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Malaysians understand merits of EVs but misconceptions remain, BMW survey finds

With the public transport system yet to be efficient, reliable and appealing enough to attract more users, Malaysians remain car-dependent, resulting in one of the highest car ownership rates in Southeast Asia. A new survey conducted by the BMW Group in Southeast Asia reveals just how car-dependent Malaysian drivers are, with 85% of respondents indicating that they drive every one to three days – either commuting to and from the office (74%), run daily errands (65%), or travel on the weekends (36%).

Encouragingly, 8 out of 10 of Malaysian drivers also wish to see more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, with the hope of contributing to a more environmentally conscious world – not to mention save on fuel costs. Reduced carbon emissions (72%), cost savings from using electricity instead of petrol (49%) and a more premium experience (40%) are just some of the key benefits cited by drivers who see the merits of electrification of motor vehicles.

Nevertheless, misconceptions on EVs remain and, at this time, more than half of the Malaysian drivers surveyed say that they will still likely choose a petrol vehicle (59%) for their next purchase. Some common concerns raised were the electric range of EVs, the maintenance costs, as well as the difficulty in keeping their EVs charged. Specifically, 33% of respondents believe that EVs can only travel up to 100 kms before requiring a recharge; another 41% expect EVs to be more expensive to service or maintain over a period of 10 years; while 29% believe that charging EVs would be ‘difficult’.

Valid as they are for any prospective EV owner, these are the concerns of yesterday. As exemplified by BMW i’s pioneering progress in electrified mobility over the years, the technology surrounding EVs and the ecosystem developed to support them have come a long way. With the arrival of the latest BMW i fleet, as well as the expansion of the BMW i public charging network, Malaysians can be more confident switching to EVs.

“It is encouraging to see the level of awareness and excitement around sustainable mobility, and that Malaysian drivers see EVs as the gateway to a more premium driving experience. Being the pioneer of electrified mobility in Malaysia and having been in the field since 2015, we have observed how Malaysian drivers are receptive and even enthusiastic about transitioning to EVs but remain concerned about key issues surrounding it – all of which we have been actively working to alleviate,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

He added: “In addition to introducing the best that we have to offer with the latest fleet of vehicles from BMW i, we have also been proactively developing our infrastructure for charging the vehicles. With these initiatives, there is also an opportunity to change the perception of prospective EV owners in Malaysia on the significant advancements made and that an electric future for the passenger vehicle market in Malaysia is closer than they think. In the end, it is about helping Malaysians realise that they now have a greater Power of Choice to adopt a more sustainable way of mobility.”

The latest EVs from BMW i tackle many of the past and current concerns Malaysians have towards adopting EVs. According to the survey, a significant number of them (39%) have the perception that EVs can only travel up to 100 kms before needing to recharge. That’s an out-of-date number and with BMW i models, the maximum range can be as much as 425 kms. With the premise that most Malaysians travel up to 20 km daily at most, recharging would thus be only necessary roughly once every two to three weeks. That range would also make it possible to go from the Klang Valley to Johor Bahru too, without recharging.

Another perception is around the difficulty of charging EVs – with 29% of Malaysians surveyed believing that the process of charging an EV can prove troublesome. However, in many ways, charging a BMW i vehicle would not be disruptive, partly due to its sufficient electric range allowing for less frequent charging. Additionally, a BMW i Wallbox can be installed at home for overnight charging.

The latest BMW i vehicles are also compatible with DC fast-charging, which BMW Group Malaysia has begun to deploy across its dealership network, public spaces and on the highways, in collaboration with its premium partners. Fast-charging shortens recharging time, so the wait is shorter.

On the misconception that EVs are more expensive to service and maintain – a view held by 41% of survey respondents – EVs actually cost less in this regard, due to having fewer components in the vehicle that require servicing. Components and elements, such as engine oil, sparkplugs and air filters, are absent in an EV.

Aside from this, the woes of battery replacements are also mitigated due to the modular nature of the lithium-ion battery packs at the heart of every electrified BMW. With multiple modules making up the battery pack, the cost of replacement is greatly reduced as owners need to replace only the faulty module, not the entire battery pack.

Further peace of mind is also ensured courtesy of substantial warranty programmes, such as the BMW 5-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service, and the BMW 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty. In fact, the survey revealed battery warranty as a motivation to adopt EVs for 39% of Malaysian drivers, while good aftersales support makes up 35%.

Another key motivator is the level of support Malaysians have from the government, as expressed by 45% of respondents. The Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) incentive in the Malaysian automotive policy has encouraged BMW to assemble plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models locally and this year, full duty exemption for EVs is a very welcome development that will narrow the gap in pricing between EVs and traditional vehicles.

“Increased support and confidence from key players in the industry will play a significant role in getting Malaysian drivers comfortable with making the switch over the next few years. As a market leader and pioneer in the Electric Vehicle space, we are committed to delivering innovation that will truly make a change in the Malaysian automotive landscape, while continuing to deliver Sheer Driving Pleasure,” Mr. de Visser said.

BMW Group Malaysia moves into next phase of electrification with new BMW i model range

Fuel Price Updates For March 24 – March 30, 2022

Police in Spain testing speedtrap camera systems that can detect vehicles braking to reduce speed!

Europe has many fine roads and long straight highways that are a joy for drivers and motorcyclists. However, because there are many who don’t motor responsibly, speed limits have to be set and law enforcement authorities constantly upgrade their speed detection and recording devices with new technologies to not only be more effective but also to defeat methods to fool the devices.

Motorists in many countries (even in Malaysia) have long used the tactic of decelerating quickly when approaching a spot known to have a speed trap so that the vehicle will pass by within the speed limit. They may have been going well above the limit but at that point, they become ‘obedient’… and then accelerate off after they pass. This naturally frustrates the cops and to detect this trick, police in Spain and Ireland have come up with devices that can determine the average speed of a vehicle along a specific stretch of highway and also detect sudden braking before the camera.

According to Simon Hancocks at VisorDown, who often attends media rides in Spain, there are different types of fixed and mobile speed cameras, and drones have even been spotted monitoring the mountain roads. Locals and regular riders are aware of many of the locations and will decelerate quickly or brake as they come within range of the cameras.

However, VisorDown has now learnt of a new type of speed camera being tested in some parts of Spain that is able to detect a vehicle suddenly slowing down before it reaches the camera. The system has 2 cameras set a short distance apart and are also used for average speed recording (between 2 designated points). The technology can detect sudden deceleration like braking, and it is believed that it can also catch those who speed up again!

The use of these new devices is part of the effort by the Spanish traffic authorities to cut the accident and death rate on their highways. But Hancock predicts that in time, people will learn to decelerate earlier – out of sight of the cameras – and not get caught. That’s what many do when approaching the AES cameras on our highways which also point in both directions.

Average speed cameras have been in use for many years now in Europe as well as Australia. They were developed when the authorities realized that motorists could be speeding well above the limits along stretches where there were no cameras, slowing down only when they came to a detection spot. Thus, by being able to determine the vehicle’s average speed, it would be possible to know if the driver had gone too fast.

Like the old VASCAR system which required a policeman to visually clock a vehicle passing between two pre-determined points and then getting a calculation by a computer in the car (this was in the 1970s), the average speed camera system works by measuring the amount of time it takes a vehicle to travel between two points and then calculates the average speed. If the average speed is above the speed limit, an offence is deemed to be committed. In NSW, Australia, the basis of the offence being detected is that the average speed being higher than the limit ‘demonstrate a continued intention to speed’.

The two cameras required by the system capture images of vehicles and have Automatic Numberplate Recognition (ANPR) capability. They also have infrared illumination to work even at night. Some systems are able to not only determine average speed but also approach speed and departure speed; if all three are above limits, there could be three different fines!

In a perfect world, there would be no need for such devices and no need for speed limits. Motorists would be responsible and sensible enough to drive within their own limits as well as at speeds that are safe for the conditions. However, because there are too many who are not responsible – which is why accident statistics are high – speed limits and other measures have to be taken to prevent loss of lives. So do your part and drive responsibly to help bring the numbers down.

Should 30 km/h zones be introduced in Malaysia?

Grecale, Maserati’s second SUV, makes its debut

The Maserati Grecale has finally been unveiled after a delay of about three months due to the global chip shortage. As the second SUV in the carmaker’s range, it is positioned below the Levante and take on rivals like the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan.

With an overall length of 4846 mm and width of 2163 mm, the shares the Giorgio platform with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, though this is an updated platform with the additional capability of accommodating a 400V electric powertrain as well. At launch, there will be three engine choices available – two 4-cylinder 48V mild hybrids (300 bhp/330 bhp) and the powerful Nettuno V6 which produces 530 bhp for the Trofeo version.

Like the Levante, the performance of the all-wheel drive Grecale’s can be optimised with drive modes. In fact, while the Levante has 4 modes, the Grecale has one more (for the Trofeo version) besides the Comfort, GT, Sport and Off-Road modes. To complement the drive modes is the Maserati Vehicle Dynamic Control Module system which gives full control of driving dynamics and comfort levels.

*Fully electric Grecale Folgore will only be launched in 2023.*

Details of the electrified version, Maserati’s first BEV (battery electric vehicle) SUV are not available yet as the model will only be introduced in 2023. For now, it is known that it will have 400V technology for its powertrain. It will be part of the Folgore range, the name referring to the company’s strategy to have a completely electric product range by 2030.

The Grecale’s design uses elements from the MC20 sportscar, with a more ‘vertical’ design language more appropriate for the SUV form that is 1670 mm tall. The body has meandering, visual forms and its technical components are highlighted by the use of carbonfibre. In the rear, the boomerang taillights are inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT and fit in with the trapezoidal line, made even more striking by the coupe effect of the profile.

The cabin, riding on a wheelbase of 2901 mm, has 2 rows of seating for 5 persons. Like many of the latest cars, the displays are greatly digitised, certainly more than any Maserati before. Everything is touch-based, giving clean aesthetics and even the traditional Maserati clockface has gone digital for the first time,

The dashboard has a large 12.3-inch display (the largest ever on a Maserati) with a classic cluster for the driver, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen running on Android Automotive software, which gives digital assistant services. There’s a second display for rear passengers as well to have more personalised control of the infotainment system.

For those who expect a luxury model to have superlative audio quality, Maserati has worked with Italian specialist Sonus Faber to provide an immersive 3D sound system. The Sonus faber system comes with a high-frequency amplifier and 14 or 21 speakers with specific functionalities that illustrates Sonus faber’s natural sound thorough the use of natural materials.

Production will start in mid-2022 with first deliveries commencing during the second half of the year. Official pricing has not been revealed although the entry-level Grecale GT is rumoured to start from around £50,000 (about RM280,000) in the UK.

Maserati starts electrification journey with new Ghibli Hybrid

February 2022 New Vehicle Sales, by Brand

Data for BMW and MINI is only provided by BMW Group Malaysia every three months. Data for Kia, Peugeot and Volkswagen not available at this time. Data for Mercedes-Benz is not available as Mercedes-Benz Malaysia does not wish to reveal their sales data. Source: Malaysian Automotive Association.

Find out how to unleash the full capabilities of your Ford Ranger/Ranger Raptor

You’ve been owning a Ford Ranger for some time, or you’re a new owner who’s just joined the world of trucking… do you want to enjoy your truck to the fullest and do more with it than just being able to carry more durians home? Many truck owners may not be fully aware of the potential and features of their vehicle which has been built tough and very capable.

For such owners, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford (SDAC-Ford) has a special program called ‘Ford Ranger Getaways‘ where Ranger owners can enjoy the outdoor lifestyle trucks permit, and also learn more about using their vehicle in off-road conditions.

Designed for Ranger/Ranger Raptor owners
There are various packages during the year and coming up on March 26 is a 1-day guided session with trained driving instructors covering tarmac and off-road driving scenarios. Held in the district of Sepang in Selangor, it is designed for Ranger and Ranger Raptor owners.

During the session, they will learn valuable tips and tricks on seating and steering methods. They will also have hands-on experience navigating around an autocross course on tarmac, a 4×4 off-road course and a ‘Baja course’ that will showcase the true prowess of the Ranger Raptor, Ford’s performance truck. And to show the high performance of the Ranger Raptor, the participants will be taken around the Baja course with the instructors at high speed. Baja is a region in Southern California where desert races have been held for a long time.

Ranger owners will go through the same modules as the Ranger Raptor experience except for a dirt cornering and drifting course in place of the Baja course and a drifting hot lap with the instructors. Training on both days will begin at 8:30 am from the Sepang International Circuit. A Certificate of Completion will be presented to all participants at the end of the day.

50% discount + 1 companion
Owners can enjoy 50% discount on this Sepang training experience, and each participant can also bring along a companion for free. Interested owners are encouraged to sign up quickly for this one-of-a-kind experience as only limited slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Thanks to its renowned strength, engineering capabilities, smart technologies and increasingly luxurious cabin and passenger vehicle features, customers are choosing a Ranger not just for work, but also for play and family. With our new brand experiential programme ‘Ford Ranger Getaways’, we aim to provide a platform for owners to uncover the full potential and versatility of their Rangers through a series of handpicked local adventures,” said Turse Zuhair, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford.

Ford Ranger Getaways
‘Ford Ranger Getaways’ is the latest offering under the new ‘Live the Ranger Life’ brand positioning that encapsulates the values and persona of the Ranger. The Ford truck, introduced in the late 1990s, changed public perception of trucks and introduced a new lifestyle for Malaysians to enjoy.

Open to all Ranger and Ranger Raptor customers, ‘Ford Ranger Getaways’ covers a multitude of interest categories to cater to Malaysians from all walks of life who want short local adventures, be it on their own, with friends and family or for those who simply want to meet like-minded individuals.

Each getaway has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the diversity of the Ranger lifestyle – from fun city outings and outdoor or off-road excursions to foodie trails and even flying a plane over KLCC.

To book a slot or find out more, visit shop.sdacford.com.my/getaways. To know more about the Ranger range, visit www.sdac-ford.com.my.