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All-electric MINI makes its debut in Malaysia, priced from RM218,380

As far back as 2010, MINI was already at quite an advanced stage in electric vehicle technology. It was able to build a fleet of demonstrator units – known as the MINI E – that were essentially modified Cooper models and part of BMW’s Project i. Trials were conducted in many countries, including China, and the cars were also loaned for official use during the 2012 Olympics in London.

In time for 61st birthday
However, while the EV technology developed was used extensively by BMW, MINI did not produce an all-electric model, and offered a plug-in hybrid instead. Last year, the company confirmed that it would finally make a production MINI with all all-electric powertrain and it made its appearance today in Malaysia on the 61^st birthday of the little car.

Known as the MINI Electric and priced from RM218,380.78 (excluding insurance), this new model offers Malaysians another alternative if they are looking for an all-electric model. With charging stations steadily increasing around the country, the discouraging factor of how to get a battery pack recharged when not at home is diminishing.

When recharging at a DC charging station, the MINI Electric requires approximately 36 minutes to go from zero to 80% charge. The MINI Wallbox Plus offers an 80% charge in 2.5 hours, similar to recharging at a public charging station. At home, charging to 80% can be done in 12 hours using the household electricity supply.

184 hp/270 Nm powertrain
Under the bonnet is the latest version of the synchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group – a front-axle electric engine capable of 135kw (184 hp) with peak torque of 270 Nm. The motor is powered by energy from a battery pack with a net capacity of 28.9 kWh. Consuming 16.8 – 14.8 kWh per 100km of travel, the claimed range is given as between 234 kms and 270 kms, with a maximum speed of 150 km/h possible.

The 12 packs of lithium-ion cells are arranged in a T-shape in the floor area between the front seats and below the rear seats. One advantage of this arrangement is that the battery pack does not eat into boot space – which remains at 211 litres, expanding to 731 litres with the rear backrests folded down. Another advantage is the lower level of the battery packs brings down the car’s centre of gravity by 30 mm.

Identical in size to the MINI Cooper S, the MINI Electric can readily be identified with its different appearance, especially the youthful Energetic Yellow theme (a grey theme is also available). It has an exclusive bumper and the grille design closes off the front end since a radiator is actually unnecessary.

With the Lights package, the 3-door hatchback is equipped with Matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights featuring the iconic Union Jack design. Along the sides, the features include adapted spats geometry, the E-Badge on the side scuttle, as well as aero-optimised mirror caps in either Black or Energetic Yellow.

Exterior colour choices are White Silver with Energetic Yellow pairing, British Racing Green, and Chili Red.

Maintaining the go-kart character
Part of the characteristic driving experience in the MINI Electric is the single-pedal drive that also contributes to brake energy recovery. The electric motor functions as a generator during coasting mode, transforming kinetic energy into electric power – which then feeds back into the high-voltage battery pack.

There are four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green and the new Green+ mode which increases the electric range by limiting selected comfort functions. There is also an actuator-contiguous wheel slip limiter function which significantly improves traction by providing faster control. The function also reduces power understeering that usually occurs with front-wheel drive vehicles.

The rear axle is configured to the front axle, which features electric-specific steering knuckles. This enables an electric-specific suspension setting in combination with the body-mounted wheelhouse liners.

Exclusive interior
The interior design language has been themed appropriately for an electric car. Features include the Electric Cockpit Fascia, Start/Stop button in Yellow, velour floor mats, an electronic selector lever as well as the brake energy recuperation toggle. A Head Up Display allows the driver to keep his or her attention focussed on the road ahead at all times.

All the comforts of a typical MINI are provided with the Leather Cross Punch seats finished in Carbon Black and 12-colour Illuminated ambient lighting. The multifunction sport leather-wrapped steering wheel and raised centre console with integrated electric parking brake are also fitted as standard.

Route guidance is presented via an 8.8-inch MINI Navigation System. This is integrated with the full MINI Connected suite which includes Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI Online and Apple Carplay. For entertainment, there is a 12-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System and a wireless charging pad is available for those with compatible mobilephones.

For the very first time in a MINI vehicle, a Digital Instrument Cluster is installed. This can present the driver with a greater variety of information, especially regarding the operation of the electric powertrain.

First MINI with Driving Assistant
The MINI Electric is also the first MINI model in Malaysia to be equipped with the Driving Assistant system. This camera-based driving assistance system package consists of the Speed Limit information, as well as the digital high-beam assistant which automatically activates at speeds of 50 km/h and higher, or when there is insufficient exterior lighting.

The Driving Assistant system is also equipped with the person warning with light city braking function and the approach control warning with light city braking function.

Book online for RM1,000
The MINI Electric is available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide from today and if you make up your mind to get one after reaching home, you don’t have to go back to the showroom again. You can book via the MINI Online Shop with a fee of RM1,000. BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia offers financing packages from RM2,421 a month (terms and conditions apply).

BMW Group Malaysia extends BMW and MINI PHEV battery pack warranties

4 more rounds added to F1 calendar, making it a total of 17 for 2020

The 2020 Formula 1 World Championship, disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic just as the opening round was to take place in Australia in March, will end the season with a toral of 17 races. Following the announcements regarding the initial thirteen races of the revised 2020 calendar, 4 additional races have been confirmed which will take place in the months of November and December.

While it was already expected that Bahrain and Abu Dhabi will host the last rounds (the former running two races), a newcomer is Turkey which will have the Formula 1 DHL Turkish Grand Prix 2020. The race will be held at the Istanbul Park Circuit which was opened in 2005 when the first Turkish F1 GP was held. The venue was included on the F1 calendar up to 2011 and then left out over the past 8 years.

*The Intercity Istanbul Park Circuit last had a F1 race in 2011.*

Familiar circuit to top drivers
The circuit, also designed by Hermann Tilke, the F1 track specialist, has a length of 5.34 kms and 14 turns. Past races have been run for 58 laps with the lap record still held by of 1:24.770 still held by Juan Pablo Montoya when he was driving a McLaren in 2005. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel would be familiar with the circuit as they have raced and won there before.

“We can confirm that a number of races in the revised 2020 season will be open to a limited number of fans, including hospitality, and we are working with each promoter to finalise the details. While we want to see as many fans as possible return as soon as it is safe to do so, our priority remains the safety of the Formula 1 community and the communities we visit, and we review fan access on this basis,” said Chase Carey, Chairman & CEO of the Formula 1 organisation.

Strict SOPs still applied
This means that the races will continue to be held without spectators and with a minimum number of participants allowed into the circuit. So far, the strict measures taken have ensured that there are no COVID-19 infections spreading and when the health authorities are more comfortable with the situation, perhaps there will be an opportunity for spectators in the stands.

“Sadly, we will not be racing in China this season and want to thank our partner Juss Sports for their support and engagement in recent months and hugely look forward to returning to Shanghai next year,” Carey said.

New brand identity for Rolls-Royce, to be used from September 2020

For over 100 years, the figurine known as the Spirit of Ecstasy has been at the front of every Rolls-Royce car, providing instant brand recognition – although it would be hard to mistake a Rolls-Royce for any other car. Synonymous with luxury, she has been a timeless symbol for a brand known for hand-craftsmanship and exclusivity.

In recent years, however, Rolls-Royce has experienced change at a quicker rate than ever before in its storied past. The Rolls-Royce portfolio has expanded to 5 models, each with their own distinct character, and almost every car is Bespoke – tailored to the lifestyle requirements of diverse and discerning patrons.

The introduction of the Black Badge, for instance, has met the needs of a subset of these clients, answering their call for an edgier, alternative Rolls-Royce, one that carries an assertive and dominant persona. Incidentally, the age and demographic of the marque’s clients have decreased significantly to an average of just 43.

How then, does a brand present itself via its visual language and remain true to its heritage while speaking to its bright and contemporary future?

“As the marque’s digital presence increases, there has never been a more important time for the visual language of the company to reflect our standing as the leading luxury brand in the world. We have embarked on a fascinating journey of modernising our brand identity to echo those changes seen in our portfolio, our client demographic, their lifestyle and the luxury world that surrounds them,” observed Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce.

Creating a new brand identity
Rolls-Royce appointed Marina Willer, partner at Pentagram – a multi-disciplinary design studio which is revered within its field – to create a new brand identity that could move beyond the mechanics of being the ‘Best Car in the World’, to encapsulate the brand’s presence and standing as a true ‘House of Luxury’. The identity was designed to appeal to the new demographic of clients and all that they represent both digitally, and physically.

Pentagram embarked upon a deep exploration of Rolls-Royce, including its products – both new and old, its design ethos, its designers, items that are sacrosanct to the marque, and also the unique relationship the marque maintains with its clients. They spent time in the factory, understanding the very essence of Bespoke and how this was key to the establishment of contemporary Rolls-Royce.

“What soon became apparent is that Rolls-Royce has evolved from being regarded as an automotive manufacturer into a leading light in the world of luxury. It was essential for us to ensure that the brand’s new identity reflected this shift. We needed to present Rolls-Royce in a forward-facing, fresh and relevant way – speaking to new audiences while respecting the company’s loyal clients,” revealed Willer.

Not coming from an automotive background, Willer was able to approach the re-design from a completely fresh perspective. “This vantage point provided me with the opportunity to observe Rolls-Royce as a manufacturer of luxury products. My ambition was to celebrate the luxuriousness of the brand while providing it with the means to visually communicate with Rolls-Royce’s younger, increasingly diversified audiences,” she explained.

In the new brand identity, which will be adopted from September 1 2020, the Spirit of Ecstasy gains increased prominence. While the sculpture that leads each car in silent grace remains unchanged, an iteration of the enigmatic figurine has evolved into the form of an illustration – one that reads clearly in today’s virtual world.

The original figurine was drawn and sculpted by British artist Charles Sykes. In homage to this historical commission, Chris Mitchell, a leading illustrator of brand and identity icons, was called upon by Pentagram to envisage the distilled form of the iconic statuette. Working closely with Pentagram’s direction, she paid close attention to those proportions which embrace strength and power that cannot be deemed fragile or meek. When depicted in two-dimensional form, her direction has changed from left to right, boldly facing the future, reflective of the marque itself.

“The use of the Spirit of Ecstasy marks a shift in the resonance of the brand – from an automotive to a lifestyle context. She commands an aspirational quality in the luxury sphere and by placing her at the centre of the visual language. The Spirit of Ecstasy can now be interpreted as the muse for the marque, in addition to the motor cars themselves,” said Willer.

Choosing the colour palette
When choosing a colour palette for the new identity, Pentagram’s design team initially turned its attention to the company’s products. Rich in textural materiality, wooden brown hues and graphite coloured technical fibres complemented a colourful array of Rolls-Royce leathers. Although true to their artisanal origins, brown and slate palettes confined the identity to the past. The desire was to seek a more expressive, luxurious colour palette, one appealing to both male and female clients, one with a future vision.

Pentagram was drawn to purple hues, specifically those with a deep and majestic tone. Historically rare in nature and with roots in mythology, art, piety and royalty, purple has always signified wealth and power. In a nod to the Spirit of Ecstasy, a colour named ‘Purple Spirit’ will become Rolls-Royce’s signature colour.

A metallic Rose Gold is chosen to complement this colour. This elegant and modern hue will be reserved for items of longevity and used only in printed form. A wider palette of expressive colours has been determined to be used alongside these primary tones.

“Purple Spirit has a deep and powerful tone. It is a colour of modernity that evokes connotations of the dark and majestic night. It has an energy that conjures emotion with thoughts of strength and ambition – a tone well suited to inspiring greatness. This will be complemented by a foiled Rose Gold which will add elegance and grace to the marque’s printed materials,” Sami Coultas, Bespoke Colour and Trim designer at Rolls-Royce, explained.

The Noir imagery which surrounds Rolls-Royce’s Black Badge range is now punctuated by bursts of colour, reflecting each model’s launch specification, illustrating the bold nature of its signature alter ego.

The new badge
The double ‘R’ Badge of Honour representing Rolls and Royce, the marque’s founding fathers, is known world-wide as a symbol of engineering excellence and the very best of human endeavour. It is no surprise therefore, that this famed signifier is unchanged.

The Monogram also retains its original form but replaces the Badge of Honour on collateral, while the Wordmark ‘Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’, as found presiding above the door of the marque’s establishments, was found to be corporate and unrepresentative of the marque’s standing as a House of Luxury.

The old (left) and the new, which will be used from next month.

Pentagram uncovered typography in the marque’s archives from the 1930s and used an art-deco style as the basis from which to envisage a new Wordmark – one suitable for the modern-day Rolls-Royce. The words ‘Motor Cars’ have reduced in size, with the emphasis reverting to Rolls-Royce, in recognition of the marque’s significantly wider influence outside of the automotive industry.

The Wordmark has become more refined in its appearance, depicting the quiet, whispering power of contemporary Rolls-Royce. Special significance has been paid to the letter ‘R’, to provide additional stability and prominence to this important character in the Rolls-Royce script.

The Spirit of Ecstasy Expression
A wholly new visual treatment of the Spirit of Ecstasy has been created, called ‘The Spirit of Ecstasy Expression’. With an aethereal yet tech-like feeling, The Expression adds a cutting-edge aura to the new visual identity. Contemporary in appearance, The Expression speaks of the marque’s modern lifestyle presence.

Akin to a silken fabric, The Expression adopts a fluid form and is versatile in nature. An innovative digital tool that uses coding has been developed by Pentagram to enable The Expression to be used on any surface, from projection to embroidery, printing to engraving. It can be found in both physical form at the marque’s global establishments and in digital form – connecting the elements of the marque’s portfolio. The Expression will become a distinctive and recognisable element of the marque’s visual language.

Click here for other news and articles about Rolls-Royce

New Casio GMW-B5000CS recalls iconic form of first G-SHOCK watch

Casio’s G-SHOCK watches have been available since 1983 and those who bought them at that time will remember that the form of the first watch was a rugged square shape. That iconic shape is the basis for a new addition to the full metal construction ORIGIN series. Designated the GMW-B5000CS, the new model’s designation also recalls the original designation of the first G-SHOCK watch – DW-5000C.

The new GMW-B5000CS features a laser-carved grid design with the rugged square shape of the first G-SHOCK. It has an evolved exterior with full metal construction of all outer parts and further advanced functionality such as radio wave reception, Tough Solar power system and smartphone connectivity.

Casio has continued to create inventive colour schemes and patterns using unique CMF (design elements such as colour, material and surface finish) combinations, including black ion plating, aged finish, and camouflage design to ensure the design of the series continues to evolve.

A new internal structure employing fine-resin cushioning material was developed to offset the more powerful dropping shocks resulting from weight added by using high-strength stainless-steel parts. Besides achieving a highly accurate fit, this structure responds with reactive force to ease shocks when tiny protrusions in the cushioning material are compressed.

In order to present G-SHOCK brand’s innovation while maintaining the heritage of the first model, the GMW-B5000CS has a grid design resembling a time tunnel which suggests a ‘connection of the past with the future’. A ‘near-future’ design with prominent silver lines is forged by applying black ion plating finish to the bezel, band and buckle surface, while bringing out an underlying colour scheme using a laser to carve out the latticed pattern.

As with the base model, the GMW-B5000CS is equipped with smartphone connectivity which interfaces through the free G-CONNECT app. It can make automatic time correction (performed 4 times a day) and can be easily set to 39 different cities for world time. Adjustments are easy and among the other practical features are a high-luminosity full auto LED backlight. The Bluetooth low energy connectivity has a signal range up to 2 metres (depending on conditions).

Being a G-SHOCK model, the GMW-B5000CS is obviously very tough and can remain water-resistant down to 200 metres. Its solar charging capability is claimed to provide up to 22 months of operation with power-saving mode active.

Casio watches have a very wide price range and this new model falls in the upper range with a recommended retail price of RM3,499 at all G-Factory stores and authorized dealer stores in Malaysia.

New range in Casio EDIFICE line with ‘Speed and Intelligence’

First AMG Experience Centre in the world opens in Shanghai

When AMG became part of the Mercedes-Benz family in 1999, its growth accelerated as it took on the role of being the carmaker’s high-performance and motorsports arm. Not surprisingly, Mercedes-Benz boosted marketing of AMG products as well as used the already established name as a branding advantage, expanding its presence globally.

Before long, a sales network of AMG Brand Centres and AMG Performance Centres were established around the world. In China alone, there are 120 AMG Performance Centres and exclusive AMG Brand Centres in Beijing and Shanghai, the sales network said to represents a key factor in the success of the brand’s growth objectives.

Now Mercedes-AMG has gone further with its first Experience Centre opening near Shanghai. The new AMG Experience Centre is situated on an area of around 1,305 square metres directly adjacent to the Zhejiang International Racing Circuit. A highlight and attraction of the new facility is the opportunity to experience the AMG vehicle range on the racetrack, assisted by AMG Driving Academy and qualified instructors.

An extensive pool of vehicles encompassing the very latest models – including GT3 and GT4 racing cars – is available for test drives and driving events on the 3.2-km circuit. In addition to exclusive use of the track, the Zhejiang International Circuit offers special monthly track days for customers and fans to take part either in their own vehicles or in AMG vehicles booked from the Centre.

There are 12 functional areas and 4 display areas over two floors, providing an extremely comprehensive brand and product experience and allowing visitors to discover for themselves the many facets of the driving performance of AMG models.

The showroom on the ground floor provides an insight into the history of Mercedes-AMG. The vehicles and technologies on display can be explored in analogue form as well as digitally using VR technology. Specially trained AMG experts are on hand to provide detailed information and individual guidance. If a customer expresses an interest in buying, they will be put in touch with their nearest AMG retail partner.

The facilities on offer are further enhanced by the Cafe63 lounge and an exclusive selection of high-quality lifestyle accessories available from the AMG Shop. The whole area can also be used as an event location.

In the interactive experience zone on the first floor, motorsport enthusiasts can experience racing simulators and AR applications. A slot car racetrack controlled via brainwaves is yet another technological highlight that serves to emphasise the experience-oriented nature of the AMG Experience Centre.

The architecture of the AMG Experience Centre builds on the familiar and established design features of the AMG Brand Centres, while also integrating a series of individual elements that emphasise the unique character of the format.

AMG Corner at C&C Bintang — *Being part of the Mercedes-Benz family has enabled AMG models to get more exposure at dealerships around the world, like this one at a Cycle & Carriage Bintang showroom in Malaysia.*

10 things about AMG you may not have known

Proton appeals to 717 Perdana owners to bring their cars in for urgent airbag module replacement

Like many other carmakers that had Takata airbag systems installed in their vehicles, Proton has been trying to get owners to bring their cars – restricted only to the Perdana model – to the service centre for a replacement. The Takata airbag issue has been ongoing since 2013 with millions of vehicles recalled worldwide.

Replacements in stalled in 87.5% of affected cars
Proton issued its recall to Perdana owners in January 2019 and since then, the carmaker says it has replaced the defective inflator modules on the airbag system of the front passenger side in 87.5% or 5,625 units of the total of 6,342 units affected as of August 18, 2020. It is appealing to owners of the remaining Perdanas to bring their cars to an authorised Proton service centre as soon as possible to make the replacement.

Proton reassures its customers that other Proton models are not affected as they use airbags supplied by a different vendor.

Affected cars built from 2012 – end August 2018
The cars affected are those which were built from 2012 until the end of August 2018. They had originally been fitted with airbag systems that had inflator modules which were known to explode due to over-pressure during the inflation process. This would result in a break-up of the module and sharp metal parts would be shot towards the front passenger. Serious injuries were a high possibility, with deaths also having occurred in some cases.

Actually, Proton initially did not issue a recall as it had information that indicated that the Perdana, though being adapted from the Honda Accord which was subject to recall, was not affected. At that time, the volume of new Perdanas sold was around 3,000 units. Responding to a query by this writer in June 2016, Proton said that they had consulted with Honda as well as conducted crash tests of the new Perdana in Spain in May 2016 and ‘no abnormalities to the function of the airbags were found’.

“Thanks to the joint efforts of our staff and dealers, Proton managed to contact our customers and have performed the airbag inflator replacement exercise,” said Roslan Abdullah, CEO of Proton Edar. Encik Roslan was a key figure in managing the recall exercise when he was COO at Honda Malaysia which carried out the most extensive airbag recall campaign in Malaysia.

Contact details may not be updated
“The safety of our customers is of the utmost importance. However, we have not been able to connect with all affected owners due to obsolete or incomplete contact information. Therefore, we would like to urge all Proton Perdana owners who have not had their passenger airbag inflators replaced to call our service centres to book an appointment as soon as possible. Replacement of the inflator will take approximately one hour and will be performed free of charge,” he said, adding that cars built after August 31 2018 are not affected.

*Authorised Proton service centres nationwide can replace the affected airbag inflator module which is on the passenger side.*

As with other carmakers, contacting present owners of the cars is not always possible because ownership may have changed. Proton Edar may have only the contact details of the first owner who bought the car and unless a new owner informed Proton Edar, they would be unaware and can only send a notification to the address of the original owner.

If you are uncertain whether your Perdana is affected, you can call Proton’s Customer Care at 1-800-888-398 or write to customercare@proton.com.

BMW Malaysia introduces new car-care programmes using Shell oil

BMW Malaysia today, in collaboration with Shell Malaysia, has introduced new engine oil service and maintenance parts programme for its long-term owners. The new programme offers two packages – the BMW Oil Service Package and the BMW Service Value Package.

The BMW Oil Service package, priced at RM500, available at authorised BMW service centres will use Shell Helix Ultra Professional ABB engine oil with a 5W-40 viscosity. The fully synthetic oil which meets BMW’s requirements is formulated with Shell’s PurePlus Technology. This technology uses a clear base oil made from natural gas with virtually no impurities.

Additionally, Shell’s Active Cleansing Technology helps to protect engines from power and performance-robbing deposits. On top of this, the low-evaporation formulation reduces the need for oil top-ups, and has superior resistance to oil degradation.

With the purchase of two BMW Oil Service packages (which include original oil filters), owners will also receive a complimentary Limited-Edition BMW M4 Motorsport Collectible Remote Car worth RM250 (while stocks last).

Meanwhile, the BMW Service Value package offers vehicle owners a programme which gets them up to 30% off retail prices for Original BMW maintenance parts. The parts include brakes, wipers, spark plugs, as well as micro filters and air filters.

Click here for more information on the car care programmes which are available until December 31, 2020.

BMW and MINI owners can now enjoy Door-to-Door Service

Emotive LED headlights for Skoda’s first all-electric SUV

With the ENYAQ iV, the first all-electric SUV model from Skoda, the Czech carmaker is taking a fresh approach to lighting design. The new lighting units are technically innovative full-LED matrix headlights with an emotive design language.

According to Petr Nevrela, chief designer of exterior lighting at Skoda, the new headlights are another evolution in the company’s current design language. “We already consistently developed the front headlights of the Scala and Kamiq model series and the new generation of the Octavia. In all the models we have presented over the last 18 months, the headlights are generally flatter, resulting in an even more dynamic effect.”

“The KAMIQ also adds its own twist with daytime running lights at the top. Furthermore, additional crystalline elements have been incorporated into the headlight design. With the ENYAQ iV, we are continuing this trend and refining specific details, such as the new, finely-drawn daytime running lights with subtle lashes and the new hexagonal shape of the main LED modules,” he explained.

The development of the design was done in close collaboration with the exterior designers and with the exterior lighting development team. Typically, the process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

Skoda reflects the tradition of Bohemian crystal art in its vehicles and provides its own interpretation. The precise lines, geometric arrangements and the exceptionally clear glass surfaces are fascinating and, depending on the incidence of light and viewing angle, offer ever-changing facets. This can be used as a basis for experimenting with light effects, with the 3-dimensional rear lights that are illuminated with fine light strips.

The designers wanted the ENYAQ iV’s lighting graphics to be welcoming and friendly at first glance, while the headlights create a highly dynamic and modern look. Innovative LED technology also underlines the sustainable concept of Skoda’s first all-electric SUV.

2020 Skoda Enyaq iV — *The Enyaq iV will be launched early next month.*

Slavia open-top concept is seventh Skoda Students Car

A pioneer in automobile safety for 100 years

Safety is an important factor that car-buyers consider when shopping today. There is an expectation that occupants will be well protected in the event of an accident and avoid serious injuries. At the same time, with advanced technologies, electronic systems can help a driver avoid an accident.

Organisations such as Euro NCAP and ASEAN NCAP regularly evaluate new models in the market, going to the extent of crashing and ramming them to simulate accidents. Their findings provide car-buyers with independent assessments to make more informed decisions when choosing their next car.

*Renault Captur crash test by Euro NCAP.*

Core competence since 1920s
For Renault, the subject of safety has been a core competence for a very long time. In fact, as far back as 100 years ago, the company already installed active safety systems in its cars which today are commonplace. In 1922, for example, the company was one of the first manufacturers in the world to equip its 6-cylinder models – the 18 CV and 40 CV – with additional front wheel brakes. At that time, braking was typically at the rear wheels. In addition, Renault offered a patented brake booster for the powerful 40 CV with 9.1-litre engine.

From 1937 onwards, the introduction of independent wheel suspension in place of the rigid axle also brought a significant increase in safety reserves. That same year, the Juvaquatre compact car was the first Renault model to have the modern chassis design on the front axle.

The Juvaquatre, produced between 1937 and 1960, was also the first Renault model with a self-supporting body. It was lighter than the frame construction that was dominant at the time and offered higher impact safety. Some of the principles of its construction would be followed in later years in all car bodies.

Accident research
As far back as 1954, Renault was already studying the effects of vehicle accidents in order to make safer cars. This was done at a centre for accident research located in the Paris area. It became the place where every new Renault model would be thoroughly tested, including crash-testing, heralding the era of modern, systematic safety and accident research.

Back then, the crash tests were quite ‘basic’ and compared to today’s high-tech tests, the procedures would even be considered ‘archaic’. The Renault researchers simply sent cars crashing into trucks and then examined the outcome on different areas of the car. There were no sensor-equipped crash test dummies back then so a lot relied on visual examination and analysis.

Destroying a car was also significantly more expensive than it is today. This is why, in the 5 years between 1955 and 1960, Renault only crashed around 100 vehicles. In comparison, the company conducts up to 400 crash tests a year today and 10 times more in computer simulations.

Another facility that Renault established in the 1950s was the Laboratory for Physiology and Biomechanics. This institution was under the direction of a physician and its role was to support the development departments in designing safer and more comfortable vehicles.

*Today, Renault conducts up to 400 crash tests a year and 10 times more using computer simulations.*

In 1969, the laboratory’s name was changed to reflect its expanded function – the Laboratory for Accident Research, Biomechanics and Studies of Human Behaviour. Its task was to investigate real-world accidents with scientific methods and use the findings to further improve safety standards in Renault vehicles.

Safety vehicle prototypes
Renault’s basic research in the field of passive safety culminated in 1974 in the BRV (Basic Research Vehicle) prototype. In addition to a crash-optimized structure with an energy-absorbing crumple zone at the front and a fixed safety cell for the passengers, the vehicle had 3-point seatbelts for all seats, including the rear. The inclusion of seatbelts was significant because at that time, seatbelts were compulsory only in France and only outside of towns.

Renault BRV and EPURE safety vehicles — *The BRV (left) and EPURE safety vehicles*

In 1979, the EPURE concept vehicle took up the body concept of the BRV, supplemented by reinforced side members and padding in the doors as protection in the event of a side impact. For the first time, there were also precautions for pedestrian protection and gas generators that would tighten the seatbelts in the event of a crash. This was the birth of the pyrotechnic belt-tensioner, which Renault introduced in 1993 and was one of the first carmakers to do so.

Automotive safety will continue to be a central part of all product development at Renault. Drawing on multiple resources, it constantly develops new technologies, some of which are pioneering, that raise levels of occupant protection. Today, the brand has one of the safest model ranges in Europe, with vehicles across all classes – from the compact Captur to the Koleos – able to score the maximum of 5 stars in Euro NCAP’s evaluations.

Click here for other news and articles about Renault.

Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2021 to offer a ‘S.E.T.’ of solutions for visitors

2020 has been a bad year for all types of public events as governments all over the world prohibited any activity where many people gathered and could spread the COVID-19 coronavirus. Concerts, sports events, banquets, conferences and exhibitions were all postponed or cancelled. Even the Olympics, to have been held in Japan in July this year, had to be postponed to 2021 and as yet, there is still uncertainty if it can or should be run.

However, as the peak of the pandemic has passed – but there are still new cases and the situation in America is serious – governments in some countries are slowly relaxing the prohibitions on gatherings although most organisers still look towards 2021 to resume events.

Automechanika Kuala Lumpur is one of those that is being planned for 2021. A regular event on the auto industry calendar, the trade fair is scheduled to be held from March 18 to 20 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Fresh approach
The organisers are taking a fresh approach to the event-oriented exhibition with an all-encompassing array of onsite activities and networking opportunities to help create a dialogue between players in the passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, logistics and IoT (Internet of Things) sectors.

The digital breakthroughs present a host of new opportunities in the ongoing automation of traditional manufacturing and practices (Industry 4.0) throughout the automotive value chain. The latest National Automotive Policy 2020 has even placed IoT at the forefront of future thinking. Taking these factors into account. Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2021 will push the boundaries even further to emphasise the potential of the digital transformation in the automotive market.

It will uniquely combine all elements of ‘Sourcing, Entertainment and Training’ to offer a ‘S.E.T.’ of solutions for fairgoers to meet their participating objectives. According to Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the organisers, the launch of ‘S.E.T.’ is another development in the show’s 22-year history.

“Each element of ‘Sourcing, Entertainment and Training’ will incorporate underlying digital trends that have the power to, ultimately, revolutionise end-user experiences. It equally weights all components, shaping dynamic growth opportunities for automotive players along the supply chain. Therefore, we aim to embody this innovative spirit at the show with one-of-a-kind activities that foster a passionate albeit business-oriented atmosphere,” she explained.

As a dominant aspect of the show, business opportunities are key drivers for participants looking to find new suppliers and meet with existing clients. The 2021 event expects to host exhibitors from 16 countries and regions across all sectors at the fair.

IoT as a standalone sector
The show introduces IoT as a standalone sector to amplify cloud-based, connectivity and telematics trends rising around the regional market. These digital trends will also transcend across Original Equipment (OE) right through to the aftermarket in the passenger, commercial vehicle and logistics sectors.

To illustrate this, product coverage of Diagnostics & Repair/Body & Paint, Accessories & Customising, Parts & Components and more within the core sectors will spotlight digital breakthroughs in safety, environmental protection, infotainment and comfort. For industry players, these are critical factors for today’s changing consumer patterns.

Entertainment in automotive culture
Automechanika Kuala Lumpur will once again be more than just a trading platform. The Auto NITZ Party and EMMA Malaysia Final – Car Audio and Modifications Competition will give way to a new type of auto-cultural festival. The spectacle aims to create a community amongst a mix of automotive players and is set to promote extended networking opportunities by engaging with more exhibitors, visitors and car enthusiasts alike. In the events, visitors from around the world will find an estimated 70 cars, tuned exclusively by local talent, along with guest performances from electronic dance and music groups.

Training from international experts
Information gathering, training and applied teaching remain huge pull factors for the show. A number of highly influential leaders will introduce the latest tools, technologies, systems and industry know-how to the regional market. Coverage will extend into commercial vehicle repair and maintenance, in addition to the passenger vehicle sector. Topics in sessions include the latest advancements for diagnostics, smart repair, and ADAS calibration and vehicle coding.

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