The Bespoke division at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will create an exclusive car to a customer’s requirements whatever they may be (as long as safety is not compromised). For many years now, Bespoke’s business has been growing as virtually every person who buys a Rolls-Royce will want it personalised in some way. Some may be simple requirements while others may be quite sophisticated – like the Bespoke Phantom conceived in a unique collaboration with Hermès, the French luxury goods company.
Over 3 centuries of combined experience
This is one of the examples of Bespoke’s work which the world gets to see as not all of the models they prepare are publicised if their owners do not agree to do so. “This magnificent expression of our pinnacle product represents a landmark for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, bringing together two houses with more than three centuries’ combined experience and heritage. It is the result of a deep, genuine collaboration between the Houses of Rolls-Royce and Hermès, in which designers, materials specialists and skilled craftspeople worked side by side to create a truly one-of-a-kind Phantom. It has been an extraordinary privilege to unite on such a creatively challenging, technically demanding commission and bring our client’s remarkable vision so beautifully to life,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
The one-of-a-kind Phantom Oribe reflects the personality and passions of its owner, Japanese entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa, who envisioned the car as a ‘land jet’, bringing the serene exclusivity of private air travel to the road. ‘Oribe’ comes from antique Japanese Oribe ware, which Maezawa-san collects.
Matching the glazes of Oribe ware
The car’s striking two-tone exterior matches the characteristic green and cream glazes of Oribe ware. The upper part is finished in Oribe Green, a fully Bespoke colour created exclusively for the client; in an unusual move, Rolls-Royce has made the paint available for use on the client’s private jet the Phantom will be paired with. Developed over many months by specialists in the Surface Finish Centre at Goodwood, it perfectly captures the lustrous, deep-green glaze that characterises these 16th century ceramics. The effect is beautifully completed by the cream-white lower section.
The Oribe ware-inspired colourway harmoniously continues through the interior, created and realised through a true meeting of minds between Hermès designers and craftspeople and the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople. Together, they applied their shared expertise and ingenuity to ensure every individual component embodies the finest traditions of both companies.
Hermès leather
The interior is finished predominantly in Hermès Enea Green leather, extending to details that include the immediate touch-points of the client (eg the steering wheel, duchess handles, gear selector and controls for the climate settings). The leather flows around the upper instrument panel, interior pillars and parcel shelf. It also enrobes less visible surfaces including the glove compartment and luggage compartment lining, centre console, decanter stowage compartment and Champagne cooler.
Delicate Hermès piping adorns the headrest cushions and calf supports of the rear seats, while soft Seashell White accents and matching lambswool floor mats create a sense of light and space throughout.
Equestrian heritage of Hermès
The interior is also replete with examples of Rolls-Royce Bespoke design and handcraftsmanship. Wooden speaker frets, for example, are formed by meticulously perforating the Open Pore Royal Walnut veneer applied to the doors, creating a seamless, textured aesthetic and delicate haptics. Open Pore Royal Walnut is additionally applied to the centre and rear consoles and picnic table backs; in another first for Rolls-Royce, the interior features Hermès ‘Toile H’ canvas on the door armrests, centre and rear consoles and, most notably, the signature headliner.
Hermès brings its distinctive equestrian heritage and innovative craftsmanship know-how to the car, with the leather upholstery created using stitching and edge-painting techniques originally employed by master saddlers.
For the Phantom’s Gallery, a feature unique to Rolls-Royce, that runs the length of the motor car’s fascia, Hermès commissioned an artwork based on a design by the celebrated French artist and illustrator Pierre Peron who created many of the House’s iconic scarves. The work, inspired by the famous Hermès horse motif, is hand-painted on Open Pore Royal Walnut and is presented as though staged in an art gallery, behind glass.
“This unique Phantom is a fusion of East and West, ancient and modern, serenity and exhilaration. It was a great creative and cultural exchange working with Hermès; we learned a great deal from each other. It is always a pleasure when a client brings us a bold, clear and imaginative vision, and a great thrill to see it realised so perfectly,” said Michael Bryden, Lead Designer at Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective.
The development of Renault’s E-TECH powertrains drew on the company’s experience in Formula 1 and also contributing has been a LEGO model. Yes, those little plastic blocks that can be attached together to form cars which have entertained children for over 70 years. The development story actually began at the end of the last decade. It was a time when Renault was stepping up its electrification program and advancing hybrid technology was an important step towards developing electric vehicles (EVs).
Nicolas Fremau, a member of the hybrid powertrain team, saw that using the LEGO parts – which includes gear wheels, could form a drivetrain. He built a working model from the parts and then demonstrated it to Ahmed Ketfi-Cherif, Renault’s Mechatronics Synthesis Architect and his team. Immediately, the engineers realised that if it could work in the LEGO prototype, it could surely also work as a working powertrain for a car.
Ahmed Ketfi-Cherif (left), Renault’s Mechatronics Synthesis Architect, was involved in the E-TECH’s development which began with a prototype made from LEGO parts.
Smooth operation a priority
Ahmed, who works as a control specialist, needed to ensure that transitions between driving modes were possible with a simple ‘dog clutch’. Normally used in competition cars, the dog clutch system – which replaces both a sprocket and synchronising ring in a clutchless configuration – is a gearbox boasting superior efficiency due to the reduced number of components.
This particular type of ‘flat’ version works well over time and is more reliable than other types of dog clutch. However, the team needed to find a solution to make the system smoother, as the components are less likely to fit together than in alternative setups such as a ‘roof’ dog clutch. Furthermore, unlike racing car drivers, customers who bought cars from a showroom for daily use also expected quality and smoothness.
“We’re used to using dog clutches in Formula One, for a racing engine. But it was something completely new for a ‘general public’ engine. We had to make this simple object usable by customers,” explained Ketfi-Cherif, who understood that a smooth and refined drive of much higher importance than winning lap times.
Adding a high-voltage starter generator
The team quickly came up with the solution to ensure enhanced smoothness by adding a second electric motor, called a High-voltage Starter Generator (HSG). “Its role is to replace the synchronisers of a traditional gearbox to facilitate the clutch and therefore the gear change. By working in conjunction with the electric motor, it allows very precise regulation of the speed of rotation of the gearbox for smooth gear changes,” he explained.
From this, the original LEGO model concept was updated and tested on the road. They discovered the HSG brought other benefits with immediate torque contribution smoothing acceleration at low speeds, avoiding any break in torque delivery when changing gears.
This also meant the system could operate as a series hybrid for enhanced comfort and flexibility, without the need for an excess of stored energy or a charging socket. According to Ketfi-Cherif, the possibilities for use in the range were multiplied, with both E-TECH hybrid and E-TECH plug-in hybrid powertrains now possible.
At the end of these tests, the E-TECH development teams were reassured that what had worked in the LEGO concept and in simulation also worked ‘extremely well’ in real life. A ‘toy’ had become an engineering reality, allowing up to 80% of urban driving to be done on just electricity, and having the extra boost in power or range with the petrol engine assisting when needed.
The momentum started in 2020, in spite of the pandemic situation, and put Proton in a strong position to accelerate into 2021. With an appealing range of offerings, cumulative sales in the first quarter of the year (Q1) were the highest since March 2012, with a large number of orders as well.
This has created a knock-on effect and for Proton Commerce, the carmaker’s finance arm, it could lead to a record number of loan disbursements. It has seen its loan volume grow in line with the increase in sales of Proton vehicles. For comparison, in 2018, it disbursed a total of 5,410 loans and this nearly doubled to 10,668 the following year. For 2020, despite disruptions caused by the coronavirus as well as loan moratoriums to ease the burden on distressed borrowers, Proton Commerce disbursed 14,189 loans.
In spite of the pandemic conditions in 2020, Proton saw high sales volumes which led to more loan applications to Proton Commerce, its financial arm.
All-time high for loan disbursements
This year, after just three months, the company is heading towards a record-breaking volume – an all-time high of 20,000 loans disbursed. “Although there was a downturn in many economic sectors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer sentiment for car purchases remains positive. Proton’s gains in product quality, its additions to the dealer network and the launch of new models have grown interest in its cars and we are seeing the results in the number of loan applications received,” said Mooi Fi Phang, CEO of Proton Commerce.
“Our loan disbursement volume for Q1 this year has increased by 42.3% and we are confident of our volume growing even more in Q2. However, the hire-purchase market could face a tough second half of the year as the PENJANA sales tax incentive is scheduled to expire at the end of June so the industry could see a period of correction as market demand finds its natural level,” he added.
New models like the X50 are drawing younger buyers, which sees a change in customer demographics for the brand.
Younger buyers drawn to Proton brand
Mr. Mooi revealed that Proton Commerce is also seeing a change in the demographics of its customers. “The age of Proton buyers is trending downwards, indicating the company’s revamped line-up has made it a more trendy choice with younger Malaysians. He also said 80% of Proton Commerce’s customers opt for 9-year hire-purchase financing plans, and that impaired loan rates up to three times lower than the industry average,” he said.
“2020 was a tough year for the industry as financial institutions had to make modification loss provisions for the 6-month moratorium programme announced by Bank Negara Malaysia. Thankfully for Proton Commerce, the financial stability of our customer base meant a very low number of our borrowers opted for the subsequent moratorium and with the removal of the provisions this year, we expect to contribute a healthy profit to our shareholders,” he added.
It’s 2021 and just under 6 years from the time the 10th generation was introduced (in America), Honda has revealed a new generation of the Civic. With a history of almost 50 years, the 11th generation Civic continues the nameplate that was used for Honda’s first global car.
In designing the new Civic, Honda stylists and engineers revisited design concepts of previous generations, maintaining the brand’s original design approach of ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ (or ‘M/M’). Unlike the 10th generation which had a major design change from its predecessor, an evolutionary approach has been taken this time round for the 11th generation.
Subtle design changes
The body design is ‘thin and light’ with a low bonnet and front fenders, and the low horizontal beltline gives a low-slung look to the profile. Key to the new Civic’s styling was moving the bottom of the windscreen pillars further back rearward by 50 mm, which elongates its bonnet for a sleeker silhouette. This also visually connects the pillar to the front wheel hub, a subtle design element that emphasizes its wheels and tyres for a stable, planted stance.
Current 10th generation Civic (Malaysian market).
A low beltline with horizontal windowsills and door-mounted side mirrors improve visibility while maintaining the clean lines of the exterior. A sharp shoulder character line carves a gentle arc from the front fender to the taillights, giving continuity to the design. The lower character line carries up from the bottom of the front door, rising across the rear doors, and through the rear fenders for an enhanced sense of motion.
The additional stability provided by its new wider rear track is emphasized by stronger rear shoulders, wide-set taillights, and the upswept and aerodynamically efficient trailing edge of its bootlid. LEDs are used extensively for all the lighting units, offering benefits such as quick light-up time and longer life as well as low energy consumption.
Uncluttered cabin appearance
Inside, the M/M approach gives a simple, clean and modern look that is reminiscent of the early Civics. Back then, there were less electronic features so there was less ‘visual clutter’ and the interior designers have sought to replicate this for the latest model.
While the overall dimensions are not significantly changed (although the wheelbase has increased), which means the interior packaging continues to offer good head, leg, shoulder and hip room for all occupants. The sense of spaciousness is enhanced by the low, flat beltline and clean cabin layout, as well as the expansive view all round. The front seat design uses Honda’s Body Stabilizing Seat approach with a new-generation seat frame that firmly holds the body, enhancing comfort on long drives.
Further improving visibility is the top of the Civic’s instrument panel, which has been designed with minimum cutlines to reduce windscreen reflections and visual distractions. A striking metal honeycomb mesh accent stretches from door to door across the dashboard. It serves both form and function, creating a dramatic visual dividing line between the audio, information displays and climate controls, while the intricate flow-through design conceals the air vents for an uncluttered look.
High-quality materials are used throughout the interior, especially on touchpoints, with close attention paid to the operation of all switchgear and controls. Materials were also chosen with an eye toward practicality, such as the new premium centre console trim specifically designed to hide fingerprints and smudges to help maintain a high-end appearance.
Driver-focused technology
The instrument panel has become more high-tech with partial or full digital displays, depending on the variant. Top variants will have the Civic’s first all-digital LCD instrument display measuring 10.2 inches with a high-definition full-colour LCD panel. A ‘surprise-and-delight’ feature – the brake lights, headlights and turn signals of the displayed Civic vehicle image turn on and off when activated or deactivated.
For the North American market, where the new Civic will be manufactured at two locations, Honda is installing a Bose Premium Sound System for the first time (in the model). The system has been custom-engineered precisely for the best sound quality and reproduction in the Civic’s cabin. Expert audio engineers developed the Bose sound system with advanced components and technologies, working closely with Honda engineers to integrate the system early in the vehicle design process.
Stiffer body structure
The 11th-generation Civic body structure is said to be the most rigid in Civic history, with an 8% improvement in torsional rigidity and 13% improvement in bending rigidity versus the previous generation. This stiffer structure supports improvements in ride, handling and NVH.
As with other models, Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering structure is designed to meet present and anticipated future collision standards while minimizing additional weight. This is achieved with the extensive use of lightweight materials, such as aluminium and various grades of high-strength steel, as well as an expanded application of structural adhesives. The new, stiffer body also reduces the transmission of road and wind noise to create a more relaxed driving environment.
Drivetrain choices
Engine choices will differ from region to region although the two 4-cylinder engines – a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre or a turbocharged 1.5-litre – are likely to continue to be offered for ASEAN versions. Both are paired with an updated CVT and are said to have improved fuel efficiency.
The suspension system has been tuned to take maximum advantage of the stiffer body structure and lengthened wheelbase for a smoother ride, while improving sporty handling. The front MacPherson struts have new low-friction ball joints and front damper mount bearings to improve steering feel and self-centering, and the spring and damper alignment has been optimized to minimize operational friction.
At the rear, the wider track enhances stability, with a new larger compliance bushing with an improved bushing axis to minimize harshness. Additionally, the two rear lower arms are equipped with a new bushing that reduces noise and vibration inside the cabin, while also promoting better straight-line stability and turn in. The electronic power steering has been re-tuned to provide better feedback and improved straight-line stability.
An all-new and lighter aluminium front subframe with an efficient truss and rib structure provides rigidity and stability. Additionally, a new lightweight flex tube in the exhaust system decreases noise transmission. The reduced suspension friction and improved bushings help reduce harsh road shock by 20%.
Advancing safety performance
New active and passive safety systems are available for the Civic and in a world’s first application, both driver and passenger frontal airbags are designed to more effectively reduce conditions associated with brain injury by better controlling head motions in certain types of crashes. These all-new airbag designs, offered in the US version, attempt to address the recently recognized issue of severe brain trauma associated with angled frontal collisions.
The Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure in the new Civic has been enhanced for even better compatibility with larger vehicles. This includes improved occupant protection in angled frontal collisions, with a new upper A-pillar structure, side frame and lower firewall structure—all designed to route crash energy around the cabin. Side impact protection also has been improved, with stiffer structures in the roof, side sill and B-pillar, doors, and the rear wheel arch and C-pillar.
The new front driver’s airbag system in the Civic uses an innovative donut-shaped structure to cradle and hold the head to reduce rotation. The passenger-side front airbag uses a three-chamber design to achieve a similar result, with two outer chambers designed to cradle and control head rotation. It is also used in the new Acura TLX and MDX.
The standard Honda Sensing suite of active safety and driver assistive technologies uses a new single-camera system that provides a wider field of view than the previous radar+camera-based system. Combined with software advances and a new, more powerful processor, the system is also capable of more quickly and accurately identifying pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles, along with road lines and road signs.
The new camera-based system improves on existing functionality, such as more natural brake application and quicker reactions when using Adaptive Cruise Control. It also has more linear and natural steering action when using the Lane-Keeping Assist System. With the addition of 8 sonar sensors, the Civic will have, for the first time, Low-Speed Braking Control, and front and rear false-start prevention.
Pedestrian safety was not overlooked in the engineering of the new Civic. It has a new front bumper beam safety plate designed to decrease leg injuries and the bonnet incorporates an embossed inner structure designed to reduce injuries to the head if the pedestrian hits the bonnet.
Images and video of new Civic shown are of the US version. ASEAN version may differ in some areas and features.
New Civic for ASEAN
As has been the case for many generations now, the model revealed in America may not be identical to the one we will get in Malaysia. Honda designers consider preferences influenced by culture and make small changes here and there. However, the engineering would be largely similar since that part has been developed at great cost and to make too many modifications would be an unnecessary expense.
Every Civic generation has been assembled in Malaysia since the mid-1970s when the first generation was launched. It was the 100,000th unit (inclusive of other models) assembled at Honda Malaysia’s plant in Melaka in 2007.
As it takes up to a year for a new Honda model to be in Malaysian showrooms, this new Civic generation will probably appear in early 2022. When the model is launched in Thailand, then you can expect the Malaysian debut to occur within months. The only thing that may slow down the process is that the Civic is assembled locally at the Melaka plant, and Honda Malaysia tries to localise parts supply as much as possible. This is an extra step that adds time, instead of just getting all the parts in the pack from the main factory in Thailand.
Do you like the new Civic? If you prefer the current one and want to get one before stocks run out, you can locate an authorised dealer at www.honda.com.my.
Speed doesn’t kill – it’s the driver behind the steering wheel who kills himself or others because he or she does not drive in a safe manner. In a perfect world, there would be no need to speedtraps, speed limits and speedbumps because every motorist would know how to drive sensibly and safely according to the conditions. Unfortunately, the world is not perfect where motoring attitudes are concerned and because of the reckless drivers who cause accidents – some fatal – the rest of us are also constrained by measures meant to keep us under control.
For decades, manufacturers have tried to find ways to address accidents with their vehicles and because they could not control the attitude of the driver, they instead made their cars as safe as possible, providing sufficient protection when an accident occurred. Then they also added driver assistance features to help drivers keep their cars under control, or to take actions to prevent accidents.
Still, the accident numbers are high, even in developed countries. Police still issue thousands of summonses for speed limits being exceeded. As one way to reduce accidents, Volvo made a decision in 2019 that all its vehicles would have the maximum speed limited to 180 km/h. Regardless of how powerful they are, the top speed will be fixed with the hope that it will make a difference over time.
Speed-limit policy starts in 2022
Now the Renault Group is doing the same thing, announcing recently that it will limit the top speed of models of the Renault as well as Dacia brands to 180 km/h as well. The first model in 2022 to be subject to this policy will be the Megane-E which will come equipped with an automatic speed limit adjuster, set by default to prevent it from going faster than 180 km/h. However, high-performance models may not have a speed-limiter.
This move is just one part of the carmaker’s Safety Plan in which it strives to optimise safety for its employees and all those who use its vehicles. The plan covers Prevention and Rescue, with the former encompassing ‘Detect and Inform’, Guide, and ‘Act’. For Rescue, the company will provide access for first responders at accident sites as well as install a Rescue Code to help them.
To ‘Detect and Inform’, Renault will install equipment in vehicles that will generate a ‘Safety Score’. This will be based on an analysis of driving data using sensors around the vehicle. By being aware of this ‘Safety Score’, it is hoped that safer driving will be encouraged.
To ‘Guide’ drivers is a ‘Safety Coach’ which can process road and traffic data to inform drivers of potential risks on their route. It can also give real-time warnings on danger-prone areas. Ultimately, greater awareness of hazards along the road should help reduce the chances of an accident occurring.
‘Act’, which uses ‘a fail-safe mechanism’ is likely to be a pro-active and autonomous system that assist drivers, which is available with other brands nowadays. The mechanism will trigger automatically in the event of a clear and present danger (eg a dangerous turn, loss of steering wheel control for a prolonged period, drowsiness, etc.). With a ‘Safe Guardian’, the vehicle will slow down and return to a safe driving mode.
How fast rescue teams can extract occupants from a vehicle in an accident is crucial and Renault is working to make it as fast as possible.
Helping rescuers work faster
The attention given to first responders – the people who reach an accident site first and can provide assistance – is aimed at reducing emergency response time and give emergency services easy vehicle access in the event of an accident.
The Renault Group has also developed two major innovations, which will be rolled out on all future releases in Europe. The first is called ‘Fire-fighter access’ which will help fire-fighters put out accidental battery fires (which can occur mainly in electrified vehicles). It considerably reduces response time (from nearly 2 hours to only a few minutes). Already a feature on electric vehicles, it will be added to all future hybrid rechargeable and electric models of the Group.
Each vehicle will have a ‘Rescue Code’, and this is a QR code to help first responders identify a vehicle and access its structural information. This can help them safely and quickly reach and extract the occupants. The Renault Group has already trained fire-fighters in 12 countries in Europe on how to use the code, while also donating several hundred vehicles to be used for training purposes.
