Adventurous couple Chris and Julie Ramsey have accomplished a groundbreaking feat, driving an electric vehicle (EV) from the 1823 Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole in Antarctica, crossing the equator in the process.
Their chosen vehicle, a specially equipped Nissan Ariya, endured a gruelling journey covering over 20,000km through challenging terrains.
Mercedes-Benz is revolutionising the way their customers fuel up in Germany by introducing a seamless and secure payment system directly from their cars using their fingerprints. This innovation is facilitated through the native in-car payment service, Mercedes pay+. The biometric two-factor authentication is made possible by a fingerprint sensor integrated into the MBUX infotainment system.
When a driver arrives at a connected service station and turns off the engine, the Mercedes me Fuel & Pay service automatically initiates on the MBUX infotainment system. The driver can then select the desired gas pump. Even before refueling, the system calculates the maximum total amount based on the current fuel price and the estimated fuel required to fill the tank.
In this advanced system, drivers no longer need to authorize payments via their mobile devices. Instead, they complete transactions seamlessly through fingerprint authentication. After refueling, the MBUX display shows the amount of fuel added and the invoice amount. Payment is processed automatically, allowing the driver to leave the gas station without visiting the checkout area. The invoice is later sent to the customer via email.
(more…)
On September 22, BYD, a global leader in new energy vehicles, marked a significant milestone with the production of its 500,000th BYD Dolphin, solidifying its position as the top-selling A0-level hatchback in China for 19 consecutive months since its debut in August 2021.
The BYD Dolphin’s impact extends globally, providing green mobility to customers worldwide. After its successful launch in Brazil in June 2023, it quickly became the best-selling EV in August, setting a new record for electric vehicle sales in the country. In Thailand, it achieved fifth place in EV sales within its first month on the market, selling 481 units. The Dolphin also completed a successful test drive event in the UK, receiving acclaim from the media.
In recent times, BMW has shifted its focus towards the Competition models for the X5 M and X6 M, indicating a strategic move to make them the starting point for full-fledged M models. This shift is part of BMW’s plan to revamp the M lineup, reimagining its trajectory for the future. The intention is to eliminate the standard M model entirely, with the M440i and similar lower-performance models bridging the gap between the regular BMW vehicles and the high-performance M models.
Frank van Meel, the CEO of BMW M, highlighted that the M brand has adopted the Competition layer as the new standard. The plan is to phase out the standard M model, making Competition the norm. Consequently, there will no longer be a distinct differentiation between M and M Competition; instead, all M models will bear the Competition badge in the future.
The Malaysia Tipper Lorry Operators’ Association has voiced concerns about the prevalent practice of blaming lorry drivers whenever accidents occur. Datuk Michael Loo Leep Chye, the association’s chairman, emphasised that numerous issues in the lorry industry stem from unclear guidelines and laws regarding loaded weight (BDM) and unladen weight (BTM). These ambiguities often lead to operational challenges and potentially unsafe practices.
According to NST, Loo highlighted that the knee-jerk reaction of enforcement agencies to make arrests after accidents doesn’t effectively address the root problems. He argued against laying the blame solely on lorry drivers, asserting that they should not be unfairly targeted as if they were criminals. He did, however, acknowledge that if drivers or operators are found to be negligent or excessively overloading their lorries, appropriate actions should be taken.
(more…)
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the original AE86, Toyota unveiled a special edition of the GR86 for the 2024 model year in Japan. This exclusive variant, limited to 200 units, is based on the locally offered RZ trim and offers a choice of either manual or automatic transmission. It pays tribute to Initial D aesthetics and enthusiasts can opt for a white or red exterior adorned with black racing stripes.
The 40th Anniversary Edition of the GR86 boasts 18-inch wheels finished in a sleek dark gray metallic hue, wrapped in 215/40 R18 tyres. The exterior design is further enhanced with black finishes on the side mirror caps and trunk lid spoiler, creating a striking contrast.
Stepping inside, a prominent black and red theme dominates the interior, accompanied by a “Since 1983 40th” logo on the door cards that complements the exterior decal.
© Copyright – Piston.my 2024 Trademarks belong to their respective owners. All rights reserved
