The folks from BMW Malaysia has unveiled their latest addition into the locally assembled premium selection in the form of the new BMW 330i M Sport. Priced at RM288,800 (OTR without insurance), the new seventh-generation model is assembled at their facility located in Kulim, Kedah. Simply put, the new 330i is lighter, faster, and designed with better aerodynamics than ever before. (more…)
The Proton 1 Tank Adventure is back for its second year running and to kick things off, the first opening preliminary round took place over the Malaysia Day weekend where 30 cars took part in a 650km adventure from Proton’s Centre of Excellence (COE) to Johor Bahru AND back! (more…)
Geely Auto’s global flagship SUV, the Bo Yue, has already drawn over 750,000 users in China alone since its launch in 2016. It has also found great success in Malaysia as the X70 sold by Proton which is Geely’s affiliate.
In Russia, the Geely brand is also growing fast and has the Bo Yue as its flagship SUV – but sold with the name of Atlas. As in Malaysia, the SUV is presented as a smart SUV with Yandex Auto functionality. This gives new intelligent mobility experience to Russian speaking markets through a smart cockpit system jointly developed by Geely’s strategically invested technology company, ECARX and Russian internet giant, Yandex.
Produced in Geely Auto’s plant in Minsk for the Russian and Belarus market, the model’s interface has been specially developed for Russian-speaking users based on the GKUI Geely Smart Ecosystem. The GKUI was developed by ECARX and first launched on the Geely Bo Yue in China. It is now installed in over 22 Geely Auto vehicles. In the newly formed partnership, Yandex is responsible for software development and application localization with ECARX providing the platform.
‘Hi Alice’
To meet the demands of Russia users for localized digital services, ECARX has modified the GKUI in the locally produced Atlas with Yandex Auto and Russian digital voice assistant ‘Alice’ (in the Malaysia X70, the command is ‘Hi Proton‘). Users can utilize the intelligent voice assistant for navigation, search, and entertainment needs as well as control more functions of the Atlas in Russian.
Through the partnership, the two sides will be able to give full play to ECARX’s experience in intelligent connectivity and Yandex’s Russian digital services infrastructure. The strategic cooperation with Yandex marks the beginning of ECARX’s entry into the European market.
With the addition of the new dedicated E-series chips, the updated GKUI19 adds greater AI capabilities to the system. In the latest platform, the GKUI cloud has been upgraded to an AI cloud, GKUI mobile phone inspired desktop has been upgraded to a smart desktop which utilizes AI to intuitively configure itself depending on the user’s needs, GKUI One-ID has been upgraded to all-round ID with support for different application ecosystems from GKUI’s eco-partners, and GKUI ecosystem has been upgraded with a developer platform allowing greater integration across the internet. GKUI is now able to connect seamlessly with Xiaomi smart devices, Baidu smart devices, JD.com smart devices and other smart devices allowing users to control their home or office appliances from their car.
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It was a very good weekend for Citroën as their C3 WRC teams consisting of Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia and Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm achieved a magnificent one-two finish at the Rally Turkey. The results obtained over the weekend also means that the French manufacturer and team are back in the running for the drivers’ and co-drivers’ world titles. (more…)
The much-loved Volkswagen Beetle ceased production twice – the first time in 2003 after a 39-year run and the second time in July this year. With the second event, Volkswagen made it clear that the model line will not have a successor.
However, as with any model that is so iconic, fading into history is not going to happen easily. Even with the first and original generation, there are many units preserved by collectors which will be around for decades to come.
Electrifying the Beetle
And even at Volkswagen, a subsidiary known as Volkswagen Group Components has come up with a holistic concept for the electrification of the historic model. The conversion exclusively uses new parts they have mutually agreed on from the mass production of Volkswagen Group Components. The electric drive, the 1-speed gearbox and the battery system are based on the new VW e-up!. The conversion of the historic Beetle is being carried out by the specialist company eClassics.
“The electrified Beetle combines the charm of our classic car with the mobility of the future. Innovative e-components from Volkswagen Group Components are under the bonnet – we work with them to electrify historically important vehicles, in what is an emotional process,” explained Thomas Schmall, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Group Components. “We are also providing Beetle owners with a professional conversion solution, using production parts of the highest quality.”
New VW e-up! as technical basis
The technical basis for the conversion is provided by tested production parts from Volkswagen’s new e-up! These are manufactured at Volkswagen Group Components production sites. The components work together in the e-Beetle as an electric drive that reaches performance peaks of 60 kW/82 ps. The lithium-ion battery pack is built into the underbody and consists of up to 14 modules, each with a capacity of 2.6 kWh, cumulatively delivering energy of up to 36.8 kWh.
The higher performance and the increased weight due to the extent of electrification require the adaptation and reinforcement of the chassis and the brakes. Despite the new total weight of 1,280 kgs, the e-Beetle accelerates to 50 km/h in just under 4 seconds and to 80 km in just over 8 seconds.
The range of the e-Beetle, which reaches top speeds of up to 150 km/h, is 200 kms – a comfortable distance for a relaxing day out in a classic car with a ‘new heart’. In the event that the e-Beetle runs out of electricity during the trip, fast charging is possible via a combined charging system. As a result, the e-Beetle can store enough energy for a journey of over 150 kms after recharging for around an hour. That would be about the time spent at a cafe along the way.
Concept can be transferred
Based on this concept, the subsequent electrification of other historic vehicles will also be possible. We are already working together to prepare the platform for the Bus. An e-Porsche 356 could also be pursued in the future,” Mr. Schmall hinted. The use of the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) is also being considered. This creates additional opportunities regarding performance and range.
About Volkswagen Group Components
As an entrepreneurially independent business unit under the umbrella of Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen Group Components is responsible for the development and production of strategic components for the Group’s vehicle-producing brands. 80,000 employees work in over 60 plants at 47 production sites worldwide in five business areas – Engine and Foundry, Gearbox and Electric Drive, Chassis, Seats and Electric Mobility. They develop and manufacture vehicle components, shape future topics such as charging infrastructure and battery recycling – and thus make a decisive contribution to the value of the Volkswagen Group, its brands and products.
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Ever since the 1990s, when increasingly intense competition forced carmakers to bring their production costs down as much as possible, one of the approaches taken was to create common platforms which could be used for a variety of models. Before, each model might have its own platform with unique or different parts and systems but this gave poor economies of scale and higher costs. Thus from what might have been 10 platforms, the entire range would use perhaps 6, on which would sit models for different size and bodystyle segments.
The use of common platforms meant that many engineering items and electronics systems could be shared. Customers didn’t really care anyway: they didn’t see platforms and architecture; they saw what was on top of the platforms and that was where talented designers earned their money. Their experience of the model was how it drove and how it felt to them, so the engineers worked hard on driving dynamics.
Toyota New Global Architecture
Toyota, like the other carmakers, rationalised its platform strategy and over the past decade, its new platforms under the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) philosophy has delivered a step-change in the ride, handling and styling of a series of recent new models.
The first, the GA-C platform for mid-sized cars – is the foundation for advances in the driving character and appeal of the latest generation Prius, the C-HR and the latest 12th generation Corolla. Similarly, the TNGA philosophy has demonstrated its capability for larger sedans and SUVs, with the GA-K platform underpinning the new Camry and the new RAV4 to great effect. It is also used for the newer Lexus models.
GA-B for smaller cars
Now, Toyota is preparing to apply the philosophy and technology of TNGA to elevate the design and driving performance of its small cars with the GA-B platform. In common with the GA-C and GA-K platforms, the new GA-B platform is designed to deliver better driving dynamics with more comfort.
This is achieved through a number of techniques. First of all, the platform features advanced joining technologies that contribute to high levels of underbody rigidity whilst maintaining a focus on weight and cost.
Secondly, the MacPherson strut front suspension features low friction dampers and a variety of spring types. The rear suspension can be specified as either torsion beam or multi-link design, depending on vehicle character and type. This gives the chassis engineers a degree of flexibility which they didn’t have before.
Last, but not least, the GA-B platform also positions the driver’s seat low and back towards the centre of the car, helping to lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity. This also creates an engaging driving position with a steering wheel that can be set close to the driver at an optimised angle.
Smart packaging
The new GA-B platform has also been designed to maximise interior space through its approach to smart packaging delivering a spacious and comfortable interior. The TNGA philosophy positions non-visible components to simplify vehicle design in key areas. As a result, vehicle designers will have the freedom to give each new GA-B model a visually distinctive and individual look with a low stance and appealing proportions.
In addition, the upper body hard points and the driver’s hip point are positioned low to give designers further freedom to create vehicles with a low height and wide stance. This kind of visual appeal is aided by the positioning of the wheels at the platform corners, with very short overhangs. And the combination of a long wheelbase architecture and a smart approach to packaging ensures that interior space is not compromised despite possible compact exterior dimensions.
Modular system
The new GA-B platform offers a great deal of modularity, with a variety of wheelbase lengths, vehicle heights and track widths, allowing designers and engineers to create vehicles of different sizes and body types. This is important since consumers like to have variety, and it can be achieved without having to engineer separate platforms at extra cost.
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In the early years of the auto industry, the factories that produced cars and the parts for them were once confined only to the countries that the manufacturer was established in (BMW in Germany, Toyota in Japan, Ford in the USA, etc). However, as the auto industry rapidly expanded around the globe and cars were being sold in other countries as well, it made sense to produce them closer to the markets. And from the 1960s onwards, as more countries began industrialising – like Malaysia – incentives were also offered to carmakers to invest in local production.
Globalisation of the industry has led to factories being set up all over the world, some to serve a few markets and some as production hubs for regions or even the entire world. The need to have huge volumes for economies of scale that drive down costs is one reason for this approach. There are also political considerations which come into play as exports of vehicles from one country to another need to be ‘balanced’.
While the construction of new factories to make vehicles is ongoing, there is now a wave to establish factories to supply parts and systems for the coming era of electrification. The next decade will see a leap in hybrid and electric vehicles and demand will be great, so the factories must start up now in order to be able to meet that demand.
Incentives matter as well as policy clarity and stability
Choosing a country to build a new factory requires not just careful planning but also consideration of the incentives offered by the government. The investments and job opportunities as well as export potential are also attractive enough to governments to offer investments to attract carmakers. Clarity and stability of automotive policies is also important as carmakers plan over many years and they need to be assured that changes are not made just because a new minister has taken over and had other ideas about the direction.
Thailand has been good at policy stability, which is probably on reason why a number of global players built their production hubs there. Changes of government may occur but policies are maintained and that’s what matters.
BMW chooses Thailand
Following on from BMW Group Thailand’s earlier endorsement for incentives by Thailand’s Board of Investment (BoI) for a 700 million baht (about RM96 million) outlay in BMW plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) production, the company has jointly invested with DRAXLMAIER Group in this battery assembly plant, worth 500 million baht (about RM69 million).
“This new beacon for e-mobility innovations will further unlock the competence of Thailand’s automotive industry. The incentives from BoI also symbolize the unity between the public and private sectors in this undertaking towards a sustainable future,” BMW notes.
BMW Group Thailand has thus marked another historic milestone with the inauguration of a local high-voltage battery production plant in partnership with the DRAXLMAIER Group, one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers and a partner of BMW Group since 1966. BMW Group Thailand launched the local assembly lines in July 2019 at the plant in WHA Chonburi Industrial Estate 2. The high-voltage battery assembly plant is assembling both battery modules and the battery itself.
Uwe Quaas, MD of BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand said: “One of the pillars of BMW Group’s global strategy is electrification, and BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand is underlining its commitment to this mission by taking another big step forward in our electro-mobility strategy. The start of local battery production enables us to better respond to growing domestic demand for electrified vehicles in Thailand. This new capability also strengthens the performance of Plant Rayong in fulfilling the country’s mission of sustainable mobility.”
Fully trained workforce
The high-voltage battery is a central element of partially and fully electrified vehicles and a highly sophisticated component that requires specialized skills to produce. Thanks to the advanced training and qualification programs initiated in September 2018, the staff from the DRAXLMAIER Group who have participated in the battery production training program at BMW’s Group Plant Dingolfing – the BMW Group Competence Centre for e-drive production – and the BMW Group pilot plant for e-drivetrains in Munich, are now ready for the high-tech assembly work to produce the latest generation (Gen4) of the BMW Group high-voltage batteries
This involves the use of cutting-edge production technologies onsite including laser welding, plasma activation, robotics, gluing, automated optical and electrical inline quality inspection along with end-of-line testing. The training is also focused on supporting a highly automated process, which is an important part of battery module production, as well as comprehensive quality assurance, product methodology and technology, rework, and analysis.
World-class standards and quality
Equipped with a strong grasp of battery production skills, the staff will work on battery cells provided by a supplier in the Asian region along with other imported parts – such as aluminium housing, electronics, and cables – to roll out high-voltage battery packs that meet BMW Group’s world-class standard and are in full compliance with Thailand’s local content requirement regulation.
Completed battery packs will then be transported to Plant Rayong for the production of the entire range of BMW 5-Series Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles, which has been in operation since July 2019. Since 2017, BMW Group Manufacturing Thailand has assembled four BMW plug-in hybrids at Amata City Industrial Estate, Rayong province.
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For a brand with a history of over 130 years, the transition to a new era of design and technology has to be managed carefully. There is the legacy and the birth of the brand to keep in mind while at the same time, the future must be shown as well.
At Design Essentials 2019 in Nice, France, Mercedes-Benz Design is presenting the Vision Mercedes Simplex, a sculpture embodying the heritage and future of the luxury brand. “Only a brand that is as strong as Mercedes-Benz is capable of the physical symbiosis of history and future. The Vision Mercedes Simplex symbolises the transformation of the brand-specific luxury of Mercedes-Benz,” said Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener.
The inspiration for the Vision Mercedes Simplex goes back to 1901, when the history of mobility changed radically. At Race Week in Nice, a car the world had never seen before appeared on the starting line: a high-performance car which Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft had developed at the suggestion of the visionary Emil Jellinek.
The designs which were the norm back then were still closely related to motorised carriages. The Mercedes 35 PS, named after Jellinek’s daughter Mercedes, appeared with a completely new vehicle architecture and dominated the competitions in Race Week, which took place on the famous racetrack from Nice to La Turbie, right at the heart of what is now the Mercedes-Benz International Design Centre Europe.
The design is acknowledged as the first modern car and it heralded in a new era. Nearly 120 years ago, the transformation, away from a high motorised carriage to a flat vehicle design with a light high-performance engine installed low down in the frame and a honeycomb radiator organically integrated into the front, was the pioneer of success and role model for all the cars that were to follow, whatever the brand. The vehicle layout presented for the first time over a century ago remains to this day the technical basis of all cars.
The Vision Mercedes Simplex recalls this historic event and carries the pioneering spirit and the styling characteristics of those days far into the 21st century. Its message? The passion for luxury and innovation is part of the Mercedes-Benz brand DNA. This brand DNA gives Mercedes-Benz the strength to set new standards in mobility over again, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Two-seater with forward-looking digital luxury
The Vision Mercedes Simplex reinterprets the historic Simplex as a two-seater with freestanding wheels, an alternative drive, User Interface and a thrilling design. Its body with the dominant horizontal alignment sits as a monocoque amid the 4 large wheels, which form the outer points of the vehicle.
The resolutely vertical colour separation into a white front section and a black rear section follows the historic example. The transparent trims on the wheels reflect lightness and efficiency, as do the aerodynamic surface areas between the front wheels and the vehicle body. The entire sculpture lives from the interplay between clearly and powerfully drawn surfaces and precise technical details.
Radiator grille a symbol of digital transformation
The radiator blends a dominant frame in rose gold – reminiscent of the bronze radiator grille of the historic example – with an opening in the form of a large lens-shaped Black Panel/3D display. This is where the famous MERCEDES lettering is digitally superimposed, as are animations which provide information on the vehicle status. This detail, too, is a symbol of the transformation of the luxury brand Mercedes-Benz into the digital world.
The decentralised wheel location components unite aesthetics and engineering artistry in a unique way. The omission of a windscreen – as on the historic role model – reinforces the uncompromisingly sporty character and allows a seamless transition from the front-end flap to the instrument panel. The slim reversing lamps which are horizontally integrated into the rear section separate the upper section from the lower section of the exterior shell, which envelopes the occupants like a protective cocoon.
Perfect handcraftsmanship is also evident on the leather bag which rounds off the tail end of the vehicle body and – with its contemporary interpretation – is also themed around the historic vehicle.
Homage to history
The entire interior pay homage to the successful history of Mercedes-Benz and the DNA of the Simplex racing car – systematically reduced and nevertheless highly emotively appealing. A seamless transition between the exterior, interior and User Experience reflects the holistic approach of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy. This is particularly evident in the flowing, flute-like transition between the bonnet and instrument panel with its reduced interface which works with projections. The seamless look continues into the footwell.
The fashion world is reflected in the interior with exclusive accessories like the high-quality openers for the stowage compartments. The bench seat is inspired by stylish furniture, the hand-made Chesterfield quilting denotes a contemporary interpretation of classically luxurious handcraftsmanship. The colour-and-trim concept, including the azure blue upholstery cover which transitions seamlessly into the footwell, is inspired by the colours of the Cote d’Azur.
UI/UX design: digital luxury
The UI/UX design demonstrates a Mercedes-Benz vision of digital luxury. The driver is only shown precisely the information they actually require in the specific driving situation. The heart of the instrument panel is a physical rose-gold-coloured instrument on which dynamic digital content is projected.
This combination of mechanical beauty and intelligent digital content is described by the Mercedes-Benz designers as ‘hyper analogue’. The right information is shown on the display at the right time, eg speed, navigation instructions or vehicle information. Other information is displayed on the instrument panel depending on the situation.
A star pattern fused with the material of the instrument panel creates a large surface onto which information can be projected for a certain amount of time. Thanks to the simple presentation and the size of the display the driver can take in relevant information and yet still concentrate fully on the road at all times.
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September 12 was ‘National Videogames Day’ in the USA and it’s been an annual event for a while. A guy named David Earle is said to have started the day in the early 1990s. There is confusion about the actual date as there is another date which is July 8.
Anyway, this year, Nissan celebrated ‘National Videogames Day‘ on September 12 with concept esports gaming chair sketches inspired by the Armada SUV, GT-R NISMO sportscar and all-electric Nissan LEAF.
With videogaming and esports now some of the fastest-growing activities on the planet, Nissan has invested in the trend. Earlier this year, the automaker inked partnerships with two of the most popular gaming teams in the world, Faze Clan and OpTic Gaming.
Esports players spend hours perfecting their skills, and gaming rigs are an essential part of each player’s identity. However, esports players often have to choose between aesthetics and comfort – but Nissan’s chairs could offer both. With decades of experience in seating comfort and design (with notable innovations like the Zero Gravity Seat found on many Nissan vehicles), these three conceptual designs are sure to draw the interest of gamers across the globe.
Currently, Nissan has no plans to build any of the chairs – it’s not in that business. But maybe some specialist in such products might be interested to team up and manufacture them. Wouldn’t you want one in your room?
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Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad has achieved a remarkable feat, scoring a perfect score of 100% for the second time, in Daimler AG’s stringent ‘Centre of Competence’ certification for its Batu Caves Body & Paint (B&P) Facility in Kuala Lumpur. The company, which has been associated with Mercedes-Benz since 1951, also achieved 98% and 96% for its Johor Bahru and Bukit Tengah facilities, respectively.
“Our network of Body & Paint repair facilities scoring above the global median is the result of Cycle & Carriage’s investment into our people, sites, and systems. With Daimler AG’s stringent evaluation criteria, the excellent performance that our facilities continue to demonstrate is a testament that we are moving in the right direction in support of Mercedes Benz customers in this country. We are honoured to receive this certification from Daimler AG, and we intend to continue excelling in the delivery of premium automotive experiences to our customers,” said Cycle & Carriage CEO, Wilfrid Foo.
Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves is an authorised B&P Repair Facility with the expertise to conduct structural repairs on Mercedes-Benz vehicles while upholding global safety standards to provide customers peace of mind.
Handling up to 130 vehicles monthly
Covering over 45,000 sq ft with 22 body and paint work bays, the facility has the capacity to service up to 130 vehicles every month. Meanwhile, the Johor Bahru and Bukit Tengah facilities collectively have 20 body and paint work bays and the capacity to service 120 vehicles every month. Cycle & Carriage currently has the largest network of Daimler AG certified B&P Repair Facilities in Malaysia.
Obtaining the ‘Centre of Competence’ certification involved an evaluation on Cycle & Carriage’s workshop equipment for both, body repair and paint areas, auxiliary material, repair processes and administration practices. To remain up-to-date with the latest automotive innovations and technologies, Cycle & Carriage employees undergo regular up-skilling training at the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Training Academy.
Globally certified technicians
“Representing a marque brand that is a beacon of automotive excellence, we are proud to match this with exceptional after care service and expertise. Our facilities are home to state-of-the-art tools, globally certified and skilled technicians equipped to restore and care for an extensive range of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Malaysia. This reflects Cycle & Carriage’s complete ecosystem that takes care of our customers every step of the way,” said Mr. Foo.
“Congratulations to the dynamic team at Cycle & Carriage Batu Caves, Johor Bahru and Bukit Tengah for constantly raising the benchmark of retail and service, going the extra mile to understand and meet our customers’ needs. This is the backbone of ‘Exceptional Journeys’ we promise customers,” he added.
Another high point in 120th year
This certification is another feather in the cap for Cycle & Carriage as it continues its year-long 120th anniversary celebration. The celebration kicked into high gear recently, with the premium automotive retail and aftersales leader taking time to record its appreciation for the years of loyalty and dedication from employees at a special townhall session and simultaneous movie screenings at locations in the Klang Valley, Ipoh, Penang and Johor.
“Our people have laid a solid foundation over the years, forming the bedrock of the Cycle & Carriage heritage. We continue to empower our people to experience growth and fulfillment both professionally and personally. Empowered employees go on to deliver the genuinely Exceptional Journeys our customers experience and associate with our Cycle & Carriage identity,” explained Mr. Foo.
The company’s passion in empowering people extends into uplifting marginalised youth by promoting the Technical and Vocational Education and Training agenda. Cycle & Carriage announced its inaugural Cycle & Carriage Study Grant Programme this year, a grant to help youth from low income Malaysian families gain access to quality technical and vocational education. Furthermore, Cycle & Carriage also donated computer equipment for the benefit of vocational institute, Montfort Boys Town’s Computer Maintenance Programme trainees earlier this year. Cycle & Carriage’s involvement in the social development of the local community is an indicator of its commitment to the community in Malaysia.
Commemorating its 120-year legacy in premium automotive excellence, Cycle & Carriage also launched a regional campaign to give away 120 exceptional journeys of specially curated trips to three enticing destinations: Mongolia, Nepal and Korea. The campaign embodies the brand’s commitment to deliver exceptional people-focused experiences.
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