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With restrictions in many countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, event organisers have found it difficult to have the usual live events since there are social distancing requirements and invited guests may have concerns about being in a crowded environment. Nevertheless, the pandemic should not be allowed to impact our lives so greatly that annual events cannot be held at all, and the solution has been to have them online.
Many companies have been doing this and so has ASEAN NCAP for its 4th Grand Prix Awards announcement. ASEAN NCAP is the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries, a regional organisation affiliated to Global NCAP which was initiated and established by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) in response to the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety.
In 2012, the City was among the very first cars tested by ASEAN NCAP at its crash-test facility in Melaka.Aerial view of ASEAN NCAP’s facility in Melaka, one of the sites where crash tests are conducted.
The ASEAN NCAP Grand Prix Awards event recognizes and commemorates high achievers in car safety in the ASEAN region. The event was first held in 2014 in Sarawak, followed by the second in 2016 in Kuala Lumpur, and the third was held in Indonesia in 2018.
Two main awards
The 4th edition was initially planned in 2020 but due to COVID-19 pandemic, it had to be postponed to February 2021. There are two main awards given out – the Excellent Award and the Best Safety Performance Award – which have a number of categories each.
Under the Excellent Award, 12 winners were identified in which the award criteria were for the company/vehicle/organization/individual that contributed towards the improvement of vehicle safety in the ASEAN market.
Toyota Corolla Altis – one of the models which contributed to the carmaker receiving the most 5-star awards since 2019.Latest Isuzu D-MAX recognised for Continuous Safety Improvement.
As for the Best Safety Performance Award, there were 4 categories and selection was based on the highest scoring points during the 2019-2020 assessments.
Top scores in occupant protection made the Honda Accord stand out for safety performance.
Commenting on the awards, ASEAN NCAP Secretary-General and Acting Chairman, Adjunct Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Khairil Anwar Abu Kassim (also MIROS Director-General) said: “Over the years, we saw great efforts have been put forward by vehicle manufacturers to ensure their vehicles are offered with the best safety features for the road-users. As such, the awards will provide them with a competitive edge against other models that do not offer such safety technologies albeit better passive safety technologies or advanced safety assist.”
Recognition for individuals and organizations
“Furthermore, as ASEAN NCAP has been in existence for 10 years now, we would like to recognize not only vehicle models but also organizations or individuals who have worked hand-in-hand with ASEAN NCAP and continuously strived to ensure the significance of vehicle safety. I look forward to work together with these important individuals and organizations as well future vehicle models under the new ASEAN NCAP assessment protocol for 2021-2025,” he added.
To know more about ASEAN NCAP and read the reports of the various models it has assessed, visit www.aseancap.org.
With electrification as a necessity for future products, McLaren Automotive has started an entirely new chapter in its history, and a new era in supercar technology and performance. The Artura, the first completely new model produced since the 12C, is McLaren’s first series-production High-Performance Hybrid supercar.
As with all other modern McLarens, super lightweight engineering is a key element and was a priority for the engineers as they considered the replacement of the conventional combustion engine with a hybrid powertrain which would include a heavy battery pack.
Opportunities to innovate
It was a challenge that presented McLaren’s engineers and designers with new opportunities to innovate. A demanding programme of weight reduction, encompassing every area of the Artura from the chassis platform to the uniquely compact HPH powertrain system, to the weight of cabling used in the electrical systems (where a 10% reduction was achieved), resulted in the Artura having a lightest dry weight of 1,395 kgs.
The total weight of hybrid components is just 130 kgs (including an 88kg battery pack and 15.4 kg E-motor), resulting in a kerb weight of 1,498 kgs. That’s on par with comparable supercars that do not have hybrid powertrains, giving the Artura a super-lightweight advantage.
Twin turbo V6 + E-motor
At the heart of the Artura’s powertrain is McLaren’s all-new M630 2993 cc twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine. With a power output of 585 ps – nearly 200 ps per litre – and 585 Nm of torque, the dry-sump aluminium engine is compact and lightweight; at just 160 kgs, it weighs 50 kgs less than a McLaren V8 and is significantly shorter, enhancing packaging efficiency.
Working in harmony with the new V6 is a compact E-motor, located within the transmission bell housing. Small and more power-dense, it is capable of generating 95 ps and 225 Nm, boasting a power density per kilo that is 33% greater than the system used in the McLaren P1.
The instantaneous nature of the motor’s torque delivery – known as ‘torque infill’ – is key to the car’s razor-sharp throttle response. Exhilarating ‘off-the-line’ performance is promised with a claimed 0 – 100km/h time of 3 seconds, and a top speed somewhere beyond 330 km/h but limited to that speed.
No reverse gear
The dual propulsion systems are integrated via an engine disconnect clutch, driving an all-new, twin-clutch transmission, developed specifically for the Artura. Despite having one more ratio than the existing McLaren transmission – to optimise power and torque delivery – the lightweight, short-ratio gear cluster is 40 mm shorter in length. It also requires no reverse gear as the E-motor takes care of reversing by literally rotating in the opposite direction.
The driver can choose from four Powertrain modes for different driving conditions and preferences. There are Sport and Track modes where electric power is deployed in an increasingly aggressive manner for low-end response and acceleration. Separate handling mode choices adjust damper firmness and the degree of Electronic Stability Control intervention to suit driver preference and weather and road conditions.
30-km range in EV mode
The E-motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a usable energy capacity of 7.4 kWh and a pure EV range said to be up to 30 kms. The battery is refrigerant-cooled using cooling rails, and the assembly – including a power distribution unit which transfers battery power from the rear of the vehicle to the ancillaries in the front – is mounted on a structural carbonfibre floor. This assembly is then bolted onto the rear base of the monocoque, optimising stiffness, weight distribution and crash protection.
Full PHEV capability
The Artura is designed with full Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) capability; the battery pack can be recharged to an 80% level in just 2.5 hours with a standard EVSE cable. The batteries can also harvest power from the combustion engine during driving, tailored to the driving mode selected.
The Artura is the first model to have the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) at its core, setting a new standard for the carmaker’s advanced flexible chassis design. Optimised for high-performance hybrid applications, it includes a bespoke battery compartment and introduces a ground-breaking domain-based ethernet electrical architecture, along with an electrical heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (eHVAC) system.
The ethernet architecture reduces cabling by up to 25% as well as speeds up data transmission. This also facilitates access to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Departure Warning, Auto High-Beam Assist and Road-Sign Recognition as well as Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates.
Pure supercar design
The engineering artistry beneath the Artura’s skin is complemented by its exterior design. The low-nose, cab-forward, high-tail stance is pure supercar, the drama underlined by the signature McLaren dihedral doors – which open closer to the body and house mirrors that fold in more tightly – and further enhanced by the short wheelbase and low stance.
The overall effect gives the Artura an almost ‘shrink-wrapped’ appearance, evolving a McLaren design approach seen in recent models to a new level. The lithe, technical sculpture has only minimal body shutlines and panel joints, assisted by features such as an entire rear clamshell engineered and superformed as one panel.
The shape, sculpted to optimise performance and manage airflow for aerodynamic performance and cooling, is driven by the McLaren design principle of ‘everything for a reason’ that is in evidence throughout the car. The centre of the front splitter is an example of this, being the intake for the eHVAC system and also housing the front-mounted radar that forms part of the optional ADAS package.
Driver-centric cockpit
Inside, the Artura is no less of a revolution, with the cockpit centred more than ever around the driver. The model introduces an all-new Clubsport seat, which uniquely combines the range of motion expected of a moveable backrest with the light weight and support of a bucket seat. Innovative yet uncomplicated, the whole seat pivots as one through an elliptical arc when adjusted, combining under-thigh support, seat height and backrest in one movement.
The seat locates in the ergonomically optimised cockpit, its carbonfibre shell combining with slim facia and doors to allow a 97.5th percentile (193 cm) driver to stretch out with generous knee and legroom, even with the backrest significantly reclined. Shoulder room is equally capacious, allowing a driver to get appropriately comfortable and seated correctly.
Driver and passenger comfort overall was an imperative throughout the development of the Artura, with NVH refinement high on the agenda. Innovations that benefit refinement include the stiffness of the MCLA, fluid-filled mounts for the powertrain and the new rear suspension design and settings. Pirelli’s patented Noise Cancelling System is also adopted to reduce vibration and noise.
More than a technological game-changer
At the outset, McLaren designed the Artura to be not only a technological game-changer, but also to stay true to the core McLaren attributes of being incredibly engaging to drive and displaying the highest levels of dynamic ability. The engineers focused on stability under braking; rear-end controllability; increased grip and optimised aerodynamic downforce – as well as enhanced driver engagement across the board. Key to hitting these goals is McLaren’s first-ever deployment of an electronically controlled differential (E-diff), to independently control torque moving across the rear axle. Lighter, more controllable and smaller than a mechanical locking diff (it fits within the transmission), the E-diff locks and unlocks individual rear wheels to improve traction out of corners.
The innovative rear suspension system, which pairs a top upper wishbone with two lower links and a tie rod in front of the wheel centre, maximises vehicle stability and precision, and reduces understeer out of a corner while accelerating. The wider tyres allow additional stability and better traction performance while the combination of a short wheelbase, E-diff and the physical downforce provided by the integrated rear spoiler and diffuser ensure both incredible agility at low speed and a high level of stability at high speed.
Pirelli Cyber Tyre
Dynamic precision is additionally enhanced by Pirelli Cyber Tyre technology. Comprising hardware and software integrated with the Artura’s electronic systems and featuring an electronic ‘chip’ inside each tyre, the Cyber Tyre generates real-time data and relays it to the car’s stability control systems to optimise tyre performance.
One feature that is unashamedly not new on the Artura is McLaren’s trademark hydraulically-assisted steering. Proven on generations of McLaren supercars, it remains the ultimate system for providing feedback. In the Artura, the system has been fully redesigned to reduce weight and is combined with an updated and bespoke version of McLaren’s Proactive Damping Control system that further supports exceptional ride and handling characteristics.
Braking performance is also exceptional, as would be expected of a supercar. This is provided by carbon ceramic brakes and lightweight aluminium calipers from the same family as the systems that feature in McLaren’s latest LT models.
“Every drop of McLaren’s experience and expertise has been poured into the Artura. Our all-new, High-Performance Hybrid delivers all of the performance, driver engagement and dynamic excellence for which McLaren is renowned, with the additional benefit of EV driving capability. The introduction of the Artura is a landmark moment – for McLaren, for our customers who will appreciate and enjoy this car on every emotional and rational level, and for the supercar world,” said Mike Flewitt, CEO of McLaren Automotive.
First deliveries to customers will start during the third quarter of 2021 with prices in the UK starting from £185,500 (about RM1.04 million). There will be 3 further core specifications for customers to choose from.
‘Bespoke’ is customisation taken to a higher level and at the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective, consisting of designers, engineers and craftspeople, the limits of Bespoke are very high. Virtually any request will be met – while ensuring that safety is not compromised. In a world often dominated by luxury commodities designed for mass consumption, a Bespoke Rolls-Royce exemplifies the notion of true luxury.
A recent example is the latest Phantom Extended created in a 3-year collaboration between the customer and the Bespoke Design team, resulting in the creation of a deeply personal legacy. For the ultimate car enthusiast, Jack Boyd Smith, Jnr., this personal legacy features an unusual example of a rare species of Koa Wood.
Future classic for the JBS Collection
The realisation of Mr. Smith’s vision reflects both his personality and his love and passion for unique vintage cars. The one-of-a-kind creation joins his personal collection of more than 60 unique cars in The JBS Collection Museum. This latest Phantom Extended will undoubtedly become a future classic.
Referred to as the Koa Phantom, it is the first Rolls-Royce Phantom that incorporates Koa Wood, a rare species of tree that grows only on Hawaiian soil. The inspiration derives from Mr. Smith and his wife Laura’s love for the warmth and character of Koa Wood, having spent significant amounts of time in Hawaii. His ongoing connection to the Koa species is rooted deep within his family, with a Koa Wood rocking chair (pictured below) that has been a centrepiece in their home for many years.
Non-negotiable requirement
Mr. Smith was determined to bring the warm, familiar atmosphere of the wood to the interior of his Rolls-Royce. As they embarked on the creation, Mr. Smith quickly learned that his non-negotiable design would require allowing the craftspeople time to perfect their art. The unique Koa tree grows only in Hawaii and is protected in Hawaiian State and National parks. Koa Wood can only be harvested from private agricultural land and owing to the very specific growing conditions required, to find such a unique log from this extremely limited resource, is truly rare.
A Rolls-Royce Wood Specialist described the find as a ‘one in a million chance’. Some aspirant brands use more commonly available Koa Wood specimens but, for Rolls-Royce, only the finest example of this extraordinary species would do. Mr. and Mrs. Smith patiently waited for 3 years for their perfect veneer, as the Rolls-Royce Wood Specialist negotiated with a supplier for a highly prized log from his own, personal collection.
The specimen acquired displayed a unique depth of character rarely seen, with a figure in the grain that creates the effect of velvet. The craftsmen and women of the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Woodshop embraced the challenge of preserving this rich textural finish in the Phantom Extended.
Replicating an 80-year old finish
The Koa Phantom exterior shines a deep blue by day; by night, it is hidden in the darkness. The Bespoke ‘Packard Blue’ hue is colour-matched to Mr. Smith’s 1934 Packard Twelve Coupe, a rare motor car in his personal collection. Creating an exact match to an 80-year old finish was no small feat, and even included shipping parts from vintage cars to the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood. After testing on more than 40 test panels, the formula was finally deemed a perfect match.
An elegant hand-painted coachline in Dove Grey runs the length of the deep, dark blue Phantom, matching the wheel centre pinstripes. The driver’s door bears the personalised initials ‘JBS Jr’ while the passenger door bears the initials of Mrs. Smith, ‘LAS’.
On opening the coach doors, a personalised treadplate reads, ‘Hand-built in Goodwood, England for Laura & Jack Boyd Smith, Jr.’ Across Phantom’s fascia lies the Gallery – an uninterrupted piece of glass behind which clients can commission unique works of art and design. For the Koa Phantom, the wood itself takes centre stage, preserved and exhibited at the heart of the car, showcasing its natural beauty.
Koa Wood embellishes the Dove Grey leather interior that is matched to the Packard Twelve and offset by Navy Blue highlights and piping. Above, a Bespoke handcrafted starlight headliner consisting of 1,420 fibreoptic lights on navy-blue leather, depicts the constellation of the night sky above Cleveland, Ohio, on Mr. Smith’s date of birth.
The Rolls-Royce monogram on the headrests is matched to the exterior finish while the rear compartment is adorned with a Champagne fridge, accompanied by a pair of crystal champagne flutes and decanter, engraved with the clients’ initials.
A Picnic Hamper too
A hand-crafted Koa Wood Picnic Hamper completes this unique project. Koa Wood, saddle leather and stainless steel are meticulously crafted in a process that takes more than 500 hours to complete. The saddle leather trim and interior leather is Dove Grey, matched to the interior of the one-of-a-kind Bespoke Phantom. Stainless steel features on both the exterior and interior of the hamper; with plaques that read, ‘Laura & Jack Boyd Smith, Jr.’
The hamper includes hand-made wine glasses and decanters from the Ajka Crystal factory in Hungary, famed for its traditional techniques. The stainless-steel cutlery is hand-made in England. The 12-piece set is produced to the highest standards by expert craftspeople using traditional polishing and grinding techniques – a tribute to British steel heritage. Wedgwood porcelain plates add a final flourish to the hamper.
‘Perodua Smart Build’ is officially launched today as the Malaysian carmaker’s first sustainable blueprint. It encompasses nearly the entire Malaysian automotive supplier and dealer ecosystem, with the aim of moving the industry towards greater globalisation in the future.
Explaining the blueprint, Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin, said, “Perodua Smart Build is an evolution of what Perodua and the Malaysian automotive industry were originally set up to do: to create a sustainable and robust automotive ecosystem.”
He said that Perodua Smart Build is also Perodua’s ‘Transformation 3.0’. It builds upon its previous milestones which began with the first transformation phase in 2011. At that time, the company worked towards building the Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) ecosystem, stop defect outflow, set up Perodua Global Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, and change Perodua’s mindset to be quality conscious.
Transformation 2.0, which followed, was focussed on customer satisfaction, organisational development and the fostering of unity within the entire Perodua Group of Companies.
“Now, we are at the third phase of transformation to ‘build’ a sustainable future for both Perodua and its partners to a point where we will be able to find our own niche in the automotive industry,” Dato’ Zainal said.
He said that under ‘Transformation 3.0’, Perodua is working together with its business partners to rationalise the gap in quality, cost and delivery within the automotive ecosystem and get the industry to be in ‘the right size’.
Dato’ Zainal also said that Perodua is also working with all its partners to see where existing expertise can be utilised beyond Malaysia. He gave the example of how Perodua staff are now working to design Daihatsu models in Japan as part of Perodua’s effort to export local expertise abroad.
Malaysian designers from Perodua are working with Daihatsu on the designs of future models.
Dato’ Zainal said Perodua will continue to leverage on its close partnership with Daihatsu to realise Perodua Smart Build’s objective. “Perodua Smart Build will be accomplished with the help of our shareholder, technology and technical partner Daihatsu Motor Company of Japan; and the Malaysian government who had the foresight to create this ecosystem for the benefit of the country,” he said.
According to Dato’ Zainal, Perodua Smart Build is designed to help Perodua and the automotive ecosystem reap the benefits of the National Automotive Policy by making the industry more competitive and progressive.
Chief among the components of Perodua Smart Build are full product development by Perodua and its suppliers, the establishment of a first-class working culture and first-class thinking that will be able to contribute to the nation.
“Perodua Smart Build’s launch does not mean that we have reached the full potential of these components; rather, it marks the start of Perodua and its partners’ journey towards a higher level of competitiveness. We are grateful to Daihatsu for this opportunity and for their continuous support of Perodua since the very beginning. It is now time for us to fully extend this cooperation to our Malaysian business partners,” Dato’ Zainal said.
Perodua has been committed to supporting Malaysian suppliers and keeps increasing the value of local sourcing each year.
He added that a number of Malaysian suppliers are already part of Daihatsu’s global supply chain, and Perodua is working with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry to prepare more local suppliers to follow suit. “We are also focusing more on developing our dealers, including strengthening their operations and guiding them towards the adoption of global best practices to further improve customer satisfaction,” he added.
He explained that Perodua’s goal is to ensure its dealers’ business sustainability by providing guidance of best practices and the latest technology for growth. “We consider our dealers business partners in the same way Daihatsu is our business partner, and we are committed towards their prosperity as long as they, too, are committed to our goals.”
“Where products are concerned, our future offerings will better reflect contemporary trends without compromising our fundamentals – space, practicality, quality, dependability, fuel efficiency and unparalleled value,” said Dato’ Zainal.
This weekend, on February 20 and 21, Volkswagen dealerships throughout Malaysia will be hosting a virtual Open House from 11 am to 5 pm. During these sessions, there will be sales and aftersales offers to celebrate the Year of the Metal Ox.
Throughout the weekend event, detailed introductions and walkthroughs of various models will be presented online. From the comfort of their homes, viewers can send in their questions and Sales Consultants and Service Advisors will respond via Facebook Live.
Those who confirm the purchase a new Volkswagen using the Volkswagen eShowroom will enjoy ang pao rebates of RM1,000 (selected models), additional 1-year insurance at no extra cost or RM5,500 savings – on top of exclusive online deals.
Passat Elegance and R-Line
The weekend highlights include the Passat Elegance and Passat R-Line. These models come with a 2.0TSI turbocharged 109 ps/320 Nm petrol engine paired with a 7-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG).
Additionally, the Passat R-Line also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), with up to 15 selectable increments to suit adjust the driving dynamics to personal preference.
The Passat Elegance is priced from RM181,856 while the Passat R-Line is priced from RM203,411 (with sales tax exemption) and is available with up to RM10,000 in savings.
Tiguan Allspace Highline
As for the Tiguan Allspace Highline, this SUV is priced from RM164,430 with the sales tax exemption), and for the 2020 models, there are up to RM8,000 in rebates.
This model comes with a 1.4TSI turbocharged direct injection engine which may seem like a small displacement but produces an impressive 150 ps/250 Nm. The small displacement makes it more fuel efficient, with performance enhanced by a 6-speed wet clutch direct shift gearbox (DSG).
The long wheelbase provides versatility with multiple seat configurations and a massive boot space of 1,775 litres – the best in its segment. The Tiguan Allspace Highline is priced at, and with up to RM8,000 savings on 2020 models.
For owners too
There are also aftersales specials for those who already own a Volkswagen. The following are the offers on parts replacements and genuine engine oil:
Additionally, authorised Volkswagen service centres are offering a complimentary 5-Star Service Check, and up to 20% discount on batteries and tyres. To make a service appointment, click here.
BMW first began selling its cars in America in the mid-1950s and as their popularity grew, the carmaker began to consider making some of them there. The decision was finally made in the early 1990s, and Spartanburg County in the state of South Carolina was chosen for the factory site. It would be the first full production factory outside Germany and was intended to be a global production hub.
The first car – a 3-Series sedan – rolled out in September 1994, and was followed by the Z3 and Z4 models in the years that followed. The output was not only sent to distributors around North America but also worldwide, shipped out of the Port of Charleston which is nearby and one reason why BMW chose Spartanburg.
BMW’s first and still only factory in the USA began by making the 3-Series in 1994, followed by the Z3 and Z4 (below).
In 1999, the plant was designated as the global production hub for the new SAVs, starting with the X5. Today, it is the global centre of competence for X models.
Global centre of competence for X models
The Spartanburg factory began making the first Sports Activity Vehicle (SAVs) in 1999, with the X5, and today produces five X models (X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7). These include plug-in hybrid electric variants which accounted for 13 percent of the factory’s total production last year. BMW has assembled batteries for electrified vehicles since 2015, making the BMW Group a pioneer of electromobility in the USA.
In over 25 years, BMW Plant Spartanburg’s employment level has risen to more than 11,000 people who build 1,500 BMWs every day. The current facility represents a total investment of US$10.6 billion that includes two massive body shops, two paint shops, two assembly halls and an elaborate logistics operation.
Exporting more than two-thirds of its product, the BMW factory makes a considerable impact on US economic growth. A 2018 study by the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina estimated the annual economic impact of BMW Manufacturing on the US economy, measured in terms of overall output, was US$38.5 billion.
Seventh consecutive year as top exporter
Last year, for the seventh consecutive year, BMW Plant Spartanburg again topped the chart for automotive exports from the USA by value, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The factory exported 218,820 SAVs and Coupes during 2020 with an export value of more than US$8.9 billion.
While 86% of the vehicles were exported through the Port of Charleston, other ports along the east coast of the country were also used, as well as rail transport. The exports go to more than125 countries around the world. The top 5 export countries were China (23.3% of export volume), Germany (12.9%), South Korea (7.8%), Canada (6%), and Russia (5.3%).
BMW Spartanburg exports vehicles by sea as well as by rail (below).
Like all automotive manufacturers, BMW experienced a production interruption due to the coronavirus pandemic. After a 5-week non-production period, activity in the factory resumed for one shift daily from May 4. With new health guidelines and procedures in place, production slowly ramped up as the supply chain stabilized and demand rose. During the second half of the year, the factory produced nearly 218,000 BMWs, a record for any 6-month period in its history. By year’s end, the total output was 361,365 vehicles for the whole of 2020.
Click here for other BMW news and articles or visit www.bmw.com.my to know more about models and services available in Malaysia.
