Latest Stories

  • 2021 Hyundai Elantra teased on Hyundai Malaysia Facebook – new C-segment sedan launching soon?

    In Cars, Hyundai, Local News / By / 11 comments

    This is it – Hyundai Sime Darby Malaysia (HSDM) has officially started its teaser campaign for the seventh-generation Elantra sedan, signalling its intent to field the all-new C-segment sedan here. It will be a tough fight, going against direct rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda 3.

    There are no details to go with the teaser – no specifications, estimated launch date, nor ballpark price figures have been circulating just yet. It’s not even clear if the Elantra will be locally assembled or fully imported, and whether or not it will be launched during the sales tax-free period.

    So, let’s talk about the Elantra. As you can tell from the face, the seventh-gen sedan wears Hyundai’s new Sensuous Sportiness design language, and it’s the second car to wear the look after the recently-launched Sonata. The end result is a look that is distinctly different from the usual suspects, but whether or not it appeals to the masses is a different story altogether.

    The new Elantra is bigger than its predecessor in every way, with wheelbase stretched by 20 mm (2,720 mm), the body wider by 25 mm (1,826 mm), and height lowered by 20 mm (1,415 mm). It’s also nearly 56 mm longer in terms of overall length, now measuring 4,676 mm. That makes it longer than the Corolla, Mazda 3, and Honda Civic, although it’s worth noting that the Elantra sits as low as the Civic.

    Design-wise, Hyundai says the car looks almost like “geometric crystals.” Like the Sonata, it features sharp lines and deep creases, including the massive Cascading Grille with “Parametric jewel-pattern.” The grille connects the LED headlights (with LED DRLs), and the lower apron design is more prominent compared to the outgoing model.

    The doors feature the controversial Z-shaped impression, while the rear gets LED combination tail lights with an adjoining strip – just like the Sonata. There’s an integrated spoiler as well, and wheel sizes range from 15 to 17 inches.

    Inside, the cabin is said to be more spacious than before, and it features a two-spoke steering wheel and digital instrument meter. Hyundai calls this the “Immersive Cocoon” interior layout, designed specifically to envelop the driver like an airplane cockpit. If you’ve seen the Sonata, you roughly know what to expect.

    Depending on the variant, the Elantra can be had with twin 10.25-inch displays, one for the instrumentation and the other for the infotainment. The latter is angled slightly towards the driver, and offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support (first for its segment, Hyundai claims). There’s also a smaller eight-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but we know which one Malaysians prefer.

    Other goodies include a 64-colour LED mood lighting system, a cornering grab handle for the front passenger, voice-recognition system, and options such as a Qi wireless smartphone charging tray, Blue Link Connected Car System, and eight-speaker Bose premium sound system with Super65 wide-range speakers in the front doors and a woofer at the back.

    For the powertrain, base models are powered with the 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle engine, generating 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 179 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. An Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT; essentially a CVT), which drives the front wheels, is standard.

    There’s also the Elantra Hybrid sold in other markets. This gets a smaller 1.6 litre GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine that’s augmented with a 32 kW electric motor. Total output is 139 hp and 264 Nm of torque, while a six-speed dual-clutch auto is standard. A 1.32 kWh lithium-ion-polymer battery, positioned under the rear seats, powers the motor.

    Above that is the Elantra N Line (pictured below) with a 1.6 litre turbocharged GDI petrol engine that produces 201 hp and 264 Nm of torque. Customers get to choose from a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, with drive sent exclusively to the front wheels. The range will be crowned by the Elantra N that’s set to be unveiled soon.

    Safety-wise, the car can be had with Hyundai SmartSense. Features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and rear view camera with dynamic guidelines.

    Optional systems include Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Highway Driving Assist (HDA; helps keep the car centred within lane), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), as well as Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA) with pedestrian and obstacle detection.

    So there you have it, a quick recap of the all-new Hyundai Elantra. What do you think of it? Do you like the way it looks? Comment, below.

    GALLERY: 2021 Hyundai Elantra






    GALLERY: 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line


















     

  • 2021 Honda N-One goes on sale in Japan – new interior, better safety, RS now with 6M/T, from RM63k

    In Cars, Honda, International News / By / 4 comments

    Having previewed the car in September, Honda has officially launched the new second-generation N-One in Japan. It looks practically identical to the last one on the outside, but the company promises that this latest kei car is smarter and safer than ever before.

    Just the different front and rear fascias appear to separate new from the retro-chic old. The trademark blacked-out front panel hugs tighter around the circular headlights for an even more cutesy look, while the single bumper air intake is broader to accentuate the car’s scant width. Designers repeated the same design at the rear with the black bumper appliqué, which also carries the reflectors.

    The exterior lighting is also revised. The headlights are set further into the body and come with round positioning lights that double as the indicators. Meanwhile, the rectangular taillights look more modern, with a slimmer red outline and full LED technology.

    With the redesign, Honda is cutting down on the number of changes between variants, with all cars sharing the same front bumper. The differences are in the details – both the Premium and RS models get a larger grille (slatted on the former, a honeycomb mesh for the latter), LED front fog lights, clear taillights, a rear spoiler and chrome front and rear bumper garnishes. The window strip, door handles and additional door mouldings are also finished in chrome for the Premium and gloss black for the RS.

    That’s not all – the wheels get a two-tone finish for the Premium and matte black for the RS; the Premium Tourer and RS variants get the same fetching 15-inch Y-spoke alloys. Oh, and Honda has now reserved the black A-pillar wrap for the two-tone paint options, which is a shame.

    But the real changes are found on the inside, where the N-One benefits from a brand new, pared-back dashboard design. The highlights include a large upright decorative panel and differing shapes for the air vents – circular for the driver, rectangular for the passenger. There’s also a floating head unit slot, a dedicated climate control panel and a revamped twin-meter instrument cluster with a colour digital display.

    The front seats are also now individual buckets, freeing up space for centre stowage compartments, cupholders and no less than three USB ports for the front passengers alone. An electronic parking brake replaces the previous foot-operated system and comes with an automatic brake hold function. As before, the N-One utilises the Jazz‘s unique centre fuel tank location and eminently practical rear Ultra Seats.

    Speaking of which, the car is offered with a new Rear Seat Reminder that detects the rear occupants and alerts the driver lest they forget; this feature is said to be the first in the kei car market. It also now comes with auto high beam and reverse pedal misapplication control, joining the rest of the standard Honda Sensing features that also include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assist, lane centring assist and traffic sign recognition.

    Power comes from the same S07A 658 cc three-cylinder engine in accordance with kei car regulations. Original and Premium models come with a naturally-aspirated version that makes 58 PS at 7,300 rpm and 65 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. The turbocharged mill in the Premium Tourer and RS, on the other hand, produce 64 PS at 6,000 rpm and 104 Nm at 2,600 rpm.

    Both powertrains are mated to a CVT with the option of either front- or all-wheel drive. For the first time, the RS is available with a six-speed manual gearbox and is front-drive only, making it the only car in the segment to be offered in such a configuration. Notably, it is also the only manual kei car to come with adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist.

    Prices for the new N-One start from 1,599,400 yen (RM63,100) for the naturally-aspirated, two-wheel-drive Original, rising up to 2,022,900 yen (RM79,800) for the all-wheel-drive turbo Premium Tourer. The one you really want, the RS manual, retails at 1,999,800 yen (RM78,900).













     

  • Government hasn’t decided yet on extension to PLUS’ toll concession to 2058, matter still being discussed

    In Local News / By / 4 comments

    The government has not made a decision on the extension of highway operator PLUS’s toll concession period until 2058, said deputy works minister Datuk Eddin Syazlee. Speaking at the Dewan Rakyat today, he said that many matters pertaining to this were still being weighed and discussed, The Star reports.

    This included “sensitive issues” such as toll rates as well as the government and rakyat‘s debt. Eddin said the government would have to look at the agreement in detail, and both parties would also need to review aspects of the revenue from tolls.

    “For this agreement with PLUS, it is still under discussion and has yet to be decided. Among the matters being considered and being looked into are the revenue projection terms between the company and the government,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (BN-Padang Terap).

    Mahdzir had asked about the status of discussions with PLUS and whether its concession period was being extended until 2058, as agreed under the Pakatan Harapan government. In January this year, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said that PLUS would not be sold and that the concessionaire would be given a 20-year extension of its toll concession.

    At the same time, it was also announced that there would be no change in toll rates on PLUS highways until the end of the concession period. As agreed under the terms of its concession extension, PLUS implemented the 18% reduction in toll rates as defined by the previous government on all its highways starting from February 1.

     

  • 2020 Nissan Almera Turbo vs Honda City 1.5L, Proton X50 – we compare maintenance costs up to 100k km

    In Cars, Honda, Local News, Nissan, Proton / By / 14 comments

    In Malaysia, there are currently three models that are likely to be on the watchlist of most car buyers looking for a B-segment car. These include the Proton X50 and Honda City, which were launched back in October, and joined by the Nissan Almera Turbo that went on sale earlier this month.

    While the City and Almera are direct competitors, the X50 caters towards those who favour SUVs instead of sedans. Nonetheless, these are the “hot” cars in the current climate, with prices that somewhat overlap one another: Almera (RM79,906-RM91,310); X50 (RM79,200-RM103,300); City (RM74,191-RM86,561).

    Deciding between the three is largely dependant on what you prefer and your budget, but that’s not the focus of this post. Instead, we’re comparing the servicing costs of the models mentioned here, so you are well informed before putting your money down on any one of them.

    Before we begin, some disclaimers. Firstly, we’ve already made a comparison involving the City and X50 before, so the only thing new here is the addition of the Almera to the picture. Secondly, the Almera’s service interval is shorter at 7,000 km/six months, compared to the other two that have an interval of 10,000 km/six months.

    Given that we typically compare service costs up to 100,000 km or five years, the Almera over 98,000 km (the closest to 100,000 km) runs up to seven years, two more than the City and X50. We’ll also mention service items that are required beyond that point, or are recommended by the carmaker.

    Referring to the total maintenance cost over five years alone, the Almera is significantly cheaper than both the City and X50. The reason for this huge discrepancy is because the Almera comes with five times free service that covers parts and labour, applicable to the 7,000-, 21,000-, 35,000-, 49,000- and 63,000-km mileages.

    This isn’t offered with the other two, although they do come with five times free labour service – only applicable to the first 30,000 customers for the X50. This omits the labour cost for major services, which helps the keep ownerships cost down, as the Almera’s free service only covers engine oil changes, windscreen washer refills and cabin filter replacements.

    So, over five years, the Almera is certainly cheaper to own, but if we compare costs over mileage, things are a little different. Up to 98,000 km, the Almera is costlier to maintain compared to the City, but is still cheaper than the X50.

    Click to enlarge

    Both the Almera and X50 use fully-synthetic engine oil, while the City gets semi-synthetic lubricant as standard. However, Honda customers can request for fully-synthetic oil for their City, which brings up the price to RM130.80 (including drain plug gasket), to a grand total over 100,000 km/five years to RM3,830.81. Even with that, the City is still the cheapest of the lot to maintain, although by a smaller margin.

    Looking at the individual tables, the City requires fewer engine oil filter changes compared to the Almera and X50, which require a replacement at every service interval. The X50 sees its engine air filter changed the most at five times, but it’s only three times for the Almera and City, with the Nissan sedan having the lowest part price.

    Similarly, over 100,000 km, the Proton SUV requires the cabin filter to be swapped out five times, compared to four times for the Almera, and three times for the City – although the overall difference in cost is just a few ringgits.

    As for transmission oil, Nissan recommends new CVT oil every 84,000 km or 48 months, whichever comes first. Meanwhile, the X50 only replaces its DCT oil at the 90,000-km/54-month mark, whereas the City’s CVT needs new lube at the 40,000-km/24-month intervals. At a cost of RM413.75 (including the plug washer and before labour), the Almera is the priciest when it comes to transmission oil replacement, followed by the City and X50.

    Of the three cars, the Almera and X50 are powered by turbocharged three-cylinder engines, but the latter uses regular spark plugs – three of them – that are changed more frequently every 40,000 km/24 months. The Almera’s platinum spark plugs cost more, but are only changed at the 98,000-km/84-month mark, while the City uses four iridium spark plugs that are swapped out at the 100,000-km/60-month mark – the costliest out of all.

    Other notable mentions include fuel filter changes, which happen every 20,000 km for the X50, but the City only gets a new one at the 140,000-km/84-month mark, with nothing of the sort for the Almera. Nissan also recommends a coolant change for the Almera at 98,000 km/84 months, while the City does this at 200,000 km/ten years, and the X50 at 60,000 km/36 months.

    Other service items not stipulated in these tables include the Almera’s drive (serpentine) belt – the engine uses a timing chain – which Nissan recommends to be replaced (if necessary) every 28,000 km or 24 months at a cost of RM151 (including RM14 labour). Other recommended services include wheel alignment (RM30) and balancing (RM35) every 21,000 km or 12 months.

    Nissan also quotes RM387 (including RM42 labour) for front brake pads and RM412 (including RM63 labour) for rear brake shoes, although these items will only be replaced upon inspection and if deemed necessary. The City uses a timing chain and the maintenance schedule doesn’t include a drive belt, while the X50 needs a new timing (RM195.16) and drive (serpentine) belt (RM112.89) at 110,000 km/66 months.

    As usual, servicing costs are just one aspect of vehicle ownership, and there are plenty of other things to consider. General wear and tears items like tyres are a good example, which would be cheaper for the sedans mentioned that have wheel sizes ranging from 15 to 16 inches, while the X50’s alloys are between 17 to 18 inches in size.

    The braking system on the Almera and City also employ two discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear, which would be cheaper to maintain compared to the X50’s four disc brakes. There’s more, as given their differing body styles, the cost of tinting and coating is typically less for sedans, and this also extend to car washes, which is something that follows you throughout ownership. The frequency and distance of travel will also impact how much fuel you use.

    Looking at the tables, the City is indeed the cheapest of the three to maintain over 100,000 km, but there’s more to add to the conversation. Yes, if you own an Almera and use it heavily (high mileage user), you’ll be visiting the service centre more frequently given its shorter mileage service interval.

    However, if you’re the the sort that usually services your car based on the time interval (every six months, as in you drive less than 7,000/10,000 km in the time), the Almera will prove to be the cheaper to maintain by quite a margin, up to the five-year mark.

    It’s also important to keep in mind that these costs are spread out over the years, so in the end, the difference isn’t that significant. Be that as it may, it’s good to have some understanding of maintenance costs and their importance when buying a new car.

     

  • Kawasaki revives Meguro motorcycle name from 1930s

    In Bikes, International Bike News, Kawasaki / By / 3 comments

    Existing since the 1930s, the Meguro motorcycle brand name was influential in the world of Japanese motorcycles. In the 1960s, ownership of the Meguro brand switched to Kawasaki and the last time the name was seen in the Japanese market was 1969.

    Today, Meguro sees a revival with the release of the Meguro K3 – priced at 1.27 million Japanese yen (RM47,294) – based on the Kawasaki W800 retro bike. While the original W800 shared much in common, styling wise, from the golden age of British motorcycles, the Meguro K3 comes with some unique touches all its own.

    Pride of place goes to the hand=painted Meguro logo, on either side of the fuel tank with the Meguro name written in katakana on the side covers and instrument panel. Chrome is applied on many components, in keeping with the retro motorcycle look, accented by black paint while the seat is covered in a shiny leather.

    No changes for the Meguro K3 from the Kawasaki W800 base motorcycle, including the air-cooled parallel-twin displacing 773 cc. Mated to a five-speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch, the K3 gets 52 PS at 6,500 rpm ad 62 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm.

    Overall weight for the K3, based on specifications for the W800, is 227 kg with fuel carried in a 15-litre tank, disc brakes on the 19-inch front wheel and 18-inch rear, 41 mm diameter telescopic forks and twin shock absorbers.






     

  • Construction of JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link starts – completion expected in Dec 2026

    In Local News, Public Transport / By / 8 comments

    The groundbreaking ceremony for the JB-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link has happened at the upcoming Bukit Chagar customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) site in Johor Bahru, marking the start of construction of the RTS.

    The rail line is expected to be ready in December 2026, and an estimated 150,000 people, which is half the number of people shuttling between JB and SG, are expected to use the RTS daily, said MRT Corp CEO Datuk Mohd Zarif Hashim.

    “The RTS consists of four coaches. It can carry at least 250 people in one coach at one time – some 10,000 people an hour. Based on the number of people crossing the border previously, before its closure, we expect at least 150,000 people to use it daily,” he said, reported by The Star.

    “It will take only about five minutes to travel between Bukit Chagar station in Johor Bahru and Woodlands North station in Singapore. The frequency of the train will be 3.6 to six minutes, depending on whether it is during peak hour,” he added.

    Mohd Zarif also said that the RTS will operate from 6am to midnight, and operation hours can be extended based on demand. 2026 is quite far down the road, and no info on fares have been shared. However, “we will ensure the ticket price is affordable,” the MRT Corp chief said.

    In July, prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong met at the Causeway for a signing ceremony that marked the official resumption of the RTS Link project. Launched in 2018, RTS construction was scheduled to start in 2019 and slated for completion by December 2024. However, it was suspended in April 2019 at Malaysia’s request as the Pakatan Harapan administration reviewed all big projects.

    In its current form, the RTS project differs from the original plan. While the 10k passengers per hour capacity remains, the line will no longer leverage the Thomson-East Coast (TEL) MRT Line in Singapore. Instead, it will be a standalone LRT system. Also, instead of the TEL’s Mandai Depot, a new depot will be built in Wadi Hana, JB.

    It will continue to feature co-location of CIQ facilities, so that passengers undergo clearance only once, at their point of departure. Each government has separately appointed an infrastructure company to fund, build, own, maintain and renew the civil infrastructure and stations in its territory up to the international boundary.

    According to Mohd Zarif, Malaysia’s portion of the RTS cost of RM3.7 billion will include construction of the Bukit Chagar station and four-storey CIQ complex, the Wadi Hana depot, and viaducts through the JB city centre and over the Straits of Johor to the Malaysia-Singapore border. The Bukit Chagar hub will be a transit-oriented development with mixed property development and duty-free shops.

    There will be an RTS Link station facade design competition, an idea mooted by Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

     

  • 2021 Lexus LS F Sport gains Modellista exterior kit

    In Cars, International News, Lexus / By / / 0 comment

    The 2021 Lexus LS facelift made its debut in July this year, bringing a host of updates in terms of driver assistance technology, interior equipment as well as revised aesthetics inside and out. For those looking for a touch more personalisation for their flagship LS, such an avenue has become available courtesy of the Modellista range of parts for the luxury sedan.

    Here, the Lexus LS receives a spoiler extension for the front bumper, side skirts and a rear skirt extension for the rear bumper where each exterior item gains the Modellista signature of added chrome sections. These are complemented by two choices of 21-inch wheel and tyre sets, where the forged aluminium wheels are matched with Bridgestone Potenza S001L tyres from the Modellista catalogue.

    The first of the two forged aluminium wheel designs is unique in offering directional wheel spoke orientation that is specific to each side of the car, while the second design is a more conventional multi-spoke wheel design. Both are offered in 21 x 8.5 inch and 21 x 9.5 inch sizes front and rear, mounted with 245/40RF21 and 275/35RF21 size tyres, respectively.

    Other chassis and mechanical specifications are unchanged for Modellista kits, and powertrain for the internal combustion LS 500 comes courtesy of a twin-turbo 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine producing 415 hp and 600 Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

    Meanwhile, the LS 500h hybrid offers a naturally aspirated, Atkinson-cycle 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine with dual electric motors for a total system output of 354 hp, mated to the Multistage Hybrid System driveline. In Malaysia, the pre-facelift Lexus LS range is comprised of the LS 500 Luxury and the LS 500 Executive at RM1,012,692 and RM1,311,508 respectively following the 2020 SST exemption price adjustments.


    GALLERY: 2021 Lexus LS facelift

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  • Used car dealers report an increase in “fairly new” car trade-ins; people are opting for more affordable cars

    In Cars, Local News / By / 14 comments

    While some people have begun downplaying the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, for others, it’s a crushing reality check of what’s impermanent, like cars.

    Chang Keng Keong, a manager at a used car dealer, told The Star that there has been a slight increase in the number of people wanting to sell their cars, especially after the dealership reopened once the MCO period ended in June. Some of the cars have only been used for less than two years.

    When the loan moratorium period ended, Chang approximated a 30% increase of people wanting to sell their cars, but some changed their minds because they cannot afford the difference between the market value of their cars and the amount of loan left to service.

    “For example, if the car still has RM50,000 worth of loan and its market value has fallen to RM40,000, the owner would have to fork out another RM10,000 to sell off the car and stop paying monthly instalments.”

    “Of the number of car owners who reached out to us, we were only able to buy half of the cars offered. The rest of the car owners were unable to come up with enough money to pay off the bank loan,” Chang said.

    Separately, another used car salesperson, Viktor Ooi said his outlet received a monthly average of 20 enquires over the past few months. “Some of them are those who recently lost their jobs in Singapore and are now working in Johor where the pay is comparatively lower. They could no longer afford to service their car loan,” he said, adding that were also those who wanted to trade in their cars (also less than two years old) for a cheaper one.

    Second-hand car dealership operator Peter Soong said there were more people buying used cars between June and August, but the number has returned to normal. “Most people who come to my shop are those wanting to sell or trade in their cars,” he said.

    Besides cars, vehicles such as vans were also being sold more frequently since the moratorium ended. Johor Motor Hire Purchase and Finance Companies Association president, Lum Chen Fook said many of these vans were previously used to ferry tourists before the MCO.

    “Due to the effects of the pandemic on the tourism industry, some tour operators have decided to sell off the vehicles.” Lum also estimated a 30% increase in the number of people disposing of the vans. “We started to see an increase last month when tour operators felt that it would take a long time for the industry to go back to normal,” he said.

    Meanwhile, sales of used cars in the past few months have skyrocketed, following the government’s announcement of Penjana, its short-term economic stimulus plan. The month of June saw year-on-year a jump of more than 100%, and the momentum carried over into July when sales went up by another 30% – a historic high.

    Another factor for the uptick in used car sales comes directly from people who trade-in their older cars to buy new cars during this sales tax-free period. And then of course, you have those who are downgrading for reasons outlined above, as well as people who choose to buy new cars instead of using public transportation. You know, for hygiene reasons.

    Proton and Perodua are both enjoying higher sales volume in the past few months, with the latter achieving an all-time high of 26,852 units sold in October. If you’re shopping around for a used/recon car, be sure to check out our comprehensive used car buying guide, which details the things to look out for before you ink that deal.

     

  • 2020 MotoGP: Oliveira takes final win of the season

    In Bikes, International Bike News, MotoGP / By / / 1 comment

    This year’s MotoGP season hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, has been in turns, amazing, unpredictable and heart-stopping. The season ender in Portimao, Portugal saw Miguel Oliveira of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing taking the chequered flag in his home country, getting the holeshot from pole position and leading the race from start to finish.

    Oliveira was in a league of his own, facing no challenge from Jack Miller of Pramac Racing and Franco Morbidelli of Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT). Morbidelli and Miller had a battle all their own for second and third place, with Miller making his move on the final lap, pipping Morbidelli for the second place win and leaving the Italian to settle for third.

    However, this was good enough for Morbidelli to finish second in the rider’s championship with five podium places and three race wins, in contrast to his SRT team mate. It was a poor showing Fabio Quartararo, who started the season very strongly with two first place finishes and led the World Championship standings for most of the season, finishing in 14th place and eighth in the championship.

    The Cinderella story of Team Ecstar Suzuki’s Joan Mir, who clinched the 2020 MotoGP World Championship the previous weekend in Valencia, did not quite work out this weekend, the Spaniard having to pull into the pit. Suzuki team mate Alex Rins fared little better, beating off a trio of Yamaha to finish 12th, dashing hopes of Suzuki winning the Constructors Championship but standing third in the Riders Championship.

    For Ducati, Miller’s second place finish was good enough to give the the Constructor’s title which the Bologna firm last won back in 2007. For Andrea Dovizioso, who leaves Ducati after the 2020 MotoGP season, the Spaniard finished fourth in the riders’ standings.
















     

  • Lewis vs Hamilton: F1 champ challenges Hamilton Watch Company’s trademark, loses 3-year legal battle

    In Formula 1, International News, Motorsports, Watches / By / 10 comments

    He’s arguably the best F1 driver of all time and he’s soon to be Sir Lewis Hamilton, but surely even he can’t have his way all the time. The Mercedes F1 driver has lost a three-year legal battle with the Hamilton Watch Company over the Hamilton trademark on watches in Europe.

    Now, if you know your watches, you’d know Hamilton, a brand that has been making and selling watches before Lewis was born. Founded in 1892, Hamilton predates Lewis’ father Anthony by many decades.

    An American brand that is now part of the giant Swatch Group, Hamilton is most famous for its Khaki field watches. For those not into watches, Elvis Presley wore Hamilton, and the ana-digi watch you saw in the movie Tenet this year is by them. In short, they’re legit and have been so for a long time.

    From L-R: Hamilton’s iconic Khaki field watch; Hamilton watches were worn in the movie TENET

    So here’s what it’s all about. According to the Daily Mail, Lewis Hamilton’s company 44IP claimed that the watch brand’s trademark had been filed in “bad faith”. 44IP attempted to trademark the name “Lewis Hamilton” for a range of products including smartwatches, jewellery and yes, watches. But the watchmaker Hamilton challenged the move, which is logical. LH then fought his corner.

    The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has now ruled that the watch brand has the rights to continue doing what it has been doing for over a century. “The argument relating to the IP rights of the racing driver Lewis Hamilton fails. There is no ‘natural right’ for a person to have his or her own name registered as a trademark, when that would infringe third parties’ rights,” the continent’s IP authority said in a statement.

    EUIPO rightly pointed out that the watchmaker has used the Hamilton name since 1892, and that this was “before the date of birth of ‘Lewis Hamilton’ as a natural person.” Straightforward enough, sorry Lewis, and long live the field watch!

     
 

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Last Updated 21 Nov 2020



 
 
 
 

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