F1 / Round 14: 2022 Belgian Grand Prix Highlights And Results

With Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc – the two F1 championship frontrunners – starting near the back due to penalties for excessive changes to engines/components, a lot of ‘action’ was expected. They were not the only ones with those penalties as another 5 other drivers were also demoted from the positions they had qualified for.

Both of the Scuderia Alphatauris had issues and could not make it to the starting grid, so they had to start from the pits.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, on pole, had a good start, pulling quickly away from Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez who was more occupied with preventing Alpine’s Fernando Alonso from sneaking past. But Alonso was quick enough and got through to second, followed by Mercedes-AMG’s Lewis Hamilton. However, in the scramble to slot into second, Alonso and Hamilton had contact and both ran wide.

The incident was noted by the Stewards and while Alonso grabbed fourth, Hamilton was getting a message from his team to stop as he entered Turn 16 – the damage was severe enough that he would have to retire. Later, the Stewards would not consider penalizing either driver for the collision.

Further back, Alfa Romeo’s Valtteri Bottas and Williams Racing’s Nicholas Latifi also had contact as the Williams driver went wide and spun into the Alfa Romeo. For Bottas, the race ended early as he got stuck in the gravel.

The incidents brought out the Safety Car on lap 2. Sainz was in the lead ahead of Perez while Mercedes-AMG’s George Russell third during the time that Alonso and Hamilton were clashing. But it was the two championship leaders that had attention and Verstappen had moved up to eighth (from 15
th
 on the grid) while Leclerc followed him through to ninth (from 16
th
). Leclerc took the opportunity to switch to another set of tyres while the Safety Car was out.

The F1 Safety Car left the track on lap 5 and racing resumed, thus far with two cars out. Sainz didn’t have a big gap and Perez was keeping him on the defensive. Behind them, Russell was holding on to his third place as Alonso made efforts to displace him.

By lap 7, Verstappen had passed Alonso and was looking for Russell. And within one lap, he out-accelerated the Mercedes-AMG on the straight to take third place. Leclerc, however, did not make the same sort of progress up the field and his pit-stop had dropped him back to 16
th
.

The tyres were degrading faster than expected and Pirelli had been predicting a 2-satop strategy for the race. Sainz came in on lap 12, which gave Perez the lead and Verstappen just a second behind. Russell seemed to have dropped back a bit but still had a reasonable gap from Alonso.

When Sainz rejoined the race with medium tyres, he slotted into sixth, behind McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo. His team mate had reached ninth now and though he had taken on fresh tyres 10 laps earlier, the degradation would bring him in again at some point.

Lap 13 saw Verstappen easily pass Perez to take the lead. Behind the two Red Bulls was Russell and then Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, followed by Sainz. Alonso had pitted and was trying his best to move back up from the 11
th
 place he rejoined the race in.

Perez went in on lap 15 and when he rejoined, he was behind Sainz and more importantly, ahead of Leclerc. The Ferrari driver made a move to get past but Perez held his place going through a turn. A lap later, Verstappen was in the pits to get medium tyres. He rejoined in second, ahead of Perez but 4 seconds behind Sainz who had inherited the lead.

Lap 18 saw the Dutchman capture the lead as DRS propelled him past approaching Turn 5. Behind him, Sainz would be fighting to keep his place while Perez was snapping at him. Russell was too far back with a 7-second gap but there were still 26 long laps left. Leclerc too was 7 seconds behind him, and Alonso also had the same gap to the Ferrari.

At the halfway point in the race, Verstappen was in the lead with a 7-second gap to his team mate. Sainz was third and 10 seconds behind the leader while Russell was maintaining his fourth position without worrying too much about Leclerc who was fifth and 11 seconds behind.

Sainz left his position on lap 24 switches to the hard compound, while Leclerc took on mediums. Rejoining the race, Sainz was in fourth while Leclerc was behind Alpine’s Esteban Ocon in seventh. Alonso had also come in and took on hard tyres, dropping to 13
th
 when he was back on the track. The drivers within the top 10 were spaced apart too far to make an effort to move up and risk an incident putting them out. But Leclerc was determined to work his way up further and slowly picked off one rival after another.

By lap 31, Leclerc was past Vettel and into fifth place, looking ahead for Russell. With 13 laps to go, the Mercedes-AMG driver was still working hard to try to get on the podium so it was taking a while for Leclerc to catch up with him.

Verstappen reported some shifting issues but his engineer told him not to worry. Having had almost certain victories snatched from him in the closing stages of previous races, he was understandably paranoid about mechanical failure. But he had a 13-second lead, which also meant that he did not have to push the car so hard. And Perez was just behind, ready to take over, if the worst happened.

The battle for that last point-paying position was still hotly-contested. Williams Racing’s Alex Albon was holding on, but Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll kept closing in and McLaren’s Lando Norris was watching from 12
th
 to see if he could sneak past.

As 4 laps remained, Leclerc seemed to give up trying to catch up with Russell and was probably wanting to ensure that he could cross the line in fifth at least, or might try for an extra point at the end with a fastest lap. The finishing order seemed to be almost certain, barring any unexpected problems to the leading cars.

For the Alpine F1 team, things were looking good as both Alonso and Ocon (running in sixth and seventh) would collect points from the Belgian GP. It would give them a more comfortable position in the championship, especially as McLaren was unlikely to get any points this time.

As expected, Leclerc came in on lap 43 to quickly get a set of new tyres and rejoined right ahead of Alonso. He was a bit slow, and Alonso got past but the Ferrari driver managed to overtake the Alpine into Turn 5 and off he went to try to get the fastest lap before the race ended when Verstappen led his team mate across the finish line. Sainz had managed to stay ahead of Russell to be the one to stand on the podium in third place.


Hyundai Motorsport scores 1-2-3 finish in Acropolis Rally Greece

The Hyundai Motorsport team scored another victory in the World Rally Championship (WRC) with Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe leading the team to a 1-2-3 finish at the 2022 EKO Acropolis Rally Greece.

The Belgians seized top spot early in the rally after 9-time world champion Sebastien Loeb had to drop out when his pace-setting M-Sport Ford Puma had alternator failure. From that moment onwards, the Hyundai duo never looked back, followed by team-mates Ott Tanak and Dani Sordo.

Neuville carried an advantage of 27.9 seconds over Tanak into the final day’s 3-stage finale. Tanak managed to cut that margin by 2.9 seconds on the first pass through Elefthori, but any hopes of the Estonian putting more pressure on his colleague ended when team orders were deployed. The competitive spirit was one thing, but ensuring the team finished intact was more important.

With fourth-placed Elfyn Evans – driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 – having turbo problems on the road section before the first stage of the day, the frontrunning trio could pull a lead of more than 3 minutes clear of the field.

Under instructions to bring the cars to the finish, all three Hyundai drivers went into safety mode. Their positions in the rally remained unchanged and Neuville took the victory by 15 seconds.

“It has been a tough season so far and to get the victory after a very difficult weekend in Belgium is a relief,” Neuville said. “The most important thing is that we have a 1-2-3 for the team. After all these years, we finally got it and it’s a historical moment for the brand and the team. Everybody has worked hard for this and it’s a nice reward.”

Tanak’s score moved him to within 53 points of championship leader Kalle Rovanpera, who finished more than 17 minutes off top spot, with 3 events remaining. The 21-year-old Finn hit a tree on Saturday and haemorrhaged as he nursed his Yaris to service. He did, however, salvage 4 points from the Wolf Power Stage and could seal the crown at the next round should he outscore Tanak by 8  points.

“There has been a combination of many factors contributing to those results and we have to learn from this weekend about why things went wrong, and we must improve for the future. Elfyn’s retirement was a particularly disappointing way to start the final day and we are already investigating what happened,” said Jari-Matti Latvala, Team Principal of the Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team.

“The good thing is that we got Kalle and Esapekka both to the finish with some really helpful points towards the Manufacturers’ championship plus 5 more from the Power Stage. Kalle especially did a really good drive there to take 4 points for his own championship. We still have a good lead and now we need to look positively towards Rally New Zealand,” he added.

Pierre-Louis Loubet fought back to equal his career-best result by finishing fourth overall with his M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1. Loubet briefly led and took 2 stage wins on Friday but tumbled down the standings with a damaged front-left tyre the following day.

The WRC2 and WRC2 Junior winner Emil Lindholm finished in an impressive seventh place overall with his Toksport Skoda Fabia, one position ahead of team-mate Nikolay Gryazin. Cypriot Alexandros Tsouloftas was set to finish just outside the overall top 10 and fifth in WRC2 in a Volkswagen Polo GTI R5 but came through to ninth overall and third in WRC2 after Yohan Rossel rolled his PH Sport Citroen C3 Rally2 into retirement on the final stage.

Another WRC win for Hyundai’s Ott Tanak in Ypres Rally Belgium


Prototype Nissan EV shows how electric car performance will move up to the next level

Nissan, which can claim leadership in mass-produced electric vehicles (EVs) with its bestselling LEAF, has long experience with EVs. Though we only read about its advances in recent times, it had a running electric car called the Tama in the late 1940s which was used as a taxi. But EVs in those days had poor performance and as the technology for such vehicles was hard to develop, the manufacturers focused on internal combustion engines which became dominant up till today.

But with pressure to cut exhaust emissions drastically and reduce fuel consumption, the industry began to get serious about EVs again as the new century began. While some companies focused on hybrids, Nissan chose to focus on a pure EV and by December 2010, it launched the LEAF.

As battery and EV technology kept advancing, the performance of the LEAF kept improving and the second generation offers higher performance plus greater range. But just as with internal combustion engine cars, there is a quest to keep pushing the envelope where performance is concerned and Nissan has revealed some of the technologies that will take its next generation of EVs to a new level.

Enhanced all-wheel drive system

Recently, it showed the media a prototype based on the LEAF with an enhanced all-wheel drive system powered by front and rear high-power motors integrated. Nissan developed the chassis control technology in-house for the electric-drive all-wheel-control system. It’s a development that brings to mind the time when Nissan introduced its advanced ATTESA all-wheel drive technology in the 1980s.

“Soon, Nissan will launch a next-generation EV that will be a true breakthrough,” said Takao Asami, Senior Vice-President for Research and Advanced Engineering at Nissan. “The new electric-drive 4-wheel-control technology now being developed integrates Nissan’s electric propulsion and 4WD control technologies with our chassis control technology to achieve a huge leap in acceleration, cornering and braking performance, on par with the latest sportscars.”

High-output twin-motor drive

Using separate front and rear electric motors, the powertrain generates 227 kW of maximum output and 680 Nm of maximum torque. This output is complemented by the ultra-high-precision motor control which offers highly responsive, yet uncommonly smooth, acceleration. Drivers can benefit from the all-wheel-control system on nearly any road condition, heightening driving performance and confidence.

The prototype’s precision control of both motors provides unparalleled ride comfort. Pitch and dive are minimized by adding regenerative rear motor braking to the usual front motor regenerative braking. When slowing down on city streets, for example, this helps keep passengers from being shaken back and forth. This reduces the potential for motion sickness and related discomfort. Similarly, on rough, bumpy roads and when accelerating, motor control is optimized to maintain ride comfort by minimizing irregular movement.

Independent brake control

In addition to optimizing front and rear torque allocation, the system applies independent brake control at each of the four wheels to maximize the cornering force generated by each tyre. This lets drivers enjoy cornering that faithfully follows their intentions with minimal steering.

Inside, a 12.3-inch display mounted in the centre of the instrument panel reports, in real-time, information on the vehicle control technology via a polished graphic interface. With the custom display, the test driver can better understand car’s movements and judge the all-wheel-control technology’s performance at a glance.

Better tracking and control

Electric 4-wheel-control technology can increase driver confidence across a broad range of road conditions. When cornering on snow-covered roads, for example, the car can faithfully trace the driver’s intended line, thanks to ultra-high-precision motor and brake control. This would greatly enhance safety for the driver as well as other road-users.

Nissan has not said when this new technology will be installed in its models but with the pace of development being so brisk, it should be within the next few years. The thing about the Japanese is that they want to make sure their whatever systems they introduce are thoroughly tested and once in the market, customers will not be inconvenienced by flaws that were not resolved before production.

Visit
www.nissan.com.my
 to know more about the latest LEAF EV which is available in Malaysia and where to test it.

FIRST DRIVE: 2019 Nissan Leaf – “Simply Electrifying”


New Defender Brand Broadens Range Of Offerings With 130 Outbound

As announced recently, the Land Rover name as a brand will no longer be used by
JLR (formerly Jaguar Land Rover),
 and the Defender, Range Rover and Discovery will become brand names rather than just model lines. It’s part of the ‘House of Brands’ approach in the company’s
Reimagine
roadmap moving forward.

For a start, the Defender brand will have an additional model – the new Defender 130 Outbound – along with the Defender 130 V8. These join the Defender 110 which will now be available with a new heritage-inspired County Exterior Pack, the Hardtop commercial model, and the advanced P400e PHEV variant.

Only with 5-seater layout
The 130 Outbound offers an unprecedented combination of luxurious interior space and all-terrain capability. Available exclusively with the 5-seat layout, it brings even greater potential for overland exploration with the assurance of the go-anywhere capability for which Land Rovers have always been known.

With up to 2,516 litres (1,329 litres with row two seats in use) of space in the rear, those with active and adventurous lifestyles can pack everything they need for journeys of exploration. Its near-flat loadspace floor (with 1.267 metres in length behind the 2nd row) easily accommodates everything from wetsuits and kit bags to camping and climbing gear.

Unique design enhancements
The familiar silhouette has unique exterior design enhancements to give a subtle, purposeful look. These enhancements include a Shadow Atlas Matt finish to the bumpers and grille insert, while side vents are finished in Anthracite. To complement the Outbound design, the 20-inch wheels are finished in Gloss Black.

Fuji White, Santorini Black, Carpathian Grey and Eiger Grey make up the colour palette, while body-coloured rear signature panels and D-pillar finishers complete the exterior enhancements. For those who require superior scratch resistance when driving over rough terrain, Satin Protective Film is available as an option.

Inside, customers can choose luxurious full Windsor leather or durable Resist fabric, offering tactile material options to best suit their lifestyle. All are finished in Ebony, with an Ebony Morzine headliner, Robustec veneer and Defender’s signature cross-car beam in Satin Black Powder Coat Brushed finish.

With the off-roading tradition of its predecessor, the 130 Outbound has many practical touches to protect the interior. Durable rubber floor matting can be folded down to protect the bumper when loading bulky or heavy equipment such as bikes or suitcases. Additional stowage areas safely store smaller items out of sight, while extra lashing points and a new cargo net mean a variety of outdoor equipment – large or small – can be secured while driving, ready for use on arrival.

Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology
The 130 Outbound is available exclusively with P400 petrol Ingenium power that uses Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology. 4×4 capability is provided by the brand’s proven Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System and Terrain Response 2 system, while Electronic Air Suspension and Adaptive Dynamics are fitted as standard. Electronic Air Suspension allows up to 430 mm of articulation and up to 900 mm of wading.

“Defender 130 Outbound is an incredibly desirable addition to the Defender family, for our most adventurous clients who love to get out and explore and need greater load carrying space with a five-seat configuration. Its unique design enhancements and spacious interior provide a compelling blend of capability and practicality. The 4×4 family offers something for everyone, with the introduction of the V8 powertrain to Defender 130, while the new County Exterior Pack celebrates Defender’s roots with a modern take on a classic design,” said Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender.

JLR’s Rebranding Exercise Drops Land Rover As An Individual Brand


Final two rounds of Vios Challenge Season 4 to be run at night this weekend

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR) and Vios Challenge return to the Sepang International Circuit for the finale of the fourth season this weekend
(November 20/21).
 And adding to the excitement will be all the races being run at night – the first time for the one-make series.

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

“Season 4 will be remembered as one of the most challenging due to the pandemic and this may, to some extent, have had an impact on the performances of teams and drivers. Immediately after Round 1 in February, the country was forced into a Movement Control Order (MCO) again which lasted for 8 months. This resulted in Round 2 only being able to resume last month (October) and now the finale is this weekend,” said UMW Toyota Motor President, Ravindran K.

“At the other end of the spectrum, it has also paved the way for even closer competition. No single driver has an unassailable advantage and the champions will have to be decided in the final round. This is a task made even more challenging for the drivers it is the first-ever night race for the Vios Challenge!” he added.

“UMW Toyota Motor is committed to the series and we are extremely pleased to be able to conclude the season amidst these challenging times. The success of the Vios Challenge has largely been fuelled by the support of the participating teams and drivers as well as all race fans, and I would like to convey our utmost appreciation for making it the best and most well accepted racing series in Malaysia,” Mr. Ravindran said.

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

The first season of the Vios Challenge, part of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival, started off in Penang in August 2017.

SUPER SPORTING CLASS

With 55 points to his tally, M7 Japan Project Team’s Syafiq Ali finds himself in the best possible position to win this season’s overall Super Sporting Class championship. “Four points is never a comfortable margin to lead a championship, especially when it will all be decided in the last two races of the season. Anyone in the top five is more than capable of winning the overall championship – that’s just how close it is this season!” said Syafiq who, despite having only one race win to his credit this season, has been the more consistent driver with 3 podium finishes in 4 races.

He will be challenged for the title by 2-time Super Sporting Class champion and race favourite Tengku Djan Ley as well as Laser Motor Racing’s Mark Darwin and teenager Hayden Haikal representing SpeedAddix. The dark horse is 23 Motors driver Mitchell Cheah; despite being a newcomer to the series, he drove to a dominant debut in Round 2 with a race victory and a second-place finish in the two races.

SPORTING CLASS

In the Sporting Class, Crestmax Motorsport’s Adam Khalid leads the overall championship with 53 points, 10 points ahead of privateer Eric Yong. In third is Clement Yeo with 36 points, followed closely by Haji Sutan Mustaffa Salihin with 33 points, and Aylezo Motorsport’s Mirza Syahmi Mahzan just 1 point behind.

Mathematically, the other 4 drivers still have shot at becoming Season 4’s Sporting Class champion so Adam is not taking anything for granted. “While it is great to be leading the championship, it will be a mistake to take things for granted when you’re in the company of the most determined racers on the grid. Qualifying well will be critical to give me a great boost in confidence leading up to the race,” he said.

PROMOTIONAL CLASS

Always the crowd-puller with its celebrities, the Promotional Class can be expected to see close fight between actors Zizan Razak and Shukri Yahaya who are separated by a single point going into the final 2 races of the season.

Zizan had taken the first two race victories in Round 1 while Shukri fought back valiantly to win the following two races in Round 2. “I have to go for the championship win this time. I need to prove to myself that I can do it,” said Shukri, who has been racing in the Vios Challenge since the first season. He has finishing second in the Promotional Class twice so he will be aiming to finally take the crown this year.

In third with 41 points is singer Khai Bahar, followed by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Chief Motorsports Officer Akio Takeyama (39 points), and television host Nabil Ahmad in fifth a further 1 point behind.

ROOKIE CLASS

The battle of the Rookies has so far been dominated by simulator racer Naquib Azlan who has amassed 3 race victories from the 4 races to build a commanding lead with 74 points in the overall championship. Second with 59 points is 17-year-old Amer Harris, followed closely by another simulator racer Mika Hakimi on 54 points, while in fourth and fifth are Jwan Hii and Putera Adam with 35 and 20 points, respectively.

The GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program helps to bring newcomers to the sport and trains them with the necessary skills for racing.

“The Rookie Class has been the most highly anticipated this season given their reputation as newcomers in racing but all 5 drivers have produced some surprising results which underlines the credibility and success of the GAZOO Racing Young Talent Development Program,” said Mr. Takeyama.

TGR in Sepang 1000KM Race (S1K)

Within days of this weekend’s Vios Challenge finale, Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia will also be joining the annual Sepang 1000KM race. The 1000-km race is expected to take 9 hours and cover 181 laps of the Sepang International Circuit.

The entries will include two cars in the MTC Production Class and SP2 production class, in addition to concurrently running the very first Vios Enduro Cup for privateers and dealer teams competing in the SP2 Production Class.

Fighting for outright victory in the MTC Production class will be the trio of Tengku Djan Ley who is also TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s Ambassador, Rookie Class driver Naquib and Mr. Takeyama. The SP2 Production Class will see Rookie Class drivers Jwan and Mika partnering our very own Promotional Class driver and actor Zizan Razak.

“This will be a great way of completing this year’s racing calendar. Of course, winning the MTC Production Class will certainly be the icing on the cake! We will certainly be gunning for overall victory but we will be equally happy to finish competitively at the very top,” said Mr. Takeyama. “Joining a prestigious national series event like the S1K is also the start of extending TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Malaysia’s presence in Malaysian motorsports.”

In the 11 years that the S1K race has been held since 2009 to 2019, Toyota has won the race twice with private entries, both of whom used the Corolla model.

The story behind TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and why it was created


1989 Proton Saga wins Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional in the UK

Proton began exporting cars to the UK in 1988 and at its first display at the British Motor Show in Birmingham that year, the young Malaysian brand won three awards for its Proton Saga. 33 years later, that same model can still win awards in the UK as the winner of the 2021 Hagerty Concours de l’Ordinaire (Festival of the Unexceptional) held recently.

Only remaining one of 201 special units

A 1989 Proton Saga 1.5 was picked by 6 judges as the winner of the seventh edition of the event for car models from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. The Saga was one of 201 units of a special edition known as ‘Black Knight’ which was imported and distributed by Proton UK. It is the only one of that special series remaining. Between 1988 and 2001, Proton exported 124,980 cars to the UK which was its largest overseas market.

When the car was put away in a garage in 1993, it had only 3,600 miles (4,186 kms) on the odometer. It appeared in public again in 2017 and the current owner, Jon Coupland, added it to his Proton collection which now numbers three cars. The Saga has since clocked another 9,400 miles (15,134 kms).

Malaysians will be very familiar with this dashboard but the version exported to the UK market had a different design around the instrument panel which was adapted from the Mitsubishi Lancer.

At the 1988 British Motor Show, Proton won its first three international awards for the Proton Saga which made its introduction in the market that year.

Other notable winners this year

The runner-up prize went to Danny Wilson’s Peugeot 106 which was bought for just £500 via Facebook Marketplace. Special mentions went to James Green for his 1989 Nissan Bluebird, Charles Whilems and his 1986 Volkswagen Polo C Formel E, Chris Howells and his 1971 Triumph Toledo and Simon Hucknall for his 1977 Fiat 128. All of these cars impressed the individual judges and warranted their place in the 2021 Unexceptional Hall of Fame.

Speaking at the event, James Mills, Hagerty’s UK Editor, said: “What stood out for me this year was the number of fantastic cars fielded by younger entrants. It’s great to see the next generation of enthusiasts showing a real passion for everyday, ordinary, and unexceptional classics and demonstrates the growing love for this accessible scene. Our Festival started out as a small, cult event but today we saw thousands of visitors make the trip to admire the unsung heroes of the classic car world.”

Besides organising events ‘to keep driving alive for car-lovers and drive positive change in the world’, Hagerty is the world’s largest provider of specialist insurance for enthusiast vehicles and supports keeping car culture alive through youth programs, the Historic Vehicle Association (HVA), the RPM Foundation and more.

LOOKING BACK – Remembering the birth of the Proton Saga and what it meant to the nation


PLUSRonda celebrates 30 years of service to highway travellers

The 772-km North-South Expressway (NSE) which runs along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia was opened in 1982 and completed in stages by 1994. From the start, the standards of highway maintenance and safety were high, in line with international standards. Vehicles could travel speedily (up to the maximum limit of 110 km/h) along the multi-lane highway from Johor Bahru up to the Thai border, bypassing the old roads that were winding and narrow.

30 years ago today, April 1 1990, PLUSRonda began operations as a value-added highway patrol service provided by PLUS Malaysia Berhad, the concessionaires. The objective, which is the same today, is to ensure that the highway-users who encounter difficulties during their travels are given assistance. Be it a tyre puncture, stalled vehicle due to a flat battery or even an accident, the PLUSRonda team will arrive at the scene without fail.

“The PLUSRonda is one of the most iconic frontliners on PLUS highways. It is somehow even more meaningful that in the midst of the Covid-19 adversity, the 30th Anniversary of PLUSRonda is celebrated in remembrance of their purpose and sacrifices. While PLUS employees adhere to the Movement Control Order, many of our PLUSRonda are on-call; a patrolling schedule has been implemented to maintain the necessary response period in view of the lower traffic count,” said Datuk Azman Ismail, Managing Director of PLUS.

“We are very cognizant of the hazards that our frontliners are exposed to, which is why we have pulled out all the stops to ensure that every aspect of health, safety and security for them are provided for, so they may continue to execute their duties without fear or worries,” added Datuk Azman.

The pioneer team

The first batch of the PLUSRonda team consisted of 10 men who were joined by another ten during the first year in 1990. One of the pioneers, Zainal Abidin bin Lazim is still on active duty today and is based in Tangkak, Johor. Although aged 54, Encik Zainal Abidin Lazim continues to serve PLUS in the Traffic Safety Department, along with a few others of the original team.

“We are proud of our PLUSRonda, they are brave men who have only a single intention and that is to do their best for the safety and comfort of everyone who journeys along our highways, day and night. Their tireless conviction makes them a welcome sight when one is in distress along the NSE or LPT2,” said Zakaria Ahmad Zabidi, PLUS Chief Operating Officer.

“Many do not know that apart from saving lives at crash sites or attending to breakdowns, our PLUSRonda have also delivered babies in a number of emergency cases on the highway. Their training ranges from technical to medical aspects, equipping them with life-saving skills to be called upon when the situation arises,” he added.

Covering two highway networks

There are 574 PLUSRonda officers to cover the entire NSE and LPT2 (East Coast Expressway) highways. The PLUS highway network has 4 regions (including the East Coast) and each region has between 6 to 7 sections. Each section has a fleet of PLUSRonda patrol vehicles crewed by a pair of patrolmen. Prior to the MCO, the PLUSRonda routine was to patrol in a looping format so that they could be at the scene of any traffic incident (depending on the situation) within 30 minutes or less.

“My reason for becoming a PLUSRonda patrolman is to help others in any small way that I can. I am happy knowing our highway customers can travel safer when my partner and I are patrolling. The idea that I can help those in distress keeps me going. Being in PLUSRonda also offers me job security too,” said Encik Zainal Abidin Lazim. “I am proud that PLUS is fully committed to safety. While we are the last line of defence, safety on the roads is primarily in the hands of each of our highway-user.”

PLUS receives Prince Michael International Road Safety Award for road safety initiatives in 2019


BMW Updates iDrive System with QuickSelect Feature, Places Greater Emphasis on Voice Commands￼

Source: BMW

BMW’s iDrive 8 system, which debuted on the
iX
 and
i4
, is still rather new and is only recently beginning to appear on all BMW vehicles in Malaysia. However, BMW has already upgraded its iDrive with a system called QuickSelect and it is now being rolled out with BMW Operating System 8.5 across selected models.

With the latest system, BMW is giving its iDrive systems an increased emphasis on touch and voice commands. While the renowned and now-loved rotary dial will remain in certain models, it is going to eventually be removed from a lot of them.

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will get new capabilities in all BMW cars that come with BMW Operating System 8.5 or can be updated with the system in later cars. The digital companion will be able to recommend turning off the speed limiter, going into Sport mode, or turning on the Assisted Driving Modes based on the vehicle’s specifications and the current driving condition. The seat position can also be changed using verbal cues. A single spoken order can activate the Max Range function and operate the BMW IconicSounds Electric in completely electric vehicles that meet the necessary specifications.

The new BMW iDrive 8.5 is mainly touchscreen-focused and is made to be much easier to use than ever before, regardless of the rotary dial.

Source: BMW

To do away with submenus is the major goal of iDrive 8.5 and its new QuickSelect capability. BMW refers to this approach as a zero-layer philosophy so that customers can access more advanced commands with fewer inputs. Large vertical widgets that can display all of the numerous menu options will be used to lay out all of the main menus on the screen. After completing one of those menus, the user can quickly return to the home screen by pressing the fixed home screen icon in the lower portion of the screen.

Source: BMW

BMW promises that this new flat menu design will make using iDrive 8.5 easier, faster, and more intuitive, however, it is still a little vague on the specific capabilities.

Starting this mid-year, BMW will start distributing iDrive 8.5 on a limited number of models, either at the time of production or via over-the-air updates. The following models will receive iDrive 8.5:

• BMW 7 Series
• BMW iX
• BMW i4
• BMW X5
• BMW X6
• BMW X7
• BMW XM

On newer cars with an updated Android-based operating system, the new iDrive 9 will start to appear. Except for a few minor new capabilities that are exclusive to the Android OS, its user experience will be essentially the same. The Mini Countryman and BMW X1/X2 will be the first vehicles to receive iDrive 9. Later, iDrive 9 will also be the foundation for all ‘Neue Klasse’ models.


Proton to have 5 overseas market events before year ends

While Proton has continued to buck the local industry trend with steady growth in 2020, its export activities have also seen some momentum upwards. This is in spite of the extremely challenging conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that have impacted the auto industry. The carmaker’s exports have grown 10.6% so far this year and it is looking forward to selling even more vehicles outside Malaysia in 2021.

An unprecedented launch schedule has been planned with as many as 5 market introductions to take place in the coming weeks. One of these events will be the export market debut of the Proton X50 in Brunei, and another two will see the start of
local assembly and sales of Proton vehicles in Kenya
.

Proton began exports of CKD packs to Kenya in August this year and the first cars will roll out of the assembly plant this month. Brunei will be the first overseas market to start selling the X50 SUV (below).

nbn

“While local market leadership is one of our targets, it is equally vital for the Proton brand to build up its presence internationally, representing both the company and Malaysia. This was part of the 10-year plan that was devised at the beginning of our strategic partnership with Geely,” said Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of Proton Holdings Berhad.

“However, parts of the export plans were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as each country had different responses and restrictions. Still, thanks to our diligent work and the strong support of various government agencies, we are finally getting back on track,” he added.

Introduction of Exora and Saga in Egypt at the end of 2018.

Additionally, Proton importers in Bangladesh and Egypt will also be hosting virtual product launches for the latest Saga before 2020 ends. This will be followed by a similar launch in Nepal just as the year draws to a close.

History of Proton exports

In the early years of Proton’s existence, its focus was on the domestic market which took virtually every car it made. Export markets, though established, were not given great attention and even Mitsubishi Motors, its partner, suggested that it concentrate on developing its skills in making cars and about the business before embarking on overseas sales.

Nevertheless, Proton began exporting just one year after the first Saga went on sale in Malaysia. Its early targets were those which were ex-British colonies, like Malaysia, and where traffic went on the left side of the road like us. This would make it unnecessary to develop a lefthand drive variant so soon.

Proton Wiras have also been spotted in North Korea though there is no official mention of exports to North or South Korea, so they may have been brought in by a private importer.

A Proton advertisement for the UK market in 1994 (left) and a display at the Sydney Motorshow in Australia in 2012.

The UK market was considered a market with great potential then, and it was hoped that the Malaysian origins of the Saga would appeal to the British who had lived in Malaysia in the pre-Merdeka period. The first model was introduced at the Birmingham Motorshow in 1988 and initially, Proton received some preferential taxation as it was a small volume brand entering the market. This allowed it to sell at attractive prices and it was well received. The growth in sales in the UK led to a subsidiary being established to handle import and marketing activities, and that market was at one stage, Proton’s biggest export market.

As the only Muslim country in the world to develop its own car and have an automotive brand, Protons from Malaysia were expected to be popular in other Muslim countries. In fact, the first export market was Bangladesh where the Saga first went on sale in 1986. Egypt has also been a strong market for Proton since it entered in 2004.

Chile was one of the early markets that Proton entered but stopped for 20 years before returning in 2016.

By 2001, Proton had appeared  in over 50 countries around the world, some in significant numbers and some just a handful. It had tried to enter the US market in the late 1980s, appointing a business partner called Global Motors which created a unit known as  ‘Proton America’ to get the necessary approvals. Two units of the Saga modified to lefthand drive and with 1.8-litre engines were sent to a motorshow in Las Vegas in 1988 in what was meant to be a prelude to exporting the first batch of 30,000 cars to the USA for sale. However, things didn’t work out as expected and no further attempts were made to enter the biggest car market in the world at that time.

Like many manufacturers, Proton also considered local assembly in some markets and it did so for a while in the Philippines and had a project going for Iran. It also had a joint venture company with Mitsubishi Motors in Vietnam and the deal was that for models above 1600 cc, Mitsubishi’s models would be used, and Proton would provide models below 1600 cc. But things didn’t proceed as planned and Proton never got to assemble any model.

Proton’s distributor in Turkey, Ulu Motor, has been selling the Exora, Preve, Saga FLX and Persona.

From 2001 onwards, Proton had a new range of models and hoped to grow its exports, especially as the domestic  market was supposed to be ‘opening up’ and competition would become more challenging. It even built a new factory in Tanjung Malim, Perak, with a capacity of up to 500,000 units in anticipation of an export offensive regionally.

However, for various reasons, export activities diminished and in Europe, as the emission and safety regulations got tougher, Proton’s aging platforms and engines became unacceptable. By 2010, even the ‘father of Proton’, Tun Mahathir Mohamed, acknowledged that perhaps Proton had not given sufficient thought to the need to make its cars suitable for global markets and only focussed on the domestic market because it was big enough. Dealerships in many of the 50 markets slowly stopped selling Proton which was not so helpful at a time when the company was also facing a decline in domestic sales.

The low export volumes since 1986 – around 406,000 units in total – are obviously not acceptable and exports are vital if the carmaker is to grow further. While being a significant global player would be too ambitious and unrealistic, the aim is to become No. 3 in ASEAN besides becoming No. 1 in Malaysia in due course.

“We are exploring all opportunities to grow export volumes for Proton,” said Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton. “We are also leveraging on Geely’s extensive overseas network operations to increase the cost-effectiveness of Proton’s operations. Geely can support us in these initiatives and there is a lot of experience within the Group so we hope to leverage on it to enable us to sell more cars outside of Malaysia.”

Click here for other news and articles about Proton.


Maserati to take the electric route before 2022

Tesla’s resilience when faced with almost insurmountable challenges of making a practical electric car, has had an impact on the industry. It wasn’t too long ago when many mainstream automakers suggested that producing a practical electric car was still some ways off, and that the internal combustion engine was here to stay.

Now however, many have changed their tune and are willing to step into relatively uncharted waters and begin mass producing electrified powertrains. Not long ago, Volvo announced that it will only be building hybrid or fully electric vehicles from 2019 onward. Hyundai too are planning on a similar strategy sometime in the near future.

And if an article published by
Autocar UK
 is to be believed, it would appear that Maserati, a well known Italian sports car company has decided to take the electrified route as well. It’s parent company FCA (Fiat Chrysler Autombiles) who also owns Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Dodge, want Maserati to take the lead and produce electrified vehicles and technology.

This same technology can then be adapted by the rest of the brands under the FCA umbrella and ensure that about half of the company’s model range comprises of either hybrid or EVs by 2022.

That said, the first electrified Maserati, which will probably be a hybrid, is predicted to be unveiled by 2020 at the earliest and may be based on the Alfieri concept that debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

The article goes on to speculate that Prior to the launch of that vehicle, Maserati might hybridize other current generation vehicles like the Levante SUV. Nothing is set in stone at the moment, but we won’t be surprised if the Italian automaker chooses to go fully electric in the not so distant future.

Many car buyers around the world are beginning to embrace hybrid and electric vehicles as the future of personal mobility. And as soon as there is sufficient infrastructure to sustain their practicality as daily drivers, that will be the final nail in the coffin of the internal combustion engine.

Source:
Autocar UK


VW Malaysia Wants To Send You To “Wörthersee Treffen” To Witness The Annual Gathering Of Golf GTI Fans [+Videos]

Set against an Alpine backdrop along the shores of Lake Wörth or Wörthersee as it is known in German, the tranquil town of Reifnitz transforms every May into a giant automobile playground to celebrate the Golf GTI.
 Since 1982, the town has hosted the “Wörthersee Treffen”, an annual gathering of GTI enthusiasts.

What began as a small gathering of GTI owners is now a full-fledged festival of modified, classic and vintage Volkswagen cars attracting over 100,000 fans around the world. This year marks the 37
th
 year of the event, and it promises to be quite a show.  Check out the video from last year!

For the first time ever, and in conjunction with the upcoming launch of the new Golf family, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is offering fans in Malaysia the chance to win the trip of a lifetime to the annual Wörthersee GTI Festival in Austria.

The contest is divided into two rounds. In Round One, participants are required to answer 10 Golf-related questions in the fastest time, and the top three fastest participant will advance to the Grand Finale. The Grand Finale promises to be a nail-biting experience, as the three finalists will be battling it out in a Live Quiz finale at the Volkswagen Tour happening in 1 Utama Shopping Centre on the
31st of March 2018
.

The grand prize? An
all-expense paid
 trip for two to join the thousands of GTI fans around the world in Austria!

So rev up, and take on the ultimate Golf challenge!

This is how you get to Worthersee…

ROUND 1:

·        Participants are required to register and complete their personal details on Volkswagen Malaysia’s website (
https://www.volkswagen.com.
my/GTIWorthersee
)

·        The contest will run from
20th March till

27th March, at 11:59pm

·        Participants may take part in a
practice round
 to familiarize themselves with the mechanics as many times, before they
begin the Quiz
.

·        Participants are required to answer a set of
10 multiple choice questions in the fastest amount of time.

·        Each
participant may submit multiple entries
 during the contest period.

·
Three (3) finalists
will be selected to compete in the Grand Finale.

ROUND 2 (GRAND FINALE):

(Live Quiz Round, 1Utama Shopping Centre)

·
Three finalists will compete head-to-head in a live quiz hosted at the Volkswagen Tour in
 1Utama Shopping Centre on the 31
st
 March 2018.

·
The Winner will be selected based on the fastest time, the most number of correct answers, subject to the decision by the panel of judges and announced at the event.

2016 Worthersee Image from
VW Newsroom
.


C&C Autohaus in Ipoh upgraded with latest Mercedes-Benz Brand Presence

Ipoh in the Kinta Valley of Perak was where the first cars in Malaya were imported to and records show that the first owner was Eu Tong Seng, a wealthy businessman who brought in a Mercedes Simplex in 1902. He must have been very interested in the new ‘horseless carriages’ as the Simplex was launched in that same year by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft.

Four years later, in 1906, a company opened up its first branch in Ipoh and this company would become associated with Mercedes-Benz to this day. It was Cycle & Carriage (C&C) and although it was not representing Mercedes-Benz then, it would become one of the first distributors of the German brand in Asia when it was appointed in 1951.

The latest Mercedes-Benz S 580e at the C&C Autohaus in Ipoh. 120 years ago, in 1902, the first car in Ipoh (and Malaya) was also a Mercedes – the Simplex (below).

Ipoh is therefore a special place in C&C’s long history and although that first branch was along Brewster Road (today known as Jalan Sultan Idris Shah), the company’s branch dealing in Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles is now located at Jalan Kuala Kangsar. This is where the company has its fourth Autohaus incorporating the latest Mercedes-Benz Brand Presence. The newly upgraded Autohaus, which was recently officially opened, is part of the Mercedes-Benz network for the Northern region.

Mercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence

The Mercedes-Benz Retail Brand Presence is a retail strategy which highlights the integration of digital elements into the physical world, with the aim of delivering customer-centric automotive retail experiences for modern-day shoppers. This seamless journey for the customer caters to the multi-channel shopper while addressing the increasing technological complexity of products that  customers are interested in.

“As the leading dealership for Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia, Cycle & Carriage is committed to providing our customers exceptional journeys and best-in-class services whether it is during their purchase experience or ownership journey. Today, we are proud to showcase the upgraded Cycle & Carriage Ipoh Autohaus, a key location in our network coverage from north to south of Peninsula Malaysia,” said Thomas Tok, CEO of Cycle & Carriage.

“We want to give Mercedes-Benz customers the assurance that they can access our best services here in Ipoh. We believe that the new retail concept responds to the individual needs of today’s discerning customers, making our products even more accessible to anyone who wants to dive deeper into the world of Mercedes-Benz,” he added.

Immersive experience for customers

The modern design of the upgraded Cycle & Carriage Ipoh Autohaus is set against a backdrop of the picturesque limestone cliffs of the city. The facility covers a land area of over 56,000 square feet with ample space for visitors to park their cars. The showroom has been specially designed with ample open space and custom daylight-emitting spotlights to show off the true colours of each model on display. All vehicles are intentionally arranged in the shape of an arc to maximise the visibility of the range available.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in a journey featuring the latest in multimedia tools to gain a thorough understanding of Mercedes-Benz vehicles and their technologies. With the addition of new digital touchpoints, customers can discover the brand while gaining access to the service team for a complete experience of luxury that integrates both the digital and human touch.

For individual consultations, there are various seating locations arranged in open, semi-private or private areas for discussions. This includes the Star Lounge, which has a cafe to offer a more refined touch to many services available.

For those who have made a purchase and are taking delivery of their new Mercedes-Benz, there is a special room for the purpose. C&C makes sure that it is treated as a special occasion for the customer to remember and to start or extend the relationship with the company and the brand.

Fully equipped service centre

For aftersales services, the Autohaus has a service centre with trained personnel and is fully equipped with equipment for maintenance, repair, painting and even car detailing services. With 31 service and repair bays (11 of which are for body and paint jobs), the service centre is one of the largest of its type in the area. The health and comfort of the staff are not forgotten as there are high ceilings and large fans for a naturally airy space.

Designed with sustainability in mind

The Autohaus is designed with sustainability in mind and is the second C&C Autohaus (after the one in Johor Bahru) to install solar panels that can provide up to 72 kWp of electricity from sunshine. In addition to this free and environment-friendly source of electricity, there are also rainwater-harvesting systems to supply water for general use around the facility.

To know more about Mercedes-Benz products and services or to locate an authorised showroom, visit
www.mercedes-benz.com.my
.

First Mercedes-Benz Original Tyres & Rims Boutique in Malaysia


Buy a VW Tiguan in June and you will save on 6 months of H-P instalments

Looking for a new SUV? If you choose the latest Volkswagen Tiguan, you can save money on the purchase provided you book and register it
by June 30, 2020
. For the first six months after your loan term commences, you will not have to pay any monthly instalment as Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will cover that amount for you.

Of course, how much you actually save depends on the financing you need (which must be taken from the recommended financial institutions) but on the assumption of a monthly instalment of RM1,630, you will save RM9,780.

The Tiguan is available with a choice of four exterior colours.

Save another RM4,000 more!

Do the booking online at the Volkswagen eShowroom and you’ll get an additional RM4,000 rebate, lowering the amount of financing you need to take on the H-P loan (terms and conditions apply).

But whether you choose to book online or directly with an authorised Volkswagen dealer, you still won’t need to pay any instalment in the first 6 months. That’s great in these times as your first payment would then be in January 2021.

For added convenience, the new vehicle can be delivered right your home with the free
Volkswagen Home Delivery service
, available to new owners located within 20 kms from dealerships.

Related:
Volkswagen Home Delivery Service in Malaysia

Global bestseller

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’ global bestseller and is also one of the top three most popular SUVs in the world. It is currently in its second generation since the model was first introduced in 2007. For the Malaysian market, the SUV has a 150 ps/250 Nm 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged direct injection petrol engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG).

Despite its brisk performance, thanks to having a smaller engine displacement, the Tiguan can also be economical to run, and Volkswagen says it can travel up to 800 kms on a full tank of fuel.

A highlight is the Digital Cockpit which features a high-resolution display with a three-view customizable screen via the infotainment with over 30 combination options. The infotainment system has App-Connect which can use MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple Carplay to bring apps on smartphones to the dashboard.

Safety features are also extensive with 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Multi-collision brakes, Intelligent Crash Response System, Electronic Parking Brake as well as hill-hold control.

Visit
www.volkswagen.com.my
 to know more or to make a booking online.

Volkswagen Tiguan has crossed 6-million mark and remains VW’s bestseller


Sales uplift for Mitsubishi Triton in spite of difficult market conditions

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) reports that the company’s volume seller, the Mitsubishi Triton, recorded a 22.2% market share from January to July 2020, accounting for the bulk of the 4,008 units of Mitsubishi vehicles sold during the period. For the same period in 2019, the Triton’s market share was 16.9%.

The Triton is now in top position in the double-cab pick-up truck segment in three states – Melaka, Penang and Kedah.

Market share improvement

In overall performance, MMM saw its market share growing to 1.7% of the Total Industry Volume between January and July in spite of difficult market conditions, especially the long period of businesses being closed in compliance with the Movement Control Order.

“MMM is pleased to see positive sales take off after being under pressure by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. This is driven largely by the 100% sales tax exemption from the government which applies to both our locally-assembled SUVs the ASX Compact SUV and Outlander seven-seater SUV. The good sales also reveal brand and customer’s loyalty in these very tough times,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.

Coming to Malaysia soon…

New model launch soon

Mr. Shinnishi said that MMM is very excited for a thrilling year ahead with the
introduction of the Mitsubishi XPANDER
.  “The 7-seater crossover will provide us with a solid base to maintain strong sales momentum until the end of the year. The demand and success of the new Mitsubishi XPANDER in our neighbouring ASEAN countries reflects on how well-suited this car is to meet the needs of customers and we’re confident that this impressive XPANDER will capture the heart of Malaysians,” he added.

In preparation of the introduction of the Mitsubishi XPANDER, selected number of Mitsubishi showrooms will be upgraded to
Mitsubishi Motor’s latest Visual Identity (VI)
 this year to maintain the company’s leading position in providing excellent aftersales customer service.

For more information on the new XPANDER or other Mitsubishi models sold in Malaysia, visit
www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my
.

MITSUBISHI CONNECT adds convenience to the ownership experience for Mitsubishi owners


Extreme E Arctic X Prix: Like nothing the motorsport world has ever seen (w/VIDEO)

Being the very first season ever, every location of the Extreme E championship series is a first and for the third round, the location in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland certainly presented an entirely different environment for the Arctic X Prix.

After consecutive overall wins by the Rosberg X Racing team in Saudi Arabia (Desert X Prix) and Senegal (Ocean X Prix), this third round was won by Andretti United Extreme E drivers Timmy Hansen and Catie Munnings.

In Extreme E’s first-ever 5-car final, British driver Munnings took the lead early on, until being passed by X44’s Sebastien Loeb, the Frenchman leading for the rest of the 8.6-km lap around a lake until the Switch Zone, while Munnings dropped behind Rosberg X Racing’s Molly Taylor.

The top three ran close into the Switch Zone area, the Andretti United car – the same all-electric ODYSSEY 21 E-SUV as everyone else – having re-taken second position, but X44’s challenge would be thwarted by a right-rear puncture, the wheel needing to be changed in the Switch Zone while Cristina Gutierrez climbed aboard the car.

Andretti United’s Hansen was first to leave the Switch Zone for the second lap, closely chased by RXR’s Johan Kristoffersson, the pair running side-by-side and spectacularly jumping high together over sections of the course, until the RXR car was slowed by technical issues from a jump landing and the Andretti United team ran free to claim its first victory.

Having won the Crazy Race earlier in the day, the JBXE team flew in the final, Kevin Hansen completing the first lap before handing the controls to Swedish compatriot Mikaela Ahlin-Kottulinsky and, fighting back from difficulties during qualifying, the pair finished second.

A solid run for ACCIONA | Sainz XE duo Carlos Sainz and Laia Sanz was rewarded with a podium finish in third, with X44 classified fourth and RXR fifth. The SEGI TV CHIP GANASSI RACING and Xite Energy Racing teams battled in the Crazy Race but didn’t make it through to the final.

“It feels awesome! It’s been a great afternoon and day! We’ve both had great races today and we had to work really hard for it. Catie did an amazing job both times. We both were involved in very close battles with the Rosberg X Racing car both times, it just feels incredible to be here,” said Timmy Hansen of Andretti United Extreme E.

“I loved the challenge of this course. I think it was really different to what we’ve seen before and a new challenge for the car as well. I think what was interesting was that it literally changed every time you saw it. Every car would chuck out massive rocks and so your line might not be there, so it was a very spontaneous style of driving and I also found it very hard to judge what the correct speed was, you have to think a lot more especially if you’re the first driver,” added Munnings.

The unforgiving Arctic X Prix course, combined with the series’ revised sporting format produced some of the most exciting racing yet with the 18 world-class drivers battling not only themselves, but the conditions and various track hazards en route to the finish line.

Adding an extra element of excitement to proceedings was the returning Super Sector, with the fastest driver over the course of the weekend earning themselves 5 extra points for the team.

Drawing attention to the mission of creating greater environmental awareness, JBXE’s Ahlin-Kottulinsky said: ”We are all living in this world and we all want to make a great future, so I think closing your eyes to what’s happening is not the right way. We all have to be open to see what is happening to the world and that is why Extreme E is trying new technologies and new ways to improve, we are all in this together and we all have to do this right. I think the fact that it is raining here in Greenland is as unusual as it would be in the desert and seeing how much rain we actually had this weekend is devastating so you can’t just close your eyes to it.”

From Greenland, the series will have its next round in Sardinia, Italy, on October 23/24. The move to Sardinia for the Island X Prix follows the decision to postpone its originally planned events in Brazil and Argentina due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation in South America.

“Extreme E was built around the ethos of racing electric vehicles in remote environments in an effort to raise awareness for climate change issues and showcase the performance and benefits of low carbon vehicles. However, this crisis is not a problem which only affects remote locations. It is becoming increasingly noticeable closer to home, across North America, and here across Europe, with rising temperatures, heatwaves and wildfires, which currently rage in Sardinia itself, being some of the latest devastating examples,” said Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E.

Since the start of the series, the vehicles, participants and scientific facility for research work at each location have travelled on a specially refurbished cargo ship called the St. Helena. Efficiency is a major element of the ship with the engines running on low sulphur marine diesel and the propellers having reduced friction. 4,000 new low emission LED lights replace the old power intensive lighting, and there are new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected but you may not show symptoms and still spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.


BMW 740Le xDrive now available in Malaysia – RM594,800

Together with the official Malaysian debut of the first-ever BMW X7, BMW Malaysia also took the opportunity to launch the new BMW 7 Series, the 2019 BMW 740Le xDrive. Available in the Pure Excellence variant, this promises nothing but luxurious driving experience in the premium sedan segment.

Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The BMW Group’s interpretation on Modern and Progressive luxury moves beyond excellent craftsmanship and the finer details in the creation of premium vehicles. Leading innovation and presence drives the automotive luxury segment and we are introducing a timeless symbol of luxury in the form of the New BMW 7 Series, which is set to raise the bar once again with prestige, elegance, comfort, exceptional sporty performance, and most importantly, an understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. The New BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence exemplifies these characteristics and conveys the essence of Electric Driving Pleasure exactly.”

Having a look around, the new BMW 7 Series is distinctive in its presence while offering state-of-the-art equipment that makes sure that your driving pleasure is as dynamic as premiumly possible. Under the hood lies the BMW 3.0-litre six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo with eDrive that punches out a whopping 394hp and 600Nm of torque.

Paired together with BMW’s latest PHEV system, the new BMW 7 Series is able to travel in pure electric up to 46km/h with a top speed of 140km/h without even using the internal combustion powerplant.

The Pure Excellence exterior design is again all about the high-societal luxury. Upfront lies a large kidney grille with active shutters is complemented by a larger BMW roundel together with the front apron no longer includes the fog lights, the new, particularly slim and elongated headlights with laser light technology.

Set with a long wheelbase together with sculpted bold lines throughout the sides, it portrays nothing but the best form of automobile luxury BMW has produced yet. The New BMW 7 Series also features 19″ light alloy wheels in Double-spoke style 630 Bicolour with mixed tyres.

The rear represents a very distinctive look as well, especially with its new LED taillights that are 35 mm slimmer, are joined by a 6mm-wide light strip – illuminating the vehicle throughout the day. Special taillight animation sequence can be seen every time the car is locked and unlocked.

The New BMW 740Le xDrive Pure Excellence sets a new benchmark in riding comfort and driving experience, thanks to the advanced chassis design. It incorporates an intelligent mix of aluminium, high-strength steel and a body structure benefiting from magnesium and carbon reinforcements (Carbon Core).

Step inside the vehicle and you’ll quickly notice how intricate everything was designed to meet the expectation of BMW customers across the globe. The Poplar Grain Grey fine-wood trim blends exceptionally well with its fine leather finish, Nappa leather upholstery, stylish sports steering wheel, and futuristic instrument panel.

The electrically adjustable comfort seats also feature a massage function for passengers in the rear. For added enjoyment, a Panoramic glass roof Sky Lounge gives passengers a peek above the vehicle. Automatic four-zone control air-conditioning is also available, along with roller sun blinds and the rear-seat Entertainment Experience. Music can be enjoyed via the 16-Speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.

Other highlights include:

BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Operating System 7.0

3-inch instrument cluster

Central 10.25-inch Control Display with touchscreen functionality

Connected Package Professional with Remote Services, Concierge Services, Apple CarPlay and Intelligent Functions

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant

Caring Car functions

BMW Malaysia has priced this beauty at RM594,800 (OTR without insurance) and there will be four colour options available for your choosing; Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Bernina Grey and Imperial Blue. You can also opt for either the Black Nappa Leather or Cognac Nappa Leather upholstery.

Owners of the New BMW 7 Series will experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme

BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Programme for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services

BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline

The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card

BMW Service Online


Peugeot 5008 also gets updates for 2021

Along with the
3008 update
, Peugeot has also revealed an updated 5008 which also shares the new ‘design codes’ of the brand. Like the 3008, it too is still in its second generation, having been added to the range in 2009. The current second generation has been around since 2017 and was reclassified as a SUV where before it was a MPV.

New styling elements can be seen in the grille which is now frameless, spread sideways with fins under the headlamps providing the visual connection. The Lion has moved into the grille, sized prominently, while the leading edge of the bonnet had the model identifier ‘5008’, as does the entire Peugeot range moving forward. The headlamps of all versions now use LED technology, with hook-shaped DRLs.

Shiny black side scoops and a painted treadplate have been included into the new bumper from the first trim level. For the GT/GT Pack, there is  a scalable design pattern to emphasise the stylistic upgrade of the GT versions. The GT/GT Pack versions also have Full LED headlamps for extra distinction as well as better illumination. With the extended light signature and the bend lighting function, visibility at night is said to be improved at speeds of up to 90 km/h.

At the rear too, there are new, upgraded headlamps with Full LED technology (including the reversing lights). Drivers behind will immediately recognise the model, if not the brand, by the ‘3D claws’ light signature, while the driver’s intentions to turn are conveyed by sequential indicators. The lights are covered with a clear, smoked glass, extending the black boot lid on each side of the vehicle, which helps to visually widen the rear of the car.

Depending on the market, the 5008 will have a new ‘Black Pack’ option which has darker design elements. These include satin black roof bars, black rubber wipers and blackened wheels.

Although Peugeot doesn’t mention it, there seem to be tiny differences in overall length and width, with the new version being 29 mm shorter and 11 mm narrower. However, this could be due to differences in body trim and the all-important wheelbase remains the same at 2,840 mm.

A new i-Cockpit

The i-Cockpit is one of the strong selling points of Peugeot models and the designers have improved upon it. The 12.3-inch digital headset, fully customisable and configurable, has a digital panel with ‘Normally Black’ technology for high quality rendering with better readability and contrasts.

The central touchscreen is now 10 inches in viewing size, with a high definition display. Seven elegant piano keys, operating as toggle switches, are lined up across the centre of the dashboard. They provide quick and direct operation to main functions – radio, air-conditioning, 3D connected navigation with voice command, vehicle settings, telephone, mobile applications and hazard warning lights.

Raising perceived level of quality

Together with the revision of the i-Cockpit®, the interior has been given new trims. These are intended to raise the perceived level of quality with the provision of Red Nappa leather upholstery, Mistral Black PET/Alcantara lining and Mistral Nappa Leather upholstery with Tramontane stitching. Customers can also opt for new exclusive décor such as Dark Lime Wood and window winders with chrome inserts as well as a frameless rearview mirror.

As with other SUVs, the 5008 has a variable cabin layout with individual seats in the second and third rows being foldable. It also possible to tip the front passenger seat forward to maximise available length which can be up to 3.2 metres. With the third row in use, the boot volume is 780 litres and can be expanded to 1,940 litres.

Enhanced technologies

Besides refreshing the looks, Peugeot has also updated and enhanced the technologies, some of which have been introduced during the 4 years this generation has been on sale. Driving aids are the big thing nowadays and for the 5008, there’s Night Vision to detect pedestrians/animals ahead at night or in reduced visibility. The system’s range guarantees detection up to 200 – 250 metres, beyond the range of the high beam. An infrared view will also appear on the instrument panel.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function and Lane Position Assist make driving more relaxed and safer, while automatic emergency braking is active from 5 km/h to 140 km/h. In some countries, it will also be possible to recognise traffic signs and the driver will be alerted accordingly.

Smartphone functionality can be transferred to the dashboard with MirrorScreen compatibility that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection protocols. Additionally, besides USB sockets, there is also a pad for wireless recharging of compatible smartphones.

Engine choices

The range of engines for the 5008 are similar to those available with the 3008. There are Puretech petrol engines with displacement of 1.2-litres (3 cylinders) and 1.6 litres (4 cylinders) with BlueHDi diesel engines having 1.5 litre and 2.0-litre displacements.

Peugeot’s innovative i-Cockpit continues to evolve after 10 years in the market


VBOX Touch – First in a New Generation of Vehicle Data Loggers

Racelogic, established in 1992, originally began producing GPS data loggers for vehicle testing but over time, its devices have also become popular in the motorsports community. This led to the development of its first VBOX (Velocity Box) in 2001 that gave racers extensive real-time insights into how their cars was running. 7 years later, videocameras were added to give visual information with a graphic overlay.

Racelogic’s VBOX hardware is used widely in the auto industry for recording test data.

The motorsports community also found the VBOX to be a useful tool for racing as it could help improve driving performance with real-time insights into what the car was doing.

The company continues to develop more advanced devices and the latest is the VBOX Touch. This is the first in a new generation of highly flexible, enhanced accuracy GNSS data-loggers using the very latest technology available.

The hardware can be used in many types of diverse automotive tests such as acceleration, braking, speed verification, tyre temperature monitoring, lap-timing and durability, to name a few. The VBOX Touch comes preloaded with a sophisticated Performance application which covers many common use cases and other applications (available free of charge from the company’s online library). Racelogic can also write custom scripts based on customer requirements.

Class-leading accuracy

The VBOX Touch has a daylight-readable 4.3-inch colour touchscreen, 10Hz GNSS engine, wifi, Bluetooth, twin CAN ports, serial port, digital input and four multi-colour LEDs. A high accuracy 2-cm RTK GPS version is available, which uses the very latest dual frequency GPS, GLONASS and Galileo signals to deliver class-leading accuracy even under difficult conditions. These new signals significantly increase the RTK resilience near trees and tall buildings, providing very precise lap-timing, position triggers and trajectory maps in places where 2-cm GPS has never been available before.

In the development of the VBOX Touch, Racelogic has worked closely with end-users to create a powerful tool to help them deliver results faster and more accurately on the track or open road.


BFGoodrich Malaysia Introduces High Performance Tyres With 6-Year Warranty – Starts From RM500!

BFGoodrich
 has unveiled the ‘BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A’, an on-road, ultra-high-performance tyre that is said to elevate vehicle performance in both wet and dry circumstances.

The company says the newly released tyre provides for a thrilling driving with remarkable handling for leaping off the line, tight cornering and strong braking, so they claim. It comes in a wide range of sizes, covering the majority of the Malaysian market.

According to Prichapakorn Dangrojana, Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, the BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A is intended to maximise vehicle capability while also providing confidence and comfort at an affordable price. This newly introduced tyre is designed to attract new consumers to the brand and lure them into performance driving by providing outstanding performance at a great value.

Here are some key advantages of the BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A:

Stay in control with the Performance Racing Core construction that maintains an optimal footprint shape during cornering at high speeds
Exceptional wet performance thanks to the Wide Circumferential Rain Grooves that help evacuate water quickly
Feel confident on every turn throughout the tyre’s life with Larger Solid Shoulder Blocks
Comfort in the cockpit area with Lateral Groove Damper that helps reduce road noise
Six-year tyre warranty for BFGoodrich Passenger Car and Light Truck Tyres against defects in design, workmanship and materials, used in normal service and in accordance with the maintenance recommendations and safety warnings of the BFGoodrich Company

The BFGoodrich g-Force Phenom T/A is now available at BFGoodrich authorised retailers across the country in a total of 25 tyre sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches. The recommended retail price ranges from RM500 to RM1,300.


Why Malaysia’s Accident Rate Is So High [W/VIDEO]

With dashcams now being installed by many motorists, we are seeing a lot of videos of accidents taking place on Malaysian roads. It’s well known that our accident rate is unacceptably high and now we can see reasons why there are some many crashes.

This is one example which is in a video circulating on some Whatsapp groups. It shows a car approaching a cross junction on the left of two lanes. Traffic in this lane should only go straight or turn left (the arrows on the road indicate that); if they want to turn right, they need to be in the right lane. The driver obviously did not think of this or realized he wanted to turn right and without even thinking about the danger of cutting across the other lane to turn, he just did it straight away.

Very unfortunately, a motorcyclist was coming along and at speed, so he could not stop or take evasive action and hit the car. But worse, another motorcyclist also came along and rammed into the rear of the  car, the rider being thrown into the air and likely to be injured badly when he hit the ground.

While the motorcyclists might be partly at fault for using the right lane and going straight, the driver is at greater fault for turning right. In fact, he already committed an offence by not following the arrow indications. He should have realized his action was a dangerous one [to others using the right lane] and if he wanted to turn, he should look back and be sure no one was approaching. He obviously did not do that, causing two motorcyclists to be injured.

Source: Whatsapp groups

When we see such accidents, we should learn from the mistakes made so we do not make them as well. In this case, the lesson learnt is that you should always be in the correct lane if you want to turn. If you really must turn from another lane, then you must take maximum care and check for traffic moving along the lane to avoid such an accident. If there is a lot of traffic, it is better to go further down the road and find a way to turn back, which will be safer.

Guide to buying a Digital Video Recorder (dashcam)


BMW Group Malaysia maintained leadership position in premium segment in 2021

Having delivered 8,439 BMW passenger vehicles and 978 MINI vehicles, BMW Group Malaysia captured the leading position in the segment last year. Of the number, 16% were electrified, bringing the total number of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles on Malaysian roads today to just over 21,600 units.

“2021 was the year of our electrification-offensive, for us as well as the BMW Group worldwide, and with the amazing response we have received in Malaysia for the all-new BMW i models, we are confident that the Electric Future we envision for Malaysia will soon become reality. We are ready for it and so is Malaysia as we now steer and drive into 2022 fully electrified,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

3-Series most popular

The 3-Series accounted for 28% of total BMW deliveries with over 2,400 units in 2021, the most popular model being the 320i Sport. The 2-Series overtook the long-favoured 5-Series for the very first time, with over 1,270 cars delivered to customers. For this model, the 218i Gran Coupe introduced in October 2020 was the bestseller. The 5-Series, which is the second oldest BMW model line assembled in Malaysia, followed closely behind with 1,150 units.

Bestselling BMW model in Malaysia in 2021 was the 3-Series.

Throughout 2021, the BMW X family of Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) remained popular, with over 3,200 vehicles delivered. The X1 continued to be the top-seller over 960 units, followed by the
electrified X5
 which had over 850 units delivered, a 22% increase from the previous year.

More electrified MINIs sold

The MINI brand saw a 5.6% growth in 2021, led again by the MINI Countryman. Over 68% of MINI sales were of this model, the largest in the range. Like the BMW brand, MINI too has seen increased sales in its electric models. In 2021, over 16% of all MINI vehicles delivered were electrified, compared to 2020 where the figure stood at just over 7%.

There is increased interest in electric vehicles, as evident by growing sales of the MINI Electric.

Over 50% of all BMW and MINI vehicle (and also BMW Motorrad motorcycles) delivered last year were financed by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia. The digitalisation of the customer journey also continued with the expansion of the
BMW Engage online financing application
 to include the
BMW Premium Selection brand
. Eight out of ten contracts last year were funded digitally, equating to over 4,400 contracts funded via BMW Engage.

Globally, the BMW Group reported 8.4% growth last year, with a total of 2,521,525 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles delivered to customers worldwide. BMW vehicles accounted for 88% of the number and for fully electric models, there was a 133.2% increase (for all brands), which is an indication that electric mobility is catching on and growing each year.

100,000 vehicles assembled locally

BMW Group Malaysia will soon set a new milestone at its assembly plant in Kulim when the 100,000 vehicle assembled (from the time BMW itself was involved in local assembly) rolls out. This eventual milestone affirms the carmaker’s confidence in its continued investments towards building and sustaining Malaysia as a regional automotive hub. With growing interest for electrification in Malaysia, the BMW Group has also introduced more powertrain options for its line-up of locally-assembled models.

The 100,000th vehicle assembled in Malaysia since the BMW Group Malaysia was established will soon roll out from the facility in Kedah. (Below) BMW engines are also assembled in the same area at a separate facility.

With range anxiety and infrastructure being the most pressing issues for customers and automakers alike in advancing electromobility in the country, BMW Group Malaysia says it will continue to accelerate the roll-out of its public charging network nationwide. As of January 2022, there are 77 BMW i Charging facilities across the country, with 25 facilities powered by partnerships with local dealers and industry players. This network is complemented with 16 charging points with Shell Recharge & Park Easy as well as 319 charging facilities with GreenTech Malaysia and its ChargEV platform.

Going beyond selling motor vehicles

“We are going beyond delivering premium vehicles that are the
 Ultimate Driving Machines
, but vehicles that are ultimately responsible for the planet and our future generations. We recognise that the time has come for a shared vision for electrified mobility with a shared responsibility by all stakeholders to act and transform our industries into a responsible ecosystem that is built for the future. For us at BMW Group Malaysia, this is an ecosystem where Future Mobility can truly thrive in. This is the future we envision and with the support of our customers, dealers, associates and the Malaysian government here – we are more than optimistic that this ‘Electric Future’ will be a successful one,” Mr. de Visser said.

 BMW Group Malaysia will continue to accelerate the roll-out of its public charging network nationwide.

BMW Group Malaysia was established in the early 2000s to be directly involved in activities that cover the wholesale of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles, including overall planning of sales, marketing and after-sales. Since starting with just a National Sales Centre in Cyberjaya, the organisation has expanded to include assembly facilities in Kedah, the BMW Group Data Centre and BMW Group Regional Training Centre in Cyberjaya, and the BMW Group Parts Distribution Centre at the Free Industrial Zone of the Senai International Airport in Johor.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range


Money-saving offers for Ford owners with SDAC Ford’s Raya Aftersales promotion

Although your vehicle may have clocked much less mileage in the past two years due to restrictions on interstate travel and general limitations of movements, it still needs to be regularly serviced. Even though the mileage may be low and not reach the usual 5,000 or 10,000-km that many service intervals are set at, manufacturers also have a schedule based on months for low-mileage motorists. This is because although the vehicle is not used much, the oil may deteriorate after some time and need to be changed.

Therefore, regardless of the mileage, you would have to send in your vehicle at intervals of 6 months or a year, depending on the brand and model. This will also allow the service centre to carry out checks to ensure that everything is in good working order as well.

Although there are prescribed mileage intervals for servicing, low-mileage owners should follow the time-based intervals instead.

With the Hari Raya festivities coming up and now that interstate travel is not forbidden, many will be planning to take
‘balik kampung
’ to celebrate with loved ones and friends. This makes it even more important to have the vehicle inspected and serviced, if that is due.

In connection with this, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has a Raya Aftersales promotion which will be on until
May 31, 2022
. During the promotion period, Ford vehicle owners can save money on genuine parts as well as services.

“As we settle into a new way of living with COVID-19 in the endemic phase, we must all continue to take precautions to stay safe. With our Ford customers planning to ‘
balik kampung
’ and travel for the upcoming Raya holidays, we hope this service promotion will help them stay safe on the roads while enjoying more savings,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.

Save up to 20%

Owners who send their vehicle in for service during the campaign period will enjoy savings of up to 20% on lubricants as well as timing and brake packages. There’s also a 20% discount on selected parts and 10% discount on labour charges for the packages.

Other offers include add-on services such as wheel alignment and balancing which are important not only for tyre life but also safety. Improperly aligned wheels could affect the steering while unbalanced tyres may get worn out irregularly and grip may be affected. Additionally, air conditioning service is also available – which is important to ensure a comfortable journey. SDAC service centres can also provide polishing as well as sanitisation services.

For peace of mind, all vehicles will be given a free 27-point inspection conducted by Ford-certified technicians to ensure their vehicles are in tip-top condition.

Customers who spend a total of RM1,000 and above on any Raya campaign offer and other selected services will receive a free exclusive sports bag. Fee Ford Raya packets will also be available (while stocks last).

Genuine Ford Parts with Warranty

Customers are assured that only genuine original Ford parts (or parts approved by Ford) are used at all Ford Authorised Service Centres nationwide. With genuine parts, customers can be certain of the highest standards of quality, fit and finish as the parts are specifically designed for Ford vehicles to ensure superior performance. They also come with a warranty of 12 months or 20,000 kms, whichever occurs first, excluding wear and tear parts.

More protection and personalisation

For more worry-free adventures and road trips, Ranger owners can also take up the Ford Extended Warranty PremiumCare Plan to get 2 additional years of coverage against unexpected repair costs after the standard 5-year warranty expires.

Additionally, Ranger (XL, XLT & XLT Plus) owners can also consider a 4-in-1 accessories package deal priced at RM1,628 or, if they prefer, the accessories can be purchased individually.

Book appointments online

Owners can easily book a service appointment online via the Ford website anytime and from anywhere for their preferred Ford Authorised Service Centre. There are 5 authorised service centres nationwide around the country and it is possible to book an appointment up to 1 month in advance.
Click here
 to make a service appointment online

For more information regarding the promotion or on Ford products and services, visit
www.sdacford.com.my
.

Find out how to unleash the full capabilities of your Ford Ranger/Ranger Raptor


New Mazda CX-50 offers extra capability for off-road motoring

Mazda’s all-new CX-50 is another new model from the carmaker that could be seen as the beginning of a new range with the ‘0’ added at the end. With the exception of the older BT-50, we’ve had the
MX-30
 and the
CX-30
 in recent years and now a larger SUV joins this new generation of models.

The CX-50, not intended as an immediate replacement for the CX-5, is essentially for the North American market where Mazda enjoys strong sales. Not only has it been developed for the market but it will also be built there, at the new Mazda Toyota Manufacturing factory in Alabama, with production beginning in January 2022.

The CX-50 will have both naturally aspirated and turbocharged SKYACTIV-G petrol engines. This is a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder unit which will be paired a 6-speed automatic transmission. All versions will have i-ACTIV all-wheel drive and a new Mazda Intelligent Drive Select known as Mi-Drive.

Later on, the company plans to add electrified powertrain options. It confirms a ‘traditional hybrid model’ will be offered but no details are being provided yet. The hybrid powertrain is likely to be Toyota’s (which has often said it is willing to share its technology to promote hybrids) although Mazda engineers would also ‘tune’ it according to their own philosophy.

Up to 150,000 units of the new CX-50 will be built annually at the jointly owned Mazda Toyota Manufacturing factory in Alabama, USA.

With this new model, it appears that Mazda has adjusted the balance of highway capability and off-road capability based on market studies of how owners of SUVs use their vehicles. The present range of models are already fairly competent with
jinba-ittai
 driving dynamics on the road and with the CX-50, some extra capability has been added for off-road motoring. Exactly what this entails is not explained but Mazda says that drivers will be able ‘to venture further into the outdoors and various terrain’.

It is likely that Mazda engineers have adapted the G-Vectoring Control (GVC) to enhance driving on loose surfaces. This proprietary system developed by the carmaker intelligently adjusts engine torque so that weight distribution is more front-biased when turning in. That could be useful on loose surfaces to enhance grip as the vehicle goes around a turn.

With the ‘father of KODO Design’, Ikuo Maeda (Head of Mazda Design) having expressed a hope that
KODO design
 will exist ‘forever’, it is also adopted for the CX-50. As with each new model, there is a bit of evolution in the design language and the design elements are geared toward a  more rugged image.

Riding on a new platform also used for the latest Mazda3 and CX-30, the CX-50 is slightly longer than the CX-5 as well as wider. However, the roofline is closer to the road and the designers have put on roof rails. While roof rails on many SUVs are more for looks, those on the CX-50 are said to be high-strength and, along with reinforced B-pillars and door jambs, allow equipment to be securely stowed on the roof. For those who have more gear, Mazda also offers a roof carrier as an option.

As with other current Mazdas, the cabin has a premium look with functionality that would be welcome by those who do venture off-road. The generous height and length contribute to the spacious cargo area and perhaps some of the useful lessons gained from working with Ford on the jointly developed Escape/Tribute years ago have been recalled. A new panoramic moonroof, a first for Mazda, brings the sky in, again something that will be especially appreciated off-road.

As the model is intended mainly for the North American market, it is unlikely that it will be offered in Malaysia by Bermaz. However, it might eventually appear in a later generation as the current single-digit number range transitions into the double-digit one in later years as Mazda clearly would not be having dual model ranges for too long. That has already happened with the CX-30, with the CX-3 to be discontinued in some markets next year.

To know more about Mazda models available in Malaysia, visit
www.mazda.com.my
.

Mazda to complete electrification of products by 2030, with major focus on European markets


Up to 50% discount on traffic summonses on December 24 & 26

Each year, the Malaysian police (PDRM) issues millions on summonses to motorists. Many are compoundable, meaning that a fine of up to RM300 can be paid, avoiding the time-consuming process of going to court. Settlement must usually be done within 2 weeks otherwise more serious action will be taken, including blacklisting.

However, in spite of such conditions, the majority of motorists seem to disregard the urgency – or even need – to settle their summons. Over the years, they have found that they can get away with not settling although some are caught if checks are made when they are stopped. Then there’s the annual ‘discount season’ which the police say is a necessary incentive.

Well, it’s that time of the year again, according to a report in
The Star
, and on
December 24 and 26 2019
 (8:30 am to 4 pm), the PDRM Traffic Division is offering a 50% discount on fines for summonses. However, not all types of summonses will be discounted and there are 5 types that will have to be paid in full. These include summonses relating to accidents, are non-compoundable, or are subject to court cases. Summonses issued during
 Ops Selamat
 are also not entitled to any discount.

So do go and settle the summons next week and start 2020 with a clean record – and try not to get new summonses. Incidentally, during those two days, the PDRM will also be having a ‘
Meet the Customers
’ event at Dataran JSPT which is located at the police station complex in Jalan Tun H.S. Lee in Kuala Lumpur.

Child car seat: No summonses for first six months of 2020


All Honda Malaysia operations, including dealerships, to remain closed from March 18 – 31, 2020

In accordance with the
Movement Control Order by the government
 which will take effect from Wednesday March 18 and continue till March 31, 2020, Honda Malaysia will suspend its business operations during the period.

The business operations involved cover Honda Malaysia’s plant in Pegoh (Melaka), its sales office and also dealerships nationwide. This would mean that all authorised service centres would also remain closed during the period.

All Honda dealerships, including the service centres, will be closed from March 18 – 31, 2020.

The company says that it will resume business operations, tentatively, on April 1, 2020. “Honda Malaysia will continue to monitor the situation closely and update accordingly. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during this time,” a statement issued this afternoon said.

Meanwhile, it should be noted by motorists who travel on public roads that petrol stations are permitted to remain open so you can still purchase fuel if needed. However, as urged by health authorities, you should practice social distancing when you are at a petrol station. This means being at least one metre apart from another person, especially if you have to go into the convenience store.