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Category: Automotive

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Auto and Car news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • Benelli May Launch A New Four-Cylinder Motorcycle

    Benelli May Launch A New Four-Cylinder Motorcycle

    Benelli may showcase a brand-new sportbike with a new inline four-cylinder engine at the China International Motorcycle Trade Expo (CIMA) which will take place at Chongqing from September 19, 2020 till September 22, 2020. CIMA is set to be one of the only large motorcycles shows to be held this year, with both the EICMA and Intermot shows being canceled. Benelli, which is owned by Chinese giant Qianjiang Group, is set to showcase several new and upcoming motorcycle models at the CIMA.

    The brand is teasing the new bike and new engine on the Chinese language website, and there are no details available yet, other than what we can see from the images. And from the looks of it, Benelli will be unveiling a new motorcycle, as well as a new four-cylinder engine, although if both are related is not clear at this stage. The bike may not come fitted with the new engine and has been teased with the image of a covered motorcycle. And considering the image is not of a real motorcycle, it’s difficult to ascertain what kind of bike it will be. But one of Benelli’s most anticipated bikes is the slightly bigger adventure tourer, with a 800 cc parallel-twin engine, and it could very well be that, the new Benelli TRK 800, which will be unveiled at the show.

    If it’s indeed the TRK 800, which will be showcased at the CIMA, then the engine will probably be a standalone unveil. From the pixelated image, it’s not easy to make out the details of the engine, but what is clear is that it’s a four-cylinder motor with double overhead cams and liquid-cooling. From what we can make out, the engine doesn’t look like Benelli’s existing 600 cc inline-four, which is used in the Benelli TNT 600i, so this could be a new engine. The only question that remains is what kind of bike will this new four-cylinder engine be used on? From all indications, Benelli may be planning a new model offensive, apart from updating its existing line-up with new styling and feature updates. More details will be revealed at the CIMA.

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  • Hero Electric Ties Up With GoWash To Provide Electric Scooters

    Hero Electric Ties Up With GoWash To Provide Electric Scooters

    Hero Electric has partnered with Nagpur-based doorstep vehicle washing and auto detailing service provider GoWash. As part of the partnership, professionals of GoWash will use customized Hero Electric NYX HS500 ER electric scooters fitted with a dedicated compartment box at the rear while going for doorstep detailing and washing service. GoWash aims to start with 12 washing vehicles and provide service to 1,500 customers in September 2020. Later, they will be deploying 50 washing vehicles and aim at providing service to 6,000 customers by November 2020 in Nagpur city.

    Speaking on the partnership, Sohinder Gill, CEO, Hero Electric said, “Hero Electric is proud to partner with GoWash as this collaboration further strengthens our mission of providing eco-friendly mobility solutions to people. Hero Electric has always been an advocate of adopting sustainable practices by using electric mobility and GoWash has proven to have the best expertise in auto-detailing services while nurturing environmental practices. With this, we aim to expand the horizon for the adoption of electric vehicles and are excited to support GoWash in its vision.”

    Yashwant Budhwani, Founder and CEO of GoWash said, “For us at GoWash, it is not about being the No.1; it’s about being the best. best in service to the customers as well as create the best employment platform. All in all, we want to make this planet a better living place.”

    GoWash plans to expand its operations to Bengaluru in 2021. Customers can book a service on the company’s smartphone application. Along with vehicle washing services, GoWash also provides where customers can avail ceramic and PU coating services at nominal rates.

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  • Nissan ends partnership with current Vietnam distributor

    Nissan ends partnership with current Vietnam distributor

    Japanese carmaker Nissan has announced it will officially cut ties with its current distributor in Vietnam, Tan Chong, at the end of September.

    Both sides said they will part ways on September 30, ending all their partnerships in the production and distribution of Nissan vehicles for the Vietnamese market.

    Before ending ties with Malaysian-owned Tan Chong Motor Holdings, the automaker put Nissan X-Trail and Sunny models on clearance discount to try and sell its remaining inventory of vehicles assembled in Da Nang City.

    Tan Chong, a multinational corporation based in Malaysia, is not only the official distributor of Nissan in Malaysia and Vietnam, but also in Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.

    A representative of Tan Chong in Vietnam told local media that sales of Nissan models in Vietnam will still happen as usual until the official termination of the joint venture. Local dealerships will continue to provide warranty and technical support services for customers post-purchase.

  • Honda Motorcycle And Scooter India To Launch A New Premium Motorcycle This Month

    Honda Motorcycle And Scooter India To Launch A New Premium Motorcycle This Month

    Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India are all set to launch a new premium motorcycle on September 30, 2020. But which motorcycle is it exactly, is still a mystery. For all you know, it could be the Honda CBR1000RR-R, whose bookings started in July itself. But our sources suggest that it is likely to be an all-new model, which will have a displacement between 300 cc to 500 cc and the model is likely to go up against Royal Enfield, the king of the segment in that range.

    Honda has updated its 500 cc range of motorcycles for 2021 featuring all-new color schemes, as well as other minor changes to bring them in line with the latest emission regulations for global markets. These include the Honda CB500X, Honda CBR500R, and the Honda CB500F. So the new model could be one of the updated 500 cc models too.

    We suspect that Honda is likely to use an existing international model, set it up according to India (specifications and equipment), and introduce it as a new model. The company did something similar with the Honda Hornet 2.0. It is based on the CB190R, which is an international model.

    Though, the one detail Honda confirms is that the new motorcycle will be an all-new model for India. The new model will be retailed through Honda’s BigWing network which exclusively caters to sales and after-sales of Honda’s premium 300 cc plus bikes. Expect the company to release more information closer to the date of the launch.

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  • Fiat Chrysler Automobiles And Groupe PSA Amend Merger Terms To Conserve Cash

    Fiat Chrysler Automobiles And Groupe PSA Amend Merger Terms To Conserve Cash

    Peugeot maker PSA and Fiat Chrysler (FCA) have restructured the terms of their planned merger to conserve cash, and also stepped up the promised levels of cost-cutting during the pandemic. The two companies, which are set to merge into Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest carmaker, said in a joint statement late on Monday that FCA would cut to 2.9 billion euros ($3.4 billion) the cash portion of a 5.5 billion euro special dividend its shareholders will receive under the terms of the accord they signed last year.

    France’s PSA, whose brand portfolio also includes Citroen and Opel, will in turn postpone the planned spinoff of its 46% stake in parts maker Faurecia until after the merger’s closing and extend it to all shareholders of the new group. Faurecia’s market capitalization is around 5.9 billion euros. “Amendments preserve the balance of original combination agreement,” the two groups said, adding that ownership of Stellantis would still be split 50/50 between current PSA and FCA shareholders.

    A source said on Monday that the aim of those changes was to reinforce the balance sheet structure of both companies after the COVID-19 crisis and ensure that the merger plan is concluded as soon as possible.

    Analysts had argued that such a large cash payout to FCA shareholders, led by controlling investor EXOR , the holding company of Italy’s Agnelli family, could weaken the new carmaker’s finances, as the auto industry is paying a high price for the coronavirus outbreak.

    Confirming last week that the deal was on track, FCA Chief Executive Mike Manley said both he and PSA CEO Carlos Tavares were aware of the need for the two firms to get to the merger with the strongest balance sheets possible as well as for shareholders to get what they expected.

    FCA and PSA said annual estimated synergies from their merger were now seen at more than 5 billion euros, compared with an initial estimate of over 3.7 billion.

    The two carmakers confirmed that they expect to complete the tie-up process by the end of the first quarter of 2021.

    Both earlier this year scrapped dividend payments on 2019 results, each worth 1.1 billion euros.

  • Auto sales down with 25 percent

    Auto sales down with 25 percent

    Auto sales fell 25 percent year-on-year in the first eight months to 151,903 units due to the continuing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Passenger cars accounted for 109,694 units, followed by commercial vehicles and special-purpose vehicles, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA).

    Sales in August, when Vietnam saw a fresh eruption of Covid-19 linked to central Da Nang City, fell 14 percent from July to 20,655 vehicles. This ended a rise in sales for three consecutive months from May. April sales had plummeted after the government imposed social distancing.

    Local brand Truong Hai Auto (Thaco) retained the top spot even as its year-to-date sales fell 16 percent to 49,940 units for a 34.3 percent market share.

    It was followed by Toyota with 34,743 units and Honda with 14,850 units, both down nearly 30 percent. Mitsubishi and Ford rounded off the top five. On June 28 the government cut first-time registration fees by half for locally made vehicles to foster sales amid the pandemic. The reduction will last through this year before returning to old levels on January 1, 2021. Auto sales had risen 11.7 percent year-on-year to 322,322 units last year.

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  • Tesla Launches Fast Electric Car Charging In Berlin

    Tesla Launches Fast Electric Car Charging In Berlin

    Managers at electric carmaker Tesla Inc on Thursday demonstrated new supercharger equipment on a Berlin research campus, saying they were looking at more target cities to attract potential buyers worried about access to charging.

    “Now, as part of our commitment to make Tesla ownership easy and convenient for everyone including those without immediate access to home or workplace charging, we are expanding out supercharging network into city centers,” said Jeroen van Tilburg, manager Europe of charging infrastructure at Tesla.

    A company spokesman told reporters Tesla would open at least one more inner-city fast-charging site in Germany in 2020, possibly more.

    He stressed that Tesla still believed in the slow workplace and residential charging as the main way to charge vehicles but wanted to offer a quicker option.

    The so-called V3 charger allows Tesla Model 3 cars to charge within five minutes enough to travel 120 kilometers (75 miles). Older Tesla models would receive relevant software upgrades. German policymakers aim to boost the demand for electric cars to cut emissions.

    “We have a lot to make up for in terms of charging infrastructure,” said Germany’s Economy Minister Peter Altmaier at the event.

    He reiterated pledges to speed the roll-out of public charging points and permits for private charging which had hampered sales in the past.

    The latest legislation for a green-led recovery after the coronavirus crisis offers buyers incentives and helps bump up power grids.

    Tesla has chosen a site near Berlin for a new factory due to start operating next year.

    Separately to the event, the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper said on Thursday the factory had the potential to create 40,000 jobs, citing the economy minister of Brandenburg state.

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  • Companies Carmaker VinFast posts $284 mln loss

    Companies Carmaker VinFast posts $284 mln loss

    Vietnamese automaker VinFast posted a loss of nearly VND6.6 trillion ($284 million) in the first half, up four times year-on-year.

    The subsidiary of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate Vingroup saw owner’s equity rising 10.8 percent year-on-year to VND28.1 trillion ($1.2 billion) by the end of June. Its asset value by the same date was over VND100 trillion.

    Pham Nhat Vuong, chairman of Vingroup, had earlier said that losses were expected for both automaker VinFast and smartphone producer VinSmart over the next three to five years as they work to increase their market share.

    Vingroup recorded H1 revenues of VND6.58 trillion from cars, electric bikes and smartphone sales, triple that of last year.

    VinFast has recently entered the luxury market with its new SUV, VinFast President. The company sold over 5,100 cars in the first quarter to rank fifth among auto brands in Vietnam.

  • Social distancing sparks flurry of in-car accessory sales

    Social distancing sparks flurry of in-car accessory sales

    Car accessory sales are increasing in South Korea as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage on and people spend more time in their vehicles to avoid physical contact.

    Online shopping giant 11St reported that over the past two weeks, sales of laptop/book stands for cars and multipurpose seat pockets jumped by 27 percent following the spike in confirmed coronavirus infections between August 18 and 30.

    Cup-holder sales jumped by 19 percent over the same period. Do-it-yourself car wash kits also gained popularity among consumers and car shampoo sales jumped by 53 percent, while washing tools and towels sales increased by 16 percent and 27 percent, respectively.

    Sales of other indoor car-cleaning tools jumped as well: portable vacuum cleaners by 24 percent, air purifiers for cars by 38 percent and car air fresheners by 21 percent.

    The majority of the increase in car accessory sales appears to be via online platforms.

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  • Ford Is Developing Technology Which Could Predict Accidents

    Ford Is Developing Technology Which Could Predict Accidents

    Ford is developing a technology in the UK that could make road travel in the urban jungle safer and easier reports the Drive in Australia. Ford’s technology is said to have the ability to ‘foresee traffic incidents’ and present them from happening.

    Ford Mobility has formed an alliance with a group of bodies that consist of councils, transport bodies and universities to create a predictive road safety tool that utilizes data from local authorities, roadside sensors and connected vehicles to identify the high-risk hotspots.
    The program which is 18 months old had received its funding from the UK government. The program will collect data from 700 connected vehicles both commercial and passenger. This also includes the 100 roadside sensors, across Oxfordshire and London.

    The plan is to collect data which is gathered from driver’s brake or accelerator pedal pattern usage, to steering wheel angular use, how cyclists play on the roads and pedestrians alike and any near-miss incidents.

    The tool not only will define the hotspots of accident-prone areas but it will also predetermine the causes that result in accidents in that zone which are defined as hotspots. It will prepare the councils of that area to take preventive measures.

    The predictive solutions and improvements could include the introduction of red-light cameras at high-risk intersections. Initiatives like removal of nearby trees or the plantation on the intersection to improve the sensors to collect the data of the vehicles plying or any accidents happening could also be in the mix. They are also planning to raise the height of the signages for the drivers to have better visibility of the caution.

    The insights and analysis will be used to further prove and develop the digital road safety algorithm and tool into a scalable, commercial product to benefit cities and citizens around the world, the manufacturer said in a statement.

    The consortium will also seek to uncover further real-world applications for predictive road safety-related insights. Similar operations are being planned in partnership with authorities in places like Cologne in Germany, and Valencia in Spain.

  • Japan’s Moon Exploration Vehicle To Be Called Lunar Cruiser

    Japan’s Moon Exploration Vehicle To Be Called Lunar Cruiser

    The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Toyota announced the name of its manned pressurized rover which is currently under joint research. It will be nicknamed the Lunar Cruiser, which we think is a very ‘Toyota’ name. JAXA and Toyota previously announced and have been conducting joint research on a manned, pressurized lunar rover that uses fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technologies.

    The nickname Lunar Cruiser was chosen because of the familiar feeling it offers the people involved in the development and manufacture of the vehicle prototype as part of the joint research project as well as the familiarity it will provide the general public. The name, which references the Toyota Land Cruiser SUV, was decided upon based on the quality, durability, and reliability expected of the pressurized lunar rover

    JAXA and Toyota signed a joint research agreement to work on a manned pressurized lunar rover last year, on June 13, 2019, with an expected launch date in the latter half of the 2020s. Together, they are working to manufacture test parts for each technological element, and the prototype rover itself, during this fiscal year (FY2020). The work involves the use of simulations to confirm power and heat dissipation performance while driving, the manufacture and assessment of prototype tires, and the use of virtual reality and full-scale models to consider the layout of equipment in the cabin of the Lunar Cruiser.

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  • Southeast Asia’s largest used car platform unveils experience centre

    Southeast Asia’s largest used car platform unveils experience centre

    Southeast Asian online used car trading platform Carsome has launched its new Carsome Experience Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

    The move signals the opening of the firm’s B2C segment, introducing a highly digitized and transparent car-purchasing process, aimed at addressing consumer distrust when buying second-hand cars. The firm works to enhance trust and assurance throughout the industry’s supply chain in the areas of sourcing, financing, retailing, and after-sales services.

    “We want to create an end-to-end trusted experience for consumers when it comes to buying used cars,” said Carsome co-founder and CEO Eric Cheng.

    “Our Car Purchase Preference Survey showed that 70 percent of car buyers want detailed information on car condition; 60 percent appreciate an extended warranty; and 40 percent value test drive experience and money-back guarantee.”

    The firm offers a one-year warranty and five-day money-back guarantee on selected vehicles. The service also features a home-delivery option. Test drives take place in a controlled setting from the Experience Centre.

    “Carsome’s B2B business has solved a persistent issue for used-car dealers when it comes to sourcing inventory,” said Cheng. “With the launch of our B2C segment, we are now creating a new customer-acquisition channel for our partner dealers to remarket and sell more cars through our extensive marketing reach. This is an exclusive, value-added service to our partner dealers, who can now list their cars on Carsome website for free.”

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  • Rolls-Royce Announces New Brand Identity

    Rolls-Royce Announces New Brand Identity

    Rolls-Royce has announced its new brand identity and this new identity continues Rolls-Royce’s journey from automotive manufacturer to a house of luxury. In recent years, Rolls-Royce has experienced change at a quicker rate, and with the portfolio of cars now expanded to five models, the company is looking at a diverse and discerning crowd. It is no surprise, therefore, that the age and demographic of the marque’s clients have decreased significantly to an average of just 43.

    Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce, said, “As the marque’s digital presence increases, there has never been a more important time for the visual language of the company to reflect our standing as the leading luxury brand in the world. We have embarked on a fascinating journey of modernizing our brand identity to echo those changes seen in our portfolio, our client demographic, their lifestyle, and the luxury world that surrounds them.”

    Rolls-Royce appointed Marina Willer, partner at Pentagram to create a new brand identity that could move beyond the mechanics of being the ‘Best Car in the World’, and also define the very pillars of luxury the company is known for. Pentagram embarked upon a deep exploration of Rolls-Royce, including its products – both new and old, its design ethos, its designers, clients, and a lot more.

    Willer was able to approach the re-design from a completely fresh perspective and the new look celebrates the luxuriousness of the brand while providing it with the means to visually communicate with Rolls-Royce’s younger, increasingly diversified audiences.

    The Spirit of Ecstasy, which has graced the prow of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since 1911, will now gain increased prominence in the marque’s brand identity. The original figurine was drawn and sculpted by British artist Charles Sykes. In homage to this historical commission, Chris Mitchell, a leading illustrator of brand and identity icons, was called upon by Pentagram to envisage the distilled form of the iconic statuette. Working closely with Pentagram’s direction, Chris, paid close attention to her proportions which embrace strength and power that cannot be deemed fragile or meek. When depicted in two-dimensional form, her direction has changed from left to right, boldly facing the future, reflective of the marque itself.

    When choosing a color palette for the new identity, Pentagram’s design team initially turned its attention to the company’s products. It was drawn to purple hues, specifically those with a deep and majestic tone. Historically rare in nature and with roots in mythology, art, piety and royalty, purple has always signified wealth and power. A metallic Rose Gold is chosen to complement this color.

    The badge, representing Rolls and Royce, the marque’s founding fathers, is known worldwide as a symbol of engineering excellence and the very best of human endeavor. It is no surprise, therefore, that this famed signifier remains unchanged. The Badge of Honour will reside on the marque’s products alone – reserved solely for the precious creations born at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex.

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  • Southeast Asia’s largest used car platform unveils experience centre

    Southeast Asia’s largest used car platform unveils experience centre

    Southeast Asian online used car trading platform Carsome has launched its new Carsome Experience Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

    The move signals the opening of the firm’s B2C segment, introducing a highly digitized and transparent car-purchasing process, aimed at addressing consumer distrust when buying second-hand cars. The firm works to enhance trust and assurance throughout the industry’s supply chain in the areas of sourcing, financing, retailing, and after-sales services.

    “We want to create an end-to-end trusted experience for consumers when it comes to buying used cars,” said Carsome co-founder and CEO Eric Cheng.

    “Our Car Purchase Preference Survey showed that 70 percent of car buyers want detailed information on car condition; 60 percent appreciate an extended warranty; and 40 percent value test drive experience and money-back guarantee.”

    The firm offers a one-year warranty and five-day money-back guarantee on selected vehicles. The service also features a home-delivery option. Test drives take place in a controlled setting from the Experience Centre.

    “Carsome’s B2B business has solved a persistent issue for used-car dealers when it comes to sourcing inventory,” said Cheng. “With the launch of our B2C segment, we are now creating a new customer-acquisition channel for our partner dealers to remarket and sell more cars through our extensive marketing reach. This is an exclusive, value-added service to our partner dealers, who can now list their cars on Carsome website for free.”

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  • Mercedes-AMG Opens First Ever Experience Centre In China

    Mercedes-AMG Opens First Ever Experience Centre In China

    Mercedes-AMG is opening its first Experience Centre in the world in China. Customers and fans can experience the motorsport DNA of the brand from Affalterbach in close-up – on and alongside the immediately adjacent racing circuit. The new AMG Experience Centre lies about two hours’ drive from Shanghai, occupying an area of around 1305 square meters directly adjacent to the Zhejiang International Circuit. The exclusive AMG format offers twelve functional areas and four display areas over two floors, adding up to an extremely comprehensive brand and product experience and allowing visitors to discover for themselves the many facets of Driving Performance.

    The vehicles and technologies on display can be explored in analog form as well as digitally using VR technology. Specially trained AMG experts are on hand to provide detailed information and individual guidance. If a customer expresses an interest in buying, they will be put in touch with their nearest AMG retail partner. The facilities on offer are further enhanced by the “Café63”, a lounge and an exclusive selection of high-quality lifestyle accessories available from the AMG Shop. The whole area can furthermore be used as an event location, for which it can be flexibly configured. Stairs lead up to the interactive experience zone on the first floor. Motorsport enthusiasts can experience racing simulators and AR applications here, set among the successes of the AMG Customer Racing Teams. A slot car race track controlled via brainwaves is yet another technological highlight that serves to emphasize the experience-oriented nature of the format.

    The opportunity to experience the AMG vehicle range on the race track is of course on the table. An extensive pool of vehicles which includes the GT3 and GT4 racing vehicles in which visitors can experience the true fascination of motor racing. In addition to this exclusive use of the track, the Zhejiang International Circuit offers special monthly track days, in which interested customers and fans can take part either in their own vehicles or in AMG vehicles booked from the Centre.

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