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StreetDrone unveil platform for developing autonomous transporation

Owning an electric car has become trendy over the past few years. These are environmentally conscious car buyers who are looking for vehicles that are able to help them fulfill their daily activities but are considerably green and don’t leave a massive carbon footprint.

Now however, there is an overflowing interest in autonomous vehicles. Contemporary cars and SUVs that are able to traverse city streets unaided by a human driver, maneuver past obstacles, slow down and speed up as well as anticipate an impending emergency situation and apply brakes where necessary -all on its own.

These systems are expensive to develop and deploy. That is why only more established vehicle manufacturers with huge budgets, are able delve into the murky waters of autonomous transportation of the future. Now, thanks to a company named StreetDrone, any manufacturer, big or small, has access to such technology.

StreetDrone, a UK based company, has teamed up with Renault to develop an autonomous vehicles that is affordable enough for small automotive firms to use as a platform for developing autonomous technology. The base car is a Renault Twizy EV, and with it, the company fits their latest hardware to govern the movements of the car. The OS that runs on the hardware is the company’s StreetDrone OS which allows the car to talk to connected and autonomous software.The finished vehicle is called the StreetDrone One.

Developers, can develop coding that can can be installed in this vehicle, to test and improve new autonomous functionality. This will provide small firms the head start they need in their R&D programmes aimed at developing sustainable future autonomous transport.

Mark Preston, CEO of StreetDrone says “We know that the greatest innovations in self-driving technology need to come from a wide-base of companies and developers, not from the privileged few that are wealthy enough to be able to test innovation in the real world. StreetDrone ONE means that everyone can become a part of the autonomous revolution.”

If the programme does become a success, it would mean that companies like Apple, Google and Intel, no longer have the advantage of their bank accounts to develop the best autonomous vehicles for the average car buyer. That’s good news for us consumers because this would mean that in the not so distant future, we will have a variety of vehicle manufacturers that are able to provide cutting edge technology for the autonomous transportation market.

Perodua posts records sales for 2017

This year is shaping up to be a great one for Malaysia’s second largest local automaker. Perodua has recorded decent sales figures this quarter by registering nearly 50,300 vehicles so far which is an increase of 6.5% compared with last year’s 47,200 units. The company now commands a 35.9% market share with a total of 140,000 vehicle being sold so far this year.

In March alone, Perodua sold 19,500 vehicles compared with 17,300 vehicles it sold last March, which is a 13% increase. The company attributes its sales success this year to the launch of the face-lifted Axia and a number of aggressive sales promotions for various Perodua models.

“On our after sales business, with both service intakes and parts and accessories sales seen growth in the first quarter. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect sustained growth in our after sales business,” Perodua President & CEO Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh said.

The Malaysian automaker’s parts and accessories division has also posted a rise in revenue. It said that revenue rose to a notable 5% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the same period last year by raking in RM65 million. It’s body and paint business on the other hand, saw a much higher increase in revenue at 17% compared to the same period last year. This has led to the automaker’s CEO acknowledging that the decision to delve into the body repair and paint business 7 years ago, was a savvy business decision on the part of Perodua.

In the first three months of this year, Perodua has produced 49,218 vehicles which is slightly higher than that recorded last year with 48,300 vehicle rolling of the production line. The slight increase was said to be due to the high-demand for the automaker’s B-segment sedan, the Perodua Bezza and the face-lifted Axia.

Things weren’t all rosy for Perodua though, it recorded a decrease in exported vehicles for the first quarter of 2017 with 941 vehicles shipped to six countries compared to 1,600 vehicles in 2016. Despite this, Perodua’s CEO is still confident that the company will hit the 5,000 units export mark in 2017, which was the same target set last year.

“We aim to steadily grow our regional reach as we further improve our operations to become globally competitive. Overall, we are cautiously optimistic of achieving our sales target of 202,000 units for the year. We also foresee that despite the challenges in the automotive industry, there will be modest growth for the industry this year,” said Datuk (Dr) Aminar Rashid Salleh.

Despite the current economic situation, Perodua has defied the odds by posting better and better sales each year. It has launched a number of value added vehicles recently, which have enticed many Malaysian car buyers to flock to Perodua dealerships around the country.

Audi E-Tron Sportback Concept revealed

At the ongoing Shanghai Motorshow, Audi has unveiled its design study, the all-electric E-Tron Sportback Concept. Sporting futuristic design elements, this vehicle provides a glimpse into what the actual car might look like when it hits the road next year.

This vehicle measures 4,900mm long, 1,980mm wide and 1,530mm high. It has a wheelbase of 2,930mm and according to Audi is positioned in the C segment which is close to the Audi A7. The front end features an octogonal single frame grille with a wide horizontal cut but unlike conventional models, it forgoes the large opening at the front due to the fact that electric motors require far less cooling than petrol engines.

The edges of the central surface are drawn back which help channel airflow. The sharp creases, angular headlights and blacked-out grille provide for a futuristic yet menacing stance.

The contours are angular yet simple and provide the vehicle with a coupe-like look. The wing mirrors have been replaced with cameras that provide a better field of view and almost eliminating blind spots that come with conventional mirrors. The LED lighting features digital matrix projectors that help illuminate the road ahead during the day or night. Below the DRLs are 250 LEDs that display engaging graphics and communicate signs while on the move.

Inside, the E-Tron features a signature white Audi interior with a digital instrument cluster and switchgear that wouldn’t look our of place on a commercial airliner. Unlike conventional Audis, this one has two rear seats instead of the stretched three seat set up. The dash up front features a sports steering wheel that resembles that of the R8 but overall, has a very minimalistic look as opposed to its competitors that feel very busy and complicated.

The E-Tron also has 23-inch wheels that feature a 6-spoke design and add to the sporty look but also give the car a wider track. But Audi may choose drop the rim size for the production version in the name of power conservation later on.

Since this is an all-electric vehicle, it features three motors, one on the front axle and two on the rear one. Working in tandem they provide it with an-all-wheel-drive system. Power is rated at 320kW (429bhp) which increases to 370kW (496bhp) when in boost mode. The 0-100km/h sprint is accomplished in 4.5 seconds, which isn’t supercar quick but impressive considering this Audi’s dimensions. Juice is supplied via a 95kWh lithium-ion battery pack that also provides the vehicle with a range of 450km.

The liquid cooled Lithium-ion battery pack is positioned between the front and rear axles and placed below the passenger compartment. Due to this, the vehicle has a lower centre of gravity and a balanced axle load distribution of 52:48 (front/rear). The battery can be charged by the Combined Charging System which accepts Alternating or Direct Current (AC or DC) charging outlets.

Regarding the reveal, Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, said, “Our Audi e‑tron will be starting out in 2018 – the first electric car in its competitive field that is fit for everyday use. With a range of over 450km and the special electric driving experience, we will make this sporty SUV the must-have product of the next decade. Following close on its heels, in 2019, comes the production version of the Audi e‑tron Sportback – an emotional coupe version that is thrillingly identifiable as an electric car at the very first glance.”

Though it has been labeled as a design study, the production ready car is slated for launch in 2018, which means several elements will be carried over from the concept vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan unveiled at Shanghai

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled what maybe its future A-Class, at the ongoing Shanghai Motorshow. Dubbed the Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan, the car forgoes the German automaker’s current design language for one that features more elegant and curvy contours.

“Our Concept A Sedan shows, that the time of creases is over”, say Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “With its perfect proportions and a sensual treatment of surfaces with reduced lines, it is the next milestone of Sensual Purity and has the potential to introduce a new design era.”

The Concept A Sedan measures 4570mm long, 1870mm wide and 1462mm high and features proportions that are similar in some ways to the current CLA but graced with a whole new front end. Unlike the current car, the concept has a prominent ‘Panamericana’ grille that is tilted towards the front and features vertical chrome inserts with the iconic star dominating the front. The bonnet is a little flatter and features two dome like structures that add to the muscular appearance. The door handles sit flush with the body which should aid aero efficiency.

The headlamps are sleeker than the ones on the current generation cars as it starts from each end of the grille and tappers off towards the wheel arches reminiscent of the GT Gran Turismo. The car’s grid structure in the headlamps are coated with UV paint and exposed to ultraviolet light. As such, the headlamps “glow” in different colours, depending on the light medium – the daytime running lamps, for instance, are white. This same lighting technology is also used for the rear. The large lower air inlet has a diamond grid structure and trim strip finished in dark chrome.

Things are pretty neat at the rear end too, as Mercedes-Benz has chosen a more subtle approach for the design. Similar to the current CLA, the lights take on sharp prominent contours that end toward the number plate. The rear bumper’s diffuser-look lower part is trimmed in black and has a chrome trim strip and the exhaust deflectors are finished in dark chrome.

The side windows are large and darkened to improve privacy while the large panoramic glass roof provides an airy feeling to the entire cabin. The wheel arches are wide and less pronounced to accommodate the 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels. The design features a swept blade look that have structures surfaces between the spokes.

The Current A-Class is very important to the automaker as it accounts for a substantial chunk of its yearly revenue. It has sold more than two million compact vehicles to date and with the introduction of this new radical design language, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to bolster its impressive sales figures even further. As of now, models that make up MB’s compact car line-up are the A and B-Class, CLA and CLA Shooting Brake as well as the GLA, which is its SUV crossover.

Whether or not This new design language is incorporated into the next A-Class remains to be seen but if it does, we won’t complain.

Infiniti QX50 to debut at Shanghai Motorshow

Infiniti’s QX50 Concept will make its debut at the on going Shanghai Motorshow. The next-generation premium crossover is said to offer futuristic design elements that complement the modern drivetrain very well.

The company stated that the QX50 will be the first vehicle in the world to have an engine that can adjust its variable compression ratio while on the move. This Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine will have the ability to adjust to the needs of drivers as and when power or fuel efficiency is favoured.

Infiniti also says that the QX50 will feature autonomous drive support technologies that will allow the vehicle to operate unaided. Besides the tech, the company has designed it in such a way that the interior and exterior designs complement each other very well and lend to a muscular silhouette. It’s space-centric cabin will have decent levels of comfort while offering modern and elegant levels of craftsmanship.

“INFINITI is pleased to debut an SUV concept in the world’s fastest growing segment, here in the world’s largest market,” said Roland Krueger, president of INFINITI Motor Company. “The QX50 production vehicles will feature advanced autonomous drive capability and will be the first vehicle in the world to be powered by an engine that can adjust variable compression ratio on the fly.”

Infiniti says that its goal is to produce a vehicle that looks muscular yet elegant, has futuristic autonomous technologies but ultimately, offer high levels of driver engagement – a must for those looking for something more than just a mode of transportation.

Automaker previews new ownership and sharing services

LYNK & Co a newly formed car company has previewed two new models at the ongoing Shanghai Motorshow. Unlike most automakers, this company will offer its cars with a lifetime warranty and free data traffic for connectivity.

Speaking of the offer, Alain Visser, Senior Vice President of LYNK & CO, said: “Now with two cars in the LYNK & CO family, just five months in to our company’s life, the promises we made of having a range of vehicles ready, high quality, unrivaled technology and connectivity as standard, and a unique brand identity, are being proven. On top of this we now add a lifetime warranty on every car, and free data traffic for connectivity, to further underline our determination to challenge the traditional business model of the car industry.”

The company is looking to streamline the task of shopping and purchasing a car. it will offer online sales and home delivery services and a subscription model as well. They are planning to make it as simple as picking what you like from a smartphone app. Taking this approach a step further, LYNK & Co will also feature a a car sharing function where owners will be able to rent out their vehicles.

The automaker will have transparent fixed pricing to make purchasing and renting a whole lot easier. The exact details on how this will actually work is rather scarce at the moment, but should make for an interesting take on the ride sharing services concept.

This service is slated for launch in China this year and with it, the company hopes to bring a unique connected mobility experience with the option to share your car, all in a simple yet complete user experience. On April 19th, at the motorshow, the company will showcase a production ready version of the 01 car and a concept version of its 03 model as well. The exact details will be revealed by Peter Horbury, Excecutive Vice President Design at Geely Auto Group, which leads us to believe that LYNK & Co may actually have Chinese backing with their new business approach.

Genesis GV80 Concept SUV unveiled at New York

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury sub-brand has unveiled a new SUV Fuel Cell concept vehicle at the New York International Motorshow. Meant to be a futuristic SUV powered by hydrogen, the vehicle, called the GV80 Concept SUV, features a design that conforms to the current design language used by the contemporary crop of Genesis vehicles.

It incorporates the signature Genesis crest grille that stretches to over most of the front fascia. The vehicle has quad headlamps that encase jewel-like graphics, which lends a certain luxury appeal to its appearance. The futuristic rear tail lights feature laser fiber optic technology that is said to offer a unique Genesis lighting effect. The lower rear fascia is designed to channel air efficiently out of the vehicle to help cool the the fuel cell vehicle’s powertrain. Areas around the front wheels and side rocker panels feature cut-outs that help channel air cleanly through to aid better aero flow.

Hyundai has fitted 23-inch mesh alloy wheels which are designed to reduce weight and cool the large brake system. Electronic door handles sit flush inside the body work that help airflow and provide the car with a cleaner and more elegant look. The side pillars are constructed with structural trusses which provide the cabin with an airy feel.

Inside the GV80 features modern futuristic design thanks to a multi-function interactive controller with capacitive touch. Dominating the centre console is the 22-inch curved OLED infinity display which provides different information to the front driver and passenger. The top of the interactive multi-function controller features a concave gorilla glass touchpad and knurled metal wheel with handwriting recognition. Through the use of the touch control system, each if its metal strings allows direct access to the most commonly used functions including Navigation, Entertainment, Communication, and Environment.

The GV80 features a spacious cabin which is complemented by the ash wood centre console and floor boards. The GV80 features exquisite semi-aniline leather interior, with quilted diamond stitching on the interior door panels, seat inserts and center console side. The use of suede, dark gray leather and slate ash wood provide the vehicle with a luxury business appeal.

No word yet on whether the GV80 will actually make it on the showroom floor, but the vehicle that it eventually turns out to be will feature the Korean automaker’s latest Fuel Cell technology that will definitely appeal to the alternative fuel community. Unfortunately, there are very few places that have sufficient infrastructure to support hydrogen fuel cell technology for now. Unless more countries embrace the technology, it will take a long time for hydrogen power to make its mark in the automotive industry.

BMW posts record sales for first quarter of 2017

BMW has posted its strongest sales this quarter compared to the same period last year. According to the company, its top premium brands, BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, saw a combined increase in total sales by 5.3% which amounts to 587,237 vehicles that have been sold globally. Its the first time that the German automaker has cracked half a million sales at such an early period in the year.

“We’ve achieved a strong start to the year, with our X-family models and the BMW 7 Series being the main growth drivers,” commented Dr Ian Robertson, Member of the BMW AG Board of Management with responsibility for Sales and Brand BMW. “March was the first full sales month for the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the customer feedback for this benchmark car is already very positive,” he continued.

Sales of BMW vehicles alone totaled 503,445 vehicles in the first quarter of 2017 which is a 5.2% increase compared to the same period last year. There were a number of models that contributed to the company’s sales growth. In March, deliveries of the BMW X1 increased 21.0% (26,759), sales of the BMW X5 were up 20.7% (17,678) while deliveries of the flagship BMW 7 Series grew 74.8% (7,134).

BMW’s electric line of vehicles helped bolster sales further as the company shifted 20,000 of these vehicles to customers world wide since early 2017. These sales figures are double of what were reported last year, which is proof of the growing popularity of electric vehicles. BMW i3 sales have been off to a positive start this year and the same can be said about the newly launched plug-in hybrid 530e iPerformance.

MINI branded vehicles also contributed to the overall sales growth by posting a 6.1% increase which is 83,059 vehicles sold since January. Sales of the MINI Clubman alone rose to 21% in the first quarter compared with the same period last year, which means that it is becoming a favorite among car buyers. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars had a good quarter too by posting a 33% increase in sales since January. Despite the economic situation and the volatility of the current vehicle market, there is still a strong demand for Rolls-Royce cars and the company is confident that this sales growth will be sustainable for the near future.

BMW Motorrad, the automaker’s two-wheeler arm, managed a total sales volume of 35,636 vehicles which is a 5.5% increase overall this quarter. Based on what we have seen, 2017 seems to be shaping up to be a good year for a number of automakers. Let’s hope that the surge in sales also brings with it better and improved vehicles in the not so distant future.

New MINI Cooper Countryman Launched in Malaysia

BMW Group Malaysia has finally launched the new MINI Cooper Countryman here in Malaysia. The new car is bigger than its predecessor, measuring 4,299mm in length, 1,822mm in width and 1,557mm in height. The new Countryman has a higher ground clearance and a raised seating position which should complement the MINI ALL4 Bodykit very well.

Including the kit, the Countryman has unique rear and front fenders, Piano Black bumper element and a silver coloured sump guard. There are roof rails on the roof that allow for a fitment of a roof rack, roof box or a bicycle rack. It has satin-finished aluminum with silver-coloured side sill top. And now for the first time ever, the car comes with auto LED Headlamps with Cornering Lights which keep the path ahead illuminated based on the steering position.

Available as either the Cooper Countryman or Cooper S Countryman, the former is fitted with 18-inch Light Alloy Wheels while the latter comes with 19-inch ones. Both rim types are wrapped in run-flat tyres which should offer better convenience in case of a puncture. Thanks to the larger dimensions, the Countryman offers a larger storage volume (450 litres) and increased cabin space. The interior comes with Cloth Firework Cabon Black upholstrey with Hazy Grey interior surfacing which is complemented by the subtle use of chrome and a John Cooper works sports leather steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The front seats can be adjusted electronically, but both front rear door pockets offer small storage space as does the centre console that now extenteds to the instrument panel. Two cup holders are fitted in front of the gear selector. The rear tailgate can be operated electronically and for added convenience a sensor has been fitted below the tailgate that can be operated with your foot.

Unlike its predecessor, the new car has a picnic bench that folds out of the boot and offers seating for two. In the centre console sits a 6.5-inch high resolution infotainment system which has in-car smartphone integration. The apps that are download can accessed via the car’s controls and is view-able via the LCD panel that is also integrated with the rear view camera.

There are two engine options available. The Cooper Countryman comes with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo engine that is mated to a 6-speed automatic Steptronic transmission. It produces 136bhp and 220Nm of torque. MINI says that you should get about 6 litres per 100 km on a combined cycle. Opt for the Cooper S Countryman however, and you will get a 192bhp 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine which is also mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It will return 6.5 litres per 100km when driven frugally.

For the suspension, the car comes with a single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link rear axle at the back. The car also has electro-mechanical steering with Servotronic function and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which should come in handy during emergency maneuvers. A welcomed feature is the Hill Hold Control which keeps the vehicle in place when stationary on an inclination. For safety, the car comes with two front, sides and the ceiling airbags for aided protection.

There are a number of body colours that are available which include Chestnut, Island Blue, British Racing Green, Chili Red, Light White, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, and Moonwalk Grey. The Thunder Grey colour option is only available with the Cooper S Countryman, so if you want people to know that you didn’t buy the standard car, this is the colour to have.

As for prices, the Cooper Countryman is available for RM239,888 while the Cooper S Countryman can be yours for RM269,888. Both variants come with a 4-year unlimited mileage Warranty with a free scheduled service package.

If you are interested, head on over to your nearest MINI dealership or visit the company’s local website to learn more.

Goodyear coping well with tough market demands

The trend in the global tyre market has shifted in recent years. It seems that customers are looking for better equipped and high quality tyres rather than regular ones. This shift in requirements suits Goodyear Tire & Rubber company quite well. The tyre manufacturer has been a leading maker and supplier of quality tyres that adhere to stringent tests and requirements. As sa result, this shift has increased the financial growth of the company considerably.

“The accelerating shift to high-value- added tires for both consumer vehicles and commercial trucks is the main product trend shaping the future of the tire industry,” Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Richard J. Kramer said at the company’s annual shareholder meeting today.

Goodyear says that the demand for tyres of 17-inches or larger has doubled since 2010 and it is expected to increase again by two fold by 2020. That said, the company is able to cope with market demands better than competitors due to its business model, consumer-centric strategies as well as OE relationships and marketing relationships with its distribution network.

Due to the vast diversity of vehicles and models produced by different automakers, developing and supplying suitable tyres in a timely manner can be an arduous task. But Goodyear says it is able to meet their needs and those of customers wanting the latest tyre technology in their rubber, confidently well.

During the tyre company’s annual meeting, shareholders re-elected 13 members of the company’s Board of Directors to new one-year terms, approved Goodyear’s 2017 Performance Plan and voted to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2017.

For more information on the company or the various tyres that it offers here in Malaysia, visit the company’s website to learn more.

Piston.my

English

StreetDrone unveil platform for developing autonomous transporation

Perodua posts records sales for 2017

Audi E-Tron Sportback Concept revealed

Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan unveiled at Shanghai

Infiniti QX50 to debut at Shanghai Motorshow

Automaker previews new ownership and sharing services

Genesis GV80 Concept SUV unveiled at New York

BMW posts record sales for first quarter of 2017

New MINI Cooper Countryman Launched in Malaysia

Goodyear coping well with tough market demands

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