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Long wheelbase BMW 330iL M Sport available for purchase from today

Long wheelbase (LWB) sedans are not new but in earlier years, they were largely limited production cars, often extended by third parties (not the carmakers themselves). Generally, LWB cars were in the uppermost segment of the market as they were seen to confer more ‘status’. It was only in the 1980s that carmakers began to consider LWB variants as part of the range for a model.

BMW was one of the carmakers that saw a growing market for LWB sedans and E32 7-Series (1986 – 1994), it offered a factory-engineered and built LWB variant for the first time. However, this variant was intended for customers in the Middle East and Asia, where the owner typically sat behind and was driven around by a chauffeur. In Europe, even flagship models like the 7-Series were often driven by owners themselves who didn’t need the extra length or space for what was already a large sedan.

As economies grew, especially in China, demand for LWB models increased with more and more customers willing to pay extra for the additional status. With China being such a huge market, manufacturers like BMW were willing to special engineer variants for just that market as there was enough volume to justify the development costs. Often, when the LWB models were launched, the company would say that it was only meant for China.

Assembled in Malaysia
As distributors in other markets began to get more requests, BMW has changed the policy and sees enough volume to make LWB variants a part of the range for some models. This includes the 3-Series and now this has come to Malaysia in the form of the 330Li M Sport. And it is not imported from Germany (or China) as a CBU product either; it is assembled locally at the BMW facility in Kedah. Local assembly enables the price to start from RM277,164.22 (excluding insurance) with full exemption of sales tax until the end of the year.

Proportions maintained
In developing the LWB version, the designers have maintained appealing proportions even while extending the wheelbase by 110 mm compared to the standard version. This allows the overall body length to increase to 4819 mm which is also 110 mm longer than the standard body. The increase provides an extra 42 mm of legroom for the rear passengers.

The kidney grille of the 330Li M Sport is suitably sized for the car, with black struts distinctively framed in chrome. Flanking the grilles are Adaptive LED Headlights which will vary their intensity automatically depending on traffic conditions at night.

Besides the BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line, the exterior features M Aerodynamics and M Sport Packages, 18-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-Spoke style 848 M bicolour with mixed tyres and run-flat tyres, double-sided exhaust tailpipe finishers with a trapezoidal design in the rear, as well as the panorama glass roof, and welcome lighting on both sides.

258 ps TwinPower Turbo engine
Although there is added weight with the longer bodyshell and chassis, the 4-cylinder 2-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine should still be able to maintain the same level of performance as it has an output of 258 ps/400 Nm. Accelerating through the gears of the Steptronic Sport transmission, the 100 km/h mark should be passed within a claimed 6.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is claimed to be around 13.5 kms/litre.

The LWB variant of the 7^th generation 3-Series has the same suspension set-up (double wishbones/multi-link) as the standard wheelbase version. But it was not just a matter of lengthening components alone; the driving dynamics also had to be considered and suspension tuning revised to ensure a similar level of performance even with the additional weight and length.

Inside the 330iL
As for the interior, the 330iL M Sport gets interior trim finishers in Aluminium Tetragon with highlight trim finishers in Pearl Chrome around the cabin. The driver has an M leather steering wheel and M-specific foot pedals, with electric adjustment for the seat to easily get the right driving position. The Comfort Access System makes getting in and out easy. Boot space is 480 litres, improved with the storage compartment package that offers more stowage possibilities.

The infotainment, navigation and driver display systems are managed by the latest BMW Operating System 7.0. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional has a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel while the Navigation System Professional has a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

A new app for interaction
Owners can now have greater digital interaction with their car via the new My BMW App. This app provides easy access to a wide range of remote services, on-the-go navigation, and e-mobility features. Intended to replace the BMW Connected App after this month, it is available for free download to smartphones from the respective Android and iPhone stores.

The new 330Li M Sport is available for purchase from today but for now, visits to showrooms are still not permitted under the FMCO. However, those who wish to start the purchase process can do so by making a booking at the BMW Shop Online.

Click here for other BMW news and articles.

New Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION launched

As with other car companies these days, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has to use online media to launch its new products and today, it officially introduced the new Volkswagen Arteon R-Line 4MOTION. Assembled locally, the 4-door fastback is priced from RM247,671 without insurance and with full sales tax exempted (until the end of 2021).

Facelifted version
The Arteon, as flagship of the Volkswagen range in Malaysia, has been in the market since 2020 and the one launched today has the cosmetic changes of the updated model that made its global debut last June. Besides the exclusivity and sportiness that the R-Line package adds, the new model also comes very extensively equipped with high-tech and premium features as standard.

These include a full-LED headlight system with Dynamic Cornering Lights while the LED 3D rear taillights have sequential turn signals. The driver’s seat has 14-way adjustment while the luxurious ambience can be personalised with a selection of 30 colours (of adjustable intensity) for ambient illumination.

New, more powerful engine
Under the bonnet, the powertrain is a new and more powerful one. While being similarly turbocharged and having a 2-litre displacement, the EA888 TSI engine in the latest Arteon produce 280 ps with 350 Nm of torque available between 1,700 and 5,600 rpm. These numbers are 70 ps and 30 Nm more than before and still flow through a 7-speed DSG wet dual-clutch transmission. The claimed acceleration time is 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, with fuel consumption said to be up to 13.5 kms/litre.

All-wheel drive with 4MOTION
What’s significant for the new model is that the power goes to all four wheels, instead of just those at the front. The system enabling this is 4Motion, Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive (AWD) system. While many people may think that AWD is only good for off-road driving, it is actually useful on the road too.

With all 4 wheels powered, traction is improved and this will be appreciated on wet or slippery roads. Acceleration can also be improved and grip during cornering is also better. Of course, the Laws of Physics still apply so having 4MOTION doesn’t mean that you can drive around a corner faster than the capability of the tyres to grip the road.

AWD systems like 4MOTION have ‘intelligence’, sending power to whichever wheel needs it at any given moment. If it senses a wheel starting to spin, the system cuts the power going to that wheel and sends more power to whichever of the other wheels can best use it. Because it all happens automatically, the driver can focus on driving.

The 4MOTION system in the Arteon R-Line is one of two versions which Volkswagen developed. In Arteon application, because the engine is mounted transversely, an electro-hydraulic Haldex coupling is used whereas the other version for models like the Touareg SUV employ a mechanical Torsen centre differential to distribute power to the front and rear wheels. This is because of the engine being installed in a longitudinal orientation.

Power delivery is on an infinitely variable basis by a multi-plate clutch. Normally, power is mainly transmitted to the front axle, which saves energy. However, in the event of an impending loss of traction, the rear axle is activated in a fraction of a second. The distribution of power to all four wheels becomes active before wheelspin occurs, rather than being reactive. A loss of traction is therefore virtually excluded. However, should any wheel slip occur, power is immediately transmitted to the wheels where it is needed. An Electronic Different Lock also helps to improve traction and reduce understeer.

Dynamic Chassis Control, which is standard, has up to 15 selectable increments which are varied using the adaptive dampers. There are also 5 different driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual) so driving preferences can be personalized.

Extensive safety features but no AEB
In the area of safety, Volkswagen has always made sure that its customers get the best possible protection and as the flagship model, the Arteon has an extensive list of safety systems to help the driver avoid accidents. These driver assistance systems include Lane Assist, Side Assist, Driver Alert, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. There’s also a 360° Area View system which let’s the driver see all around the car not only for precise parking but also to spot hazards. The display is customisable to full or split views.

If an accident does occur, there’s a Post-Collision Braking System which prevents a second collision (if the car is propelled uncontrollably), and an Intelligent Crash Response System that activates to cut fuel supply, switch on hazard lights and unlock the doors to enable rescuers to get to the occupants.

The usual active safety systems like ABS with Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Control are also present but it is rather surprising to find Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) not available. This system activates to automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not do so when a collision is likely to occur. According to VPCM’s Managing Director, Erik Winter, AEB is available for the Arteon but the system is still undergoing tests in Malaysian conditions so it is not being installed yet.

However, while AEB is not present for now, there is something called Maneuver Braking which is active from around 1.5 km/h up to 10 km/h. It is active during reversing as well as moving forward, so it is effective during parking and prevents bumping into a wall or another vehicle. The Maneuver Braking system is basically an extension of the Park Distance Control system which has been around for a long time.

Arteon drivers will also be alerted to reduced pressures in the tyres by the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Once the normal pressures are set, any significant change will be noticed so the driver will not drive too far on an under-inflated tyre and damage it.

Interior with R-Line silver trim
The spacious cabin of the Arteon with R-Line silver trim has EgoComfort seats which are handsomely sculpted and upholstered in Nappa Carbon leather. The seats are structured for comfort and reduced fatigue on long journeys and for the driver, there are up to 14 adjustment options as well as a massage function. The ambient lighting has a choice of 30 colours with adjustable intensity to match just about any mood.

The high-resolution 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit not only shows the usual information like road and engine speeds but can also have a navigation map overlaid across the instrument panel. The display is customizable with 6 views for over 30 combinations, including 2D and 3D navigation.

The 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system comes with voice and gesture control and supports wireless App-Connect to Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Besides using the touchscreen, the driver can also go handsfree and use voice commands or switches on the steering wheel.

Going with the flagship status of the model is the premium Harman Kardon sound system which has 12 speakers (11 speakers plus an additional centre one). The speaker grilles are crafted from ultra-thin 0.5 mm high-strength steel to support optimal acoustic performance. The 700W digital sound system employs a 16-channel digital amplifier with surround sound that can be enhanced by pre-determined acoustic settings – PURE, CHILL OUT, LIVE and ENERGY.

Trade-up offer
VPCM has a Trade-Up campaign for existing owners of the Touran, Cross Touran, Sharan, Passat CC and Passat (B7) who want to buy a new Volkswagen. With this campaign, owners will be able to enjoy an additional RM3,000 in trade-in value for all models currently on sale, including the all-new Arteon R-Line. While the present FMCO conditions do not allow for showroom visits, bookings for the new Arteon (as well as other models) can be made via the Volkswagen eShowroom which is always accessible from a smartphone or computer. For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.

Hyundai Kona N Line to be available in Malaysia soon with 198 ps turbo engine

Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) will soon have the first N Line model for Malaysia with the launch of the Kona 1.6 Turbo N Line. The SUV is a high-performance version with styling that sets it apart distinctly. With the high output, it will have the most powerful powertrain in the market’S SUV B-segment.

Sporty design elements boost both looks and aerodynamics. With more power, better handling agility and premium tyres, each vehicle makes driving an invigorating rush. Along with superior performance, the N Line maintains a balanced combination of technology, safety and comfort.

Smartstream engine and transmission
The powertrain is the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi unit. This is a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with a Smartstream 7DCT (second generation of 7-speed Dual Clutch transmission). Peak power output is 198 ps of power at 6,000 rpm and 265 Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,500rpm. The Smartstream powertrain has been tuned to provide sharp response as well as operate efficiently.

Motorsports-inspired looks
The N Line treatment for the Kona is associated with motorsports, especially rallies, with body-coloured claddings, and diamond-cut wheel design. The interior features a dedicated N Line colour package in one-tone black leather combined with suede as well as a ventilated and heated seat function for the driver and the front passenger. In addition, there is distinctive red stitching, metal pedals and a N logo on the gearshift knob, steering wheel and seats.

“With the introduction of the Kona N Line, we are confident that the Kona will lead the B-SUV segment, not only with its looks and but also with its performance. There has been keen interest among Malaysian motorists on our N and N Line brands, so we foresee good response, especially for the sportier Kona N Line,” said Low Yuan Lung, MD of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors.

Kona 1.6 Turbo as well
Besides the Kona N Line, HSDM will also be offering the Kona 1.6 Turbo which has a similar powertrain but without the N Line treatment.

Pricing has not been announced but bookings can now be made for those who want to be the first in town to own these new models.

Preview of the inside of the all-new Mercedes-AMG SL

Final testing of the eighth generation of the SL model line of Mercedes-Benz is now being carried out and the new roadster, to be marketed under the Mercedes-AMG brand will be launched later this year. While full details of the new car are not being revealed, pre-production units must be on the assembly line and Mercedes-AMG can’t wait to show off the new interior.

The first 300 SL Roadster, launched 69 years ago, had a minimalist and high-quality interior and the designers of its 21^st century descendant have drawn inspiration from it. The interior design of the upcoming SL transforms the iconic tradition of the first Roadster into the modern era with a mix of analogue geometry and digital world – called ‘hyperanalogue’.

The cockpit design, right down to the adjustable central display in the centre console, is focused on the driver, as every genuine sportscar is. Its dimensional concept with 2+2 seats offers more function and space in the interior at the same time.

“The interior of the new Mercedes-AMG SL pampers driver and passengers with sophisticated luxury. The new SL combines the highest levels of comfort and quality in its interior, coupled with just the right amount of sportiness. The high-quality combination of analogue world and state-of-the-art digital equipment makes one thing clear: the new SL is the rebirth of an icon for the modern era,” said Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management at Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Describing the new car as ‘the most iconic SL ever’, Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of the Daimler Group, said it was a great opportunity and challenge for design because every designer wants to create icons.

The new and sophisticated dimensional concept once again allows a 2+2 seating configuration for the first time since the R129 SL generation of 1989. The added versatility allows for either additional persons on board, or the second row of seats can be used as additional storage space to accommodate luggage.

Aviation-inspired instrument panel
The symmetrical instrument panel is designed as a sculptural, powerful wing and structured into an upper and lower section. There are four galvanised turbine nozzles which merge into the instrument panel in the form of powerful power domes (with the frontal view resembling the face ‘Jar Jar Binks’, the character in ‘Star Wars’, observed one of our readers). The lower section of the instrument panel evolves fluidly from the centre console, seamlessly connecting the two elements.

Despite symmetry, the cockpit design creates a clear focus on the driver. The instrument panel’s high-resolution 12.3-inch LCD screen is not designed to be free-standing but is integrated into a high-tech visor. This prevents reflections caused by sunlight, a problem in some cars which can be irritating to the driver.

Adjustable touchscreen
The centre console dominates the space between the driver and front passenger. Rising sharply towards the front, it flows into the lower section of the instrument panel. The functional and visual centre of the centre console is the metallic panel that breaks through the leather surfaces at the front and rear.

Featuring the NACA air intake signature, it carries on the genes of the AMG GT and GT 4-Door Coupe. This design element thus becomes a hallmark AMG stylistic element in the interior. The NACA air intake transitions almost seamlessly into the tablet-like 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen in portrait format. To avoid reflections caused by sunlight when driving with the top down, this screen can be adjusted electrically into a more vertical position, when necessary. Its portrait format offers clear advantages, especially for navigation, as well as more space ergonomically.

Integrated door panel design
Similar to the centre console, the surfaces in the doors also radiate fluidly from the instrument panel. The result is a gradient accentuated with decorative topstitching that frames the entire interior and runs past the turbine nozzles at the sides. The centre of the door is designed as a sensual layered topography.

The pull handle is also designed in the same way as the centre console and is another eye-catching feature. The materiality and modelling of the surfaces are repeated in the doors, creating balance in the interior. High-quality Burmester loudspeakers in real metal, whose perforation pattern also stands out visually, are integrated into the doors.

Sculptural seat design
The avantgarde seat of the new SL has a sculptural design in a sporty way with layers and enveloping surfaces. This makes the seats appear lighter and less voluminous. The headrests are integrated into the backrest and contribute to the sporty proportions of the seat, completing the symbiosis of high-tech, performance and luxury.

Latest MBUX system
As with every Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG sold today, the car will have the intelligent system known as the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX. It is a second-generation system and some functional content and the operating structure correspond to those of the S-Class. They have been extensively supplemented or replaced by AMG-specific content and views. This makes the new SL highly independent in terms of communication and information.

The interior has become even more digital and intelligent, as hardware and software have been extensively enhanced. Brilliant images on the LCD screens make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. The appearance of the instrument cluster can be personalised with different display styles and individually selectable main views. Customers can also order the car with a head-up display as well.

Nissan conducting research on racing drivers’ brains to enhance driving performance

In everyday driving, the brain has to be quick enough to analyse and get a driver to act correctly in any situation – millions of times on a journey. And that’s at a moderate speed too. For racing drivers, the demands are even greater as they travel at far higher speeds so they need quicker reactions and faster abilities to assess situations.

To help its Sebastien Buemi and Oliver Rowland, Nissan’s racing drivers in the all-electric Formula E series, the carmaker has developed an innovative program focused on brain function and anatomy research, training and development in the motorsport field.

Nissan Brain to Performance, as the program is called, uses advanced brain imaging and analysis to determine the anatomical specifics of high performance, professional drivers. The program aims to develop bespoke, optimized training to enhance the brain functions and anatomy related to driving and racing.

“At Nissan, we dare to do what others don’t. With this groundbreaking program, we aim to understand our racing drivers’ brain functions like never before and push the boundaries of on-track performance in Formula E,” said Tommaso Volpe, Nissan’s Global Motorsports Director. “What if, through advanced brain function analysis and training, we could help make our drivers perform better? Every tenth of a second counts in Formula E, so we’re excited to see how our cutting-edge Nissan research team can enhance the drivers’ already high-performing brain functionality.”

Better connection between people and vehicles
The program will be coordinated by Dr. Lucian Gheorghe, a leader in the field of brain analysis and training, and a driving force behind Nissan’s forward-looking research on how to better build the connection between people and Nissan vehicles. The immediate priority of the program is to enhance the performance of Nissan’s Formula E racers.

“Our brains are incredibly powerful. Without us realizing it, they perform a multitude of critical functions every second we drive our cars. Our highly trained and experienced Nissan Formula E drivers perform these functions under intense pressure and at great speed as they constantly search for faster lap times. Our new Nissan Brain to Performance program seeks to understand what it is about their brains’ electrical activity that enables them to do what they do,” said Dr. Gheorghe.

“If we can, we’d like to help them further improve their performance through bespoke brain training. In the future, could our cutting-edge research help improve the driving skills of the average driver, and inform the development of our road-going EVs? We hope so,” he explained.

The first stage of the new program will involve detailed analysis and testing of the Formula E racers’ brain functions, compared against a control group of ‘average’, non- racing drivers. All drivers will perform a range of tasks on state-of-the-art driving simulators while their brain activity is monitored and recorded. Based on the results, a bespoke driver training program involving electrical brain stimulation will be developed with the aim of improving driver performance.

Key research areas
To understanding how a Nissan Formula E drivers’ brain functions and anatomy differ in comparison to average drivers, the program establishes a spectrum of driver brain activity first. Attempts will be made to see if, through the use of electrical brain stimulation, a professional driver’s brain be enhanced to improve on-track performance.

The longer-term goal is related to future Nissan EV product development, with a focus on achieving the highest level of driver excitement and focus. An increased understanding of bio-electricity will further enhance the driving experience and intuitive nature of future EV operation.

Marc Philipp Gemballa reveals his first supercar – the MARSIEN (w/VIDEO)

In May this year, Marc Philipp Gemballa – the son of the man who founded the Gemballa tuning company 30 years ago – announced that he was developing a new car of his own, codenamed ‘Project Sandbox’. It had nothing to do with the Gemballa company and is a venture by his own company.

Based on the all-new Porsche 992 Turbo S, the sportscar is off-road capable and inspired by the legendary Porsche 959 rally era. Only 40 units will be produced and most of them already have customers waiting. The price for conversion starts at 495,000 euros (about RM2.455 million) ex-factory plus the cost of a 992 Turbo S.

‘Project Sandbox’ now has a name – MARSIEN – which is derived from the French word ‘Martian’ or ‘from Mars’. The choice of this name came about during the intense test phase in the Al Faya desert in the United Arab Emirates. The stunning red desert sand with sharp fossil rocks and mountain backdrops gave the 27-year old Gemballa and his team the feeling as if they were in an entirely different universe.

“Since it looked and felt like we were on Mars paired with the futuristic design and the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, we couldn’t think of a more fitting name for our first project,” he explained, and so the name was born.

A more unique supercar
Although he grew up in an environment where building the fastest and most powerful production car on the planet and setting the next world record on the Nurburgring was key, Gemballa believes the horsepower game is over. He observes that tuning is done by the carmakers themselves and that the market is constantly being flooded with an influx of new supercars.

The young entrepreneur realised, when aiming to build a successful company for the future, he could not offer just ‘another supercar’, and he needed to come up with something very special for his clients.

*The legendary Porsche 959 from the original Paris-Dakar era.*

Entirely new concept
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Paris-Dakar rally era and more than two years of intense design and engineering development, Gemballa has come up with an ultra-modern, timeless looking supercar. It is a hybrid between a modern-day supercar with all its comfort and day-to-day practicality combined with off-road capabilities using the latest technologies.

The all-new Porsche 992 Turbo S provided the perfect base to realise the young entrepreneur’s vision. With that model as the starting point, the MARSIEN features a full carbonfibre bodyshell. All exterior components are produced in pure carbonfibre, exclusively designed for performance, light weight and cooling. Each body panel is manufactured by a leading German carbonfibre specialist which also supplies leading supercar manufacturers as well as several leading Formula 1 teams.

The exterior paint is applied by a state-of-the-art and certified paint shop which will meet the most ‘daring’ customer colour requests. For the launch vehicle, there is an elaborate triple layer pearl white with special metallic flakes, along with additional protection through a ceramic coating. Customers also have the request for a fully exposed carbonfibre body.

Besides the full carbonfibre body, the exterior of the bodywork has functional design upgrades such as a completely bespoke taillight. Adopting the latest LED technology, the rear light has been developed together with light specialist GERG Lighthouse, enabling a completely holistic design appearance for the MARSIEN.

The shape has been the subject of intensive Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis in order to achieve the best possible aerodynamic efficiency. This area was the responsibility of engineering partner KLK, which has gained expertise in working with LMP1, Formula E, and Formula One racing teams for over 20 years.

Power by RUF
To offer a top-notch powertrain, Gemballa has teamed up with legendary Porsche engine specialist RUF Automobile for the engine development of the MARSIEN. Founded in 1981, RUF Automobile is known for its Porsche engine expertise, having already worked with Marc’s father to produce powerful powertrains for various cars in the 1980s. The engine upgrade ‘POWERED BY RUF’ enables the 6-cylinder boxer engine to deliver over 750 ps and 930 Nm.

For those who need more power, there is second stage power upgrade by RUF Automobile taking the engine up to 830 ps with enhanced VTG turbochargers and a revised ECU mapping and transmission setting.

The Porsche PDK transmission is also used, and it has been revised and adapted to the new conditions so that the enormous power reserves arrive at all 4 wheels without loss. Extended driveshafts have been developed with reinforced Porsche Cayenne joints to reliably enable the enormous spring deflection and the engine’s high torque.

Akrapovic, the well known exhaust system manufacturer, has also developed an entirely new titanium system exclusively for the MARSIEN. This lightweight system focusses on a bespoke sound experience while also helping to enhance power output.

Cutting-edge chassis technology
The suspension and chassis have been developed by KW Automotive to be a bespoke system. Being also intended for off-road motoring, extensive changes to the chassis of the base vehicle have been required. These include a completely new double wishbone front suspension set-up equipped with KW Automotive’s solid piston damper technology. This has an intelligent active damper control as well as an adjustable ride height system that can create overall ground clearance of up to 250 mm at the touch of a button.

Drivers looking for the ultimate off-road experience and don’t mind limited road usability can fit an optional off-road package. This is equipped with Reiger Suspension rally specification off-road dampers further enhancing the suspension travel and increasing the ground clearance to a fixed off-road ride height.

The MARSIEN is currently undergoing a full road homologation process, which includes crash tests, in order for it to be legally used on roads in target markets. The markets that Gemballa is looking at are in Europe, the Middle East, the USA, as well as other major global markets later on.

Fuel Price Updates For July 15 – July 28, 2021

Challenging times for UMW Toyota Motor with operations suspended

With the ongoing Movement Control Order (MCO) which began on 1 June 2021, many business sectors have had to remain closed. This has had an impact and in the auto sector, new vehicle sales for the whole industry have dropped tremendously in the month of June.

Commenting on the situation, President of UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), Ravindran K., said that the continued closure of all Toyota and Lexus showrooms nationwide meant that no business could be conducted. Manufacturing of vehicles including the supply chain and logistic efforts have also come to a halt. While accepting that the Government has had to act for the good of the country, it has presented a challenge for the company.

*Lexus and Toyota showrooms throughout Malaysia have to remain closed, which has meant that no sales can be conducted.*

“We still have an encouraging order bank for the various models. Nevertheless, we are hopeful that the restrictions of the lockdown can be eased to allow us to operate in a limited and safe way. Naturally, we will abide by all Standard Operating Procedures, as we have during the past year,” he said.

Online showrooms and booking available
While the showrooms remain closed, the public can still obtain detailed information about Toyota and Lexus vehicles at their respective websites – toyota.com.my and lexus.com.my. They can find out about the models available in Malaysia and the attractive financing schemes for different requirements. Bookings can also be made online.

Mr. Ravindran reminded customers of the exemption of Sales & Service Tax (SST) which is extended until the end of 2021. The exemption covers both locally-assembled and imported Toyota and Lexus models and provides meaningful savings.

“We encourage customers to make their bookings online as we can then plan production at our two assembly plants to minimize waiting time when the restrictions are lifted, to enable customers to enjoy the current financial incentives,” he added.

*Toyota and Lexus owners can still get help in emergencies as support services are still allowed to operate 24/7.*

Aftersales support still available
Selected UMWT service centres continue to operate according to the provisions by the state and local authorities. Vehicle owners can therefore obtain assistance in emergencies. For assistance at any time, owners can call the Toyota and Lexus Helplines at 1-800-888- 247 and 1-800-225-3987, respectively.

Effects of prolonged restrictions
“While the government has formulated a National Recovery Plan (NRP) in four phases, we are still in Phase 1, which is the most restrictive. The current situation also makes planning for recovery difficult,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

Mr. Takeyama said that prolonged restrictions on vehicle production can have an impact not just on passenger vehicles but also commercial vehicles, which are essential for transportation of goods around the country.

*Some of the parts which are made in Malaysia and supplied to local assembly plants as well as exported to factories in other factories assembling Toyota vehicles.*

“Furthermore, export business will be affected as well as our subsidiaries export a substantial amount of automotive components as part of Toyota’s global supply chain. If this situation continues for long, we are concerned that our overseas customers may look for new suppliers as they cannot have their own production delayed due to shortage of parts from Malaysia. This could have an impact on Malaysia’s economy as a whole if export business declines,” he warned.

The prolonged situation could also impact progress with regard to the company’s initiatives for carbon neutrality through the manufacturing of hybrid electric vehicles. This was announced earlier in the month and will see UMWT making a RM270 million investment at its assembly plant in Selangor.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival
This year sees the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival) being run for the fourth consecutive season. The event has grown in popularity and scale over the years, with the highlight being the Vios Challenge which is the only one-make race in Malaysia.

*Only the first round of the fourth season of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival’s Vios Challenge could be held so far.*

“It is unfortunate that the ongoing pandemic and strict MCO conditions do not allow running of public events. This includes motorsports so the fourth season of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Festival (TGR Festival) and Vios Challenge are on hold. When we ran the exciting first round on March 2 at the Sepang International Circuit, we were looking forward to the next two rounds as well as the introduction of the GAZOO Racing Vios Sprint Cup and GAZOO Racing Enduro Cup,” said Mr. Takeyama, who is also Chief Motorsports Officer of GAZOO Racing Malaysia.

“Let us all do our part and pray that the number of COVID-19 cases quickly reduces, and the government will be able to relax the regulations to allow public events,” he said.

Cycle & Carriage offers Study Grant to local youths interested in a career in the automotive sector

Cycle & Carriage Bintang Berhad is now accepting applications for its Study Grant. The company, which brought Mercedes-Benz to Malaysia and has a wide dealership network, has been offering this grant for the past two years. It is intended to benefit local youths interested in a career in the automotive sector by supporting their access to quality technical and vocational education.

“Talented individuals form the bedrock of our promise to deliver exceptional journeys. For that reason, we believe strongly in planting the seeds for the next generation of industry professionals. Each recipient deserves the support to help fuel their academic and professional career. We are ready to welcome talented individuals into our network, including a confirmed placement at Cycle & Carriage upon graduation,” said Wilfrid Foo, CEO of Cycle & Carriage.

C&C Study Grant Signing Ceremony_2019 — *First recipients of the Cycle & Carriage Study Grant in 2019 with Wilfrid Foo, CEO of Cycle & Carriage (third from right).*

The Study Grant is part of Cycle & Carriage’s ongoing commitment to the social development of the local community and the nation’s technical and vocational education. Since its inception in 2019, Cycle & Carriage’s Study Grant has launched the careers of 10 individuals.

Applications are now open for those who meet the following criteria:

Malaysian youths aged 16 years and above.
Currently enrolled in (or have secured a placement) in an automotive course within a skills-training institution accredited by the Department for Skills Development (DSD) of the Ministry of Human Resources or Ministry of Higher Education.
Applicants must also possess a minimum credit in English and Mathematics either at the Pentaksiran Tingkatan 3 (PT3), Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Sijil Vokasional Malaysia (SVM) level.
From a household with a monthly income of RM4,850 and below.

The successful recipients will receive a bursary of up to RM5,000 for a maximum of 3 years of study. Grant recipients will also receive internship opportunities during the semester break and career placement with the company.

Applications will be accepted up till August 31, 2021. To know more or to obtain an application form, click here.

Yuhan Zhang’s eVOITURETTE vision becomes a full-size model displayed at Skoda Museum

What began as a young designer’s vision of the car of the future has been transformed into a real model called the eVOITURETTE. The vision was created as part of Skoda Storyboard’s Icons Get a Makeover series and is the work of Yuhan Zhang, a member of the interior design team at Skoda.

Zhang was inspired by the Czech brand’s first-ever production car, the Voiturette A produced by Laurin & Klement (Skoda Auto’s original name) in 1905. It was her aim to create a modern take on one of the legends in the carmaker’s history, fusing traditional design in a futuristic carriage.

2021 Skoda eVOITURETTE by Yuhan Zhang (3) — Yuhan Zhang in one of the 44 units of the Laurin & Klement Voiturette A produced between 1905 and 1907. The first car made by the original Skoda Auto company, it had a V2 engine with 7 hp engine that took the car to a top speed of 40 km/h.

The idea to convert the VOITURETTE A into such an unusual vehicle came to Zhang fairly quickly – around 20 hours of work to convert the idea into a sketch. “I started with a pencil on tracing paper – the first thing I worked on was the exterior. I scanned the sketch into the computer and carried on from there,” she explained, adding that the initial outline makes up around 20% of the development of this kind of sketch, and is the most important part.

Design freedom
After the exterior, she used the same process on the car’s interior, consulting design chief Oliver Stefani. As this was a vision of a car of the future without a strict brief, his comments were minor. “He told me to get rid of some details that resemble solutions we were still working on for our mass-produced cars,” Zhang recalled.

It was this freedom she had when creating her vision of a futuristic car that was a nice change for her. “A lot of our work is secret and has a very clear brief. Our day-to-day work doesn’t leave much time for projects that show off our vision and talent. But this time, there was a surprising amount of freedom,” she said.

It took 400 difficult hours of work to produce a full-sized model of the eVOITURETTE. “Due to the model’s delicacy but intended long-term use as an exhibit in a museum, emphasis was placed on high-quality workmanship,” says Vlastimil Pazout, the model’s construction coordinator.

“The designer worked closely with us from the beginning. She prepared the basic data in a 3D sketch, which we then converted into production data before actually making it,” said his colleague Lukas Hrncir.

Made of artificial wood
The need for quality and durability persuaded the modellers to use a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The main body of the model – a relatively bulky part – is milled from ‘artificial wood’, while many parts come from a 3D printer.

“For example, we printed the logo and some of the finer parts, such as the holder of the interactive display that forms the dashboard,” said Zhang. One special feature of the model is the LED backlighting of certain parts. In her sketches, the artist included the LEDs as a kind of communication tool between the vehicle and its surroundings, so the modellers incorporated them into the real-life model.

10-kg full-size model
In addition to the designer, modellers and constructors, other members of the Skoda Design team, such as those from the Colour & Trim department, were involved in the creation of the model, as well as members of the Skoda Museum team. Measuring 688 x 355 x 327 mm, it weighs almost 10 kgs.

“After consulting with experts from the museum, we changed the model’s colour scheme. Unlike the original design with its shades of blue, we opted for a more distinctive red and white colour combination that reinforces the link between past and future,” explained Zhang. But in all other regards, the model is faithful to the sketch, including all details and proportions, which remained unchanged.

During the construction process, however, some specific parts were modified to make the model look as good as possible. “Probably the most important change was to the surface of the seat. It was originally supposed to be painted but, in the end, we covered the seat with fabric in cooperation with the Colour & Trim department,” said Pazout. The seat has additional stitching buttons so it looks very realistic indeed. “Due to the thickness of the fabric, this made it necessary to remake the 3D printed parts of the seat,” said Hrncir.

“It was a short and intense project, which brought my dream to life. It was fun to let my imagination run wild and not have to stick within today’s technical limitations,” said Zhang, who is originally from China and joined the company in 2015.

On permanent display at Skoda Museum
The eVOITURETTE is on permanent display at the Skoda Museum and Ferdinand Porsche Birth House. The museum is so named because that is where Porsche was born in 1875. The building, which has been owned by Skoda since 2011, shows visitors Czech industrial traditions, engineering and enthusiasm for technology.

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