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Customers helped make the next-generation Ford Ranger a great truck

To make a great pick-up truck, ask customers what they want. That was how designers of the next-generation Ford Ranger started their project. Max Tran, chief designer for the new Ranger, and his team spent hundreds of hours with customers around the world to see how they use their pick-up trucks on a daily basis.

More than 5,000 interviews were conducted and more than 1,800 pages of field notes were generated for reference, which helped development and guide both engineers and designers to build a truck with the features and capability customers wanted.

With these insights, plus the Ranger’s award-winning pick-up truck formula, they created the next-generation Ranger as an iconic, versatile and trusted pick-up truck customers can trust to tackle almost anything.

“Seeing owners use their trucks, whether for work, family or play, inspired some fantastic ideas that drove our design and development decisions,” said Tran. “One great example of that is the integrated box side-step. During our clinic sessions, we noticed that many customers had trouble reaching over the side of the truck into the bed; others were standing on the rear tyre or the bumper to gain access,” Tran said.

“So, we came up with the idea of a box step, behind the rear wheel,” he said. “We mocked one up, tested it with owners and the response was overwhelming. People told us that step would be reason enough to buy the Ford Ranger,” he revealed.

Exterior Design
The exterior design of the next-generation Ranger followed two important guiding principles: to bring it into the future and to make it Built Ford Tough. “Customers had clear ideas on what they liked and how they used their Rangers in their day-to-day lives,” Tran said. “We also needed to incorporate features customers wanted and valued to ensure it was welcoming and contemporary and as versatile as it was capable.”

Some of the designers looked to nature, some to architecture and some others to art for inspiration. “We didn’t hold back. We let our designers loose to really go for it,” Tran said. They also thought of the Ranger as the brother of the F-150, the best-selling truck in the world, and drew some styling elements from it.

“The Ranger has developed a strong following over the past 10 years, and we really leaned into the iconic design features that have made it such a beloved truck across the world but also push the design envelope,” said Tran.

The pick-up’s athletic look is intentional, with surface treatments executed to be strong and muscular. From the bold new grille with its C-clamp headlights, daytime running lights and strong horizontal upper grille bar, to the pronounced wheelarches, strong shoulder line and large sculpted Ranger logo on the tailgate, the next-generation Ranger conveys confidence and capability.

At the rear, the taillamps were designed in harmony with the graphics of the C-clamp headlight treatment. By extending the track and wheelbase by 50 mm (compared to the previous Ranger), the designers were able to push the front wheels out to the corners, enhancing its on-road stance.

Interior design
Inside, the next-generation Ranger not only features a stylish new and spacious cabin but the cockpit also has user-friendly technology. Soft-touch materials and appliques elevate the interior ambience with a premium feel while the new instrument panel adopts a coast-to-coast design that enhances the spacious feel.

Several design cues also are carried over from the exterior. The air vent vanes, for example, feature a similar design to those in the front grille, and several exterior surface treatments have been adapted for interior use.

The dashboard is dominated by a 10.1-inch or 12-inch high-resolution touchscreen (depending on version) solidly mounted into the centre section, complementing the digital instrument cluster. Customers expressed a preference for the screen’s portrait orientation because it created enough space for navigation screens while also leaving room in the lower portion of the screen for other menus, like those for the climate and entertainment controls.

The designers also reimagined key aspects of the cabin. One example: how the door release handles could be better integrated into the ‘coast-to-coast’ dashboard design, making them easier to use. Again, customer feedback led to the door release handles being mounted lower, providing easier reach to window switches and the armrests. Rear occupants also get cooling outlets at the rear of the centre console.

The seats also have been redesigned, with new bolsters and foam inserts that are more inviting, stylish and comfortable. Versatility is key with the second-row seats now folding flat and boasting out-of-sight and secure under-seat storage. There is also an added storage area in the door pockets with space both in the front and back.

“The next-gen Ranger really redefines the role of the pickup as a trusted partner for work, family and play,” said Gary Boes, Enterprise Product Line Management director, Global Trucks. “With the help of all the rich insights from customers, we’ve created a Ranger we believe will inspire owners to do more of what they love to do, with features that encourage them to explore new horizons.”

Join the Debut Tour
The next-generation Ranger has been making a debut tour since its first public appearance last month. Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the sole distributor for Ford in Malaysia, is offering previews at a series of events around the country over 5 weekends. These include events in Kuching on September 7 -1 1 at Vivacity Megamall, and at the Suria Sabah Shopping Centre, Kota Kinabalu on October 5 – 9.

Sign up here to get an exclusive invitation to a venue close to you. Or if you want more information about the next-generation Ranger, follow the Ford Malaysia Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channel or visit www.sdacford.com.my.

Mahindra & Mahindra previews future e-SUV range at European design centre (w/VIDEO)

Mahindra & Mahindra, India’s leading SUV manufacturer, has officially opened its new design centre of excellence in England which will serve as the ‘conceptual hotbed’ for the company’s portfolio of future EV products. Known as Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (M.A.D.E), the facility is part of the Mahindra Global Design Network that includes the Mahindra India Design Studio in Mumbai.

To create future EVs
The role of M.A.D.E. is to conceive and create all future EVs and advanced vehicle design concepts. It is equipped with state-of-the-art design tools, enabling it to handle end-to-end design activities including conceptualisation, 3D digital and physical modelling, Class-A surfacing, digital visualisation and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design.

It also incorporates a complete digital visualisation suite, clay modelling studio, VR digital modelling and digital as well as physical presentation areas.

Two brands, 5 e-SUVs
During the official opening recently, Mahindra & Mahindra, also presented its new INGLO EV platform (shown above) and 5 e-SUV proposals under two EV brands, showcasing its vision for the future of electric mobility. The new brands, created specifically for EV products are XUV and BE.

The first of the e-SUVs will be launched in December 2024, followed by two in 2025 and one in October 2026. The launch date for the fifth model is not confirmed but it will be a SUV grand tourer.

Cooperation with Volkswagen Group
Additionally, Mahindra & Mahindra also announced a strategic cooperation plan with the Volkswagen Group which will see the German carmaker supplying its MEB electric components (electric drivetrain, battery system and battery cells) for the INGLO purpose-built electric platform.

The cooperation intends to have a volume of more than one million units over lifetime for the 5 proposed all-electric SUVs. The two companies also intend to explore further opportunities for collaboration, opening the perspective towards a broader strategic alliance to accelerate the electrification of the Indian automotive market.

This will encompass potential areas of collaboration in the field of e-mobility, including vehicle projects, the localization of battery cell manufacturing, and charging and energy solutions for the electric ecosystem in India.

“We are happy that we have identified a larger scope of collaboration between our two companies. Together, Volkswagen and Mahindra can contribute significantly to the electrification of India, a huge automotive market with ambitious climate protection commitments. The MEB Electric Platform and its components are key to affordable sustainable mobility around the globe. The partnership not only demonstrates that our platform business is highly competitive, but also that the MEB is well on track to become one of the leading open platforms for e-mobility,” said Thomas Schmall, Volkswagen Group Board of Management member for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Components.

The reality of producing and running electric vehicles

O2 roadster concept to go into production as Polestar 6

Polestar’s O₂ concept shown in March 2022 received such positive and strong response that the Swedish company (part of the Geely Group) has decided to put it into production. The roadster model will be called the Polestar 6 and is expected to make its debut in 2026. Online bookings are now being accepted in markets where the brand has representatives.

884 ps/900 Nm electric powertrain
The carmaker makes only battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and the Polestar 6 will have the high-performance, 800V architecture already confirmed for the Polestar 5. This will be able to generate up to 650 kW (884 ps) and 900 Nm from a dual-motor powertrain. The carmaker is targeting a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.

When it was presented as the O₂ concept, the electric roadster was said to build on the design, technology and sustainability ambitions laid out by the Precept, showcasing the brand’s vision for future sportscars.

“With the overwhelming consumer and press response, we took the decision to put this stunning roadster into production and I am so excited to make it a reality,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar’s CEO. “Polestar 6 is a perfect combination of powerful electric performance and the thrill of fresh air with the top down.”

The hardtop convertible will be built on Polestar’s bespoke bonded aluminium platform. It’s unlikely that the integrated autonomous drone will be included in the production model. This was a special feature with the O₂ concept where a drone could be launched from the car and follow it, autonomously recording video from above and around it.

LA Concept Edition
To celebrate the launch, 500 numbered units of a special ‘Polestar 6 LA Concept Edition’ are to be produced. They will exclusively feature the unique ‘Sky’ Blue exterior, light leather interior and unique 21-inch wheels of the original O₂ concept.

Experimental Polestar 2 becomes a production model – but only 270 units to be made

TC Euro Cars to sell Renault Zoe EV again

Joining the growing list of electric vehicles (EVs) available in the Malaysian market is the Renault Zoe, imported by TC Euro Cars (TCEC), the sole franchise holder of Renault passenger vehicles in Malaysia. The Zoe is actually not to TCEC as the company brought in a small batch six years ago. However, without incentives from the government and with the limited number of public charging stations then, interest was not great so TCEC focussed on other models in the Renault range.

Now, with the government providing full exemption on import duties, there’s greater interest and there is also a push to develop the charging station network. This will encourage people to consider an EV as they will feel confident of travelling long distances and be able to get their EV ‘refuelled’ with electricity.

The Zoe (its name is derived from ZerOEmission) is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) which means it runs only on electricity, as opposed to be hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) which has a petrol engine and electric motor working together). The model, originally introduced in Europe in 2012, was designed from the outset as a BEV and this latest second generation has the benefit of many technical improvements over the past 10 years.

Two versions
TCEC will offer the Zoe in two versions – the Zoe R110 at RM163,000 (without insurance) and the Zoe R13 at an estimated price of RM175,000 (without insurance).

Both have Renault’s new 52 kWh Z.E. 50 lithium-ion battery pack which has a claimed range of up to 395 kms per full charge. This is a 25% increase over the previous battery pack without any changes in size. To achieve this, Renault’s engineering wing worked specifically with their supplier, LG Chem, on the shape and arrangement of the lithium-ion cells that make up the battery pack. Their collaborative work showed that it is possible to increase the storage density by developing cells that are slightly higher than usual.

Capacity is one thing, but range also depends on energy efficiency which is optimised in the Z.E. 50 battery packs. Regenerative braking and ECO mode also help extend the range although, like a petrol engine, how far the car can go depends on driving style and conditions.

30 minutes for 145 kms
Recharging time is an important consideration for owners and for now, it takes a lot longer than filling up petrol so EV owners will just have to get used to it. In the case of the Zoe, it is possible to charge the battery pack to provide up to 145 kms of range within 30 minutes if you use a DC fast-charger.

You can also use AC Type 2 charging which will take between 3 hours (with a 22 kW supply) or 9.5 hours (with a 7.4 kW supply). This is to recharge a fully empty battery pack to full. In practice, owners might be topping up periodically, just as you would recharge your mobilephone from time to time. So the long period might not be the case in actual use.

The Zoe powertrain is quite straightforward with a single electric motor powering the front wheels. The R110 has an output of 80 kW/225 Nm while the R135 produces 100 kW/245 Nm. That should be sufficient for brisk performance around town although the Zoe does weigh around 1,500 kgs.

Updated technology
As mentioned earlier, the Zoe has been in the market for 10 years and the one now being imported by TCEC is a new generation. As such, it has a redesigned cabin with modern features such as a wide 10-inch customisable TFT instrument cluster and the Renault EASY LINK multimedia system.

The infotainment system has a 7-inch colour touchscreen with smartphone replication made possible using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Eco-friendly materials
Even with the first generation, there was emphasis on eco-friendliness and sustainability, not just in the powertrain but also in the way the car is made. Renault has also made smart use of ethical and sustainable materials in the interior featuring tactile textiles on key touchpoints. Up to 22.5 kgs of recycled synthetic materials are used, mostly in housings and other hidden parts of the car that provide protection. Floor mats are usually the only visible parts made from these recycled synthetic materials.

For those who wish to take a closer look at the Zoe, there’s a unit on display at the Renault showroom in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Orders are also being accepted and customers can register their interest to be kept informed of further developments.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance to spend 23 billion euros on massive electrification push

Aston Martin DBR22 design concept

At the 2022 Monterey Car Week this weekend, Aston Martin will present the DBR22, a V12-engined 2-seater coachbuilt design concept. The creation of the DBR22, which celebrates the marque’s bloodline of open-cockpit sports racers, is the latest in a long line of projects handled by its in-house bespoke division, Q by Aston Martin.

With classic proportions and immaculate, muscular curves, the DBR22 follows Aston Martin’s lifelong lineage of world-beating 2-seater open-cockpit sportscars such as the DBR1 and DB3S. And by mating the classic art of coachbuilding with advanced materials and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, the design concept perfectly blends design purity, engineering precision, heart-pounding performance and true passion.

The DBR22 showcases a completely new body from Aston Martin’s designers. Its form is created from a minimal number of body panels to create a more sculpted, muscular presence. A particularly noteworthy feature is the entirely new front grille which incorporates a unique carbonfibre design in place of the usual veins seen on series production Aston Martins.

This design takes inspiration directly from the DBR1 and DB3S, giving a unique identity; one which clearly draws from Aston Martin’s heritage but uses this inspiration to create a truly contemporary design.

The bonnet features a dramatic horseshoe vent, recessed to aid airflow from the 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine (715 ps/753 Nm) that sits beneath it. This long, unbroken bonnet line draws the eye back towards the cockpit, over the lowline wind deflector and delicate mirrors, which are mounted to the tops of the doors on slender, wind-cheating carbonfibre arms.

Sitting perfectly within the wheelarches is a set of all-new 21-inch alloy wheels featuring a unique 14-spoke design created especially for the car. There is a motorsport-derived centre-lock hub which is also available to spec from an extensive colour pallet.

The DBR22 also showcases an entirely bespoke paint colour, developed specifically for the occasion using ‘Paint to Sample’ – an exclusive option available through Q by Aston Martin, demonstrating again the vast design possibilities attainable through the bespoke service.

The cockpit continues the fusion of classic and contemporary approaches with many unique components and an extensive use of both leather and exposed carbonfibre. With architecture defined by the all-new dashboard and sleek infotainment displays, it sets the tone for a clean, uncluttered environment.

Though taking inspiration from Aston Martin’s competition cars, the DBR22 is no bare-bones racer inside. Supple aromatic hides swathe the contemporary dashboard, the carbonfibre performance seats and extend over the tops of the doors to create an inviting hint of the interior.

Rising from behind the seats are twin nacelles which smooth the airflow behind the driver and passenger’s heads. At the rear is an unmistakable horizontal light graphic courtesy of the slim, full-width light bar made specially for this application. Beneath it sits a perforated panel to allow hot air to exit the tail.

This beautifully sculptural piece is yet another unique highlight of the DBR22 intriguing design. Together with the smoothly integrated diffuser and pair of large diameter exhaust tailpipes, the DBR22 has incredible road presence, perfectly capturing the raw emotion of the driving experience.

Unique calibration of the engine and 8-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission uses torque shaping to give the DBR22 a manner and delivery said to be unlike any other model. A pinned steering column brings greater accuracy but also provides more detailed feedback so the driver can build a more accurate picture of available grip.

Attention has also been paid to the DBR22’s chassis structure. Unique front and rear shear panels further increase tortional rigidity, with a bespoke calibration for the adaptive dampers providing precision and pliancy for a blend of body control and ride.

The DBR22 also features a 3D-printed rear subframe – the first time Aston Martin has introduced such a method. The component is made from multiple 3D-printed parts printed from aluminium, which are then bonded to form the finished subframe. The advantages are clear, with a significant weight-saving and no reduction in stiffness, plus the ability to make special parts for ultra-low volume models, where required.

“We set our design systems to ‘hyper-drive’, pushing the exploration of formalism further and endeavouring to express a future in the here today. Where could we go with the surfaces, proportion and form. Combining this approach with advanced process, technology, and materials, we’ve effectively modernised our racing bloodline and created a new pedigree. DBR22 is a hot-blooded, purebred Aston Martin sportscar full of speed, agility and spirit, and a machine that we think will be the basis of many of tomorrow’s icons,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s Chief Creative Officer.

AMR-C01 – the ultimate racing simulator from Aston Martin

MIDA-Perodua Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme to promote adoption of Industry 4.0

With the accelerated pace of development in industries, a revolution is taking place and where the automotive industry is concerned, this revolution will take companies to the next level with cutting-edge technologies, processes and machinery. This transformation of the automotive industry is referred to as Industry 4.0., a term inspired by Germany’s ‘Industrie 4.0’, a government initiative to promote connected manufacturing and a digital convergence between industry, businesses and other processes.

To promote the adoption of Industry 4.0, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Perodua are gearing up through a strategic partnership to introduce the MIDA-Perodua Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme. The programme aims to upgrade local automotive suppliers and to digitalise their manufacturing processes through adoption of Industry 4.0.

Developing local players’ capabilities
“Local companies play a major role in building the nation’s industry ecosystem–geared to support large companies and MNCs. The initiation of the MIDA-Perodua collaboration in 2020 was crucial to ensure a steady development of our local player’s capabilities in the automotive industry,” said Datuk Arham Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA.

“Under MIDA’s initiative to facilitate these companies to adopt digitalisation and Industry 4.0, we have been successful to contributing immense growth in Perodua’s manufacturing volume, through the empowerment of its industry partners and service providers.” he said.

*Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, President & CEO of Perodua.*

Local technology ecosystem development
According to Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, Perodua’s President & CEO, the MIDA-Perodua Digital Transformation Ecosystem Programme is aligned with the government’s efforts to enhance local technology ecosystem development activities in terms of supply and value chains, research and development activities, and innovation and commercialisation. The programme has shown a promising sign as the first group of participants had implemented their proposed projects.

“The implementation of Industry 4.0 is not only for the automotive supplier’s benefit, but the impact of this programme will contribute greatly to the national’s digital transformation agenda. The programme also can fast-track Malaysia’s industries, from small to large, as it provides both funds and guidance,” Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin said.

“Perodua’s role has always been to develop the automotive ecosystem and this programme is another example of our commitment towards this objective,” he added.

Eight participants in programme
The first phase of MIDA-Perodua strategic partnership has brought forth three potential Perodua-friendly partner – LSF Technology Sdn.Bhd., J.K. Wire Harness Sdn. Bhd. and Autoliv Hirotako Safety Sdn. Bhd. These companies have also been granted Domestic Investment Strategic Fund as part of the government’s initiative to assist the local companies to embark into the global supply chain.

Moving forward to Industry 4.0, MIDA and Perodua have identified five more vendors with much potential and growth opportunities. These are Armstrong Auto Parts Sdn. Bhd., Ingress Aoi Technologies Sdn. Bhd., Namicoh Suria Sdn. Bhd., P.D. Kawamura Kako Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. and Kumpulan Jebco (M) Sdn. Bhd.

MIDA, being the pivotal principal promotional agency of Malaysia, will be extending their support services to help more companies obtain growth in terms of productivity, talent and bridging financial and technology gaps.

The agency is confident that through such facilities and empowerment measures, these automotive players will be able to increase their business offerings and expertise to innovate its products and services and climb the supply chain ecosystems.

Auto industry looking forward to introduction of 5G

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