The era of the ‘bubble cars’ was during the 1950s and 1960s and were low-cost, very basic, motorized vehicles for two persons. They were made by manufacturers that no longer exist with the exception of companies like Citroen and BMW, the latter having produced the Isetta under licence from Italy’s ISO Rivolta. As more conventional and spacious sedans became affordable, their popularity faded and they were regarded more as novelties.
The bubble shape offers optimal space utilization though it has a constraint on size. It has been used today for microcars, especially the new generation of electrically-powered vehicles. Such vehicles are sold in Europe as ‘quadricycles’ and have a following large enough to justify their existence as a business.
How much car do you really need?
Microlino, a Swiss company, believes that the bubble car design is ideal for personal mobility in today’s urban environments. It started with a simple question: “How much car do you really need for your daily commute?” which three brothers in a Swiss family asked themselves. Coming from a completely different sector, they could not understand why most cars today are too big and too heavy for their purpose. On average, a car is occupied by just 1.2 people, travelling a daily distance of only 30 kms.
In their view, the ideal vehicle would be something between a motorbike and a car. Small and agile, but at the same time weatherproof and spacious enough for shopping. In the course of their research, they came across the bubble cars of the 1950s and used those models as inspiration for the first designs in collaboration with the Swiss university ZHAW.
Positive response after first display
A prototype was developed in China in mid-2015 and displayed at a small stand at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. Though still in prototype stage, there was strong interest and in just two days, some 500 reservations were made by visitors. This gave them the confidence to begin engineering the vehicle to be produced for sale and they collaborated with Tazzari, an Italian car manufacturer specialising in small electric vehicles.
By the beginning of 2018, the first prototype was completed and could be submitted for homologation so that it could be registered for use on public roads. As publicity of the vehicle, known as the Microlino, became more widespread, more orders were received and at last count, they now number more than 16,000. Three prototypes have been built and after another two more, the company is looking at starting commercial production in Italy before the end of this year. Pricing will start at 12,000 euros (about RM59,000) with customers having some options to customize their vehicle.
Electric power for 21st century
While those old bubble cars used small petrol engines, the Microlino is powered by an 11 kW/100 Nm electric motor which provides a top speed of 90 km/h. Customers can choose from two lithium-ion battery packs which, depending on driving style and conditions, will give a range of between 125 kms and 200 kms, more than enough for daily urban use. Charging is said to take a maximum of 4 hours with a 2 kW wall socket.
Entry through the front
Measuring 2430 mm long, 1500 mm wide and 1450 mm tall, the cabin has space for two persons sitting next to each other and like the old bubble cars, entry is through the front. The question then is what about the steering wheel and column? As the pictures show, this is a standalone element at the front of the cabin and remains in place when the door is swung open. Presumably, it is engineered with safety in mind otherwise the Microlino would not be street-legal.
The folding roof was developed by Magna Car Top Systems, an expert in the field of convertible tops and roof systems. It can easily be opened and closed with one hand while driving and lets in a gentle breeze. The folding roof will be available as an option and comes standard in the premium versions.
The old bubble cars had a rather flimsy structure but the Microlino has more robust engineering, thanks to computer-aided design and modern lightweight but strong materials. It follows the monocoque concept, like modern cars, and is made out of pressed steel and aluminium parts, the first product in its category to use this structure. It weighs just 513 kgs with the battery pack installed.
There was a time when SUVs – vehicles for driving off the highway in rough terrain – would not have been seen as being relevant in the luxury class. Those who bought luxury cars wanted comfort and generally cruised around cities and travelling on highways to their mansions in the countryside. But times have changed and as SUVs became more comfortable and more ‘civilised’, just about every segment started to have one or more. And even Rolls-Royce has a SUV (the Cullinan), along with Bentley.
Mercedes-Maybach, also in that same stratospheric segment of the market, therefore could not ignore offering a SUV as well and while there is the very capable G-Wagen, it is not exclusive enough in concept so the brand has designed its own model based on the modular architecture for luxury and executive-class electric vehicles. This will be the brand’s second SUV after the GLS 600 4MATIC which was launched in 2019.
With the Concept EQS, Mercedes-Maybach is providing a preview of a future SUV model which will be appropriate for the brand as it joins the journey into a zero-emissions future of motoring. “Many of our Mercedes-Maybach customers are digitally connected to a high degree and place the highest demands on our digital solutions. They also expect the brand of their choice to stand up for sustainable values and take responsibility for the environment. The Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS fulfils all these points and embodies sophisticated luxury in a more progressive way: the all-electric powertrain not only makes consistently sustainable mobility possible, but also enables a new level of calm and relaxation for passengers,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Marketing & Sales.
‘Near production’ model
The design is said to be ‘near production’ and shows identifying features that are characteristic of Maybach – such as the elaborate two-tone paint finish. It also has elements from the Mercedes-EQ family that is all-electric, with the appearance consistently following the concept of ‘purpose design’. The transition to a new technological era is recognisable at first glance.
Continuous transitions, without breaks and edges, characterise the seamless design. The expressive surface modelling and muscular shoulders are further characteristic features. And numerous chrome applications set brand-characteristic accents. The pronounced wheel wells with cladding in high-gloss black emphasise power and emotionality.
The upright black panel front also flows seamlessly into the wraparound bonnet and headlights. The LED light units showcase the lighting with individual diamond blocks framed with a fine-knit mesh of the Maybach emblem. The classic Maybach lettering on the front bonnet, the upright Mercedes star and the longitudinal chrome-plated trim strip in the centre of the bonnet are a tribute to tradition.
The aerodynamically optimised side running boards bear a customised inlay with the Maybach emblem. Generously dimensioned 24-inch light-alloy wheels in the Maybach ‘bowl’ design – with 5 short spokes and a flat centre section – as well as Maybach lettering, emphasise the exclusive appearance.
“With the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS, we’re transforming the brand into an electric future after 100 years. In conjunction with the new-style aerodynamic SUV proportions, we’re completely redefining the luxury SUV of the future,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group.
Emotional and stylish statement
The interior of the Concept Mercedes-Maybach EQS is just as emotional and stylish a statement as the exterior – realised completely virtually. The lounge character promises luxurious travel at the highest level. The front seats show parallels to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The First-Class rear suite with two generous individual seats – also inspired by the S-Class – as well as the High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System will offer the highest level of comfort on board. And because the SUV concept allows for more seat height, the calf rest could be made even larger.
Plenty of freedom of movement
The centre console appears to float like a continuous ribbon from the cockpit to the rear seats, creating a particularly light and elegant impression of space with plenty of freedom of movement. In combination with many indirect and direct ambient lighting features, the impression of space and interior components appear visually lighter and also seem to float.
The standard vase insert invites you to bring seasonally appropriate floral decorations and thus nature into the interior of the Maybach. Underneath, a large storage area offers plenty of space for utensils or for individual equipment options such as folding tables, a box of champagne goblets or a refrigerated compartment.
Newly designed door panels with floating armrests and controls with the appearance of elegant sideboards emphasise the simultaneously luxurious and modern character of the interior. The concept for colours and materials has been inspired by the world of fashion. Perfect craftsmanship, high-quality materials and extraordinary details show a new level of exclusivity.
For the concept model, the colour combination of white and a deep, dark blue creates a spacious and technically sophisticated environment. A special highlight is the trim element in a white chrome look. Its rosé gold-coloured pilaster strips follow the shape perfectly. Additional rose gold-coloured accents create an ideal contrast and contribute significantly to the luxurious feel of the interior.
Another unexpected contrast is brought to the interior by a fashion-inspired, progressive textile of the highest quality. It is used generously around the rear-seat area, while flashes of it also appear in further details in the interior. A progressive graphic printed on leather in the roof liner area demonstrates the perfect fusion of a traditional luxury material with modern technology.
Maybach-specific display styles
Needless to say, the dominant MBUX Hyperscreen is present up front, with Maybach-specific display styles and content. This large, curved screen unit is composed of 3 screens under a glass cover that appear to merge into one.
With adaptive software thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX adapts completely to its user. It makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. With the zero-layer menu, the most important applications are always offered on the top level within the field of vision, according to situation and context. Searching through submenus is no longer necessary.
The market launch of the production version of this Maybach SUV is not known but the company says that its powertrain will be similar to another all-electric SUV, the EQS, will be in showrooms in 2022. What is already known about this EQ SUV model is that it will be a high-performance model with two powerful electric motors to give all-wheel drive. A range of 600 kms is expected, depending on usage conditions.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth and when used as an energy source, it does not generate carbon dioxide which is known to cause negative climate change. It thus has great potential as a zero-emission energy source for a variety of products. For this reason, a number of leading global companies are carrying out R&D to develop processes to produce hydrogen efficiently and cost-effectively as well as to make use of it widely.
The Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) is among these companies and has announced its Hydrogen Vision 2040 to popularize hydrogen by 2040 for ‘Everyone, Everything and Everywhere’. Hydrogen Wave represents the group’s plans for a new ‘wave’ of hydrogen-based products and technologies toward a hydrogen society.
“By developing advanced technologies and innovative systems – as well as encouraging close collaboration between public and private sectors across the globe – it is possible to make this sustainable vision a reality for all,” said the Chairman of the HMG, Euisun Chung, at the Hyundai Wave global forum online today.
He explained that Hyundai Motor Group’s vision is to apply hydrogen energy in all areas of life and industry such as homes, workplaces and factories. “The goal is to make hydrogen readily used for everyone, everything, and everywhere,” said Mr. Chung. “We want to offer practical solutions for the sustainable development of humanity and with these breakthroughs, we aim to help foster a worldwide Hydrogen Society by 2040.”
Electrification of commercial vehicle models
In the context of the auto industry, HMG revealed unprecedented plans that will see the electrification of all new commercial vehicle models – featuring fuel cell electric or battery electric powertrains, as well as the application of fuel cell systems – to all models by 2028. Other future product concepts featuring fuel cell technologies include Trailer Drone, a high-performance sportscar, and fuel cell-equipped vehicles for emergency relief and rescue missions.
Since the development of its first (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) in 1998, HMG has been preparing for the future of hydrogen. In 2013, the Tucson FCEV (ix35 Fuel Cell) was introduced, opening the door to the mass production of FCEVs. Then, in 2018, the company launched the next-generation fuel cell SUV, the NEXO, with the world’s first heavy-duty fuel cell truck, the XCIENT Fuel Cell, being unveiled last year. After 2 decades of fuel cell technology development, HMG will expand its fuel cell technologies for wider applications of its vehicles, including additional mobility solutions and various energy utilization.
Bringing costs down
Fuel cell systems using hydrogen to generate electricity are not only being used commercially for vehicles today but also have the potential for deployment across diverse applications by 2040. To achieve this, HMG is planning to introduce a new generation fuel cell system in 2023 with a reduced price and volume while also having significantly improved durability and output.
Through ongoing R&D gains, engineering teams have been able to reduce fuel cell costs drastically over the last 20 years. By ensuring price competitiveness, the goal is to achieve a fuel cell vehicle price point comparable to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) by 2030. Economies of scale of hydrogen production can be realised by continuous technological innovation of fuel cell systems as well as close collaboration with other organizations and governments across diverse business areas.
Next-generation fuel cell systems
HMG has developed a series of new fuel cell systems including a new prototype of its third-generation fuel cell stack. This is a higher-powered, efficiently packaged successor to the NEXO system that is planned for market introduction in 2023. Currently still in development, the third-generation fuel cell stack has 2 power versions – 100 kW and 200 kW.
The 100 kW stack has reduced in size by 30%, making it easier to apply to different vehicle types and applications. The 200 kW version is intended for commercial vehicle applications and is similar in size to the current NEXO system, but the power output has doubled.
High durability stacks for commercial vehicles will achieve 500,000 kms of drive range. Furthermore, the price of the third-generation fuel cell stack will be dramatically reduced – with projections being more than 50% – which will be the key factor to achieving cost parity of FCEVs with BEVs by 2030.
HMG will continue to develop hydrogen mobility, expand the production system of fuel cells and establish infrastructures for a global hydrogen society. “The degree and frequency of environmental disasters is rising fast, and we now face a code red warning for humanity,” said Mr. Chung. “The Group seeks to offer powerful and pragmatic solutions for combatting climate change via the tremendous potential of hydrogen energy.”
HydroVILLE to showcase hydrogen vision
Following the Hydrogen Wave forum, HMG will be presenting its plans for hydrogen energy and a global hydrogen society at its ‘Hydrogen Village’ (HydroVILLE) exhibition in Goyang, Korea, this week. HydroVILLE’s various zones will illustrate the Group’s future hydrogen vision. The exhibition space features several fuel cell concepts for future mobility and power generation, including 18 models from Hyundai Motor Group affiliates such as Hyundai Motor, Kia, Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai Rotem, Hyundai Steel, Hyundai Wia and Hyundai Kefico.
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Just by spending a minimum of RM30, 3 lucky customers of Boustead Petroleum Marketing Sdn Bhd (BHPetrol) received RM33,333 in cash and 100,000 ePoints each as winners in the Grand Prize category of its ‘Mudah Menang’ Grand Finale contest. Another three customers won the Special Prize category and each of them received RM3,333 in cash plus 30,000 ePoints each.
Grand Prize category
1) Mustaqim bin Ibrahim (Serendah, Selangor)
2) Pang Jik Ing (Ayer Tawar, Perak)
3) Pua Shiau Lin (Petaling Jaya Selangor)
Special Prize category
1) Chin Yee Wah (Bukit Tengah, Penang)
2) Kumaran a/l Kuppusamy (Banting, Selangor)
3) Mohd Siraz bin Rameli (Shah Alam, Selangor)
Presentation of the prizes was done during virtual ceremony organised by BHPetrol recently. At the event, BHPetrol also presented the Monthly Prize of one Apple iPhone 12 64GB and one Apple iPad Gen 8 to two winners, as well as the Weekly Prize of 100,000 ePoints to three winners for each week. In total, there were 51 winners of the ‘Mudah Menang’ contest.
The virtual event was attended by the winners as well as members of BHPetrol’s top management including Supply, Retail, Corporate Affairs & Government Relations Senior General Manager Ir. Azizul Azily Ahmad, and Marketing General Manager, Lawrence Chuah, as well as members of the BHPetrol Retail team.
Part of ongoing marketing activities
Speaking at the event, BHPetrol’s CEO, Leslie Ng, expressed his appreciation for the encouraging response to the contest and support from all customers. “The contest was held as part of the company’s on-going marketing activities to generate interest and awareness for all the petroleum products and convenience retailing services available at about 400 BHPetrol service stations nationwide,” said Mr. Ng.
“BHPetrol organises regular and various exciting marketing programmes and contests for all our customers to reward them for their support and loyalty. Do stay tuned for more upcoming great promotions soon,” he added.
Mr. Ng also reminded everyone to be vigilant regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and to adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures advised by the Malaysian National Security Council. He stressed that all BHPetrol stations practice very strict health and safety standards to ensure customers’ peace of mind whenever they patronise the service stations to refuel with Infiniti petrol or diesel, or to shop at the BHPetromart.
BHPetrol eCard Loyalty Program
The ePoints are associated with BHPetrol’s Loyalty Program and can be redeemed for fuel or exclusive items and gifts. For greater convenience, BHPetrol now has an eCard mobile app that processes transactions and ePoints collection via a smartphone. There is no longer a need to wait for a replacement card if it is lost or damaged, or needs to be replaced periodically. Existing eCard holders can also switch to the mobile app and all their accumulated ePoints can be viewed at any time. The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my to know more about the products and services available as well as locations of service stations.
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Electric vehicles (EVs) have had the added cost of new technology making them a bit more expensive today. In times, prices will certainly fall as volumes rise and better economies of scale enable manufacturers to offer them at lower prices. European carmakers, in particular, are accelerating towards electrification so being able to offer more attractively priced EVs will help them in achieving their goals of wider electric mobility.
Volkswagen’s ACCELERATE strategy is speeding up that transformation making sustainable mobility accessible to even more people by 2025, a whole two years earlier than originally planned. By 2030, Volkswagen aims to increase the share of all-electric models in total vehicle sales in Europe to at least 70 % and in North America and China, to at least 50%.
New entry-level model
As part of that strategy, the company is developing a new model in the small car segment. The model, called the ID.LIFE, will be part of the ID fully electric family. This vision of a fully electric small car for the urban environment is centred around people and communal experiences. The model is being shown in concept form at the IAA Mobility 2021 event this month.
“The ID. LIFE is our vision of next-generation fully electric urban mobility. The concept car provides a preview of an ID. model in the small car segment that we will be launching in 2025, priced at around 20,000 euros (under RM100,000). This means we are making electric mobility accessible to even more people,” said Ralf Brandstatter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “In creating the ID. LIFE, we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won’t simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer. The ID. LIFE is our answer to this.”
Simplified design
The design of the ID. LIFE is strikingly clear, simplified and of high quality even though it will be at the entry level. Decorative elements and add-on parts are dispensed with, as is any complex mix of materials. The horizontal division between the body, glass surfaces and roof also contributes to the car’s purist appearance. An individualised and removable roof made of air chamber textile lends an open-air feeling in the ID. LIFE, while also reducing the vehicle weight.
The ID. LIFE is based on a smaller variant of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) that has been developed specifically for the small car segment. This is the first time a vehicle based on the MEB has front-wheel drive. A single electric motor provides power to the front wheels.
With its 172 kW (equivalent to 234 ps) electric motor, the ID. LIFE is claimed to be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, while its 57 kWh high-voltage battery will give a range of some 400 kms.
“The ID. LIFE proves once again how uniquely flexible the MEB is. The platform is suitable for vehicles of all types, from small cars to vans,” said Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Development. “It’s the most scalable electrical architecture in the industry. We’re just beginning to tap into the potential of MEB. Performance, charging capacity and range will continue to improve with each new model and software update.”
Natural and recycled materials
The sustainable character of the ID. LIFE is reflected particularly in the choice of materials and paint finishes. In the clear coat for the bodywork, wood chips are used as a natural colouring agent along with a bio-based hardener. The air chamber textile for the roof and front cover is made from 100% recycled PET bottles.
Within the cabin, wood in the dashboard and rear seat surrounds is combined with ArtVelours Eco for the seat surfaces and door trims. Bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks are just some of the materials that serve as a basis for the tyres on the ID. LIFE.
Multifunctional interior
The ID. LIFE is proposed as a ‘reliable companion’ for digital experiences of various kinds. For example, it can easily be converted into a cinema or gaming lounge. The car has a videogame console and projector, as well as a projection screen that extends from the dash panel when required. Other devices can be connected as needed to the 230V/16A power supply.
The seating design is also extremely flexible, in keeping with the idea of the car as a ‘companion’ for all situations and lifestyles. For instance, the front seat bench can be completely folded down, as can the rear seat bench. This enables a range of different possibilities, from cinema seating to a bed measuring around 2 metres in length, to a cargo version that maximises luggage volume.
Cameras and a display replace both the exterior and interior mirrors. Essential driving functions are controlled via a touch panel on the hexagonal, open-topped steering wheel, and a smartphone can be integrated in the operating system. Personal devices – whether smartphones or tablets – can be used to operate the navigation system. Music, films and games stored on the device can be used seamlessly, with visuals displayed on the projection screen.
Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about Volkwagen models in Malaysia
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