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BMW X5 PHEV uses world’s first FSC-certified tyre

Pirelli is the first company in the world to produce a range of FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) tyres which represent a new horizon for increasingly sustainable tyre production. The tyres are made from rayon and FSC-certified natural rubber which comes from FSC-certified plantations.

What is FSC?
FSC forest management certification confirms that plantations are managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economic viability. In Malaysia, 684,913 hectares of plantations are FSC-certified (as of January 2021).

The complex FSC chain of custody certification process verifies that FSC-certified material has been identified and separated from non-certified material as it makes its way along the supply chain, from the plantations to the tyre manufacturer.

*Malaysia has 684,913 hectares of plantations FSC-certified to preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers.*

First fitment on BMW X5 PHEV
The world’s first FSC-certified tyre is the Pirelli P Zero and the first vehicle in the world to have it as Original Equipment is the BMW X5, specifically the xDrive45e Plug-in-Hybrid. It is sized 275/35 R22 for the front wheels and 315/30 R22 for the rear wheels.

The use of this tyre complements the ‘green’ philosophy of the PHEV. The BMW Group has also conducted a full-cycle CO₂ certification for the X5 xDrive45e from raw material procurement, the supply chain, manufacturing and the use phase, all the way to recycling.

“As a premium manufacturer, we aspire to lead the way in sustainability and take responsibility,” said Andreas Wendt, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “We have been committed to improving cultivation of natural rubber and increasing transparency in the supplier network since 2015. The use of tyres made of certified natural rubber is a pioneering achievement for our industry. In this way, we are helping preserve biodiversity and forests to counteract climate change.”

Low rolling resistance and quieter
The new tyre, produced only at Pirelli’s factory in the USA, is designed to specifically target environmental sustainability along with low rolling resistance as well as lower noise levels.

The FSC certification for the natural rubber used to make the new P ZERO tyre for BMW’s X5 Plug-in-Hybrid procured from certified plantations is the latest step on the path that Pirelli has been on for many years towards the sustainable management of the natural rubber supply chain. This is achieved through a roadmap of activities based on the training and sharing of good practices in the countries of origin of the material, in line with the principles and values contained in the Pirelli Sustainable Natural Rubber Policy, which was issued in 2017.

To know more about the X5 PHEV or other BMW models in Malaysia, visit www.bmw.com.my.

‘The Boss’ gets electrified with the new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport

The National Vaccination Program in Malaysia is free of charge.

Fuel Price Updates For May 20 – May 26, 2021

Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.

F1 – Turkish Grand Prix cancelled, 2 races to be run in Austria

The Turkish Grand Prix, which was to replace the cancelled Canadian GP, has also been postponed and will possibly be cancelled altogether. Most of the F1 teams are based in the UK and stricter travel restrictions (imposed recently by the UK) relating to Turkey make it difficult for the teams to travel there.

The race promoters hoped that the situation will change later on and a new date on the 2021 calendar can be scheduled. This development means that there will again be two races in Austria, like last year. The first will be the Styrian Grand Prix on June 27, and the second will be the Austrian Grand Prix on July 4. Both races will be run at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

*Last year’s Turkish Grand Prix was a wet one,*

*This weekend, F1 will be back on the streets of twisty Monaco street circuit after not being able to run in 2020.*

This weekend will see the fifth round run in Monaco, which was forced to cancel last year due to worsening COVID-19 pandemic conditions. It was one of 7 races on the 22-round calendar which had to be cancelled.

RM80,000 of medical supplies from Perodua for Hospital Sg. Buloh

The war on COVID-19 has not ended and our dedicated frontliners continue the fight to protect us and save those who are infected. The hospitals continue to need medical supplies, a large portion of which has to be disposed daily as they are part of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) personnel must wear. At the same time, the hospitals also require other equipment for patients who may be undergoing intensive care or recovering.

Support for war on COVID-19
Perodua has always been supporting key public institutions nationwide in various ways, more so in the past year when it made major contributions in cash and supplies to help in fighting the pandemic. Recently, the Malaysian carmaker contributed an additional RM80,000 worth of medical supplies to Hospital Sungai Buloh, a key medical facility that handles a large number of COVID-19 cases.

The medical supplies included 5,000 face shields, wheelchairs equipped with safety belts, commode chairs, transfer boards, bed railings, rehabilitation chairs, walking frames, walking sticks and a therapy tilt table.

35,000 faceshields donated nationwide
The face shields, manufactured by an associate company of Perodua, were also contributed to various organisations in Malaysia over the past year. The latest contribution brings the total number to 35,000 pieces. Recipients of the face shields have been schools, clinics, local government offices and councils, and even hawkers at markets in Perodua’s surrounding community.

“We will continue to communicate with key public institutions to see where Perodua may contribute strategically in supporting the nation. We thank and salute our brave men and women who work tirelessly to serve us all,” said Perodua’s President & CEO, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

To know more about Perodua’s CSR activities, visit www.perodua.com.my .

Perodua expands on public protection initiative

Opel Manta returns as a ‘RestoMod’ for 50th anniversary

Opel, a brand more familiar to older Malaysians, has brought back the iconic Manta as a one-off all-electric special to celebrate the coupe’s 50th anniversary. Called the Manta GSe ElektroMOD, it reflects the growing trend of transforming classic cars like into so-called ‘RestoMods’ with modern components and powertrains.

Change of ‘heart’
The first electric RestoMod by Opel (once a GM subsidiary and now part of the Stellantis Group), the Manta GSe has an electric powertrain with an output of 108 kW (147 ps) and 225 Nm of torque. It uses the original 4-speed gearbox, allowing drivers to manually change gears, or alternatively, engage the fourth gear and drive automatically.

With a 31-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Manta GSe has a claimed range of around 200 kms, with regenerative braking to improve range. Full recharging with a 9-kW onboard charger can be completed in just under 4 hours.

Design elements from Vauxhall
The Manta GSe also uses some of the latest design elements from Vauxhall, the British brand that is also part of the Stellantis Group. These include the brand’s Vizor-styled front end with Pixel technology allowing it to issue messages, such as ‘I am on a zero e-mission’, followed by the silhouette of a manta ray gliding over the Pixel-Vizor.

1973 Opel Manta — *The original Manta in 1973*

The front end also features LED daylight running lights, while the iconic circular rear lights come with a striking three-dimensional LED design. The yellow paintwork is contrasted by the signature black bonnet, with the wheel arches housing specially designed 17-inch Ronal alloy wheels with 195/40 tyres at the front, and 205/40 tyres at the rear.

Digital tech inside
As expected of a modern RestoMod, the interior features the latest digital technology. The classic round instruments have been replaced by a Pure Panel, with two driver-oriented 12-inch and 10-inch digital displays. The sound system has also been modernised with a new unit that has connectivity which was not available in the 1970s.

The sports seats come with a yellow centre line and have a modern structure for improved comfort and support. The steering wheel has a classic 3-spoke design (no airbag as this is only a showcar) and features a yellow marker in the 12 o’clock position for an added sporty touch.

Surfaces in the cockpit and door panels are matt grey, matching the neo-classic’s other yellow and black coloured elements. The ceiling of the passenger compartment is lined with fine Alcantara and completes the stylish ambience.

Volkswagen’s 1966 Classic transformed into a 21st century zero emissions vehicle

Lim Tayar Family licensing programme available for businesses wanting to upgrade for growth and profitability

Lim Tayar, a member of the CKL Group, an automotive services group, has launched the Lim Tayar Family (LTF) licensing programme for the aftermarket industry. The programme enables tyre retailers and car workshop owners to upgrade their business for growth and profitability. With the LTF programme, tyre retailers as well as car workshop owners will be able to get the expertise and support to drive and manage their business from Lim Tayar, which has been in the tyre servicing business in Malaysia since 1985.

Alternative to legacy dealership model
According to Clement Lim, Joint Managing Director of CKL Group, the pandemic which started last year has brought to light the struggles of the dealership model in Malaysia. “Hence, we have specially curated this programme to offer assistance to these owners who are looking for a better option than the legacy dealership model. This programme will also cater to those who wish to upgrade their business under the umbrella of a trusted and reputable vehicle servicing chain store,” he explained.

“Lim Tayar is one of the largest one-stop car service chains in Malaysia. Together with our sister company, School of Skills which offers technical vocational training, we are confident we will be able to help our partners to build up the skills of their current workforce and also to mitigate the skilled manpower shortage faced by the industry,” he added.

35 years of experience
Under the programme, the licensed workshops or tyre retailers will have the support of a Lim Tayar which has been acquired over 35 years of experience in the industry. Other benefits include inventory support like tyres, engine oil, spare parts, batteries, marketing, as well as a comprehensive business operations solution, which includes a point-of-sale system, a fixed price list and a ready-to-move in business premise located at a strategic location.

The LTF Programme will offer similar benefits as that of a franchise. However, the partner workshops will also have the flexibility to offer additional services or other areas of expertise, apart from what Lim Tayar has to offer. There will also be a flexible financing plan for the programme, which includes an installment plan for the licensing fee as well.

Complementing Lim Tayar’s network
The licensing programme will also result in an expansion of Lim Tayar’s services and network nationwide. Currently, the CKL Group owns 18 Lim Tayar outlets in the Klang Valley and one outlet in Seremban. “With this nationwide expansion, we will be able to offer the same experience through our licensed partners to our customers all over the country,” Mr. Lim said.