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Sony Vision-S concept being tested on public roads in Austria (w/VIDEO)

*To know more, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

Over the past 15 years, a number of new companies have announced intentions to make cars, mainly electric vehicles. The notion was that cars of the future are largely packages of electronics so it was more like putting a computer package on wheels with people inside. Obviously, it’s not that simple as there are quality and safety issues to consider but there have been many companies which have already started up and begun making hybrid or electric cars.

Joining them could be Sony – yes, the Sony we all know from the consumer electronics sector – which actually indicated its intentions a year ago at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in America. At that time, it displayed what seemed to be a concept car to show off various technologies, which is also done by other electronics companies.

2021 Sony Vision-S prototype — *Vision-S concept first shown at CES in 2020.*

From concept to running prototype
However, it appears that the company has decided to go further with the concept car and has been quietly developing it into a running prototype. In fact, for the CES this year, Sony even showed a short video showing the car – known as Vision-S – being tested on public roads and on a test track in Austria.

“We made a fairly grand announcement [at CES 2020], so I often get asked why Sony moved into car development. As a matter of fact, the move wasn’t triggered by any dramatic decision. Rather, it was more like the time had finally come. At the time, the 2010s—the decade of smartphones—were drawing to a close, and we knew the next decade would belong to mobility” said Izumi Kawanishi, a senior Vice-President in the company.

Full technical details are still not revealed but it has a fully electric powertrain. It obviously has much experience in electronics, even in automotive-related areas, but as it has not made cars before, it has commissioned Magna Steyr to provide engineering services for chassis development.

Other partners include familiar names such as Bosch, Continental, ZF, Vodafone Nvidia and Qualcomm as well as other companies which may not be as readily known to the public. Just as specialist suppliers work with carmakers on specific systems, Sony would be getting its own group of specialists although they may not be in traditional automotive fields.

In-house design
The design was developed in-house by Sony’s own team. Commenting on the appearance of the Vision-S, Daisuke Ishii, Creative Director at the Sony’s Creative Centre, said they aimed for a style that would be clearly distinct from the bold, aggressive designs with a focus on on-road performance that are common these days.

“At the same time, a nondescript or impersonal design wouldn’t work either, so it was a tough process. One of the things we tried to realize with this car was the concept of ‘wrapping’ people. So you could say the design was the stylistic embodiment of the idea of mobility that protects people through sensing. A blacked-out glass cabin wrapped in a sensor-packed case that gleams with a metallic light. The interior was also designed to encircle the rider, almost like a capsule holding people,” he explained.

Camera-based rearview mirrors
The prototype has some of the technologies which were showcased last year such as camera-based rearview ‘mirrors’ – which carmakers like Lexus and Audi have already begun offering as options in countries where their use is permitted. Of course, Honda has also been offering this idea for a few years now in its LaneWatch system for blinsspot monitoring.

Autonomous capability would certainly be available as the car, if it goes into production, would be entering the market when autonomous cars become available. Up to 40 sensors are installed on the car to fully cover 360 degrees and collect data and imagery to be processed by the computer.

Occupant recognition
Sony interior designers also propose the use of camera imagery of occupants in the car for managing things like air-conditioning and other personal preferences. Facial recognition could identify the occupant and from data input, preferences relating to temperature or even music can be applied automatically.

From the video, the dashboard layout can be seen to be fully occupied by digital panel displays. This is only to be expected and given Sony’s expertise in displays, we will probably see high-definition images and advanced interfaces for audio-visual systems and navigation.

No production schedule has been mentioned yet so Sony is probably not in a hurry to launch is first car. It will certainly be interesting to see which of the ‘big names’ in the electronics industry will be the first to do so, signalling the beginning of a change in the auto industry’s status quo.

China’s NIO Inc. launches all-electric ET7, its first autonomous car

Kona will be first SUV to get high-performance Hyundai N badge

*To know about other promotions, visit www.bhpetrol.com.my.*

Hyundai Motor has confirmed that the next model to have the high-performance N badge will be from its Kona range. The compact model will be the first high-performance SUV from the Korean carmaker.

2-litre turbo engine, 8-speed N DCT
The Kona N will be available with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, known as N DCT. Combined with its 2-litre turbocharged engine, it can be expected to deliver impressive performance. Besides an ‘emotional sound experience’, there will be Launch Control to enable the driver to exploit the high output.

“The all-new Kona N is the first ‘hot SUV’ from the N brand,” said Till Wartenberg, Vice-President and Head of N Brand Management and Motorsport Sub-division at Hyundai Motor Company. “As a ‘hot SUV’, it will have plenty of versatility as well as the driving pleasure like any other N vehicle. Enthusiasts will enjoy taking this car anywhere; from road to the track.”

Hyundai’s high-performance brand N, which ventured into the high-performance field with its i30 N, is planning to expand its line-up in 2021. Especially with more diversified segments in its line-up, like the i20 N and the upcoming Kona N, the brand will provide enthusiasts with fun-to-drive vehicles.

How Hyundai N started
The first association of ‘N’ with Hyundai was when the carmaker presented its N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept car for PlayStation’s Gran Turismo videogame series in 2015. In that same year, Hyundai brought in Albert Biermann, the former head of BMW’s M division, to spearhead the development of the N sub-brand and create a line of high-performance production cars.

Hyundai N2025 Vision Gran Turismo — *The N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept car*

*The N brand has gained prominence with the many successes of the Hyundai N team in the World Rally Championship.*

The ‘N’ in Hyundai N stands for Namyang, home to Hyundai Motor’s global R&D Centre in Korea since 1995, and also for Nurburgring, where N models are tested and developed further. The close connection between Namyang and the Nurburgring created the foundation for N, aiming to build on the company’s motorsport experience to bring winding road fun to customers who love cars. The ‘N’ logo itself embodies this idea, as it symbolises a chicane.

Click here for other news and articles about Hyundai.

Lexus Next Step Finance offers lower initial instalment rates in 3-tier H-P scheme

Lexus Malaysia’s range consists of 9 models from sedan to SUV to MPV, with the lowest-priced model being the UX. This compact SUV is available in 3 variants – Urban, Luxury and F SPORT – with prices starting from RM236,444 (excluding insurance and sales tax exemption of 5%).

For those who have had their eye on owning a UX, Lexus Capital Services (a division of Toyota Capital Malaysia Sdn. Bhd) offers a financing scheme that starts off with a much lower monthly instalment rate. It’s called Lexus Next Step Financing and can provide up to 90% financing for the purchase.

Lexus Next Step Financing is a simple 3-tier scheme spread over a 9-year period. During the first 3 years, the owner would pay RM1,938 a month for the UX Urban variant, or up to RM2,381 for the sharper-looking F-SPORT version.

From the fourth year until the sixth year, the instalment amount will be 37.6% higher, and then from the seventh year to the end of the term, the instalment will be 27.4% higher.

*Based on 9-year repayment term. Terms & conditions apply.*

Besides a warranty of 5 years (unlimited mileage), the UX will come with all the benefits of Lexus ownership and the well known hospitality of the brand. Buying from an authorised Lexus dealership also means having the full range of aftersales support available at 6 locations nationwide as well as availability of replacement parts.

Additionally, all owners can have peace of mind with Lexus Assist, which is available 24 hours a day, every day. Whether it’s a flat tyre or an empty tank, a call to the nearest Lexus Centre will bring assistance anywhere in Malaysia and up to 25 kms from the borders with Thailand, Brunei and Singapore.

To know more about Lexus Next Step Financing and Lexus products in Malaysia, visit www.lexus.com.my.

4-seater Lexus LM350 MPV coming to Malaysia in 2021

2021 Honda HR-V range receives enhancements

The Honda HR-V Sport Hybrid i-DCD is being enhanced for 2021 with a new feature and exterior upgrades. While not announcing the price, Honda Malaysia said that customers can make a pre-booking at any authorised Honda dealership or by using the online pre-booking platform.

The refreshed appearance encompasses the LED Headlights, LED Guide Taillights and LED Front foglights, with new chrome door handles and a 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. A new Platinum White Pearl colour replaces the existing White Orchid Pearl finish.

Petrol engine or hybrid choices
The HR-V Sport Hybrid is one of four variants in the HR-V range, the others being the RS, V and E (priced from RM104,000.21). While the other variants have a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine and CVT, the HR-V Sport Hybrid uses a powertrain consisting of a 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine (with direct fuel injection) and Integrated high-power electric motor. Coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, its output is comparable to that of a conventional 2-litre engine.

Besides the exterior changes, all variants also come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as 2 new USB ports. There is also a new 7-inch display panel for the infotainment system in the dashboard.

Other standard features of the enhanced HR-V include (depending on variant) a multi-angle rearview camera, cruise control, paddle shifters, 8-way powered driver’s seat, leather upholstery.

Comprehensive safety systems
The occupants are well protected with Passive Safety systems such as 6 SRS airbags and a computer-engineered ACE (Advanced Compatibility Engineering) structural design by Honda which effectively dissipates collision forces.

Active Safety systems to help the driver avoid accidents include Honda LaneWatch to monitor blind spots, Emergency Stop Signal, Automatic Brake Hold, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Hill Start Assist.

“Honda Malaysia is excited to introduce the enhanced HR-V to Malaysians. Being one of the top three best-selling Honda models, the HR-V has contributed greatly to our achievement as No.1 in the Non-National segment in 2020. This enhanced model is a result of customers’ feedback as we continuously strive to introduce products that meet the needs of customers,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Toichi Ishiyama.

Third bestselling Honda model in Malaysia
The HR-V was first introduced in Malaysia in 2015 and there are currently over 98,600 units on Malaysian roads. The facelifted model was launched in January 2019 and was expanded with the RS and Sport Hybrid variants. Last year, the HR-V was Honda Malaysia’s third bestselling model, contributing 17% to its total sales volume.

For more information or to locate an authorised dealership in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.

Pre-Booking of Honda models can now be done online for just RM99

Opening F1 round in Australia postponed, Chinese GP date to be rescheduled

Last year, just as the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship season opening round was to start, the state government in Australia forced it to be cancelled as the COVID-19 pandemic worsened. The cancellation triggered off postponements and then cancellations that would see the championship stalled until the middle of the year. It was then compressed to 17 rounds which ended just last month.

The calendar for 2021 again placed Australia as the venue for the first round of the championship, and it seemed that things were going well and the record number of 23 events for this year could have its traditional start Down Under.

The Formula 1 World Championship has traditionally started in Melbourne, Australia. Last year, it was cancelled at the last moment due to growing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, and this year, there are still strict entry conditions so it will be difficult for teams to enter the country.

However, it has been announced today that the Australian round is postponed because the government maintains strict entry conditions, which make it difficult for teams to enter. But the round is not being cancelled altogether like last year and is changed to November 21 from the original March 21.

The opening round will instead be in the Middle East, where the final three rounds of 2020 were run. The Bahrain Grand Prix, which was to have been the second round, will become the opening round on March 28. The teams were there for two back-to-back rounds at the end of November and early December last year.

*Sakhir Circuit in Bahrain will be the new venue for the opening round of the 2021 championship.*

The organizers of the Chinese Grand Prix have also asked for a change of date due to what appears to be a new outbreak of COVID-19 infections which could become severe. As a precaution therefore, they don’t think it’s a good idea to run the event, which was to be round 3, on April 11. A new date has not been decided yet.

In the revised calendar, the Imola Circuit in Italy will again be used for the second round which will be on April 18. It was one of the three circuits in Italy that hosted a round of the 2020 championship.

The third round is not confirmed yet but the Portimao Circuit in Portugal could be selected for May 2. It was round 12 in the 2020 championship and was a new circuit to the drivers.

The rest of the calendar remains unchanged for now, but the dates for the rounds in Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi have been adjusted to fit in the Australian round. This will result in the championship ending on December 12, just one day earlier than it ended in 2020.

Volvo sales in Malaysia last year were the highest since 1999

Volvo, once the leading European brand in the Malaysian market, saw its position change after the 1980s. While the products always delivered on the promise of safety, quality and reliability, a pricing strategy that raised prices didn’t work out well and it took a decade to recover. At the time, a senior Volvo executive acknowledged that the idea that it costs Volvo as much to make a car as Mercedes-Benz or BMW meant it could charge almost the same was not necessarily the case.

Nevertheless, the brand slowly rebuilt itself and with a progressive line of products replacing dated models, it has found a niche on which it can grow. Like all companies, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) was hit by the effects of the pandemic on the economy and recorded a 56.1% decrease in sales compared to the previous year.

However, things rapidly changed in the second half of 2020 as the numbers surged, thanks to the incentive offered by the government in the form of exemption of sales tax. With Volvo models being assembled locally in Selangor, the exemption was 100%, meaning that customers saved on the 10% sales tax normally imposed.

Highest volume since 1999
This allowed pricing to be attractive and along with other companies, VCM saw a boost in sales to finish the year with 1,950 units delivered nationwide. This was a 3.6% increase in volume, surpassing the previous year’s sales figure of 1,883 units and it was also the highest number since the establishment of VCM in 1999.

“We are very proud of what Volvo Car Malaysia has achieved despite this turbulent time and challenges that we faced. Through the collective efforts of our dealers and staff, as well as the opportune timing of the government’s sales tax holiday, we were able to finish a challenging year strongly. For us, seeing the results of our efforts has further recharged our drive to bring more premium, safe and sustainable cars to Malaysians,” said Nalin Jain, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia.

High demand for luxury cars
During 2020, VCM recorded its second-highest sales of the year in July, after the tax exemption incentive under the PENJANA program began (it will continue until the end of June 2021). Mr. Nalin said this was an indication that the demand for luxury cars remains high as the car market began to normalise and the country headed towards recovery.

With the renewed interest, VCM reinforced its customer service channels and adopted new digital practices. It introduced a new Online Ordering System for customers to make bookings from their homes or offices, and implemented the Digital Silent Salesman 2.0. This is a platform that digitally displays all necessary details about the cars available in Malaysia.

The new digital practices are part of the company’s push for digital transformation across the entire value chain of its business and reflect its commitment towards its sustainability goals by eliminating printed brochures.

Greenterest Calculator
With sustainability as the forefront of its goals in the coming years, VCM kicked off the ‘Volvo Green Planet’ in the third quarter of 2020. This campaign is aimed at driving awareness about the impact of high carbon footprint, which can be calculated via a Greenterest Calculator. It will bring the conversation to its customers with fully-electric test drives of their cars in a program known as ‘Green Drive’ and dispensing Green Seeds as a token to champion cleaner air.

Recharged 2021 ahead
Based on the past year’s performance, VCM aims to ride on the momentum from 2020, entering 2021 with renewed purpose and recharging all areas of its business. “2021 will be a big year for Volvo Car Malaysia as we look to switch all aspects of our business to incorporate more sustainable solutions and also bring in more products offerings to suit the different needs of Malaysians while helping them make more sustainable choices,” said Mr. Nalin.