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How motorists can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19

NOTE: This article was published in February 2020 before the COVID-19 epidemic became a pandemic and before the Malaysian government issued the Movement Control Order on March 18, 2020.

COVID-19, the coronavirus disease which began in December in Wuhan, China, is now spread all over the world. Malaysia, which took the necessary measures of surveillance and quarantine quite early, has fortunately not experienced a rapid increase in cases.

While our daily life can still continue without restrictions – unlike some places where there are lockdowns limiting movement – there is still a need to be mindful of the situation and take precautions to protect ourselves, our families and our friends. There are worrying projections of how the virus will eventually infect millions around the world but these are just projections. No one can know for sure what’s going to happen and more important right now is action which can be taken to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Cabin — *The closed environment of a car cabin and the closeness of occupants means that a more conscious effort is needed to maintain cleanliness to help prevent spread of COVID-19.*

Some facts about viruses
As our website is motor-related, we’ll talk about actions by motorists that can help. But before we get into that, let’s first understand what the known dangers are. To start with, the virus is transmitted like the flu which we have lived with all our lives. With flu, vaccines have been developed to treat those infected (but many still die every year) and hopefully, a vaccine will quickly be found to fight and prevent COVID-19.

The virus is spread mainly from person-to-person, either through close contact (within about 2 metres or 6 feet) or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. At this time, leading medical authorities say there is still not enough strong evidence to support concerns that it is airborne (as in floating around) as well.

It is also possible to be infected from touching a surface or object that may have been in contact with a person having the virus. Droplets containing the germs may have transferred onto things like door handles, buttons, computer keyboards or even eating utensils. You won’t get sick right away but when your hands or fingers touch your mouth, nose, or possibly the eyes, the germs your hands picked up could be transferred. You may not realise it but you probably touch your face often and that is the reason why health authorities strongly recommend frequent washing of hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds). You can also use a hand sanitizer that requires no water but can still provide a degree of disinfection on your hands.

The virus can stay alive and dangerous for some time; early evidence suggested that it could be up to 9 days. Research is still ongoing to determine if higher temperatures will kill it but recent reports also express concerns about its ability to survive longer than 9 days. There’s still a lot that is not known about COVID-19 but almost every day, new findings are made as scientists race to understand it.

What you can do
Okay, now that you have an idea of how the ‘enemy’ operates, how do you protect yourself inside the car? The first thing would be to keep areas that are usually touched clean and this does not mean just wiping them with a wet cloth but using liquids or tissues with antiseptic properties. It’s a simple process to just wipe door handles, window winders (if your car still has them), switches, buttons, steering wheel, and even surfaces like the dashboard.

*The door handles, dashboard, switches, steering wheel and audio system controls are some of the spots where fingers and hands will frequently touch.*

Actually, such cleaning practices are good hygiene anyway as there have always been germs everywhere. Only thing is, this time, one of the germs is very dangerous so a more conscious effort is needed to keep the cabin areas clean. Carmakers like Geely Auto are already doing R&D on materials that could help in this area.

Keeping the air clean
The air-conditioning system blows cool air into the cabin and unless it has a very effective filter, the air is likely to also contain germs. This is inevitable as over time, dust collects inside the vents and ducts, bringing with it germs. Again, you’ve lived with this condition but now things are more serious, especially as the recirculating system can pick up germs inside the cabin as well.

Dead bacteria in the system is one of the reasons you sometimes get a bad smell. Mould, mildew, fungi and micro-organisms grow as a result of the damp conditions in the system, allowing bacteria to also collect, grow and die.

For this reason, some manufacturers have air purifying systems incorporated in the ventilation systems of their cars. These were originally meant to protect the occupants from pollen but Toyota found that installing a nanoe generator could also inhibit the growth of allergens, bacteria and viruses in the air, besides enhancing air quality. It provided this feature (developed by Panasonic) in the Camry some 8 years ago and also offers it in some other models.

More recently, as an urgent response to the COVID-19 epidemic, Geely Auto completed development of the G-Clean Intelligent Air Purification System (IAPS) which automatically filters out harmful particulates – including airborne viruses – from the vehicle’s internal air environment. The carmaker says that the filtration is of the same level as an N95 respiration system. The ‘N95’ designation means that at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) particles used in testing can be blocked.

Ionizers can deactivate viruses
If you don’t own a Toyota Camry or a Geely model (Protons don’t have the IAPS yet), you can still install an ionizer which generates negative ions into the cabin air to keep it fresh and are known to deactivate (not kill) airborne bacteria and viruses so they cannot infect. Companies like Panasonic, Sharp, Philips and Blaupunkt make small units that can slot into the cupholders between the seats and are powered from the cigarette lighter or USB ports.

Sharp Ionizer — *Ionizers for cars can help to not only keep the air fresh but also deactivate viruses so they cannot infect.*

A word of warning: as such devices electrically charge air molecules inside their casings, they could cause interference with remote control devices so don’t place your keyless entry fob near them.

Periodically disinfecting the cabin is also a good idea and you can use disinfectant sprays for this. Most are okay for such a purpose but do read the warning notes before using. You’re not going to have 100% coverage but it is still helpful. Who knows – the spray may kill that one tiny virus droplet on the steering wheel and save you from getting infected.

This article is presented for information as we believe that it is better to be ‘safe rather than sorry’. For the latest official updates on the COVID-19 situation, visit the website of the Malaysian Ministry of Health (KKM).

90th Geneva International Motor Show cancelled, F1 calendar unchanged for now

With less than a week to go before opening, the 90th edition of the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) has been cancelled. Although the COVID-19 epidemic is spreading and increasing in many places all over the world, the organisers may have been debating daily whether to cancel but the decision was made for them when the Swiss government ordered that events with more than 1,000 people would not be permitted to run (at least until March 15, 2020).

“We regret this situation, but the health of all participants is our and our exhibitors’ top priority. This is a case of force majeure and a tremendous loss for the manufacturers who have invested massively in their presence in Geneva. However, we are convinced that they will understand this decision,” said Maurice Turrettini, Chairman of the Foundation Board.

Proton EMAS — The Geneva International Motor Show has been a popular event for manufacturers (though its future has been at risk for other reasons before this virus crisis). Even Proton was present in 2010 to display a concept car called the EMAS.

GIMS was to have opened on March 5 and construction of the stands at the Palexpo venue has been nearly complete and now dismantling will instead have to be organised. The financial consequences for all those involved in the event are significant, especially carmakers which had planned to use GIMS to unveil their new models, among them the new Volkswagen Golf GTI and Kia Sorento.

Geely launched its new ICON SUV last week with an online event in China and some companies may be rushing to do the same thing. Of course, they have already spent a lot of money preparing for GIMS and although they will get refunds, some costs won’t be avoidable, eg payments to contractors building the stands. However, tickets already purchased for the event will be refunded.

Even though there are so far only 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in Switzerland, the move by the government is aimed at preventing or delaying the spread of the disease in the country in the hope of reducing its momentum. For events with fewer than 1,000 people, organizers are required to carry a risk assessment in conjunction with the authorities to decide whether the event can be held.

FIA monitoring situation but no cancellations – yet
While the Formula E round in Marrakesh will run this weekend, Liberty Media, the company which took over the commercial side of F1 in 2017, is expecting the COVID-19 crisis to impact its revenues by millions for the 2020 season. As it is, the Chinese GP scheduled in April has been postponed and the FIA is monitoring the situation closely and making the necessary decisions in the interests of the participants and the public.

The last time a F1 event was cancelled was in 2011 when the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was to have been the season-opener, could not run due to concerns about unrest in the country.

*First round of 2020 Formula 1 championship will still go ahead in Melbourne on March 15.*

The first round for 2020 is to start in Melbourne, Australia, on March 15, a date that is presently used as an end-date for COVID-19-related measures. Round 2 will be in Bahrain and Round 3 at a new street circuit in Hanoi, Vietnam. Liberty Media wants the races to run and the FIA has so far not instructed any cancellations or changes to the calendar of 22 races, apart from the Chinese GP.

However, there could be a problem for some teams if the host countries become strict on entry or even refuse to allow entry to travellers from certain countries, eg Italy which has the largest cluster of infected persons. This not only affects the racing teams but also companies that support the teams. There are some logistics and hospitality contractors who have bases in China and they not only face increasing challenges to their operations, but movements of their personnel are hampered as some cannot enter certain countries or are stuck in them.

It’s not only F1 that has this critical situation but all sports… in fact, any event where large crowds will be gather in close proximity. These could include racetracks, stadiums and convention centres. It has already been found that one means of transmission has occurred at events where one infected person has passed the virus on to others present. The World Health Organization (WHO) has now raised its global risk assessment of the new coronavirus to the highest level.

No price increases for locally-assembled Toyota models

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is informing customers that there are no planned increases in prices of Toyota CKD (locally-assembled) models at this time. The company is probably making this statement in view of the speculation of prices going up as Honda Malaysia recently announced increases for some of its models.

While it was reported earlier that there will be no price increases for CKD models, this only refers to any effect from the transparent methodology of reporting the Open Market Value (OMV). The Finance Ministry gave assurance that if any CKD model was affected by increased prices as a result of the calculations, the amount of increase would be fully absorbed/exempted by the Finance Ministry during 2020.

Nevertheless, as we also pointed out in the earlier report, it does not mean that prices will not change at all in 2020 due to other factors. Ravindran K, President of UMWT, said that factors such as exchange rates and tax revisions can affect prices. “As far as possible, the company has always tried to maintain price stability by absorbing the increases as much as we can,” he added.

The CKD models in UMWT’s current line-up are the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Vios, Toyota Rush, Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova and Toyota Hiace.

For the current prices of the various models, visit www.toyota.com.my or any authorised dealership and UMWT branch nationwide.

Finance Ministry gives firm assurance that new reporting methodology will not increase vehicle prices during 2020

Fuel Prices For February 29 – March 6, 2020

2020 Liqui Moly US Legend Cars Championship postponed due to COVID-19

COVID-19, the coronavirus, is slowly impacting our lives and while we hope that there will be positive changes soon in the spread of the epidemic, event organisers in Malaysia are considering the situation seriously. This is of great importance as there is a risk of infection when large groups gather, as has been evident in other countries. Therefore, some events may have to be postponed or cancelled to reduce the risks.

Motorsports is one of the events which has large crowds of spectators and in view of the risk, the organisers of the 2020 Liqui Moly US Legend Cars Championship have decided that the inaugural championship will be postponed.

The first round of the 6-round championship series was to have been held on March 13 at Perak’s T-City Gopeng Motor Speedway (shown above).

In a statement issued today, the organisers said that US Legend Cars Malaysia is closely monitoring the situation. “Further to this, with various other uncertainties in the country, the management of US Legend Cars Malaysia has deliberated intensely and decided to postpone the championship. The decision was not an easy one to make, especially with much preparation already done,” the statement said.

New dates will be announced at a later date and would be dependent on how the situation evolves.

2020 Liqui Moly US Legend Championship starts first oval racing series in Malaysia

First details and pictures of the all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk. 8

The ‘GTI’ suffix has been used by some manufacturers on their high-performance models, largely inspired by the success and popularity of the Volkswagen Golf GTI that came out in 1976. The German carmaker produced the original ‘hot hatch’ and was so protective of the ‘GTI’ badge that it even took Suzuki to court to try to stop its use on the Swift in the early 2000s. The General Court of the European Union favoured Suzuki, declaring that ‘any visual, phonetic or conceptual similarity” between the two cars was negated by the Swift model name’.

The court also stated that most customers ‘would not assume that all vehicles, parts and accessories come from the same manufacturer simply on the basis of the three letters ‘GTI,’ and accordingly any likelihood of confusion was excluded’.

Still, ‘GTI’ remains very strongly associated with the Golf and with the launch of the 8^th generation of the model line, a new version has been eagerly awaited. The new Golf GTI will maintain its design DNA and character – a relief when you see how Volkswagen is also accelerating electrification of its models.

As before, the new GTI has an understated look which makes it a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’. However, GTI fans will recognise familiar elements like the red pinstripe. The standard LED headlights are positioned low down and dominate the striking front end in conjunction with the radiator grille. A narrow edge below the bonnet, red in colour, reaches across the entire front.

Upon activating the daytime running lights, two continuous LED strips up to the Volkswagen logo emphasise this striking line. This creates the completely new, unmistakable headlight design of the Golf GTI. Just as striking is the large, continuous, air inlet grille at the bottom featuring the honeycomb pattern so typical of this model as well as the integrated foglights.

Output raised to 245 ps/370 Nm
Preliminary information available (the model will have its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show next month), we know that it will have a 245 ps 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine which also produces maximum torque of 370 Nm. The numbers of this latest EA888 engine represent increases of 15 ps and 20 Nm when compared to the GTI of the last generation, and on par with the Performance Pack version of that same car.

The 4-cylinder engine can be ordered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed dual clutch DSG. Volkswagen says that top speed is limited to 250 km/h with a slight improvement in the 0 – 100 km/h sprint.

GTI character, digital capabilities
Although Volkswagen is enhancing the digital and networking capabilities of the eighth-generation Golf to an unprecedented extent, many of the original GT insignia can still be found on board. However, the sports steering wheel of yesteryear has been transformed into a new multifunction leather sports steering wheel with touch controls and an optionally integrated Travel Assist button to allow the powerful Golf to run at a top speed of 210 km/h while Travel Assist is engaged.

The three silver spokes on the steering wheel have been retained the central area having a red finish. The classic checked pattern of the sports seats is also retained, the new checked design now being called ‘Scalepaper’. Incidentally, this pattern was the influence of one of the company’s first female designers, Gunhild Liljequist, who joined Volkswagen’s Department of Fabrics and Colours 30 years ago.

She had gained a lot of inspiration from her travels around England and was always taken by high-quality fabrics with checked patterns. This would lead her to use the tartan design, then known as ‘Clark Plaid’, for the Golf GTI which would go on to become a familiar sight in the hot hatch.

More information will be available when the car is launched and if we’re lucky, we may get to see it in Malaysia by the end of 2020, if not earlier.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about Volkswagen products and services available in Malaysia.

Volkswagen and Tarik Jeans collaborate to save the Malayan Tapir

Mitsubishi Triton stays strong in the pick-up truck segment

The all-new Mitsubishi Triton drew a lot of attention with its bold new appearance and those looks (and, of course, its reputation as a very capable truck) must have persuaded many people to want to own one. In fact, sales of the pick-up truck have continued to grow since its launch in January last year (although it was previewed in late 2018 at the KL International Motor Show). It accounted for 71% of MMM’s sales, with the remainder being the Outlander and ASX SUVs.

Although sales of new pick-up trucks in Malaysia fell by 21% in 2019, with the total volume of locally-assembled models dropping by 27.1% as companies scaled back production in the light of reduced demand, Mitsubishi’s Triton registered an increase of 2.4% (compared to 2018) during the year with 5,792 units sold. The higher volume also captured a market share that was 3.8% more at 16.5%.

The momentum has continued into 2020 with Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) reporting that its January sales achieved an all-time high market share for the past 10 years at 22.8%. The company didn’t provide the actual sales volume and as the monthly report from Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) is delayed, we can’t determine those numbers.

Additionally, MMM says the Triton was the model in the pick-up segment that achieved positive growth and, with over 4,300 units delivered, expanded its overall sales with a 1.6% increase from April 2019 to January 2020, comparing to the same period last financial year. MMM’s Financial Year calendar is from April 2019 to March 2020.

“We are happy that we closed 2019 and began 2020 strong with the Mitsubishi Triton that has managed to capture the hearts of Malaysians with the DNA of the best handling pick-up truck. With the achievement of ranking number one in JD Power 2019 Malaysia Customer Service Index (CSI), we are committed to deliver top-notch service to all our customers,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, Chief Executive Officer of MMM.

The Triton, imported as a CBU (completely built-up) model from Thailand, is available with 2.4-litre MIVEC and 2.5-litre turbodiesel engines. Customers can also choose either a 4×4 or 4×2 drivetrain. Prices start from RM79,890 and MMM gives a factory warranty of 200,000 kms (or maximum of 5 years).

Mitsubishi Triton sales rose in 2019 despite decline in pick-up truck segment

BMW iNEXT undergoes extreme testing conditions in Africa

On its way to being ready for production, the BMW iNEXT is completing additional vehicle testing under particularly demanding conditions. Intensive test runs in the freezing cold at the polar circle are now being followed by a contrasting program in the Kalahari in southern Africa.

In addition to extreme heat and solar radiation, permanent dust formation and off-road terrain with its sand, pebble and gravel tracks pose exceptional challenges for the BMW Group’s technology flagship.

The test drives through the desert and savanna regions in the northwest corner of South Africa are in temperatures that would drain any mobilephone battery in no time at all. This puts a severe test on the integrated cooling concept for the high-voltage battery, the electric motor and the vehicle electronics.

During extensive heat tests, the car is repeatedly exposed to the heat of the sun for hours and later cooled down. In this way, the developers test not only the operability of the electrical systems but also the temperature stability of the materials used in the interior.

Moreover, the interior air conditioning, which operates by means of thermal pump technology, its control system and all further components of the electronics, are subjected to the extreme conditions of the desert climate.

Every part and system stress-tested
In this literally hot phase of the product development process, not only do the drive and suspension components of the iNEXT – a car designed for all-electric mobility – have to provide proof of their functional safety, durability and reliability, but also the car’s bodywork, interior, driver assistance systems and digitalisation technology.

The ‘hot climate’ tests are an integral part of a both extensive and varied development and test program. Prototypes are subjected virtually in time-lapse to the stress of an entire car’s service life.

Real-world conditions
Like every new BMW model, the prototypes are also driven at the proving ground at Miramas in southern France, the Nurburgring Nordschleife and other racetracks as well as the Winter Centre in Sweden.

With high-speed operation, stop/go traffic, extreme temperatures below and above zero, testing on ice and snow as well as desert sand and gravel, the pre-production cars are put through a concentrated form all of the challenges an automobile may face in everyday traffic over a period of many years.

Fifth generation BMW eDrive technology
Featuring fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, the iNEXT is said to set new benchmarks in sportiness, efficiency and range in a battery-powered automobile. The car’s suspension control and driver assistance systems pave the way for a further step towards autonomous driving. Current innovations in the field of operation and digitalisation also underscore the future-oriented character of the iNEXT.

Production of the iNEXT will commence at the BMW Dingolfing plant in 2021. Designed as a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, the new model combines the latest innovations defined by the BMW Group in its corporate NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy for the future fields D-ACES (Design, Autonomous, Connected, Electrified und Services).

5th generation BMW eDrive technology to debut in iX3 next year

Ford Ranger XLT variants will be up to RM9,000 cheaper next week

Over the next 3 months, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) has a money-saving offer for the Ford Ranger, specifically the XLT variants. With the ‘Ford Ranger XLT Family Promotion’, purchasers of the Ranger XLT, XLT Plus and XLT Special Edition can save up to RM9,000. The promotion will run from March 1 to May 31, 2020.

“The Ford Ranger XLT line-up continues to attract a wide range of customers with its appeal as a hardworking and rugged pickup that is suited for both work and play. Comfortable yet powerful, refined yet capable, our customers appreciate its versatility. With that, we are delighted to introduce the ‘Ford Ranger XLT Family Promotion’ to our customers,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, MD of Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

Ford Ranger XLT Special Edition
The Ranger XLT Special Edition has enhancements that include an upgraded 9-inch Touchscreen display with Reverse Camera plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that supports applications like Spotify, YouTube, Waze and Google Chrome. It also comes with a tonneau cover and trendy decals on each side of the truck.

Ford Ranger XLT Plus
Voted ‘Twin Cab Pick-up Truck of The Year’ in the 18^th Malaysia Cars of the Year Awards, the Ranger XLT Plus is powered by a 2-litre Single-Turbo diesel engine that is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission delivering 180 ps/420Nm.

It comes with convenience features such as keyless entry with start/stop button for engine operation and an Easy-Lift Tailgate to make lifting and lowering the tailgate effortless. It’s an ideal vehicle for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, camping or canoeing.

The capable Ranger XLT has a proven diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger that delivers 160 ps of power and maximum torque of 385 Nm, more than enough for work and personal business.

Colour choices
The Ranger Special Edition comes with a choice of two colours – Arctic White and Absolute Black, while the Ranger XLT and XLT Plus are available in Aluminium Metallic, Lightning Blue, Frozen White, Magnetic and Absolute Black.

To find out more about each variant and other promotions, visit www.sdacford.com.my .

Ford Ranger wins International Pick-up Award 2020

Volkswagen’s electric vehicles will use a 1-speed gearbox!

Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform is to be the key element in its future models as electrification increases. The platform, to be used by Volkswagen Group brands such as Audi, SEAT, Skoda and Volkswagen, has many sophisticated components optimized for electric drive systems.

One of these is the APP310 e-drive unit that will used for the Volkswagen ID.3 due in showrooms from mid-2020. The powerful unit transmits power to the driven wheels using an extremely compact gearbox with a single gear. The mechanism used has only a small number of cogs. It is manufactured by a Volkswagen subsidiary.

Is one gear enough?
But why is a single gear enough for the drive motor? The traction, ie the force that allows movement, and speed of a motor vehicle depend on the rotational speed of its drive system. As the speed of the drive system increases, the force transmitted to the wheels – the torque – can vary.

With a vehicle with a combustion engine, the torque increases along with the engine speed and then falls again. With an electric drive system, however, the maximum torque is available immediately and remains constant over a wide range of speeds. The use of a multi-speed gearbox to achieve the desired speed or the necessary torque along the speed curve is therefore not absolutely necessary.

One gear for every situation
That is why a 2-stage 1-speed gearbox is practical for the Volkswagen ID.3. When reversing the car, the direction of the electric drive system is simply reversed. In addition to various other components, power electronics are responsible for this and for the power characteristics of the drive system.

Volkswagen e-drive — *The e-drive weighs just 90 kgs and is compact enough to fit inside a bag.*

In order to generate the maximum output of 150 kW, the 90-kg electric drive unit must rotate at high speeds. For a high level of torque, a 10x transmission ratio is used. To save space, the gearbox has a two-stage design with two smaller cogs instead of one big one. As a result, the electric drive motor in the ID.3 provides maximum torque of 310 Nm constantly over a wide range of speeds. The maximum speed of 160 km/h is reached at a maximum of 16,000 rpm.

Precision manufacturing
Because an electric drive system is very quiet, the level of noise in an EV is very important. Even the tiniest sources of noise can be heard. The parts for the 1-speed gearbox must therefore be manufactured with great precision to ensure that they do not cause any additional noise. At the end of the production line, not only the power characteristics of the electric drive system checked but so are the relevant noise levels.