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FCA invests RM925,999 on grants for robotics

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles or FCA, has invested some serious dough into the future of robotics. The FCA Foundation, its charitable arm has announced more than $228,000 (RM925,999) in grants to 51 US-based FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams.

This will ease the burden on teams competing in the upcoming 2018 FIRST® POWER UP challenge. FIRST or (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an international non-profit organisation founded to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.

“We are proud to partner with an organization that is committed to inspiring the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals,” said Phil Jansen, Head of Product Development, FCA – North America.

This year alone, FCA has awarded more than $400,000 (RM1,624,560) to student robotics programmes, including FIRST Tech Challenge, First in Michigan and 2018 FIRST Championship. The automaker is banking on these young minds to create and innovate at an early age, in order to make a much bigger impact later in their professional lives.

Volvo XC60 wins praise in America

Volvo’s mid-range SUV, the XC60 has been named 2018 Utility of the Year by the Detroit Free Press, Detroit’s largest daily newspaper. Built using the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the 2018 model year is new from the ground up, combining Swedish elegence and precise craftmanship. The vehicle was given the accolade because of what it brings to the table.

Like it’s bigger brother, the middle child of Volvo’s SUV family features striking good looks that is topped off by the signature ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights. This complements the slew of safety features very well. The XC60 is able to monitor it’s blind spots and take control of the steering if it detects an impending collision.

Besides this, it’s various front and rear sensors help prevent head-on collisions and other fender benders, acting as the driver’s third eye. Then there’s also the semi-autonomous safety system that is able to steer and keep the XC60 at a constant speed provided that the road lane markings are clearly visible.

“The XC60’s value, design and advanced safety features set it apart from other utility vehicles,” Detroit Free Press auto critic Mark Phelan said. “It sets a high standard for other SUVs.”

The Volvo XC60 is offered with a number of powertrains including the award winning T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid at the top of the powertrain range delivering 400bhp. Expect the automaker to chalk up a number of other awards in the coming months as more publications get their hands on this sophisticated machine.

Owners say 4WD is important feature of vehicles

Contrary to popular belief, Many SUV owners believe that four-wheel-drive capability is a nessesity rather than a means to show off. Atleast that’s what BuyaCar.co.uk was able to surmise from it’s most recent survey. Owners cited snow and persistent flooding as reasons for needing the extra traction.

Though there is a discernible difference between all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems in terms of functionality, for this particular instance, we will ignore that fact. The survey says that more than 70% have admitted to have driven in conditions where conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles would have been left stranded.

Interviews with 316 four-wheel-drive owners has revealed that older SUV owners have a higher appreciation for all-wheel-drive stability for snow driving. But in general, one in four people had no idea if they have ever needed this system but like the reassurance that it provides. However, one in five say that they need it on a regular basis due to worsening road conditions, flooding and the need to traverse muddy areas.

Austin Collins, Managing Director of BuyaCar.co.uk, said, “There is a long standing joke that the closest most four-wheel drive owners get to driving off-road is negotiating the humps in the supermarket car park, but our findings suggest otherwise.”

There are differences between men and women when it comes to why they purchased an SUV. Men who currently own such a vehicle are more than twice as likely to claim that they require the 4WD capability. But, one in four women have admitted that it wasn’t a requirement but welcome the safety assurance that SUVs provide.

Popularity of SUVs have soared in recent years despite the gradual rise of petrol prices and the volatility of the current economic climate. Many believe that the benefits of such a vehicle far outweigh the drawbacks. And the recent survey That was conducted by BuyaCar.co.uk, supports this notion.

Ford and SDAC celebrate Christmas with patients

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, provided some much needed holiday cheer this Christmas season. Members of SDAC visited the children’s ward of Hospital Wanita dan Kanak-kanak Sabah, Likas, Kota Kinabalu.

The group provided kids with books, bags and stationary in support of Kupikupifm DJs Cheer to Patient CSR Programme. This is part of Ford’s charitable initiative to help give back to local communities and provide the less fortunate with the means to progress further.

Staff and patients at the hospital were regaled with Christmas carols at the foyer area. Though brief, the event helped lighten the somber mood that is usually associated with patients in such facilities. It helped provide a glimmer of hope to those who had lost theirs.

The Blue Oval is heavily invested in programmes such as these to help community building and sustainable development for future generations. Hospital Wanita dan Kanak-kanak Sabah is a small hospital focusing on obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics and is associated with the general hospital, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Audi Q5 and Q7 earns top marks in crash tests

This may not be much of a surprise to many, but the Audi Q5 and Q7 have been awarded the 5-Star safety rating, the highest possible score for crash safety. The US’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the rating for it’s new car assessment programme. This figure is based on an overall score of frontal and side crash tests.

“Having the Q5 and Q7 earn the highest safety rating from NHTSA shows our commitment to make overall crash worthiness and superior driver assistance systems a top priority for our customers,” said Scott Keogh, president, Audi of America.

Both vehicles come equipped with Audi’s pre-sense safety systems that offer a slew of safety features. For instance, when an impact is imminent, the system shuts the windows and panoramic roof, then tightens the front seat belts to keep occupants in a secured position.

Adding to that, the system can apply braking pressure when it senses an impending collision. Sensors on the sides monitor the blind spots and warn drivers of the presence of other vehicles there. Working together, these systems ensure that both the Q5 and Q7 minimize the risk of collisions.

Like other German automakers, occupant safety is one of the highest priorities for Audi. Its current product line offer some of the best levels of safety. And the introduction of autonomous tech should improve safety standards even further and help reduce the severity of vehicle collisions.

MINI will 3D print your accessories

MINI is known for it’s plethora of customisation options for it’s range of cars, but this time, it has taken it to another level. Through the online store, customers will have the option to tweak and adjust certain design aspects of trim elements to create unique products. These innovative upgrades will be available for UK customers throughout the course of 2018.

Referred to as the MINI Yours Customised product range, custom work can be carried out on the side scuttles, trims for the interior passenger side, LED door sills and LED door projectors. Various colour combinations can be chosen to suit the items, text or signatures can also be added to these accessories. MINI will be able to accomplish all of these things through the use of it’s manufacturing processes.

These processes include 3D printing and laser etching systems. The automaker has teamed up with Hewlett-Packard (HP), to create these various trim pieces. As revolutionary as this maybe, MINI assures customers that the products that are sold through this programme adhere to it’s standards of quality and safety.

There are several different colour options to choose from, which include Aspen White matte, Chili Red matte, Starlight Blue matte, Moonwalk Grey matte and Jet Black matte. Based on the selected pattern and design, MINI will get to work creating these pieces that will undoubtedly make each and every car, different.