NMax Electric, Yamaha E01 will be rented out to Indonesian people

 Yamaha E01, the latest motorcycle from the manufacturer bearing a tuning fork similar to the NMax but powered by electricity, is said to be distributed to Indonesia. As previously known, at the Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) 2022, this motorbike has been displayed in public. Now, Yamaha Motor Corporation claims that Indonesia is one of the countries that will be the target of the E01 distribution.

For the initial phase, the Yamaha E01 will not be sold to the public, but will be loaned to individuals with a rental business scheme. This was chosen because the E01 is still in the process of concept testing, and has not yet entered the mass production line.

"To find the best technology based on the real needs of the community, we will start conducting a Proof of Concept (PoC) testing phase, namely by distributing motorbikes to learn more about the driving habits of six countries or regions with different uses in different climates." explained Yasushi Nomura, Innovation Group, Global Branding Section, Motorcycle Business Unit of Yamaha Motor Corporation in a product introduction session held online with media from around the world, today (21/4).

The countries targeted for PoC Yamaha E01 are Japan, Europe, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia and including Indonesia. It was stated that the main targets of PoC were private users, rental, B2B business units as well as goods delivery systems, and others. And the distribution method is rental.

In Nomura's presentation, it was explained that the E01 was indeed developed by adhering to several principles from Yamaha NMax. For example, from the proportions, the format of the medium scooter and even the wheelbase are made similar with the aim of providing a comfortable driving experience and in accordance with the technical needs of a large battery. The formula was applied through the Motoroid design, which is indeed the ultimate concept motorcycle from the electric vehicle segment.

Some of the specifications described are lithium ion batteries with a capacity of 4.9 kWh. This battery is a source of power for the synchronous motor unit with a power of 8.1 kW or 11 PS with a torque of 30.2 Nm. Torque of that size, can be obtained in a rotation of only 1,950 rpm. The distance that can be achieved is 130 km (European Class 1 WMTC te method). The highest speed that can be achieved by this motorbike is said to reach 100 km / h.

All these performance specifications are arranged in a body design with a wheelbase of 1,930 mm, which is considered equivalent to the NMax at the level of 1,935 mm. The seat height is also relatively the same, where NMax is 740 mm, E01 is 755 mm. In his presentation it was also mentioned that the proportion of riding position was made similar to that of NMax (attached image).

One thing to note, the Yamaha E01 uses an embedded (fix) battery method that cannot be removed easily (swapable). Principals argue this method allows them to embed larger batteries in the hope of longer mileage or usage. So, the only way to charge it is to connect the E01 to a charging power source.

"If it does enter the mass production phase, we will still use the fixed battery model. The problem we are currently facing is that these large batteries have to be secured under a lot of electronic equipment where there is a shortage in the market, and this is something we have to consider ," added Eiji Koyano, Group Manager of Innovation Group at Yamaha Motor Corporation.

 

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The First Impression of the New Honda City Hatchback RS Using Honda Sensing

 Lapse of a year from its launch, Honda provided an update on the City Hatchback RS, Wednesday (20/4/2022). Now the sporty-style hatchback is getting additional features from the Honda Sensing advanced safety guarantee package.

But in addition to safety features, PT Honda Prospect Motor (HPM) also provides an interesting refresher, especially in terms of comfort. Anything? Check out the experience of Oto.com meeting for the first time with this new variant of the City Hatchback.

First from the exterior appearance. There are no significant changes from this hatchback at a glance. Honda also does not provide a special emblem for the use of Honda Sensing. However, as a marker, there is now a camera in the left rearview mirror which indicates the use of Lane Watch. Plus from behind the windshield there are cameras and sensors for various Honda Sensing safety features.

From the front, the City Hatcback RS still uses a grille with black accents with the RS logo. There is a honeycomb air grille coupled with LED headlamps with DRL and fog lamps as well as LED technology. The main light now has an auto headlight feature as an added convenience.

The legs still use 16-inch rims with 185/55 R16 tires of the cross model. Prospective consumers have to bite their fingers, because the size of the rim does not increase to 17 inches. The door handle is still body color and the rear view mirror is black. At the back, the City Hatcback RS still uses a combination of LED lights with the iconic U model.

On paper, the dimensions have not changed. This hatchback still offers a wheelbase of 2,600 mm which affects the offer of a seating formation mode that adapts to the needs during driving.

Entering the interior, there is no difference in design with non-Honda Sensing models. However, Honda now embeds a 7-inch TFT screen on the meter cluster for easy reading of information about the vehicle, replacing the monochrome screen on the standard model.

The City Hatchback with Honda Sensing still offers seats with a combination of fabric and suede which get a touch of red accents for a sporty aura.

Other conveniences that are present are digital AC settings, paddle shift and audio steering switches as well as buttons to activate several Honda Sensing features on the steering column, as well as an 8-inch head unit. The entertainment side comes with the ability to play various audio files, Bluetooth connection plus eight speakers throughout the cabin. This head unit screen is also connected to the Lane Watch feature to display the condition on the left of the vehicle as well as a multi-angle rear view camera where the driver can select the viewing angle mode when parking backwards.

In the second row, the cabin size is spacious for passengers with a height of 170 cm. The corner of the second row of seats is also comfortable, leg room and head room are spacious. Comfort comes from the cup holder on the door, the seat pocket behind the first row of seats and the power socket on the center console.

Honda Sensing on the City Hatchback RS consists of a Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Another additional feature is the walk away auto lock which complements the security features of the alarm and immobilizer. In addition, there is still the use of the G-CON + ACE frame, six airbags, hill start assist, vehicle stability assist, ABS, EBD + BA, Brake Override System, and an emergency stop signal.

Power is still entrusted to the 1.5L DOHC inline 4 cylinder engine, 16 valve i-VTEC + DBW which makes its performance reach 121PS/6,600 rpm and a maximum torque of 145 Nm/4,300 rpm. Honda provides ECON mode for a more fuel efficient driving character.

Honda City Hatchback RS is available in 6 color options, including Phoenix Orange Pearl, Rallye Red, Crystal Black Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic. Prices start at Rp. 333.6 million for the manual transmission variant, Rp. 343, 6 million for the CVT transmission and Rp. 362.6 million for the Honda Sensing variant with CVT.

Regarding this price, the Honda Sensing City Hatchback RS variant is higher than the latest HR-V model, the lowest variant, namely the S CVT which is also Honda Sensing at IDR 358.9 million. This includes the latest BR-V that uses Honda Sensing which is offered at IDR 346.6 million. However, potential consumers of each model certainly have different judgments in choosing according to their needs.

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Yamaha E01 does not use the name NMax Electric, this is the principal explanation

 The fanfare for the Yamaha NMax Electric grew after PT Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM) displayed the E01 on the stage of the Indonesian International Motor Show (IIMS) 2022. This is because the figure of the concept model is very similar to the NMax, YIMM's flagship gambot scooter.

Overall posture, large, to the aura, reflects the figure of the 155 cc engined scooter. When we had the opportunity to attend a global press conference held by Yamaha Motor Corporation (YMC) with media from various parts of the world, we also explored this similarity.

As explained by YMC by Teppei Maezono, YMC's Design Director, the Yamaha E01 is actually designed with a Motoroid visual approach. For those of you who have forgotten, the Motoroid is a prototype electric motor that can move on its own without the need to drive. The form and concept is very futuristic and revolutionary. Well, this design concept was derived from the E01 but is formatted in the proportions of a 125 cc class scooter (image attached).

Yamaha E01

Still according to Maezono, Yamaha Motoroid is a complete visual of the design concept titled Jin-Ki Kanno. This design concept is an idealistic perspective of the manufacturer with the symbol of a tuning fork in designing a motorbike with a visualization of function and structure or what they call Juxtaposition. 

Therefore, although the proportions do take many principles from NMax, but because it is still in a concept version in the proof of concept (PoC) phase, the E01 is presented with a very futuristic design.

Eiji Koyano, Group Manager of Innovation Group YMC explained the same thing when explaining our question regarding the use of the name E01 instead of NMax Elektrik. This is done to ensure that the public does not think that the E01 model is a mass-sold version.

"Yamaha E01, as the name implies is still in the PoC testing phase. And this is about proving this concept to the public. That's why at TMS, E01 is the name we use. We don't want to cause confusion by using an existing name, worrying that it will be mistakenly sold , but not yet," explained Eiji Koyano, Group Manager of Innovation Group YMC on the same occasion.

Yamaha E01 is planned to be distributed to Indonesia along with six other countries and regions in the world in this PoC phase. Later, E01 will be rented out to the public, both individuals and institutions with a special scheme. During the rental process, YMC will also continuously capture feedback from users and the motorbike itself. The purpose of this PoC is to read how the use and consumer needs for electric motors in each country.

The following is an explanation from YMC regarding the Yamaha E01 PoC project. "To find the best technology based on the real needs of the community, we will start conducting a Proof of Concept (PoC) testing phase, namely by distributing motorbikes to learn more about the driving habits of six countries or regions with different uses in different climates." explained Yasushi Nomura, Innovation Group, Global

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RAM electric trucks head to showrooms this year

 Automotive manufacturer RAM, will introduce electric trucks this year before launching them to the public in 2024.

RAM CEO Mike Koval said at the New York International Auto Show that the EV truck was inspired by the "chat" of truck owners at the RAM Real Talk Tour.

"Many inputs from Real Talk RAM influenced us for the design," said Koval. "The design will later affect the products we bring to the market, so connect all. There is a master plan," said Mike Koval quoted from CarsCoops, Friday.

The all-electric truck will compete with Ford and GM, as well as from start-up Rivian. Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis said they would compensate for the delay in launching the electric truck with a truly "profitable" variant.

"The fact is that we arrived late," Tavares said in January.

"But the fact that we have the opportunity to match the competitiveness and appeal of our own trucks with what they do, which is a competitive game, which is a fantastic situation for consumers because the real winner of this competition is the consumer."

As additional information, the all-electric RAM 1500 will use the STLA Frame architecture for large trucks and SUVs with a body-on-frame platform large enough to accommodate a battery pack of up to 200 kWh.

 

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George Soros Buys Rivian Startup Shares

 Billionaire George Soros bought nearly 20 million shares of electric truck startup Rivian Automotive Inc in the quarter ended December 31, 2021.

Based on a Reuters report, February 11, 2022, Soros bought 19,835,761 shares of Rivian worth around US$ 2 billion (Rp 28.7 trillion, the current exchange rate is US$ 1 = Rp 14,344). This figure makes Soros Fund Management among the most prominent investors in the company, which has yet to start production of its electric vehicles.

Rivian, which is 20 percent owned by Amazon.com, is expected to provide the e-commerce company with more than 100,000 electric trucks.

Irvine, Calif.-based Rivian said in December that it expected production to fall "a few hundred vehicles less" from its 2021 target of 1,200 units due to supply chain constraints. The forecast comes as the company issues production projections and challenges for facing current electric vehicle leader Tesla Inc.

Rivian shares fell 9 percent on Friday last week and are down 43 percent for the year. The share price is down 67 percent from a record high of $179.46 touched on Nov. 16, 2021, less than a week after raising $12 billion in the stock's biggest debut last year.

REUTERS

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Rivian Electric Car IPO Rp 149 T Excited, Will Compete With Tesla!

 Electric vehicle (EV) startup company from the United States (US) Rivian will conduct an initial public offering (IPO) on the Nasdaq Exchange on Wednesday (11/10/2021) US time.

In this IPO, Rivian issued 135 million shares at a price of US$ 78/share or equivalent to Rp. 1.11 million (assuming an exchange rate of Rp. 14,200/US$). This figure is above the company's previous target range, which is in the range of US$ 72 - US$ 74 per share.

Thus, a source told Reuters, the electric pickup maker, backed by Amazon and Ford, will raise a fairly large IPO fund, which is around US $ 10.5 billion or equivalent to Rp. 149.10 trillion.

After this IPO, Rivian's valuation will reach US$ 66.5 billion or Rp 944.30 trillion. This value exceeds Honda Motor's market cap of US$ 49.29 billion, as of Tuesday's US trading.

Then, Rivian's valuation is also close to the market capitalization of the investor, Ford Motor (FM), which reached US$ 80.40 billion and General Motors (GM) market cap of US$ 85.11 billion.

Indeed, when compared to Elon Musk's electric car company, Tesla, Rivian's market capitalization value is still far below. Currently, Tesla's market cap value reaches US $ 1.03 trillion.

Based on the company's IPO prospectus, the underwriters in Rivian's IPO are Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co., along with more than 20 other banks.

Like other electric vehicle companies, Rivian still recorded a relatively large loss because it required large costs to set up and run a production line and still had minimal sales.

Referring to the prospectus data, in the first half of this year, the company posted a net loss of US$ 994 million, compared to a net loss of US$ 377 million in the same period last year. Meanwhile, in 2020, Rivian bore a net loss of $1.02 billion.

Meanwhile, according to New York Times records on November 1, 2021, Tesla also experienced a loss of US $ 56 million in 2009 before going public in mid-2010. It was only in 2020 that Tesla made its first full year profit.

The EV market is indeed experiencing a surge in global demand, as consumers are becoming more and more environmentally conscious and are starting to switch to eco-friendly vehicles. Tesla produced a record number of cars in the last quarter and is building factories around the world.

Earlier, Tesla shipped 241,300 cars in the third quarter, beating the median forecast for shipments of 223,677 cars from 12 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg and also beating the forecast for the average 221,952 cars Tesla shipped to investors.

Just so you know, Rivian, which was founded in 2009 ago, just managed to bring the R1T electric pickup to the consumer market last September.

Based on prospectus data, as of October 31, 2021, Rivian had approximately 55,400 preorders for R1T pickups and R1S SUVs in the US and Canada from customers who each paid a fully refundable and cancelable deposit of US$1,000.

One of Rivian's major shareholders, e-commerce giant Amazon recently revealed, has ordered 100,000 Rivian EV vans as part of efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

According to New York Times records, Rivian secured more than $10 billion in investments from Amazon, Ford Motor and several Wall Street companies.

In the IPO prospectus, Amazon is noted to have invested US$1.35 billion into Rivian through investment in shares and US$490 million by buying debt securities which were sold last July. Meanwhile, Ford's investment amounted to US$1.24 billion, while T. Rowe Price, a mutual fund company, has invested US$2.6 billion.

Furthermore, according to the prospectus explanation, Amazon held 22.4% of the company's total shares before the IPO or 17.3% after the IPO. Then, Ford Motor holds 11.1% after the IPO.

Meanwhile, the share portion of certain funds and accounts managed by T. Rowe Price Associates reached 14.5%. In addition, Global Oryx Company Limited and Manheim Investments, Inc., hold 12.2% and 4.3% respectively after the IPO.

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Who Wins, Honda HR-V SE or Hyundai Creta Prime IVT?

 All New Honda HR-V, the newest car in Indonesia. Honda's newest SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) is directly dealing with the Hyundai Creta. Both offer the same engine capacity and the price tag is not much different.

Interestingly, the two SUVs were greeted with great fanfare with an abundance of vehicle orders. The Hyundai Creta launched last February and has sold 1,265 units. Honda reports, the day after its introduction the HR-V has also been ordered with the same total number. Very interesting.

So what if you compare the two products on paper? This time we will compare the top variant of the Hyundai Creta Prime and the latest HR-V, the SE variant. Let's get rid of the HR-V RS Turbo variant for a moment because the specifications of this product play on its own with the turbo engine and are priced at IDR 499 million.

Dimension

The All New HR-V offers a length of 4,330 mm, a width of 1,790 mm and a height of 1,590 mm with a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. The front tread distance is 1,545 mm and the rear tread distance is 1,550 mm.

The Hyundai Creta measures 4,315 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width and 1,630 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,610 mm. Creta offers a ground clearance of 200 mm.

This size comparison shows HR-V is slightly longer than Creta. The widths are similar, with Creta being taller. Interestingly, these two products offer the same wheelbase of 2,610 mm

Machine

The performance of the All New HR-V SE is powered by a 1,498 cc DOHC 4 cylinder inline i-VTEC + DBW engine. This engine produces 121 PS of power at 6,600 rpm and 145 Nm of torque at 4,300 rpm. This engine is 1 PS more powerful than the old model engine.

Hyundai Creta uses the Smartstream G1.5 MPi inline 4 cylinder 1,497 cc engine that produces 115 PS of power at 6,300 rpm and 143.8 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Both products use a CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) transmission which on Creta is referred to as IVT. On paper, the HR-V's engine performance is superior to that of the Creta.

 Some other data on paper, the latest HR-V uses ventilated disc front brakes and solid disc rear. The HR-V offers 18-inch rims with 225/50R18 tires. Front suspension uses MacPherson Strut up front and H-Shape Torsion beam at the rear.

The braking function of the Hyundai Creta Prime comes through ventilated disc braking with a floating caliper model at the front and a solid disc with a floating caliper model at the rear. The rim size in all Creta variants is the same, namely 17 inches with the use of 215/60 R17 tires. Suspension, the front of the Creta uses a MacPherson Strut and the rear uses a coupled torsion beam axle.

From this data, it can be seen that both products provide the same technology on the legs. Only the Creta Prime and HR-V SE rim sizes are different.

Feature

We start from the exterior. The All New HR-V SE variant offers LED headlamp technology with LED Daytime running light as well as three-dimensional LED lights at the back. The modern impression comes from the turn signal lights with sequential LED features and the fog lamps with LEDs. The SE variant has been provided with auto foldable door mirrors, rear parking camera, shark fin antenna, and Smart Entry System.

On the Creta Prime, there is a headlamp with LED multi-reflector features with hidden type LED DRLs typical of Hyundai which is found in its parametric jewel grille design. There is also a shark fin antenna, high mount stop lamp with rear spoiler and combination LED taillights.

Entering the interior, the latest HR-V SE variant offers a 4.2-inch TFT Meter Cluster screen, a 7-inch capacitive head unit screen with the ability to play various entertainment formats, smart phone connections, voice commands and others. This head unit is connected to four speakers in the interior of the HR-V.

Other conveniences for passengers and drivers come from the audio steering switch, three driving modes, eco assist, cruise control features, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the presence of a panoramic glass roof. There are also several USB ports in the first and second rows for easy charging of gadgets while driving. The AC settings are also digital with an Auto AC-enabled dial button and the presence of AC vents in the second row.

Switch to the interior of Creta Prime. The first concern comes to the meter cluster measuring 10.25 inches full TFT LCD with a variety of information. The head unit has a size of 8 inches with the ability to play various entertainment formats, as well as connection with mobile phones. In this variant, there is a Bose sound system with 8 speakers in the cabin. This head unit can be connected to a smartphone which will later connect to the voice command feature, as well as Bluelink as a safety feature.

Some of the interior features of this Creta Prime include leather seats, ambient lamp in the cabin, cooling glove box, telescopic tilt, air purifier, wireless charger, push start button, audio steering switch and cruise control. The AC settings have full automatic temperature control, AC bursts in the second row, ventilated seats for comfort and the presence of several USB ports for charging gadgets in the first and second rows.

Regarding safety features, the All New HR-V offers a G-CON Ace frame structure with side impact beams. There are four front and side airbags, first and second row safety belts, ISOFIX, parking sensors and rear camera. There is also Hill start assist, hill descent control, vehicle stability assist, emergency stop signal, and a brake overdrive system. For security, the HR-V comes with a smart key, auto door lock by speed, immobilizer, alarm system, rear seat reminder and walk away auto lock.

Don't forget Honda Sensing in all the latest HR-V variants. Honda Sensing consists of Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed ​​Follow, Auto-High Beam, and Lead Car Departure Notification System. (LCDN). The previous Honda Sensing technology has also been applied to models such as the Honda Odyssey, Honda Accord, All New Honda Civic RS, Honda CR-V and All New Honda BR-V.

How about Creta Prime? Braking features anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, brake assistant control, vehicle stability management, hill start assist control, emergency stop signal and speed sensing auto door lock. There is also impact sensing auto door unlock, child protector rear door lock, rear camera, tire pressure monitoring system, six airbags on the front and sides. There are still features immobilizer, rear occupant alert and burglar alarm.

Hyundai also includes the Hyundai SmartSense feature that resembles Honda Sensing. There are features of high beam assist, forward collision avoidance assist, manual speed limit assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, driver attention warning, driver rear view monitor, blind spot collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning and rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist.

Don't forget the internet of vehicle feature on Creta which has a variety of features. Through an application on a mobile phone, Creta users can turn on and off the engine remotely, turn on the air conditioner, lock and open doors, turn on the horn and lights and be able to find the location of the vehicle. There are also SOS features, road side assistance, stolen vehicle immobilization, stolen vehicle tracking and stolen vehicle notification.

Price and Variants

The All New Honda HR-V is offered in four variants. The cheapest variant is the S CVT at a price of IDR 355.9 million. The E variant is offered at a price of IDR 379.9 million, the SE which is discussed at IDR 399.9 million. There is still a Turbo RS variant with a figure of Rp.499.9 million. There are six color variants to choose from, namely platinum white pearl, crystal black pearl, meteoroid gray metallic, lunar silver metallic, sand khaki pearl and ignite red metallic which are specially present in the Turbo RS variant. Sand khaki pearl and ignite red metallic colors have a two tone option where consumers add a fee of IDR 1.5 million for this order.

Hyundai Creta is offered in six variants and four types. There is a Creta Active with a manual transmission which is priced at Rp. 279 million, the Trend MT variant is offered at a price of Rp. 299 million, Trend IVT at a price of Rp. 319 million, Style IVT at a price of Rp. 359 million, Prime IVT at a price of Rp. 397.5 million and Prime IVT two tone at a price of Rp. IDR 399 million.

Hyundai has also included the Hyundai My Own Creta ordering feature. This program allows prospective Creta owners to create Creta according to their needs, including choosing the desired features and additional body kits and red colorpacks.

Conclusion

The comparison on this paper shows the advantages and disadvantages of each product when compared to one another. Both also offer the same price, which is IDR 390 million. Each of them has also proven to be the choice of the majority of people in terms of sales achievement.

Then choose who? Back to consumer preferences and also the after-sales service of each brand. Most clearly, the battle for medium SUVs at similar prices has become quite hot with the presence of these two products. Both also provide high standards for any rivals who will be present in the same segment.

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