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Volkswagen release Luv Bug video

VW is trying to rekindle the love many had with the original Beetle for the soon to be launched Volkswagen Atlas with the release of a short video dubbed “Luv Bug”. The story is about a young couple just starting out life together. When they start having a family, and as it grows with every addition, the couple are forced to trade in their older and smaller VWs for newer and bigger ones to accommodate the whole family.

https://youtu.be/DZ3cDd-L1Qg

Speaking of the video, Vinay Shahani, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Volkswagen America, said, “Luv Bug shows the evolution of the Volkswagen brand through the eyes of a growing American family, as they graduate from the iconic Beetle to the compact Jetta sedan then to the versatile Tiguan and eventually to our all-new 2018 Atlas. We are excited to debut the Atlas with an ad campaign that celebrates our heritage and journey, alongside that of our American consumers.”

The song featured in this short video is Dean Martin’s “The Birds and the Bees” which is rather fitting considering how PG13 the video actually is. VW’s clever objective in this video is to portray the large size and spaciousness of the Atlas to viewers by introducing the tagline “Life’s as big as you make it”.

VW’s Atlas is the company’s biggest offering yet and will be built at the company’s manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It is said to be specifically tailored to meet the needs of the American consumers. Volkswagen says that the SUV offers class-competitive levels of technology and speciousness while maintaining the driving dynamics expected from vehicles that bear the its badge.

Measuring 5037 mm long, 1979 mm wide and 1768 mm high, the Atlas is the biggest VW yet to roll off the production line to date. There are two engine option to choose from, which are the 2.0-litre TSI four-pot that produces 238bhp and a 3.6-litre VR6 one that produces 280bhp. Both engines will be mated to an 8-speed transmission but buyers can opt to have either a front-wheel-drive or 4Motion all-wheel-drive configuration. VW’s Atlas is slated for launch towards the middle of 2017 in the US and with it, VW hope to take the fight to the American Juggernauts known as Ford, Chevrolet and Jeep.

Volkswagen to use augmented reality for future designs

Volkswagen has embraced the future and is looking at augmented reality to pursue the designs of its future models.The company is currently testing this methodology with the use of the Microsoft “HoloLens” augmented reality googles. Unlike Virtual reality ones, HoloLens blends virtual reality with the real world enabling better understanding of shapes and figures in real time. The technology is said to be beneficial to a number of fields and automakers like VW believe, that it will help them shorten the timeframe of their design work.

Hooked up to a mobile computer, Microsoft’s HoloLens can project virtual content onto a physical object through gesture control and voice commands. Ostermann, who heads one of VW’s Engineering Labs uses this technology to help create, mix and match colour schemes and remove any part of a vehicle in real time. he only needs to point his finger and HoloLens makes the changes. Demonstrating this tech with a R-Line Golf, Ostermann was able to change different aspects of the vehicle such as, use different wheels and modify the fenders, turning the vehicle into a very different variant of the original one.

Ostermann’s lab is one of six being operated by Volkswagen Group IT in Wolsburg, Berlin, Munich and San Fransciso. The latest has recently begun operating in Barcelona and together with the other locations, teams will collaborate on the digital future with research institutions and technology partners.

“At Volkswagen, we have been using augmented reality and virtual reality for some time, mainly to obtain a three-dimensional view,” says Ostermann. “We are now taking a major step forward at the Virtual Engineering Lab. We are transforming this technology into a tool for Technical Development. This will allow Volkswagen engineers to work on a virtual vehicle, to change its equipment as they wish and even to design new components virtually. They will be able to see the results of their work immediately.”

HoloLens doesn’t just project objects onto real ones, it also enables teams from different parts of the world to collaborate on the same project, making for a more efficient working environment as changes can be made in instant and be viewed by all members of the team.

The tech is said to still be in the testing phase but in the future, VW hope to be able to call up the entire brand portfolio and make changes no matter how extensive in order to build their best vehicles for the mass market.

Mercedes-Benz R107 in pristine condition is up for sale

Collectible classic cars are always in demand especially those that have been persevered for decades but look as though they had just rolled off the showroom floor. One such car is a 1989 R107 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL with only 1538km on the odometer. Considering that this particular Merc is close to 30 years old, the mileage says a lot about how often it was actually taken out on the road.

This right-hand drive example of the R107 is said to be one of the last ones ever built and was replaced by the R129 series the very same year. Launched in 1971, the R107 was based on the E-Class W114 sedan but utilized larger and more powerful engines from the S-Class. It is the second longest running model in the company’s history and was a favorite among those who wanted a refined luxury vehicle but with the brute power of a sports car. This particular car has a 5.0-litre V8 that produces 242bhp.

Built at a time when Mercedes-Benz engineers were obsessed with perfection, this over-engineered vehicle features “Tempomat” cruise control, air-conditioning, green-tinted sun-deflecting glass, heated seats and a separate hardtop . Amazingly, it still has its original tool kit, book pack and two hardtop release handles.

The car is currently being put up for sale by London classic car retailer Hexagon and is touted as the best example of the R107 Merc in the world right now. The car is being offered with a price tag of £94,995 (RM521,969) at Hexagon Classics’ showroom in London. The lucky buyer will definitely be getting his money’s worth with this R107.

Goodyear is World’s Most Admired Tyremaker

For the fifth time in a row, Fortune magazine has recognized Goodyear as the World’s Most Admired tyremaker and also as the No.1 ranked US based company and ranked No. 2 overall in it’s category. It even finished ahead of its key global competitors in overall score and in seven of the nine categories.

Fortune magazine’s Most Admired list was first introduced in 1983 and considered “the definitive report card on corporate reputations”. Companies that get on the list after a rigorous assessment by 3,800 executives, board directors and securities analysts who make their decision after considering a company’s overall reputation by evaluating innovation, people management, and use of assets, social responsibility, management quality, financial soundness, long-term investment, product/service quality and global competitiveness.

Goodyear began selling its products in Malaysia in 1929 but it was only in 1972 that the company established its own manufacturing plant in Shah Alam. It went on to become the tyremaker’s first facility to be certified for ISO 9002 standards in 1992 and now Goodyear is one of the leading tyre companies in Malaysia producing and selling a wide range of products for various types of vehicles.

Volkswagen goes on Vento Turbocharged Tour

As a means to promote the power and agility of the new turbocharged Vento, Volkswagen will initially be taking its small yet powerful sedan on a road tour across the three states.

The company believes that the only true way to convince potential buyers of the capabilities of the new Vento, would be for them to try it for themselves.

The tour will provide the general public with the opportunity to be up close and personal with the new car and drive it to its fullest potential. Besides giving the general public a feel for the car, the tour’s objectives include educating potential buyers on car safety and driving skills. This would include proper seating positions for drivers, correct steering wheel placement, emergency braking, defensive driving skills and how to maneuver through slalom courses. Taking it one step further, VW will also allow members of the public to participate in various stunt demo sessions.

The company will also be bringing along a number of other models for the public to see and test drive. So if you are interested in attending the tour, plan your weekends around the following dates of the first three tours:

18 – 19 March
(10.00a.m – 7.00p.m) -Aeon Bukit Tinggi, Klang

13 – 14 May
(10.00a.m – 7.00p.m) – Mydin Ayer Keroh, Malacca

29 – 30 July
(10.00a.m – 7.00p.m) – Stadium Darul Makmur, Kuantan

The Vento Turbocharged Tour is free of charge and open to the public but only those who have valid driver licenses are allowed to take part in the driving activities. In case you were wondering, the Vento comes with a 1.2-litre TSI turbo engine which is mated to a 7-speed DSG (Dual Clutch) gearbox. Touted as the vehicle with the highest torque in its class, the Vento is said to offer premium power at an affordable price. So, if you are interested to know more about the car, visit the VW Malaysia website or your nearest VW dealership.

New Porsche Centre Opens in Penang

Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) has officially launched the new 3S Porsche Centre Penang on 16th March 2017. The 35,575 sq ft facility is located along Jalan Baru in Seberang Perai and can be accessed from Penang island with the use of the first Penang bridge.

The RM15 Million facility boasts impressive capabilities such as a showroom with a capacity to display 10 cars, two air-conditioned dialogue bays and an after sales reception equipped with a Carrera Lounge. The service section of the facility features 9 service bays and a warehouse for spare parts. A welcomed addition to the centre is the Porsche Driver’s Selection shop where visitors are able to shop for their favourite Porsche branded apparel, personal accessories and toy models.

Speaking of the new facility, Arnt Bayer, Chief Executive Officer of Simer Darby Auto Performance, said, “We are thrilled to be moving into Penang with our third Porsche Centre in Malaysia.” He later added, “This new 3S Porsche Centre will enable us to deliver a higher level of customer satisfaction and a unique ownership experience for all Porsche owners and enthusiasts in the northern region.”

Martin Limpert (above, right), Managing Director of Porsche Asia Pacific, said: “The new Porsche Centre Penang marks another milestone for the Porsche growth in Malaysia and is a bold statement of SDAP’s commitment. I strongly believe in the long-term potential for Porsche in Malaysia and I am convinced that this latest addition to the Porsche dealer network will support our growth path and assure an outstanding customer experience.”

If your pockets are deep enough to own a Porsche and you happen to be in Penang, take the time to visit this impressive facility to enjoy all the ammenities that the centre has to offer.

Kia Grand Carnival to be launched soon

We’ve known for sometime about the impending launch of the all new Grand Carnival, and now Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd, has confirmed that it will be sometime soon as it has just opened bookings for its people carrier.

A refresh of the original Grand Carnival is a welcomed addition to the rather stagnant MPV market, and by the looks of things, it could spice things up quite a bit. The new vehicle, looks very different from the one it replaces as Kia sought to fuse decent looks with family carrying capabilities. Kia says that its engineers spent extensive time designing the interior to offer decent legroom and ample luggage space even when fully loaded with eight occupants.

Other than the extensive redesign both inside and out, some of the more notable features of the Grand Carnical are the leather seats, power sliding door and tailgate, 3rd row passenger easy access system, push start button and HID head lamps with Daytime Running Lights. Kia didn’t skimp on safety either as the vehicle comes equipped with 6 airbags, electronic stability control and hill-start assist system. It also boasts receiving a 5-star rating based on the crash tests conducted by the ANCAP (Australiasian New Car Assessment Program) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffice Safety Administration).

Kia managed to bag a number of awards including JD Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award, Top Safety Pick from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the 2015 Ward’s 10 Best Interiors award.

Speaking of the new Grand Carnival, Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group Chief Operating Officer, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn Bhd., said, “Despite 2016 being a challenging year for Kia in Malaysia, we managed to contain a better percentage than the national total industry volume’s negative growth. For 2017, we have foretasted our sales volume to increase by 25% and the All New Grand Carnival will play a pivotal role in achieving this target.”

Under the hood of the Grand Carnival is a 2.2-litre CDRi turbodiesel engine with a variable geometry turbo. It produces 190bhp and 440Nm of torque, which should prove useful when lugging the family around and especially when its to Genting.

Potential buyers can make their bookings at any Kia dealership in Malaysia including those in Sabah and Sarawak. So, if you are interest a Peter Schreyer people mover, head on over to your nearest Kia dealership.

Chevrolet Malaysia offer Double Bonus promotion for Colorado

Naza Quest Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Chevy vehicles in Malaysia has launched a new sales promotion called the “Double Bonus”.This promotion provides a rebate of up to RM6,000 and 3 Years/60,000km complimentary Parts & Labour Service for all variants of the new Chevrolet Colorado. Buyers are eligible for the deals from 1st March 2017 onward.

Chevy’s high spec Colorado is offered with a 2.8-litre Duramax VGT engine that produces 190hp and 500Nm of torque is priced at RM112,788. The variant offered with the 2.5-litre engine on the other hand develops 180hp and 444Nm of torque and is priced at RM90,188.

Features for the various variants of the Colorado include Engine Remote Start, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen system with four speakers and compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Traction Control, Front Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and 3 airbags (Driver, passenger and knee).

Chevrolet Malaysia is also offering a comprehensive 5 Year/ 200,000km warranty and 1 year complimentary Chevy Assist Membership on all variants of the new Colorado as part of the manufacturer’s Complete Care programme. Visit your nearest Chevrolet dealership to learn more.

Nissan Leaf Black Edition goes on sale in UK

The ever popular all-electric family hatchback may have received some added appeal. Nissan has launched a new variant of this ev, dubbed the Leaf Black Edition. As enticing as the name plate maybe, there don’t appear to be any performance upgrades for this variant over the standard car.

The Black Edition receives a number of exterior features such as 16-inch black alloy wheels, LED Headlamps, black door mirror caps and black rear spoiler. Inside, the only notable addition is the blue-stitched mats on the floor which is said to offer a more “premium” finish.

As it is with the rest of the line up, the Black Edition receives Nissan’s latest innovative technologies as standard including the NissanConnect EV telematics system and intelligent Around View Monitor.

Speaking of the latest edition to the Leaf family, Gareth Dunsmore, Director of Electric Vehicles of Nissan Europe, said “The new LEAF Black Edition perfectly showcases Nissan’s commitment to making smart, premium quality products accessible for all. This stylish black number combines dynamic styling, with Nissan’s innovative zero-emission technology to offer customers a city-savvy intelligent mobility solution. Its sleek design compliments an exciting drive, delivered through high-class engineering, demonstrating that you don’t have to compromise on style or performance when purchasing an electric car.”

Unveiled in 2010, the Nissan Leaf was the first mass-market electric family car and as of today, there are 250,000 them on the road. Powered by a 30kWh battery pack, the Leaf is able to travel 250km on a single charge, which should be more than adequate for most city dwellers.

Ford issue safety recall for Mustang in North America

The Blue Oval has decided to issue a safety compliance recall for about 6,000 of the 2017 Ford Mustang cars made, for an inspection of the left interior door handle return spring. Apparently, cars affected by the recall may have had their left-hand door handle built with a disoriented return spring which could increase the potential for the return spring to become unseated.

According to the company, if the return spring does become unseated, during a side-impact crash, the impact experienced by the interior door handle may cause the door to unlatch and inturn increase the risk of injury.

As of now, there are no reports of any accidents or injuries that are related to this issue. There are about 5,470 affected vehicles in the United States, 20 in Mexico and 266 in Canada. These vehicles were built at Ford’s facility at Flat Rock Assembly Plant from January 13, 2017 to January 31, 2017.