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War on COVID-19: Mercedes-Benz converts bus specially for transporting patients

The COVID-19 virus is highly contagious, which is why people need to protect themselves with face masks and stand 1 metre (or more) apart so as not to be infected by others. Washing hands has always been important, even more so now as the virus can be present on surfaces that are touched and picked up by the hands.

For healthcare personnel who have to assist and treat infected patients, the risks are therefore great and they need to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that effectively seals their body. You would have seen pictures of personnel wearing such equipment in news reports.

You would also have seen that in most cases, the vehicles used to transport patients or those who have to go to quarantine locations are essentially ambulances or vans. The ambulances would have been equipped and configured for medical purposes but the vans may just be as they are. Okay for normal situations but with this virus, extra measures need to be taken to protect the other occupants as well (bearing in mind they have to wear the PPE in a tight space).

Some carmakers have modified their vans with such new requirements in mind and in Germany, Daimler Buses has even converted an inter-city bus into a special vehicle for the transfer of COVID-19 patients. Its Citaro model, now the largest intensive care ambulance in Germany, is to be used by the German Red Cross Emergency Medical Services in the city of Heidenheim-Ulm.

Mercedes-Benz Citaro — *Conversion of the bus for its special function was done within 15 days.*

The vehicle is on loan, initially available to the German Red Cross (DRK) for a period of 6 months. The joint project is supported by the University Hospital in Ulm which is providing the specialized medical staff. A public utility company is also involved in the project and is providing drivers and maintenance personnel.

“Among other professions, it is currently the staff in hospitals and care facilities who are working steadfastly and who particularly deserve our respect. Therefore, I am delighted that we are able to support the DRK by supplying transportation capacity. As a bus manufacturer, we want to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic at a local level. A diverse range of activities at the Neu-Ulm plant show that there are good initiatives and strategies from our colleagues even now,” Till Oberworder, Head of Daimler Buses said.

From idea to implementation
David Richter, MD of the German Red Cross Emergency Medical Services Heidenheim-Ulm, had the idea of converting a bus in response to the need to increase intensive care transportation capacities, now necessary in many places. Daimler Buses was able to pledge its fast and uncomplicated support. Within a few days, a demonstration vehicle from Daimler Buses was presented for conversion. A team of 12 employees from bus production converted the bus to a high-capacity critical care ambulance in just 15 working days.

“Something that normally would take months and years was implemented within a few weeks together with Daimler Buses in an exemplary fashion. And this is not just a bus but an efficient transportation and relief concept. In my opinion, this is only possible with such a transportation capacity,” noted Professor Kuhlmuss, District Medical Officer for DRK-Rettungsdienst.

Equipped for new functions
The standard Citaro is an inter-city bus with 45 seats and standing room for 40 persons. The special unit used by the DRK is equipped with 4 complete intensive care beds for its new function. This gives the organisation the ability to react fast and transport intensive care patients to other hospitals if necessary. The journeys are supervised by 2 intensive-care doctors and 3 paramedics along with ambulance officers.

The specialised equipment in the bus includes electrohydraulic wheeled stretchers with a loading system, intensive care ventilators, monitoring screens, a sonography unit and a blood gas analysis device. There’s stowage space for medicines, nursing equipment, additional breathing apparatus and PPE.

Patients can be transported in various positions, while the side windows have been darkened for privacy. The bus has also been equipped with a blue light and a siren.

Hygienically protected cockpit
As the bus is for transporting COVID-19 patients, hygienic demands played an important role during the conversion. For example, a disinfectant sprayer can be used in the patient compartment once transportation is completed. The area for the driver is separated from the patient compartment by a wall and the ventilation system has been converted. As a result, the driver has no contact with the patient areas and won’t be exposed to the risk of infection.

PUSPAKOM to resume vehicle inspection operations from April 29, 2020

Following the announcement by the JPJ that it will open its branches for limited services, PUSPAKOM has also announced that it will resume regular vehicle inspection services for commercial vehicles of certain categories beginning from April 29, 2020. All PUSPAKOM branches nationwide will be operating except at Batu Caves, Glenmarie and Pandan Mewah in Selangor, and Taman Daya in Johor. Mobile inspection services will also be available from the same date.

Operating hours for the various branches vary, as shown on the chart below:

The commercial vehicles that PUSPAKOM will offer inspection services for are goods vehicles, public services vehicles and vehicles for tourism. Inspection services for other types of vehicles will be available at a later date.

The branches will also provide insurance renewal services while branches in the Klang Valley and the southern zone can also process Motor Vehicle License (LKM) renewal services.

To avoid congestion, PUSPAKOM would like vehicle owners to make a reservation through the MyPUSPAKOM system first. Drive-in customers without a prior appointment will not be accepted. For vehicles which have inspection certificates expiring between March 18 2020 to April 28, 2020, can contact PUSPAKOM to check on the scheduled date for their vehicle inspection.

The company also asks all customers to adhere to precautionary measures to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus, such as social distancing (1 metre or more apart), wear a face mask and have no symptoms of COVID-19. They should not visit PUSPAKOM if they are unwell and should seek medical attention to check their condition.

PUSPAKOM services now include roadtax renewal for light commercial vehicles

War on COVID-19: Toyota Boshoku UMW makes PPE for frontliners

While the general public have been staying home to do their part in helping to stop the spread of the COVID-19, companies in the corporate sector have been offering their design, engineering and manufacturing facilities to help produce much needed equipment for the frontliners in hospitals.

UMW Toyota Motor is one of the companies supporting by producing the much-needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at its subsidiary, Toyota Boshoku UMW Sdn. Bhd (TBU). This equipment, which protects the healthcare personnel from being infected while they attend to patients, is required in the thousands as it is constantly replaced.

“This is the time when we want to demonstrate good corporate citizenship by assisting in whatever way we can to help our frontliners in their vital duties. We have the facilities that can make the PPE so we can support the Health Ministry replenish its stocks more quickly – at no cost,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

TBU, which produces seat sets, door trims, headlinings, package trays for use in many models assembled locally, has the facilities to produce various PPE items easily. The facilities include automatic layout cutting machines and industrial sewing machines, with 75 workers who are skilled at sewing the seat covers.

1,500 pieces of PPE daily
Templates were made from sample units of Boot Covers, Tudungs and Gowns and uploaded to the Automatic Layout Cutting Machine. The final design is approved by the Health Ministry. TBU expects to be able to produce up to 1,500 pieces daily and has already delivered 10,000 pieces in the first batch for use by the Health Ministry.

“Toyota Motor Corporation has been actively supporting the efforts in many countries to overcome this global pandemic. The support varies according to needs and in Malaysia, we understand that PPE is vital for the frontliners so together with Toyota Boshoku Corporation, we are focusing on assisting in all the ways that we can,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

War Against COVID-19: UMW Toyota Motor and dealers provide support for PDRM and Malaysian Relief Agency

MINI Malaysia’s MINIMISE campaign for Hari Raya offers rebates up to RM22,000

The Raya festivities are going to start and although this year will see subdued celebrations in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order, MINI Malaysia will still offer special deals on its products through the MINIMISE campaign.

At the same time, the MINI eShop has also been introduced as the brand’s very first digital booking platform for its entire model range. It aims to simplify the customer’s journey during the booking process. Through the online MINI eShop, customers can find out about the wide selection of MINI models available for purchase and make bookings, from the comfort of their own homes.

The MINIMISE campaign offers an instalment support of RM3,000 to RM5,000 (depending on the model), as well as further cash rebates from RM8,000 to RM22,000. It will run until June 30, 2020, while stocks last.

Special deal for Countryman Plug-in Hybrid
Specially for the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, the campaign offers an attractive interest rate starting from 0% exclusively, as well as a cash rebate of RM16,000 and instalment support of RM5,000. This MINI variant has an advanced MINI eALL4 All Wheel Drive System with Dynamic Stability Control that distributes the propulsive force of the engines to both axles – providing supreme traction on every road surface, maximum stability, and even more fun cornering.

Complete with the MINI Connected app, owners of the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid will have easy access to information such as the current battery status, electric range and charge timer and directly through their smartphone. The app also allows for pre-conditioning of the MINI before a journey begins, giving owners the flexibility to set their desired temperature within the vehicle remotely via 4G – a feature that’s useful in our hot and sunny climate.

Each new Countryman Plug-In Hybrid comes with a complimentary Public Charging Cable, along and ChargeNow card. The card offers complimentary recharging at any of the 309 ChargeNow facilities nationwide for a full year. Owners can also recharge their car at home if they wish.

MINI ideas that were just for laughs on each year’s first day of April

Police confirm that interstate travel allowed from May 1 – May 3 to return home to cities

The police have confirmed that those who wish to travel interstate for the purpose of returning to their homes will be able to do so on May 1, 2 and 3, 2020. However, they will need to register for the permit to do so, and their application will be subject to approval.

Applications are to be done through the Gerak Malaysia app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, Google Playstore and also the Huawei App Gallery. Applications can be done from tomorrow (April 26) and not today, as earlier stated. Applicants must also update their information regarding travel destinations and will be inform on May 1 of the application status.

Download Gerak Malaysia app from the Apple AppStore, Google PlayStore or Huawei App Gallery

In the event that the applicant is unable to use the mobile app, applications in writing can also be made at the nearest police station. However, the public is encouraged to use the mobile app if possible so that they do not have to be present at the station. Earlier, when the Movement Control Order and ban on interstate travel was announced, there were large queues at police stations because there was, initially, an instruction to apply for permits to do interstate travel.

Note that this permission to travel is strictly for those whose home is in another town or city as the government is not allowing ‘balik kampung’ journeys this year. So if you cannot prove that you actually reside in a different place, it may be difficult to get approval. The provision is generally for those living in the cities and who have been away for the period of the MCO which has been more than one month.

*Facilities at R&R locations are closed but the toilets are still available.*

Those who receive approval to travel must adhere to the conditions they will be given. They should also note that the R&R facilities (including suraus) along the highways are closed. They can stop to use the toilets and also refuel at petrol stations which will be open from 6 am to midnight. Social distancing should be practiced at all times.

Registration to travel interstate to return home starts today

With the improving situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic (though it is far from being over), the government has been progressively easing restrictions set under the Movement Control Order (MCO) that started on March 18 and is presently scheduled to be lifted on May 12, 2020. During that time, there have been many people who may have been in other towns and cities, away from their regular places of residence, who got stuck there because interstate travel was stopped.

As Hari Raya is coming and it has also been some time that they have been stuck away from their homes, the government is considering allowing movement for the purpose of returning to their homes. It should be noted that the government is firm on not permitting ‘balik kampung’ travel and permission is likely to be given to those who can prove that their actual place of residence is in another town or city.

At this time, starting from today, those who want a permit to travel for the purpose of returning home can apply from today (Saturday April 25). They can register online using the Gerak Malaysia app with the police and Communications and Multimedia Ministry (MCMC). Those who do not have internet access can go to the police station nearest to them to register.

Download the Gerak Malaysia app at the Apple AppStore and Google PlayStore

However, it should be noted that this is only a registration process and not only subject to approval by the police, but it is also not confirmed that the restriction on interstate travel will be lifted. A final decision will only be made on or after May 1, after a review by the National Security Council and Health Ministry.

University and college students may go home
Meanwhile, plans are also being made to allow university and college students to return to their kampungs. They have been confined to their campuses since the MCO started and as there have been no clusters of infections appearing in these places, it may be safe to allow them to leave.

However, the Health Ministry, while stressing that there should be no ‘balik kampung’ travel, has strongly recommended that any such move must be done properly with protective measures such as social distancing being implemented. Transportation should also not be by public transport so buses will have to be organized to send the students.

Highway — *Balik kampung journeys will not be permitted this year so we won’t see such scenes when thousands of vehicles move along the highways.*

JPJ open from April 29
Meanwhile, the JPJ (Road Transport Department) will open its counters from April 29 (next Wednesday) with limited services available from 8 am to 1 pm. The services are primarily for commercial vehicle owners.

Registration of new vehicles is not mentioned so car companies won’t be able to get this necessary process completed in order to deliver the new cars to customers. So it looks like the car industry will see zero sales for April, an unprecedented occurrence in its history. The same would apply in some countries although many only began their restrictions after Malaysia’s move and will remain in lockdown for a number of weeks more.

VW service centre — *Most authorised service centres are open again but you should make an appointment first.*

As for service centres which had been closed, most of those managed by authorized franchise holders are operational. Permission has been granted for them to provide aftersales services but because the conditions stipulate a minimal workforce, appointments need to be made in advance to schedule work. Also bear in mind that 10-km range limit from your home under the MCO (you can use Waze or Google Maps to determine the distance).

Health warning when you get home
For those who have been away from their homes for over a month, it will be nice getting back to familiar surroundings. But before you start to use the water in the house, you should consider running it for some time to get fresh water in. Studies have found that over many weeks, bacteria can start to grow in water pipes that have not had water passing through them daily. Even filters may have bacterial growth which can occur anywhere there is dampness. This article will give you more insights into the issue.

Electric Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 to sizzle at the dragstrip

Electric powertrains used to have a poor image, considered suitable only for buggies around golf courses. That was when the technology was still in its infancy (though electrically-powered cars were already on roads in the 1930s) and performance as well as range were poor.

But since the beginning of the 21^st century, R&D for electric vehicles (EVs) has accelerated, partly prompted by increasingly strict emission regulations that make it very hard for the internal combustion engine (ICE) to meet. Many of today’s EVs operate with performance levels that are comparable to ICE cars and will continue to advance as they enter the mainstream.

As has happened almost since the beginning of the automobile, extending performance is a challenge for the engineers and the same is happening in the EV field. Here’s the latest example: the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 by Ford Performance.

This is a one-off project to create a factory drag racer with all-electric propulsion. It’s projected to cross the quarter-mile (about 400 metres) in the low 8 second range at more than 270 km/h.

The powertrain is a prototype purpose-built and projected to deliver over 1,400 ps, with over 1,491 Nm of instant torque to demonstrate the capabilities of an electric powertrain in one of the most demanding race environments.

“Ford has always used motorsport to demonstrate innovation,” said Dave Pericak, Global Director, Ford Icons. “Electric powertrains give us a completely new kind of performance and the all-electric Cobra Jet 1400 is one example of pushing new technology to the absolute limit. We’re excited to showcase what’s possible in an exciting year when we also have the all-electric Mustang Mach-E joining the Mustang family.”

Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 — *Uner the bonnet*

Following the debut of the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV – the first-ever, all-electric Mustang – the Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 prototype represents another opportunity to advance the Mustang’s heritage and performance while simultaneously incorporating some of the most advanced technology coming to Ford’s future powertrains.

The name used for the prototype also honours the original Cobra Jet that first dominated dragstrips in the late 1960s and still is a major force in sportsman drag racing today. Ford Performance continues to test the Cobra Jet 1400 ahead of its world debut later this year at a drag racing event.

“This project was a challenge for all of us at Ford Performance, but a challenge we loved jumping into,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “We saw the Cobra Jet 1400 project as an opportunity to start developing electric powertrains in a race car package that we already had a lot of experience with, so we had performance benchmarks we wanted to match and beat right now. This has been a fantastic project to work on, and we hope the first of many coming from our team at Ford Performance Motorsports.”

All-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E debuts in Los Angeles, priced from around RM183,000

2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport arrives in Malaysia – online

For the first time in Malaysia, BMW has unveiled its latest model online via its new BMW Shop Online portal. The model to have this honour is the latest BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport which is the third generation of the pioneering Sports Activity Coupe (SAC).

As with its predecessor, the new X6 has a bold, expressive design language which gives it a dominant presence on the road. It has grown in overall length (+ 26mm), width (+15 mm) and wheelbase (+42 mm) but the roofline is now 6 mm closer to the road.

A key element of the front design is the large kidney grille with ‘Iconic Glow’ illumination, with both halves framed by a common surround. The characteristic, slim twin BMW Laserlights with high-beam assistant and LED foglights underscore the vehicle’s width and road presence. The wheelarches are shaped in a slightly hexagonal shape.

The version officially imported to Malaysia has the stylish BMW Individual Exterieur Line in aluminium satinated and roof rails in aluminium satinated. At the rear, full-LED 3-dimensional taillights are formed in the familiar BMW L-shape, along with Air Breathers as well.

The M Sport package consists of a M Sport exhaust system, M Sport brake, Adaptive M Suspension and 21-inch M light alloy wheels in Y-spoke style 741 M Bicolour with mixed and runflat tyres.

The driver of the new X6 has 340 bhp/450 Nm available from the formidable 3-litre 6-cylinder powerplant under the long bonnet. This gives a 0 to 100 km/h time claimed to be 5.5 seconds and if not for a limiter, the top speed can be above 250 km/h. Power delivery to all four wheels starts from an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and flows through the BMW xDrive system.

As a SAC, the X6 possesses superior driving dynamics on and also off-road (if the owner chooses to detour from the highway). The double-wishbone front suspension, and 5-link rear suspension have Dynamic Damper Control as standard, while the Driving Experience Control system provides a choice of a sporty or comfort-focused set-up.

The interior has been reconfigured and represents a modern reinterpretation of the classic, driver-focused BMW cockpit. Superlative workmanship and premium materials are evident throughout with Vernasca leather upholstery included as standard. The M leather-wrapped steering wheel is also standard, along with sports front seats. Rear passengers get moulded single-seats with automatic air-conditioning and 4-zone control ensuring that everyone will be comfortable.

The two-part panoramic glass roof, now 83% larger, giving a more spacious ambience. The rear backrest has a 40/20/40-split folding function so there’s flexibility in carrying people or cargo, with the possibility of expanding boot volume from 580 litres to 1,530 litres.

BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional is standard too and, combined with the Head-Up Display, Gesture Control and Intelligent Personal Assistant, the driver has comprehensive and efficient communication with the car.

BMW Live Cockpit Professional includes a 12.3-inch Instrument Display, customisable instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen Control Display. Rear passengers also get two 10-inch touchscreen displays.

Other standard features of the new X6 include the BMW Display Key, Wireless Charging, along with the BMW Connected Package Professional with Teleservices, Intelligent Emergency Call and Apple CarPlay.

Finally, there’s a choice of 6 exterior colours (Manhattan, Artic Grey, Riverside Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White and Flamenco Red), paired with design-perforated BMW Leather ‘Vernasca’ in either Black (for all pairings) or Tacora Red (not available for Manhattan and Riverside Blue pairings).

Now available at the BMW Shop Online for RM729,800 (without insurance), the new X6 can be booked for RM5,000. Those who take financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia can choose monthly instalment plans starting from RM 8,328.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a 5-year tenure).

Moving to the next chapter of the BMW Efficient Dynamics story

Fuel Prices For April 25 – May 1, 2020

Covid-19 — *Fighting COVID-19 is our joint responsibility. Protect yourself and others: make these 6 simple precautions your new habits.*

Toyota Yaris Cross debuts as first B-segment SUV of the brand

Following on from the recent launch of the new 4^th generation Toyota Harrier, the carmaker today debuted the Yaris Cross. Originally planned to be unveiled at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show which was cancelled, the Yaris Cross will have its sales launch in Japan during the fourth quarter of this year and in Europe by the middle of 2021.

With ‘Cross’ as part of its name, the image which Toyota wants this Yaris variant to have is clear – a more rugged SUV off-roader (though not for serious stuff, of course). Standing taller the Yaris with the requisite extra ground clearance (+30 mm), it sits on the TNGA platform (GA-B) for compact models. The wheelbase of 2560 mm is the same as the hatchback but is 240 mm longer at 4.18 metres, 20 mm wider and 90 mm higher.

The overall exterior styling follows the Yaris but has influence from the RAV4 too, along with the new Harrier. SUV-type elements like dark cladding on the sides and squared-off wheelarches are given emphasis so the Yaris Cross fits right into the Toyota range of SUVs.

For the exterior colour, designers at Toyota’s European studio (which was involved in the development) wanted to express ‘an active and high-quality image’ that target customers would really appreciate.

Looking at future colour trends, they saw a growing tendency for gold and other precious metals, but there was also a desire for something a bit more natural and urban. Adding a subtle hint of green to the gold direction, whilst also desaturating the colour to emphasise the metal-like appearance, gave a fresh urban yet active appeal. The final result is a colour called Brass Gold which is seen on the car in all the images.

Two powertrain options
Depending on the market, two powertrain options will be available – a 1.5-litre Dynamic Force petrol engine or a hybrid with a similar engine. Toyota’s hybrid system is already in its fourth generation since being introduced in the late 1990s.

The Yaris and Yaris Cross are the first models to use Toyota’s latest 1.5 hybrid system, developed directly from the larger 2.0 and 2.5-litre powertrains used by recent new models such as the Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry. This features a new 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, precision-engineered to reduce friction and mechanical losses and optimise combustion speed.

The engine’s thermal efficiency is rated at 40%, greater than comparable diesel engines and ensures strong fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. Total system output from the hybrid system is 116 ps and special attention has been given to power delivery to deliver responsiveness.

All-wheel drive available
Most manufacturers have been opting for just front-wheel drive for compact SUVs but Toyota offers its intelligent all-wheel drive system (AWD-i) as well, which should give it an extra selling point in the very competitive segment.

AWD-i is said to provide extra stability and traction in everyday driving, in poor conditions and on low-grip surfaces. An electric system, it is more compact and weighs less than mechanical AWD units. The system directs drive torque to the rear axle when pulling away and when accelerating. In normal driving, the Yaris Cross operates with FWD but when low-grip conditions are detected, AWD drive is engaged automatically.

As this is just an unveiling, Toyota has given limited information on the new model. It will be produced in Japan as well as Europe. In terms of positioning, it will take its place below the C-HR as the brand’s first B-segment SUV.