You might not think that a paper plane has much in common with the new Ford Everest. But the principles that help a well-crafted paper plane effortlessly fly through the air are much the same as those that Ford engineers use to make the Everest surprisingly aerodynamic.

“The secret to making a great paper plane is in the details,” said Rob Carstairs, senior aerodynamicist, Ford Asia Pacific. “Every fold you make in the paper can make the difference between a plane that flies and one that flops. The Everest is no different. We spent thousands of hours refining every feature of the Everest to ensure it was as aerodynamic as possible. Better aerodynamics means improved fuel efficiency, and improved fuel efficiency means our customers are spending less money on fuel.”

To do so, Ford engineers made extensive use of the state-of- the-art Advanced Center for Automotive Research and Training (ACART) at the company’s Asia Pacific Product Development Center near Melbourne, Australia.

The ACART wind tunnel resembles a large garage in which Ford engineers can take detailed aerodynamic measurements in a variety of simulated conditions. Using these measurements, engineers were able to determine which parts of Everest prototypes were creating the most drag and making the vehicle less aerodynamic. Through more than 100,000 simulation hours and countless subtle design adjustments, engineers were able to reduce the Everest’s drag coefficient to just 0.389, which means it is more aerodynamic than most vehicles of this size and more fuel efficient as a result.

Making a vehicle aerodynamic is an exercise in balance: The Everest needs to be able to slip through the air without compromising its off-road performance. To achieve this, Carstairs and his team designed an aerodynamic 3D-formed front undershield that sits beneath the front bumper. As well as directing airflow under the vehicle to improve fuel efficiency, the undershield is designed to have a minimal impact on the Everest’s ground clearance and aggressive approach angle, offering extreme off-road capability as well as improved fuel efficiency on the road.

Another aerodynamic feature on the Everest that serves a dual purpose are the sails on the wing mirrors: As well as helping to reduce drag, they minimise the throbbing noise that can occur when driving with the windows open. Aerodynamic “kickers” flanking the rear window also help to direct airflow and reduce drag.

The Ford Everest may be far removed from a paper plane, but the aerodynamic rule is the same: It’s the details that count. By following this simple rule, Ford engineers were able to fine-tune the Everest’s aerodynamics, and create a more efficient and refined vehicle, saving you money over its lifetime and giving you a quieter, more comfortable driving experience.

The post The Ford Everest Is Like A Plane appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Honda Malaysia has unveiled the facelifted 9th generation Honda Accord executive sedan, featuring updates inside and outside. Three variants remain on offer – 2.0VTi, 2.0VTi-L and 2.4VTi-L priced at RM 144,800, RM 153,800 and RM 172,800 respectively (on-the-road).

Aesthetically, the lights, front grille and bumpers have been redesigned. The 2.0-liter variants’ headlights are halogen with LED daytime running lights while the 2.4-liter gets full LED treatment and they’re all automatic. Front fog lights are also LED across the range as are the rear lights (with rear fog light).

The base 2.0VTi has leveled up with more equipment than before such as smart entry, push button start, hands-free phone control with voice recognition and cruise control. The mid-range 2.0VTi-L (which is currently Honda Malaysia’s best-selling Accord variant) also gets additional equipment like auto dimming rear view mirror, auto wipers, powered front passenger seat, multi-angle rear view camera and Honda LaneWatch (blind spot camera).

The range-topping 2.4VTi-L tops all that with auto-leveling headlights, active cornering lights, hydrophilic wing mirror, paddle shifters, powered rear sunshade and premium sound system with subwoofer.

Common features across the range are color i-MID (intelligent multi-info display), 7″ touchscreen display that is Apple CarPlay compatible and Android Auto ready (with MirrorLink and WiFi sharing), 6-speaker audio system, dual zone climate control, rear cooling vents, Active Noise Control & Active Sound Control, 6 airbags (front, side and curtain), ISOFIX, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), ABS, EBD, hill-start assist and emergency stop signal.

Other minor changes in the interior include a new wood grain print on the doors and dashboard and an improved instrument panel.

The 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine produces 155 PS and 190 Nm of torque while the 2.4-liter Earth Dreams engine produces 175 PS and 225 Nm. Both engines are paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Wheels for 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter variants are new two-toned alloys sized 17″ and 18″ respectively.

The new Accord gets 3 new colors – White Orchid Pearl, Obsidian Blue Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic, besides the Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. A 5-year unlimited mileage warranty covers the Accord.

The post Honda Accord Facelift Launched In Malaysia appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Goodyear has officially announced its appointment of Ben Hoge as Managing Director of Goodyear Malaysia effective 1 August 2016, succeeding Andy Cooper, who was Interim Managing Director at Goodyear Malaysia.

Mr. Hoge joins the Malaysia operations from Goodyear Benelux, Belgium where he was Managing Director since 2014, and had led a team of 130 associates and set new record in sales and tire volumes throughout 2014. He was previously Finance Director at Goodyear Benelux in 2010 where under his leadership the company achieved record double digit growth over two consecutive years before being promoted to Finance Director of Goodyear EMEA, Commercial Tires where he played a key role in the Commercial Leadership Team involved in the development of strategy and improvement of planning / processes and overall business development.

Prior to joining Goodyear, Mr. Hoge had more than 19 years of business experience in finance and sales, holding various positions across multinational companies such as Fosters, Sara Lee, Douwe Egberts and Akzo Nobel in The Netherlands, France, UK and Belgium. Mr. Hoge holds a Master’s Degree in Business Economics and Business Administration from the University of Groningen, and a Post-Graduate Degree in Registeraccountant (RA; Dutch CPA qualification) from the University of Amsterdam in The Netherlands.

In Malaysia, Mr. Hoge will oversee the organization’s operations, maintain operational excellence for the tire plant and execute new business strategies to strengthen Goodyear’s position in Malaysia.

“Malaysia has always been a key market for Goodyear in the APAC region. There are ample growth opportunities in this market for passenger and commercial tire segments, as well as the capability to cater to neighbouring markets through our local facility. We believe Ben’s extensive credentials and proven track record in Goodyear will help us realise our business objectives and catapult Goodyear Malaysia to greater heights.” said Andy Cooper, Managing Director of Goodyear ASEAN.

The post New Managing Director For Goodyear Malaysia appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

The famed Swedish carmaker, Volvo, is slowly but surely making its brand hot again. Volvo Car Malaysia has just announced that the S60 T6 sedan equipped with the Drive-E powertrain has received Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) status. The EEV status allows Volvo Car Malaysia to reduce the S60 T6 price from RM 280,888 to RM 238,888 (on the road without insurance).

With a 2.0 liter engine that pushes out 306 hp and 400 Nm between 2,100 – 4,800 rpm, the S60 T6 delivers one of the best-in-class performance, with a 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds. The new price also works out to roughly 1.3 hp per RM 1,000 and the 2.0 liter engine means a relatively affordable road tax for such performance.

This performance is achieved by using a supercharger and turbocharger combination with huge amounts of torque available across a wider range. The T6 engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with two overdrive gears that conserves fuel when cruising at constant speeds.

The official fuel consumption figure is 6.7 litre / 100 km based on the NEDC combined cycle. This means that the current T6 engine produces more power, uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions than the previous engine.

“Our Drive-E powertrain technology is focused squarely on delivering responsive power, clean efficiency and an exceptional driving experience. Using our advanced boosting solutions, we are able to get the best out of our precisely-designed engines,” said Lennart Stegland, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

The S60 T6 comes with Dynamic chassis which has an alert, quick-responding design that puts the focus on the driving experience without compromising the comfortable ride. Additionally, the steering gear ratio responds faster to give an enhanced steering feel and sharper response. The steering column’s thicker tubing and stiffer bushes increased torsional rigidity by 100 percent. This also contributes to the increased feeling of direct contact with the the wheels and the road.

The revised retail pricing comes into effect today (8 September 2016).

The post Volvo S60 T6 Gets EEV Status; Price Reduced appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

It’s more or less happening, officially and finally, Sony will start to make lithium-ion batteries for electrified vehicles. The Japanese electronics conglomerate was the first to commercialize lithium-ion batteries as far back as 1991 before the electronic devices boom happened.

Even though there are already existing players like LG Chem, Samsung SDI, Panasonic and Sanyo, Sony’s entry isn’t seen to dilute a market which is expected to grow quickly. Furthermore, these existing battery manufacturers have practically maximized their production capacity at least for the next few years.

Sony’s new lithium-ion cell, the VC7, is expected to be available soon. With a capacity of 3,500 mAh and compact size, it is said to match the capacity of the other major manufacturers like LG and Sanyo and can easily fit into any battery pack while being lightweight.

By 2020, Sony aims to commercialize new batteries for smart devices and electric vehicles. These batteries are expected to be high-capacity lithium-sulfur and magnesium-sulfur batteries.

In the meantime, the company is also interested in bidding to supply batteries for the FIA Formula E in 2018. Sony is one of nine companies (including Panasonic) bidding for the battery supply contract. Better batteries will benefit this single-seat electric car racing series as currently the drivers need to change cars to finish the race.

The post Sony To Make Electric Vehicle Batteries appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has announced the availability of two new model variants of the E 250 – Avantgarde Line and Exclusive Line.

“The E-Class has always been at the heart of the Mercedes-Benz brand and we are honoured to showcase the tenth-generation of this executive salon. The new E-Class marks the world premiere of numerous technical innovations and is the most beautiful and luxurious E-Class of all time whilst also exuding a sporty elegance. Following the launch of the all new E-Class model in June, the E 200 Avantgarde Line, we have received an overwhelming response for the saloon and now we are pleased to announce the prices and specifications of the additional three variants that will be available in the coming months. With the three available variants (E 200 Avantgarde, E 250 Avantgarde, E 250 Exclusive), we provide our discerning Malaysian customers a wide variety of premium luxury limousines to choose from,” says Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

The new E 250 Avantgarde Line is identifiable by a sports radiator grille with a large Mercedes star as its centrepiece, which gives the exterior a more dynamic and sportier look. The Avantgarde design and equipment line makes the exterior look sportier and more dynamic. The radiator trim with 2 louvres in matte iridium silver with chrome inserts and a centrally positioned Mercedes star looks distinctly different to the standard specification front section. The soft nose appears to lengthen the bonnet and emphasizes its sporty appearance, as do the diamond-meshed air intakes in the front bumper. The car comes with 19-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Meanwhile, the E 250 Exclusive Line represents a modern interpretation of luxury that is typical of Mercedes-Benz. Refined details, such as the upgraded front bumper specific to this line with chrome trim elements, differentiate it from the other design and equipment lines. The radiators trim with 3 louvres and radiator grille with a three-dimensional frame and the Mercedes star on the bonnet which you can admire from the driver’s seat.

Both trims come with the same 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine which produces 211 hp and 350 Nm. They are also fitted with enhanced Multibeam LED headlamps. Each headlamp is equipped with 84 individually activated high-performance LEDs making it exceptionally bright and precise without dazzling other road users.

Both are equipped with the COMAND Online infotainment, navigation and communication system. Information is shown on the 12.3″ high-resolution media display. Its highlights, alongside the double display, include the touch-sensitive Touch Controls on the steering wheel and the new, intelligent graphic design of the Multifunction Telephony. It allows mobile phones to be charged and, at the same time, connected to the vehicle’s exterior aerial – with absolutely no need for cables or a telephone holder.

With Parking Pilot and 360° camera, all-round vision is made possible by the reversing cameras and three other additional cameras. Observation of the areas to the side and directly in front of the vehicle helps during parking and maneuvering. The information from Parking Pilot and the cameras are displayed in full HD on the vehicle’s Widescreen Cockpit.

The E 250 comes as completely built-up units (CBU) and are priced at RM 420,888 (Avantgarde) and RM 425,888 (Exclusive).

Additional information can be found in this link.

The post Mercedes-Benz E 250 Available In Two Trims appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

The Taylor’s University Racing Team aka Taylor’s Racing Team (TRT) is going places. Not only will it be racing in the Educational Innovation of Motorsport and Automotive (EIMA) Race in Kuantan later this month (23 – 25 September), it will also be at the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers ASEAN (Formula SAE-ASEAN) on 5 – 9 October and then at the Formula SAE Australasia in Melbourne on 8 – 13 December.

The Taylor’s Racing Team was the first from Malaysia to qualify and race in the Formula SAE-A in Melbourne last December 2015 where the team finished 3rd in the business presentation category and 25th in the race (out of 35 teams).

This put TRT at a ranking of 322 out of 528 teams worldwide in the Formula Student World Ranking for Combustion Car (a higher rank than many well-known universities including Cambridge), a remarkable achievement. This year’s race also makes TRT the first private university team from Malaysia to qualify for the Formula SAE-A for a second consecutive year.

And it isn’t just a simple case of slapping on an engine to a chassis to race in Formula SAE. This racing formula is managed by the Society of Automotive Engineers for its student members and is industry-recognized. To race, university teams are required to design and build their own high-performance single-seater car. This competition sees about 400 teams competing each year.

“At Taylor’s School of Engineering, we have a deep-seated belief that every student should embrace their passion. Through the Taylor’s Racing Team project, we hope to inspire our students to explore new ideas using the project-based learning approach, which puts their knowledge into practice,” said Associate Professor Dr. Ir. Satesh Narayana Namasivayam, Taylor’s University’s School of Engineering Acting Dean.

“The Taylor’s Racing Team has grown from strength to strength since they started out in 2010 with only 8 team members. The team has gained the mechanical skills, which are essential to fine-tune the race car. The experiences they went through in both local races also enhanced their innovative skills, communication capabilities and teamwork,” he added.

Taylor’s School of Engineering is the first private university in Malaysia to adopt the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) framework that gives engineering students practical real-world exposure and experience in developing industry-ready solutions.

According to Farah Danial, the team’s chief engineer and Formula SAE lead driver, “2016 is an exciting year for the Taylor’s Racing Team. For the first time, we have increased our team to 29 members. The team consists not only of engineering students but also involves students from Taylor’s Business School, School of Computing & IT as well as the School of Communication. We also manage everything from car design, equipment sourcing, materials and components, scheduling, budgeting, sponsorship to manufacturing and car testing.” Farah was the only female driver in the 2015 Formula SAE-A team.

The inclusion of the other fields of expertise is reflective of real world team management as a race team isn’t just drivers and engineers but also marketers, communicators, accountants and systems specialists, among others.

This year’s car, dubbed the TR16, is an improvement over last year’s car with a lightened chassis, improved suspension, aerodynamics kit and a redesigned air intake. The steering wheel was customized to comfortably fit the 5 drivers and 3D printed in-house. The car is powered by a 600cc Yamaha R6 engine and the air intake was designed by the students and 3D printed at Pebblereka 3D Printing Hub, one of the team’s sponsors. The carbon fiber aerodynamics kit was also made by the students at another sponsor’s facilities. Likewise, the team worked with Hankook, another sponsor, to obtain tire data to optimize performance.

Other sponsors include Motul International, Yuasa Battery Malaysia, STT Precision Sdn Bhd, PracWorks, United Everco Industries Bhd, Claws Advanced Suspension System, GT Auto, Sley Enterprise, KS Brakes Performance & Engineering, High Advantage Sdn Bhd, Meng Kah Auto Parts Trading Sdn Bhd, Motorsport Playground, Wheelspin Motorsport, Superkart Indoor Karting and TR Motor.

“We believe this new challenger is capable of a higher level of performance than the previous car and is able to carry Malaysia’s name into the global arena at world-renowned races like the Formula SAE Germany and Silverstone in the near future,” added Farah.

The TRT will race its Honda CBR-powered twin-seater, called Epifany, in the EIMA Race.

Autoworld wishes TRT the best.

The post Taylor’s University Racing Team Taking On International Challenge appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Less than a week ago, Honda Motor Co Ltd made a handful of patent filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. There were 10 filings, to be exact, ranging from a detecting sensor to a parking control device to passenger restraints. There were two that stood out – the first is called ‘pedestrian intersection alert system’.

Admittedly, the title for this story is exaggerated as Honda will not turn you into a superhero. The concept that Honda has filed is really an augmented reality system which uses sensors to detect pedestrians who are out of the driver’s field of vision (e.g. blocked by parked vehicles) and displays them on a head-up display (HUD) on the windscreen. This will help the driver anticipate pedestrian movement as he/she approaches them. In a way, not running down a pedestrian who isn’t paying attention when crossing the street makes you a hero.

This detection system is suppose to activate as the car approaches an intersection and the system will show the pedestrians’ locations on the HUD as avatars; which is better use for HUDs as they currently only show driving data and navigation, at most.

This system can also show a bird’s eye view of the car’s location and the pedestrians nearby. In a crowded area, the system is said to be able to filter and show only pedestrians within a predetermined distance from the vehicle so that your HUD is not full of avatars.

Honda says this system can work in a line of 3 cars when your field of vision is limited, especially in city driving, as long as these 3 cars have a ‘vehicle-to-vehicle communication system’ (also one of the filings Honda made). The lead car can communicate with the 2 cars behind it on speed and obstacles. This system will allow the cars to calculate the distance between them and activate whatever sort of driving safety or warning system that aids in decreasing the risk of collision.

Companies make patent filings all the time and not all make it to reality; Honda filed a patent in 2013 for a pedestrian detection system and it’s still in development (this particular system requires pedestrians to install an app in the smart device). But a system that helps reduce accidents and increase safety is always welcomed.

The post Honda Patents X-Ray Vision appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Here are some cars that will appear in the upcoming movie Transformers: The Last Knight. The 5th installment of this Hasbro franchise is due in cinemas June 2017. Michael Bay is again directing the movie which stars Mark Wahlberg, Isabela Moner, Anthony Hopkins and Josh Duhamel.

The movie is currently filming on the streets of London. Autobot Bumblebee is seen as a new custom Chevy Camaro while the Decepticon Barricade is returning in the guise of a Ford Mustang. Also appearing are Autobots (previously a Decepticon) Drift as a Mercedes-AMG GT R and Hot Rod, a Lamborghini Centenario LP770-4.

Other known vehicle characters are a Mercedes Unimog (Autobot Hound), Western Star 5700 E (Autobot Optimus Prime), Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray (Autobot Crosshairs) and Western Star 4900 SF (Decepticon Onslaught).

The McLaren 570S is an unknown character, as is an Aston Martin DB11 and a Volkswagen Type 2.

Sources: ComingSoon.net, Daily Mail, duPont Registry, Michael Bay, Seibertron.com

The post The Cars Of “Transformers : The Last Knight” Movie appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has updated its 4-door premium coupe, CLA. The CLA range is made up of 3 variants – CLA 200, CLA 250 Sport 4Matic and the range-topping Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic.

The engines for the latter 2 models are carried over from the previous – the CLA 200 has a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that outputs 156 hp @ 5,600 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,250 – 4,000 rpm and the CLA 250 uses a 2-liter engine with 211 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 350 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm. On the other hand, the CLA 45 gets a refreshed 2-liter engine with more power than before i.e. 381 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 475 Nm @ 2,250 – 5,000 rpm. All the engines are paired with a 7-speed DCT (dual clutch) automatic transmission; the CLA 45 gets an AMG SPEEDSHIFT sports transmission with Race Start function.  The CLA 200 and CLA 250 have the shift stalk mounted on their steering column while the CLA 45 gets a more conventional shift lever on the center console. The DYNAMIC SELECT feature allows the car’s engine, transmission and steering characteristics to be changed at the touch of a button.

The CLA 200 has a 0 – 100 km/h time of 8.2 seconds and top speed of 230 km/h; the CLA 250, 6.5 seconds, 240 km/h and the CLA 45, 4.2 seconds, 250 km/h. Fuel consumption based on the NEDC combined cycle is 5.5 l/100km, 6.5 l/100km and 6.9 l/100km respectively.

All 3 variants now have the AMG Line exterior with the distinct diamond radiator grille with chrome pins, chrome-plated twin tailpipes, and side sills. The suspension has also been lowered for a more aggressive stance as well as to improve handling. The front and rear bumpers come with chrome trim (the CLA 250 gets the Night package black trim at the rear). The tailpipe trim panels are now flushed with the bumper for a more integrated look while adding visual width to the car.

The higher-performance Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC gets more aggressive kit for improved aerodynamics and stability. There are no chrome pins on the front grille but twin louvers with silver chrome finish. the new AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid, the AMG front apron in new A-wing design with front splitter inserts in matte titanium grey and high-gloss black flics, the new diffuser insert design with four vertical fins and the AMG Aerodynamics package. This consists of a larger front splitter, additional flics, a black AMG spoiler lip at the rear plus spoiler lips over the simulated air outlets on the rear sides.

The facelifted CLA is now fitted with LED High Performance headlamps which has a color temperature that is closer to daylight than Xenon headlamps; it’s easier on the eyes especially at night. The 34-watt LED low-beam headlamps are also less power hungry – about 60% less energy consumption than Xenon and around 70% less than halogen.

The low-beam headlamps use LED projection technology and the main-beam, reflection technology. The direction indicators, daytime running lamps and position lights are multi-functional fiber optic cables which are also used for the “Coming Home” function.

The head and tail lamps have an automatic intensity control to reduce the dazzling effect for vehicles behind. This multi-level functionality regulates the brightness of the brake lights and direction indicators in three stages i.e. Day, Night-time driving and Night-time stationary.

Complementing the new exterior are the 18″ AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels on the CLA 200, 19″ AMG cross-spoke light alloy wheels on the CLA 250, front perforated brake discs and front calipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering.

The interior has also been updated with new seat covers, trim parts and chrome-plated controls. The silver chrome finish can be found on the controls, fascia and switches on the doors as well as on the center console. The 8″ freestanding media display is now slimmer-looking and comes with a new-style glass cover. The CLA 200 and CLA 250 are equipped with the Audio 20 CD systems, while the CLA 45 has COMAND Online. The new-style dials and instrument cluster refreshed with red needles make it easier to read the instruments.

The CLA 200 and CLA 250 get black DINAMICA microfiber in the interior and ARTICO man-made leather / DINAMICA microfiber for the sports seats, in addition to the flat-bottomed sports steering wheel. Meanwhile, the CLA 45 instrument panel is upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather, as are the beltlines (finished with contrasting red stitching).

Among the standard safety features are Active Brake Assist (previously known as COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS), which can trigger autonomous braking to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions, ATTENTION ASSIST, Electronic Stability Program, Acceleration Spin Control and 7 airbags.

The CLA 200 is priced at RM 236,888; CLA 250 Sport 4Matic, RM 278,888 and CLA 45 AMG 4Matic, RM 408,888.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is available with Agility Financing from RM 3,088 a month, with comprehensive motor insurance that also includes windscreen coverage.

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC:

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC:

The post Mercedes-Benz CLA Updated appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Our athletes who won medals at the recent 2016 Rio Olympic Games were presented with cars by DRB-HICOM and PROTON Holdings Bhd yesterday. A total of 8 cars were given to our Olympic medalists in an event attended by Minister of Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Encik Khairy Jamaluddin, Chef-de-Mission of the Malaysian contingent, Tan Sri Mohamed Al-Amin Abdul Majid.

Datuk Lee Chong Wei, our most successful Malaysian Olympian in history, with 3 silver medals, was given a new Proton Perdana. Datuk Lee won his first silver medal in the 2008 Beijing Games followed by another silver at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Our other silver medalists, Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong (Women’s Synchronized 10m Platform diving), Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying (Badminton Mixed Doubles), and Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong (Badminton Men’s Doubles) were each presented with a Proton Suprima S 1.6L Turbo Premium.

Azizulhasni Awang aka Azizul the Pocket Rocket, the first Malaysian cyclist to win a medal at the Olympics, was given the recently launched Proton Persona, for his bronze medal achievement.

Group Managing Director of DRB-HICOM and PROTON Chairman, Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar commented, “In this auspicious month of Merdeka as well as in celebration of the forthcoming Malaysia Day, we are truly inspired by these Malaysians who fought for our glory at the recent Rio 2016 Olympics. In appreciation of their sacrifices for the country, we are extremely honoured to present the national cars to our athletes to celebrate their achievements at the highest level such as the Olympics.”

“We hope that with the record achievement at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games recently, more talented Malaysians will be inspired to achieve greater heights and make our country proud,” he added.

Autoworld congratulates our Rio Games medal winners. Keep on fighting!

The post Rio Olympic Medalists Get Proton Cars appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

If you live, work and/or play in a city, you will know what congestion is and how frustrating and wasteful it can be. And this is why Ford is teaming up with major cities around the world to solve this issue and help people move about in a less stressful manner.

Ford is starting it off in San Francisco where it is set to acquire Chariot, a San Francisco-based crowd-sourced shuttle service, and collaborating with bike-sharing provider, Motivate, to expand its transportation solutions in city centers. Ford also is establishing a new City Solutions team to work with cities around the world on their transportation needs.

“We’re expanding our business to be both an auto and a mobility company, and partnering with cities on current and future transportation needs is the next major step,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and CEO. “For more than 100 years, Ford has been part of the community and the trusted source for automotive transportation. Now, we want to work with communities to offer even more transportation choices and solutions for people – for decades to come,” he added.

Today, half the world’s population live in cities and by 2030, that is expected to grow to 60%. As city populations grow, the challenges tied to moving people and goods around become tougher and Ford is committed to being part of the solution.

“Cities globally are dealing with increased congestion, a growing middle class and environmental issues – all of which can be alleviated by developing mobility solutions fine-tuned to the unique challenges of each location,” said Jim Hackett, chairman, Ford Smart Mobility LLC, the company’s subsidiary created to design, build, grow and invest in emerging mobility services. “At the same time, by expanding our business model to include new forms of transportation – from bikes to dynamic shuttles and more – we are introducing new customers to Ford and creating new revenue and profit opportunities for the future.”

Ford’s planned acquisition of Chariot will serve as the cornerstone for its new global shuttle services business. The shuttle service is expected to be expanded beyond San Francisco to at least five additional markets in the next 18 months.

Started in 2014, Chariot operates nearly 100 Ford Transit shuttles along 28 routes throughout San Francisco Bay Area. Today, Chariot’s routes are crowd-sourced based on rider demand. In the future, they will operate dynamically – using data algorithms to map efficient routes to best serve the real-time mobility needs of communities.

The Chariot shuttles complement mass transit by filling the gap between taxi and bus services – providing an on-demand, point-to- point transportation option that is convenient, efficient and cost-effective; sounds very much like a system we need here. For every one dynamic shuttle that is placed into service during peak travel times, urban congestion could be reduced by up to 25 vehicles, according to a private study for Ford conducted by KPMG.

“Chariot’s mission from day one has been to solve the commute by providing a mass transit solution that is fast, reliable and affordable for people living in today’s cities,” said Ali Vahabzadeh, Chariot co-founder and CEO. “We started our Chariot service with Ford’s 15-passenger vehicles and continue to use Ford Transit shuttles to this day. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be Ford Smart Mobility’s first acquisition and leverage its leadership in transportation to fulfill Chariot’s goals worldwide.”

Bikes are another important mode of transportation for commuters in the Bay Area. Ford and Motivate, the global leader in bike share, are working with city officials to add new stations and increase the number of bikes to 7,000 in the Bay Area by the end of 2018. When it launches next year, Ford GoBike will be accessed by users through the FordPass ® platform.

“A transportation revolution is coming to the Bay Area,” said Jay Walder, CEO of Motivate. “This unique partnership with Ford shows that bike share is no longer alternative transportation; it is central to creating smart, on-demand mobility that represents our values for equity and sustainability. Thanks to the partnership of Metropolitan Transportation Commission, San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville, bike share will soon be available for all in the Bay Area.”

Ford plans to develop technologies to use data collected from the bikes to build an interconnected mobility network. This could include real-time data, such as weather conditions, usage patterns and bike availability, to optimize commutes.

Ford also is establishing its new City Solutions team to work with cities on expanding mobility services worldwide as part of Ford Smart Mobility LLC. John Kwant – who has worked with several global cities during his Ford career as part of the company’s government affairs and global strategy teams – has been tapped to lead the effort as vice president, Ford City Solutions.

The team will address the reality that each city’s transportation ecosystem has evolved over time and poses a unique set of transportation challenges. Through a joint discovery process, Ford City Solutions will work with municipalities to propose, pilot and develop mobility solutions tailored to the community. Discussions are already under way with several global cities.

The way things are going with autonomous vehicles and ride sharing, it sounds like people living in market centers do not need to own a vehicle in the future and just rely on ride services when necessary. Perhaps this is better for the sanity of those living in such areas.

The post Ford Thinks Up Congestion Solutions For Cities appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Make some time free this weekend for Motor Image Malaysia, the authorized distributor of Subaru vehicles in Malaysia, is bringing you the thrilling spectacle that is the Subaru Russ Swift Stunt Show starring none other than the world’s number one precision driver, Paul Russell Swift.

Russ Swift is a well-known personality in motorsports, particularly in stunt driving, having set several Guinness World Records. In 2004, he set a Guinness World Record for making 10 complete spins with a car (aka donuts) in just 16.07 seconds – a mere 1.6 seconds for each complete spin. Swift was also a two-time British Autotest Champion and England Autotest Team Captain in 1982 and 1983.

Now back in its 3rd year, the Subaru Russ Swift Stunt Show is poised to deliver another jaw-dropping spectacle of precision stunt driving that will leave you truly amazed. The stunt show will be held at Setia City Convention Centre Carpark from 17 – 18 September 2016 at 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 5:00pm daily; with autograph sessions after each show.

At the same time, there will be a Subaru roadshow (10:00am – 6:00pm) at the same venue where you can try out the pleasure of Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology in various driving and off-road conditions. You can put the AWD capabilities of Subaru vehicles through a four-obstacle course which simulates off-road, slippery, muddy and hilly conditions, with guidance from professional instructors, of course.

Below is the schedule for the Subaru roadshows this month:

The post Subaru Russ Swift Stunt Show & Roadshow Schedule appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

It comes as no surprise that Takata Corp, the company in the middle of the global airbag recall storm is putting itself up for sale / rescue.

According to Reuters and Bloomberg, the Tokyo-based company will take initial bids today (19 September 2016) from 7 potential buyers, including Daicel Corp (a Japanese chemical maker which supplies inflators to Takata) in a joint bid with Bain Capital, Ningbo Joyson Electronic (the China parent of American-based airbag maker Key Safety Systems), and KKR & Co (a global investment fund). The bidders are expected to present their plans to Lazard Ltd (the advising bank) today and a shortlist of 2 – 3 potential buyers should be ready by October. It is said that there were as many as 30 interested parties in June but its reported that Lazard will only be accepting bids from 7 in a private process.

With its stock price plunging nearly 90% since 2014 and its potential of facing billions of dollars in liabilities arising from the global airbag recall which will go on for the next few years, Takata is in dire need of financial support. Why not let the company go under or put it out to pasture and let other airbag manufacturers take over its market share? It isn’t that simple. Firstly, Takata still needs to supply replacement airbag kits for the recall and secondly, Takata is one of only 3 dominant airbag makers supplying to the global market and as many as 10 automakers rely on Takata’s supply.

The post Takata Up For Sale; Taking Bids Today appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

To commemorate its 125th year in Malaysia, Shell has launched a collection of limited edition Shell Heritage Canisters. This special collection illustrates the various designs of Shell stations and pumps from the 1920s until the 1980s.

“Shell has fuelled Malaysia’s progress, as well as the journeys of countless Malaysians on the road. We have come a long way and the designs of our stations and pumps have followed to suit changing times. We wanted to provide our customers a chance to bring home a small piece of our history through these limited edition collectibles. We hope the designs evoke a sense of nostalgia, and inspire Malaysians to continuously improve for the future,” said Ben Mahmud, Head of Retail Marketing, Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn. Bhd.

Made available yesterday (18 September 2016), the canisters will be offered until 31 October 2016 (or while stocks last) at all Shell stations nationwide.

The canisters are available in two sizes – mini and big. Customers who spend a minimum of RM40 on any Shell fuel are entitled to purchase the big canisters at RM 12.90 each, which come with complimentary fridge magnets, while those who purchase Shell Select items worth at least RM6 or any Shell Select promotion, are entitled to purchase the mini canisters at RM 7.90 each. A new design will be released each week.

Further, a Limited Edition Shell Tanker and Helix Car Care Kit with designs depicting vintage Shell motor oil canisters are also up for grabs. For a minimum of RM40 on any Shell fuel from 16 to 22 October, customers are entitled to purchase the Limited Edition Shell Tanker at RM 12.90 each, while a purchase of Shell Helix HX5 3L/4L entitles customers to purchase the Helix Car Care Kits at RM12.90 each. With the purchase of the premium Shell Helix Ultra or HX7 (4L), customers will be entitled to get a complimentary Helix Car Care Kit (while stocks last).

To find out more about the limited edition Shell Heritage Canisters, visit www.shell.com.my/heritagecanister

To read more about Shell’s 125th anniversary in Malaysia, visit www.shell.com.my/125years

The post Shell Malaysia Launches Limited Edition 125th Anniversary Collectibles appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Volvo Trucks handed over 7 of its FM 440 6×2 prime mover trucks to Taipanco Sdn Bhd, a leader in the local haulage industry, to add to the company’s fleet of 197 prime movers and 728 trailer units. Taipanco relies on high quality, durable transportation to move containers for its clients.

The new trucks not only help to expand Taipanco’s presence in the container transport industry within Peninsular Malaysia’s central region, but also complements their other logistics and non-logistics businesses. The company began operations in 2004 with 10 prime movers in its fleet, the same year it started with Volvo Trucks.

With the addition of the new movers, Taipanco currently operate 92 units of Volvo trucks. The FM 440 is a workhorse that meets rugged operating conditions and features a powerful, responsive D13 engine and an automated I-shift gearbox that allows effortless handling. 2 of the 7 units delivered to Taipanco are equipped with power take-off (PTO) systems, one with a generator and one equipped with equipment for special projects.

Taipanco’s Lee Chan Hooi and Nazari Akhbar received a mock key and a truck scale model from Law Ah Tiong, Vice President, After Market, Volvo Malaysia and Lim Eng Loon, Dealer Manager of Port Klang, Volvo Malaysia at a handover ceremony at Volvo Trucks’ flagship dealership in Port Klang.

“Taipanco acquired the Volvo FM 440 prime movers because these vehicles are known for their performance, reliability, comfort and primarily, safety,” said Nazari. “Volvo trucks are famed for their safety, which is critical to us in delivering our customers’ goods, but we also selected these trucks for their reliability and aftermarket services.”

Nazari added that Taipanco would be able to better serve the increasing demand for their services thanks to Volvo Trucks’ genuine parts, highly-trained staff and quick turn-around time. The purchase of the Volvo FM 440 includes driver training and 24-hour breakdown service.

The post Volvo Trucks Delivers Prime Movers To Taipanco appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

On Sunday, September 25 2016, the streets will be abuzz with finely dressed gentlefolk upon their classic and vintage-style motorcycles, united in their support of men’s health. ‘The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’, the world’s greatest motorcycling charity event, shines a light upon the bikes, fashion and ideals of a bygone era, all for a good cause.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney, Australia after being inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike, wearing his nest suit. It was decided a themed ride would be a great way to combat the often-negative stereotype of men on motorcycles, whilst connecting niche motorcycle communities together. That first ride brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities, with the success of the event encouraging Mark to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. The rest, as they say, is eloquently attired history:

– In 2013, over 11,000 participants in 145 cities around the world raised over US$277k for prostate cancer research.
– In 2014, over 20,000 participants in 257 cities in 58 countries raised over US$1.5m for prostate cancer research.
– In 2015, over 37,000 participants in 410 cities in 79 countries raised over US$2.3m for prostate cancer research.

This year, 50,000 riders in over 500 cities across 90 countries will take part in their local event. Our fundraising goal is US$5m, which will be invested in both local and global prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programs by our social charity partner, the Movember Foundation.

The Movember Foundation, the world’s largest men’s health organisation, is committed to helping men live happier, healthier, longer lives. Since 2003, millions have joined the men’s health movement, raising US$715m and funding over 1,000 projects focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention. Their vision is to create a world where men are socially connected, comfortable talking about the big things in life and able to take action early when health issues arrive.

Triumph Motorcycles, the iconic British motorcycle manufacturer offers its continuing support in making sure The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’s wheels keep spinning. The most outstanding fundraisers globally will be awarded with a modern classic motorcycle as a thank you for their support.

With a longstanding heritage in supporting charity and motoring events, Swiss luxury watchmakers Zenith Watches will make sure riders arrive in style and on time by providing truly remarkable time- pieces for top fundraisers globally.

The rewards continue for the top 100 fundraisers globally, with each receiving an exclusive handcrafted Hedon Helmet featuring a unique design developed for the 2016 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

Now in it’s fourth year as a charity event, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is at the forefront of encouraging men to take responsibility for their health, get checked and seek support in time of need. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and the Movember Foundation both share this common goal of giving more life to our fathers, sons, brothers and friends.

Mark Hawwa, DGR Founder said, “We are just blown away by the traction and the enormous support over the past 4 years. It’s fantastic to see so many different countries and cultures uniting together, together the much-needed support toward global prostate cancer research and suicide prevention programs. The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride truly is a reflection of the thousands of people involved in the event, we simply wouldn’t be where we are today without them. Along with the synergy and genuine support from world class brands such as Triumph Motorcycles and Zenith Watches, and with passionate organisations such as Movember, together we will do everything that we can to support the cause and cover the globe with incredibly well dressed gentleman and genteel lady folk.”

JC, Movember Co-Founder, added “We are stoked to be partnering with Mark and the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for the next 6 seasons. Mark has been a Mo Bro since way back fighting the good fight with us for men’s health. We have watched the DGR team grow this epic event over the last four seasons into the incredible global ride and brand it is today. We are humbled by the opportunity to collaborate with the DGR team over the coming 6 seasons and look forward to our brands coming together, having fun and doing good. Movember has been changing the face of men’s health across the world thanks to the incredible support from our Mo Bros and Mo Sistas. The DGR partnership will further strengthen our journey with it’s incredible Gentlefolk across 90 countries. We can’t wait for the Mo crew to ride out with the DGR team and riding community to continue to support men’s health. Mo On.”

This year, Malaysia is on board again alongside DGR worldwide with the Penang edition. The DGR Penang edition is jointly organized by Riders Garage and Rotten Motocycles with full support from Art of Speed Malaysia. The convoy will take dapper riders on tour around UNESCO Heritage City of Georgetown from morning to afternoon. The ride is planned to push-off from Hin Bus Depot and make stops at Heritage buildings for photos & to create awareness. Last pit stop will be at Gurney Paragon for refreshments and awards presentation before the show ends.

Details of this Sunday’s itinerary:

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride PENANG 2016

8am – Registration at Hin Bus Depot & Flag Off

(For route info visit www.gentlemansride.com)

12.30pm – Arrival at Gurney Paragon

Programme at Gurney Paragon

12.30pm – Arrival of motorcycles

1.30pm – Speech

1.40pm – Prize giving

1) Most Donation – Brand New Hedon Helmet

2) Most Dapper Gentleman

3) Most Dapper Gentlewoman

4) Best Dapper Bike

5) Best Beard

6) Tryharder Award

*Breakfast & light refreshments provided. Please REGISTER at DGR Official Website.

Contact for Penang ride information : Miss Deni (Mobile : +6019.373.6798  E-mail : deni.switchbladekl@gmail.com)
For more information – www.gentlemansride.com | www.movember.com

The post Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride Penang 2016 appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Wheelcorp Premium, a 4S dealership for BMW and MINI in Malaysia, has officially opened the Wheelcorp Premium Driving Circuit, the first ever premium driving circuit owned by a dealership in the country.

The Wheelcorp Premium Driving Circuit is located in Setia Alam, next to Wheelcorp’s 4S center. It sits on 1.5 acres of land and will complement driving activities hosted by Wheelcorp Premium, including BMW, MINI and BMW xDrive Experiences.

“In the past year, Wheelcorp Premium has been rigorously strengthening its team and workforce to meet the growing demands in the Setia Alam and Klang areas. Now, with this new facility for our customers to experience the dynamism and sophistication behind the BMW and MINI brands, more than ever, we are geared up to deliver the premium promise behind the ownership of a vehicle from the BMW Group,” said Mr Jayden Liew, Dealer Principal and Executive Director of Wheelcorp Premium.

Mr Han Sang Yun, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia commented when officiating the circuit’s opening, “Wheelcorp Premium is one of the largest and more prominent 4S dealerships for BMW and MINI in the country. They are no strangers to us at BMW Group Malaysia as they are Platinum Award Winners at the recent BMW Excellence Club awards and consistently deliver over 500 vehicles annually to our performance here. They are true premium partners of the BMW Group in Malaysia.”

With this new driving circuit, BMW and MINI customers will get a chance to discover the Sheer Driving Pleasure of BMW Group vehicles and pick up driving techniques and safety skills. The circuit caters to agility tests for speed and coordination, wet condition driving, braking exercises and car control in extreme and dangerous situations. There is also a section for the BMW xDrive experience with muddy and rugged terrain that come with bunkers and slopes.

The circuit is supported by BMW Group Malaysia, BMW Credit Malaysia, Allianz Malaysia, Goodyear Malaysia and Shell Malaysia (which supplies OEM engine lubricants to BMW). Wheelcorp Premium is located at No. 1, Jalan Setia Murni AH, U13/AH, Setia Alam, Seksyen U13 40170 Shah Alam Selangor.

In conjunction with the circuit’s opening, Wheelcorp Premium will be hosting a sales event this weekend (23 – 25 September 2016) where every new BMW or MINI purchased will get you 12 months’ complimentary fuel from Shell Malaysia. All new BMW and MINI customers from Wheelcorp Premium will be entitled to a Safety and Defensive Driving Course at the circuit.

Additionally, there will be driving experiences at the circuit with the selected compact, xDrive and MINI vehicles, throughout the weekend. There are only 4 sessions a day so BMW and MINI owners are advised to register in advance by calling +6011 1782 5060.

The post Wheelcorp Premium Shows Off Its Premium Driving Circuit appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) is accepting pre-launch bookings for the new Volkswagen Jetta ahead of its official launch.

The new Jetta will be available in three variants i.e. Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. All variants will use the same new 1.4L TSI single-turbocharged, direct injection engine paired to a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG), that produces 150PS and 250Nm of torque between 1,500 to 3,500rpm, making it one of the most powerful cars in its segment.

Another thing to note is that the new Jetta is officially recognized as an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) and so should offer superior fuel efficiency, thanks to its start/stop and regenerative braking functions.

Safety is a priority for Volkswagen and the new Jetta comes with a host of safety features such as six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), and hill-hold control.

The new Jetta range is expected to be priced between RM110,000 to RM130,000 and is available in four colours – Candy White, Platinum Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black.

Bookings can be made starting today, or during a special Jetta Pre-Booking Weekend from 24 to 25 September at all authorized Volkswagen dealers nationwide (opening hours will be extended).

You can also book a test drive of the new Jetta at www.volkswagen.com.my.

The post New Volkswagen Jetta Open For Bookings appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.

We’re at the beginning of a ‘connected car’ era and it’s starting to look like a sci-fi thriller. Imagine being in your car and the side mirror mysteriously adjusts itself, the sunroof opens on its own or even scarier, the car suddenly brakes without reason. That’s what a group of Chinese security researchers from Tencent’s Keen Security Lab discovered they could do with a Tesla Model S.

While there have been past cases of Tesla hacking, this is the first time it’s been done remotely. The researchers were also able to work the wipers, the doors, the lights, among other things.

This type of thing is expected with any new technology as people get itchy fingers and prod the system to find holes. Even computers get hacked all the time. But thankfully, this hacking was done by a team of security researchers to highlight vulnerabilities.

The researchers had documented their hack and notified Tesla of it to give the company time to rectify this weakness before going public. The car maker promptly fixed this with an over-the-air software patch. According to Tesla, this remote hack only happened in a very specific circumstance i.e. when the car was connected to a malicious WiFi network and the in-car web browser is in use, and that this security risk is low, in reality. On the positive side, this type of exposure only serves to strengthen the software that control’s the car’s vital functions and make them less vulnerable.

Nevertheless, Tesla is planning to reward the researchers under the company’s bug bounty program, for helping it uncover software problems; this is a common practice in the technology sector but a first in automotive. An uncovered bug is worth US$10,000 to Tesla so (responsible) hacking pays.

Watch the video below to see how the researchers did it:

The post Tesla Model S Hacked Remotely appeared first on Autoworld.com.my.