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SC20 by Lamborghini Squadra Corse – a road-legal track car

Some customers of Lamborghini are not satisfied buying the production models that are manufactured in a number of units. They want true exclusivity (and can pay for it) with a car that is completely personalized to their wishes. The project to meet such a demand has seen the creation of the SC20, a unique specimen of an open-top track car type-approved for road use.

Second one-off model
The SC20 is the second one-off model engineered by the carmaker’s motorsports department, Lamborghini Squadra Corse. It brought to reality a customer’s dream car and the customer was also involved in the project from the very first drawings by Lamborghini’s designers.

The common goal was to build a unique vehicle, extreme in its design and performance, and able to combine aerodynamic solutions taken from racing Lamborghinis incorporating unprecedented lines and exclusive details.

“Two years after the SC18 Alston, the SC20 was a new, intriguing challenge. The chief sources of inspiration were the Diablo VT Roadster, Aventador J, Veneno Roadster and Concept S, and the result is a dramatic combination of creativity and racing attitude,” explained Mitja Borkert, Head of Design Lamborghini Centro Stile.

Inspiration from racing Lamborghinis
The carbonfibre body was polished and slicked down by hand by the Lamborghini aerodynamic engineers to deliver optimal airflow for both performance and the cockpit’s occupants, ensuring comfortable open-air driving even at high speeds. The pronounced front splitter is framed by two fins and the air intakes on the bonnet are inspired by those of the Huracan GT3 EVO.

The sculpted body sides reflect the solutions adopted on the Essenza SCV12, and the muscular rear is topped by a large carbonfibre wing that can be set in three different positions: Low, Medium and High Load.

Exclusive details
The SC20 features exclusive details starting from the body colours on a Bianco Fu (white) base, created for the customer, on which the Blu Cepheus (blue) livery stands out. The same shade is found in the interior, alternating with Nero Cosmus (black) and Bianco Leda (white).

The most significant element of the passenger compartment is the visible carbonfibre used for the dashboard cover, rear wall, door panels, centre console and steering wheel trim, in addition to the monocoque. The lightweight material is also used for the shells of the seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather. The door handles on the other hand, are machined from solid aluminium. Lastly, the air vents are created using 3D printing technology at the factory.

“The SC20 is a combination of sophisticated engineering, Italian craftsmanship, sportiness and advanced design. It is also an example of applying our V12 engine and carbonfibre to a radical open-top vehicle that unmistakably carries the Lamborghini DNA,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini.

Its engine is based on Lamborghini’s flagship V12 – the 6498 cc 12-cylinder that delivers 770 ps at 8500 rpm and 720 Nm of torque at 6750 rpm. It is managed through the optimized 7-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) gearbox. The power reaches the four wheels through a 4-wheel drive system with a central electronic differential. To give the required grip are Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres are mounted on single-nut aluminium rims, 20 inches in front and 21 inches at the rear.

“The SC20 is one more technical and styling exercise that associates Squadra Corse experience with Lamborghini design, masterfully interpreted by our Centro Stile based on the customer’s wishes, which was the focus of the project during the entire vehicle development and construction process,” said Giorgio Sanna, Head of Lamborghini Motorsport.

Road-legal Lamborghini Huracan STO draws on motorsport heritage

How the new Nissan Almera Turbo is contributing to road safety

Edaran Tan Chong Motor’s new Nissan Almera Turbo is beginning to appear on roads around the country in increasing numbers as new owners take delivery of their cars. Apart from the fresh new styling and turbocharged powertrain, the new Almera is also packed with many safety technologies which can contribute to helping reduce road accidents.

Nissan Safety Shield 360
These are the Nissan Safety Shield 360 technologies that work together to provide safety monitoring and intervening to prevent accidents when necessary. This follows the trend in the industry whereby driver assistance systems are being provided which use camera imagery as well as radar sensors to scan the road ahead. Additionally, there are sensors to scan the sides for vehicles in the blind spots, and towards the rear to aid reversing.

Standard on all Almera Turbo variants are the Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) and Intelligent Forward Emergency Braking (IFEB) systems. The IFCW, operational at speeds between 5 km/h and 80 km/h, monitors the road ahead and alerts the driver when the car is too close to a vehicle ahead or there is a risk of collision.

2020 Nissan Almera Turbo — *Intelligent Forward Collision Warning ensures that a safe gap is always maintained when there is a vehicle ahead.*

The alert is shown on the 7-inch Advance Drive Assist Display (ADAD), along with an audible alert. This means the driver should take steps such as decelerating or even braking to avoid the collision. However, if the driver does not take these actions, then the system will take over and activate the brakes automatically.

The early braking should prevent a collision or at least reduce the speed so that the severity is less, which can make repair costs less expensive. The brakes will remain locked for about 2 seconds after the car stops moving before being deactivated.

Alerting drivers behind
Incidentally, the Almera brake system has an Emergency Stop Signal function which can help to reduce rear-end collisions. If the brake pedal is pressed hard and suddenly, the hazard warning lights will come on automatically (besides the brake lights, of course). This will alert drivers behind that the car is decelerating very quickly under braking as they might not notice it right away. This will prompt them to also brake and slow down, and it could prevent the sort of multiple accidents on highways that we read about.

Watching the sides and rear
Other safety technologies available are the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems. BSW is available from around 32 km/h and uses sensors to keep an eye on blind spot areas at approximately 3 metres x 3 metres towards the rear sides of the car. If the turn signal is activated and a vehicle is detected, the drive will be warned by sound as well as warning indicators on the ADAD and the relevant side mirror.

RCTA is a more recent safety system that is slowly appearing in cars. It is useful during reversing out of a parking bay when the driver’s view of either side might be blocked. The same rear radar sensors help to detect an approaching vehicle on either side and warn the driver with an audible alert and indicator on the side mirror where the vehicle is approaching from. This warning could help save an expensive accident!

Parking made easy
The Almera Turbo driver is also assisted by the Intelligent Around View Monitor (IAVM) with Intelligent Moving Object Detection (IMOD). This system (also offered in the X-Trail, Serena S-Hybrid and Navara) not only helps make parking easier but also watches out for moving objects nearby so that an accident does not occur.

The IAVM uses 4 tiny cameras installed on the bodywork and with the use of a computer program, the images are combined to create a simulated view of the car from above which shows all sides. It’s like having a drone overhead sending a video view to the display on the dashboard. The simulated image is detailed enough to show obstacles on the ground so the driver can avoid them and position the car precisely inside the parking bay.

Needless to say, the Almera Turbo has all the usual Active Safety systems like ABS with Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for balanced braking performance, and Hill Start Assist to enable confident moving off on slopes.

“The all-new Nissan Almera Turbo takes the popular B-sedan to a new level of refinement and enhancements not usually found in this segment. With the theme ‘Challenge All Beliefs’, the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo is not the Almera everyone knew before. It is completely redesigned to be energetic, provocative and engaging with its dynamic styling, confidence-inspiring performance and innovative technologies, that sets to challenge customers’ beliefs on what modern sedans should be,” said Christopher Tan, Sales and Marketing Director of Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd.

Test-drive and win an iPhone
Mr. Tan invites the public to try the new Almera Turbo at Nissan showrooms nationwide. “Those who take a test-drive stand a chance to win one of 5 iPhone SE mobilephones and also a chance to win prizes in the ‘Buy & Win’ Contest when they purchase and register the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo before December 31, 2020,” he said.

Until December 31, 2020, prices in Peninsular Malaysia (without insurance) range from RM79,906 to RM91,310 with sales tax exemption. After that, the sales tax of 10% will be included again and the prices of the three variants will be increased to between RM83,888 and RM95,888.

A 5-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty comes standard, along with free scheduled maintenance for 5 times (alternating) during the first 5 years.

First Look at the all-new Nissan Almera Turbo (N18), with brief driving impressions

Penang ferry service for 4-wheelers to end on December 31, 2020

UPDATE ON 17/12/2020: The Penang ferry services for 4-wheelers will not be discontinued after December 31, 2020 as the government has asked for them to continue. A sum of RM30 million will be provided to the Penang Port Sdn Bhd, which operates the ferry services, for maintenance and repairs so that the two ferries can continue to be used.

If you have not travelled on the Penang ferry, or have not done so for a long time, your last chance to do so will be December 31, 2020. After that, the service that has been running for 126 years will cease for 4-wheeled vehicles but will still be available for pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles. From January 1, 2021, motorcars and commercial vehicles will have to use the two bridges to cross over to the island or vice-versa.

The move to end ferry operations is partly due to the ferries being old and maintenance costs are high. Though there used to be a number of ferries before, the number has actually dropped to two (Pulau Talang Talang and Pulau Angsa) as the others have aged and were decommissioned. While their vehicle-carrying role may no longer be used, there are plans to preserve them by turning them into a floating restaurant and museum at the Tanjung City Marina in George Town.

*Generations of Malaysians will remember the ride on the Penang ferries, which take about 15 to 20 minutes. There is time to stand on the deck and look out and enjoy the breeze.*

During the first six months of next year, two speedboats will be used to provide ferry services 40 times a day. These will be able to take around 200 passengers at a time. Currently, 1.2 million people use the ferries daily. It is believed that one of the remaining ferries will be used in the short-term for ferrying motorcycles.

With the suspension of the vehicle ferry services, the Raja Tun Uda Terminal will be closed for renovation and the ferry operations will be moved to Swettenham Pier. After the work is completed, the terminal will be reopened for the ferry services. New rates will also be announced at that time and additional vessels will also be put into service.

*From January 1, 2021, 4-wheeled vehicles will only be able to travel between the island and the mainland using the two bridges.*

History of the Penang ferry service
Generations of Malaysians have travelled on the ferries to cross over to the island before the first Penang Bridge was opened in 1985. The first regular ferry service began in the late 1800s, 1893 or 1894, and it was operated by the Beng Brothers. At that time, their ferries used the Kedah Pier on the island and Bagan Tuan Kecil Pier on the mainland side in Butterworth.

As the use of the ferry services grew, so too did the company running them although it was eventually taken over entirely by one of the brothers. The harbour authorities ensured that proper facilities were constructed with piers extending further out so that the ferries could dock in deeper water.

The modern ferries as we know them today appeared in the late 1950s, and they had the ability to efficiently load and unload vehicles at both ends. In fact, most of these early ones were used for decades and by now, the remaining ones are about 40 years old. To the credit of the engineers who designed and built them, and the people who maintained them, the mechanical breakdown that resulted in services being suspended only took place in August this year – the first time in the 126-year history of the service.

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo – inspired by a legendary sportscar

Alfa Romeo has unveiled the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo, inspired by the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, the Italian brand’s legendary mid-engine sportscar. Only 33 units of this limited-edition 4C Spider will be produced and only offered in North America. This will also be part of the final production run of the model for North America.

“Since its introduction in 2014, the 4C has been a halo vehicle for Alfa Romeo, exciting enthusiasts around the world and spearheading the relaunch of the brand in North America,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo. “The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo is an instant Alfa Romeo classic that passes the torch to the next generation of iconic Alfa Romeo vehicles, including the upcoming Tonale PHEV crossover that will start production next year.”

*The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo alongside the legendary 1967 33 Stradale.*

Exclusive colour, exclusive plaques
The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo comes exclusively in Rosso Villa d’Este tri-coat exterior colour, with grey-gold 5-hole alloy wheels (18-inch front/19-inch rear) and composite sport seats covered in black Dinamica suede and tobacco leather.

Prominently displayed around the cabin are dedicated plaques on the dashboard, side sills and centre console, the last of which is progressively numbered from 1 to 33. Customers also get treated to a matching, numbered book designed by Centro Stile that chronicles the 4C’s design concept, technology, materials and Modena assembly facility, as well as the history of the 33 Stradale.

F1-inspired chassis
The 4C’s racing pedigree is evident in its state-of-the-art Formula 1-inspired carbonfibre monocoque chassis, shown for the first time in a red transparent finish. Much of the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo’s equipment, previously optional, comes standard, including an Akrapovic dual-mode centre-mounted exhaust, race-tuned suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, battery charger, car cover, suede/leather seats and carbonfibre halo, rear wing and Italian flag mirror caps.

Completing the refined exterior treatment are new ‘Centro Stile Alfa Romeo’ badges and available piano-black front air intake and rear diffuser.

Under the bonnet is a 6-speed Alfa twin-clutch transmission and all-aluminium 1750 cc turbocharged engine with direct-injection, dual intercoolers and variable-valve timing. With the engine producing 237 bhp/350 Nm and a kerb weight of less than 1,200 kgs, the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 4.7 kg/bhp. This makes it possible to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph (96 km/h) in a claimed 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of almost 260 km/h.

1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale — **The 1967 33 Stradale** is an iconic Alfa Romeo that made its public debut at the Monza circuit in Italy on August 31, 1967, on the eve of the 1967 Formula One Italian Grand Prix. Boasting a top speed of 260 km/h, the 33 Stradale was a hand-built Franco Scaglione-penned mid-engine exotic based on the Tipo 33 racing car that won its class at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona. To this day, it represents a singular blend of leading-edge technology, racing mechanics and inspirational design, a fitting forebear to the 4C Spider. Only 18 chassis were ever produced, with most completed cars painted in Alfa’s signature red, with grey-gold wheels and black-and-tobacco interior.

Click here for other articles about Alfa Romeo.

Peugeot Hybrid4 500KW to power Peugeot hypercar for endurance racing in 2022

After a decade-long absence, Peugeot will return to endurance racing, including the Le Mans 24 Hours, in 2022. By then, it will have completed development of an all-new hypercar defined in the new FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) regulations.

Development by Peugeot Sport and Total
The hypercar will be known as the Peugeot Hybrid4 500KW and its powertrain is now being developed by Peugeot Sport and Total (and its subsidiary, Saft). Details of the powertrain which have been revealed show a mid-rear, 2.6-litre, 500 kW (680 bhp), twin-turbo, V6 , petrol internal combustion engine combined with a front-mounted 200 kW (272 bhp) motor generator unit, with a high-power density battery. The smart powertrain will have energy flow management, a key to high performance.

Although the 165-kg engine can deliver 500 kW and the motor generator unit has a capacity of 200 kW, the regulations set a maximum power output of just 500 kW during races. The regulations also forbid the use of electrical energy below 120 km/h, so the motor generator unit only engages once this speed has been reached. The car must pull away from standstill under the power of its internal combustion engine alone.

At full power, the power output is limited to 300 kW and adjusted as a function of the power delivered by the motor generator unit at 200 kW which is directly dependent on the battery level. When the motor generator unit comes into use, the car automatically switches to 4-wheel drive, thereby modifying its drivability – through high-speed corners, for example,

When the battery pack is empty, the engine reverts to 500 kW power output and the transmission returns to rear-wheel drive. During races, the battery will be fully charged prior to the start by means of a mains-connected plug-in hybrid charger. Once on the track, the battery will function completely independently and be charged only by the kinetic braking energy recovery system.

The robotised sequential 7-speed (plus reverse) gearbox will be controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and the Peugeot Sport-developed brake-by-wire system will also be managed electronically.

The driver will be able to adjust the level of engine-braking generated by the electric motor under deceleration and the force applied by the pads to the braking discs to achieve the optimum electric regenerative/hydraulic braking split. Optimal energy management, both under acceleration and during energy recovery, will consequently be key to the car’s performance and efficiency.

The architecture of the Peugeot HYBRID4 500KW powertrain is the result of a highly- detailed brief shaped by the new FIA WEC regulations,” noted François Coudrain, Peugeot Sport’s WEC Programme Powertrain Director. “We initially considered a single turbo, but that would have prevented us from achieving our engine’s centre of gravity target. A twin-turbo V6 block offers the best trade-off between technology, weight, packaging of the engine’s ancillaries, reliability and performance.”

Innovative battery concept
The high-density, high-power battery pack has been developed jointly by Peugeot Sport and Saft, a Total subsidiary. As one of the keys to high performance, it will need to be integrated perfectly, physically inside the car and in the powertrain’s energy-management process. Working from a specification written by Peugeot Sport, Saft’s engineers selected the best type of cells for the battery which favours power over energy density, consistent with the needs of endurance racing.

“The main parameter will be to optimise how the energy stored in the battery is used,” explained Kamen Nechev, Saft’s Chief Technical Officer. “To achieve this, you need an extremely short charge-time combined with high-capacity storage cells to form a package that enables maximum power to be delivered as rapidly as possible. The most competitive solution resides in the management of charge optimisation and the amount of power available in real time.”

The new battery will be located in a carbonfibre casing inside the car’s monocoque structure, behind the driver and underneath the fuel tank. It has been designed to combine durability with consistent performance during races of durations of up to 24 hours, and even beyond.

Click here for other news and articles about Peugeot.

Second generation of Mercedes-Benz GLA launched in Malaysia today

As 2020 is nearing the end, the business sector must be looking forward to a new year. Though the pandemic is far from over, we now have a vaccine so there is hope that 2021 can see less worries about infection spreading.

The auto sector must certainly be looking forward to sales growth and is filling showrooms with new models. The latest to launch a new range is Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) which today unveiled its eighth model to join the premium SUV line-up, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA. Two variants are available – the GLA 200 and GLA 250 4MATIC – both of which are imported CBU from Germany.

Two variants, two engines
The GLA 200 comes in Progressive Line spec with a 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder 163 bhp/250 Nm engine and 7G-DCT automatic transmission. The GLA 250 4MATIC has the AMG Line spec and comes with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. Turbocharging boosts output to 224 bhp/350 Nm which goes through an 8G-DCT automatic transmission to all 4 wheels.

Save money if you buy this month
Depending on when you buy the new cars, the price will differ. Before December 31, 2020, the exemption of half the amount of sales tax means the GLA 200 will be priced (without insurance) from RM244,199.82, and the GLA 250 from RM285,336.66. From January 1, if the exemption is not extended, then the 5% sales tax will be included which will raise the prices to RM252,888.00 and RM295,888.00, respectively.

The new GLA has, for some time, served as the entry-level model to the SUV family, offering the benefits of a compact car as well as a SUV. “The GLA is the key entry point to the brand in the fast-growing compact SUV family. The model enables us to offer a unique lifestyle proposition that is similar to the bigger GLB that we have recently introduced,” said Michael Jopp, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

This new generation is the second one since the model line appeared in 2013. While having a similar styling theme, the body is slightly smaller but the wheelbase has been extended by 30 mm as it now sits on the MFA-2 platform. At 4.41 metres in length, it is the shortest vehicle in the current Mercedes-Benz portfolio.

As a crossover SUV, the styling has functionality but also sportiness, with short overhangs front and rear. As before, there are powerful shoulders and the coupe-like lines of the side windows which give a contoured side profile.

Like the other Mercedes-Benz SUV models, the radiator grille features distinctive openings along with a single louvre and a central star, with LED High Performance headlamp. All-round protective cladding adds structure to the overall proportions and emphasizes the vehicle’s character, as does the simulated underride guard at the front and rear.

More compact outside but more spacious inside
Although shorter than its predecessor, the new GLA offers a more spacious interior, particularly for rear legroom and luggage compartment volume. The seating position for both the driver and the front passenger is higher and more upright than before too, more typical of an SUV.

Utility value was, in general, one of the focuses of development. There is plenty of room for one or two people in the rear and with a 40:20:40 division of the backrests, flexibility in the layout is possible.

The height-adjustable load floor also offers considerable variability. When the rear seat backrests are folded down and the load floor is in the upper position, an almost flat loading area extending to the front seats can be created to take long items.

The instrument panel consists of a basic volume, which features optical ‘cut-outs’ in the driver and front passenger area. The cut-out on the driver’s side is dominated by the free-standing display unit with two 10.25-inch displays.

The round ventilation outlets (5 in all) have a high-quality turbine look with meticulously designed air guidance vanes. The door centre panel flows seamlessly over into the armrest, while the grab handle has a tubular profile and runs horizontally like a railing.

The latest generation of the Mercedes me connect is also standard with the GLA and of course, there is the intuitively operated MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) in its latest version. MBUX can be individually configured with the aid of a range of options to personalise interaction. Remote Engine Start is also available with the GLA 250.

Helping the driver
The GLA comes with many driving assistance systems, offering the driver cooperative support to avoid accidents. The systems can automatically activate the brakes if a collision is imminent and the driver has taken no action to prevent it. In the GLA 250, Blind Spot Assist warns of vehicles, including bicycles, in the blind zone and also signal the driver with a visual warning in the exterior mirror if a vehicle is driving past if the door is about to be opened.

Click here for other news and articles about Mercedes-Benz.

20 years of crashes to make cars safer

“Cars are driven by people. The guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo, therefore, is and must remain, safety.” This was laid down by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson, the founders of the Swedish company, in 1927 and the principle has been upheld to this day. Whenever Volvo is mentioned, most people will think of ‘safety’ and indeed, its vehicles are among the safest in the world.

The company has pioneered many safety features and on average, it crashes at least one brand new Volvo a day. In earlier years, the facilities were outdoors and fairly basic – vehicles were basically driven against each other or into solid barriers to study the effects of such impacts.

*The two founders of Volvo made safety the guiding principle of the company and that principle is upheld up to today.*

Advanced crash laboratory
Eventually, crash test laboratories were built and allowed more detailed assessments with sophisticated instruments for recording and measuring. Virtually every carmaker had one and in 2000, Volvo opened its brand new Safety Centre which was one of the most advanced crash labs in the world and in many ways it still is today.

This facility helps engineers at Volvo Cars push the envelope in safety and to learn from real-life traffic accidents, as the company aims for a future in which no one is killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo.

“Being committed to safety is not about passing a test or getting a safety rating,” said Thomas Broberg, one of Volvo Cars’ leading safety engineers and a two-decade company veteran. “Our commitment to safety is about finding out how and why accidents and injuries occur and then developing the technology to help prevent them. We hope our pioneering work will inspire others to follow, our ambition to reduce road traffic casualties worldwide.”

Testing beyond regulatory requirements
The Volvo Cars Safety Centre crash lab is a multifunctional facility that allows Volvo Cars safety engineers to recreate countless traffic situations and accidents, and perform tests that go beyond regulatory requirements.

The lab contains two test tracks of 108 and 154 metres long. The shorter of the two is moveable and can be positioned at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees, allowing for crash test at different angles and speeds, or to simulate a crash between two moving cars. Cars can be crashed at speeds up to 120 km/h.

Outside, there is room for performing tests like roll-over crashes and run-off road scenarios, whereby cars are launched into a ditch at high speeds. Here, Volvo Cars also offers rescue services opportunities to practice and develop their life-saving skills, as it did earlier this year when it dropped new Volvos from a height of 30 metres to simulate the heavy damage found in extreme crash scenarios.

Inside the main hall, an enormous crash barrier is used for testing various frontal, rear and side impacts. Weighing an astonishing 850 tonnes, it can be moved around if needed with the help of air cushions.

Additionally, there are around two dozen other fixed and movable barriers that are used in crash testing, including a moose-like structure to simulate crashes involving these animals.

Recording what happens in an accident
During crashes, the car, the crash test dummies and the barriers are fitted with sensors that allow engineers to register the entire chain of events in detail. Dozens of ultra-high definition and ultra high-speed cameras also film the crash test from every angle.

Before a physical crash test, the new model under development has already gone through thousands of crash tests – in computer simulations. All the data generated by these simulations, along with the physical crash tests, is then used by Volvo’s engineers as they design the cars to the highest levels of safety and protection for the occupants.

“No matter what the scenario, we can recreate it here at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre and analyse it in detail,” said Broberg. “For me, it is very inspiring to realise that for every hour of testing and analysis we put in, we get closer and closer to our ambition that no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo.”

Click here for other news and articles about Volvo.

Management team of new Peugeot distributor announced

Following the announcement of the appointment of Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) as the sole distributor of new Peugeot vehicles, including aftersales services and parts distribution. the company has announced its management team. The brand portfolio includes Citroen and DS Automobiles, which are also in Groupe PSA along with Peugeot.

The new team at BAASB is headed by Dato’ Wong Kin Foo, presently a director in Bermaz Motor Sdn Bhd. Dato’ Wong, as Managing Director of BAASB, will report to the board of BAASB, which consists of representatives from Berjaya Corporation Berhad (BerjayaCorp) and Bermaz Auto Berhad (BAuto).

The board is chaired by Dato’ Sri Robin Tan Yeong Ching, CEO of BerjayaCorp and Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh, Executive Chairman of BAuto, as well as Dato Francis Lee, CEO BAuto, amongst others.

Some of the management team members of BAASB: (Top) Board members Dato’ Sri Ben Yeoh (left) and Dato’ Francis Lee. (Above) Michael Moh, Head of After Sales;, Dato’ K.F. Wong, Managing Director; and Ian Khong, Head of Marketing.

All the members of the team have long experience in the auto industry and some, like Dato Sri Ben Yeoh, have worked in many different companies, including the distributors of Mazda, Toyota, Proton and Mercedes-Benz. Dato’ Wong was CEO at Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad, the company long associated with the Mercedes-Benz business in Malaysia.

Other key members of BAASB include Michael Moh, who is Head of After Sales and, Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd and Michael Chen who is Head of Sales.

Mr. Moh has had a 40-year career in the auto industry on the service side, his last position being Vice-President, After-Sales at Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. Mr. Chen is a seasoned veteran, also with 40 years of automotive experience, having worked with brands such as Datsun/Nissan, Hyundai, Suzuki and Foton. He was also among the pioneers in the national car project with EON Bhd.

Also on the team is Ian Khong as Head of Marketing and though younger, he has had experience working with brands such as Mitsubishi, Toyota, Mazda, Ford and Proton. Over his 26-year career, he has gained experience in various aspects of the auto industry… besides having been a rally driver.

BAASB will operate from the group headquarters in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor, with plans for expansion in the near future.

We’re certainly looking forward to reporting on the activities of BAASB which, with the experienced team, will certainly take the Peugeot brand to a new level. They already have a proven record with Mazda and can now draw on that experience for the French brand.

Click here for other news about Peugeot.

F1 (Final Round): Highlights & Provisional Results of the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

♦ The race started and ran without drama for the first 30 minutes, with positions not changing significantly. Then Sergio Perez suddenly had engine failure – even after having an engine change – and had to retire on lap 10. As he pulled over to the side at Turn 19, the Virtual Safety Car was activated, followed by the Mercedes-AMG Safety Car as well.

♦ The Safety Car period saw many cars heading into the pits for tyre changes, and Pirelli was predicting that it would be a one-stop race.

♦ The Safety Car left the track after 4 laps and racing resumed on lap 14 with Max Verstappen zooming ahead, chased by Valtteri Bottas, Lewis Hamilton and Alexander Albon within 10 seconds behind him.

♦ For some reason, Carlos Sainz had been driving cautiously in the pitlane and perhaps too cautiously as he was notified that the Stewards were reviewing the matter of his driving too slowly.

♦ At almost the halfway point of the 55-lap race, Bottas started to drop back, allowing the Red Bull driver to extend the gap beyond 5 seconds, and Hamilton started to close the gap of 2 seconds with his team mate. But the World Champion was also uncertain of his tyres holding on for the rest of the race. Verstappen was equally concerned about the same issue.

♦ 20 laps from the end, Hamilton was his uncharacteristic self – not going after Bottas even though the gaps was 3 seconds and he was safe from having to defend against Albon who was 7 seconds behind. Was the British driver trying to preserve his tyres or was he not as well as he said he was after the COVID-19 episode (which he would admit to after the race ended)?

♦ Although comfortably in the lead and no apparent threat from Bottas, Verstappen was getting tense as the 10 laps remained, worried that something might go wrong with the car.

♦ In the end, it was Verstappen’s day. 55 laps from start to finish in the lead, and virtually no challenge from either of the Mercedes-AMG drivers.

*The 2020 Formula 1 season will be remembered for its facemasks and absence of spectators,*

*Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Team are champions again, both for the seventh time.*

After more than 40 years in Formula 1, the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the final race for the Renault team name before it changes to Alpine in 2021. The new team will also have Fernando Alonso, with team mate Esteban Ocon.

EvoClub Insurance Powered by PrOmilej offers motorists lower premium rates

Since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was introduced in March 2020, motoring has reduced for many people. Apart from the periods when interstate travel was forbidden, commutes to work are also less with work-from-home (WFH) still in effect and schools have been closed. Furthermore, to reduce spread of COVID-19, the authorities urge people to remain at home more and only travel out for essential purposes.

This means that motor vehicles are being used less and as the mileage is lower, the question which the good people at Aurizn Malaysia wondered is whether insurance premiums could be reduced in this situation.

First mileage-based car insurance plan
As the insurance industry has been progressively deregulated, it is now possible for insurance companies to vary premiums and Pacific & Orient Insurance Co. Bhd (POI) is willing to do so with what is the first mileage-based car insurance plan in Malaysia. Conceived in partnership with Aurizn Malaysia, it is known as the EvoClub Insurance Powered by PrOmilej and offers motorists unprecedented savings and flexibility

The benefits, which would be especially welcome in this challenging period, are as much as 40% savings on car insurance premiums as well as flexibility to make payments in up to 3 parts without incurring additional charges.

Three plans
The pioneering ‘pay as you drive’ concept allows motorists to start off with Plan 1 that offers 40% up-front savings for an allocated mileage of 5,000 kms. Plans 2 and 3 offer 20% and 10% savings for 10,000 kms and 15,000 kms mileage limits, respectively. For maximum flexibility, consumers can easily upgrade plans by simply topping up the difference between them. Each policy is allowed a maximum of two top-ups.

“We are very proud to have this opportunity to partner with POI to bring this innovative insurance product to Malaysian motorists and car enthusiasts. Firstly, low-mileage cars can enjoy significant savings on insurance costs, and you get to multiply these savings if you own multiple cars,” said Bobby Ang, Editor-in-Chief of Aurizn Malaysia.

“And because this plan offers the flexibility of upgrading between plans twice a year without incurring extra charge, consumers can use this to stagger their car insurance to a maximum of 3 payments by just paying the difference between plans. We feel these options come in very handy as we navigate the challenges of this pandemic with many of us now travelling less and some even earning less as well,” he added.

For motorists that exceed the allocated mileage without topping up, the policy will continue to cover for third-party bodily injury or death and third-party damage only. This ensures that the vehicle continues to receive the minimum required coverage for the vehicle that is required by Malaysian law to remain road legal by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Online applcations accepted
Interested in this money-saving approach to insure your vehicle? You can do so easily online (www.evoclubinsurance.com) or via POI’s toll-free line 1-800-88-2121. The only additional step required in the buying process compared to other insurance plans in the market is to upload a picture of the car’s odometer to the website. A vehicle inspection is not required.

EvoClub Insurance Powered by PrOmilej is another initiative of EvoClub created to give motorists a whole car buying and ownership experience. Complemented by the meticulous car reviews of the EvoLTN editorial team to serve as buying advice, other services offered through EvoClub include used car pre-purchase inspection service, Extended Warranty, and trusted workshops.

“Our ultimate aim is to create an ecosystem where we help car buyers and owners every step of the way by starting from car buying advice and then providing a support system that takes care of all their car ownership needs,” Bobby said.

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