With 2021 having started, Berjaya Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) – the new company handling Peugeot vehicles in Malaysia – is preparing itself to provide the necessary services and support to customers and owners. To start off, it is running a customer information update exercise which calls for owners of Peugeot vehicles to provide their details so that the customer database can be updated.
This is important as owners will need to be kept information of service reminders, warranty matters, service campaigns and other news from time to time. Having the latest contact information will enable BAASB to stay in touch with them.
All personal information protected
All Peugeot owners in Malaysia can update their information by visiting the new official Peugeot website at www.peugeot.com.my. To prove ownership, they will have to provide details of their vehicle registration as well as service and warranty booklets. BAASB assured owners that all information collected will be protected in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) law of Malaysia.
BAASB says this is just the first step in is efforts to improve the ownership experience for Peugeot owners. The team at BAASB includes people who have long experience in the auto industry and have taken the Mazda brand to a higher level in the past 10 years. They would certainly be aiming to achieve the same success with the Peugeot brand.
Besides the website, customers and owners can also contact BAASB by writing to customersupport@baasb.com.my. There is also a dedicated Peugeot Customer Support phone number 03-7627 8818, which operates from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am – 6.00 pm.
Bentley has launched the first of two PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) – the Bentayga Hybrid which the company says is the only electrified true-luxury SUV in the world. It is the third model in the Bentley SUV portfolio and after deliveries start in mid-2021, it is expected to become the best-selling version of latest Bentayga family.
The hybrid powertrain consists of a 94 kW (126 bhp) E Motor which can produce up to 350 Nm of torque. Working together with the electric motor is a 3-litre twin turbocharged V6 petrol engine that provides additional torque as required or when going at speeds above 135 km/h. To warn pedestrians of the vehicle’s near silent movement, a dedicated speaker emits an exterior sound at low speeds.
The 17.3-kWh lithium-ion battery pack consist of 168 individual cells with an expected life of 160,000 kms or 8 years, and can be charged to 100% in as little as 2.5 hours (depending on region and charging facilities). The power electronics convert the energy stored from the high voltage battery to supply the E Motor or supplement the existing 12V vehicle electrical infrastructure.
Three E modes
The driver of the Bentayga Hybrid can choose different drive modes for optimum motoring performance and efficiency. A dedicated button allows control over the 3 E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode. These will enable the driver to manually manage battery usage during a journey – though this can also be managed automatically by the car.
There is also an Efficiency Accelerator Pedal which provides a pressure point when in EV Drive to denote the boundary between pure electric and hybrid power. This encourages the driver to stay in EV Drive for as long as possible but can also be disabled if required. In pure electric drive, the E Motor continues to function up to speeds of up to 135 km/h.
Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Braking blends seamless integration of braking between the E Motor and conventional hydraulic braking, to provide a conventional feel to the brake pedal for comfort and the driving experience while maximising recuperation of energy.
Real-world usage studies
Bentley’s research shows over 90% of owners use their first-generation Bentayga Hybrid on a daily basis or several times a week, and nearly 100% of them use EV mode, with half of them consistently undertaking journeys of less than 50 kms.
It was also found that 78% of zero emissions journeys (those in pure electric mode) were achieved regularly over a 900-km activity. In a more urban environment, one of Bentley’s development drivers achieved 67% in EV model over 1,080 kms around San Francisco. In the UK, Chris Cole (Project Leader for the Bentayga Hybrid) did 64% with zero emissions commuting to and from the factory. In real-world terms, therefore, the majority of journeys can be achieved completely in electric mode only.
Unified Bentley design DNA
The new exterior and interior design emphasise Bentley design DNA across the entire model range. It has been completely refreshed from the previous generation to create an even more stylish and purposeful car. Every panel at the front and rear of the car has been altered to give it a cleaner and more modern look.
At the front, a larger and more upright new matrix grille allows the Bentayga’s elegant bonnet to sweep down to the very edge of the chrome work. This gives the car a more dominant, upright profile and pushes the new elliptical LED matrix headlamps further apart, raising them 30 mm higher leading to a more muscular aesthetic. The new headlamps also include the marque’s now-signature cut crystal design, which makes them appear to sparkle even when not lit.
Perhaps the most dramatic design changes can be seen at the rear of the car where the new Bentayga range can be clearly differentiated from its predecessor. In line with the Continental GT, it features elliptical tail lamps for the first time.
The new looks are further accentuated with numerous individualisation possibilities, including the contemporary urban appeal of the Blackline Specification that replaces all exterior chrome with black versions.
Re-imagined interior
A quieter and more refined driving experience is promised with the Bentayga Hybrid. The interior has been re-imagined and now contains a modernised combination of luxury materials and intricate craftsmanship. Bentley designers have created an even more relaxing environment for passengers with major changes to the door trims and steering wheel, plus a redesigned centre fascia and digital instrumentation cluster. These are complemented by new seats that further improve on seat comfort.
Two seating configurations are available. The standard 5-seat layout benefits from an all-new seat frame, doubling the travel of the rear-seat recline angle, and the optional 4-seat configuration has two individual rear seats separated by a centre console. The ergonomics of the 4-seat configuration are further enhanced from a 30 mm increase in knee room in the upright seated position, with an improvement of almost 100 mm in the reclined position, making luxury travel even more comfortable.
A new quilting design is included in Mulliner Driving Specification cars, while customers can choose from 8 sustainably-sourced veneers including two straight grained options new to Bentayga – Koa and Crown Cut Walnut.
A next generation infotainment system is integrated seamlessly into the handcrafted, Bentley ‘wing’ dashboard design and features a 10.9-inch display screen with edge-to-edge graphics. The all-new digital display includes super high-resolution and dynamic graphics which are configurable to suit driver preferences.
The latest hardware and software bring all-new navigation with satellite maps, online search and other features. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard for the first time, alongside the existing wired system, along with Android Auto. Rear seat occupants benefit from the introduction of a new, larger touchscreen remote control tablet, similar to that introduced in the all-new Flying Spur.
Connectivity around the car has been significantly improved, with USB-C data ports and a wireless phone charger now standard. The new Bentayga range is now provided with an embedded SIM, as with the latest Continental GT models, meaning My Bentley connected car features no longer require customers to provide their own data connection.
Honda Malaysia has again claimed the No.1 position in the Non-National segment of the Malaysian car market, with a total of 60,469 vehicle delivered in 2020. This is the sixth consecutive year that the company has been in the lead position after the two Malaysian makes.
Announcing the achievement, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Toichi Ishiyama, said: “The year 2020 may have been challenging but we have managed to maintain our undisputed No.1 position in the Non-National Segment for the sixth consecutive and for that, we are truly humbled by the support we have received.”
City accounted for 34% of sales
Mr. Ishiyama said that the City, being the most popular Non-National B-segment model among Malaysians, was the biggest contributor (34%) to the total volume. “Officially launched in October 2020, the all-new City recorded highest monthly sales in its history with over 5,500 units sold in the month of December 2020. It also received positive response from the market with more than 15,200 bookings to date, making it one of the highest booking figures for a newly launched model in Honda Malaysia in the second half of 2020.
The second best-selling model was the Civic, followed by the HR-V, which contributed 20% and 17% to the total sales volume, respectively.
Mr. Ishiyama also expressed gratitude to the Malaysian government extending the sales tax exemption incentive. “We sincerely thank the Malaysian government for the extension of sales tax exemption until June 30, 2021 which will allow many Malaysians to purchase cars with extra savings. As we move on in 2021, we will continue to support the government’s efforts to curb the pandemic which is still active nationwide,” he said.
City RS e:HEV due this month
While the City S, V and E variants (priced from RM74,191.27, excluding 10% sales tax) with the new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC powertrain have been on sale since October, the all-new City RS e:HEV variant will be available from this month. The RS e:HEV variant is a world-first with its intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain.
The new City RS e:HEV will be available this month.
This electrified powertrain is an advanced hybrid powertrain with 2 motors and an Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT). Together with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, the i-MMD powertrain can generate up to 253 Nm of torque, an exceptional output for its size. Maximum power output is 108 ps which can take the City beyond 170 km/h and yet consume fuel at a claimed rate of 26.5 kms/litre.
It was described as ‘the world’s most advanced sportscar’ when it made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995. Famously named after a grand-daughter of Romano Artioli, who was then Chairman of Lotus, it was built on a futuristic epoxy-bonded extruded aluminium chassis. This was a world first, as were its extruded aluminium suspension uprights and aluminium metal-matrix brake discs.
Rewrote the lightweight rulebook
Designed and developed in-house at Lotus, it was a genuine innovation that rewrote the rulebook on lightweight automotive engineering which was an obsession for Colin Chapman, the company’s founder. “Adding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere,” he once said.
Power for the 690-kg Elise came from Rover’s 1.8-litre 118-bhp K-Series engine, transversely-mounted behind the two seats. Given the car’s exceptionally light weight, it meant a swift 0 – 100 km/h times of around 5.5 seconds with the 5-speed manual transmission.
Not surprisingly, when journalists and enthusiasts drove it, the reviews were stellar. It heralded a new generation of light, agile and pure performance car that thrilled the enthusiastic driver. The promise of breathtaking performance would cost less than £20,000 (in the UK in 1996).
Up to 190 bhp
Sport Elise versions with outputs of 135, 160 and 190 bhp were launched to support the growing track-day industry, plus the Elise 111S with a Variable Valve Control (VVC) version of the K-Series. Numerous special editions were offered, including some with Lotus motorsport heritage paint colours such as the iconic JPS and Gold Leaf liveries.
The 340R was the final chapter in the S1 story, first seen at the British Motor Show in October 1998 and named after the number that were to be built. On sale 12 months later, it was a more hardcore version of the Elise, minimalist in its execution with no doors or roof and tiny mudguards covering the outboard wheels. Whilst road-legal, Lotus made no secret that it was the ideal track-day car.
Lotus 340R
Made in Malaysia too
Although never officially designated S1 by Lotus, the car’s global fan base defined the 1996-2001 Elise as the S1 when a new Elise entered production. That was designated the S2, again unofficially.
By the time S1 production ended in 2001, around 12,000 had been sold over 5 years. A small number were also made at the Proton factory in Malaysia at one stage as Proton had acquired Lotus in 1996, and owned it till 2017.
After making a big splash with the launch of multiple models last month, UMW Toyota Motor starts off the new year by being the first company to announce new models that will be in showrooms soon. The first of these is the updated Toyota Innova for 2021 which has cosmetic changes and additional safety systems made standard.
Bookings are accepted from today for the new Innova which is available in three variants: Innova 2.0X – from RM129,677; Innova 2.0G – from RM121,483; and Innova 2.0 E – from RM111,622. There are six exterior colour choices, with the Innova 2.0X having an additional choice of Crimson Spark Red Metallic. Every new vehicle comes with a 5-year warranty and no limit on mileage covered. [Click here for latest pricelists]
Styling enhancements
The 2021 Innova’s cosmetic changes alter the appearance of the front end noticeably, with a chrome and black theme used for the grille and chrome for the door mirror housings and integrated turn signals. The foglamps and foglamp bezels have also been redesigned for a bolder appearance.
The flagship Innova 2.0X comes with exclusive styling enhancements such as new wheelarch mouldings for protecting the bodywork, new bodyside mouldings and redesigned side skirts that add a sporty touch.
While the lightweight 17-inch alloy rims of the Innova 2.0X are now in Dark Mica Metallic instead of black, those on the Innova 2.0G get a more dynamic new design. At the rear, the garnish on the back door has been restyled, while the roof spoiler (only for the Innova 2.0X) has been reprofiled for aerodynamic improvements.
Changes within
The large and bright 9-inch capacitive touchscreen for the infotainment system also serves as a display for the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) which is now standard for the Innova 2.0X and Innova 2.0G. The PVM display has been changed from a 2D view to a 3D view to provide the driver with a better perspective of the vehicle and its surroundings for more precise maneuvering in tight spaces.
Responding to customer feedback, more charging ports have been added. The front 2 USB ports have been repositioned in the dashboard from the centre console and an additional USB port has been provided for those in the third row of seats. All the ports have Fast Charging capability for compatible smartphones and other portable devices. Additionally, a wireless charging pad located in the centre console is also available as an option.
The Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert systems which can help prevent collisions with other vehicles are now standard for the Innova 2.0X and Innova 2.0G. The entire Innova range qualifies for the maximum 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating. All variants come with 7 SRS airbags and every one of the occupants on 3 rows has a 3-point auto-retracting seatbelt.
All variants have ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist, as well as Vehicle Stability Control with Traction Control, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill-start Assist Control.
Better security
Besides the standard electronic security system, UMWT is now installing a Toyota Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) which can track the vehicle’s movements using GPS and GSM technology. In the event that the vehicle is stolen, the VTS Command Centre can determine its location and inform relevant authorities to make recovery faster.
Bookings can be made at all Toyota showrooms nationwide as well as online at build.toyota.com.my. Locations of all showrooms can be found at www.toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
The second model to be announced by UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) today is the updated Toyota Fortuner which will be available during the first quarter of this year. However, bookings can be made now at all authorised UMWT dealerships nationwide or online.
Assembled in Malaysia, Toyota’s full-sized 4×4 SUV for the Malaysian market will continue to be available with a choice of two variants at the following prices: Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T – from RM203,183 and Fortuner 2.7 SRZ 4×4 A/T – from RM172,244. A 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage comes with each vehicle. [Click here for latest pricelists]
The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ 4×4 A/T is a new variant which replaces the Fortuner 2.4 VRZ offered previously. A new body colour – Bronze Mica Metallic – with a Black Roof will be available exclusively for this new variant which is the flagship of the range. The Black Roof is also available with the Super White II exterior colour only for this variant with other four exterior colour choices.
Exterior changes
The 2021 Fortuner 2.8 VRZ comes with Quad LED headlamps with a new housing, flanking a mesh-type front grille. The foglamps, turn signals and position lamps have also been restyled while the front and rear bumpers have a new design. The skidplate below the front end is also new, emphasising ruggedness. Additionally, the corner mouldings are specially shaped for aerodynamic benefits.
For the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ, the Bi-Beam LED headlamps also have a new sharper design along with the revised front grille and front bumper. The turn signals, position lamps and rear combination lamps have also received cosmetic changes for both variants.
What’s new inside
The current generation of the Fortuner has a more premium image and interior feel, and this is further enhanced with the 2021 models. The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ interior, which has 3 rows of seats, is trimmed with a new design and colour while the seat upholstery also has a new colour and design.
The new instrument panel features a revised Multi Information Display (MID) opening animation. Ambient illumination is provided to add a touch of class at night, while the key cover has been redesigned.
The instrument panel for the Fortuner 2.7 SRZ has been redesigned and for enhanced usefulness, the MID has additional information for the driver. This variant also gets a new interior trim colour and new seat upholstery colour to freshen up the cabin appearance.
For added comfort and convenience, the new Fortuner is fitted with LED Interior Lamps, Electrochromic Rearview Mirror (to eliminate dazzle) and the front passenger can now easily adjust the seat with powered controls at the side.
Toyota Safety Sense
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS is standard in the Fortuner 2.8 VRZ). This is an integrated suite of active safety systems which make use of a camera and radar to monitor and detect other vehicles, and to take appropriate action to prevent an accident.
TSS, though available in many Toyota models today, has different elements and for the latest Fortuner, it comes with Pre collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Yaw Assist Function.
Unlike the TSS in passenger vehicles, the system in the Fortuner (as well as Hilux) has a Yaw Assist Function. This activates when lane departure is detected and additional braking force applied to the inner wheels to direct the vehicle back into the proper lane position.
Proven powertrains
The proven Toyota powertrains are maintained with the availability of the new 1GD-FTV 4-cylinder commonrail diesel engine that has a heavy-duty variable nozzle turbocharger and Intercooler. The new muscular 2.8-litre engine, which produces maximum power of 204 pd/500 Nm, operates at high efficiency with the electronically-controlled common rail injection system that can deliver fuel at a maximum pressure of up to 250 MPa.
The Fortuner 2.8 VRZ also comes with Variable Flow Control Power Steering, which helps to improve fuel economy by reducing the power steering pump consumption torque. This is achieved by having a standby mode (low assist) when the vehicle is not being steered. As with other power steering systems, the amount of assistance varies according to the speed. It is greater at low speeds (eg when parking) to make steering easier and becomes less at higher speeds to give a firmer feel.
The part-time 4×4 drivetrain provides for maximum capability on all surfaces, from smooth highway to muddy jungle tracks. With the 4×4 engaged, all four wheels constantly get power to give better stability and grip in all conditions, increasing safety.
The drivetrain of both variants includes an Auto Limited Slip Differential (LSD). This device is very useful in the most difficult conditions and uses the traction control system to control braking when one of the rear wheels start to spin. It allows engine power to be maintained and power is directed to the wheel with better traction.
Bookings can be made at all Toyota showrooms nationwide as well as online at build.toyota.com.my. Locations of all showrooms can be found at www.toyota.com.my or by calling the Toyota Freephone at 1800-8-TOYOTA (869682).
It’s always good for owners if a brand has an official representative in the country, as they can then be assured of aftersales support. For those who own or want to own a Lamborghini, the good news is that the carmaker has appointed an official dealer – SunAgata Supercars Sdn Bhd, which will be known as Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur.
The company will commence full operations from April 2021 when its showroom and aftersales facility are officially opened. Meanwhile, it is wasting no time in ensuring that existing owners can receive aftersales support by having a temporary service facility at the Audi Centre in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor.
Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur will temporarily operate from the Audi Centre in Glenmarie, Selangor. It’s not surprising that it is at that location since Audi owns the Italian company.
Quality, reliability, immense technical sophistication and a constant commitment to meeting customers’ expectations are the fundamental elements that distinguish the Lamborghini brand. We believe that the strong partnership between Lamborghini and SunAgata Supercar will effectively communicate our brand values to loyal owners as well as new customers, both in terms of our image and how we operate. Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur will strengthen our highly acclaimed brand by delivering an unparalleled customer ownership experience,” said Francesco Scardaoni, Regional Director for Automobili Lamborghini in Asia Pacific.
After a year of unprecedented challenges, Proton closed 2020 on a high with another increase in sales, following a previous landmark performance in 2019. Despite losing over 2 months of vehicle production as well as sales due to the MCO (Movement Control Order), the company was still able to sell 109,716 vehicles for the whole of 2020 after a final month of 13,306 units.
The 2020 volume represented an increase of 8.8% over the 100,821 units sold in 2019, and Proton says it is the only major automotive company to record growth in Malaysia. Its market share for the year also increased to an estimated 21.1%, a significant 4.4% increase.
Main drivers of volume growth
The main drivers of volume growth were the extensively updated Persona, Iriz, Exora and Saga, which all posted higher numbers in 2020. The X50 surpassed expectations despite its later than planned arrival. The sales performance, combined with a 49.8% increase in export volume, allowed Proton to buck the trend of the Malaysian automotive industry which is expected to contract by an estimated 13%.
In terms of individual performance, each Proton model ended the year near the top of their respective segments. The Saga remains as the company’s bestseller for 2020, while the launch of the X50 and continued strong sales for the X70 combined to make Proton the leading SUV brand in the country.
Sales of X50 and continued high demand for X70 makes Proton to leading SUV brand in Malaysia.
“We are grateful to have achieved this level of performance against the backdrop of 2020. To describe it as challenging would be an understatement but we persevered. Our results were backed by many factors, trust from our customers, support from the government, commitment from vendors, resilience of our dealers and also the diligence of our staff,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.
Strategic management and decision-making
COVID-19 brought economic activity to a complete halt and its adverse effects required quick, prudent and tough management decisions. Fortunately, with the last few years of vigilant cost control and improved efficiencies, the company was able to react quickly to the crisis. This meant that despite the shutdown, there were no layoffs or salary cuts. More importantly, constant monitoring and agility allowed the company to ramp up production very quickly after the lockdown.
Post-lockdown, Proton was rigorous about safety for both customers and employees. Stringent protocols were deployed and are still being followed to ensure that all customers, partners and employees can interact with peace of mind.
Still, like all other industries dependent on a global supply chain for components, the company was affected by the availability of parts for producing new cars and replenishing its spares. This caused delays that, in some instances, severely increased waiting times for both sales and service customers. However, steps have been taken to address these issues and a marked improvement in the coming year is promised though, in the short term, some delays will persist.
Continued push in manufacturing and quality
A key component in Proton’s performance for 2020 was the results of its investments in manufacturing and quality. This was both in the areas of hardware and software. Aside from technology, new processes and systems were introduced to drive an increase in capacity and precision. This was exemplified not only with the increased volume but with the smooth introduction of the X50 at the company’s new production line at the Tanjung Malim factory in Perak, which also makes the Persona, Iris and X70.
Proton also reports that it markedly improved its Global Customer Product Audit (GCPA) score demonstrating that its quality initiatives are coming to fruition. The company was able to do this despite manufacturing being the most severely impacted by the pandemic.
Export growth in trying times
Despite the restrictions placed on the global movement of goods, 2020 saw a strong year for the company’s export division, with a bumper month in December. The first locally assembled Saga roll-off the assembly line in Kenya and the model also made its debut alongside the X70 in Pakistan. Both models are currently imported in CBU form from Malaysia but will soon be assembled in Karachi when the new assembly plant is completed later this year.
The X50 meanwhile entered its first export market when it made its international debut in Brunei last month. It is the fourth Proton model to be launched in the kingdom in 2020 after the latest Persona, Iriz and Saga.
Raising the retail game
Proton increased its footprint nationwide with another 20 3S/4S outlets, bringing its network size to 140 by the end of 2020. The company continued its programme of upgrading to make a difference in the entire customer value-chain. In striving to deliver a premium brand experience, it paid special focus to revamping the back-end of the business, especially in the areas of after-sales and parts.
While already showing results, these efforts are part of Proton’s plan for the long-term evolution of its business. As such, 2020 also saw Proton change from a retail sales model to a wholesale one with the transfer of ownership of 49 of its branches. This allows the company to focus more on product development, product quality, after sales service and exports while opening the door for dealers to expand the envelope of customer service.
Proton also did its part in helping in the war against COVID-19, providing frontliners with protective equipment made at Proton’s factory, and also vehicles for government agencies to use.
“2020 was a real test of Proton’s mettle as we had only just begun our new trajectory. The nature of this pandemic for an organization like ours, which depends on global supply chains, put great strain on the business. However, a combination of good strategy and hard work has left us not only with an increase in sales against a decreasing market but a renewed belief in our product strategy, quality and commitment to our customers,” Dr.Li said.
“At the same time, we also saw to it that we did our part for the country, which all of us at Proton are especially proud of. We will continue to put the pedal to the metal in 2021 and strive to improve all aspects of the business,” he added,
Older drivers will remember the days when they had to use their own arms to signal when they were turning left or right. In case you don’t know, to indicate turning left, you moved your arm in a circle (outside the window of course). Thankfully, signal lights were invented and could be activated from the steering column by moving a stalk up or down.
Records at the US Patent Office show that in 1933, one Joseph Bell applied for, and was granted a patent, for his invention of what would be the earliest electrically-operated signal lights for motor vehicles. In his description, he said: “The principal object of my invention is to provide a signalling device which is readily visible and will clearly indicate to all nearby persons an intended change of direction or a stop or both simultaneously.” The patent expired permanently in July 1955.
While not an inventor, silent-film star Florence Lawrence is also credited with having designed the first signaling arm for cars, like the one many remember on the Morris Minor.
Electrically-operated signal lights have been on cars for many decades, especially American ones as they were invented and patented in the 1930s. The extending arm for signalling on the Morris Minor is often remembered but generally, signal lights were separate units on the bodywork or integrated with the other lights as a single unit.
Unchanged feature for decades
Carmakers naturally adopted the signal light as soon as they could and it remained unchanged for many decades, relying on bulbs to flash and a clicking sound which the driver could hear to be aware they were in operation. Authorities in various countries made signal lights compulsory and also specified certain dimensions which were generally similar globally, making it easier for the manufacturers when they designed their cars.
Initially, the signal lights were installed separately with their own housings. As designers came to create integrated lighting units, the signal lights were incorporated in the same housing in some cases, making for a neater appearance and also easier wiring. In some cases, the bulbs were coloured, or the reflector was coloured with the universal orange/amber colour.
LEDs provide more design flexibility
In the late 1990s, light-emitting diode (LED) technology was gradually adopted for signal lights and brake lights, allowing designers more flexibility in how they styled these elements. They still had to be mindful of regulations but were able to be creative at the same time. The use of LEDS had many benefits – longer service life, less failures due to vibrations and less energy use. LEDs could also light up almost instantly, unlike bulbs, and that helped in road safety, especially for brake lights.
Some European manufacturers advanced signal light design with the dynamic indicator. This consists of several light segments that progressively light up from the centre towards the outside, pointing in the direction of turning. They are eye-catching and were initially associated with more expensive models. They are slowly moving downwards in the market and in time, they should also be available in lower-priced cars as a standard feature.
With the need to stick an arm out of the window being unnecessary, one would think that drivers would readily use the signal lights. However, a study by Abertis Global Observatory on road safety in several countries found that, on average, 44% of drivers don’t use them when overtaking or making lane changes. There would also be other road-users who do not pay attention to signals and collide with vehicles as they turn.
Many of today’s cars have a Blind Spot Monitor which alerts the driver of another vehicle in the blind zone if they want to make a turn or change lanes. An even better approach is Honda’s camera-based Lane Watch system (below) which serves the same purpose.
Proper use of turn indicators
Driving safety experts advise that before making a turn or lane-change, the driver needs to look in all the mirrors first. Just because you activate the signals does not mean you have the right of way and you need to ensure that other road-users are not endangered or inconvenienced. This is where the Blind Spot Monitor that more and more cars are having will come in useful, as it can alert the driver of another vehicle that may not be visible.
It is also a good idea to activate the signals well in advance of making the manoeuvre so others can either reposition themselves as they anticipate your vehicle slowing down, or slow down if you are about to move into the lane in front of them. Of course, in lane-change manoeuvres, the time between a decision to do so and executing the action may be very short so in this case, checking the mirrors is more important.
In earlier years, motorists stuck their arms out to signal turns and the action to turn left was to move the arm in a circle. Today, they just press a stalk by the side of the steering column up or down (below)
In many vehicles, there is a lane-change mode on the signal stalk where a gentle partial press will activate the signals for a few seconds. This is to alert others just long enough and the signal lights will go off by themselves. They will not remain on for long as when you push the stalk up or down.
It is also recommended to use the signal lights when leaving a roundabout. The more aware other drivers are of your intentions, the less likely an accident will occur. You should also use the signal lights to let others know that you are waiting for someone to come out of a parking bay if you happen to be stopped in a carpark. Your brake lights might not be one so a vehicle approaching may not know you are fully stopped and waiting; seeing the signal lights will at least let the driver know of your intentions.
To the younger generation, Aston Martin may seem like a newcomer to Formula 1, the brand was in the sport 60 years ago, entering the DBR4 and DBR5 in the 1959 and 1960 championship seasons. As it was not very successful, it focussed instead on sportscar racing which it was more successful in, with multiple class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This year will see Aston Martin back in Formula 1 Grand Prix racing as its team will make its race debut on March 21 at the opening round in Melbourne, Australia. The racing cars will be revealed in February, but it is already known that the drivers will be 4-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sebastian Vettel and multiple Grand Prix podium finisher, Lance Stroll.
“Formula 1 is a hugely powerful platform that will play a key part in the overall Aston Martin strategy as we seek to take the company forward. It is a truly global sport with a huge audience that we believe can help reignite the brand and further increase its desirability all over the world. This is a brand that has already had huge success in top-level international motorsport such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans – and now we have an opportunity to write a new page in the history books. That’s a hugely exciting prospect for anyone who is a lover of the Aston Martin brand, for fans of Formula 1 and the sport itself,” said Lawrence Stroll, Aston Martin Lagonda Executive Chairman and also the father of Lance.
Brand awareness
Aston Martin understands the power of Formula 1 when it comes to brand awareness. Much work has already been done and achieved via the company’s title sponsorship of Red Bull Racing in previous seasons, Now the brand will go up a notch as it joins the F1 elite as a manufacturer.
Though it has been 60 years since Aston Martin raced in F1, its Wings have been on Red Bull Racing’s cars in recent years as title sponsor.
Otmar Szafnauer, who is the CEO & Team Principal, said: “We’ve had almost a year of preparation to reach this point and we’re really looking forward to seeing the reaction when we finally unveil our new identity as the Aston Martin Formula One Team.”
“Representing such an iconic brand is a huge privilege for every member of the team. We’ve earned a well-deserved reputation for punching above our weight, so we’re confident we can do the Aston Martin name proud right from the get-go. It’s the start of a new journey and I can sense an extra energy in the team, with a determination to push performance further than ever before. Combined with some of the most creative minds in the business, a true racers’ mentality and the can-do spirit that has served us so well through the years, we have every reason to be excited about the future,” he said.
11 years separate the ages of the two drivers for the team – Sebastian Vettel (33) and Lance Stroll (22).
A team with a 29-year history
The Aston Martin Formula 1 Team may be a new name on the starting grid of the 2021 F1 World Championship but the team itself has a history that goes back to the days of the Jordan Racing team in 1991. The team went through various owners until the end of 2007, when Indian businessman Vijay Mallya bought it over. It was then renamed Force India, a name it would use in the championship for 10 years that followed, until 2018. However, during 2018, Mallya had financial problems which led to him having to let go of the team and it was acquired by Racing Point UK. This was a consortium led by Canadian businessman Lawrence Stroll and its ownership of the racing team gave it entry to F1.
In earlier years, before it was the Racing Point Team, it was known as Force India.The Aston Martin F1 Team is the new name for the BWT Racing Point Team which raced in the 2020 season, finishing fourth overall.
The team at first had SportPesa as a title sponsor in 2019 but then the East African company pulled out and in the following season, BWT (an Austrian company making water treatment systems) took over as title sponsor.
Stroll became Executive Chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda last year after leading a strong investment consortium to take a shareholding in the company. The consortium made a £182 million investment and gained a 16.7% stake. Stroll is a Canadian billionaire, is well known in the fashion industry, with shares in Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors. He is a car-lover with a collection of vintage Ferraris and has been involved in F1 via brand sponsorships for many years.
Aston Martin’s F1 racing years
The 1950s were an exciting time for Aston Martin. Company owner Sir David Brown, who had acquired the business in 1947 before adding the Lagonda brand later that same year, was steadily creating finely styled British sportscars of growing appeal.
Sir David recognised the importance of motorsport to the brand’s commercial success and, in 1955, made plans to develop and enter cars that would take on the best competition in both the World Sportscar Championship and the still relatively new Formula 1 World Championship.
The history books focus on the famous achievements of the Le Mans-winning DBR1, and the DB3S that preceded it, but the initial venture into single seaters, DP155, could be seen as a valuable learning exercise for the brand. As a precursor to the later 1950s Grand Prix cars and alongside this project, Sir David initiated work on a new engine, and a new road car design that would become the DB4.
From this was born the DBR4 and although testing began as early as 1957, it was not until 1959 that the car made its competition debut at the BRDC International Trophy event, run to Formula 1 rules, at Silverstone in May of that year.
Two cars competed and car No. 1, driven by 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Roy Salvadori, came in a creditable second behind Jack Brabham in a Cooper-Climax T51. Powered by a 2493cc, dry sump, 6-cylinder RB250 engine, from the same basic design as the DBR1 sportscar engine, the DBR4/250 was a 256 bhp spaceframe single-seater which weighed 575 kgs.
Despite being driven by some of the star names of the era, Salvadori and Carroll Shelby among them, the front-engined DBR4 was out of step with the new mid-engined competition and failed to mirror in Formula 1 what its DBR1 cousin famously achieved in the sportscar arena. After a disappointing debut for its successor, the DBR5, Aston Martin withdrew from single seater motorsport in 1960 and gave its full attention to sportscar racing.
