BMW Malaysia today, in collaboration with Shell Malaysia, has introduced new engine oil service and maintenance parts programme for its long-term owners. The new programme offers two packages – the BMW Oil Service Package and the BMW Service Value Package.
The BMW Oil Service package, priced at RM500, available at authorised BMW service centres will use Shell Helix Ultra Professional ABB engine oil with a 5W-40 viscosity. The fully synthetic oil which meets BMW’s requirements is formulated with Shell’s PurePlus Technology. This technology uses a clear base oil made from natural gas with virtually no impurities.
Additionally, Shell’s Active Cleansing Technology helps to protect engines from power and performance-robbing deposits. On top of this, the low-evaporation formulation reduces the need for oil top-ups, and has superior resistance to oil degradation.
With the purchase of two BMW Oil Service packages (which include original oil filters), owners will also receive a complimentary Limited-Edition BMW M4 Motorsport Collectible Remote Car worth RM250 (while stocks last).
Meanwhile, the BMW Service Value package offers vehicle owners a programme which gets them up to 30% off retail prices for Original BMW maintenance parts. The parts include brakes, wipers, spark plugs, as well as micro filters and air filters.
With the ENYAQ iV, the first all-electric SUV model from Skoda, the Czech carmaker is taking a fresh approach to lighting design. The new lighting units are technically innovative full-LED matrix headlights with an emotive design language.
According to Petr Nevrela, chief designer of exterior lighting at Skoda, the new headlights are another evolution in the company’s current design language. “We already consistently developed the front headlights of the Scala and Kamiq model series and the new generation of the Octavia. In all the models we have presented over the last 18 months, the headlights are generally flatter, resulting in an even more dynamic effect.”
“The KAMIQ also adds its own twist with daytime running lights at the top. Furthermore, additional crystalline elements have been incorporated into the headlight design. With the ENYAQ iV, we are continuing this trend and refining specific details, such as the new, finely-drawn daytime running lights with subtle lashes and the new hexagonal shape of the main LED modules,” he explained.
The development of the design was done in close collaboration with the exterior designers and with the exterior lighting development team. Typically, the process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
Skoda reflects the tradition of Bohemian crystal art in its vehicles and provides its own interpretation. The precise lines, geometric arrangements and the exceptionally clear glass surfaces are fascinating and, depending on the incidence of light and viewing angle, offer ever-changing facets. This can be used as a basis for experimenting with light effects, with the 3-dimensional rear lights that are illuminated with fine light strips.
The designers wanted the ENYAQ iV’s lighting graphics to be welcoming and friendly at first glance, while the headlights create a highly dynamic and modern look. Innovative LED technology also underlines the sustainable concept of Skoda’s first all-electric SUV.
Safety is an important factor that car-buyers consider when shopping today. There is an expectation that occupants will be well protected in the event of an accident and avoid serious injuries. At the same time, with advanced technologies, electronic systems can help a driver avoid an accident.
Organisations such as Euro NCAP and ASEAN NCAP regularly evaluate new models in the market, going to the extent of crashing and ramming them to simulate accidents. Their findings provide car-buyers with independent assessments to make more informed decisions when choosing their next car.
Renault Captur crash test by Euro NCAP.
Core competence since 1920s
For Renault, the subject of safety has been a core competence for a very long time. In fact, as far back as 100 years ago, the company already installed active safety systems in its cars which today are commonplace. In 1922, for example, the company was one of the first manufacturers in the world to equip its 6-cylinder models – the 18 CV and 40 CV – with additional front wheel brakes. At that time, braking was typically at the rear wheels. In addition, Renault offered a patented brake booster for the powerful 40 CV with 9.1-litre engine.
Renault 40 CV (left) and Juvaquatre
From 1937 onwards, the introduction of independent wheel suspension in place of the rigid axle also brought a significant increase in safety reserves. That same year, the Juvaquatre compact car was the first Renault model to have the modern chassis design on the front axle.
The Juvaquatre, produced between 1937 and 1960, was also the first Renault model with a self-supporting body. It was lighter than the frame construction that was dominant at the time and offered higher impact safety. Some of the principles of its construction would be followed in later years in all car bodies.
Accident research
As far back as 1954, Renault was already studying the effects of vehicle accidents in order to make safer cars. This was done at a centre for accident research located in the Paris area. It became the place where every new Renault model would be thoroughly tested, including crash-testing, heralding the era of modern, systematic safety and accident research.
A crash test in the 1950s
Back then, the crash tests were quite ‘basic’ and compared to today’s high-tech tests, the procedures would even be considered ‘archaic’. The Renault researchers simply sent cars crashing into trucks and then examined the outcome on different areas of the car. There were no sensor-equipped crash test dummies back then so a lot relied on visual examination and analysis.
Destroying a car was also significantly more expensive than it is today. This is why, in the 5 years between 1955 and 1960, Renault only crashed around 100 vehicles. In comparison, the company conducts up to 400 crash tests a year today and 10 times more in computer simulations.
Another facility that Renault established in the 1950s was the Laboratory for Physiology and Biomechanics. This institution was under the direction of a physician and its role was to support the development departments in designing safer and more comfortable vehicles.
Today, Renault conducts up to 400 crash tests a year and 10 times more using computer simulations.
In 1969, the laboratory’s name was changed to reflect its expanded function – the Laboratory for Accident Research, Biomechanics and Studies of Human Behaviour. Its task was to investigate real-world accidents with scientific methods and use the findings to further improve safety standards in Renault vehicles.
Safety vehicle prototypes
Renault’s basic research in the field of passive safety culminated in 1974 in the BRV (Basic Research Vehicle) prototype. In addition to a crash-optimized structure with an energy-absorbing crumple zone at the front and a fixed safety cell for the passengers, the vehicle had 3-point seatbelts for all seats, including the rear. The inclusion of seatbelts was significant because at that time, seatbelts were compulsory only in France and only outside of towns.
The BRV (left) and EPURE safety vehicles
In 1979, the EPURE concept vehicle took up the body concept of the BRV, supplemented by reinforced side members and padding in the doors as protection in the event of a side impact. For the first time, there were also precautions for pedestrian protection and gas generators that would tighten the seatbelts in the event of a crash. This was the birth of the pyrotechnic belt-tensioner, which Renault introduced in 1993 and was one of the first carmakers to do so.
Automotive safety will continue to be a central part of all product development at Renault. Drawing on multiple resources, it constantly develops new technologies, some of which are pioneering, that raise levels of occupant protection. Today, the brand has one of the safest model ranges in Europe, with vehicles across all classes – from the compact Captur to the Koleos – able to score the maximum of 5 stars in Euro NCAP’s evaluations.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.