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A record year for both BMW and Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia

January 12, 2011 at 8:15 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under BMW, Cars, Local News, Mercedes Benz

Well, it looks as if the premium segment passenger car market in the country is well and truly alive, if the numbers are anything to go by. Both BMW Group Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have just released their 2010 sales figures, and both German brands have returned record performances.

Last year, BMW Group Malaysia sold a grand total of 4,509 vehicles in the country, consisting of 4,006 BMW vehicles, 222 Minis and 281 Motorrads compared to 3,990 vehicles nationwide in 2009 – these being 3,564 BMW vehicles, 201 Minis and 225 Motorrads.

Aside from registering record performances for the current variants of the 3 Series and 7 Series, the successful year was also achieved through the introduction of several new key models such as the new F10 5 Series, X1, X5, S1000RR Superbike, the new Mini Cooper range as well as the significant milestone of local assembly operations for the X1 at the company’s assembly facility in Kulim, Kedah, the first new BMW model series to be assembled in the country in 27 years.

Meanwhile, the improved economic climate in 2010 helped the Malaysian automotive industry attain sales figures achieving pre-downturn levels, and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia was another company which benefited from this upswing, closing the year by surpassing the 5,000 premium passenger cars mark for the first time in Malaysia.

Sales improved by an impressive 28.2% from the year before, with 5,003 passenger car units sold compared to 3,903 in 2009. In total, with commercial sales thrown in, the company registered 6,970 vehicles delivered, surpassing the previous best of 6,146 in 2008.

The main performers in the passenger car segment was led by the ninth-generation W212 E-Class, with 2,152 units sold, an increase of 75.2% over the previous year; of this, 1,112 were of the locally-assembled E 200 CGI Elegance Blue Efficiency that was introduced in January last year. This was followed by the W204 C-Class, which registered 1,956 units, up 9.4% from 2009′s 1,788 units.

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Branson’s stewardess duty delayed due to skiing injury

January 11, 2011 at 11:47 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson is supposed to serve on an AirAsia X flight as stewardess after his Virgin Racing team lost out to Tony Fernandes’ Lotus Racing. The Malaysian AirAsia boss selected a London-Kuala Lumpur route where ticket proceeds go to charity.

“The aim is to raise as much money as we can for a good cause so the discomfort Richard will go through is worth as much as it possibly can be!” Fernandes said when his team finished 10th in the 2010 F1 season, the best of three new teams.

Branson’s “duty” was supposed to happen on February 21, but will likely be postponed after the billionaire got himself injured in a skiing incident. “Update on Richard Branson flight. May be a delay as Richard injured himself skiing. Will call him today. So that’s why no announcement yet,” Fernandes wrote on Twitter.

Sooner or later, Sir!

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Johnson Controls ie:3 – showing off tomorrow’s tech today

January 11, 2011 at 10:43 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

Detroit isn’t just about new cars – there’s plenty of working-in-the-background technology as well as future ideas and solutions to be found, though many a time they’re presented in such an unglamorous manner they tend to be easily overlooked.

So it’s nice to see something like Johnson Controls’ ie:3 concept vehicle, which was unveiled at the NAIAS. The ie:3 is a mockup of a fully electric vehicle based on a small car segment platform, and the automotive supplier is using it to showcase a host of interior (telematics, storage, fabrics) and battery-based solutions for the coming future. It’s a great way to get noticed, and a great way to show off the tech.

Primarily, the ie:3 is the chosen platform to debut Johnson Controls-Saft’s next-generation, low-profile lithium-ion battery pack, a unique, self-contained system that’s integrated easily into the vehicle in a small space under the floor as a complete system, enabling a target 160 km range per charge. The new prismatic format cell achieves greater packaging efficiency and uses less space in the vehicle.

The improved spaciousness enabled by the packaging of the battery offers designers and engineers a flat floor that provides additional options to enhance overall flexibility in the vehicle.

For example, the ie:3 features stadium seating – deployed in the front row, it offers enough space to stow a suitcase, and the rear seats easily fold flat to the floor, creating even more storage options. A center console is spacious enough to accommodate a large handbag. The seat pads are made from natural fibers that are easier to recycle.

Elsewhere, there’s an innovative and alternative lightweight sound system – this one features a headliner with an integrated six transducer audio system, freeing up storage space on the door panels.

The ‘car’ also showcases unique LED lighting that enhances the overall interior ambience, as well as a comprehensive driver information system featuring a 6.5-inch “transflective” cluster display – which improves visibility even with the glare of sunlight – and a transparent, integrated heads up display.

Also on the ie:3: a wireless charging system called E-Bin located in the centre console, which allows for the recharging of handphones and other electronic gadgets.

Gallery after the jump.
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Ford unveils C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid at NAIAS – both arrive in the US market in 2012, and Europe in 2013

January 11, 2011 at 9:57 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Ford, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News

It was with the arrival of the C-MAX to American shores that Ford also showed what plans it had for the platform – both in the US and Europe – with the unveiling of two next-generation hybrid vehicles in Detroit, both also bearing the C-MAX moniker.

The company says that the C-MAX Energi, its first-ever production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, and C-MAX Hybrid, a full hybrid variant, will be introduced in the US in 2012 and Europe in 2013.

Both versions of the five-passenger vehicle will leverage the company’s global C-car platform, critically acclaimed powersplit hybrid architecture and advanced, lighter and smaller lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems, the latter developed and assembled in-house by Ford in Michigan.

The C-MAX Energi pairs a high-voltage lithium-ion battery and electric traction motor with a high-efficiency Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, and Ford says that the vehicle will offer more than 800 km of overall driving range using the battery and engine – more than any other plug-in or extended-range electric vehicle.

On start-up, the C-MAX Energi operates in charge-depletion mode, providing electric driving range, until the battery has been depleted or certain conditions are met, where it switches to charge-sustaining hybrid mode for continued optimal fuel efficiency.

While the C-MAX Hybrid operates much like today’s hybrid vehicles, the C-MAX Energi benefits from daily charging to maximise its all-electric range, and easily recharges 100% overnight on a 120 volt outlet. The C-MAX Energi shares the same five-point plug as the Focus Electric, and the charge port on the car is located between the driver’s door and front wheel well.

Both the C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid models will be built alongside the Focus Electric – which is set to go on sale late this year – at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan, while European C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid production will be carried out in Valencia, Spain.

Gallery after the jump.
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MINI Paceman Concept confirmed for production!

January 11, 2011 at 9:55 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

BMW AG’s Ian Robertson confirmed at the 2011 Detroit Motor Show that the MINI Paceman Concept would be going into production, making it the 7th model in the MINI family. That’s not really surprising considering how near-production the Paceman Concept looked, and many agree it looked better than the Countryman thanks to the sleeker side profile with only one door on each side. So we’re looking at at least three more new MINI launches in the next 2 years – the MINI Coupe, the MINI Roadster and the MINI Paceman.

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Mitsubishi Triton Bold Edition in M’sia – limited to 300 units

January 11, 2011 at 7:39 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News, Mitsubishi

There’s a new Mitsubishi Triton Bold Edition available at Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia showrooms from tomorrow onwards, and there’s only 300 units to go around.

The Triton Bold Edition is based on the Triton 2.5 A/T and adds full leather seats, a 2-DIN touch screen system with built-n GPS navigation and reverse camera, automatic climate control, 17 inch alloy wheels, anti-slip side steps, a sports bar, a chrome rear step bumper and a front bumper guard.

The Triton Bold Edition is priced at RM100,117.80 OTR without insurance and until the end of January, you’ll get a Festive Ang Pow if you book and register one.

The truck is available in either black or white and comes with a 2-year free maintenance package and 3-year warranty from Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
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Detroit 2011: Kia KV7 Concept is a nice hangout place

January 11, 2011 at 5:45 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Kia, Koreans

Sometimes, it’s easy to dismiss concept cars as flights of fancy that will never make production, at least not like how they look at motor shows. But cars like the Kia Soul and Nissan Juke prove otherwise after surviving the journey from show stand to showroom mostly intact. So while parts of this Kia KV7 Concept look rather impossible (gullwing doors on a van), it’s quite a cool machine to hangout in and shouldn’t be ruled out altogether.

The KV7 was designed by Kia’s California studio to transport a large number of people and their belongings, while also serving as a “connected social hub”. As such, the KV7′s interior has four swivelling seats, including the driver’s, and a rear-corner mini lounge with seating for three. There’s also a drinks table and plenty of natural light. The reclaimed teak wood flooring and bright colours make it a nice place chill out.

The concept is WiFi enabled, providing both the front and rear displays with Internet capabilities and the ability for multiple passengers to connect their smart phones to the vehicle. Now all we need is a coffee machine!

Looks wise, the KV7, in sharp contrast to the dramatically raked windshields and wedge-shaped noses common in the MPV segment, embraces the box. “From the outset, we felt the category was in need of an honest reassessment due to the fact that everyone seems so desperate to attach the word ‘sporty’ to their MPV even though MPVs, at their very core, are simply a box,” said Tom Kearns, Chief Designer at Kia Motors America. “Rather than reject the box we chose to celebrate it, just like we did with the Soul”.

This is how a modern day VW Kombi should be like. Gallery after the jump.
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Detroit 2011: Potholes, nightclubs and the Hyundai Curb

January 11, 2011 at 4:01 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Concept Cars, Hyundai, Koreans

Along with the new Veloster coupe, Hyundai showed off a concept car at the 2011 Detroit show. It’s a compact crossover concept called Curb, as we already know from the pre-show teasers.

The Curb concept is an Urban Activity Vehicle penned by Hyundai California Design Center. Sounds strange, but “potholes” and “nightclubs” were part of this car’s big idea. Apparently, Hyundai designers wanted to create a vehicle loaded with tech that was “at home in an urban environment with potholes and densely packed nightclubs on the streets”. Do you have a movie set in your mind now?

Anyway, because of the potholes, a rugged car was needed to protect Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity features against impact and shock. This “technology rugged” design direction formed the Curb.

Don’t understand? Neither do we, that’s why we’re not auto designers! “City driving was going to be its forte, not crossing the Rubicon trail, but we wanted it to have urban armor for daily driving on city streets. It needed to empower its passengers in this setting,” said designer Jason Brown.

The wrapraround glasshouse takes after the visor of a sport bike helmet, and the profile is dominated by a boomerang trajectory line. The thin, sleek headlamps and taillamps dive into the vehicle, creating the illusion that they are connected into the engine compartment or interior, Hyundai adds. The ‘technology rugged’ look is completed by 22-inch five spoke wheels and Michelin rubber with saffron colored tread pattern.

Inside, a large acrylic screen with multiple zones allows information to be passed between passengers. The steering wheel itself is an opaque surface with a monitor showing through. There are also monitors in the back of the headrests and Heads Up Display (HUD). Music is selected via a 3D carousel of album cover art.

Wild, yes. But we can imagine a Nissan Juke competitor out of this, minus the sci-fi dashboard of course. Gallery after the jump.
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Detroit 2011: Hyundai Veloster gets 3 doors, 2 clutches

January 11, 2011 at 11:52 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, Hyundai, International News, Koreans

At NAIAS 2011, Hyundai wheeled out its unique Veloster coupe that brings with it many firsts for the marque. The affordable coupe has three doors and comes with Hyundai’s first dual-clutch transmission, for instance.

Like the VW Scirocco and Renault Megane Coupe, the Veloster is a two-door hatchback/coupe type of car with a rear hatch. But the much touted “third door” isn’t the rear hatch, but a conventionally hinged door on the passenger side, which Hyundai says provide safe and ready access to the rear seats.

Unlike in the Mazda RX-8, the Veloster’s rear door is only on the passenger side, and can open independently without first opening the front door. The handle is hidden Alfa 147-style.

In terms of size, the Veloster is 4,218 mm long and 1,790 mm wide, which is 138 mm longer and 50 mm wider than the Honda CR-Z. It has quite a long wheelbase of 2,649 mm. Hyundai says that the Veloster has more cabin volume than the CR-Z, Scion tC and Mini Clubman. Weight is 1,172 kg.

Apparently, the cabin is sport bike inspired. The center stack is supposed to resemble the fuel tank, the air vents are tailpipes, while the floor console mirrors the seats of a bike. I can’t really see that link, but it’s a funky dashboard nevertheless. All the lines seem to point to the push button starter, which isn’t hidden in some dark corner, but proudly placed in the centre stack – Ultraman style.

Powering the Veloster is a 1.6 Gamma engine with direct injection, the smallest Hyundai engine to use GDI. Equipped with Dual-CVVT, it produces a strong 138 hp at 6,300 rpm and 167 Nm at 4,850 rpm. That’s 86.3 horsepower per litre, which Hyundai says is best in class. Another figure they’re proud of is 40 mpg, or 14.2 km/l economy on the highway.

The Gamma’s drivetrain accomplices are six-speed transmissions, manual or dual-clutch. The all new DCT is developed by Hyundai and gains 5-6% improvement in fuel efficiency as well as 3-7% improvement in acceleration compared to a torque converter auto. The Veloster has an Active Eco mode which modifies engine and transmission control for “more than a seven percent improvement in real-world fuel economy”.

Suspension wise, it’s a McPherson strut front suspension and a light-weight V-torsion beam for the rear, the latter with an integrated 23 mm stabilizer bar to allow bracing of the arms for greater stiffness. Steering is EPS, and turning circle is best in class. The standard tyres are 215/45 R17s, but 18-inch alloys (with painted inserts) are available with 215/40 performance rubber.

Gallery and a video is after the jump.
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Toyota Prius v makes its debut in Detroit – v is for versatility

January 11, 2011 at 6:52 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Hybrids and Alternative Fuel, International News, Toyota

In one fell swoop, Toyota has expanded its Prius hybrid family count to four, with the debut of the Prius c Concept and Prius v at the NAIAS in Detroit. The twinkly twosome join the existing third-generation Prius and Prius Plug-In Hybrid, which is already undergoing field evaluation in the US selectively.

The big ticket item is of course the Prius v, since the c Concept is still a ways away from market reality. Essentially, the Prius v – with the v standing for versatility – is a larger ZVW30 (or XW30, if you go by the current designation for it), sitting on the same platform and continuing to seat five, but offering over 50% more cargo space than the latter.

Ditto the pot, which is the same 2ZR-FXE 1.8 litre Atkinson cycle unit, offering 98 hp at 5,200 rpm and 142 Nm at 4,000 rpm; together with the permanent magnet synchronous motor electric drivetrain’s 80 hp, the combined total output is 134 hp, identical to the ZVW30′s.

Still, Toyota says the v is a new vehicle designed from the ground up, with a shape and style that has evolved from the current Prius rather than being an elongated version of it. Nonetheless, one can’t help but feel it’s evolution rather than revolution.


Click to enlarge

Shape-wise, the v looks very much more rounded off than the ZVW30, but retains Prius cues well enough. The trapezoidal-shaped front features sharp-edged headlamps, wind-slipping aero corners for improved aerodynamics and an enlarged under grille, which all help create a unique design evolving from the current Prius.

At the back, the styling is highlighted by a refined backdoor panel, intricate combination taillights and a specially designed roof spoiler that improves air flow. Two wheel sizes are available – 16-inch as standard (with 205/60 series tyres), 17-inch as an option,


Click to enlarge

Inside, things get a bit more of a different tack. Certainly, interior space is up, with improved occupant to occupant distance, especially fore-aft, and of course the cargo space volume is up from the existing Prius.

Elsewhere, the cabin features a more refined dashboard presentation, though the general layout is retained. The centre stack has become a whole lot imposing, and that bit busier. The driving controls – including the Push Button Start, parking switch, electronic shift lever, and driving mode selection – are distinguished by silver trim.

The Prius v features a Toyota-first, which is a resin Panoramic View moonroof with power retractable sun shades, providing an open atmosphere in the cabin with a 40% percent reduction in weight compared to conventional glass roofs of the same size.

Like the ZVW30, the Prius v has four driving modes (Normal, Power, Eco and EV), and as far as features go, there’s a smart key system with Push Button Start, an electronic shift lever, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and a reverse camera as standard fitment. Options include energy-efficient LED headlamps, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Advanced Parking Guidance System.

Other features and functions include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), ABS and EBD, and the car also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

When it goes on sale in the US in the late summer of this year, American Prius v models will come wearing an Entune multimedia system, which offers a richer in-vehicle experience with fully integrated and wireless upgradeable navigation, entertainment and information services.

Gallery of hi-res photos after the jump.
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