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Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2021 to offer a ‘S.E.T.’ of solutions for visitors

2020 has been a bad year for all types of public events as governments all over the world prohibited any activity where many people gathered and could spread the COVID-19 coronavirus. Concerts, sports events, banquets, conferences and exhibitions were all postponed or cancelled. Even the Olympics, to have been held in Japan in July this year, had to be postponed to 2021 and as yet, there is still uncertainty if it can or should be run.

However, as the peak of the pandemic has passed – but there are still new cases and the situation in America is serious – governments in some countries are slowly relaxing the prohibitions on gatherings although most organisers still look towards 2021 to resume events.

Automechanika Kuala Lumpur is one of those that is being planned for 2021. A regular event on the auto industry calendar, the trade fair is scheduled to be held from March 18 to 20 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Fresh approach
The organisers are taking a fresh approach to the event-oriented exhibition with an all-encompassing array of onsite activities and networking opportunities to help create a dialogue between players in the passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, logistics and IoT (Internet of Things) sectors.

The digital breakthroughs present a host of new opportunities in the ongoing automation of traditional manufacturing and practices (Industry 4.0) throughout the automotive value chain. The latest National Automotive Policy 2020 has even placed IoT at the forefront of future thinking. Taking these factors into account. Automechanika Kuala Lumpur 2021 will push the boundaries even further to emphasise the potential of the digital transformation in the automotive market.

It will uniquely combine all elements of ‘Sourcing, Entertainment and Training’ to offer a ‘S.E.T.’ of solutions for fairgoers to meet their participating objectives. According to Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the organisers, the launch of ‘S.E.T.’ is another development in the show’s 22-year history.

“Each element of ‘Sourcing, Entertainment and Training’ will incorporate underlying digital trends that have the power to, ultimately, revolutionise end-user experiences. It equally weights all components, shaping dynamic growth opportunities for automotive players along the supply chain. Therefore, we aim to embody this innovative spirit at the show with one-of-a-kind activities that foster a passionate albeit business-oriented atmosphere,” she explained.

As a dominant aspect of the show, business opportunities are key drivers for participants looking to find new suppliers and meet with existing clients. The 2021 event expects to host exhibitors from 16 countries and regions across all sectors at the fair.

IoT as a standalone sector
The show introduces IoT as a standalone sector to amplify cloud-based, connectivity and telematics trends rising around the regional market. These digital trends will also transcend across Original Equipment (OE) right through to the aftermarket in the passenger, commercial vehicle and logistics sectors.

To illustrate this, product coverage of Diagnostics & Repair/Body & Paint, Accessories & Customising, Parts & Components and more within the core sectors will spotlight digital breakthroughs in safety, environmental protection, infotainment and comfort. For industry players, these are critical factors for today’s changing consumer patterns.

Entertainment in automotive culture
Automechanika Kuala Lumpur will once again be more than just a trading platform. The Auto NITZ Party and EMMA Malaysia Final – Car Audio and Modifications Competition will give way to a new type of auto-cultural festival. The spectacle aims to create a community amongst a mix of automotive players and is set to promote extended networking opportunities by engaging with more exhibitors, visitors and car enthusiasts alike. In the events, visitors from around the world will find an estimated 70 cars, tuned exclusively by local talent, along with guest performances from electronic dance and music groups.

Training from international experts
Information gathering, training and applied teaching remain huge pull factors for the show. A number of highly influential leaders will introduce the latest tools, technologies, systems and industry know-how to the regional market. Coverage will extend into commercial vehicle repair and maintenance, in addition to the passenger vehicle sector. Topics in sessions include the latest advancements for diagnostics, smart repair, and ADAS calibration and vehicle coding.

You don’t have to wait 20 years for a fully-electric Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will eventually offer a fully-electric model and its CEO has indicated that this may happen around 2040. As it is, many companies are already ‘electrifying’ their new models and have announced plans to increase the proportion of models with hybrid or all-electric powertrains during this decade.

UPDATE [29/9/21): Rolls-Royce will have its fully electric model out by late 2023.

2040 is 20 years away and if you can’t wait to own an electrically-powered Rolls-Royce – which usually comes with a 12-cylinder engine – a company called Lunaz can offer you one soon. It will however not be the latest model and will instead be a 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V.

*Lunas is already producing electric versions of classic Bentley and Jaguar models.*

Lunaz is a creator of electric classic cars and has already turned made Jaguar and Bentley classic models emission-free with electric powertrains. Now it will start restoration of the Phantom V, a classic model and install its proprietary electric powertrain with a full suite of hardware and software upgrades.

The battery pack for the electric powertrain is the largest of its type in the world at 120 kWh, ensuring range claimed to be over 480 kms – significantly more than required for traditional chauffeur-driven use.

The 8-seat interior scheme tastefully echoes the exterior. The very finest sustainably-sourced leather is crafted by an in-house specialist team and specified in Argent Grey. Instead of traditional seat piping, a double welt feature is presented in Whisper with Argent Grey, creating a contemporary pinstripe detail.

The original woodwork will be painstakingly restored and finished with a contemporary satin treatment. This sympathetic update is offset with rose gold inlays. This approach extends to the door cappings, front fascia and the picnic table backs affixed to the privacy division that separates the driver and rear passenger compartment.

There will be numerous modern technological conveniences and two screens are integrated behind the privacy division’s picnic tables, allowing rear occupants to watch films and mirror screens from mobile devices. A bar service occupies the centre of the unit and is custom-built to perfectly fit the owner’s favourite brand of tequila. Every Lunaz client will be invited to specify dimensions for their beverage of choice.

Retaining the character of these significant cars is the priority throughout the conversion and restoration process. This extends to every detail including the weighting of switchgear which has been exhaustively engineered to operate an entirely new powertrain with the same haptic feedback as the original. Instrumentation also stays true to the spirit of the 1960s design, with delicate integration of a battery range meter and power gauge.

The 1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom by Lunaz is built in eight-seat configuration with a front bench for three occupants, rear bench for a further three and two occasional seats. Occupants throughout will benefit from Lunaz’s commitment to specifying only the very best materials. For example, rear floormats have been custom made in alpaca wool, a material that is rarer than cashmere, softer than lambswool and is considered highly sustainable.

“My approach to design is defined by Sir Henry Royce’s philosophy that ‘small things make perfection and perfection is no small thing’. Together with our clients, we work to create relevant expressions of the most significant cars in history. I am proud to give new purpose to some of the most beautiful objects ever created,” said Jen Holloway, Design Director at Lunaz.

Production is initially planned to be strictly limited to 30 units and orders are already being taken from the company’s existing client base as well as some of the most celebrated and influential institutions in the world.

Following demand for electrified Phantoms, Lunaz has also elected to begin creating Rolls-Royce Silver Clouds. Customers are invited to secure allocation for these cars in a range of bodystyles – 4-door limousine, 2-door coupe and drop head coupe.

The start of production of the world’s first electric Rolls-Royce cars follows a surge in demand for the electrification of pinnacle classic cars. This is driven by a rebalancing of car collections for a clean air future. Demand is forecast to be so great that Lunaz is doubling its workforce at its factory in Silverstone, England.

“No car in the world matches a Phantom for presence, style and significance. Through electrification we proudly further the legacy of the ‘best car in the world’, making Rolls-Royce ownership a relevant choice for a new generation,” said David Lorenz, the company’s founder.

Ex-factory, the Silver Cloud by Lunaz starts at £350,000 (around RM1.91 million)), while pricing for a Phantom V by starts at £500,000 (around RM2.74 million). Orders will be accepted from anywhere in the world only by the factory.

Proton sends Saga CKD kits to Kenya for local assembly

Proton is intent on growing its volumes as quickly as possible and while its domestic sales are increasing all the time, it is also giving more attention to sales in other countries. Additionally, it is also in discussions with some business partners in some countries to have its cars assembled locally. Like in Malaysia, there would be preferential tax imposed which will be beneficial to Proton as it can then price its cars more attractively.

First CKD shipment to Kenya
Recently, the carmaker shipped 30 units of the Saga to Kenya in CKD (completely knocked-down) form, meaning the many parts were sent there as kits and will be assembled by Simba Corporation, a diversified conglomerate with a long history of sales and assembly experience in the automotive industry.

Proton CKD Saga exports to Kenya — *The Kenyan High Commissioner for Malaysia, Francis N. Muhoro (second from left), was present to observe the despatch of the first shipment of CKD Saga kits to Kenya.*

Proton’s decision to export the Saga in a CKD form was made following close consultation with its Kenyan partner, Simba. Aside from attracting lower taxes by being locally assembled, CKD units will help spur development in Kenya’s automotive manufacturing industry.

“While strengthening Proton’s domestic position is critical to truly be acknowledged as an international carmaker, we need to see our products in places as diverse as Bangkok, Islamabad, Cairo and now, Nairobi. On a national level, this will also increase the value of trade between Malaysia and Kenya and help to contribute to the creation of jobs in Kenya’s automotive industry,” said Dato’ Radzaif Mohamed, Deputy CEO of Proton.

Proton exports — *After a short period of inactivity in exporting cars, Proton resumed in the second half of 2018 with a batch of cars to the Middle East.*

Kenya is not a new market for Proton and in earlier years, it was among the 50+ countries where Proton sold its cars. However, the volumes were not big and when the 2000s began, the company reduced its focus on export markets. It is only in recent years that export plans have been formulated again and with new models in the pipeline, export sales are to become increasingly important.

Proton’s export offensive underway with updated models launched in Brunei

Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell aims to give support to aspiring SME entrepreneurs

3 months ago, during the Ramadan period, Shell Malaysia created opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to sell their delicacies at Shell stations. The nationwide initiative involving 950 stations, was aimed at supporting local and small-time food vendors by providing them an avenue to market their goods, especially during the difficult time this year.

*A new initiative by Shell Malaysia will enable SMEs with relevant products to sell them at the stations.*

Now the petroleum company is again giving support to SMEs with a new initiative that encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to realise their dreams. Known as Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell, the Shell initiative is designed to help local SMEs expand their reach with an opportunity to sell their products through the Shell Select stores located at the stations.

The initiative is part of Shell’s continuous effort to serve and drive impact to communities while increasing its product offers in store.

“Shell Malaysia has a long-lasting commitment in making life’s journeys better for our customers and the communities where we operate. The positive outcome of our past partnerships with local SMEs have inspired us to launch Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell. This initiative is one of our contributing roles to raise the economic prosperity of SMEs in Malaysia and bolster the entrepreneurial economy, especially during this unprecedented time. We have worked on many collaborations with SMEs in the past, and it is inspiring to see the quality of products our local SMEs bring to the table,” said Shairan Huzani Husain, MD of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd and Shell Timur Sdn Bhd.

Shell has always opened its doors to local SMEs and provided them with an avenue to promote their products at Shell Select stores. For instance, Zainon Salleh, who runs a humble keropok business in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, received the Private Label Contract with Shell earlier this year and her keropok is now available nationwide.

*Zainon Salleh’s small keropok business in Kelantan has grown, thanks to Shell choosing her as one of the suppliers for its station stores.*

“When I first made my keropok, marketing it to local shops in my hometown was a challenge. Through Shell’s help, I can now see my products reaching more people in all parts of the country. I am truly grateful to Shell for not just giving me this opportunity but for also enabling me in providing a source of income for other women through my business,” she said.

With Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell, Shell looks to partner with SMEs who supply snacks, confectionaries, non-alcoholic beverages, and ready-to-eat meals. SMEs are encouraged to take this opportunity to register their businesses and stand a chance to place their products under the Private Label Contract with Shell. This initiative is open for Malaysians aged 18 and above whose businesses must be registered and have a valid business registration number.

This initiative will award three deserving SMEs with a Private Label Contract with Shell that consists of a permanent store offering in Shell Select stores nationwide. On top of that, 27 other SMEs will also have the opportunity to promote their products at a national, regional, or specific site listing as decided by Shell.

Aspiring SME owners can find more information and submit their entries online at www.shell.com.my/MalaysianDream from now until September 11. 2020. Entries will be evaluated according to the product quality, innovation, and distribution capabilities of the business. In addition to this, Shell invites Malaysians to vote for the products that deserve to be on Select shelves nationwide on the ‘Realisasi Impianmu Bersama Shell’ website.

Shell Malaysia’s initiative helps small food businesses during Ramadan period

Another car on motorcycle lane – and causes a motorcyclist to have an accident!

UPDATE (22/8/20): The driver of the car with registration number QMN 5338
(as shown in the video) which was driven along the motorcycle lane 
by the Federal Highway has surrendered himself to the police tonight.

A while back, we wrote about the case of a car which was seen being driven along a motorcycle lane. The police managed to track down the owner and according to their investigations, he said he had set the Waze GPS navigation system wrongly. Giving him the benefit of doubt, we looked further into the matter to see if it was possible for Waze to give different directions if the vehicle setting was a car and a motorcycle, as we suspected that could have been the case.

There were people who didn’t think it was possible as GPS accuracy is not fine enough to be able to separate a motorcycle lane and the highway. However, when we used two different vehicle settings, the guidance did show differences, with the one for motorcycles being clearly on the motorcycle lane and the one for cars on the highway.

So it is possible that if the Waze app was accidentally set to motorcycle mode, the guidance could have directed towards a motorcycle lane. Of course, the driver should have been aware he was off the highway but it was said that he was an old man and he may really not have been familiar with the roads, so he didn’t realize he was actually on a motorcycle lane.

Video from INFO ROADBLOCK JPJ/POLIS FB

Recently, there was another case which could have resulted in a head-on collision. Fortunately, the motorcyclist (who happened to have a GoPro camera on him) swerved out of the way but still crashed against the side. The car had suddenly come out of a tunnel and as can be seen in the early part of the video, the motorcycle lane was on the left side of the highway (said to be near MidValley City in Kuala Lumpur).

This would suggest that the car entered the motorcycle lane already going the ‘wrong way’ – in relation to the highway flow – and that cannot be a GPS route guidance error. The system would not have guided the driver in the wrong direction, so it would appear that it was a deliberate action. We hope the police will also be able to track down the driver and charge him as that was certainly a very dangerous situation which could have killed someone.