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2021 BMW 320i Sport with new BMW Live Cockpit Professional

The locally-assembled BMW 320i Sport has received an upgrade to advance digitisation in the car. This upgrade relates to the latest infotainment system – the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Priced from RM243,883.65 without insurance and with exemption of 100% of sales tax applicable (until the end of the year), the latest model is about RM4,000 more than before.

Larger displays and higher resolution
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional, designed with a drive-focused orientation, provides a larger 10.25-inch full colour display with 1920×720 resolution. This is not only larger than the 8.8-inch display used before but also has higher resolution. The instrument display cluster is also enlarged, now using a 12.3-inch display in place of the previous 5.1-inch screen. The infotainment has BMW’s iDrive Operating System 7.0 with smartphone connectivity by Apple CarPlay.

The focused and fully-configurable display also features a minimalistic, uniform appearance that offers more space in the centre for navigation and other important information prioritised by the driver. The selected Driver Experience modes in Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro are also displayed with a consistent colour and visual treatment across the instrument cluster and centre display.

Counter-clockwise sweep for tachometer
As with some other models, the new instrument display’s tachometer (situated on the right side) has a counter-clockwise sweep for the pointer, starting from the bottom. This may take some getting used to as most drivers have long been used to both speedometer and tachometer having clockwise sweeps. Incidentally, the Peugeot i-Cockpit also has a similar display concept.

The fuel level, speed and engine temperature are presented in tube rings. Configurable functions and widgets include the sports scoreboards, driving data, fuel consumption and efficiency, as well as the g-force meter and radio or media playback.

For some, the new digi-graphic displays may not appeal as much as the traditional circular meters. There are pros and cons and there will also be a segment of drivers who have grown up with digital displays as part of their lives (from computer games) and will be fine with this change. One advance of digital displays is that they can be changed to suit personal preference, showing information which the driver considers more important.

Also included is the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that with voice-recognition and voice-activation. The latter can be used to manage vehicle settings, navigation, and entertainment systems, starting with a simple ‘Hey BMW’ expression or an individual personal activation word that the driver can set. Additionally, BMW ConnectedDrive offers Intelligent Emergency Call and Teleservices that will activate automatically if a serious accident occurs.

Engine specs unchanged
The technical specifications for the 320i Sport remain unchanged with the 2-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. With 184 bhp/300 Nm, the 320i Sport has a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds and top speed of 235 km/h. Various fuel-saving measures and technologies help to keep fuel consumption to almost 16 kms/litre, it is claimed.

“The hallmark of Sheer Driving Pleasure for the BMW brand, the BMW 3-Series is a remarkable sports sedan that we are proud to locally assemble here with all-new technological updates for our customers in Malaysia. Close to 2,000 units of the BMW 320i Sport have been delivered since its January 2020 release, and this success comes as no surprise for the best-selling premium sports sedan in Malaysia. This new addition serves to prove our consistent investments in the local automotive industry, in hopes to continue driving its recovery in the year ahead,” said Hans de Visser, MD of BMW Group Malaysia.

As dealerships are closed during Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan, it is not possible for customers to view or test-drive the new model at this time. However, they can make use of BMW Shop online for more information and also to make a booking. For those who have already decided to get one, there’s a financing plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia with monthly instalments starting from RM2,708.00 (terms and conditions apply).

Toyota Mobility Foundation’s CATCH offers two solutions to address Kuala Lumpur’s mobility and city planning challenges

While Toyota Motor Corporation is best known for developing, manufacturing and selling motor vehicles, its scope of business has expanded widely over the decades. Many of the businesses and activities are directly or indirectly related to transportation and mobility, and among them is the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF). Established in August 2014, it supports the development of a more mobile society utilizing Toyota’s expertise in technology, safety, and the environment.

Last year, TMF launched the City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge (CATCH)with a global call for dynamic, intelligent and data-driven solutions to address mobility and city planning challenges, with Kuala Lumpur chosen as the city where the ideas would be tested.

Minimum Viable Products developed by 6 finalists
Through the journey of the CATCH program, 6 finalists developed and delivered Minimum Viable Products (MVP), despite the continuing impact of COVID-19. With support from strategic and data partners through the finalist stage, including mentorship from industry experts during the incubation workshop, the finalists obtained meaningful local insights and feedback for finalizing their solution development.

The finalists were also able to install physical devices in Kuala Lumpur, develop data analytics platforms and dashboards, and conduct feasibility testing to showcase the data utilization and leverage innovative technologies to improve the access to mobility in Kuala Lumpur. These MVPs were then presented at the final assessment to a panel of 8 judges from various fields of expertise.

After careful consideration and deliberations by the judging panel, two teams were identified as having presented the best suited solutions. These matched the 5 assessment criteria of creativity, desirability, feasibility, sustainability and technicality. The teams were Numina from the US and KERB from Australia.

The winning solutions
Numina’s solution (above) uses computer vision and Privacy by Design technology to measure how people and objects move in streets and public spaces, and delivers real-time insights from streets to make cities more responsive to human movement and needs. The data can be utilised by Kuala Lumpur stakeholders for making data-driven decisions in terms of city planning and infrastructure improvement.

KERB’s solution is a global parking application (shown below) which unlocks parking in the cities through their unique technology driven by their ‘KERB box’. It develops a platform that automates car parking, and enables renting public/private spaces to customers who need parking spaces. During the challenge, KERB deployed its technology to unlock parking spaces that are empty during office hours – thereby increasing the number of parking options available, with zero infrastructure by providing one-touch booking and payment, ‘hands-free’ carpark access, and real-time of parking behaviour data.

*An outdoor public carpark in Kuala Lumpur.*

US$250,000 each for trial and implementation
Numina and KERB will receive a grant of US$250,000 (RM1.041 million) each, as financial support for their solutions’ trial and implementation in Kuala Lumpur with the continuing collaboration from strategic and data partners. They will continuously work on implementation of the solutions in Kuala Lumpur.

“In line with Toyota Mobility Foundation’s Guiding Principles, the winners offer high tech practical solutions that can deliver immediate benefits to Kuala Lumpur citizens and city planners. Furthermore, they also exhibit potential for future-proofing mobility in any large city, and we are excited at the possibilities of our engagement going forward. Through CATCH, TMF hopes to utilize the insights gained through this challenge to solve mobility issues in other regions and countries in the future,” said Pras Ganesh, Director of Programs at TMF

MINI Vision Urbanaut concept becomes a real model

In November 2020, MINI revealed the Vision Urbanaut virtual concept vehicle, an interpretation of mobility through an innovative vision of space. Now, the BMW Group has made a physical model of the vehicle showcasing its space and sustainable materials.

The full-sized model was designed from the inside out. The designers created the spacious interior experience before developing the exterior, using floor plans, pieces of furniture plus wooden scale models to provide an indication of size. Over the course of the project, augmented reality was employed to create a digital model, which was then systematically optimised.

The MINI Vision Urbanaut shows how the MINI attributes can be exploited in the future of mobility – in a typically MINI way. It brings the user’s personal space into the car and opens up various possibilities for them.

Three MINI Moments
The exterior and interior of the vehicle change to reflect the MINI moment at hand – ‘Chill’, ‘Wanderlust’ and ‘Vibe’ – and so give the on-board experience the best possible stage and environment. Fragrance, sound and ambient lighting continue to enrich the baseline mood initiated by the chosen MINI moment. A fourth option is the customisable ‘my moment’ which provides users with further scope for tailoring the design of the vehicle to their needs and desires.

The Chill moment relates to being in a kind of haven where you can relax or work with full concentration. While the rear seat bench (a.k.a. Cosy Corner) offers various seating and lying positions, the backlit Loop above it takes on an appearance inspired by a green forest canopy and can also be dimmed. In the central area, the circular instrument folds down to become a table lamp, eliminating displays or switches that might remind the customer of their automotive surroundings.

Wanderlust is the only MINI moment where the Vision Urbanaut is being driven or driving with automated driving functions. In this moment, the interior becomes the ideal place for driving the car, or being its passenger, and enables those on board to rediscover the romance of travel. A tap of a finger on the MINI logo brings out the steering wheel and pedals when driving is desired. The user interface on the central circular instrument also adapts its visuals; alongside an animation of the route, additional journey information – such as visitor attractions and arrival time – is displayed here for those on board.

The Vibe moment puts time with other people at centre stage – in every way. Opening the side door and folding up the windscreen creates a welcoming scene that blurs the boundaries between the outside and inside. The central circular instrument becomes a media control centre, creating a club atmosphere.

Renewable or recyclable materials
The interior of the Vision Urbanaut has a high proportion of recycled materials, and they are almost exclusively renewable and recyclable. Dominant are textiles made from recycled materials (including wool, polyester and Tencel) which blend cosiness and quality with softness and comfort.

The designers also paid extra attention to solutions composed of a single type of material – known as ‘mono-materials’. These are easy to recycle further down the line and can be turned into new products. The use of renewable and recyclable cork on the steering wheel and sections of the floor adds a special touch, thanks to its natural feel.

Focus on sustainability
The Vision Urbanaut also focuses on sustainability, demonstrated in various aspects of the vehicle. The ‘Clever Use of Space’, for which MINI is renowned, offers maximum space on the smallest possible footprint. Although measuring only 4.46 metres in length, the height provides an interior space that can be used in many different ways and offers a whole new ease of movement inside the car. . The vehicle can also be an urban space for people when it’s parked, significantly increasing the amount of time they will want to use the vehicle or just hang out in it.

The electric drive system ensures emission-free mobility, yet another aspect is the scope for using the vehicle for purposes beyond mobility.

Driveable electric vehicles
The MINI Vision Urbanaut is not only a static model, it’s driveable too, with an electric drive system. Every part has been specially designed, precision-manufactured using cutting-edge tools and crafted by hand. The high degree of artistry inside is highlighted by an interior design that is reminiscent of a modern living space. The construction of the model therefore extended from a classical vehicle build via furniture-making all the way to programming and smart high-tech integration.

“At MINI, we see it as our responsibility to preserve and develop the unique characteristics of our brand over the upcoming years and those further ahead,” explained Bernd Korber, Head of MINI. “With our eyes fixed on the future, we have developed an idea, with the MINI Vision Urbanaut, of how we can take the MINI attributes – as here, with the focus on the ‘Clever Use of Space’ – into the future of mobility and interpret them in a typically MINI way.”

A good insurance company makes a difference when you have an accident

No one wants to have an accident but sometimes it is unavoidable, and even if you are not seriously injured, your vehicle is likely to be damaged. After getting over the initial shock comes the part of having to negotiate and make on-the-spot decisions as numerous touts and tow-truck operators suddenly appear around you. And then there’s the process of making a police report and then an insurance claim.

Each day, many motorists go through such experiences and in order to reduce the stresses, diligently choosing the right motor insurance coverage and company is important. It can make all the difference, especially as many insurance companies offer value-added services as well. No longer do you just get coverage for loss or damage but additional benefits as well.

According to Allianz Malaysia Berhad’s CEO, Zakri Khir, the solution lies with car owners being diligent in understanding the importance of comprehensive insurance coverage and choosing services that resonate best with their needs.

“Anyone who has been in a motor accident will tell you what a painful experience it can be when it comes to settling claims and getting repair works done on time. Should things turn sour, more often than not, insurers are pegged as the bad guy, seemingly profiting from another’s misfortune,” he said.

“However, what most fail to see is that accidents are a litmus test for us insurers and the promise we sell to our customers that we will be there for them in their times of need. Not delivering on those promises is a cardinal sin. The onus is on the insurer to honour its promise to its customers and at Allianz Malaysia, we are about doing things right by you, providing the services that you need at the times that you need them the most,” Encik Zakri said.

“No one ever thinks about accidents when renewing their insurance and road tax. Moreover, you want it to be the quickest transaction, so you can legally drive again. But the reality is accidents happen when we least expect them. So it is important to understand how good motor insurance and the services offered by an insurer can help you in these circumstances. Opting for the bare minimum is never the answer because you are inadvertently depriving yourself of the adequate protection you deserve,” advised Damian Williams, Head of Claims at Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad.

Although the Movement Control Orders (MCO) saw fewer vehicles on the road last year, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) reported that there were 418,237 road accidents reported in 2020. The Allianz Road Rangers, the company’s free accident assistance service for its customers, provided roadside assistance to 67,000 customers nationwide in 2020, with an average response time of 30 minutes for tow-truck services in the Klang Valley.

Launched in the Klang Valley in 2017 and available nationwide since 2018, the Allianz Road Rangers service includes 24-Hours Helpline Assistance; the Allianz Road Ranger fleet (First Response Bike Brigade and Allianz Tow Truck; Claims Concierge Service; e-hailing Voucher; Claims Express Approval, and Vehicle Delivery. To date, the fleet has 190 vehicles, with 30 motorcycles as well.

*The Allianz Road Ranger fleets includes motorcycles so initial assistance can be provided before thw tow-truck arrives.*

Last year, in a move to enforce transparency and improve its customer journey experience, Allianz General revamped its panel of Authorised Repairers to consist of PIAM Approved Repairers Scheme workshops, via an e-tender. While the move had a ripple effect, the company now has 195 panel workshops nationwide. Besides that, the company also offers a 2-year warranty for repair work carried out (including the spare parts used) on vehicles involved in accidents.

Stopping motor claim fraud
Encik Zakri also revealed that motor claims have become a billion-ringgit scam in Malaysia. Citing an ecosystem that breeds fraud and corruption as one of its main reasons, there is a strong call for better awareness and he issued a ‘call to arms’ for other industry players to play their role in stopping corrupt practices.

“There are many parties that monetise motor claims to their own benefit under a cloud of lack of clarity and mystery surrounding the whole motor claims process that most customers are not wise to it. This gets magnified when customers do not know their rights as consumers – that your insurer is there to serve your needs, not the other way round,” said Encik Zakri.

In developing the Allianz Road Rangers service and its touchpoints, the focus was on serving customers and minimising fraud. “We knew we had to buck up to remove any element or opportunity for fraud and pay out genuine claims. Our customers must know that we will not partake nor condone any devious activity. The entire Allianz Road Rangers journey from the accident assistance service to claims, vehicle repairs, and the selection of workshop repairers is our way of having a structured delivery of service that is visible to our customers,” he said.

AirCar’s flying car completes first ever inter-city flight (w/VIDEO)

While we continue to wait for the Malaysian Flying Car, the AirCar project in Slovakia has moved closer to production this week, fulfilling a key development milestone. The dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle safely completed a 35-minute flight from the international airport in Nitra to the international airport in Bratislava.

The patent-protected AirCar, which completed its 142nd successful landing in Bratislava, was flown and driven by its inventor, Professor Stefan Klein, and co-founder of the company, Anton Zajac, to downtown Bratislava. By road, the typical travel time would have been twice as long.

160-hp BMW engine for power
The AirCar Prototype 1 is equipped with a 160-hp BMW engine spinning a fixed-propeller and has a ballistic parachute installed as well. While being driven on the ground, it has the form of a sportscar (with a gigantic rear spoiler!) and can be transformed into a flying machine in under three minutes at just the touch of a button.

Over 40 hours of test flights, including steep 45 degree turns and stability and maneuverability testing, have been carried out and the vehicle has reached 2,500 metres and a maximum cruising speed of 190 km/h in flight.

“Professor Stefan Klein is the world leader in the development of user-friendly Flying Cars,” said Dr. Branko Sarh, Boeing Co. Senior Technical Fellow. “The automated transition from road vehicle into an air vehicle and vice versa, deploying/retracting wings and tail is not only the result of pioneering enthusiasm, innovative spirit and courage; it is an outcome of excellent engineering and professional knowledge,” he added.

Second prototype to have 300-hp engine
A second prototype is now being developed which will serve as the pre-production model. This will have a 300-hp engine and receive the EASA CS-23 aircraft certification with an M1 road permit. With its variable pitch propeller, the second prototype is expected to be able to cruise at speeds of up to 300 km/h and travel up to 1,000 kms.

“This flight starts a new era of dual transportation vehicles. It opens a new category of transportation and returns the freedom originally attributed to cars back to the individual,” said Professor Klein. “AirCar is no longer just a proof of concept; flying at 2,500 metres at a speed of 190 km/h, it has turned science fiction into a reality,” added Zajac.

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