Before the age of mass-production, cars were largely hand-built with every process done by humans. This allowed customisation as each car could be put together differently. With mass production, commonality was the key element and initially, Henry Ford (who introduced mass production to the auto industry) even kept the body colour to a single one – black. Over time, customer demand saw more colours being offered, as well as some degree of choice in equipment and features.
The painting of cars today is largely done by robots which can provide a high-quality finish consistently. However, the drawback of robots is that customisation is very limited and for more personalised finishing, humans still have to do the painting. Naturally, there is extra cost to such a specialised job, hence it is usually only offered in the upper end of the market with expensive models.
However, ABB Robotics shows that robots can be used to paint complex designs on car bodies without human intervention. In a recent demonstration, the company’s IRB 500 robots were able to reproduce complex artworks on a car’s exterior in less than 30 minutes. The artworks were provided by two world-renowned artists, 8-year old Indian child prodigy Advait Kolarkar and Dubai-based digital design collective Illusorr.
The IRB 5500 paint robots, equipped with 1,000 nozzles in the printer head, were controlled with ABB’s PixelPaint technology which provides extreme precision and speed, capturing intricate, elaborate detail that would be impossible to achieve by hand. This allowed the perfect recreation of Advait’s swirling, monochromatic design as well as Illusorr’s tri-colour geometrical patterns.
“ABB’s PixelPaint technology is more than an evolution – it is a revolution. It’s a shining example of how robotic automation and our RobotStudio software can not only pave the way for more sustainable manufacturing but can also perfectly replicate delicate pieces of art that celebrate the originality and beauty of the human spirit. At a time when consumers want more customized products, PixelPaint is a game-changer and allows any design to be replicated in a manner that is both sustainable and affordable,” said Sami Atiya, President of ABB’s Robotics & Discrete Automation Business Area.
ABB’s PixelPaint technology reimagines the paint application process and reflects the growing demand for sustainable personalization in the automotive industry, particularly in exterior paint. Multi-coloured car painting has traditionally been a laborious and costly process involving multiple stages of masking and unmasking but ABB’s technology allows for a detailed, colourful, and exact replication of any design.
PixelPaint technology also enhances manufacturing sustainability, removing the need for masking materials and extra ventilation, which lowers emissions while saving water and energy. Coordinated by the firm’s RobotStudio software, the paint head tracks very closely to the vehicle body to ensure 100% of the paint is applied to the car with no airborne misting. Different paint colours are applied quickly, with the product only running through the paint shop once. For car manufacturers, this can halve the production time and reduce costs by up to 60%.
Carefully controlled, the paint can be quickly applied in a single application. This breakthrough in the automation of the paint process opens the door to specialized and personalized designs to the automotive market. This would naturally be of great interest to carmakers that offer bespoke services.
Ian Callum, responsible for the design of the Aston Martin Vanquish and more recently the Jaguar I-Pace, is one of those in the industry who is impressed by the new technology. “There’s something very special about a car. People get emotionally attached to them and the importance of personalization is becoming stronger and stronger. In fact, I’m working with customers who actually want the whole car designed in a bespoke way. So this paint offering – with all sorts of new levels of individual design for a motorcar – is incredible,” the influential automotive designer said.
The BMW M1 Art Car presented in a new perspective 40 years later
BMW Group Malaysia has been among the more supportive car companies with regard to the introduction of childseats by car-owners. As far back as 2019, the company was already running a subsidy programme to help parents in the B40 income group to purchase childseats required when the mandatory requirement came into effect in 2020.
Now it has announced the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme in collaboration with long-term partner Safe ‘n Sound, to provide fully subsidised childseats to parents in the B40 income group. This programme is part of the BMW Safety 360° initiative. It follows on from the successful subsidy programme that saw over 300 childseats delivered to parents across Malaysia since the end of 2019.
The new subsidy programme will provide parents with childseats for children of up to 36 kgs with donations previously made by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia.
“For over eight years, the BMW Safety 360° initiative has focused on raising awareness and encouraging action amongst families for more responsible road and car safety practices in Malaysia. Although we have placed a strong emphasis on child carseats in recent years with our many programmes and partnerships to advocate for the use of these seats, we recognise that the issue of low uptake must be tackled beyond verbal advocacy and partial subsidies, especially within communities that are in need in a time like this. With the NEXTStep Subsidy Programme, we aim to continue making child safety seats even more accessible to parents who can use a helping hand, ” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
How to apply
The NEXTStep Subsidy Programme is applicable for families expecting a newborn or with a child up to 36 kgs, and whose monthly household income is below RM3,500. Parents can register at the Safe ‘n Sound website from now until May 22, 2022. Eligible applicants will be notified by Safe ‘n Sound via a WhatsApp to the contact number they provide.
Selected parents from outside the Klang Valley will be notified on the delivery status, while parents within the Klang Valley will be informed of a date, time and place to pick-up their new childseat. A suitable seat will be selected for the recipient according to their child’s respective weight and height, as well as vehicle requirement.
The range of fully subsidised childseats and prices (including shipping fees to recipients outside the Klang Valley) are shown below:
“For those still traveling back from their hometowns with their children, we would urge parents to think of their children’s safety by ensuring the right child car seats are used while on the road,” Mr. de Visser added.
https://www.piston.my/2021/02/10/bmw-group-financial-services-malaysia-contributes-over-rm200000-to-bmw-safety-360-subsidy-programme/
Rather than develop another new and bigger SUV model, Bentley has instead extended the wheelbase of the Bentayga to create a new luxury flagship. And it’s not been a cost-saving project either as the company reveals that it made a ‘9-figure investment’ for the development of the new model which has over 2,500 new parts and a complete new underfloor.
The new Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (or EWB) promises ‘the best rear cabin experience’ which should be acceptable to those who have been used to the Mulsanne limousine (now discontinued). Since its unveiling in 2015, the Bentayga has been a major success for the brand, ascending to become its bestseller. In 2021, the Bentayga accounted for just over a third of the 14,659 vehicles sold by Bentley and the EWB is eventually expected to make up 45% of all Bentayga sales. No doubt, many will be in China where long wheelbase models are highly favoured.
Increased length all for rear cabin
The current Bentayga is the second generation of the model and for the EWB, the wheelbase has been extended by 180 mm – from 2995 mm to 3175 mm to stretch the overall length to 5322 mm (in comparison, the BMW X7 is 5151 mm).
The increased length is all given to the rear section, creating a cabin space that is said to be larger than any other luxury competitor. The Bentayga EWB also provides an extra 10 mm of headroom compared to a Mulsanne, whilst having a roofline 100 mm lower than competitors providing a sporting and well-proportioned silhouette.
While it is recognisable as a Bentayga, there are 4 exterior differences that identify the EWB: the longer profile, a new front grille, a new polished 22-inch 10-spoke wheel, and a repositioned sunroof. Taking inspiration from the new grille on the Flying Spur, the Bentayga EWB has a ‘Vertical Vane Grille’ design that is visually striking. The unique grille consists of bright chrome vertical vanes sitting in front of a black mesh grille.
The repositioned panoramic sunroof illustrates the focus on the rear cabin ambience. It has been moved rearwards by 125 mm, providing the optimum position to bathe the rear cabin seating area in natural light. The sunroof can be controlled via the rear cabin Touch Screen Remote, as well as by the front cabin console.
Attention to wellness
‘Wellness’ seems to be a new trend in the development of cabin environments and to provide this at the highest level, there is the Bentley Airline Seat specification. This is the most advanced seat ever fitted to a car, with 22-ways of adjustment and postural adjustment technology.
The postural adjustment system automatically makes micro adjustments to the occupant’s seating position and pressure points, by measuring pressure across the seat surface. The system can apply 177 individual pressure changes across 6 fully independent pressure zones over a three-hour period improving comfort and minimising fatigue throughout a journey.
World-first climate control
Equally impressive is the new auto climate sensing system (a world-first) which senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation or both simultaneously to keep the occupant at optimum thermal wellbeing. A comfortable thermal environment can also alleviate fatigue, reduce irritability, and this can help to improve driving safety as well.
Even without the advanced system the ventilation and air conditioning system in the rear cabin has been enhanced to further improve onboard wellness. The rear ventilation activates only when rear occupants are detected, reducing rear cabin fan noise. A separate air ionisation system that improves air quality with lower airborne particulates is dedicated to the rear section.
Superlative craftsmanship throughout
As with every Bentley, superlative craftsmanship is a given and the Bentayga EWB incorporates a more advanced stitching design created using digital craftsmanship. Diamonds can be seen elongating symmetrically from the centre of the seatbacks shoulder panels and along the length of the door, reflecting the extension in the car itself.
The new interior style of the longer rear doors also includes a unique design showcasing the optional ‘Metal Overlay in Veneer’. Using a thin metal strip just 0.07 mm thick, an intricate design is bonded by hand on the surface of the veneer before the part is lacquered and polished.
New features include Bentley Diamond Illumination (where light is emitted through small perforations in the soft feel door trim) which demonstrate how technology combines with contemporary craftsmanship to deliver incredibly modern design in luxurious materials. With 24 billion trim combinations alone (and a total number of possible specifications running into the trillions), the cabin of the Bentayga EWB is capable of offering the most individual Bentayga ever.
For the first time on a Bentley, power closing doors can be specified. Also fitted as standard are new ‘waterfall illumination’ interior lamps providing subtle illumination to the rear cabin. The illumination is focused towards the centre of car, and improves the passenger’s visibility of the key central controls and features.
Electronic All Wheel Steering
The Bentayga has been praised for its dynamic abilities, with impressive its performance on the road and in ride and handling. This is expected to also apply to the Bentayga EWB which has Electronic All Wheel Steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride as standard.
Though it will certainly be heavier than the other Bentayga models, the EWB should have equally muscular performance with the proven 4-litre, 32-valve dual twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine. Mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, this 550 ps/770 Nm V8 can propel the Bentayga EWB to 100 km/h in a claimed 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 290 km/h.
Production of the Bentayga starts during the fourth quarter of this year, with deliveries to the first customers taking place before the end of the year.
22-inch carbonfibre wheel for Bentley Bentayga from late 2021
Although commercial vehicles (mostly large trucks) from China were sold in Malaysia in the 1990s, it was only in 2005 that Malaysians saw passenger cars from China being marketed locally. That was when Chery was introduced and the local representative went on to assemble some models locally as well. However, even though they had attractive prices, the Chery models didn’t sell well back then and eventually, the brand faded away.
Now, perhaps encouraged by the success of Geely entering the market (albeit by partnering DRB-HICOM as a shareholder in Proton), other Chinese carmakers are looking more seriously at the Malaysian market as they begin to develop export markets.
Chery is among them and besides already selling in neighbouring countries, it has announced plans to also start selling its models in Malaysia. According to the carmaker’s local marketing office, the models planned for introduction are the Tiggo 8 Pro and Tiggo 7 Pro, part of the Pro line which has 4 SUV models and one sedan.
The Pro models are already on sale in various markets in Eastern Europe, South America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. Recently, the 500,000th unit of the Tiggo 8 was produced, making it the fastest model to achieve the 500,000-unit milestone among Chinese-brand mid-size SUVs and 7-seater SUVs.
In developing the Pro models, Chery has established 3 pillars as the core of every product – intelligent technology, stylish design and efficient power. By ensuring that each model is technology-rich, the carmaker believes it can exceed consumers’ expectations and offer more than competitors.
For example, the Tiggo 8 Pro, flagship of the range, has 3 separate displays screens in the cabin. These consist of a horizontal 12.3-inch instrument panel, an 8-inch climate control screen and a 10.25-inch ‘floating’ infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto expand the functionality of the infotainment system by making smartphone apps available on the dashboard. There’s also a 360-degree view around the vehicle to assist the driver in manoeuvring, improving ease of parking as well as safety.
The smaller Tiggo 7 Pro is similarly equipped and comes with features such as wireless charging for compatible smartphones, and an electrically-powered tailgate.
Having produced motor vehicles since 1999, Chery has long R&D experience and has developed its own advanced powertrain and chassis technology. Six of its ACTECO series engines have been listed among China’s Top 10 Engines. This engine range, which has displacements from 800 cc litres to 4 litres, has strong power output with high thermal efficiency.
Where safety is concerned, Chery models not only to meet China’s C-NCAP safety standards but also international ones since they are sold in many countries. In Europe especially, safety standards are demanding and the Pro models have been designed and engineered to meet them.
The use of ultra-high-strength steel in body construction ensures strong passive safety while up to 6 airbags provide additional protection in the event of a collision. Intelligent technology is also used for active safety systems that include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These systems will help the driver avoid accidents or if that is unavoidable, then reduce the effects of accidents. This is achieved by automatic emergency braking which activates when the driver does not respond to warnings of a pending collision.
Chery’s has a global design language known as ‘Life in Motion 3.0’ which is used on all its models, include the Pro models. This has a visual signature created by a galaxy-inspired geometric matrix diamond front grille and LED headlamps.
Chery launches new Tiggo 8 Pro SUV in South Africa with warranty for 1 million kms
Castrol Malaysia and Continental Tyre Malaysia will be collaborating to offer consumers high quality products and services for a convenient and complete experience. The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore a joint initiative that will leverage on each other’s extensive dealer network, offerings, and expertise, and strengthen their respective positions in the country.
Under the proposed collaboration, both companies will offer motorists a combined trade loyalty programme where they can enjoy various deals, incentives, redemptions, and rewards. Both brands are also working towards a partnership that could see joint branded outlets nationwide with plans to grow and expand.
“This partnership is a testament to both brands’ commitment to safety and customer satisfaction as together we join forces to further build our brand presence in Malaysia. Through our combined expertise that supports new opportunities, we will continue to lead and innovate in securing global market leadership when it comes to service and maintenance,” said Gan Wee Kiong, Market Sales Director of Castrol Malaysia & Singapore.
“There is a steady demand for both brands and our products in the market amongst the premium vehicle owners, and we saw a great opportunity for us to come together to consolidate our offerings to serve our customers better. We believe that with both brand’s long-standing service and excellence in the market, we will continue to be the preferred brands in automotive maintenance,” added Andrea Somorova, Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia.
About Castrol Malaysia
Castrol has had a presence in Malaysia for over 90 years and is one of the market leaders in the retail automotive lubricants segment. The company offers a range of high-performance lubricants and has leadership positions in a majority of segments it operates in. These include passenger car engine oils, motorcycle engine oils, commercial vehicle engine oils and industrial lubricants.
The company also has a lubricants blending plant in Port Klang, Selangor and a distribution network reaching out to over 14,000 customers including retail outlets and workshops. Its exclusive outlets – Castrol Auto Service and Castrol Bike Points – offer professional maintenance services to Malaysian motorists and motorcyclists.
About Continental Tyre Malaysia
Continental is one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers and ranks among the technology leaders in tyre production. It has a broad product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles as well as two-wheelers.
In 2003, Continental AG established a joint venture company with Sime Darby Berhad as Continental Sime Tyre Sdn Bhd. The business expanded rapidly and Continental AG fully acquired the company in 2012, making it one of its production sites in the Asia-Pacific region. Currently, Continental Tyre Malaysia has more than 2,500 employees with two factories supplying tyres to countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Korea.
For more information on Castrol products and services, visit www.castrol.com/my.
For more information on Continental Tyres, visit www.continental-tyres.com.my.
Castrol Hari Mekanik Malaysia celebrated for fourth consecutive year
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