SINGAPORE - Certificate of entitlement (COE) prices ended mostly higher on the back of sales whipped up by the recently concluded Singapore Motorshow.
COE premiums for cars up to 1,600cc and 130bhp closed at $26,170, up from $25,920. COE prices for cars above 1,600cc or 130bhp finished at $33,989, up from $32,200.
Premiums for open COEs, which can be used for any vehicle type except motorcycles, but which end up used mostly for bigger cars, closed at $33,689, up from $32,909.
Commercial vehicle COE prices ended at $26,230, down from $27,002. Motorcycle premiums finished at $2,889, down from $3,610.
The Singapore Motorshow, which ended on Jan 13, drew 56,000 visitors, up from 55,000 who turned up for the 2018 show.
Industry players also point to increased demand for private-hire cars with the arrival of Indonesia's Gojek as another factor contributing to the COE rise.
An expected shrinkage in COE supply for the February-April quota period may have caused some panic buying.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Investors Beware: “The World Economy Is Headed For A Recession In 2019 Unless Something Happens”
Global economic activity has been slowing down dramatically in recent months, and now the mainstream media is filled with dire warnings that a global recession is dead ahead in 2019. And without a doubt, things do not look good right now as economic numbers from all over the globe just get bleaker and bleaker. China’s trade numbers are imploding, Germany is “careening towards recession”, and the government shutdown in the United States is taking a huge toll on the U.S. economy. In past years, the mainstream media usually tried to put a positive spin on any bad numbers, but now their mood seems completely different. For example, in a Daily Mail article that was just posted we are told that “the world economy is headed for a recession in 2019 unless something happens”…
Global growth is slowing and the world economy is headed for a recession in 2019 unless something happens to give it renewed momentum.
The OECD’s (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) leading indicator fell to just 99.3 points in November, its lowest since October 2012, and down from a peak of 100.5 at the end of 2017.
It appears that we are at a critical level on that OECD index, because whenever that number has fallen under 99.3 a recession has almost always followed…
In the last 50 years, whenever the index has fallen below 99.3, there has almost always been a recession in the United States (1970, 1974, 1980, 1981, 1990, 2001 and 2008).
The one exception was the weakening of the index in 1998, when the United States continued to grow, despite the weakening global economy in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis.
Will we beat the odds this time?
I wouldn’t bet on it.
Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley’s chief equity strategist is warning of a potential recession and telling us that we should “embrace it”. The following comes from CNN…
The S&P 500 will soon suffer a retest of the lows from Christmas Eve because of shrinking earnings estimates and mounting economic concerns, the investment bank warned in a Monday report titled “Don’t fear a potential recession; Embrace it.”
“Should the hard data deteriorate further, as we expect, we think the market will quickly return to pricing in a recession and rate cuts,” wrote Michael Wilson, Morgan Stanley’s chief US equity strategist.
When the “too big to fail” banks are warning that a recession is coming, you know that it is late in the game.
Also, a top economist at Moody’s Analytics just told Maryland’s Budget and Taxation Committee that they should be getting prepared for the coming recession…
An economist has warned Maryland Senators that a recession is coming and that they should begin to prepare for it. The economist said that the indicators point to the recession happening in mid-2020, perhaps sooner.
Dan White, director of government consulting and fiscal policy research for Moody’s Analytics, told members of the Senate’s Budget and Taxation Committee that there are financial indicators of an upcoming recession according to the Baltimore Sun.
And the latest housing numbers seem to confirm that a recession may be coming sooner rather than later. In the month of December, U.S. home sales were down 11 percent…
The median US home price rose 1.2% to $289,800 in December, the slowest monthly pace since March 2012, when the housing market was just beginning to climb out of the hole left by the collapse. Meanwhile, sales dropped by 11%, the biggest drop for any one month since 2016, according to a report released by real estate company Redfin said. This follows a drop in the hottest markets, like San Jose, California, where prices dropped 7.3%.
As BBG explains, the housing market is softening after years of rapidly rising prices as the shortage in homes is beginning to wane. With interest rates on the rise, mortgages are becoming more expensive, which is cutting in to demand.
But just because a recession is coming does not mean that we should be afraid.
You may have noticed that I write about a lot of hard things on The Economic Collapse Blog and End Of The American Dream. But my wife and I are not negative people at all. We are not down, we are not depressed, and we are not on any pills. We are excited about the future and we believe that our greatest days are still to come.
However, we are definitely realists. We are greatly saddened by what is happening to this country, but we also know that it is not going to be avoided. So we want to be in a position to make it through what is ahead, and we want to fulfill the purpose for why we were put on this planet.
Anxiety, fear and panic are for those that get their meaning in life from material possessions, that don’t understand what is happening, and that are going to totally freak out when everything falls apart. For example, the following comes from an article by a member of the Council on Foreign Relations named Christian H. Cooper…
My most recent annual salary was over $700,000. I am a Truman National Security Fellow and a term member at the Council on Foreign Relations. My publisher has just released my latest book series on quantitative finance in worldwide distribution.
None of it feels like enough. I feel as though I am wired for a permanent state of fight or flight, waiting for the other shoe to drop, or the metaphorical week when I don’t eat. I’ve chosen not to have children, partly because—despite any success—I still don’t feel I have a safety net. I have a huge minimum checking account balance in mind before I would ever consider having children. If you knew me personally, you might get glimpses of stress, self-doubt, anxiety, and depression.
People like that are not going to be able to handle what is coming.
But if we understand the changes that are taking place and we have our priorities in order, we will be in a much better position to respond calmly to a world that is becoming more chaotic with each passing day.
Global growth is slowing and the world economy is headed for a recession in 2019 unless something happens to give it renewed momentum.
The OECD’s (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) leading indicator fell to just 99.3 points in November, its lowest since October 2012, and down from a peak of 100.5 at the end of 2017.
It appears that we are at a critical level on that OECD index, because whenever that number has fallen under 99.3 a recession has almost always followed…
In the last 50 years, whenever the index has fallen below 99.3, there has almost always been a recession in the United States (1970, 1974, 1980, 1981, 1990, 2001 and 2008).
The one exception was the weakening of the index in 1998, when the United States continued to grow, despite the weakening global economy in the aftermath of the Asian financial crisis.
Will we beat the odds this time?
I wouldn’t bet on it.
Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley’s chief equity strategist is warning of a potential recession and telling us that we should “embrace it”. The following comes from CNN…
The S&P 500 will soon suffer a retest of the lows from Christmas Eve because of shrinking earnings estimates and mounting economic concerns, the investment bank warned in a Monday report titled “Don’t fear a potential recession; Embrace it.”
“Should the hard data deteriorate further, as we expect, we think the market will quickly return to pricing in a recession and rate cuts,” wrote Michael Wilson, Morgan Stanley’s chief US equity strategist.
When the “too big to fail” banks are warning that a recession is coming, you know that it is late in the game.
Also, a top economist at Moody’s Analytics just told Maryland’s Budget and Taxation Committee that they should be getting prepared for the coming recession…
An economist has warned Maryland Senators that a recession is coming and that they should begin to prepare for it. The economist said that the indicators point to the recession happening in mid-2020, perhaps sooner.
Dan White, director of government consulting and fiscal policy research for Moody’s Analytics, told members of the Senate’s Budget and Taxation Committee that there are financial indicators of an upcoming recession according to the Baltimore Sun.
And the latest housing numbers seem to confirm that a recession may be coming sooner rather than later. In the month of December, U.S. home sales were down 11 percent…
The median US home price rose 1.2% to $289,800 in December, the slowest monthly pace since March 2012, when the housing market was just beginning to climb out of the hole left by the collapse. Meanwhile, sales dropped by 11%, the biggest drop for any one month since 2016, according to a report released by real estate company Redfin said. This follows a drop in the hottest markets, like San Jose, California, where prices dropped 7.3%.
As BBG explains, the housing market is softening after years of rapidly rising prices as the shortage in homes is beginning to wane. With interest rates on the rise, mortgages are becoming more expensive, which is cutting in to demand.
But just because a recession is coming does not mean that we should be afraid.
You may have noticed that I write about a lot of hard things on The Economic Collapse Blog and End Of The American Dream. But my wife and I are not negative people at all. We are not down, we are not depressed, and we are not on any pills. We are excited about the future and we believe that our greatest days are still to come.
However, we are definitely realists. We are greatly saddened by what is happening to this country, but we also know that it is not going to be avoided. So we want to be in a position to make it through what is ahead, and we want to fulfill the purpose for why we were put on this planet.
Anxiety, fear and panic are for those that get their meaning in life from material possessions, that don’t understand what is happening, and that are going to totally freak out when everything falls apart. For example, the following comes from an article by a member of the Council on Foreign Relations named Christian H. Cooper…
My most recent annual salary was over $700,000. I am a Truman National Security Fellow and a term member at the Council on Foreign Relations. My publisher has just released my latest book series on quantitative finance in worldwide distribution.
None of it feels like enough. I feel as though I am wired for a permanent state of fight or flight, waiting for the other shoe to drop, or the metaphorical week when I don’t eat. I’ve chosen not to have children, partly because—despite any success—I still don’t feel I have a safety net. I have a huge minimum checking account balance in mind before I would ever consider having children. If you knew me personally, you might get glimpses of stress, self-doubt, anxiety, and depression.
People like that are not going to be able to handle what is coming.
But if we understand the changes that are taking place and we have our priorities in order, we will be in a much better position to respond calmly to a world that is becoming more chaotic with each passing day.
Monday, January 14, 2019
These New Numbers Are Telling Us That The Global Economic Slowdown Is Far More Advanced Than We Thought
We continue to get more confirmation that the global economy is slowing down substantially. On Monday, it was China’s turn to surprise analysts, and the numbers that they just released are absolutely stunning. When Chinese imports and exports are both expanding, that is a clear sign that the global economy is running on all cylinders, but when both of them are contracting that is an indication that huge trouble is ahead. And the experts were certainly anticipating substantial increases in both categories in December, but instead there were huge declines. There is no possible way to spin these numbers to make them look good…
Data from China showed imports fell 7.6 percent year-on-year in December while analysts had predicted a 5-percent rise. Exports dropped 4.4 percent, confounding expectations for a 3-percent gain.
China now accounts for more total global trade than the United States does, and the fact that the numbers for the global economy’s number one trade hub are falling this dramatically is a major warning sign.
And of course it isn’t just China that is experiencing trouble. In fact, we just witnessed the worst industrial output numbers in Europe “in nearly three years”…
Adding to the gloom were weak industrial output numbers from the euro zone, which showed the largest fall in nearly three years.
Softening demand has been felt around the world, with sales of goods ranging from iPhones to automobiles slowing, prompting profit warnings from Apple among others.
If we were headed for a major global recession, these are exactly the types of news stories that we would expect to see.
We also continue to get more indications that the U.S. economy is slowing down significantly. For example, sales of new homes in the U.S. were down 19 percent in November and 18 percent in December…
Sales of newly built homes fell 18 percent in December compared with December of 2017, according to data compiled by John Burns Real Estate Consulting, a California-based housing research and analytics firm.
Due to the partial government shutdown, official government figures on home sales for November and December have not been released.
Sales were also down a steep 19 percent annually in November, according to JBRC’s analysts.
Those are horrific numbers, and they are very reminiscent of what we witnessed back in 2008.
And we also just learned that employers are cutting back on hiring new college grads for the first time in eight years…
A new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that for the first time in eight years, managers are pulling back the reins on hiring college grads, with a projected 1.3 percent decrease from last year. Additionally, a survey from Monster.com found that of 350 college students polled, 75 percent don’t have a job lined up yet.
I feel really bad for those that are getting ready to graduate from college, because I know what it is like to graduate in the middle of an economic downturn. At the time, many of my friends took whatever jobs they possibly could, and some of them never really got on the right track after that.
But the economic environment that is ahead will be much worse than any of the minor recessions that the U.S. has experienced in the past, and that means things are going to be extremely tough for our college graduates. And the total amount of student loan debt in this country has roughly tripled over the last decade, and so a lot of these young people are going to enter the real world with crippling amounts of debt but without the good jobs that they were promised would be there upon graduation.
As economic conditions have begun to deteriorate, I have had more people begin to ask me about what they can do to get prepared for what is coming. And I always start off by telling them the exact same thing. Today, 78 percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, but when an economic downturn strikes that is precisely what you do not want to be doing.
Some people that I hear from insist that there is no possible way that they can put together an emergency fund because they are already spending everything that they are bringing in.
And yes, it is true that there are some people out there that are so financially stretched that they literally do not have a single penny to spare even though they are being extremely frugal, but the majority of us definitely have areas where we can cut back.
I realize that “cutting back” does not sound fun. But not being able to pay your mortgage when things get really bad will be a whole lot less fun.
Right now people should be focusing on reducing expenses and trying to make some extra money. Use whatever time we have left before things get really bad to put yourself into a better financial position. If you have at least a little bit of money to fall back on, it will make your life much less stressful in the long run.
In addition, anything that you can do to become more independent of the system is a good thing. On a very basic level, learning to grow a garden can end up saving you a ton of money. I was just at the grocery store earlier today, and food is getting really expensive. When the Federal Reserve says that we are in a “low inflation” environment, I always wonder what world they are living on.
When I got up to the register today, I almost felt like they were going to ask me what organ I wanted to donate in order to pay for my groceries. Unfortunately, the price of food right now is actually quite low compared to what it is going to be in the days ahead.
So I guess I shouldn’t complain too much.
I think that I have just been in a foul mood all day ever since I came across Gillette’s new “toxic masculinity” ad. I will have quite a bit to say about that ad later this evening on EndOfTheAmericanDream.com.
Ladies and gentlemen, 2019 is off to quite a rough start, and things are likely to get a whole lot rougher.
As always, let us hope for the best, but let us also get prepared for the worst.
Data from China showed imports fell 7.6 percent year-on-year in December while analysts had predicted a 5-percent rise. Exports dropped 4.4 percent, confounding expectations for a 3-percent gain.
China now accounts for more total global trade than the United States does, and the fact that the numbers for the global economy’s number one trade hub are falling this dramatically is a major warning sign.
And of course it isn’t just China that is experiencing trouble. In fact, we just witnessed the worst industrial output numbers in Europe “in nearly three years”…
Adding to the gloom were weak industrial output numbers from the euro zone, which showed the largest fall in nearly three years.
Softening demand has been felt around the world, with sales of goods ranging from iPhones to automobiles slowing, prompting profit warnings from Apple among others.
If we were headed for a major global recession, these are exactly the types of news stories that we would expect to see.
We also continue to get more indications that the U.S. economy is slowing down significantly. For example, sales of new homes in the U.S. were down 19 percent in November and 18 percent in December…
Sales of newly built homes fell 18 percent in December compared with December of 2017, according to data compiled by John Burns Real Estate Consulting, a California-based housing research and analytics firm.
Due to the partial government shutdown, official government figures on home sales for November and December have not been released.
Sales were also down a steep 19 percent annually in November, according to JBRC’s analysts.
Those are horrific numbers, and they are very reminiscent of what we witnessed back in 2008.
And we also just learned that employers are cutting back on hiring new college grads for the first time in eight years…
A new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that for the first time in eight years, managers are pulling back the reins on hiring college grads, with a projected 1.3 percent decrease from last year. Additionally, a survey from Monster.com found that of 350 college students polled, 75 percent don’t have a job lined up yet.
I feel really bad for those that are getting ready to graduate from college, because I know what it is like to graduate in the middle of an economic downturn. At the time, many of my friends took whatever jobs they possibly could, and some of them never really got on the right track after that.
But the economic environment that is ahead will be much worse than any of the minor recessions that the U.S. has experienced in the past, and that means things are going to be extremely tough for our college graduates. And the total amount of student loan debt in this country has roughly tripled over the last decade, and so a lot of these young people are going to enter the real world with crippling amounts of debt but without the good jobs that they were promised would be there upon graduation.
As economic conditions have begun to deteriorate, I have had more people begin to ask me about what they can do to get prepared for what is coming. And I always start off by telling them the exact same thing. Today, 78 percent of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, but when an economic downturn strikes that is precisely what you do not want to be doing.
Some people that I hear from insist that there is no possible way that they can put together an emergency fund because they are already spending everything that they are bringing in.
And yes, it is true that there are some people out there that are so financially stretched that they literally do not have a single penny to spare even though they are being extremely frugal, but the majority of us definitely have areas where we can cut back.
I realize that “cutting back” does not sound fun. But not being able to pay your mortgage when things get really bad will be a whole lot less fun.
Right now people should be focusing on reducing expenses and trying to make some extra money. Use whatever time we have left before things get really bad to put yourself into a better financial position. If you have at least a little bit of money to fall back on, it will make your life much less stressful in the long run.
In addition, anything that you can do to become more independent of the system is a good thing. On a very basic level, learning to grow a garden can end up saving you a ton of money. I was just at the grocery store earlier today, and food is getting really expensive. When the Federal Reserve says that we are in a “low inflation” environment, I always wonder what world they are living on.
When I got up to the register today, I almost felt like they were going to ask me what organ I wanted to donate in order to pay for my groceries. Unfortunately, the price of food right now is actually quite low compared to what it is going to be in the days ahead.
So I guess I shouldn’t complain too much.
I think that I have just been in a foul mood all day ever since I came across Gillette’s new “toxic masculinity” ad. I will have quite a bit to say about that ad later this evening on EndOfTheAmericanDream.com.
Ladies and gentlemen, 2019 is off to quite a rough start, and things are likely to get a whole lot rougher.
As always, let us hope for the best, but let us also get prepared for the worst.
Friday, January 11, 2019
Here’s How Mercedes Is Differentiating the New CLA from the A-class Sedan
With the debut of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA at the CES technology show in Las Vegas earlier this week, one of the largest questions in our minds was, "What's the point of the new CLA now that the A-class sedan exists?" Both cars are betrunked four-door compacts that ride on the same platform, use the same powertrain, and have nearly identical interiors with many of the same options and features. Yes, the CLA is marketed as a "four-door coupe" with a swoopier roofline and more aggressive styling, but is it really different enough from the A-class to warrant its existence?
There are a few differences that are immediate by comparing the spec sheets. At 184.6 inches long and 72.0 inches wide, the new CLA is 5.5 inches longer and 1.3 inches wider than the A-class. It's also slightly shorter in height thanks to that sloping roofline. The CLA comes only in CLA250 form, with a 221-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the A-class is available only in 188-hp A220 form. The CLA also receives different suspension, steering, and stability-control tuning, But to many—including some at the C/D office—the CLA and A-class are still too similar. So to really understand Mercedes' thinking behind the two cars, we sat down with Gorden Wagener, Daimler's chief of design, to gain some insight into the CLA's design process.
We asked Wagener about his number-one goal in designing the new CLA, and his answer stemmed from the previous car. He says that the first-gen CLA was "a true design icon car," one that is very important from a brand perspective as he says it helped turned Mercedes from "a traditional luxury company to a modern luxury company." Around 80 percent of CLA customers were new to the brand, with a much younger average age than buyers of any other Mercedes model. He went on to say that the first CLA "looked like a design sketch," with exaggerated proportions, big wheels, and a high beltline. With the new platform and additional length, Mercedes was able to keep the expressiveness of the CLA and turn everything up a few notches for the new generation. Wagener says his team adhered to Benz's new "sensual purity" design philosophy, sculpting the car using only light and shadow instead of the myriad lines and creases of the old car. "It's more like a human body," he said of the new CLA's surfacing, "so I think it's a true embodiment of sexiness, in a human way—what we humans think is attractive. A car like the CLA must be sexy, and this car is."
We then asked how he went about differentiating the CLA and A-class sedan so the two have their own distinct personalities, and Wagener replied, "The A-class sedan is a more mainstream car, so it's more rational in terms of functionality. The CLA is much more irrational." He points out that the two cars are very different when you see them next to each other, and after seeing the new CLA in person, we're inclined to agree.
"It's tighter, it's lower, it's even more expressive in the language and the graphics. It's like when you compare an E-class and a CLS," said Wagener. "The new CLA is like a four-door sports car, even more than the current one, with some DNA from the CLS, but it's even more like the new AMG GT 4-Door."
When it comes to the interior, Wagener said that "the amount of luxury, the quality, the content is two classes up when compared to the competition," and that the A-class's interior didn't need to change much to still fit with the CLA's character. "I think this is a big achievement that we were able to put so much content in there and wrap it in such a nice way."
We then asked if there is a specific design feature on the CLA that is his favorite thing about the car, knowing that is nearly impossible for a designer to answer. Wagener said: "For me it's always the whole thing, and which role it plays on the chessboard of our entire portfolio. My goal as head of design is to make Mercedes the most beloved company, and I think the CLA and A-class sedan will help in that way, because they are bringing a new generation to the brand—and as we have the best loyalty with our brand, they stay with us and upgrade, so the CLA is a true brand shaper." He ended by saying, "And besides, I am happy as a designer that we can do such design-related cars, because the CLA is just pure design." With more than 750,000 CLAs sold since its inception in 2013, sometimes it pays to be irrational.
Finally, we asked about the possibility of the not-for-the-U.S. CLA Shooting Brake getting a second generation. Wagener said that the current Shooting Brake model is very successful in Europe and China. He adds that, even more than the regular CLA, "it's a very designer's car, a very irrational car. And it offers a lot of space even if it doesn't look like it would." Ending with a smile, he says: "So good reasons to continue that, let's see."
Mercedes Singapore News
There are a few differences that are immediate by comparing the spec sheets. At 184.6 inches long and 72.0 inches wide, the new CLA is 5.5 inches longer and 1.3 inches wider than the A-class. It's also slightly shorter in height thanks to that sloping roofline. The CLA comes only in CLA250 form, with a 221-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the A-class is available only in 188-hp A220 form. The CLA also receives different suspension, steering, and stability-control tuning, But to many—including some at the C/D office—the CLA and A-class are still too similar. So to really understand Mercedes' thinking behind the two cars, we sat down with Gorden Wagener, Daimler's chief of design, to gain some insight into the CLA's design process.
We asked Wagener about his number-one goal in designing the new CLA, and his answer stemmed from the previous car. He says that the first-gen CLA was "a true design icon car," one that is very important from a brand perspective as he says it helped turned Mercedes from "a traditional luxury company to a modern luxury company." Around 80 percent of CLA customers were new to the brand, with a much younger average age than buyers of any other Mercedes model. He went on to say that the first CLA "looked like a design sketch," with exaggerated proportions, big wheels, and a high beltline. With the new platform and additional length, Mercedes was able to keep the expressiveness of the CLA and turn everything up a few notches for the new generation. Wagener says his team adhered to Benz's new "sensual purity" design philosophy, sculpting the car using only light and shadow instead of the myriad lines and creases of the old car. "It's more like a human body," he said of the new CLA's surfacing, "so I think it's a true embodiment of sexiness, in a human way—what we humans think is attractive. A car like the CLA must be sexy, and this car is."
We then asked how he went about differentiating the CLA and A-class sedan so the two have their own distinct personalities, and Wagener replied, "The A-class sedan is a more mainstream car, so it's more rational in terms of functionality. The CLA is much more irrational." He points out that the two cars are very different when you see them next to each other, and after seeing the new CLA in person, we're inclined to agree.
"It's tighter, it's lower, it's even more expressive in the language and the graphics. It's like when you compare an E-class and a CLS," said Wagener. "The new CLA is like a four-door sports car, even more than the current one, with some DNA from the CLS, but it's even more like the new AMG GT 4-Door."
When it comes to the interior, Wagener said that "the amount of luxury, the quality, the content is two classes up when compared to the competition," and that the A-class's interior didn't need to change much to still fit with the CLA's character. "I think this is a big achievement that we were able to put so much content in there and wrap it in such a nice way."
We then asked if there is a specific design feature on the CLA that is his favorite thing about the car, knowing that is nearly impossible for a designer to answer. Wagener said: "For me it's always the whole thing, and which role it plays on the chessboard of our entire portfolio. My goal as head of design is to make Mercedes the most beloved company, and I think the CLA and A-class sedan will help in that way, because they are bringing a new generation to the brand—and as we have the best loyalty with our brand, they stay with us and upgrade, so the CLA is a true brand shaper." He ended by saying, "And besides, I am happy as a designer that we can do such design-related cars, because the CLA is just pure design." With more than 750,000 CLAs sold since its inception in 2013, sometimes it pays to be irrational.
Finally, we asked about the possibility of the not-for-the-U.S. CLA Shooting Brake getting a second generation. Wagener said that the current Shooting Brake model is very successful in Europe and China. He adds that, even more than the regular CLA, "it's a very designer's car, a very irrational car. And it offers a lot of space even if it doesn't look like it would." Ending with a smile, he says: "So good reasons to continue that, let's see."
Mercedes Singapore News
Sunday, December 30, 2018
How electric cars are slowly moving from niche to something 'people want to buy'
For your next car, would you consider plugging it in instead of filling it up?
"Electric vehicle sales are still under 2 percent of the new car sales every month, so it's a very small number," said Kelley Blue Book executive analyst Rebecca Lindland.
But she said that's beginning to change, especially in the luxury market.
"I think we're actually finally starting to see products that people want to buy," Lindland told CNBC's "On The Money" in a recent interview.
Last month, Tesla sold an estimated 20,500 cars. According to Clean Technica, in November 2018 Tesla had 27 percent of the luxury car market while BMW had 22 percent and Mercedes-Benz had 20 percent.
But Tesla will soon have more luxury EV competition.
Lindland recently test-drove Audi's upcoming all-electric SUV, called e-tron. "This is a vehicle that is finally normal. It was completely transparent that it just happened to be an electric vehicle."
"It feels like a regular car," Lindland said, "even when you brake. Usually regenerative brakes — brakes that give power back to the battery — they're really grabby; they kind of jerk. These were completely seamless."
Audi's e-tron starts at $74,800, and deliveries begin in the second quarter of 2019.
But Lindland pointed out that EVs aren't only at the luxury price point. The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt is $36,620, and the Nissan Leaf begins at $29,990.
"These vehicles are very affordable, and people still are not gravitating towards them," she said.
Lindland said part of the problem is how federal and state incentive subsidy programs are structured.
"I want to see the incentives completely redone. So as these vehicles become mainstream, as we start to get into that $30,000 to $45,000 vehicle, we incentivize those people," she said.
Current federal tax credits grant up to $7,500 to EV buyers, but they phase out when each manufacturer sells 200,000 electric cars.
"We are incentivizing all the wrong people: early adopters that are risk-oriented and have money," Lindland said. "They would be buying these vehicles anyway, and the $7,500 tax credit is just a little bit of bonus for them."
"Electric vehicle sales are still under 2 percent of the new car sales every month, so it's a very small number," said Kelley Blue Book executive analyst Rebecca Lindland.
But she said that's beginning to change, especially in the luxury market.
"I think we're actually finally starting to see products that people want to buy," Lindland told CNBC's "On The Money" in a recent interview.
Last month, Tesla sold an estimated 20,500 cars. According to Clean Technica, in November 2018 Tesla had 27 percent of the luxury car market while BMW had 22 percent and Mercedes-Benz had 20 percent.
But Tesla will soon have more luxury EV competition.
Lindland recently test-drove Audi's upcoming all-electric SUV, called e-tron. "This is a vehicle that is finally normal. It was completely transparent that it just happened to be an electric vehicle."
"It feels like a regular car," Lindland said, "even when you brake. Usually regenerative brakes — brakes that give power back to the battery — they're really grabby; they kind of jerk. These were completely seamless."
Audi's e-tron starts at $74,800, and deliveries begin in the second quarter of 2019.
But Lindland pointed out that EVs aren't only at the luxury price point. The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt is $36,620, and the Nissan Leaf begins at $29,990.
"These vehicles are very affordable, and people still are not gravitating towards them," she said.
Lindland said part of the problem is how federal and state incentive subsidy programs are structured.
"I want to see the incentives completely redone. So as these vehicles become mainstream, as we start to get into that $30,000 to $45,000 vehicle, we incentivize those people," she said.
Current federal tax credits grant up to $7,500 to EV buyers, but they phase out when each manufacturer sells 200,000 electric cars.
"We are incentivizing all the wrong people: early adopters that are risk-oriented and have money," Lindland said. "They would be buying these vehicles anyway, and the $7,500 tax credit is just a little bit of bonus for them."
Thursday, December 27, 2018
The Bridge Cambodia
The Bridge Cambodia is strategically located right in the heart of Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh overlooking the Skyline of the City. The 45-storey high amazing facade of The Bridge comprises of 2 distinctive as well as remarkable towers that are interlinked by two sky bridges which provide seamless access to all that this development provides.
THE BRIDGE comprises:-
-Five levels of retail space for all types of shop spaces, from 2-storey shophouses, shop units, restaurants and food courts to supermarkets, banks and stores with a high four-storey central atrium spine and ample secured car parking.
-Stellar apartments 1, 2+study, 3 bedrooms units and penthouses.
-SOHO (Small Office Home Office) units offer a combination of live, work & play.Discerning individuals will be attracted to the shops, homes and SOHO which are Ideal for both small office and private residential.
Location at the Heart of the City
Cultural and Historical buildings, entertainment and retail outlets, shopping malls are all within reach from The Bridge, Cambodia. Rich heritage abounds nearby with National Monument the National Assembly Building, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Australian Embassies as well as Five-Star Hotels in Phnom Penh.
The Bridge is five minutes from Diamond Island. Behold the stunning 360-degree view of Bassac River, Diamond Island and the lovely city of Phnom Penh. A development not to be missed!
Luxurious Living
Elegant Design with Premium Lifestyle; Live, work & play within one development. Modern design with premium luxurious facilities to pamper you.
Amazing Prime Location
Within walking distance to Naga World Casino, Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Russia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dream Land. Within 5 minutes to Phnom Penh Independence Monument, Elite Town Golf Club, Koh Pich City Hall, AEON Mall. Tourist Hub and close to Central Business District.
Great Convenience
World-class Zaman International School, Phnom Penh International Airport within 30 minutes, Lifestyle eateries and entertainment at your doorstep.
The Bridge Cambodia
THE BRIDGE SOHO (Small Office Home Office)
The Bridge Cambodia is strategically located right in the heart of Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh overlooking the Skyline of the City. The 45-storey high amazing facade of The Bridge comprises of 2 distinctive as well as remarkable towers that are interlinked by two sky bridges which provide seamless access to all that this development provides.
THE BRIDGE comprises:-
-Five levels of retail space for all types of shop spaces, from 2-storey shophouses, shop units, restaurants and food courts to supermarkets, banks and stores with a high four-storey central atrium spine and ample secured car parking.
-Stellar apartments 1, 2+study, 3 bedrooms units and penthouses.
-SOHO (Small Office Home Office) units offer a combination of live, work & play.Discerning individuals will be attracted to the shops, homes and SOHO which are Ideal for both small office and private residential.
Location at the Heart of the City
Cultural and Historical buildings, entertainment and retail outlets, shopping malls are all within reach from The Bridge, Cambodia. Rich heritage abounds nearby with National Monument the National Assembly Building, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Australian Embassies as well as Five-Star Hotels in Phnom Penh.
The Bridge is five minutes from Diamond Island. Behold the stunning 360-degree view of Bassac River, Diamond Island and the lovely city of Phnom Penh. A development not to be missed!
Location
Luxurious Living
Elegant Design with Premium Lifestyle; Live, work & play within one development. Modern design with premium luxurious facilities to pamper you.
Amazing Prime Location
Within walking distance to Naga World Casino, Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Russia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dream Land. Within 5 minutes to Phnom Penh Independence Monument, Elite Town Golf Club, Koh Pich City Hall, AEON Mall. Tourist Hub and close to Central Business District.
Great Convenience
World-class Zaman International School, Phnom Penh International Airport within 30 minutes, Lifestyle eateries and entertainment at your doorstep.
Singapore Renowned Developer gives extra assurance to investors.
The Bridge Cambodia Phnom Penh is jointly developed by Singapore Developer Oxley Holding and Cambodia developer World Bridge Land. With local Singapore offices, Singapore investors has a much easier avenue to get in touch with the developer to get the latest update of their purchases.
Oxley Holdings is a lifestyle property developer engaged in the development of residential, commercial and industrial developments that cater to upwardly mobile homebuyers and entrepreneurs who value quality, style and convenience. Oxley’s property development projects are typically located in prime areas and complimented by prominent lifestyle features.
As a young and dynamic company, Oxley has made its mark as a developer with a strong value proposition. The Group’s business model is centred on:
-creating quality lifestyle-focused residential developments that provide infinite experiences within finite spaces
-developing mainly freehold / 999 year leasehold properties in choice precincts that are easily accessible via public transport and surrounded by amenities
-injecting vibrancy to its industrial and commercial developments through the incorporation of quality lifestyle features, facilities and retail elements wherever possible
To date, all of Oxley’s developments have been launched to very positive response. Among these were residential developments such as Viva Vista, Loft@Holland, RV Point, and Loft@Stevens, as well as its maiden industrial development, Oxley BizHub.
zacproperty.com
Zac Property Singapore
THE BRIDGE comprises:-
-Five levels of retail space for all types of shop spaces, from 2-storey shophouses, shop units, restaurants and food courts to supermarkets, banks and stores with a high four-storey central atrium spine and ample secured car parking.
-Stellar apartments 1, 2+study, 3 bedrooms units and penthouses.
-SOHO (Small Office Home Office) units offer a combination of live, work & play.Discerning individuals will be attracted to the shops, homes and SOHO which are Ideal for both small office and private residential.
Location at the Heart of the City
Cultural and Historical buildings, entertainment and retail outlets, shopping malls are all within reach from The Bridge, Cambodia. Rich heritage abounds nearby with National Monument the National Assembly Building, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Australian Embassies as well as Five-Star Hotels in Phnom Penh.
The Bridge is five minutes from Diamond Island. Behold the stunning 360-degree view of Bassac River, Diamond Island and the lovely city of Phnom Penh. A development not to be missed!
Luxurious Living
Elegant Design with Premium Lifestyle; Live, work & play within one development. Modern design with premium luxurious facilities to pamper you.
Amazing Prime Location
Within walking distance to Naga World Casino, Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Russia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dream Land. Within 5 minutes to Phnom Penh Independence Monument, Elite Town Golf Club, Koh Pich City Hall, AEON Mall. Tourist Hub and close to Central Business District.
Great Convenience
World-class Zaman International School, Phnom Penh International Airport within 30 minutes, Lifestyle eateries and entertainment at your doorstep.
The Bridge Cambodia
THE BRIDGE SOHO (Small Office Home Office)
The Bridge Cambodia is strategically located right in the heart of Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh overlooking the Skyline of the City. The 45-storey high amazing facade of The Bridge comprises of 2 distinctive as well as remarkable towers that are interlinked by two sky bridges which provide seamless access to all that this development provides.
THE BRIDGE comprises:-
-Five levels of retail space for all types of shop spaces, from 2-storey shophouses, shop units, restaurants and food courts to supermarkets, banks and stores with a high four-storey central atrium spine and ample secured car parking.
-Stellar apartments 1, 2+study, 3 bedrooms units and penthouses.
-SOHO (Small Office Home Office) units offer a combination of live, work & play.Discerning individuals will be attracted to the shops, homes and SOHO which are Ideal for both small office and private residential.
Location at the Heart of the City
Cultural and Historical buildings, entertainment and retail outlets, shopping malls are all within reach from The Bridge, Cambodia. Rich heritage abounds nearby with National Monument the National Assembly Building, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Australian Embassies as well as Five-Star Hotels in Phnom Penh.
The Bridge is five minutes from Diamond Island. Behold the stunning 360-degree view of Bassac River, Diamond Island and the lovely city of Phnom Penh. A development not to be missed!
Location
Luxurious Living
Elegant Design with Premium Lifestyle; Live, work & play within one development. Modern design with premium luxurious facilities to pamper you.
Amazing Prime Location
Within walking distance to Naga World Casino, Embassy of Australia, Embassy of Russia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dream Land. Within 5 minutes to Phnom Penh Independence Monument, Elite Town Golf Club, Koh Pich City Hall, AEON Mall. Tourist Hub and close to Central Business District.
Great Convenience
World-class Zaman International School, Phnom Penh International Airport within 30 minutes, Lifestyle eateries and entertainment at your doorstep.
Singapore Renowned Developer gives extra assurance to investors.
The Bridge Cambodia Phnom Penh is jointly developed by Singapore Developer Oxley Holding and Cambodia developer World Bridge Land. With local Singapore offices, Singapore investors has a much easier avenue to get in touch with the developer to get the latest update of their purchases.
Oxley Holdings is a lifestyle property developer engaged in the development of residential, commercial and industrial developments that cater to upwardly mobile homebuyers and entrepreneurs who value quality, style and convenience. Oxley’s property development projects are typically located in prime areas and complimented by prominent lifestyle features.
As a young and dynamic company, Oxley has made its mark as a developer with a strong value proposition. The Group’s business model is centred on:
-creating quality lifestyle-focused residential developments that provide infinite experiences within finite spaces
-developing mainly freehold / 999 year leasehold properties in choice precincts that are easily accessible via public transport and surrounded by amenities
-injecting vibrancy to its industrial and commercial developments through the incorporation of quality lifestyle features, facilities and retail elements wherever possible
To date, all of Oxley’s developments have been launched to very positive response. Among these were residential developments such as Viva Vista, Loft@Holland, RV Point, and Loft@Stevens, as well as its maiden industrial development, Oxley BizHub.
zacproperty.com
Zac Property Singapore
CES: Mercedes teases new-gen CLA
All-new, second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA teased for CES ahead of Q3 Aus arrival
MERCEDES-BENZ has released a single teaser image of its all-new, second-generation CLA small/medium sedan ahead of a public debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next month.
Set for an Australian release in the third quarter of 2019, few concrete details are currently known of the new model, but it will share its MFA2 underpinnings with the new A-Class hatchback.
A single, darkened teaser image of the CLA has been released, showing the familiar sloped roofline and C-pillar of the outgoing model.
Exterior styling is expected to mirror that of the A-Class and larger CLS with narrow, triangular headlights, a restyled grille and angular tail-lights.
Mercedes says the new CLA will feature the company’s latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment and voice recognition system, which has had features added since it debuted at last year’s CES.
It will likely be projected onto a 10.25-inch touchscreen, as is the case in the A-Class.
The new CLA will also feature an updated version of Mercedes’ Energising program that tailors the climate control, seat heating and massage functions, fragrances and ambient lighting to the user’s preferences, and now includes a feature that offers individual fitness recommendations.
Powertrains have not yet been revealed for the CLA, however like the last generation, they are expected to be the same as in the A-Class, which includes a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine developing 120kW/250Nm via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic in A200 guise.
The more powerful A250 has also landed locally, which ups engine size to 2.0 litres and increases power to 165kW/350Nm while driving all four wheels instead of the front wheels in the A200.
Like the first-gen version, the new A-Class is expected to be offered with a performance-oriented AMG A45 variant around 2020, while a less powerful AMG A35 tune will also come to market next year for the hatchback. Both engines could also migrate from the A-Class to the CLA.
Other powertrain options include a 250e hybrid version featuring Mercedes’ EQ Boost starter/alternator technology, and an entry-level 180 variant.
A Shooting Brake wagon body style is also expected to be carried over given it was offered in four trim levels on the first-gen version.
More details on the new CLA will be revealed when the new mode is uncovered at CES, which kicks off on January 8.
https://opentorque.com/mercedes-benz/cla-180/model-details
OpenTorque Singapore
MERCEDES-BENZ has released a single teaser image of its all-new, second-generation CLA small/medium sedan ahead of a public debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next month.
Set for an Australian release in the third quarter of 2019, few concrete details are currently known of the new model, but it will share its MFA2 underpinnings with the new A-Class hatchback.
A single, darkened teaser image of the CLA has been released, showing the familiar sloped roofline and C-pillar of the outgoing model.
Exterior styling is expected to mirror that of the A-Class and larger CLS with narrow, triangular headlights, a restyled grille and angular tail-lights.
Mercedes says the new CLA will feature the company’s latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment and voice recognition system, which has had features added since it debuted at last year’s CES.
It will likely be projected onto a 10.25-inch touchscreen, as is the case in the A-Class.
The new CLA will also feature an updated version of Mercedes’ Energising program that tailors the climate control, seat heating and massage functions, fragrances and ambient lighting to the user’s preferences, and now includes a feature that offers individual fitness recommendations.
Powertrains have not yet been revealed for the CLA, however like the last generation, they are expected to be the same as in the A-Class, which includes a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine developing 120kW/250Nm via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic in A200 guise.
The more powerful A250 has also landed locally, which ups engine size to 2.0 litres and increases power to 165kW/350Nm while driving all four wheels instead of the front wheels in the A200.
Like the first-gen version, the new A-Class is expected to be offered with a performance-oriented AMG A45 variant around 2020, while a less powerful AMG A35 tune will also come to market next year for the hatchback. Both engines could also migrate from the A-Class to the CLA.
Other powertrain options include a 250e hybrid version featuring Mercedes’ EQ Boost starter/alternator technology, and an entry-level 180 variant.
A Shooting Brake wagon body style is also expected to be carried over given it was offered in four trim levels on the first-gen version.
More details on the new CLA will be revealed when the new mode is uncovered at CES, which kicks off on January 8.
https://opentorque.com/mercedes-benz/cla-180/model-details
OpenTorque Singapore
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