raising the front axle by 40 mm at the touch of a button in the cockpit. This makes it easier to navigate ramps in parking garages or speed tables in city streets.


JPJ Issues Warning Again On ‘Lesen Terbang’

The JPJ (Road Transport Department) has again issued a warning to the public about scammers who are offering forged driving licences through online channels. While the illegal practice is not something new, it remains prevalent, especially on social media.

The warning on the forged driving licences – also called ‘
lesen terbang
’ (flying licence) – was given by the JPJ’s Deputy Director (Management), M. Janagarajan, in Kota Bharu recently. He said that the scam is widespread and appealed to the public to be cautious and obtain their driving licences using only the correct and legitimate procedures.

This, of course, means undergoing the necessary lessons at a registered driving school and taking an examination. Once the examination and driving test are passed, then a Probationary license will be issued for 2 years before the motorist can get a full Competent Driver’s Licence.

However, there are members of the public who try to avoid having to do through the proper procedures and these are the people whom the scammers offer the forged driving licences to. These invalid licences are not recorded in the JPJ computers and also, those who buy them will be committing an offence as they have not actually undergone a driving test and passed it.

“If a driver obtains a licence by such means (from scammers), he or she does not really have a valid licence,” the JPJ officer said.

Besides forged driving licences which are sold by syndicates that are believed to have been in existence some time, there are also scammers who will offer fake driving licences through social media such as Facebook or Whatsapp, collect money in advance but do not deliver anything.

The issue of forged Malaysian driving licences has also come to light as far away as Australia. In April last year, a
Malaysian stopped for speeding
 was found to be in possession of a Malaysian driving licence which was invalid. The Australian police discovered this after they checked on the JPJ website and found inconsistencies with the licence.

Having been alerted, the Australian police probably gave more attention to motorists with Malaysian driving licences and sure enough, another two were also caught and charged.

There are no short-cuts to getting a licence to drive a car or ride a motorcycle (or operate a commercial vehicle). Everyone has to go through the procedures of learning and then being tested to ensure that they are competent and will (hopefully) be safe road-users.

Driver stopped for speeding shows fake Malaysian driving licence to Australian police!


Confirmed: Tesla Is Coming to Malaysia Officially

As speculated in
our earlier report
, Tesla – the leading BEV company in the world – is coming to Malaysia officially. A statement from the Ministry of Trade & Industry (MITI) today has confirmed that approval has been given for the carmaker, owned by Elon Musk who is one of the richest men in the world, to import Tesla vehicles.

Tesla’s application was considered under MITI’s program to attract Battery Electric Vehicle Global Leaders to invest in Malaysia and develop the EV industry and ecosystem. It is the first company to be given approval under this program and has been allocated APs (Approved Permits) for the importation of its vehicles although the number has not been mentioned, nor if there is a local partner involved. As mentioned earlier, Tesla has a subsidiary company registered in Malaysia which it has 100% ownership of.

The announcement on the Twitter page of MITI minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz

Tesla will open an operating office in Malaysia and establish its Experience Centres as well as aftersales support centres. Globally, Tesla’s business model uses direct sales, an approach which does not employ franchised dealerships. The Experience Centres provide information and test-drives for consumers, enabling Tesla to interact directly with customers. This has given the company one competitive advantage which has helped it pull ahead of other carmakers in the EV business.

Whether the business model will work well in Malaysia remains to be seen but the auto industry is going through change and new methods may appeal to a new generation of buyers. The subscription model is also being explored by some companies and it’s still something which local consumers have to get used to. For many, not owning a vehicle after making monthly payments for a long period just doesn’t feel right.

Other conditions set by MITI include the installation of at least 50 high-speed chargers with a capacity of more than 180 kWh. At least 30% of the units are to be made available for use by owners of other EV brands. Similar requirements for setting up charging facilities also apply to other companies distributing EVs in Malaysia.

Supercharger facilities in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tesla was an early provider of fast-chargers with its Supercharger network which today has over 40,000 Superchargers at 4,500 locations worldwide, The majority are in North America and in Asia, most are in China. Besides Superchargers, the company also has Destination Chargers which charge at lower speeds and are found at hotels or places where BEV owners are passing through. The aim is to have wide coverage so that BEV owners can travel long distances.

The Tesla range of models.

With the objective of developing the EV industry as quickly as possible, MITI also requires the carmakers who have approvals to employ and train at least 100 local workers in Malaysia, with not less than 80% of its full-time workforce to be Malaysian citizens. Tesla will also have to provide industrial internship and train at least 5 Malaysians per year to develop their skills for the industry.

It is also expected to collaborate with at least 10 academic organisations or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres in Malaysia to transfer knowledge and skills in the EV technology field. Tesla’s experience in developing and establishing charging networks should also be shared with local companies to help them in the development of the EV infrastructure.

For the longer term, the company will be discussing with MIDA plans for vehicle assembly or manufacturing and other industrial activities related to the EV industry, including Reuse, Repair, Recycle or Remanufacturing (4R) processes.

Should the company decide to assemble its cars locally, then it will enjoy the
tax-exemptions until the end of 2027
 otherwise this incentive will only be until the end of 2025 for the cars it imports. While Tesla might make related EV items in Malaysia, it seems unlikely that it will want to build them here as it already has a huge factory in China and another one in Germany, besides America. Indonesia is also keen to have the company make its batteries there as well as assemble cars.

Picture yourself on a tropical adventure in the Great Barrier Reef, or an exquisite culinary experience in Italy, or a historical tour in Egypt. Come explore the world! Join the Monthly Travel Bonanza 2023! Spend a minimum of RM30 at participating BHPetrol stations and stand a chance to win great prizes every month! Exclusive for BHPetrol eCard app members only.

While Tesla’s total sales volume of 1.3 million units in 2022 was well below those of Toyota (10.5 million) and Volkswagen (8.5 million), it continued to hold the No.1 position for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). BYD was its closest rival and with total sales of 1.86 million units, it was the global leader in
electrified
 vehicles. However, 51% of those were hybrid electric vehicles and not BEVs, which totalled 911,140 units.

Tax-Exemption On EVs Is Extended After All

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 for more videos at The Piston Show.


13 Volkswagen Arteon R-Line Art Cars for auction in Malaysia

In conjunction with the recent launch of the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is collaborating with Wei-Ling Gallery to feature the talents of 13 Malaysian artists. The collaboration offers collectors and art enthusiasts the unique opportunity to own scale models of the Arteon that have been transformed by the artists into unique sculptures.

13 Arteon sculptures to be auctioned

The art pieces will be sold via auction, and proceeds from the auction will be channelled to the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA). All 13 Arteon sculptures will be available for online viewing and bidding at
www.arteonartcar.com
 or at Wei-Ling Contemporary at The Gardens Mall via appointment by calling 03-2282 8323. Bidding closes on
October 1, 2020 at 5 pm
.

The Arteon project is an extension of the recent ‘
18@8 Turning Points
’ exhibition by Wei-Ling Gallery. The exhibition was curated with this idea in mind and explores the 13 artists’ pasts through different philosophical, technical and aesthetic approaches, in the form of thought-provoking art pieces that reflected on this ideology.

Prominent Malaysian artists who participated in this project includes Anurendra Jegadeva and Ivan Lam who recently represented Malaysia at the 58th Venice Art Biennale, Hamidi Hadi, Yau Bee Ling and Choy Chun Wei.

Jegadeva’s Arteon was inspired by
‘A Garland for My Father
’, presented as a portrait of his father surrounded by light boxes, featuring archival photos of family members and their Volkswagen Beetle. Wong Chee Meng’s ‘
The Yearning Realm
’, with a unique painting approach in which layers of images are juxtaposed to form an illusion, reflected onto an Arteon through the same use of red and blue lenses.

Promoting arts and culture

“As a group, Volkswagen continues to promote worldwide support for arts and culture, and we have had collaborations in the past with local talents. Wei-Ling is a household name in the art fraternity here and abroad, and we are thrilled not only to be supporting this effort to deepen people’s understanding to the influence of art in our lives with our latest product, but to also be doing our part for a good cause in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said Erik Winter, the Managing Director of VPCM, adding that the all-new Arteon R-Line and the collaboration presented the opportunity for the brand to engage with art fans.

The Arteon

The name of Volkswagen’s flagship model is derived from ‘
Art
’ – which describes the fastback’s harmonious lines and emotionality – and ‘
eon
’ which identifies’ it as a premium Volkswagen model.

The Arteon is considered a turning point for the brand as the first of a new generation of Volkswagen models that are more evocative in design and emotionally appealing. The regular retail price is from RM225,490 but with the sales tax exemption, the price is lowered to
RM220,043.28
(until December 31, 2020).

Each new Arteon R-Line, powered by a 2.0 TSI 190 ps turbocharged engine, comes with 3 years of free scheduled maintenance, a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance. Visit
www.volkswagen.com.my
 to locate an authorised dealership for viewing and test-drives.

Volkswagen R-Line in Malaysia expanded to four models


BHPetrol holds annual celebration to welcome Chinese New Year

In conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive season, BHPetrol had a celebration today to welcome the Year of the Rat. The celebration, attended by customers, business partners and staff of Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd which distributes and markets BHPetrol, was held at the BHPetrol station in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.

As in previous years, the company took the opportunity to use the occasion to also send safety messages, particularly important during this period when Malaysians will be driving long distances on highways. In this connection, BHPetrol invited Wong Yau Duenn, Deputy Director-General of the Road Safety Department (JKJR), to offer advice on road safety.

Wong Yau Duenn, Deputy Director-General of the Road Safety Department (JKJR), checking on a childseat to ensure it is properly installed. Since January 1, the law requiring compulsory use of childseats has come into effect.

“To all our customers, especially those who are celebrating, we wish you a prosperous Chinese New Year. Be safe in whatever you do and enjoy the festive season with your loved ones. Remember to stop at any BHPetrol station to refuel your vehicle with Infiniti petrol or diesel for extra mileage or pick up snacks and refreshments at the BHPetromart during your journey,” said Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, Acting CEO of Boustead Petroleum Marketing.

Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, Acting CEO of Boustead Petroleum Marketing, invites motorists to drop by at BHPetrol stations.

Also following past tradition, Ir. Azizul and his colleagues handed out complimentary goodie bags of snacks, drinks and mandarin oranges to customers visiting the petrol station. The customers also received
 angpow
 packets with BHPetrol vouchers inside. Food and beverage suppliers to the BHPetromarts also joined in with free offerings as well.

The BHPetrol brand has been continuously strengthened since being established in February 2006. Its fuels are available through a retail network of around 400 stations located throughout Peninsular Malaysia. Besides the high quality Infiniti fuels, BHPetrol also offers LPG (BHPetrogas) for household and commercial purposes as well as Syngard automotive lubricants.

Many BHPetrol stations also have BHPetromart stores which provide food, drinks and snacks as well as other services for the convenience of motorists. These services include reloading of Touch ‘n Go tollcards, cash dispensation from ATMs and even recharging stations for electric vehicles at certain stations.

To know more about BHPetrol products and services or to locate a station, visit
www.bhpetrol.com.my
.

Click here to read other news and articles about BHPetrol
.


BMW’s i Vision Dynamics provide preview into i models of tomorrow

BMW announced some interesting news at the IAA Cars 2017 at Frankfurt. It introduced a number of projects including the BMW i Vision Dynamics, which is a futuristic four-door Gran Coupe concept vehicle.

Sporting smooth and elegant contours, minimalist yet functional front fascia and a sensor-laden kidney grille that is integrated with the front bumper, the car’s styling is meant to provide us with a glimpse of the future.

The contours, take on a fluidic shape thanks to a low slung roof and body panels that fit seamlessly throughout the structure. The design of the rear, especially the long  tail lamps nd bumper assembly are a major departure from the automaker’s current design language .

BMW says that some design cues will be taken when building the next generation of i models. A lot of what goes into these future cars are studied and tested extensively by realising vehicles like the i Vision Dynamics.

Speaking of the company’s achievemtns with its electrified vehicles, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design said, “With the i3 and i8 we have designed a revolutionary city car and a revolutionary sports car.”

“And now the BMW i Vision Dynamics is combining electric mobility with the core values of BMW: dynamism and elegance. We are therefore demonstrating how the product range and the design language of BMW i can be evolved further into other concepts,” he later added.

The i Vision Dynamics when fully realized, will have a 600km range, be capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 200km/h.  It will offer the e-mobility experience that offers, convenience, practicality and sporting elegance.

As advanced as this car maybe, the project is still in its infancy stage and it will take quite a while before we ever see something resembling an i Vision Dynamics gracing our city streets. That said, cars like the i8 owe quite a lot of their styling and tech to outlandish vehicles such as this.


Ferrari FXX-K Evo is the Prancing Horse’s pride and joy

Ferrari has just introduced the new FXX-K Evo, a track-only supercar that is based on the wealth of technology and performance that the automaker has amassed over the years. The car incorporates the lessons learnt in several Motorsports categories that the Italian automaker competes in actively, which are Formula 1, GT3, GTE and Challenge.

The new racer joins the FXX and 599 XX as part of the XX programme that was launched in 2005. Its objective is to allow a small group of enthusiasts to enjoy the very latest in automotive technology on and contribute to the research and development needed to improve on the formula.

Like its predecessor the FXX, this new car is aimed at a small, highly-select group of Ferrari clients who want something exclusive and is considered the pinnacle of hypercar performance. And as the name suggest its an evolution of its predecessor.

The car features significantly redesigned aerodynamics and overall better weight reduction. Ferrari engineers utilized lessons learnt in Formula 1 to built the car with innovative carbon-fibre component crafting processes.

Aerodynamic efficiency has been increased resulting in figures that closely shadow that of race cars that compete in the GT3 and GTE championships. This also mean that it gets the same advantages achieved in  lateral acceleration in cornering and stability .

Downforce has increased by 23% over the previous car, offering 640kg when it is travelling at 200km/h and more than 830kg when pushed to its limits. Much of this is achieved through the car’s twin-profile fixed rear wing.  It works seamlessly with the integrated active spoiler to generate the perfect balance of downforce and drag.

The car’s vortex generators clean the flow field striking the wing of the effects of the wake of the hot air flow from the radiators, which vents onto the bonnet. As for the other side, they create a downwash component in the flow which boosts the twin-profile’s downforce capacity.

Apart from this, the front and rear bumpers have also been changed to improve air flow management along the car’s body. Adding to that, the ground effects is improved by vortex generators on the under tray. Working together with the rest of the aero kit the car is said to offer 30% improved downforce.

Other modifications include new front brake air intakes, improved steering wheel with shift paddles from F1, a larger 6.5″ rear video camera that displayes telemetry data of performance and car status readouts as well as the KERS status.

Ferrari’s new FXX-K Evo has already gone through significant testing and will play a major part in the automaker’s XX Programme in the 2018/2019 season, which will take place from March to October next year at nine different race tracks.


Perodua Alza Waiting Period Still An Issue – Up To 13 Months!

Booked a
Perodua Alza
 or want to book one? Well, you will have to wait in line just like everyone else. Most of those who booked the Alza last year still have not received their cars.

The new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) Perodua Alza is still the brand’s model with the longest waiting period, which may go up to more than 13 months, according to an internal document published in January of this year.

A netizen shared their experience on said waiting period. The post stated that the customer had been waiting for almost 13 months for the Perodua Alza AV that they had booked. When the customer contacted the sales advisor (SA) for updates, the SA stated that Perodua is yet to deliver the car.

The customer then decided to call Perodua instead. However, according to the post, Perodua did not have a proper answer.

We were curious and decided to contact Perodua ourselves. According to a source, the wait time in the Petaling Jaya area is said to be around a minimum of six to seven months. However, in the Johor area, the wait time is double that! The reason according to the Perodua sales guy on the other side of the phone is that there are too many orders and the manufacturer and suppliers can’t seem to meet the demand on time. Production has slowed down due to availability of parts and certain colours (they did not state which one).

The Bezza and Alza both have eight to nine-month waiting periods, with the Alza AV variation having the longest wait at around a year.

2022 saw the release of the W100 series Daihatsu Xenia-based second-generation Alza. Along with the Toyota Veloz for the Malaysian market, it was put together under the “W150” model name.

This MPV has been in popular demand and was recently named
Vehicle of the Year
 at the DSF.my-Allianz Vehicle of the Year (VOTY) Awards 2023. So, is it worth the wait?


Interior Of New Mercedes-Benz W214 E-Class Revealed First

When introducing a new model, car companies often mention how it was designed from ‘the inside out’. Now the Mercedes-Benz PR people are also taking that approach in introducing the next generation of one of their core models, the E-Class. The first official pictures and details of the new W 214 series, to be launched later in the year, are not of the exterior but the inside.

In particular, Mercedes-Benz is providing a preview of the cabin appearance and all the digital innovations customers can expect. The electronic architecture is more software-driven and less hardware-driven, which allows for more individual updating of the interior systems in the future.

The MBUX Superscreen
While the dimensions have not been given, the MBUX Superscreen will have a large glass surface over the entire dashboard. Visually detached from this is the high-resolution instrument cluster display in the driver’s field of vision. The instrument panel shapes the digital experience in the interior and has newly designed icons colour-coded to match smartphone tiles.

The contour of the cover glass is dynamic in design. For the central display, the glass surface is extended downwards accordingly. The profile becomes flat towards the outer edges. A narrow nozzle band nestles against the upper contour of the glass surface, connecting the central nozzle with the outer nozzles to form a single unit.

More advanced electronic architecture
As in other models, the centrepiece is the MBUX Infotainment system which has reached the third generation and is powered by a new, very powerful central onboard computer. This is a departure from before where computing functions in different domains (including the screens) were processed separately. This new and more unified form of networking improves performance as the data streams can be transmitted significantly faster.

Perhaps in anticipation of reduced driving involvement in future as cars operate more autonomously, entertainment for the occupants has been given a lot of attention. In the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz will offer an immersive entertainment experience with music, games and streaming content and greater interaction.

Seeing and feeling sound
The immersive aspect will be achieved for three senses – sight, sound and touch (perhaps taste and smell will come in future too!). With the new Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualisation, occupants in the cabin can hear and see audio and visual content and even feel it (by means of sound resonating transducers in the optional Burmester 4D surround sound system).

Visualisation takes place on the light strip of the Active Ambient Lighting. For example, fast sequences of beats can cause rapid light changes, while flowing rhythms can create softly merging lighting moods. It remains to be seen if this feature will be appreciated or found to be a distraction.

TikTok and ‘Angry Bird’ on the dashboard
In recent times, with the availability of Apple Car Play or Android Auto connectivity, smartphone apps have been mirrored on the centre display and can be accessed on the touchscreen. With the E-Class, the software experts at Mercedes-Benz have developed a new compatibility layer that allows the installation of third-party apps. Initially, these are TikTok, the ‘Angry Birds’ game, Webex collaboration application, Zoom, and Vivaldi browser. In addition, the ZYNC entertainment portal will offers video streaming and on-demand content on the central and passenger displays.

For those who need to have face-to-face interactions with friends or while having online meetings, there’s a selfie and video camera (part of the optional MBUX Superscreen) on top of the dashboard. If the driver wants to participate in the video conferences, the vehicle has to be stationary for obvious safety reasons.

There are also various measures taken to reduce the risk of distraction for the driver from the display which the front passenger views dynamic content on. Intelligent technology is used for a ‘visual shield’ which prevents the content from being seen peripherally by the driver. The concept is a great advancement over the SplitView LCD which was in the S-Class 14 years ago and presented two different displays on one screen.

Relaxed and fresh for the board meeting
As for seating comfort, customers will be able to order their new E-Class with options such as  ENERGIZING COMFORT and THERMOTRONIC with Digital Vent Control. These have a comprehensive wellness programme with soothing sounds, mobilising massage and activating light to help a passenger relax during the journey and arrive fresh to attend a board meeting or a enjoy round of golf.

The E-Class will also see the debut of a new feature – the Motion sickness prevention programme (within ENERGIZING COMFORT). Also helping to reduce stress will be a bio‑feedback offered with for the ENERGIZING COACH in the medium term.

Ultimate Sound Experience In Mercedes-Benz Cars With Spatial Audio And Dolby Atmos

Click here
 for more Mercedes-Benz videos at The Piston Show.


Hap Seng Smart Is The First Appointed Smart Dealer In Malaysia

With the selection of Hap Seng Smart Sdn. Bhd. as its first authorised dealer, Proton New Energy Technology Sdn. Bhd. (PRO-NET) marked a new turning point in the development of its New Energy Vehicle (NEV).

This appointment will feature PRO-NET’s brand-new, cutting-edge electric vehicles (EV), which will be
smart #1
‘s premium brand presence in this nation by the end of 2023. PRO-NET is the exclusive importer and distributor of smart vehicles in Malaysia and Thailand.

The appointment of the dealer is a component of smart Malaysia’s strategy to provide the best in electric vehicle (EV) automotive excellence to the Malaysian market, which also includes the development of a brand-new smart Brand Centre or smart Space and the appointment of new premium dealers.

Hap Seng Smart’s appointment as a showcase for luxury automobile manufacturers demonstrates PRO-NET’s dedication to breaking into the affluent market and becoming the premier EV car brand in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Hap Seng Smart will benefit from the technological know-how of its parent firm, Hap Seng Group, which has established itself as one of Malaysia’s top auto dealers with more than 50 years of experience in the industry. The new dealership will increase smart’s brand recognition and awareness in the central region as a result of their inclusion into the smart EV family. A second showroom will join the first one in Balakong, Selangor, in the fourth quarter at Jalan Sultan Ismail in Kuala Lumpur.

This collaboration between Hap Seng Group’s Hap Seng Smart and PRO-NET demonstrates not only our belief in smart’s broad appeal but also our dedication to advancing Malaysia’s low-carbon mobility future.

One of the top Mercedes-Benz dealers in Malaysia is now Hap Seng Group. In 1969, Hap Seng Group established a business partnership with the Mercedes-Benz brand as an approved dealer for trucks, buses, and passenger cars as well as replacement parts.

In keeping with smart’s brand, the Mercedes-designed EV, which will arrive on Malaysian soil in 2023, Hap Seng Group will provide a premium automotive retail experience. This embraces the company’s dedication to delivering exceptional service and customer-centricity. The smart #1 carries on the smart legacy of providing an avant-garde method of urban mobility. It is an engineering marvel created by the smart and Mercedes-Benz design teams that perfectly captures the mission of smart, which is to jointly develop a better future.

PRO-NET’s introduction into the premium retail vehicle industry in Malaysia is marked by their remarkable cooperation with Hap Seng Smart. For the introduction of premium brand experiences, products, and services, smart will continue to collaborate with excellent corporate partners in the sector.

Proton claims that additional dealers are joining and that their identities will be released soon.


Sibling camaraderie in the Toyota Vios Challenge

Sibling camaraderie, not rivalry, is what strengthens the bond between the Anthony brothers Bradley Benedict and Brendan Paul who are competing in the Toyota Vios Challenge street racing series, part of the
Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival
 that is on in Batu Kwan, Penang, this weekend.

For 18-year old Bradley, this is his debut season competing in saloon cars after moving up from karting while 23-year old Brendan holds the distinction of being Toyota Vios Challenge Sporting Class champion in Season 1 and now competes in the Super Sporting Class for professional drivers. “I used to go to the track a lot to watch my brother compete in karting. I guess that was where the interest started,” said Bradley who ventured into karting in 2016. Last year, he emerged third in the Asian Rotax Max Championship (DD2 class).

Bradley Benedict’s aspiration is to race in the touring car series in Europe, and racing in the Toyota Vios Challenge is helping him gain experience.

Despite making a cautious start in Round 1 of the Toyota Vios Challenge, Bradley was quick to adapt and rose into the top three by Round 2. “I wasn’t as fast in the first round but I gained a lot of experience. I don’t find racing on a street circuit intimidating. In fact, I find it very enjoyable. It’s a solid learning ground for new and young drivers because unlike racing on a permanent circuit, you have to be precise and know how to control the car.”

And is it intimidating at all to have elder brother Brendan competing in the same event? “At the moment, no since we’re competing in different classes. Brendan helps me a lot with the technical tips and I try to get as much information from him as I can,” he replied.

“My being in the Toyota Vios Challenge is also due to a family decision. My dad saw how the event helped to elevate Brendan’s racing and he now wants me to follow the identical path my brother takes. That means also competing in events such as the Malaysian Championship Series, MSF and events like the Sepang 1000KM Endurance Race,” Bradley explained. With 8 races in the Toyota Vios Challenge, 12 races in the MCS and another 12 races in the MSF, that means no less than 32 weekends of racing for Bradley throughout the year.

“My aspiration is to race in the touring car series in Europe, which is why I chose to compete in the Toyota Vios Challenge as opposed to choosing a path driving Formula cars when I moved up from karting” Bradley said.

The Toyota Vios Challenge – now in its third season – has been successful in attracting young drivers. It provides them with an affordable and competitive platform to hone their racecraft and technical experience. This should help build up motorsports talent from grassroots level in the country.

Click here for more information on the Toyota Vios Challenge and Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival
.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Festival/Vios Challenge to be held in Penang on February 15/16


AUTO RAHMAH PACKAGE 2023 For Perodua Axia And Bezza Owners

These are tough times for many Malaysians, especially with rising costs of living which affects a broad section of the population. Besides various subsidies and price controls, the government has also initiated the PAYUNG RAHMAH programme for the lower-income group (B40) and hardcore poor.

The programme is part of his Domestic Trade and Cost of Living ministry’s short-term strategy to cushion the impact of the expected global economic situation against the B40 group. It began with Menu Rahmah and Jualan Rahmah for meals and consumer items, respectively, and now, car companies have also begun to follow the initiative with AUTO RAHMAH launched by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

For Axia and Bezza owners
Perodua, Malaysia’s leading carmaker, has announced a special service package for all owners of Axia and Bezza models which will help them save money. This special service package, known as Perodua Auto Rahmah 2023, entitles the owners to a discount of 30% on the total invoice cost for parts and labour (terms and conditions apply) – only at authorised Perodua service centres nationwide, of course.

Owners who wish to enjoy the Perodua Auto Rahmah 2023 benefit are required to make an appointment at the Perodua service centre of their choice. The campaign will on from
April 12 until May 15, 2023
.

Promoting vehicle maintenance practices
Besides helping to reduce the motoring costs, Perodua also hopes to promote vehicle maintenance and safety practices, especially in view of the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri season when many will be travelling long distance to
balik kampung
.

Additionally, the carmaker also has its Tweckbot free inspection campaigns periodically during the year. Tweckbot personnel from Perodua inspect over 50 points on the vehicle and these include the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, power steering, clutch, tyres, suspension and electrical system.

Besides initiatives like Auto Rahmah 2023, Perodua has also been having its Tweckbot campaigns for many years, offering owners free vehicle inspections. This helps contribute to safer motoring, especially during festive periods when many travel long distances.

“Today, owning a vehicle has become a necessity for most people. As such, vehicle ownership costs such as loan repayments, fuel expenses, tolls and maintenance also make up the main components of many Malaysians’ household expenses. In that regard, MITI is very pleased that Perodua has responded to the government’s 2023 RAHMAH AUTO Package by offering discounts for vehicle maintenance at its official service centres,” said MITI Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.

“We hope other car brands will also follow in the footsteps of Perodua to help contribute to the safety of car owners and their loved ones on the road, especially during the upcoming Aidilfitri festival season. It is the government’s priority to find ways in lessening the impact of rising prices in every way that we can and MITI is leveraging on our role to achieve this objective,” he added.

To locate an authorised Perodua service centre in Malaysia, visit
www.perodua.com.my
.

Perodua Continues To Contribute To Public Hospitals


Cash rebates for all Perodua models from today, ahead of Sales tax exemption

In a recent announcement, the government will exempt the 10% Sales Tax  on new vehicle purchases. The exemption, to be effective from June 15, 2020, will be 100% of the tax value for locally-assembled models and 50% for imported models (CBU or completely built-up). This is one of the initiatives by the government under the to help the auto industry regain sales momentum.

However, before June 15, Perodua will reduce prices (on-the-road excluding insurance) of all its five models by between 3% and 6% via cash rebates. This offer will be only until June 14, after which the new prices throughout the tax reduction period will be incorporated.

“Despite the tax reduction only becoming effective 15 June 2020, Perodua will offer cash rebates between 3% and 6% for the purchase of our vehicles beginning today [Wednesday, June 10],” Perodua President & Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad said.

“We want everyone to take this opportunity to own a Perodua without worrying about being left out. Please visit any Perodua sales outlet and speak to our authorised sales advisors for the total cash rebate amounts and the full price list that will be effective June 15,” he added.

Cash rebates to lower purchase cost of the popular Axia.

“Perodua is in full support of the government’s move to fully exempt sales tax for the purchase of CKD cars until the end of the year to shore up the domestic economy,” said Dato’ Zainal. “As Malaysia’s biggest carmaker by volume, we reiterate our commitment to the government to contribute wherever and whenever we can to ensure the industry can get through this difficult time.”

“The Malaysian public are understandably spending more cautiously due to COVID-19 and the Movement Control Order, although personal vehicles are still very much needed in these trying times,” he said. “This move to fully exempt CKD cars from sales tax is a confidence boost for the automotive industry – not just for car buyers but the entire ecosystem of manufacturers, suppliers and dealers. Along with low financing rates at this difficult time, we are cautiously optimistic that this will spur new car sales.”

With the industry shutdown for the very long period during the MCO, Perodua sold 52,920 vehicles in the first five months of this year, giving it a 41% market share against an estimated year-to-date total industry volume of 129,401 units.

To locate a Perodua showroom for more information, visit
www.perodua.com.my
.

Click here for other news and articles about Perodua
.


Latest Honda City scores maximum of 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP test

ASEAN NCAP, which runs the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries, has released its assessment on the latest Honda City. This is the third assessment that ASEAN NCAP has performed on the model, the first two being in 2012 and 2014. In fact, the model was one of the very first to be crash-tested by ASEAN NCAP at its facility in Melaka. However, for the 2020 model, the testing was conducted by the Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI), a partner of ASEAN NCAP.

The 2020 City (Thai market version) showed an outstanding result under the current 2017-2020 assessment. The sedan obtained an overall score of 86.54 points which qualified it for the maximum 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating.

ASEAN NCAP’s assessment of Adult Occupant Protection at the front.

For each assessed category from this accumulated score, the City received 44.83 points for the Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) category, 22.82 points for Child Occupant Protection (COP) and 18.89 points for Safety Assist Technologies (SATs).

The new sedan has a standard fitment of 4 airbags, Seatbelt Reminder System (SBR) for both of its frontal occupants and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) across all its variants. An Emergency Stop Signal technology is also available in the current City variant that is launched and sold in the Thai market either as standard or optional fitment. Nevertheless, all the safety assist technologies assessed by ASEAN NCAP will be available either as standard or as an option in all the variants that will be available in several countries across South East Asia.

In addition, the City will have Blind Spot Visualization (BSV) technology in variants that are available in certain markets. The BSV is fitted on the passenger side of the vehicle.

“We are excited to have another 5-Star car in the line-up of ASEAN NCAP assessed vehicles. Although the City was assessed twice prior to this, we can see there have been significant improvements in the number of safety technologies that are equipped in this new model as a standard fitment. I am also pleased that, in addition to the existing safety assist technologies ASEAN NCAP is assessing which will be available in variants that will be launched soon, Honda has also added Emergency Stop Signal technology that consumers will benefit in mitigating any unwanted collision,” said MIROS Director-General and ASEAN NCAP Chairperson, Ts. Dr. Siti Zaharah Ishak.

“The Honda City has shown consistent 5-Star performances since it was assessed in 2012. The pre-requisite that ASEAN NCAP set in 2014 -2016 assessment in which variants that are fitted with ESC and SBR for both frontal occupants are eligible for 5-Star AOP rating, provided that the model scored within the 5-Star scoring range, was a significant impact towards the development of upcoming models. By having the pre-requisite, manufacturers are well prepared by including the ASEAN NCAP core criteria under the 2017-2020 assessment into some of the model’s variants,” explained ASEAN NCAP Secretary-General, Professor (Adjunct) Ir. Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim.

“Most importantly, manufacturers like Honda have now equipped these important passive and active safety technologies in their models as standard fitment in order to make their cars safer for the benefit of road users,” he added.

In 2012, the City was among the very first cars tested by ASEAN NCAP at its crash-test facility in Melaka.

5th generation Honda City has world premiere in Thailand


Singapore EV Battery Startup Oyika Secures RM38 Million In Funding

BPIN Investment, a division of Thailand’s smart-energy giant Banpu Next, has provided further money to Singapore-based smart-battery swapping startup Oyika, according to regulatory filings.

According to Oyika’s papers with Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), Banpu Next, a division of energy juggernaut Banpu, which is listed on the stock exchange in Bangkok, is investing $8.75 million (RM38 million) in the startup as part of its Series B investment.

In addition, as part of a convertible note deal made in September 2022, shares worth $2 million (RM8.8 million) were allocated to Malaysian storage service provider Yinson Holdings as part of the financing. Yinson is currently a shareholder in Oyika.

With these share allocations, the Series B round’s overall funding now stands at $10.75 million (RM47.7 million). According to its ACRA documents, Oyika intends to raise up to $10 million (RM44.4 million) further from additional investors as part of the deal.

In connection with the financing, Kannapon Rungsithum, vice president of investments at Banpu Next, will join the board of directors of Oyika.

To support its expansion in Vietnam and launch a battery-swapping service for electric motorcycles in Indonesia, where it has an order book of 30,000 power subscription plans, Oyika said in 2021 that it was looking to raise $100 million (RM444.5 million) in outside capital.

The same year, Clime Capital, a Singaporean investment management firm, also contributed an undisclosed amount of capital to the venture.

With the goal of becoming Southeast Asia’s top electric vehicle service provider, the firm now provides fully charged batteries for electric motorbikes at swap stations throughout Indonesia and Cambodia.

Last month, Banpu Next took part in a $20.5 million (RM91.1 million) Series B financing for the Singapore-based business Green Li-ion, which recycles batteries. It had already committed $70 million (RM311.1 million) to raise its share in the city-state-based Durapower Holdings, a producer of lithium-ion batteries, to 65.1%.

In November of last year, Banpu Next bought a 25% stake in Altotech, a Singapore-based energy management platform for hotels and business buildings. Additionally, it has invested money in two other companies: Muvmi, a Thai firm that offers ride-sharing services for three-wheeled electric automobiles, and Smart City Fund II, a venture capital fund run by Eurazeo, a company with headquarters in France.


3D display becomes a reality in latest Genesis GV80

Continental is launching its volume-production display featuring autostereoscopic 3D technology on the market with the latest Genesis GV80. The new display requires no special glasses to view (obviously!)

On the screen, the technology displays three-dimensional scales, pointers and objects, for example displaying a stop sign warning in the driver’s line of sight. No special glasses are required to see the three-dimensional warning signal. Instead, Continental uses parallax barriers – slanted slats that divide the image for the viewer – as if looking at real objects, two different, slightly offset views reach the right and left eye, resulting in the 3-dimensional image.

An interior camera, which detects the driver’s line of sight and adjusts the 3D views to their precise head position, plays an essential role. To prevent drivers from focusing their attention on the 3D screen for too long, the camera also employs attention detection to identify potential moments of driver distraction or fatigue. With the 3D visualization of the instrument cluster, Continental is focused on ensuring the driver is not overloaded with information provided by advanced driver assistance systems, conventional displays, communication services and infotainment applications.

The new Genesis GV80

“With our volume-production display featuring autostereoscopic 3D technology, we are raising human-machine interaction to a whole new level and laying the foundations for intuitive communication in the connected cockpit of tomorrow,” said Dr. Frank Rabe, Head of the Human Machine Interface business unit at Continental. “To ensure that this gain in safety and comfort does not come at the expense of a lean electronics architecture, we integrated various displays in the center console or dashboard into our Cross Domain Hub.”

Cross Domain Hub

In the future, to reduce complexity and save weight and space, only a small number of control units will be required for all the in-vehicle input and output devices. The Cross Domain Hub is a high- performance computer and the basis for Continental’s 3D display being used in the Genesis. It marks a further milestone in the transformation of modern E/E architecture. The intention is to move away from numerous individual control units to a few high-performance computers.

In the next generation of Continental’s cross-domain solution, all displays are integrated into a single unit. The driver will be able to distribute content across multiple displays, for example by means of gesture control, dragging navigation maps from the front passenger’s display onto their own screen and arranging exactly where they want to place them. In automated driving mode, the displays merge across the entire width of the cockpit and offer all the services and apps that are otherwise only available on the front passenger’s side.

Lightfield Display

To ensure that the front passenger and occupants in the rear seats can also enjoy the three-dimensional experience, Continental is currently developing a new 3D display based on the natural 3D Lightfield Technology from Silicon Valley based Leia Inc.. With this technology, there is neither the need for cameras detecting head movement nor 3D glasses. As a result, the Natural 3D Display not only saves weight, space and costs, but also opens up an entire world of digital services to all the passengers in a connected car – from video conferences and online shopping to augmented reality games and 3D movies.

Instead of the parallax barriers described above, this system relies on Diffractive Lightfield Backlighting technology from Leia. An optical waveguide with diffraction grating and nanostructures beneath the display panel creating a natural 3D effect by bending the light. Continental is adapting this technology for use in vehicles. The system is planned for production by 2022.


PETRONAS Syntium Full-Synthetic Engine Oil to be offered at Bermaz Motor service centres

File picture of a Bermaz Auto service centre.

Bermaz Motor, which handles the Mazda brand in Malaysia, will offer PETRONAS Syntium Full-Synthetic Engine Oil at its service dealerships around the country. This follows the signing of a 5-year Supply Agreement with PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PLMM).

“For customers, BERMAZ’s agreement with PLMM represents another milestone in our pursuit of enjoyable and hassle-free ownership experience. PETRONAS Syntium full-synthetic engine oil will replace our current use of semi-synthetic engine oil at our BERMAZ Motor dealerships. Beginning next month, the use of full synthetic engine oil will retrospectively apply to all vehicles under the Free Service Maintenance – without additional cost to our customers,” said Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman of Bermaz Motor.

“Taking care of owners and their vehicles is centric to the emotional journey. We will continuously pursue our brand promise, and the ownership experience will remain our core competitive advantage. We want to make a difference,” he added.

The new partnership strengthens the relationship between the two companies, especially in Malaysia’s Skills Development through the transfer of knowledge and skills development via technical vocational training and education (TVET). In palm biodiesel testing which PLMM is carrying out with PORIM (Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia), Bermaz Motor has provided 2 units of Mazda CX-5 to PORIM for field studies.

Commenting on the new development, Hardeep Kirpal Singh, Chief Executive Officer of PLMM. Said: “We are very pleased to be working with Bermaz Motor in supplying our latest PETRONAS Syntium with Cooltech technology which has been formulated to fight against excessive engine heat for better engine performance. Bermaz Motor is a brand trusted for delivering the best customer experience, a commitment that resonates with PETRONAS as well, and we are excited in bringing greater experiences to our customers through this partnership.”

At its service centres, Bermaz Motor has introduced
Mazda Contactless Service
 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which requires social distancing. Mazda owners can also enjoy convenient last-mile doorstep service with the choice of Collect & Deliver or Mobile Service. To address the safety concerns of the customers and employees, every vehicle is disinfected before and after service.

The company has also extended the validity of the 5-year warranty and 5-year Free Service Maintenance program for Mazda owners affected by the restrictions of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Visit
www.mazda.com.my
 to locate a Mazda authorised service centre or showroom in Malaysia.

Revised Mazda Prices with Sales Tax exemption (from June 15, 2020)


MBPJ Received 922 Complaints Over Six Months About Obstacles in Parking Spaces

Between January and June of this year, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) received 8,547 complaints, of which 922 were complaints about obstacles in parking spaces and walkways for pedestrians.

According to
The Star
, the problem, stated by Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Azhan Md Amir, stems from irresponsible company owners who block parking spaces with objects like cement bollards and traffic cones.

To address this issue, the enforcers periodically seize the products and issue appropriate compound notifications.

Streetlight damage was the second-highest complaint, accounting for 791 occurrences. Short circuits in the feeder pillars were one of the causes. MBPJ has taken the initiative to replace the current high-pressure sodium vapour lights with LEDs and subterranean wires utilising funding from the Malaysian Road Records Information System (Marris) allocation through their Engineering Department.

With 635 complaints, damaged roads and potholes came in third. This is likely a result of the fact that the roads are over ten years old, have a lot of traffic, are frequently used by large vehicles, and have extra water accumulated on them.

1,992 complaints (23%) are undergoing department action, 1,356 (16%) are in the long-term resolution stage, and 5,199 complaints (61%) have already been addressed.

In the period from January to June of last year, 7,833 complaints were tallied. The long-term resolution step, which includes a tender/quotation procedure or litigation, is still ongoing for 461 of these complaints, out of which 7,372 have already been settled.

Zone 3 (PJU 5 region, Kota Damansara), which got 1,285 complaints between January and June of this year, was followed by Zone 4 (PJU 1A), which received 557 complaints, and Zone 8 (SS2), which received 440 complaints.


The power of touchscreens and dashboards of the future

With the digitization of car interiors and the continuing addition of more and more electronic systems, the way a driver interacts with the systems and operates or adjusts them has been changing. For decades, mechanical systems used mechanically-actuated knobs and levers or pushbutton and rocker switches and generations of drivers have used them.

No more knobs and levers

With the new generation of cars, those knobs and switches have been disappearing, typically replaced by icons on touchscreens. No longer does a driver have to turn a knob to make the temperature higher or lower – it can be done by touching a display screen, just like on a smartphone. Or physical interaction might not even be necessary as many cars now have intelligent voice command systems.

The dashboard in today’s Nissan Ariya has digital and graphic displays with touchscreens, a big difference from the one in the Nissan Grand Livina of 2011 which had knobs, levers and rotary dials (below).

When developing the latest
Nissan Ariya
 all-electric crossover, its designers and engineers didn’t just consider the ergonomics involved in reaching toward the dashboard. They were determined to create a new look and feel for controls that drivers generally take for granted. This required a rethink of cabin space, touch and positioning.

Controls beneath the surfaces

Taking advantage of an all-electric powertrain layout, the Ariya’s interior was crafted to be open, and spacious, a cabin with a sense of calm and serenity. Part of that design is a dashboard free of traditional buttons. The wood-grained trim bisecting the dashboard comes to life upon starting the Ariya, illuminating a set of environmental controls that reside just beneath the dashboard’s surface.

Haptic feedback, like a smartphone

Utilizing a new generation of haptic feedback controls, these subtly integrated buttons open a world of possibilities in the relationship between function and design. In the same way that we interact with a smartphone display to navigate and engage with apps, haptic feedback buttons in the Ariya react to touch, communicating through fingertip vibrations. When adjusting the Ariya’s climate controls and drive modes, for example, the driver will interact with a familiar set of icons. Yet, because the points of interaction are felt and heard, they can remain focused on the road.

The design team’s decision to integrate haptic feedback into the Ariya follows the car’s underlying design concept of ‘Timeless Japanese Futurism’, which takes a distinctive Japanese approach to design, conveying a simple yet powerfully modern impression.

“We created a clean space by blending the haptic controls with the grain of the interior’s woodgrain finish. We did this in a way that didn’t affect the performance of the controls, allowing us to achieve both functionality and an attractive appearance,” said a Senior Designer at Nissan, Hideki Tago.

“By applying a woodgrain pattern to the plastic panels with a hydro-printing process, we gave them a very realistic wood-like feeling. At the same time, this allowed transparent icons to come to life when illuminated,” he explained.

Integrating technology into design

With the Ariya design team’s final goal laid out, it was the engineering team’s responsibility to make this sci-fi concept a reality. The process began with an exhaustive breakdown of the technology itself. Haptic feedback buttons are grouped into two specific areas in the Ariya — on the main dashboard and on the adjustable centre armrest. The goal was to not only integrate the technology into the cabin design as a means of wowing passengers, but also to give the technology a natural and responsive feel for a wide variety of drivers.

Following extensive testing, the team settled on electrostatic buttons that are not only bigger than traditional haptic controls, but also more broadly spaced. This allows for a realistic and intuitive feeling for users, and also generates a kind of air pressure ‘kick’. This amplifies the tactile feedback with the click sensation of a traditional mechanical button, despite no traditional physical button being involved.

Then came the fine-tuning of the vibrations and sounds. That’s right — sounds. “Vibration and sound are inseparable,” explained Tomotaka Igarashi, the engineer in charge of the Ariya’s interior HMI (Human-Machine Interface) development. “It may seem obvious, but this challenged our team to develop a unique sound that would match the expectations of the driver while also designing it to be as pleasant as possible.”

Such attention to detail in an all-electric crossover is a necessity as the minimal sound emitted by the electric powertrain means that the sounds developed by the team will be clearly heard while driving. The development of the haptic controls required that every possible scenario be tested repeatedly to ensure easy use for a wide range of drivers, especially since the Ariya will sell in different regions of the world. That meant extensive testing by people with different size fingers and fingernail lengths, and with different button-pressure strengths and engagement angles. Gloved hands were also tested to ensure button activation.

All-electric Ariya crossover

2021 Ariya crossover SUV takes Nissan further along the EV road


Tips from PLUS for a less stressful drive on the N-S Highway next week

Another long weekend is coming with the Chinese New Year festival and PLUS Malaysia expects traffic volumes on the highways, especially the North-South Expressway (NSE) to start increasing from Monday, January 20. At least 2 million vehicles are expected to be on the highways daily, and make the return journey on February 2.

With data collected over the years, PLUS has been able to formulate a Travel Time Advisory (TTA) for highway travellers which can help to reduce traffic congestion during this period. Basically, if you are departing from the Klang Valley and going north or south on the NSE, make your start before 9 am.

For travellers who are going to other places in Perak, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka, it would be better to start your journey afternoon. This should make the journey less stressful without delays to endure.

For the return trip to the Klang Valley, PLUS suggests starting on the NSE before 9 am. Obviously, there will be traffic joining from various entry points along the 748-km long highway. The 9 am time will help to ensure the traffic flows in stages from all locations towards the Klang Valley.

If your journey is a long one, do take a break along the way. Facilities at the R&R are plentiful with a wide range of food and drink. Or you can also drop by at the petrol stations to pick up snacks and drinks. BHPetrol stations, for example, have hot food available and for the festive period, special offers on many items.

The BHPetromart convenience stores at BHPetrol stations have a wide variety of items to pick up for a long journey.

Be sure the balance in your TnG card is sufficient to cover toll charges. Don’t cause inconvenience to other motorists by getting stuck at the toll plaza because your card has insufficient balance.

Needless to say, you should ensure that your tollcard has sufficient balance to cover the toll charges for the entire journey. If you need to reload, there are numerous places along the highway (self-service kiosks at R&R locations and petrol stations) as well as many convenience stores in towns. Don’t create problems for other motorists by not having enough balance and being stuck in the toll plaza.

No more TAMBAH NILAI at exit toll plazas on PLUS highways from November 5, 2019


Movement Control Order restricts movement but there is some flexibility

The Movement Control Order (MCO) has come into effect today, a strong nationwide action that is necessary to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus which has become a pandemic situation. Understandably, there has been some confusion and uncertainty about certain aspects of the MCO since this is the first time ever such an Order has been used.

We are fortunate that it is not as restrictive as Lockdown orders which have been used in China, Italy, France and some other countries which are facing rapid increase in COVID-19 infections. A Lockdown totally restricts movement and special permission is needed to even go to the supermarket to buy supplies.

As we’re a motoring website, we’ll cover what is relevant to motorists and the main thing is that you are not supposed to be travelling ‘socially’. This means that you should remain home unless you need to go out for a reason like buying supplies or medicines, or to pick up someone from the airport. There is no curfew (and hopefully won’t be) so movement on public roads is not forbidden.

No crossing state lines, except Selangor and KL

With most offices and shopping centres closed, there is much less traffic on the roads but unfortunately, this is not the time you can enjoy it. Furthermore, the police have clarified that interstate travel is forbidden, with the exception of the Klang Valley which has Selangor and WP Kuala Lumpur.

There was confusion yesterday after the IGP said that applications must be made at police stations for a permit to travel to another state. Long queues quickly started at police stations (so much for trying to achieve social distancing) until the police withdrew the requirement just hours before the midnight deadline when the MCO would come into effect.

Travelling between states is not permitted unless there is an exemption given by the police. Furthermore, the MCO also stops Malaysians from leaving the country, leading to an unusual scene at the Causeway to Singapore where there are no jams at all (right).

Following a meeting, another announcement came out about half an hour after midnight which again stated that there is a ban on interstate travel during the two weeks of the MCO (March 18 – 31, 2020). This time, the IGP said that permits would not be issued freely upon application; only in special cases will an exemption be given. The accepted reasons are:

To visit a close relative who is critically ill

Death of a close family member

Medical purposes/treatment

The police would also consider other reasons on a case-to-case basis but the IGP made it clear that invalid reasons would not get the permission to travel to another state.

New regulations gazetted to strengthen powers of  MCO

To strengthen the legal position of the MCO, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has gazetted the regulations and actions which the MCO covers. The gazetted regulations which are new are known as the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the infected local areas) Regulations 2020. The gazette also identifies all states and federal territories in Malaysia as ‘infected areas’ and travel between infected areas is not allowed except with permission. Committing offences will result in jail terms or fines.

This sounds like a lockdown since whatever state you live in, you are in an infected area. Therefore, as per the MCO, Malaysians are not to move about. However, there is still some flexibility – hopefully not abused – where travel is permitted for official duties, special purposes and essential activities such as buying food or seeking healthcare. It is also permissible to make a journey to and from certain places where food is available for take-away or drive-through outlets.

The MCO is meant to restrict movement to stop or slow down the spread of the disease. However, there is some flexibility provided for travel to buy food or essential items but you should not just drive around for no reason.

Aiming to slow down spread of virus

Once you have completed your ‘mission, you should return home immediately. Other than that, you have to remain in your house and not go out to ‘
makan angin
’. The aim of the MCO is to prevent the further spread of the disease through human-to-human contact. Social distancing is therefore being strongly promoted, meaning that you should stand at least one metre away from another person.

The latest statement from the National Security Council issued this afternoon allows workshops to carry out vehicle repairs. According to the NSC’s statement, mechanics can also continue to operate at a minimal level, along with towing services.

We appeal to you to adhere to the MCO conditions so that the situation can, hopefully, not worsen. If after two weeks, the MCO does not seem to have done much to slow down the number of infected persons, then the government may be forced to introduce stricter measures which will be more unpleasant for all of us. Let’s do our best not to reach that stage.

How motorists can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19


This is the last new Ford GT you can buy

The folks from the Petersen Automotive Museum will be auctioning off the last public allocations for the new Ford GT in the name of charity. This is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the winning bidder gets to choose any available specification or trim which also includes the rear Heritage Edition and Carbon Series!

For the new Ford GT, only 1,350 allocations are given for the public to own this very rare supercar but what makes this auction from the Petersen Automotive Museum extra special is that the winning bidder can actually get his hands on the already sold out Heritage Edition (if he or she wishes to have it in that specification and trim).

According to Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges, “As our biggest fundraiser of the year, the evening promises to be an exciting night for all. We’re grateful for Ford’s contribution to this year’s gala. The winning bidder will enjoy this extremely rare opportunity as well as make a significant impact on our community.”

Bidding will take place on 5 October 2019 between at 8.30pm in Los Angeles, CA. All specifications will be made available for the winning bidder, who may choose between the 2020, ’21 or ’22 model year. The car will be delivered in the corresponding model year. The allocation is solely for the winning bidder and may not be transferred. Winning bidder must meet eligibility requirements determined by Ford, at its sole and absolute discretion, to obtain the Ford GT allocation.

Ford uses 1.2 billion plastic bottles for auto parts each year


Victory Credit Sdn Bhd Becomes First NISSAN 3S Centre In Seremban

Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd
, an authorised dealer of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM) has officially launched its Nissan 3S dealership in Seremban, providing convenience and efficient services to the surrounding community in Negeri Sembilan.

(L-R) Christopher Tan, Sales & Marketing Director of ETCM, Yang Berhormat Tuan Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport Malaysia, Alfred Tham, Founder & Managing Director of Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd & Trevor Tham, Director of Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd

The ceremony was officiated by Yang Berhormat Tuan Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport Malaysia, who was accompanied by Mr Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd, and Mr Trevor Tham, Director of Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd.

“We are pleased to present you the new Seremban Victory Nissan 3S Centre, with an improved, larger, and more accessible 3S centre to fulfil the needs of the Seremban community. With the additional facilities, we will be able to provide our customers with a complete Nissan experience all under one roof”,
 said
Trevor Tham Lin Sing, Director of Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd
.

The new Seremban Victory Nissan 3S Centre covers a total build-up area of 12,000 square feet. With an investment of RM10 million, it has the capacity to display up to 8 Nissan models in the showroom, and 13 service bays which are capable of accommodating 40 vehicles a day. A 1-stop for insurance and hire purchase services, as well as indoor air conditioned new vehicle delivery bay, WI-FI equipped customer waiting lounge and a kids’ playroom are some of the facilities that customers can enjoy at the new Nissan 3S Centre.

“As the state capital of Negeri Sembilan, Seremban’s economic and human capital growth has been steadily growing. It is crucial for us to make our presence even stronger here in Seremban, and support Nissan owners with a Nissan 3S Centre that complies with Nissan’s Global Retail Standards”
, said
Christopher Tan Kok Leong, Sales and Marketing Director of ETCM
 (above, left).

Operation hours for the Seremban Victory Nissan 3S Centre are from 9.00am to 6.00pm every Monday to Friday, and 10.00am to 5.00pm every Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. The service centre is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm every Monday to Saturday. For appointments, customers can call the Seremban Victory Credit Sdn Bhd at 06-720 2666 or 06-720 2888.

For more information, visit www.nissan.com.my or contact
Nissan Customer Care Centre Hotline at 1800-88-3838
.


BMW M2 Edition designed by FUTURA 2000 (w/VIDEO)

The
BMW Art Car Collection
 which began in 1975 is well known globally, its 19 uniquely painted cars linking the German brand with art. Now BMW M, the high-performance brand, is also associating itself with contemporary art. In the wake of the further development of BMW Individual, BMW M GmbH has presented its latest collaboration: a multi-tiered project with eminent international contemporary artist FUTURA 2000.

In this collaboration, FUTURA 2000, who is known for his mastery of colour, concentric forms, and kinetic composition, has created three exclusive and unique versions of the BMW M2 Competition  in his unmistakable style, whilst also designing a limited-edition of the BMW M2 Competition which the public can purchase in June 2020.

“The BMW M2 Competition is dynamic, extroverted and, to a certain degree, pleasantly provocative. I consider it a great honour to be able to add a special touch to this vehicle,” said FUTURA 2000, the 64-year old American graffiti artist who was born Leonard Hilton McGurr.

The artist worked extensively on the three unique versions of the M2, both on the exterior and in the interior. The limited-production models will also bear his unique signature. The trim strips on the instrument panel and the centre console of each vehicle boast a special, individually created FUTURA 2000 design. The bi-coloured, Dakota leather M sports seats in black and ivory white feature polar blue contrast stitching.

In addition, the interior package includes an M Alcantara leather-clad sports steering wheel with a grey 12 o’clock marking and special door sill trims bearing the consecutive limited-edition number and a Futura signature. From the outside, the BMW M2 Edition designed by FUTURA 2000 is recognisable by the painted surfaces on the front and rear aprons and the side sills. Moreover, each car is fitted with 19-inch jet black light alloy wheels.

With the one-offs and the M2 Edition designed by FUTURA 2000, BMW M GmbH is setting trends both in the high-performance vehicle sector and the art scene alike. The M2 Competition is proving to be a successful model for the company. Positioned in the compact class, it is powered by a dual-charged, straight 6-cylinder with 410 ps M TwinPower Turbo Technology engine.

For almost 50 years now, the BMW Group has initiated and engaged in over 100 cultural events and activities worldwide. The company places the main focus of its long-term commitment on contemporary and modern art, classical music and jazz as well as architecture and design. Besides the legendary Art Car series, there have also been gallery partnerships, musical events and more.

Click here for other news and articles about BMW
.


Kia aims to achieve leadership position in EVs

Like many other carmakers, Kia Motors knows that the future is electric. Tougher regulations in Europe and America and growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) in China are forcing manufacturers to develop and launch electrically-powered vehicles as quickly as possible.

For Kia Motors, the future direction includes a global EV business strategy that aims to put the brand in a leadership position. To achieve this, Kia will launch a diverse range of dedicated BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) and partner with EV charging companies worldwide.

Kia is already selling all-electric models such as the Niro (left) and Soul.

100,000 BEVs already sold

“Kia has sold more than 100,000 BEVs worldwide since the introduction of our first mass-produced BEV in 2011, the Kia Ray EV, ” said Kia President & CEO Ho Sung Song. “Since then, we have started to introduce a range of new BEVs for global markets and announced plans to accelerate this process in the years ahead. By refocusing our business on electrification, we are aiming for BEVs to account for 25% of our total worldwide sales by 2029.”

Under Kia’s ‘Plan S’ strategy, announced at the start of 2020, the brand plans to expand its BEV line-up to 11 models by 2025. Over the same period, it is aiming for BEVs to account for 20% of the brand’s total vehicle sales in advanced markets such as Korea, North America and Europe.

The first of seven BEVs, code-named ‘CV’, will be revealed in 2021. It will be the brand’s first dedicated BEV, destined for many regions globally.

The Imagine concept by Kia is a proposal for an all-electric future sedan.

Transition to electrification

Kia Motors’ ‘Plan S’ is a mid to long-term future strategy that has a focus on BEVs and mobility solutions. It calls for a company-wide transformation which will see a new design philosophy embracing progress, diversity and a rich composition of contrasting elements.

Kia is innovating its vehicle planning, development and production to actively reflect diverse customer needs from the product planning stage. To respond to market demands, there will be diverse product types, with a range of models suitable for urban centres, long-range journeys, and performance driving. Its new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) will enable engineers to develop vehicles with best-in-class interior spaciousness.

Aftersales services

In addition, Kia Motors plans to expand its global aftersales infrastructure for EVs. In its home country, there will be more dedicated EV work bays at service centres, ricing from 600 in 2020 to 2,000 by 2023. There are plans to develop in-house programs to train EV maintenance professionals.

Kia Motors sees the expansion of electric charging infrastructures as a pre-condition for the popularization of EVs and continues to explore activities worldwide to improve charging accessibility for drivers. In Korea, its business activities will directly lead to the construction of a charging infrastructure.

Worldwide, Kia is setting up more than 2,400 EV chargers in Europe and around 500 in North America, partnering with its dealer networks. It plans to continue to increase its charging infrastructure in line with the growing market for EVs.

VR technology enhances vehicle development processes for Hyundai and Kia


Fate of the Furious car pack added to Forza Motorsport 7

Fans of the Fast and Furious movie franchise might have an avenue to live out their fantasies in the virtual world through the Xbox exclusive game, Forza Motorsport 7. There is a 10-car pack available for the game that has all the extreme cars featured in the 7th installment of the blockbuster movie series.

The vehicles depicted in the game are extremely accurate, right down to the colour combinations, aesthetic details and their own unique quirks. The most noteworthy and jovial addition to the car pack however, has to be the Chevrolet Fleetline Special.

It was a vintage vehicle use by character Dominic Torreto to compete in an epic, CGI focused race in the heart of Havana, Cuba. Losing trim panels as the race progressed, the Fleetline Special was driven which such gusto while trying to avoid the baddies, that it caught fire towards the end of the race.

Though many considered the scene a bit too far fetched, the excellently choreographed stunts and meticulous level of CGI detailing made for an enthralling movie scene, one for the Fast and Furious record books.

Besides this vehicle, there are a number of other noteworthy mentions that include the weird but functional Rally Fighter, Jaguar F-Type, Dodge Demon and a Plymouth GTX. Evidently, the movie franchise seems to cherry pick its star vehicles based on their actual appeal in the automotive world, which is a very good thing for car fans.

The Dodge Demon, is the most powerful road legal, drag-ready muscle car that is currently available to the public. It is powered by a 840bhp engine that is able to cover the quarter mile in under 10 seconds, a fitting choice for Dominic Torreto.

Known for his love of Dodge made vehicles, the movie character has used several Chargers, including the modern one, Challengers as well as a number of others. But the following is the list of 10 vehicles featured in the new car pack:

Plymouth GTX

Chevrolet Corvette

Subaru WRX STI

Local Motors Rally Fighter

Subaru BRZ

Jaguar F-Type

Chevrolet Fleetline Special

Dodge Demon

Mercedes-Benz GTS

Dodge Charger

The Fate of the Furious car pack will only be made available to those who own the Deluxe and Ultimate Edition bundles of Forza Motorsports 7. Check out the picture gallery below and admire the vehicles that will be featured in the Forza Motorsport 7 game.


Fuel Price Updates For October 7 – October 13, 2021