TomTom, Bosch and Daimler have announced their joint work on Daimler’s Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC), an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), or smart cruise control, for commercial vehicles. Trucks can use TomTom’s highly-accurate ADAS Map and Bosch’s electronic horizon to automate driving functions on highways and, in Europe, on inter-urban roads too. The system is claimed to lead to a fuel reduction of up to 5% per vehicle, which delivers lower carbon dioxide emissions.
As the first smart cruise control system in commercial vehicles, PPC actively controls engine, brakes, and automated transmission. Thanks to TomTom’s ADAS map, the system is familiar with the topography, curvature, speed limit (including truck-specific speed limits) and traffic signs, meaning it can respond in a manner that delivers the most fuel-efficient performance.
The Bosch electronic horizon provides data on road inclines and the sharpness of bends to complement navigation data.
Bosch’s electronic horizon is used to integrate knowledge of the road ahead into the driving strategy of the new Mercedes-Benz Actros. It provides required map data per ADAS protocol in a new and innovative way allowing relaxed, safe and efficient driving.
An anticipatory cruise control system, PPC is available as a retrofit solution across Europe for the new Actros, the Antos and the Arocs. PPC reduces fuel consumption by up to 5%, thereby contributing demonstrably to the lowering of the total operating costs of a truck.
As a GPS cruise control system, PPC not only regulates the vehicle speed. On the basis of 3-dimensional maps, the system uses peak momentum gained on downhill gradients, throttles back in good time when cresting hills, intervenes in the gearshift strategy and, not least, uses the transmission’s neutral EcoRoll position to minimise fuel consumption.
This leads to a predictive style of driving based on perfect, round-the-clock knowledge of the route and vehicle. It has digital 3D maps stored which cover around 300,000 kms of roads: this equates to 95% of all European trunk roads.
Based on a typical annual mileage of around 130,000 kms in long-distance operations and a fuel-saving of 5%, PPC pays for itself within 8 months, depending on fuel consumption, even low fuel prices.
Mercedes-Benz customers cover a broad spectrum of society and there’s no denying that a large number are the rich and famous in the upper strata as well as corporate and government leaders. While government leaders and heads of state can have the protection of the police or army when they travel in their cars, other customers would not have such privileges.
As the German carmaker has always strived to meet the needs of its customers, it has also offered specialised vehicles with protective measures and features. This part of the business – known as Mercedes-Benz Guard or M-B Guard – has been going on for more than 90 years, starting the Model Nurburg 460 of 1928.
In 1935, Emperor Hirohito of Japan was one of the first heads of state to use a Mercedes Pullman Saloon which was specially armoured by the carmaker.
It was the first company to start equipping its saloons with special protection ex-factory, so as to effectively protect the occupants from attacks using firearms and explosive devices. Emperor Hirohito of Japan chose an armoured Grand Mercedes as a personal car befitting his status (the Pullman Saloon, delivered in 1935, is now displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart). Many heads of state and government leaders followed the emperor’s example in using cars with additional protection and they entrusted their safety and security to M-B Guard.
The production of M-B Guard’s special protection vehicles has a unique history of innovations. This is because the protective features are always developed for specific models (unlike independent companies which can also ‘fortify’ a car with basic measures). The engineers also keep pace with technical advances to provide the best possible protection.
In September 1963, for example, after the legendary Model 600 was launched, the German government approached the company with a request for an armoured version. When a large demand for special protection vehicles arose in Latin America in 1970, the armoured 280 SEL 3.5 became a popular choice. Mercedes-Benz also produced special protection versions of the 8-cylinder W 116-series models and delivered them to selected customers in Europe and overseas.
Since 1980 and without exception, all generations of the S-Class (W126, 140, 220, 221) and the current model (W222 series) have always also been available in special protection versions. The current M-B Guard models provide maximum protection up to Class VR10, and are highly sophisticated products at the highest technical level.
M-B Guard has offered armoured versions of most models, including SUVs like the G-Wagen and also the M-Class. From the outside, you would not be able to tell the difference from a non-armoured model.Occupants in armoured M-B Guard vehicles do not have to feel like they are in a tank. They enjoy the same luxury and comfort as the unprotected models.
Fortifying a car to resist bullets and explosives can be easily done by just using thicker metal panels and glass but this would turn it into a ‘tank’ and it would feel like one on the move too. The M-B Guard models are engineered to the highest protection standards available for civilian vehicles but also offer the same levels of luxury and comfort for the occupants as the standard models sold
Integrated special protection makes this possible. For example, all the protective elements for the doors, rear wall, side components, roof and firewall are not subsequently installed in an already finished vehicle but are integrated into the bodyshell in a separate production process right from the start. This means the models in the Guard family are conceived and developed together with the unprotected variants from the time a new model is developed. Potential weaknesses are identified by extensive tests during the development process and verified by the specialists.
Many Mercedes-Benz models are engineered to include special protective equipment and panels from the time the model is being developed. All the necessary mounting points and reinforcements are already integrated in the bodywork, to be used if needed by M-B Guard. Production is done in a separate and secure area for obvious reasons.
All the measures are based on the many years of experience of Mercedes-Benz in the engineering of special protection vehicles. All reinforcing elements made of special steel alloys and other high-strength materials are already integrated in cavities between the bodyshell and exterior skin during the body production phase, specifically reinforcing the basic structure. Joints and material transitions feature intelligently designed material overlaps. Relevant areas of the underbody are protected by armour specially developed for these vehicles.
The glazing is a fixed and very important part of the protective measures. Here too, the material and thickness meet the high requirements of the protection category concerned, from bullets to explosive projectiles. The inner surfaces of the glass are coated with polycarbonate for splinter protection. Despite their comprehensive protective effect, they offer very good visibility.
Naturally the suspension, brakes, springs and assistance systems are adapted for the additional weight to ensure near-standard handling characteristics with the comfort occupants in every Mercedes-Benz expect.
Run-flat wheels enable the car to continue moving even if the tyres are deflated.Even with all the extra weight (which can be as much as a C-Class sedan), M-B Guard vehicles must still handle well. Drivers are also given special training if required.
Additional equipment to protect the occupants inside the cabin can also be specified, such as an emergency fresh air system and self-activating fire extinguisher system. This is in the event the car is unable to move away and had to withstand attacks for some time before rescue teams can arrive.
It is part of the protective concept that models with special protection are only distinguishable from their standard production counterparts on very close scrutiny. A number of special technical features also ensure that they remain mobile during and after an attack, and can leave the danger area as rapidly as possible. The powerful, high-torque V12 engine with 530 bhp/830 Nm is one advantage.
Each M-B Guard vehicle (SUVs are also available) obviously costs a great deal more than the standard model. The vehicles are, like any Mercedes-Benz, engineered to be long lasting but there may be cases where the owners no longer require them. In such cases, the company will try its best to buy back the vehicles so that they do not get into the open market. According to a former executive in the company, this is to avoid such vehicles getting into the hands of the ‘wrong type of customers’.
It’s not known how many, if any, M-B Guard vehicles are in Malaysia and it would be hard to identify them as they appear like standard models unless you look closely. There may be some units but in any case, a former senior executive at the Malaysian subsidiary said that there is no real need to publicise M-B Guard products which would send a ‘wrong message’ about the countryas it is generally safe and peaceful.
For the past week, social media has been buzzing with rumours and leaked information about an updated Perodua Bezza for 2020. In the past, some companies would just deny that a new or updated model was coming soon, often because it would affect sales of the current model. However, in these days of social media when the distinction between fact and fake are blurred, speculations can be damaging too so the best thing is to quickly release as much information as appropriate and end the speculation.
This morning, Perodua confirmed it will introduce an updated Bezza sedan, its first new model for the new year. Improvements made are based on customer feedback and the 2020 model will be available in 4 variants – 1.0 G with manual or automatic transmissions; 1.3 X Automatic; and 1.3 AV Automatic. Pricing (excluding insurance) in Peninsular Malaysia ranges from RM34,580 to RM49,980 and orders can be placed at all 186 sales outlets nationwide.
The changes for 2020
♦ New sharper front-end styling (restyled bumpers and grille)
♦ LED headlamps
♦ Two-tone side skirts
♦ New 15-inch alloy wheels (X and AV variants)
♦ Power-adjustable door mirrors standard for all variants (retractable on AV).
♦ Two new body colours – Garnet Red (exclusive to 1.3 litre variants) and Granite Grey
♦ Advanced Safety Assist 2.0 (ASA 2.0) added to AV variant
♦ Vehicle Stability Control for X variant
♦ White-illuminated gauges, keyless entry and start, as well as front corner sensors, on X and AV variants.
♦ All variants get reverse sensors, while the AV now has a reverse camera.
ASA 2.0
The 2020 Bezza is the most affordable sedan in Malaysia with this suite of driver assistance safety systems. ASA 2.0 comprises Pedestrian Detection (up to 50 km/h), Pre-Collision Warning (up to 100 km/h), Pre-Collision Braking (up to 80 km/h), Front Departure Alert and Pedal Misoperation Control, all of which work together to mitigate collisions.
“The Perodua Bezza was our first sedan and Malaysia’s first Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) sedan, with an upper-body developed completely by us. It has proven very popular with Malaysians, with 184,000 units sold since its July 2016 launch,” said Perodua President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
“As a People First company, we are constantly listening to our customers to learn how we can improve our products and services, of which the 2020 Perodua Bezza is a notable result,” he added.
To place a booking or get more information, visit www.perodua.com.my to locate a showroom in Malaysia.
Since 2015, the total annual sales of Proton vehicles have been below 100,000 units but 2019 saw it cross the 100,000 mark again to record a total sales volume of 100,821 units (including exports). The achievement was helped by a boost in December which were the highest for the whole of 2019 – 11,117 units which was 112% over the corresponding month in 2018 and also the first time the carmaker has sold more than 11,000 cars in a month since July 2014.
While the December sales number is equivalent to a 20.5% share of the anticipated Total Industry Volume (TIV) for the month (pending release of official data by the Malaysian Automotive Association), the final number represents an increase of 55.7% over 2018’s TIV. Proton believes it achieved the strongest sales growth among the top 5 brands in Malaysia in 2019, with overall market share estimated to be at 16.7%.
NB: 2019 sales include exports.
Segment leaders
According to a statement by the company this afternoon, Proton’s sales growth was powered by the X70 SUV, along with double-digit percentage increases in sales for the 4 updated models it launched in 2019. The X70 began its first full year of sales strongly and was the fastest-selling SUV in its class. It maintained its position at the head of its segment for the entire year and ended 2019 with a total of 26,331 units sold, which Proton says makes it the leader within its segment.
Meanwhile, sales of the Saga continued on an upward trajectory after appearing in showrooms on August 6. In December, 3,892 units of the youngest model in Proton’s current range – and also the brand’s oldest nameplate – were registered nationwide, a number which Proton says makes it the most popular A-segment sedan. Total sales for 2019 closed at 38,144 units, equivalent to a 36% increase in volume.
Unfortunately, comparisons of official data will not be possible for another 12 months since the powerful Competition Commission will not allow the transparency of data being published that allows the public to verify such information.
The Persona ended the month with 3,384 units sold, the highest for the model since March 2012 and presumed to be the leader in its segment. Despite a few low months before the improved 2019 model was released, the total sales volume still grew by 29% to 21,876 units for the year.
Sales for the Iriz (left) nearly doubled during 2019 and grew by 97% following the launch of the updated 2019 model in April. The Exora, which has been around for over 10 years, soldiers on and remains a popular choice for those requiring an affordable 7-seater MPV.
Major contributions by X70 and Saga
“The Proton X70 and the Proton Saga are two major ingredients to Proton’s sales success this year. We are humbled by the popularity of the Proton X70 and would like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to all our customers for their support, despite it being a brand new market segment for the company. As for the Saga, with over 41,000 bookings and counting, it remains as our core product and is a popular choice regardless of a buyer’s age, status and purchasing power, making it a car for all Malaysians,” Dr Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer of Proton said.
“While sales of the Persona were very strong following the launch of the updated model, the numbers posted in December show many are becoming increasingly aware of the outstanding features, practicality and value we offer in our family sedan. Proton is confident of maintaining these numbers in 2020, so the company has at least three sales leaders in their respective segments,” he added.
The top performing vehicles tested by ANCAP, Australasia’s independent vehicle safety authority, in 2019 were the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, Tesla Model X and Tesla Model 3. The Mercedes-Benz achieved an overall weighted score of 90.2%, a 5-star rating, and performed exceptionally well in the areas of Child Occupant Protection (92%) and Vulnerable Road User Protection (91%) where it achieved the highest scores of all vehicles rated during the year.
Following a close second for the year was the Tesla Model X, a large SUV, with an overall score of 89.6%. The Model X received a record-equalling high score of 98% for Adult Occupant Protection, with full points awarded for the protection of the driver in all four of the full-scale crash tests – frontal offset, full-width, side impact, and oblique pole.
Tesla Model X after frontal collision test
Rounding out the Top 3 for 2019 was the Tesla Model 3 with an overall score of 89.4%. Both the Model 3 and Model X achieved the highest Safety Assist scores recorded to date at 94% – well ahead of all others rated in 2019.
Worthy of a notable mention is the latest Toyota Hiace – the first commercial van to be assessed and perform exceptionally well against the stringent 2019 criteria. It achieved scores of 94% for Adult Occupant Protection, 88% for Child Occupant Protection, 84% for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 77% for Safety Assist.
The latest Toyota Hiace sold in the Australian market.
Of the 40 ANCAP safety ratings issued throughout 2019, 33 (83%) achieved the market-driven 5-star result which is the maximum score. It should be noted that all the vehicles tested by ANCAP were models sold in the Australian market with specifications and features that meet legal and safety requirements there. They may not be the same as models sold in other countries.
Top performers by vehicle category:
LIGHT CAR: Audi A1 (86.6%)
SMALL CAR: Mazda 3 (88.4%)
MEDIUM CAR: Mercedes-Benz CLA (90.2%)
LARGE CAR: Audi A7 (86.0%)
SMALL SUV: Lexus UX (89.0%)
MEDIUM SUV: Toyota RAV4 (88.6%)
LARGE SUV: Tesla Model X (89.6%)
UTILITY: Toyota Hilux (89.0%)
VAN: Toyota HiAce (87.4%)
PEOPLE-MOVER: Toyota Granvia (87.8%)
Lexus UX in side crash test
ANCAP is among the New Car Assessment Programs (NCAPs), or test programs established around the world to promote safer vehicle choices for consumers. Other test programs are located in, and cover the markets of Europe, the USA, Japan, Korea, China, Latin America, India, with ASEAN NCAP focussing on models sold in South East Asia.
