Motoring September 2019

IN THIS ISSUE: YOUR NEW A-CLASS: HATCHBACK OR SALOON | CHINA’S GROWING LOVE OF HISTORIC VEHICLES IS GOOD NEWS FOR US ALL | KIA E-NIRO WINS NORTHERN GROUP CAR OF THE YEAR 2019 | CALLING ALL SECRET AGENTS 1965 ASTON MARTIN DB5 007 CAR | LASTING BEAUTY THAT MOVES: MERCEDES-BENZ VISION EQS | HIGHWAYS ENGLAND INVESTS IN FLEET OF VOLVO XC40S

The Malta Independent on Sunday. September 2019

YOUR NEW A-CLASS HATCHBACK OR SALOON

CHINA’S GROWING LOVE OF HISTORIC VEHICLES IS GOOD NEWS FOR US ALL CHINA’S FIRST – AND ONLY – PRIVATE HISTORIC VEHICLE MUSEUM HAS JUST JOINED FIVA (THE FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DES VÉHICULES ANCIENS OR INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF HISTORIC VEHICLES).

THE SANHE CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM (SCCM), IN CHENGDU, BOASTS A COLLECTION OF SOME 230 HISTORIC CARS, WITH MORE THAN 30 MARQUES DATING FROM THE EARLY 1900S TO THE 1990S.

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It’s hard to overstate the importance of welcoming a Chinese museum to the international community of classic vehicle enthusiasts,” says Dr Mario Theissen, Senior Vice President of FIVA. “A passion for historic vehicles, and for the culture that lies behind automotive history, is a relatively new phenomenon in China. This makes it a particular pleasure to share our mutual interests with the Chinese, and we look forward to exchanging valuable ideas.”

Hongqi CA72

Sanhe Classic Car Museum, China

Comments FIVA president Patrick Rollet, “While we already have Chinese members of FIVA, such as the Classic Vehicle Union of China (CVUC), the addition of SCCM is a huge step forward. Given the country’s size, population and enormous global influence, establishing a closer relationship with China is likely to be very good news for the future of historic vehicle preservation. This is right at the heart of why FIVA exists.”

So far, there are just three museums in China that address the country’s growing interest in classic vehicles – two state-owned museums, in Beijing and Shanghai,

and the privately owned SCCM in Chengdu, the latter of which has just joined FIVA. In doing so, it becomes the 40th ‘Professional Member’ of FIVA, while most of the remaining members – representing nearly two million enthusiasts – are historic vehicle clubs from around the world.

Chengdu, with more than 8m inhabitants (and another 22m in the wider Chengdu area), is a city of considerable historical significance, able to trace its roots back to 300 BC. The SCCM covers some 20,000 square metres, is lavishly constructed and beautifully

illuminated, and features a ‘retro street’, children’s entertainment area, art gallery, theatre, library, plus a coffee shop and souvenir centre.

Owned and curated by Huang ZongMin (or Jason Huang, as he prefers to be known), the SCCM’s exhibits include a Benz Patent Motorwagen replica, 1906 Cadillac M, 1910 Napier 15HP, Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Auburn 851, Packard Super 8, Maserati 3500 GT and Aston Martin DB4. Even more interestingly, however, the museum houses a good collection of Chinese-built Hongqis, the car used by senior members of the Communist Party and government officials. In 2008, SCCM exchanged a 1965 Hongqi CA770 with Blackhawk Museum’s Benz Patent Motorwagen. In 2015, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, Chinese carmaker FAW, which owns the Hongqi brand today, and SCCM donated a CA770 to Cité de l’Automobile – Collection Schlumpf, at Mulhouse, France.

As well as owning SCCM, Jason Huang, China’s leading classic car collector, is chairman of Sanhe Group, retailing Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Lotus, Morgan, Audi, Volvo, Infiniti, Toyota and Honda cars.

In 2016, Huang became the first Chinese collector to participate in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with his 1923 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, winning the runners-up award in the Silver Ghost class. Two years later, in 2018, Huang’s Hongqi CA72 was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy at Pebble Beach.

On 6 September 2019, SCCM obtained permission to put historic vehicles on the roads of Chengdu, organising a drive of 22 beautiful historic vehicles to the start of the Chengdu Motor Show. Five cars remained at the exhibition grounds, giving short rides to visitors – the majority of whom had never experienced a historic vehicle before.

KIA e-NIRO WINS NORTHERN GROUP CAR OF THE YEAR 2019 • ALL-NEW KIA E-NIRO NAMED ‘NORTHERN CAR OF THE YEAR’ • KIA WINS NORTHERN CAR OF THE YEAR FOR A FOURTH TIME The all electric e-Niro, has been named 2019 Car of the Year by the Northern Group of Motoring Writers. This is Kia’s fourth Car of the Year award from the Northern Group, following wins in 2011 with the Picanto, 2012 for the cee’d and most recently, the Stinger picking up the award in 2018.

Members of the Northern Group were asked to vote for their favourite vehicles from a long-list of newly launched 02 motoring | September 2019

models. The list was cut down to the top five vehicles, before members of the Northern Group met in Yorkshire earlier this month to determine which vehicle was worthy to win the title of ‘Northern Car of the Year’. The Kia e-Niro won with members awarding the car 52 votes.

Commenting on the award, Andy Harris, Chairman of the Northern Group of Motoring Writers: “After much

deliberation and a wellattended driving day, The Northern Group of Motoring Writers has chosen its Car of the Year. The Kia e-Niro scooped the top spot due I believe to its combination of class-leading electric range, everyday practicality and top notch build quality. Affordable pricing is the icing on the cake and a rapidly growing waiting list means the car buying public would seem to agree.”

The Kia e-Niro has been designed to merge crossoverinspired design with a class leading driving range of 282 miles, zero-emissions driving and enjoyable performance. It achieves this with a next-

generation electric powertrain, using new production technologies developed specifically for Kia electric vehicles. The 64kwh battery can be charged to 80 per cent in as little as 54 minutes.

1965 Aston Martin DB5 “Bond Car”. (Photo Simon Clay © 2019 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)

CALLING ALL SECRET AGENTS 1965 ASTON MARTIN DB5 007 CAR RM SOTHEBY’S RECORD BREAKING AUCTION OF THE MOST FAMOUS CAR IN THE WORLD: THE JAMES BOND 007 ASTON MARTIN DB5. THE CAR FEATURES 13 FUNCTIONING BOND MODIFICATIONS AS SEEN IN GOLDFINGER AND THUNDERBALL.

One of the Browning .30 caliber machine guns hidden in each fender of the DB5. (Photo Simon Clay © 2019 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)

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his August the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 used to promote Goldfinger and Thunderball was sold for a record breaking US $6,385,000 at the world’s biggest classic car auction held in California – the RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction. The most valuable DB5 ever sold at auction, the 007 car was the subject of a 4 ½ minute bidding competition between six interested parties in

the room and on the phone. The DB5 is one of two examples outfitted with John Stears-designed Bond gadgets from new and used on the North American promotional tour for Thunderball. Beautifully restored, all 13 Bond modifications are fully-functioning, including a Browning .30-calibre machine gun in each fender, wheel-hub mounted tyre-slashers, smoke screen dispensers, revolving license plates, a bullet-proof rear screen, and more.

A look at the interior gadgets in the Bond DB5.

(Photo Simon Clay © 2019 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)

The smoke screen dispenser on the DB5 is engaged.

(Photo Simon Clay © 2019 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s) September 2019 | motoring 03

LASTING BEAUTY T MERCEDES-BENZ VISION

THE VISION EQS IN BRIEF • Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS: A trailblazer for the entire Mercedes-Benz EQ family. The study provides an outlook on a new dimension in sustainable luxury.

• Moving people: Mercedes-Benz stands for mobility and progress. The Vision EQS show car points the way to the future of Mercedes-Benz. Because two things are timeless: the need for transport and the desire for the very special.

• Arousing enthusiasm: The VISION EQS creates a connection between rationality and emotion. It presents the thrilling design of future EQ models from Mercedes-Benz. Its "one bow" proportion and dramatic fluidity are stylistic heralds of a new generation of electric Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

• Experiencing the future: For the first time, the generous spaciousness and new control concept of the Vision EQS show car provide a physical preview of the intuitive and digital interior and Advanced MBUX of future luxury saloons. A clear, flowing design idiom makes the individual par ts of the entire dashboard blend into an integrated interior sculpture.

• Technology taken further: In a sustainable future too, our customers will want a saloon that meets their wishes in terms of comfort, design and technology.

The VISION EQS combines these in a concept for a fully-electric vehicle in the luxury class.

Lasting beauty that moves

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he Vision EQS, a milestone on the way to the future of Mercedes-Benz. At the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (12 September to 22 September 2019), MercedesBenz will show the challenges of the future: sustainability is

becoming a central component of the brand philosophy, and a major aspect of our corporate strategy. The show car already meets these aspirations today, and provides an outlook on future large, electric luxury saloons. At the same time it illustrates a vision of purposebuilt electro-design. With the Vision EQS, Mercedes-Benz is making a clear statement for the continued future of highquality vehicles and selfdetermined driving. Supreme craftsmanship, emotive design, luxurious materials and individual driving pleasure will continue to be desirable in the future. Because now and for the future, luxury above all stands for personal freedom as well.

Seamless, digital and electric – the design With its innovative, stretched "one bow" proportion, the VISION EQS takes the Progressive Luxury design philosophy of the EQ models

by Mercedes-Benz into a new dimension. The flowing yet powerful sculptured effect of the exterior design gives the show car its majestic appearance – luxurious generosity and aerodynamic elegance in ideal harmony.

The prominent, continuous "lightbelt" structures the exterior in a new way. The resulting colour division at shoulder level creates the impression of a "black panel" glass landscape floating on the silver vehicle body – a seamlessly connected vehicle surface from the striking EQ 04 motoring | September 2019

THAT MOVES: N EQS

front grille to the rear.

In an innovative way, the VISION EQS appears both sensuously elegant and dramatically charged with this design.

Technical gems – precision in detail Technologically futuristic features include the DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, each with two holographic lens modules, integrated into the continuous 360-degree exterior lightbelt.

These not only lend the vehicle the serene gaze so typical of a Mercedes, but also allow an almost unlimited number of

light variations that provide an outlook on future light configurations by MercedesBenz.

The brand logo also has new tasks: 229 illuminated, individual stars form the seamlessly integrated lightbelt at the rear, causing the brand's trademark to shine out in a previously unknown way.

Interaction between the vehicle and its environment is not just limited to the lights in the VISION EQS. The digital front grille, which realises a light matrix consisting of 188 individual LEDs as a world first, provides a new level in precise signalling. Once the black panel comes to life, the seemingly free-floating stars and pixels create a fascinating, threedimensional effect.

Atmospheric generosity in the interior In the interior the VISION EQS takes its inspiration from the world of luxury yachts. The clear, flowing design idiom creates a new level of serenity – and with it the vision of modern luxury interpreted into the future.

For the first time the entire dashboard blends with the body of the front trim section to form an interior sculpture.

With its deep and open spatial architecture, the cockpit of the VISION EQS envelops the occupants like the deck of a boat. The fully integrated, embracing overall sculpture consisting of the combined dashboard, centre console and armrests floats above the generous interior and for the first time gives an outlook on the interiors of future luxury saloons by the brand.

The choice of materials for the interior of the show car also ensures a special ambience. Mercedes-Benz has systematically developed the use of sustainable materials further, and uses both traditional and technologically advanced materials. Highquality DINAMICA microfibre in crystal white is used alongside native figured maple

trim. This is made from recycled PET bottles. Also used is artificial leather, with a finely structured surface similar to nappa leather. The material used for the roof liner comes from a special project: a highquality textile was created by adding a quantity of recycled "ocean waste" plastic, putting the use of sustainable materials on a wholly new level.

Intuitive Interaction – Advanced MBUX The VISION EQS presents a large interior sculpture as a stage for the future: digital content can be experienced by immersion over the entire surface, creating an allembracing atmosphere. The blending of materials and information illustrates a possible intuitive interaction in the future.

The organically emerging displays and projection surfaces provide display space, as does the intelligent CONNECTED LIGHT that surrounds the occupants. Haptic highlights such as the air vents integrated into the trim element like inlays, the sophisticated speaker covers in rosé gold and the fragrance flask encased in a decorative holder like a jewel round off the trendsetting interior of the VISION EQS and show exquisite craftsmanship.

Into a fully-electric future with MercedesBenz EQ Performance With electric motors at the front and rear axles and the battery integrated into the vehicle floor, the VISION EQS represents a very well-balanced vehicle concept. The basis for dynamic high-level performance and safety comes courtesy of the electric allwheel drive with axle-variable torque distribution and a battery installed deep in the vehicle floor between the axles. Thanks to more than 350 kW of output and immediately

available torque of around 760 newton metres, the VISION EQS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds.

And not only the performance is impressive, as the outstanding energy efficiency also sets standards.

As a result, thanks to an intelligent operating strategy, the show car has a comfortable operating range of up to 700 km according to WLTP. Assuming a charging performance of 350 kW, the show car recharges the battery to 80% in considerably less than 20 minutes.

"With the Vision EQS technology platform, MercedesBenz is opting for a completely new, fully-variable batteryelectric drive platform. This is in many respects scalable and usable on a cross-model basis: thanks to the modern modular system, the wheelbase and track, as well as all other system components, and especially the battery, are variable and therefore suitable for a wide range of different vehicle concepts. As well as from in-house development and production expertise, Mercedes-Benz benefits from a group and model series-wide modular strategy for alternative drive systems, and direct access to key components for emobility. For example, the highly-efficient lithium-ion battery comes from the Daimler subsidiary ACCUMOTIVE. As is the case with modern series production models by Mercedes-Benz, the vehicle structure is based on an intelligent multi-material mix of steel, aluminium and carbon fibre, plus sustainable materials made from recyclates. This optimally meets the requirements with respect to lightweight design, strength, cost efficiency and sustainability.

The VISION EQS also makes a clear statement for the continuation of drivercontrolled vehicles. To this end the show car shows the bandwidth of the platform with

its clear focus on the driver.

Mercedes-Benz will also be in a position to fulfil the desire for individual mobility and thrilling handling characteristics in the future. At the same time the Vision EQS show car supports the driver with highlyautomated driving at Level 3, e.g. on longer motorway journeys. Thanks to the modular sensor systems, the level of autonomy can be extended up to fully-automated driving in the future.

Mercedes me Charge for sustainability here and now Mercedes-Benz is aspiring to a CO2-neutral new car fleet in 20 years. This means a fundamental transformation of the company in less than three product cycles. The way towards sustainable mobility is therefore innovation – with a comprehensive approach. The aim is to arouse customer enthusiasm for climate-neutral mobility and emission-free driving.

In some regions, and depending on how it is generated, electric power is a very significant source of CO2 over the life cycle of an electric car. Accordingly Mercedes-Benz seeks to encourage customers to charge their cars with "green" energy. Solutions such as Mercedes me Charge make it possible for car drivers to conveniently charge their vehicles at many different public charging stations in Europe, wherever possible with energy from renewable sources.

With IONITY, a joint venture between BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen group with Audi and Porsche, MercedesBenz also offers its customers convenient access to an efficient rapid-charging infrastructure along major European traffic arteries. More than 100 of the 400 charging parks planned in Europe by 2020 are already in operation.

September 2019 | motoring 05

HIGHWAYS ENGLAND INVESTS IN FLEET OF VOLVO XC40S

• HIGHWAYS ENGLAND INVESTS IN 41 VOLVO XC40S AS PART OF ITS VEHICLE FLEET. • MULTI AWARD-WINNING MODEL MEETS HIGHWAYS ENGLAND’S SAFETY AND RELIABILITY DEMANDS. • UNRIVALLED LOW WHOLE LIFE COSTS ALSO HELP SECURE HIGHWAYS ENGLAND ORDER.

06 motoring | September 2019

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he multi awardwinning Volvo XC40 has been chosen by Highways England to play its part in keeping England’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads moving. The government company has invested in 41 vehicles that will

form part of its vehicle fleet. They will be used to assess the standards and integrity of the country’s motorways and major ‘A’ roads – travelling thousands of miles a year.

The XC40’s safety features, confident terrain clearance and road presence were notable reasons for its selection by Highways England, which came after Volvo Car UK renewed its status as a supplier on the Crown Commercial Services vehicle purchase framework agreement.

Nick Harris, The Executive Director of Operations at Highways England explains why the XC40 was chosen: “Keeping our roads safe, well maintained and providing a better driving experience for road users are important aspects of the dayto-day operation of our roads – contributing to our key imperatives of safety, customer service, and delivery.

“It is important that vehicles we use are cost-effective, reliable and versatile – the Volvo XC40 will be a valuable addition to our fleet.”

The five-star Euro NCAP safety rating wasn’t the only draw. The Whole Life Costs of the XC40 appealed to Highways England too. The quality of build and technology, including the Sensus navigation and Volvo On Call app, meant only minor modifications to the off-the-production line model were needed for the government agency to put the XC40 into service. Fewer modifications mean a higher resale value and represent lower Whole Life Costs.

The Volvo Car UK Special Vehicles division, which secured the contract, has over 50 years' experience developing purposebuilt vehicles for customers with special requirements including police, fire, ambulance paramedic and rapid response cars. It worked with Volvo’s preferred vehicle installation and conversion

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT VEHICLES WE USE ARE COST-EFFECTIVE, RELIABLE AND VERSATILE – THE VOLVO XC40 WILL BE A VALUABLE ADDITION TO OUR FLEET partner, Jack Hodson Limited, to make the necessary changes to the XC40 fleet for Highways England, including adding a rear bulk-head to increase storage capacity, as well as an amber light bar and livery.

Run-lock technology was also fitted so that inspectors can leave the engine running with the amber lights flashing while the vehicle is locked. This ensures visibility and safety at the side of the road without the vehicle being at risk of theft.

The exceptional value of the Volvo XC40 service and maintenance package also convinced Highways England that its aftersales needs could be met across its entire geographical network, while its efficiency means it meets the government agency’s emissions targets.

Matt Galvin, Sales Director, Volvo Car UK, adds: “Already popular with commercial fleets across the country, the XC40 can now offer its huge array of benefits to government agency employees. Highways England works diligently to keep motorists on the move and we are proud that this fleet of XC40s will keep its inspectors mobile as they tackle tough work in often challenging conditions.”

YOUR NEW A-CLASS HATCHBACK OR SALOON THE A-CLASS FROM MERCEDES-BENZ IS NOW AVAILABLE IN HATCHBACK AND SALOON. HAVING TROUBLE DECIDING WHICH MODEL MATCHES YOUR STYLE? BELOW IS ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR DECISION. The new A-Class Hatchback ideal for families!

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he new A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the completely new multimedia system MBUX - Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which also ushers in a new era in Mercedes me connectivity. MBUX can be individualised and adapts to suit the user.

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC as part of the Driving Assistance package is able to support the driver in numerous route-specific situations, and predictively and conveniently adjust the speed e.g. when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts.

The new A-Class starting from €31,500 is equipped with

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class Saloon: For the sporty individual

The KEYLESS-GO Convenience Package with HANDS-FREE ACCESS could be one of the available options.

This function enables hands-free and fully automatic opening of the boot lid with a kicking motion of the foot under the rear bumper. The interior of the new A-Class Saloon is completely redefined with its modern, avantgarde look.

Don’t miss the opportunity to test drive the new A-Class.

The entry-level model is already extensively equipped. The starting price of the A-class saloon is €37, 200 which can be customised with the Design and Equipment line, Progressive and AMG Line, the Night Package as well as further optional equipment.

Visit our Mercedes-Benz Showroom in Mosta Road, Lija or call on +356 2143 3601 to book a test drive.

Alternatively, you can send an e-mail to sales@autosales.com.mt requesting further information.

driver and front passenger airbags, a driver’s knee bag and window bags as standard. Unlike in many competing models, the window bag also covers the A-pillar for more complete passenger protection. It has enough room for a family of five to feel comfortable in.

September 2019 | motoring 07