Truck&Fleet ME March 2018

VEHICLES/ TECH / TranSporTaTIon/LogISTICS

O5O/MARCH 2O18

MIDDLE EAST

PU BLI CATI O N LI CENSED BY D U BAI PRO D U CTI O N CIT Y

C i R t C e l e e H t

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contents

contents COVER STORY

26 / PANEL DISCUSSION

Looking at Renault’s new large EV van – the Master ZE.

also this issue …

NETWORK

06 / PODS ON THE LOOSE

10

14

18

30

32

37

Dubai’s RTA begins testing of the world’s first autonomous pods in the wild.

LAUNCHES

10 / ADVANCED AMbULANCE DCAS unveils the result of its work with Ford Transit and Ferno-ACETECH. INTERVIEW

14 / NOT A DISRUPTER Truxapp’s COO on why the company cannot be compared to other trucking Ubers.

INTERVIEW

18 / TYINg IT TOgETHER FMS Tech’s Bassam Alkassar on the company’s work in public transport in the UAE. FEATURE

22 / TRENDS FOR 2018 Gurtam’s Alexander Smirnov on the major trends in the market for 2018.

PARTS AND SPARES

30 / bEINg REAL Dr Richard Brown of MAN Truck & Bus Middle East and the risks of not using genuine parts.

PREVIEWS

32 / bIg EVENTS Previews of this month’s Big-5 Heavy and the upcoming Automechanika Dubai show.

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 01

WELCOME

GROUP MANAGING DIRECtOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5483 EDItORIAL DIRECtOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5472 EDItORIAL EDItOR StEpHEN wHItE stephen.white@cpitrademedia.com +44 7541 244 377

HAs it reAlly been 50 issues AlreAdy? I’m struggling to believe that this issue of Truck & Fleet Middle East sees the magazine celebrate its 50th issue. I’m equally shocked to realise it has been over five years since I first began asking people in the market whether they would be interested in reading about commercial vehicles and they looked at me like I was crazy.

At the time, the commercial vehicles sector was seen by publishers as a peripheral part of the oil and gas, logistics and construction industries.

I was mystified at that time that there wasn’t a platform in the market to look at the sector and more specifically the people that are tasked with managing fleets and drivers. Sure, they could read the monthly edition of heavy machinery journal this or weekly building stuff magazine that to occasionally read something on their topic but there would be nothing for them in the next issue. Hence Truck & Fleet Middle East magazine was created to help them get the information they needed and more often.

One of the things I remember most prior to launch was not being able to talk directly to people about it – just in case another publisher realised what we were doing. This made getting stories a little tough, so it was great to finally get the magazine launched at the Big-5/PMV Live shows at the end of 2013.

While I edited the first batch of issues, it wasn’t until we were able to get the help of Stian Overdahl and his own enthusiasm for the topic that I felt the magazine started to get its own identity. We were then lucky to get a rising star in Jerusha Sequeira to build on Stian’s hard work and bring a focus on the local market to readers. It is not often that you get the opportunity to return to a magazine but it a was real privilege to follow in their footsteps when I returned almost two years ago.

Mostly it continues to be a privilege to talk (even if my growing number of grey hairs tells a different story!) to the people dedicated to growing their businesses and the sector in the region. It hasn’t been an easy half-decade for the industry but looking back on those early issues you realise how far it has come despite those tough years. Here’s to the next five years.

sUb EDItOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com ADVERtIsING sALEs MANAGER BIpIN SONEJI bipin.soneji@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 433 2856 DEsIGN ARt DIRECtOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com PHOtOGRAPHY MAKSYM pORIECHKIN maksym.poriechkin@cpitrademedia.com MARKEtING MARKEtING MANAGER SHEENA SApSfORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 CIRCULAtION & PRODUCtION DIstRIbUtION MANAGER SUNIL KUMAR sunil.kumar@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 PRODUCtION MANAGER VIpIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 WEb DEVELOPMENt MOHAMMAD AwAIS SADIQ SIDDIQUI fINANCE ACCOUNts NAHEED HOOD naheed.hood@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5474 CREDIt CONtROL ExECUtIVE CAMERON CARDOZO cameron.cardozo@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5499 fOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PRINtED bY AL ALEf pRINtINg pRESS LLC

Licensed by tECOM to registered company, CpI trade publishing fZ LLC whose registered office is 207 – 209, Building 3, Dubai Studio City, Dubai, UAE. www.cpitrademedia.com the publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. the opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers.

stEPHEN WHItE EdiToR, TRUCK&FLEET ME STEPHEN.WHiTE@CPiTRAdEMEdiA.CoM 02 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. the ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing.

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fEATURED

CONSTRUCTION

ABB SUPPORTINg DEWA fREE SOLAR PANEL PROgRAMME IN HATTA

Nakheel to build largest mall in the Middle East

CONSTRUCTION

First Middle East Hindu stone temple to be built in UAE

Site Visit: India’s Construction Disruptors

BIM

Cheaper construction tech will speed-up KSA development

CONSTRUCTION

Alec wins Dubai Hills Mall solar project

EXPERTS

The Power of the Sun 04 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

Video: The blackest building in the universe

I am a great believer that everyone should benefit from progress in a society, whomever and wherever they are. Thankfully, this is something that is shared by the leadership of the UAE and again this initiative proves that investment into areas beyond our cities is a fundamental part of the growth of this country.

I’m sure anyone who has been to the Hatta Heritage Village will understand its importance, particularly in reminding us of a traditional way of life. By delivering solar panels to these people we are not only making the most of our resources but also helping more remote and important communities to grow. Across the world, people are deserting their traditional lives in the country to live in cities, but rural communities have a huge role to play in our future and are neglected at our peril.

It would be great if the panels could also be shared with other non-UAE nationals, so they could also understand why it is crucial we protect these communities.

Name withheld by request

NETWORK

RTA AuTONOMOus PODs uNVEilED / KsA-uAE HiGHWAy uPGRADE / uD POsTs GROWTH DTA AND PRius DEAl / iVECO suCCEss iN WEsT AFRiCA / FORD AND GMC sAlEs BOOsT

network

RTA begins testing of world’s first autonomous pods AuTONOMOus VEHiClEs On the sidelines of the World Government summit in Dubai, the RTA and Next Future Transportation kicked off tests of what is being billed as the world’s first autonomous pods. The pods are designed to travel in dedicated lanes and can cover short to medium distances. The tests are part of the RTA’s Dubai Future Accelerators initiatives.

Pods can be coupled in 15 to 20 seconds or detached in five seconds according to the transport authority. Each pod is fitted with cameras

and technology to facilitate the coupling and detaching process, which the RTA says can be activated while the pods are in-motion.

“The pilot test is part of RTA endeavors to provide autonomous transport through carrying out technological tests on autonomous transport means under Dubai’s climatic conditions,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA. According to the RTA, the pods weigh 1,500kg

and can accommodate 10 people. Each pod will be fitted with a rechargeable battery capable of sustaining three hours of operation, while the recharging process requires six hours.

The pods can maintain an average speed of 20km/h.

The prototypes were produced in italy and run on a virtual pre-configured and programmed lane and are overseen by the operational system.

Al Tayer noted: “its success will bring about a breakthrough in

transportation systems that offer innovative mobility solutions and ease snarls in the city. The RTA is keen on ensuring the principle of safety in all services delivered to clients.

“These autonomous pods have three protection systems in order to ensure full control and avoid crashing into anybody. The main system comprises 3D cameras, and the second one is a standby system based on ordinary cameras, and the last is operated manually by the operator.”

BNC NETWORK REsEARCH FOR THE BiG 5 HEAVy sHOW sAys THERE ARE 22,902 CONsTRuCTiON PROjECTs iN THE GCC WORTH $2.4 TRilliON

06 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

NETWORK

uD TRuCKs sAlEs uP By 50% iN KsA

uAE OPENs uPGRADED $1.4BN HiGHWAy TO sAuDi ARABiA ROADs

The UAE government has completed upgrades to a highway that connects motorists to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway was built at a cost of $1.4bn and was constructed by Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada), while the Abu Dhabi Transport Department had oversight on the project. The highway extends from the Mafraq region of Abu Dhabi to the border with Saudi Arabia, according to WAM. The project was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, in the presence of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chairman of the Department of Transport and other senior officials.

“The project carries the name of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in recognition and appreciation of his role in leading the UAE’s journey of giving, which has enabled it to occupy a prominent position among the world’s countries,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

The project was undertaken in several phases and covered 246km of the existing 327km road.

The upgrades will ease congestion and reduce weather-related hazards, and saw an increase in lanes from a two-lane carriageway to at least threelanes over a distance of 64km between Barakah and Ghuwaifat. In addition, the highway was expanded up to four lanes wide over a span of 182km from Mafraq to the Baynounah Forests. Each lane is said to be able to accommodate 2,500 vehicles per hour.

15 new interchanges have also been built, while the existing interchanges at Mafraq, Hameem, Abu Al Abyad and Madinat Zayed have also been upgraded. The highway is now also fully lit by LED lamps in order to increase visibility, reduce fogrelated issues and conserve power. The asphalt level has been raised, while drainage has been improved to prevent water build-up, and the highway now features new lay-bys and hard shoulders. Two new petrol stations have been built near Barakah and Mirfa. Roads director-general Faisal Ahmed Al Suweidi said that a trip on the new highway to the Saudi border would take three hours.

OEM sAlEs UD Trucks says that sales increased by more than 50% in Saudi Arabia in 2017 as it recorded one of its best performing years in the Middle East, East Africa.

Despite challenging conditions in some markets, the Japanese truck manufacturer has achieved significant sales growth across the entire region, with particularly strong results in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

UD Trucks’ expanded range now offers products across a wide range of medium and heavy-duty segments.

Complementing the new trucks sales, UD Genuine Parts sales have also increased its sales penetration. UD Trucks’ regional offices in Dubai includes a parts distribution centre which delivers over 12,000 different spare parts to UD Trucks partners across the region. Thanks to its strategic location in the UAE, UD Trucks importers enjoy short lead times, as well as lower transport and inventory costs to better serve the customers in the region.

In Saudi Arabia, sales increased by more than 50% in 2017 compared to the previous year, despite the total market decreasing. The biggest downturn in the market was seen in the heavy-duty sector which dropped by more than 30% however, UD Trucks

successfully penetrated the market with the new Quester truck securing a good market share in the heavy-duty segment.

In Bahrain, the total truck market grew slightly aiding UD Trucks in beginning to reclaim its stronghold in the market with confidence. In 2017 sales doubled compared to 2016, thanks in part to the newly introduced Quester truck. In another positive move for the brand, Y.K.Almoayyed & Sons – UD Trucks’ retail partner in Bahrain – invested nine million dollars in new a 22,000sqm, state-of-the-art workshop featuring 36 repair bays to service the growing truck population in the country. In 2018, the Japanese brand intends to see a further growth of more than 30% which will see them return as the market leader Conversely, market conditions in Oman, Qatar and the UAE have been challenging. Oman saw a drop in the total truck market of more than 15%, Qatar decreased by more than 30%, and the UAE declined by around 7% in 2017. Despite the tough climate in these markets UD Trucks sales grew year on year in Oman, and stable sales have retained the UAE. Kuwait is slowly growing and 2017 was a transition year as the brand’s new range of products were only available for six months.

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 07

NETWORK

ARABiA TAxi iNDuCTs 50 NEW TOyOTA PRius

FlEET RENEWAl

UAE taxi operator Arabia Taxi has taken delivery of 50 new Toyota Prius Hybrid Electric Vehicles from local dealer Al Futtaim Toyota, making the fleet operator the first in the UAE to use the vehicle. The handover ceremony held in Ajman was attended

by Omar Ahmed Bin Omair, general

director of Ajman Public Transport Corporation; Saud Abbasi, MD of Al-Futtaim Toyota; PSM Habibulla Khan, chairman and MD of Arabia Holdings Group of which Arabia Taxi is a member; as well as senior representatives from both companies.

“Our journey began back in 2005, and throughout those past 13

years, Toyota has proven to be a trusted mobility partner for the many values it offers, including quality, durability reliability, comfort, excellent TCO and best resale value,” said Abbasi. “It is estimated that each of our Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicles saves around 7.65t of CO2 based on 850,000 km of operation, the approximate ‘shelf life’ of a taxi car in the UAE. Arabia Taxi shares mutual environmental objectives with Al-Futtaim Toyota to make the UAE a greener place” Since its launch 21 years ago, the Prius has proved popular with customers and has become a synonym for an ‘environmentallyfriendly vehicle’, said a statement.

iVECO sECuREs lARGE iVORy COAsT MuNiCiPAliTy DEAl DisTRiBuTiON IVECO and its West African partner, the Moroccan Premium Group, have sealed a deal that will see them supply 105 vehicles for waste management operations in the city of Abidjan and surrounding areas.

Serving a population of some 1.7 million in the area, IVECO said the complete order includes 30 Daily, 21 Eurocargo and 54 Trakker trucks and contribute to the Ivorian government’s goal of finding a lasting solution to improve the environmental and sanitary conditions of its capital city. This is part of the country’s plan to revive Abidjan’s lustre

as “the pearl of the Lagoons”, as emphasized by Ivorian Minister of Health, Environment and Sustainable Development, Madame Anne Désirée Ouloto, said the Italian vehicle maker.

Premium Group represents IVECO’s full line of commercial transport vehicles, from light all the way to heavy freight trucks, as well as its ASTRA heavy-duty trucks for quarry and construction missions.

The company also sells and supports the OK Trucks brand, the pre-owned vehicles guaranteed and certified

by IVECO. Through the Premium Group, IVECO serves fleet

owners with facilities based in Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Cameroon, Senegal and Togo. Additionally, its partner also sells into Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, Guinea Conakry and Benin.

Pierre Lahutte, IVECO brand president, described a renewal agreement with Premium Group as enabling the company to provide customers in the region with”the quality support they need and, consequently, ensure they can get the full benefit of the efficiency and performance of our vehicles and enjoy their low TCO. The West African markets are very important for us.”

Ford posted double digit sales across the Middle east in 2017 RETAil

Ford said that it saw its market share in almost every automotive segment in the Middle East rise in 2017, most significantly in the mid-size crossover utility and full-size sedan segments, at a time where the overall industry continued to decline. The company added that it registered increased demand for the Ford Edge as well as Taurus, among other models, despite their respective segments shrinking overall, according to the company’s data.

Ford’s positive performance also saw a four-percentage point growth in retail sales, which, combined with the growth across the more profitable truck and utility segments, meant the brand made robust gains in the region, despite a weakened industry.

These strong performance indicators were mainly driven by having the right products at the right time, continued improvement of the distributor network and retail experience, as well as offering the right solutions for fleet customers, according the Ford Middle East’s managing director, Thierry Sabbagh.

“Our focus on the business remained laser-sharp,” Sabbagh said.

“We worked with our dealers to provide them the tools to help them succeed whether on the product mix, the value for money equation, or even the sales and after sales experience. We finished the year on a strong note giving us an excellent base to start from for 2018.”

iNsiDE THis issuE OF T&FME: TRuxAPP ON WHy iT is NOT AN uBERClONE, BEHiND FMs TECH’s uAE PROjECTs, TRENDs FOR 2018

08 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

NETWORK

uBER EATs ENTERs iNTO KsA

Middle east boost to gMc sales in 2017 RETAil

GMC says that sales of its vehicles increased by more than a quarter in 2017 compared to 2016.

Posting an increase of 26% in the region, the manufacturer closed out a solid year of global sales performance with a 3 percent increase in total sales year over year and 1 percent increase in retail sales year over year, for 2017.In its result statement GMC said it achieved an all-time record Denali sales volume in 2017 — roughly one-third (29%) of GMC vehicles sold worldwide were Denali, GMC’s highest trim. Denali also had its best month ever in December with 39% sales penetration. Four models achieved 30% or more in sales for the year: Sierra HD (50%), Yukon XL (63%), Yukon (54%) and Acadia (30%).

DiGiTAl DEliVERiEs Uber opened up its global food delivery app Uber Eats to the Saudi capital of Riyadh last month. According to the company, residents of the city are able to download the Uber Eats app or visit ubereats.com and order meals from a wide selection of the city’s best loved restaurants – freshly prepared and reliably delivered in an average of 30 to 40 minutes.

Uber Eats uses the same global technology that enables riders to travel seamlessly from A to B, Uber Eats is an ondemand food delivery app that partners with more than 80,000 restaurants in 200 cities around the world to bring millions of people the food they want at the tap of a button.

Partnering with over 100 restaurant locations in Riyadh, locals can order meals from

their favourite restaurants for every taste, occasion and location seven days a week with Uber Eats. From local favourites such as Cafe Bateel, Manoosh and Hamburghini to everyday national brands including McDonalds and PizzaHut, Uber Eats customers will find a wide-selection of food options on the Uber Eats app, all conveniently available in one place and delivered fast

and fresh, with the reliability they’ve come to expect from using Uber.

“We’re hugely excited to be launching in Riyadh. People in the city can now use Uber Eats to choose from hundreds of dishes to get the food they want, when they want it, delivered at Uber speed whether that’s dinner at home, lunch at work or a snack when out with friends.

DP WORlD POsTs 10% VOluMEs GROWTH FOR 2017

lOGisTiCs

DP World Limited said it handled 70.1 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across its global portfolio of container terminals in the full year of 2017, with gross container volumes growing by 10.1% year-on-year on a reported basis and 9.7% on a like-for-like basis, as it performed well ahead of Drewry Maritime’s global container throughput growth estimate of 6.0% for 2017.

According to a statement published

on its website, the global portfolio grew 10.3% year-on-year in Q4 on a reported basis and 9.9% on a like-forlike basis with consistent performance across all three DP World regions and particularly strong contributions from terminals in Europe, Americas and Middle East & Africa. The UAE handled 15.4 million TEUs in 2017, up by 4.0% year-on-year, it added.

On a consolidated level, DP World said its terminals handled 36.5 million TEUs over the 12 months – a 24.7%

improvement in performance on a reported basis and up 6.2% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis. Additionally, consolidated volume in the Asia Pacific & Indian Subcontinent region was boosted by the consolidation of Pusan, South Korea at the end of 2016.

“Benefitting from the improved trading environment and market share gains, our global portfolio once again delivered ahead-of-market growth in 2017 and has seen strong performance across all three regions,” said Sultan

Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO, DP World.

“Over the years, we have deployed the relevant deep-water capacity in key markets, focusing on a diversified portfolio which continues to benefit from the recovery in global trade.

We are also pleased to see stable performance in the UAE as volumes continue to grow in the fourth quarter of 2017 amidst uncertainty in the region and tougher year-over-year comparables. The performance across our other terminals in the Middle East & Africa remains strong in addition to Europe and the Americas.”

He added: “As we look ahead into 2018, we expect to continue to grow ahead of the market and see increased contributions from our new developments. We continue to seek opportunities in complementary sectors in the global supply chain and will maintain capital expenditure discipline by bringing on capacity in line with demand. Given the strong volume performance of our portfolio, we are well placed to meet full year 2017 market expectations.”

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 09

LAUNCHES

FORD TRANSIT TRANSFORMED INTO ADVANCE AMBULANCE / ELECTRIC JAGUAR / MG ZS CROSSOVER SUV LAUNCHED INTO THE MIDDLE EAST / HyUNDAI SANTA FE pREMIERE

lau nches STILL ADApTING FoRd TRansiT is 50 yEaRs oLd

Meet the ambulance of the future DCAS SAyS ITS NEW EMERGENCy VEHICLE IS THE MOST ADVANCED ITS EVER DEVELOpED The Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) showcased on its Ambulance of the Future – a Ford Transitbased vehicle heralded as the most advanced emergency unit ever developed – during the Arab Health last month.

The ambulance, developed

by DCAS as a project under the Dubai 10X initiative, was customised by American Emergency Vehicles (AEV) in the US and fitted with the very latest patient care and safety equipment by FernoWashington, and telematics systems by Ferno-ACETECH.

10 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

Dubai’s Ambulance of the Future merges the very latest in patient care and occupant safety with advanced connectivity, automotive integration, onboard diagnostics and telecommunications. And the Ford Transit has the capability and versatility to deliver just that according to HE Khalifa Hassan al Darai, DCAS CEO: “This ambulance is far more advanced than all of the previous ambulances we have had,” he explained.

“And by 2020, we expect it will be even more ground-

breaking. The medical equipment has evolved so much in this vehicle; the critical appliances needed can now be controlled easily and moved from right to left. Also, the internal and external lighting can be controlled with a touch of a button. We looked at the best and most innovative equipment in the world and brought it to Dubai to help paramedics save lives.”

Ferno and AEV used a Ford Transit base vehicle to create the most advanced ambulance in

the world by merging the latest automotive, telecommunications and medical technology in one integrated package. While advanced restraint systems are installed for the patient and paramedics, and the interior is fitted with a modular design – with wall-mounted track system with quick release brackets for easy access to critical equipment – the real power behind the Ambulance of the Future lies under the versatile work areas of the Transit ambulance.

LAUNCHES

jaguar Put through its i-Paces THE I-pACE LAUNCHES STRAIGHT FROM WINTER TESTING TO THE SHOWROOM

pATIENT AND DATA HANDLING GPs information and vehicle is fed to three touchscreens; one in the cabin and two in the rear of the ambulance.

TRANSIT CHOICE The Ford Transit was chosen for its versatility to install the new systems and its safety record.

An Advanced Vehicle Informatics Module takes GpS information and combines it with vehicle data from the Transit’s on board diagnostics port, and feeds that information to three touchscreens; one in the cabin and two in the rear of the ambulance.

Eric Gallagher, CEO of Ferno ACETECH, explained, “Everything is data driven. It’s all about prediction analysis and where we go with that. For us, it’s about predicting fleet process scenarios and what you should be doing from a fleet point of view.

“We also take data from the back of the

vehicle information like moving patient data to hospitals right down to looking at all of the equipment used.

We even have an RFID system here – a tiny little device that goes on to consumables and high value assets and predicts when maintenance is due on them, or when they need replacing.

It tells the system where they are, and also looks at aspects of calibration and maintenance that has to happen regularly.”

All of that information is fed to a cloud-based system where DCAS fleet managers are able to monitor via a secure web-interface.

Jaguar is promsing that its all-electric I-PACE offers both rapid charging and rapid performance when it goes on sale on this month Capable of charging in less than 45 minutes and with sports car performance and SUV practicality, the I-PACE will be the perfect every day car – whether on the school run, daily commute or even coping with sub-zero temperatures.

Rigorously tested across extremes of terrain and temperature, the I-PACE has tamed the Arctic at Jaguar Land Rover’s cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, at temperatures as low as -40°C. Tony Westerlund, a potential customer from Sweden, had some interesting questions on living with I-PACE in Arctic conditions, particularly regarding stability and traction on the ice and snow. To answer his questions, Jaguar engineers invited him to Arjeplog to drive the car for the first time and see how it’s been tested to ensure performance in extreme conditions: Watch it here “Not only will the I-PACE charge quickly enough for our customers to carry out their everyday lives,

it will offer powerful and precise performance in a variety of conditions and climactic extremes. Allied with the versatile credentials of our celebrated PACE family, this will be an electric performance SUV like no other.” Ian Hoban, Jaguar Vehicle Line Director Customers will be able to use mains power to prepare the car’s battery and cabin temperature ahead of a journey. Preconditioning the car ensures maximum range, performance and comfort whether temperatures are freezing cold or extremely hot. Setting up preferred charging times and pre-conditioning schedules can be done from either the on-board InControl system, or the Remote smartphone APP, and is as easy as setting an alarm.

SpECIFICATIONS power

395bhp

Torque

700nM

Battery

90kW/h

0-60mph

Circa 4 secs

Range

500km

A CANNy CAT 90KW baTTERy 395bhP

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 11

LAUNCHES

Mg Zs crosses over to the Middle east

THREE TRIMS RELEASED FOLLOWING SAUDI IMS REVEAL MG Motor’s new MG ZS crossover is now on sale across the Middle East. prices for MG’s new crossover start at around $12,000 (depending on market) for the entry level 1.5L STD model.

The new MG ZS enjoyed its Middle East show reveal at the Saudi International Motor Show in December, and is now available in three high value trim levels - 1.5L STD, 1.5L COM and 1.5L LUX. The arrival of MG’s new crossover marks a new era of design for the famous British car brand with the introduction of a totally new design philosophy. Based on ‘Emotional Dynamism’, this more expressive design language showcased by the MG ZS is set to feature across all upcoming models, and emphasises the premium experience and commitment to quality of the ambitious brand.

A distinctive grille, increased MG branding and a delicate front end give the car a refined look that carries through its sweeping corners to the robust rear end. A combination of quality and a premium finish have been at the heart of MG’s design philosophy for the MG ZS, with every surface, material and fitting

selected for its visual impact, as well as durability and longevity.

More than 80% of the exposed surfaces are covered with soft materials, and a colour contrast from the dark grey base creates a layered effect.

A trend for ‘bigger’ connectivity means MG’s inkaLink system, with 8” infotainment screen and Apple Carplay, will become a signature of MG going forward as it looks to target a younger generation.

A remote smart application will allow the driver to operate vehicle functions such as remote start and stop, manage air conditioning, vehicle tracking and aftersales appointments.

It even reminds owners of the services needed for the car.

“The new MG ZS features a stylish new design language and a host of hi-tech features tailored specifically to the needs of the younger generation and the female market,” commented on the new mode lTom Lee, managing director SAIC Motor Middle East. “All of which makes this a very strong entrant into the regional SUV sector, while at the same time helping to spread the message that MG is a key player on the international automotive field.’’

STARTING pRICE $12,000 aPPRox.

12 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

UpRATED 2.0L TURBO PoWER RaTinG oF 232hP

hyundai teases fourth gen santa fe launch DUE TO BE UNVEILED IN GENEVA THIS MONTH

Hyundai Motor has unveiled its first facts about the New Generation Santa Fe, which celebrated its world premiere in February before making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in early March. The fourth generation Santa Fe continues the model’s global success story.

According to Hyundai, the new generation Santa Fe offers a comprehensive package of Hyundai’s latest active safety features under the Smart Sense technology umbrella. The innovative and industry-first Rear Occupant Alert monitors the rear seats to detect passengers and alerts the driver when leaving the car. The Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning is now enhanced by an automated braking function. To avoid the risk of collision when reversing out of narrow areas with limited visibility, the system warns the driver and applies the brakes automatically.

Hyundai claims that improved ride comfort, handling and stability will be achieved through key developments in the suspension geometry of the 2019 Santa Fe. The biggest change sees the rear shock moved upright from an angled position, improving the ride and handling no matter the driving conditions.

An optional self-load-leveling suspension provides the Santa Fe with a continuous ride height regardless of cargo or trailer tongue weight. This allows Hyundai engineers to tune the rear suspension for comfort and avoid making it too firm for occasional trailer use.

Hyundai’s Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCW) puts eyes and legs in the back of drivers’ heads. Using the Blind Spot Detection system’s radar sensors when backing up the system not only can warn the driver if vehicles approach from the side – it also applies the brakes automatically.

PERFECT CROSSING

BEST PAYLOAD IN THE INDUSTRY Payload up to 20 ton on a 6x4 chassis with Large “C” section chassis

CONTINUOUS OPERATION Higher autonomy thanks to the Cursor engine that allow to reduce fuel consumption

ON-ROAD EXCELLENCE. OFF-ROAD ENDURANCE.

OUTSTANDING TCO Thanks to 11.2% fuel saving tested by TÜV on the New Stralis, optimised driveline and disk brakes

MODULAR AND MISSION-ORIENTED RANGE New front axle (off road) that guarantee an higher ground clereance Robust chassis for light off-road missions

INTERVIEW

“We’re stabilisers not disruptors” Truxapp says you shouldn’t compare it to the other trucking Ubers

14 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

INTERVIEW

W

hy is the logistics market suddenly seeing an influx of Uber-style logistics aggregators in the market? You could argue that is how the growth of new technology works. Someone creates a genuinely new idea, and then somebody else sees another use for it, and so on and so on. However recent research from Frost & Sullivan suggests that there are deep structural problems within the sector in the GCC, largely because a digitally-driven evolution hasn’t taken place – yet.

According to its survey on the industry, Frost & Sullivan has found that productivity levels of international logistics companies are 10-15% lower in the region compared to their global operations largely because of minimal technology adaptation. Throw in its assessment of the logistics and freight transportation industry in the GCC as one that is highly fragmented with, “several players, low productivity, minimal regulation, high costs, and limited valueadded service”, then you’ve got an industry that could be right for the picking.

The slew (slew-bers?) of precocious companies entering the market in the last year have pitched themselves as aggregators of truck supply serving one function: namely to join up a customer who needs something delivered with a company – or individual – that has the truck to deliver it. The appeal is obvious. As someone with goods to move you don’t need to own an expensive fleet that could always breakdown when you need it the most. And on the other side, a truck or fleet owner can tap into an hitherto unknown source of business, often without the need to fill out extensive tender documents or be left hanging around waiting for a call back.

Inadvertently, T&FME has found itself in the centre of this brewing storm in the (mostly UAE-based) market and has already interviewed a number of these companies. So, when the opportunity to interview Truxapp, a company that has a impressive track record in India came up, there was a momentary pause to decide whether the readers still had room for one more. However, this is a company entering the market on the back of startling growth in India and determined to differentiate itself from what is already looking like a crowded space.

“While several industries are becoming digitally enabled, the logistics sector has largely been neglected, or not given the necessary attention, because of its complexities as a B2B service. Unlike technologies behind B2C ride-

SWITCHINg To oN-DEMAND Truxapp’s COO Abhinav Chaudhary (pictured) gave T&FME an overview of how it hopes to relieve the pressure on freight transportation services in the entire region through on-demand transportation and shared resources.

Truxapp dashboards for clients showing real-time data, various heat maps including scope of reverse haulage, automated documents and reports, utilisation and uptime index, employee and vehicle management, data analytics and flexible pricing.

The technology also offers, the management of human resources and freight insurance services.

Furthermore, Truxapp’s machine learning algorithms for pricing and reverse haul, enables supply chain managers to make decisions based on data of seasonality, replenishment cycles and other logistics factors.

Manmohan Agarwal, founder of Truxapp says technology is key in building a successful service: “From the start, we focused on developing our own technology for Truxapp, because it is something we could shape for our customers and transporters. While it was easier to adopt a technology, we did not want to be held back in a platform that drives us; rather, we wanted to be in the driver’s seat. Working with marque clients we have customised solutions for them to improve services and cater to their requirements – technology has to be approachable, in order to work for the diverse segments we operate with.”

sharing companies, road freight has many more variables and a complete knowledge of the logistics sector is critical when developing a platform like Truxapp,” explains Naseer Ahmed, CEO for Truxapp – International in its press pack. “Once appropriately established, digitally-enabled trucking services can immensely support all industries as well as the drive toward seamless Smart Cities.

Currently, the logistics is lagging and this is affecting growth in many other sectors that depend on the efficient movements of goods.

“Digital savvy and connected consumers expect faster, accurate deliveries and an optimal user experience which can make or break brand loyalty. These are some of the factors that will put a strain on companies reliant on logistics and transportation if they fail to rapidly adapt to changing market dynamics and meet customer expectations,” writes Ahmed. “The Truxapp team comprises of professionals who have the knowledge and track record to deliver their expertise to businesses daily – managing the complexities of the logistics sector and supporting them to meet their customers’ expectations. The Truxapp team has specifically built the technology to address the pain points of the sector for clients and transporters alike and this is where we add substantial value.”

Truxapp is certainly ambitious. It wants to own 5% of the overall logistics market in the GCC by 2022 and if that is not enough to make you stop and think, consider this: since firing up operations in India in 2015 with its own propriety technology, it has amassed 350,000 trucks and over 200 corporate clients. Furthermore, in less than a year in the GCC, it can already list 20,000 trucks for B2B deliveries. If it continues its rapid pace of expansion, Truxapp fully believes it will attain its goal of adding revenues of $400 million in the GCC to $1 billion globally by 2022.

To maintain its growth, it must ramp up its presence even further if it is going to receive 40% of its revenue from the region in little under four years. Speaking to T&FME, COO Abhinav Chaudhary, says that Truxapp is offering a fully-realised technology solution for the logistics industry.

He dismisses the idea that it should be viewed in the same way as other companies claiming to offer a similar service.

“The buzzword that the majority of these start-ups love to call themselves... disrupters, well,” he pauses and sighs.

“We want to call ourselves something very humble and that is stabilisers.”

To Chaudhary, it is disruption of a different kind, such as economic pressure MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 15

INTERVIEW

on the supply chain, that is generating change in the markets it is active in.

“From a stabilising perspective, the technology that we bring to the table for supply chain managers, recruitment managers and all the transportation experts is holistic.

The majority of the guys that are trying to be the Ubers of transportation are only currently focusing on the demand side. Our technology is there to stabilise demand but also, on the supply side, what is happening to transporters, freelancers in various regions.”

Looking at the operational aspects of its services, Chaudhary says that the client experience has been designed to ensure it is the same as using a single supplier. The aim, he adds, is to ensure that their business is no longer tied to the ongoing running costs of owning fleet or contracting third-party fleets.

“We are acting as a single transporter for any customer who is bound to have peaks and downs within their replenishment cycle.

Instead of having the conventional wisdom within the logistics supply chain industry, they are going to get the lowest transport prices from us,” he says. “Secondly, they are not going to have go to seven or eight suppliers because one transporter will now and then fill-up his capacity. So the stability for the customer is that Truxapp will be to meet whatever they need in terms of deliveries or vehicles.”

He continues: “At the same time, the transporters are not required to hunt from company to company to look for demand or suffer with the delivery cycles of customers.

So, again, we are a stabiliser for them.”

According to Truxapp, it provides a reliable and efficient platform for businesses such as retailers, wholesalers, distributors, exporters, importers, to large industries and SMEs that depend on logistics to provide their services. Truxapp is able to offer a raft of transportation services, not just general transportation but also heavy load hauling for the construction industry and cross-GCC logistics movements and international freight forwarding.

Through the Truxapp platform, businesses can access data, predict production and delivery schedules via customisable dashboards, “resulting in enhanced market

the majority of the guys are only currently focusing on the demand side”

ASSET-lIgHT TECHNology HEAVy WEIgHT Truxapp describes itself as a B2B, asset light, technology– enabled logistics venture, redefining the road freight transport landscape. Truxapp uses cutting edge, in-house built technology that aggregates the market demand and supply on web and mobile apps with state of art algorithms for all stakeholders associated with commercial transportation.

Truxapp’s technology addresses the existing problems in the logistics space and makes it more automated and data driven, pushing boundaries and creating the next generation transportation data science.

With several industries transforming to digital operation models, the road transport and trucking industry is no different. Truxapp provides visibility on movements within the trucking life-cycle events. This also includes ad-hoc selected trucks in the shortest duration, of any type from anywhere.

Truxapp’s proprietary technology simplifies the road freight life cycle, increases operational efficiencies and reduces costs for the end users.

It addresses the inadequate logistics and transportation models to support companies become more agile and

16 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

responsive toward their customers’ needs. This has enabled Truxapp to establish itself as the leading technology based aggregator of road transport and has started to create an eco-system where aggregated demand and supply work in tandem, building consistency, transparency and precision in the sector and has made business reliable, efficient and economical.

Truxapp, in a short period of time has on-board, a diverse portfolio of multi national and other leading companies in diverse sectors which include, port movements.

reach and customer satisfaction,” it claims.

The Truxapp dashboards show real-time data, various heat maps including scope of reverse haulage, automated documents and reports, utilisation and uptime index, employee and vehicle management, data analytics and flexible pricing. The technology also offers the management of human resources and freight insurance services.

In addition to its logistics-oriented technology, the company is also offering consultancy-style advice to its blue-chip clients helping them to understand the logistics aspects of their business. Chaudhary describes scenarios where again, Truxapp, helps manage the cash flow of its customers.

“We are working with them to improve their transport set-up. We are letting them know what would be an ideal solution for them,” he remarks. “Such as whether they should look at selling off their own vehicles in the long-term or considering different handling services at their warehouses (in terms of off-loading arrangements to building platforms or ramps or boogie movements).

The solution we provide is not just about transportation services where they have booked a truck and we’ve sent it to them.”

As the interview draws to a close, he pitches in with what he feels is a crucial difference between Truxapp and the other upstarts out there: “Our team isn’t just made up of IT guys who have built up an app and a web platform. They are logistics experts. We have guys from DHL and Aramex who have worked in procuring transportation.”

EnduRace RD

EnduRace RA

EnduTrax MA

EnduTrax MD

INTERVIEW

iT’s all CONNECTED 18 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

INTERVIEW

Bassam Alkassar, CEO of FMS Tech on the future of fleet tech in the region

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&FME celebrates its 50th issue this month and the magazine was glad to be able to catch-up with Bassam Alkassar, CEO of FMS Tech, a figure that has shared his passion for the benefits of fleet technology over the years and to also look at the exciting directions it is heading towards.

Three decades ago, Alkassar forged his career in Silicon Valley helping some of the world’s biggest companies such as IBM, Ford, Boeing and GM make the transition to what were then called open architecture networks and what were to become the internet we know today. Since then, he is gone on to establish FMS Tech as one of the leading independent pioneers of in-vehicle monitoring systems and fleet management software and hardware developers in the regional market.

He describes the company as focusing on the driver and the vehicle: “That’s what we do. All our innovation concentrates on how to better utilise the vehicle, the fleet and reduce costs.”

The company has successfully transitioned from its stronghold in the oil and gas sector, which has historically better understood – and had the budgets to invest in – fleet technology into other areas in recent years.

As 2017 was closing it was announced that it was working with the RTA’s Dubai Taxi Corporation on an extensive project covering the supply and installation of telematics devices across RTA’s Airport Limo services.

His company may be working across the GCC, but Alkassar is clear where the greatest push for technology is happening in 2018.

“The UAE is the best place and keen to embrace the latest technology. I can see many projects going on in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to transform the transport industry and the traffic on the road; and to bring in new technology to improve road safety, efficiency and reduce accidents and congestion,” he remarks. “Both of them are the leaders in not just adopting technology but bringing new innovations to improve our lives that other countries in the region are following.

“It is amazing how much research and investment that the government is

doing to improve road safety in the UAE. We are lucky to be here to be part of these initiatives and present on light and heavy trucks. Having good reliable systems on these trucks helps to not only reduce accidents but also improve your planning.”

Looking even further afield than the GCC, he draws a comparison with cities in the US such as Dallas where FMS Tech is also active: “I can see a lot of similarities in the interest of using the internet of things in public transport and road safety. There is a lot of interest here in incubating and a lot effort by the government to help those with good ideas and transform it into reality.”

Telematics and fleet technology is sometimes viewed as the privilege for larger fleets but not necessarily required for smaller fleets. In a market where one in every two trucks is owned by a small or single operator, Alkassar argues that the sorts of advanced solutions FMS provides can offer real benefits for a large number of fleets.

“Big government bodies like the RTA are always ahead because of the budgets and requirements they have. Definitely their successes can encourage smaller private or government organisations to follow their steps.”

In addition to the Dubai Taxi arrangement, FMS Tech has also contributed to the Raqeeb project and system for use on Public Transport Authority’s buses via its partner Technologica in Dubai.

Trialed as part of a smart city initiative, it combines the company’s telematics devices with other technologies, including the Guardian system (which monitors driver fatigue) and Mobileye’s ADAS (which provides the Advanced Driver Assistance System), and distraction and relay it to a control centre. Already installed on 300 buses, it will eventually be on every public bus in Dubai.

Describing the system as unlike any other system deployed worldwide, he explains that FMS Tech had to ensure it could integrate its telematics system with all the other different devices on-board the buses. The result is one system that allows operators to view all the data coming in from the buses in real time.

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 19

INTERVIEW

“On one platform running FMS Tech fleet management software, you can see the driver fatigue updates, you can see the location on the map, trip information… even if the bus changes lane you can see if he used the signal,” he says. “This is one of a kind and we’re excited because it really takes the safety of public buses to a different level.”

When T&FME last spoke with Alkassar, the company had just launched its DMS Robot system. A driver training tool that can give them automated reports and feedback on their driving using RFID tagging technology to gather and analyse data via an installed kiosk. Now the company is combining its knowledge of recording data from a vehicle with its long history of IVMS development to produce a new system that whenever there is an “adverse speeding violation it will capture the driver’s face as well as a forward camera that records 30 seconds before and after.”

He adds: “This will also help understand road accidents and aid accident reconstruction and verification. We have identification using RFID, but just in case the driver has given his card to somebody else the system will capture the identity of the driver. In oil and gas, for

instance, they are very keen to implement bullet proof road safety policy. The camera gives us a complete overview of what is happening on the road.”

Alkassar argues that the industry is entering an exciting phase where a huge range of technology is out there but not fully developed in terms of how it can benefit fleets. He adds that the role of companies like FMS Tech should be to find ways of taking them from off the shelf to generate entirely new solutions that can be tailor-made to suit any fleet’s requirements. Enabling this assembling of different parts and getting them to work together takes an in-depth knowledge of how to use cloud-based technology or, to use its other name, the Internet of Things (IoT).

“A company can be in the centre to do the integration and send everything to the cloud.

The other aspect however is the analysis part.

The data is available but what do you do with it?” He asks. “Data from a system like ADAS or Guardian, which sends huge images and more than a few gigs of data per month, is all useless except for the ones you are interested in. This is where our applications can fetch,

Having good reliable systems on these trucks helps to not only reduce accidents but also improve your planning”

analyse and give you the good data.”

One of the uses of data he feels will also be crucial will be in analysing when a vehicle under warranty may need a repair or maintenance: “I think vehicle diagnostics will be really important for preventive maintenance for the dealer business.”

Before we conclude our discussion, Alkassar turns his attention to the Saudi Arabian market. General sales of vehicles may have been sluggish in recent years, but, with social and economic reform slowly evolving, he feels technology can have a profound impact on development in the Kingdom.

“There is an amazing opportunity for a company like us to bring in new innovation to Saudi Arabia and they’re keen. They also have a lot of road accidents, so as part of their reform they want to use technology to improve transport and road safety. Who would’ve thought five years ago that women could drive or attend a football match – it was unthinkable.

They are trying to open the country and in my opinion they are doing it the right way by doing it slowly….When you think about it, the way you live and technology it is all connected.”

EVENT: SMART FlEETS AND THE FUTURE OF TRANSpORTATION AND MOBIlITy, 4TH TElEMATICS CONFERENCE MIDDlE EAST & AFRICA Date: 22 March 2018, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Website: www.telematicsconference.com/mea 150-plus delegates are expected to take part in the 4th edition of Telematics Conference Middle East & Africa. The event is primarily focused on fleet management, commercial vehicles, transportation, and mobility. It brings together all key stakeholders and decision makers in the industry: telematics solution providers, telematics device manufacturers, navigation and digital map developers, smart sensor and HW manufacturers, IoT experts, M2M providers, OEMs, market research specialists, logistics and transport companies. The conference includes an exhibition area, where 15 companies present their latest developments in the telematics industry.

Main Topic on Smart

20 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

TElEMATICS Up FOR DEBATE In the exhibition hall, participants will be able to see the latest technological solutions in telematics.

Fleets and the Future of Transportation and Mobility This industry focused event highlights regional developments and global trends in the telematics industry. The 2018 event will focus on smart fleets and the future of transportation and mobility.

The topics will be covered by globally and regionally recognized speakers from RTA, Sygic, Gurtam,

Omnicomm, Teltonika, MercedesBenz Consulting, Continental Middle East, Almajdouie Logistics and elsewhere.

Telematics Conference Middle East and Africa has established an advisory board comprised of international and local experts in telematics, mobility, and transportation.

The members of the advisory

board are carefully selected according to their diversified but complementary expertise in the industry, with the goal of helping develop the industry in the future.

The main function of the advisory board is to provide the event with knowledge, suggestions, a network, ideas, understanding, and strategic thinking of the industry.

We are pleased to have the following members on the advisory board: • Elie Aad, Director Global Partnerships at Sigfox (UAE) • Mohamed Bebars, Project Manager, Drivers Licensing Department at RTA (UAE) • Dominique Bonte, Vice President, Verticals/End Markets at ABI Research (UK) • Brent Melvin, Chief Operations Officer at Almajdouie Logistics (Saudi Arabia) • Stefan Schnitzler, Management Consultant at Mercedes-Benz Consulting (Germany)

1 – 3 May 2018 www.automechanikaDubai.com

The largest international trade exhibition for the automotive service industry in the wider Middle East Some compelling show figures: 1,955 Exhibitors 30,322 Trade Visitors 25 Official Country Pavilions

57 Exhibiting Countries 136 Visiting Countries 38 International Trade Associations

Register online to visit at www.automechanikaDubai.com/TF

TRENDS

Smart moveS for 2018

Alexander Smirnov of Gurtam Middle East examines the major challenges facing the industry in 2018

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he past two years have seen the GCC countries slowly come to terms on how technology could help shape their development – and possibly at a rate faster than seen anywhere else in the world. The oil price remains relatively low sharpening planning on how to transform the region’s economies from being almost exclusively dependent on exports of the resource across the globe to ultra-modern and diverse engines of growth.

More than ever, investment in cloud-based technology is viewed as a national priority in countries such as the UAE and Saudi – and this will inevitably have a profound effect on the transportation industry in the region. Gurtam business development director, Middle East, Alexander Smirnov says that he believes this change to smart 22 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

and connected economies could be the main trend shaping the sector in the year ahead.

“This trend has been successfully promoted by the global governance and taken with much enthusiasm in the UAE and KSA,” he notes.

It has almost been two years since His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that by 2030, 25% of all transportation trips in Dubai will be smart and driverless with the strategy is projected to generate economic revenues and savings of up to 6 billion dollars. In order to implement this plan in real life, Smirnov emphasises, Dubai will have to be investing into a smart economy.

“Needless to say, the areas like Dubai Internet City, will be the brain centres to Smart Dubai initiative. The idea of smart, in its turn, greatly depends on things “talking to each other”, being connected. Today,

alternative energy vehicles are here to stay, and to replace a lot of the existing fossil fuel fleets. Not tomorrow but quite soon”

we witness numerous trade shows and conferences themed “Connected” and “Smart”.

For example, the Telematics Conference Middle East & Africa will take place in Dubai this month, where I will speak about trend, how telematics makes business smart and connected today, because it is the bridge between the current state of affairs and the future. And in 2018, this trend will be dominating and rewarding the companies developing their solutions in this direction.”

Another trend that Smirnov has identified is what he describes as the concept of sharing. This is a general social trend that is promoted and advanced among the younger generation, he explains.

“Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the office, or a vehicle, new people tend to enjoy the experiences rather than appreciate ownership. Regardless

TRENDS

A VISION OF THE FUTURE Interest in electric vehicles in the Middle East needs to be backed-up with infrastructure.

STAY IN LANE The concept of a ‘driverless vehicle’ is leading to further development of systems that help cars keep lane and park themselves.

of the fact that you may consider this as positive or negative, the trend will start being implemented in different domains of life. But interestingly enough, in automotive industry too. The industry will need to be prepared and integrated into this trend, both in terms of the embedded technologies and sales and marketing strategies. Integration will presuppose movement towards opening protocols and communicating to different other things.

Dubai is also taking a lead in embracing artificial intelligence. The technology will obviously be essential to achieving its driverless aims but Smirnov believes that it will be used in many other areas.

“This factor is technology driven. Despite some fears of machines being able to decide for themselves what should or should not happen, what improves efficiency or serves as

an obstacle, the technological advancements in this line will gradually find their way into the world of practical use,” he states.

“Systems that will help drivers to stay awake or make sure they do not get distracted by the phone (ADAS), will be in place for logistics companies and school bus fleets. The concept of a ‘driverless vehicle’ will be causing further development of the systems that help cars keep in the lane and park themselves.”

The beginning of 2018 has been notable for the introduction of VAT in the GCC. While much of the discussion prior to its introduction has centred on its effect on company balance sheets, Smirnov argues that it could – should – lead to cost savings in some markets.

“This trend will be called for by the practical needs of businesses, small ones that want to save as much as possible, and

Whether it is facebook, Instagram, or a vehicle, new people tend to enjoy the experiences rather than appreciate ownership”

big ones that do not want to overspend.

This trend will be specific to the KSA and the UAE but will spread to other countries of the region in the near future as they adjust their tax legislations,” he states.

Smirnov argues that companies will start counting their budgets more closely: “Facing the easier but undesirable alternatives (hiring less or firing their employees) which might affect their growth, a lot will listen to reason and will find ways to cut on the existing costs by improving processes and practices.

“Better driving behaviour that can reduce fuel consumption and decrease asset depreciation might be looked at now as a must, not as a fancy idea of a good driver. Planned and controlled maintenance, fuel measurement that can save hundreds of thousands of dollars will be on demand as a serious matter.”

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 23

TRENDS

2018 TREND: FORD DSFL FOR HER pROGRAMME TO TRAIN SAUDI wOMEN DRIVERS

INCREASE IN EV Electric vehicles is another technology driven trend that has been successfully promoted by some public and private companies.

The discussion on driving behaviour and operational efficiency has been a constant theme in the pages of T&FME magazine since it began 50 issues ago. Smirnov says that this year could see a renewed focus on the challenges facing fleets and other road users as new legislation comes into play.

“Although not a new one, this factor will be specifically important and promoted in some countries, in KSA, for example. The new legislation allowing women to drive will bring forward a whole new group of prospective customers for the car dealerships that have already been preparing for this event,” he says.

“Simultaneously, the roads will evidence a huge increase in the inexperienced drivers whose safety will be endangered. To protect life and health of this new group as well of the other participants of the traffic, new measures of monitoring (video) will be required, closer control of certain roads and areas.”

Returning to the topic of technology, he reveals that Inbound LLC company, a dedicated Gurtam company partner in the Middle East region, has become one of the sponsors of the Global EVRT, the first electric vehicle road trip. Ten electric vehicles will cross the UAE and Oman without a single drop of petrol and Inbound will be providing Intrack, its GPS tracking solution to keep the audience informed of the course of the road trip - the company use the Locator tool by Gurtam to share electric cars locations and help everyone to keep up with the progress made.

“Electric vehicles is another technology driven trend that has been successfully promoted by some brave private companies.

24 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

the new legislation allowing women to drive will bring forward a whole new group of prospective customers for the car dealerships that have already been preparing for this event”

Although Elon Musk sales plans might be too optimistic, the success of his undertaking leaves no doubts. Alternative energy vehicles are here to stay. And to replace a lot of the existing fossil fuel fleets. Not tomorrow but quite soon. The new mode of fueling will require new modes of energy monitoring, advanced infrastructure for the “community” of electric vehicles that will require bigger integrations.

As the trend will be spreading, it will turn into a mode of life rather than a novelty.”

Looking beyond 2018, he looks ahead to the build-up of Dubai Expo 2020 and the legacy it may leave the region.

“By the end of 2020 in the United Arab Emirates, they plan to finish a large-scale Dubai Smart City project that will turn the city into one of the most digital and ecofriendly places in the world. That’s why so many meetings in the region are focused on the discussion of smart-technologies. One of the areas of “smart cities” development is Smart Transportation that implies the wide use of telematics solutions. Telematics devices and software will allow to improve public transportation, reduce waiting time and costs.

All these aspects are a part of eco-driving that is of great importance in Smart City project.

He concludes: “This is a market driven and local trend that will be relevant globally.

Dubai will be attracting investment for its projects to shine in 2020 and demonstrate its beauty and efficiency to the whole world.

We hope we will be able to contribute to this sound idea by providing thorough solutions to the participants of this great event and the amazing city.”

Ford Motor Company say its first-ever Driving Skills for Life programme will assist Saudi Arabian women to “gain the power of mobility”.

Since its Middle East launch in 2013, more than 3,600 students have participated in Ford’s Driving Skills for Life programme, with sessions in three different cities across Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates last year alone.

The car maker, which will host the programme at Effat University in Jeddah in March, says this will be the dirst dedicated DSFL introductory programme for women drivers anywhere in the world, with certified trainers providing the training on closed roads on the campus.

The event was announced on social media by Shams Hakim a business student at Effat in video inviting other students to participate.

Describing the DSFL For Her course as groundbreaking course, Ford said it follows the landmark decision last year by the Kingdom, as decreed

by His Highness, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to lift the ban on females driving in Saudi Arabia.

“Ford Motor Company was built on the belief that freedom of movement drives human progress, so we are honoured to have the opportunity to support women in the Kingdom during such an extraordinary time, and to welcome them to the driver’s seat,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Our DSFL For Her programme provides access to training and experiences that will help women feel safe and confident as they get behind the wheel.”

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VANS

Mastering the eV Van Market Renault takes the initiative in the electric vehicle van segment

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enault announced at last year’s Brussels Motor Show that it was working on an electric drive version of its large panel van, the Master. February saw the company’s business and fleet outfit Renault Pro+ release a full price guide for the models ahead of its European launch and it confirms that the company has opted for an aggressive strategy that puts the Master ZE close to the cost of its traditional engine counterpart.

With prices starting from €48,200 for the panel L1H1 version and from €46,700 for the L2 platform cab version, or AED217,000 and AED 210,000 respectively, it is conceivable that – one-day at least – fleets in the Middle East could get their hands on the affordable utility vehicle. (Prior to going to press T&FME was told: “There are no plans for the Master EV’s in the region in the short term, but it is

26 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

something that is being considered due to customer requests and incentives evolution.”)

Putting aside whether a viable van market exists in the market (although Daimler and Ford are both proving there are certain roles they are essential for), the announcement of the Tesla Semi’s impending arrival in Bee’ah’s fleet and the momentum growing in the passenger car segment for electric vehicles demonstrates enthusiasm for both the technology and it’s a question of when not if we start to see EV vans here.

As it did with the Kangoo ZE getting into the market before the eVito, Renault has stolen a march on rival Mercedes-Benz Vans in Europe and its eSprinter, a similar class of vehicle that won’t be out until next year. As such the pricing is significant as it lays down a marker for other manufacturers to follow.

It also gives yet more substance to Renault’s pledge to become a globablised player in the

renault Pro + is enlarging its e-LCV line-up consistent with the Drive the Future strategic plan - 100% of vans will be electrified”

light commercial vehicle (LCV) market by 2022 as part of its Drive the Future strategy.

A major cornerstone of the plan will be the introduction of 8 purely electric vehicles models and a dozen electrified models.

“With Master ZE, Renault Pro+ is enlarging its e-LCV line-up consistent with the’“Drive the Future’ strategic plan, in which 100% of vans will be electrified,” said Ashwani Gupta - SVP, LCV Business Unit, RenaultNissan announcing the new van’s launch.

While it is releasing a financial quarter later than planned, the launch coincides with the news that the 2018 Zoe, Europe’s bestselling electric vehicle, will be using the new R110 electric motor developed at Renault’s plant in Cleon, France as will vehicles in Daimler’s Smart City range as part of their 5 year alliance. The ZOE, Europe’s best-selling electric vehicle, will be the first Renault EV to feature this 80kW powerplant which combines

VANS

extra power with no extra weight. The twin hit of the new ZOE and the MASTER ZE – and not forgetting the already released Kangoo ZE – places the French company as arguably Europe’s leading electric vehicle producer.

Certainly, for large van fleets it will now be able to bring many of the services touted as game changers for the commercial vehicles sector.

“The current line-up, ranging from quadricycles to heavy vans, covers the main needs of business customers in terms of cargo volume and payload, enabling them to make emissions-free last-mile deliveries in city centres,” Gupta explained. “In addition, a new ecosystem of connected services has been rolled out to improve fleet management and help customers to grow their businesses.”

Before looking the range of connected services surrounding the Master ZE, it is worth looking at the van itself. Renault is offering three panel van variants as well as two flatbed cab versions. Some may disagree, but it says the Master ZE’s 120 km real-world driving range makes it highly-suitable for day-to-day last-mile deliveries and other business activities in urban areas. The van is fitted with the new-generation Lithium-Ion 33kWh ZE 33 battery with optimised electronic management and a full charge takes just six hours with the 32A/7.4 kW WallBox. This battery combines the expert know-how of Renault and LG Chem to optimise energy density, says Renault which says that the battery performance has been

the current line-up, ranging from quadricycles to heavy vans, covers the main needs of business customers in terms of cargo volume and payload, enabling them to make emissionsfree last-mile deliveries in city centres”

TRied ANd TeSTed poweR Powering the Master ZE will be an adapted version of the 57kW/76hp R75 high energy efficiency electric engine that has been tried and tested on the ZOE and Kangoo ZE.

optimised not by adding more modules (which add weight and thus reduce range) but by improving the chemistry of the battery cells.

Powering the Master ZE will be an adapted version of the 57kW/76hp R75 high energy efficiency electric engine that has been tried and tested on the ZOE and Kangoo ZE. Renault claims the engine makes Master ZE ideal for use in and around the city and it will reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h. Urban warrior fleets can also go for the optional Wide View mirror, reversing camera or reversing radar.

In total the range includes six versions (three lengths, two heights). The four van versions feature an 8-13m3 load space and a payload of 1t to 1.1t. The load area is identical to that of the internal-combustion version, since the battery’s optimised dimensions allow it to be fitted under the bodywork. The two platform cab versions feature two lengths (L2 and L3). Their payload of 1,370 kg and 1,350 kg are suitable for conversions in High– Capacity body for transport up to 22m3..

The Master is the leading large van in its segment, chosen by over 475,000 customers in Europe since it was introduced in 2010, and the French company says the ZE’s cab still provides maximum comfort for the driver and front passengers which the van is known for and features a “genuine mobile office space” as well as a large number of ergonomic storage compartments. There is also a multimedia centre for the users, with the R-LINK Evolution system.

The Master ZE is being launched at the same time as an expansion of Renault’s Easy Connect services for fleets. Renault EASY CONNECT for Fleet can securely provide the data from the fleet’s Renault vehicles by means of the Renault Communication Adapter unit, which connects to the vehicle’s electronics. Using the related smart phone apps drivers will also be able to check for charge points and range.

Renault explains there is no longer any need to go and get information from the driver or in the vehicle, the telematics unit remotely sends relevant information in real time such as range, locations, kilometres to the next service, etc. It will also help cut fleet running costs: lower consumption, manage and plan servicing; simplify fleet management: good fleet visibility based on reliable, precise and diversified data; and can be used to deploy eco-responsible driving, cut costs, reduce CO2 emissions and increase safety by improving behaviour at the wheel.

With payload reduced to accommodate the batteries and the limited range, the vehicle is unsurprisingly being pitched at the last mile delivery segment and is strictly a city mover. However as seen with the ZOE, Renault is well-placed to build on its early start and largely successful leadership in the large EV vans segment. The range will doubtless be extended in the years to come and would be a welcome entrant to this market – if and when that happens.

LARGe LAST MiLe deLiVeReR The four van versions of the Master ZE feature an 8-13m3 load space and a payload up to 1.1t with an approximate range of 120km.

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 27

WORKSHOP

NEW KMAX TYRE LAUNCH / CAR FREE DAY / VANGUARD 1 CYL FUEL ISLAND FOR FLEETS / CONTIPRESSURECHECK IN THE GCC

workshop

Goodyear launches new truck tyre line

KMAX EXTREME ON-ROAD TYRES DESIGNED FOR bETTER MILEAGE TYRES Global tyre major Goodyear is launching a new truck tyre line, KMAX EXTREME, which it says is specifically engineered for use in conditions of extreme heat. The new line offers improved wear, greater durability and lower operating costs, said Goodyear, adding that the range comprises three designs: the steer, drive and trailer tyres.

These have been designed for trucks operating long distances in multiple loading conditions that are primarily running on roads where long-term resistance to heat is the main performance factor. The main benefits the tyres offer are regular wear to maximise life and lower operating costs, and greater durability.

Specially designed tread patterns and compounds ensure regular wear and resistance to abrasion in hot conditions, and the carcasses are likewise designed to cope with long

life cycles in such conditions, said Goodyear.

“KMAX EXTREME truck tyres have been developed for hot running conditions such as those experienced in the GCC countries,” said Rupert Kohaupt, Goodyear’s EMEA’s sales director, Truck Tyres, for Emerging Markets. “These conditions increase wear and reduce durability in standard tyres, so the new tyres have been engineered to not only overcome these issues but also to save fuel and reduce operating costs.”

The KMAX EXTREME tyres feature tough carcasses with a construction that gives maximum performance and retreadability with excellent durability and reduced weight, said Goodyear. The tread compounds have been specially developed for cool running to ensure extended mileage under high temperature conditions. as well as low rolling resistance for reduced fuel consumption and emissions, the manufacturer added.

TOYOTA, LEXUS AND HINO GIVE UP THEIR CARS FOR A DAY CAMPAIGNS

Organised by Dubai Municipality, the Car Free Day saw senior executives from Al-Futtaim Automotive – UAE distributor of Toyota, Lexus, Hino and many other automotive brands, staying out of their cars on the 4 February and boarding the metro alongside Engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, and other government representatives. Together they travelled towards the Union Station in the Deira area of the city for the opening of the environmental awareness campaign.

“We were among the very first corporations to support the Car Free Day initiative since it started because we share a common goal of a low-carbon future,” said Yousuf Al Raeesi, director of Government Affairs and HSSE, Al-Futtaim Automotive.

“Sustainable motoring has been our key priority since 2008, being the first distributor to introduce HEVs to the UAE. Since then, our portfolio of electrified vehicles has been on the rise, now with Sedans, SUVs and even trucks available for both individuals and corporations to choose from.”

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S WORKSHOP READ AbOUT THE VALUE OF GENUINE PARTS, PREVIEWS FOR bIG-5 HEAVY AND AUTOMECHANIKA DUbAI 2018, AND MORE 28 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

WORKSHOP

WESTERN INTRODUCES MObILE FUEL ISLAND

Vanguard enters single cyl. market ENGINES

US-company Vanguard has launched its first in a complete line of all-new single-cylinder horizontal shaft commercial petrol engines. The company says the engines have been built from the ground up based on customer input and around key areas of performance critical to improving overall productivity, including starting, maintenance intervals, service and support, and total cost of ownership. The new line will span from 5 to 13 gross horsepower.

“We went out and asked people what they wanted and needed out of a single-cylinder engine before we even started designing this platform,” said Jim Cross, marketing manager, Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power. “We interviewed hundreds of stakeholders including rental houses, end users and dealers worldwide to better understand the issues they face. Then, we engineered a superior product that outperforms the competition in each category.”

FUELLING Western Global has introduced the Fuel Island, a unit it describes as a ready-to-use, portable fuel station “ideal for commercial fleet refuelling.”

According to the company, the Fuel Island is a self-contained fuel station with remote monitoring technology. It pairs Western Global’s TransTank fuel tanks with the necessary components and equipment to create a turnkey solution that can be deployed immediately.

With its integrated, cloud-based remote monitoring equipment, fuel consumption can be accurately tracked, saving time and resources for the distributor and end-user.

“Site setup and installation time is greatly reduced compared to a conventional site-

built solution, as the Fuel Islands are largely ‘ready to use’ when they arrive at the customer’s location,” says Bob Lennox, Western Global’s North American Fuel Solutions Group sales lead. “Our team works with the specific local authorities for the client’s site to ensure full compliance prior to setup.”

The Fuel Island can be configured to ensure there is a fully compliant design for just about every jurisdiction and fuel type. Customers can choose from three packages designed to fit any application and budget. Every package includes a fuel tank on a skid mount, dispensing equipment, a fuel inventory monitoring system, cardlock equipment, an electrical panel and all necessary plumbing and wiring.

READY-TO-USE Western Global’s highly skilled operations team pre-assembles and installs all components so every Fuel Island is delivered ready to use.

CONTIPRESSURECHECK LAUNCHED TO “LOOK OUT” FOR FLEETS TYRE SAFETY

Continental says it has launched its ContiPressureCheck in the region to look out for the safety of fleets in the region. Continental formally launched the first-of-its-kind tyre pressure and temperature monitoring system for

buses and trucks in the region last month. Its regional subsidiary says the system could redefine the tyre market and it is aiming “to reduce overall fleet costs and improve road safety by ensuring the proper usage and maintenance of tyres.”

CONNECTED SAFETY The new ContiPressureCheck system continuously measures the pressure and temperature of all tyres on vehicles – even when driving. This helps to save fuel and increase mileage.

The ContiPressureCheck system is designed to take the daily hassle of monitoring truck and bus tyre pressure and temperature away from drivers, so that they can focus on safe driving. The regional roll-out of the system comes in line with recent regulations issued by the

GCC authorities to achieve maximum safety, preserve the lives of road users and reduce injuries from vehicle accidents, especially trucks. In the UAE, a mandatory phase for the installation of remote monitoring devices to detect faults in heavy trucks that have completed more than 20 years’ service, was recently announced by Dubai’s RTA. The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) has also released technical regulations for foreign trucks and trailers, pertaining to protective devices in their vehicles while crossing into the Kingdom.

“As we also aim to give our customers a boost in performing their daily jobs, we present to them the innovative ContiPressureCheck system that looks out for their safety and is an added reassurance for them on the roads,” said Juan Uruburu, head of Sales, Commercial Vehicle Tyres, Continental Middle East.

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 29

FEATURE

MAN Truck & Bus Middle East argues that only genuine parts protect fleet investment

Part of the service M

AN Truck & Bus Middle East’s head of After-Sales’ Dr. Richard Brown tells T&FME that counterfeit or grey market substitutes will cost less initially but the lower prices hide a haphazard production process using poorer materials and minimal checks which would have trimmed down the quality of the final product.

This, in turn, could lead to more failures and, most worryingly, increase the risk of accidents.

“This is because grey market manufacturers tend to get MAN Genuine Parts duplicated by unnamed producers in low-wage countries. In most cases, these producers will not have an in-depth understanding of the specifications and requirements in relation to the genuine parts,” Dr. Brown warns. “It is therefore highly unlikely that parts will have been subjected to quality and endurance tests, constituting a safety risk for the vehicle and driver. All 30 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

these mentioned checks and approvals are not done by aftermarket companies which try via reverse-engineering and use of lowerquality materials to approach customers.”

MAN has invested millions into its genuine parts programme working with a carefully selected group of globally recognised suppliers who manufacture according to its demanding specifications. In fact, by the time it reaches a fleet’s inventory a part would have already undergone a rigorous and robust process. Spare parts only get an MAN item number once they have undergone and successfully completed MAN endurance and laboratory tests.

Furthermore, each one is designed specifically and manufactured precisely for vehicles in the MAN range to ensure that they can quickly replace old parts while providing confidence of a long service life. According to Franz Freiherr von Redwitz, managing director, MAN Truck & Bus Middle East only an MAN Genuine Part can guarantee the perfect fit, the best quality as

the aim of MaN is to provide the absolute best in quality when it comes to genuine parts, as in all other parts of its business”

well as maximum efficiency and service life.

“For this reason, MAN service and parts-outlets work exclusively with MAN Genuine Parts. The aim of MAN is to provide the absolute best in quality when it comes to genuine parts, as in all other parts of its business, so that customers’ vehicles are not only safe and efficient to drive but will retain their value.”

Consequently, he adds, MAN Truck & Bus Middle East always recommends that its fleet customers only opt for its own range of MAN Genuine Parts.

“Whoever decides on a truck or bus/coach from the MAN brand associates maximum expectations of quality, performance, safety and longevity with the decision. Justifiably, as MAN repeatedly occupies the top spots in national reports (such as Germany’s TÜV report) in the category of ‘lowest percentage of faults’,” says Franz von Redwitz.

It is a time of rising operational and vehicle expenses for fleets with rising fuel and driver

FEATURE

ABoUT MAN GENUiNE PARTs EColiNE “MAN Genuine Parts ecoline is intended to facilitate sustainable maintenance of vehicles in line with the market value, as cheaper repair and vehicle maintenance costs reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO).

“This applies in particular to vehicles in their second and third service lives.

“MAN Genuine Parts ecoline are remanufactured parts by MAN itself or one of their supplier.

“MAN Genuine Parts ecoline also fulfil the same specifications as MAN Genuine Parts, including the same warranty; preserve the value of the vehicle because it remains a real MAN vehicle throughout its service life.

“MAN Genuine Parts ecoline is not a field maintenance of some the components only it’s ’absolutely high quality’ as they have the same quality as Genuine Parts and are 100% tested.”

they know they are receiving exceptional state-ofthe-art quality; certified safety; security of investment in vehicle; driving safety and purchasing confidence; high reliability and accuracy of fit”

costs, as well as the introduction of VAT, focusing minds of where to trim budgets.

Instead of viewing non-OEM parts as a way to bring down costs, fleet companies should be concentrating on ensuring that vehicles stay on the road for longer and have fewer accidents and breakdowns. Considering MAN’s own fleet customers, Dr. Brown argues that TCO can be controlled more easily by utilising its extensive range of genuine parts and service contracts “They know they are receiving: exceptional state-of-the-art quality; certified safety; security of investment in vehicle; driving safety and purchasing confidence; high reliability and accuracy of fit,” he remarks.

To ease the financial burden on fleets, MAN was the first manufacturer in the region to extend its existing service and parts warranty (for MAN Service and MAN Genuine Parts) to two years. It has furthermore launched the MAN Genuine Parts ecoline remanufactured parts range into the market.

“The extended warranty applies to all repairs carried out in MAN service centres from 2017 onwards, including any MAN Genuine Parts, MAN Genuine Parts ecoline and MAN Genuine Accessories installed as part of the repair work. In addition, the warranty covers any service work connected with the fitting of spare parts,” he says. “Each MAN vehicle is an intelligent investment which always benefits customers in the long term. However, it is still possible to increase the value retention and efficiency of this investment once again. Thanks to the comprehensive MAN Genuine Parts and service, downtime can be significantly reduced and uptime will be increased.”

EAsiNG THE BURdEN Genuine parts and extended warranties can ease the burden on fleets and protect their RoI and TCO.

THoRoUGH APPRoACH Dr. Richard MAN Truck & Bus Middle East’s inBrown says that parts go through before tests rance endu and ty quali depth . mers custo to sed they are relea

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 31

EVENT PREVIEW

THE BIG OVERHAUL Ahead of this month’s Big5 Heavy show, Ventures Onsite looks at the GCC mining sector

T

he GCC’s mining industry is overhauling its laws, incentives, and projects to attract foreign investment to this largely untapped sector. In the wake of fluctuating oil prices, GCC’s mining authorities believe in the high importance of the mining sector in economic growth and the national and regional socioeconomic benefits that will be generated if the sector is properly utilised. Among the GCC countries, Saudi Arabia and Oman have been identified as countries with future opportunities in mining. KSA possesses more mineral resources than any anywhere in the GCC and Oman has the potential to become a “minerals export hub” in the region, according to experts.

The UAE economy is very diversified with mining and quarrying accounting for 17% of GDP in 2016. The mining Gross Value Added (GVA) in the UAE is worth $94.4 billion.

The Ministry of Energy is currently working

32 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

on a draft federal law to regulate the mining investment sector in the state. The draft law is aimed at achieving sustainable development in the mining sector, protecting and encouraging investment in the sector, and developing future policies to regulate the sector through cooperation between all relevant authorities to achieve the UAE Vision 2021. The date for final approved draft is not yet announced. The ministry is also developing a federal electronic, interactive database for mineral resources and mining industries – extractive (like quarries and crushers) and manufacturing, which includes a registry of operating companies in the sector.

The data will help the ministry to develop strategic indices for the available mineral resources, metal production rates, metal imports and exports and others. Based on available data, decision-makers can conduct studies on potential investment opportunities in the sector, consider alternatives to imported materials and introduce new advanced industries. The

KSA hopes to transform its nascent mining industry into the “third pillar” of the Saudi economy after oil and petrochemicals”

Fujairah government is committed to opening new prospects for mining investment and hopes to see the emergence of new mining industries based on advanced technology. Of all the Emirates, Ras Al Khaimah has been traditionally into the mining business.

KSA is an attractive mining destination as it offers a combination of government support to investors, low-cost energy for output processing and ongoing development of transport infrastructure. KSA has proclaimed the mining sector as a development priority and has set ambitious growth targets in their Saudi Vision 2030 and 2020 National Transformation Program (NTP) that have been designed to reduce the dependency on hydrocarbons and accelerate economic growth through diversification and offset the impact of fluctuating oil prices. The Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources announced its willingness to launch more investment licenses in the mining sector for the purpose

EVENT PREVIEW

THE BIG EVENT According to the BNC Network for The Big 5 Heavy, there are reported to be 22,902 active projects in the GCC alone, valued at a total USD 2.4 trillion. Revealing that the total value of tender announcements increased substantially in 2017 by 50.2% further cements the crucial role of heavy machinery towards building the skylines of tomorrow.

From 26-28 March 2018, The Big 5 Heavy will aim to bring the whole heavy construction industry together with over 350 local and international exhibiting brands at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The event will showcase innovative solutions and products clustered into five product sectors: Middle East Concrete, PMV Live, Foundations & Geotechnical, Mining & Quarrying, and Road Construction.

Caterpillar and Al-Bahar have chosen the Big 5 Heavy to showcase their latest products for the construction and infrastructure in the Middle East region, and are expected to have the biggest stand at the exhibition.

The global leader in construction machinery will be displaying heavy equipment for a wide variety of applications, including earthmoving, building construction, mining, road making, demolition, waste and scrap handling.

The Big 5 Heavy event will also offer a broad educational agenda with free to attend CPDCertified workshops, as well as the ACI Concrete Essentials Seminar Series held by the American Concrete Institution. The twoday seminar series will provide participants with an in-depth look into topics including concrete repair, self-consolidating concrete, mass concrete and more.

of developing the domain and increasing its contribution to US$ 28 billion by 2020 amid rising interest of foreign investors in exploiting opportunities. KSA is finalising a mining strategy to nearly quadruple the sector’s GDP contribution by 2030, from $17 billion to $64 billion, according to Oxford Business Group. The Public Investment Fund will put some of the proceeds of Saudi Aramco’s initial public offering (IPO) towards further development of the mining industry.

If realised, this would open many doors in the years to come for mining companies and investors. Vision 2030 has earmarked to create 25,000 jobs in the mining sector and increase its contribution to GDP by 50% by 2020.

According to a recent study, the biggest obstacles faced by the mining industry include the industry’s focus on the export of minerals as raw materials, instead of processing or manufacturing them. Other issues include the high cost and risk of investment in the sector, as well as the limited spending on exploration operations.

KSA hopes to transform its nascent mining industry into the “third pillar” of the Saudi economy after oil and petrochemicals.

In line with the kingdom’s strategy to integrate mining ventures with downstream value-added processing, a growing range of opportunities are likely to open up to companies and organisations able to provide relevant technology, equipment and expertise. Ongoing mining projects in the kingdom for minerals such as bauxite, copper, gold, iron, lead, silver, tin, zinc and a number of non-metallic minerals are estimated at nearly $16 billion, predict

KSA is an attractive mining destination as it offers a combination of government support to investors, lowcost energy for output processing and ongoing development of transport infrastructure”

experts. Significant recent changes in KSA’s mining law has paved the way in allowing greater access for foreign companies looking to invest in the kingdom’s mining sector.

The new laws allow for companies to work either with KSA’s incumbent Saudi Arabian Mining Co (Ma’aden) or through joint ventures with local companies. KSA has discovered 2,400 sites with 48 commercially important minerals.

The domestic availability of these minerals presents a huge opportunity for future growth.

A combination of government support to investors, low cost energy for output processing and ongoing development of transport infrastructure, place KSA as an attractive mining destination. In view of the kingdom’s strategy to integrate mining ventures with downstream value added processing, a growing range of opportunities are likely to open up to companies and organisations able to provide relevant technology, equipment and expertise. There is a particular requirement for environmental protection techniques and consultancy as well as training and up-skilling to fill supply chain gaps across the mining lifecycle.

In June 2017, Kuwait welcomed Oman’s invitation to Kuwaiti private sector to enter into investment partnerships with either the government or Omani business owners in the investment programmes for the development projects offered by the Sultanate within the fields such as mining. GDP from mining was estimated to be worth US$ 1,451 million in Q4 2017. In the long-term, the Bahrain GDP from mining is projected to trend around $1,525 million in 2020, according to Trading Economics. Aluminium Bahrain

MAjOR BACkING Caterpillar and Al-Bahar have chosen the Big 5 Heavy to showcase their latest products for the construction and infrastructure in the Middle East region, and are expected to have the biggest stand at the exhibition.

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 33

EVENT PREVIEW

MINING ANd QuARRyING CPds AT THE EVENT Mining CPD-certified workshops will cover efficient mining practices, health and safety guidelines, challenges faced by quarry managers along with case studies across the region.

BSC. (Alba), the Bahrain-based international aluminium smelter, announced that the construction site-works on its landmark Line 6 Expansion Project have started in Q2 2017 post the completion of the front end-engineering and design (FEED) study.

The Line 6 Expansion Project is expected to be a significant economic boost for Bahrain due to the many co-investment opportunities through local and foreign investments. The project plot covers an area of approximately 60ha. As the required earthwork cut and fill volume is about 1.8 million m3, the ‘surface mining’ was chosen as the preferred method to remove earthwork materials in order to meet the schedule and cost requirements of this project. The contracts for removal of bulk material for the sixth Potline have been awarded to local Bahraini contractors who are now working in conjunction with the surface miners. Earthworks at the Line 6 expansion project are expected to be complete by the end of September 2017.

Oman’s mining industry has attracted increasing interest from both foreign and local operators. Oman is the second largest country after KSA in the GCC region with an excellent geology of minerals and is the first GCC producer and exporter of ferrochrome.

According to Oxford Business Group, Oman’s ninth five-year plan announced in January 2016, is the final component of is long-term blueprint Vision 2020 and includes mining as one of five pillars of economic diversification being fast-tracked by the sultanate.

Oman is a commodity rich country and further exploration into the mining sector 34 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

Oman is on track to be crowned as the world’s largest exporter of natural gypsum by 2018 on the back of surging output that underscores the immense potential of the sultanate’s mining sector to fuel the nation’s long-term economic development”

would be utmost important in the wake of further subsidy cuts to reduce operating costs.

Not only does mining contribute to GDP, it also acts as a catalyst for the growth for other core industries like power, steel, cement, etc., which, in turn, are critical for the overall development of the economy. GDP from mining is estimated to be worth $375 million in Q4 2017. In the long-term, Oman’s GDP from mining is projected to trend around $417 million in 2020, according to Trading Economics. With the government targeting 6% annual growth in the sector, and major regulatory initiatives attracting increased investor interest, mining is poised to surge in 2017-18. Mining is one of the industries for which the government is expected to develop innovative approaches to fill its revenue gap and finance major development and infrastructure schemes.

Oman’s mining sector is poised to grow fast particularly in the construction material segment, predict experts. The building materials segment continues to dominate and will be buoyed by domestic demand as it is expected to remain robust with tourism and other logistics projects moving ahead. The mining sector in Oman could see higher growth in future as the government, worried about employment generation in the backdrop of slowing economic activities, are working on building an industryfriendly legislation that could give a boost to the sector. In July 2017, a consortium of international consultancy firms led by SRK Consulting, a UK-based mining industry specialist began formulating a national strategy for developing Oman’s hugely promising mining sector. The mining strategy will provide

a coherent roadmap for the development of the sector over the next 10 years. This initiative will be put together by this group or companies that are specialised in strategic planning with specific focus on the mining sector. The strategy will be built around 12 key pillars focusing not only on investment, but also environmental protection, social engagement, skills development, and so on. The consortium has been given a roughly six months’ timeframe to deliver the mining strategy.

Oman is on track to be crowned as the world’s largest exporter of natural gypsum in 2018 on the back of surging output that underscores the immense potential of the sultanate’s mining sector to fuel the nation’s long-term economic development.

In January 2017, Oman’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) had started initiating steps to revamp its environmental licensing and permitting procedures with a view to making them more “facilitatory” to mining development and mineral processing investment in the Sultanate. The move, is the centrepiece of a new policy framework that aims to address a broad swathe of environment-related issues associated with mining and extractive industrial activities in the Sultanate. On the anvil is an all-encompassing regulatory framework underpinned by, among other things, amendments to existing environmental legislations, potentially new statutes, planning controls, a new liability regime, and greater clarity on the roles and responsibilities of stakeholder agencies. The drive to revamp environmental licensing processes comes against the backdrop of efforts spearheaded

by Tanfeedh (The National Programme for Enhancing Economic Diversification) to zero in on mining, among four other non-oil sectors, as promising alternatives to Oman’s predominantly oil-dependent economy.

The Mining Development Oman (MDO), the Sultanate’s mining investment flagship, is currently evaluating the size and commercial potential of mineral deposits in Dhofar Governorate, the development of which will be pursued in conjunction with Oman Rail’s ambitious Mineral Line railway project. The public sector mining investment and development agency has its sights on two principal mineral commodities — and lime stone — which gypsum abound in prodigious Governorate. MDO was set up in early 2016 with a mandate to drive investment into, and support the aggressive commercialisation of, the Sultanate’s potentially prolific mineral wealth and thereby fuel the nation’s economic diversification strategy.

Bringing the latest

construction news from across the GCC

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26 - 28 MARCH 2018 DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE www.thebig5heavy.com

THE BRAND NEW EVENT FOR THE HEAVY CONSTRUCTION AND CONCRETE INDUSTRY

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EVENT PREVIEW

ThE inTErnATiOnAl cOnTingEnT T&FME looks at the international companies joining this year’s Automechanika Dubai

O

rganised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, Automechanika Dubai 2018 spreads over six product sections of Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems; Accessories & Customising; Repair & Maintenance; Car Wash, Care & Reconditioning; and Tyres & Batteries.

While it may not be the only event bearing the Auromechanika-branding in the region after Messe Frankfurt Middle East installed shows in Saudi Arabia, its global influence is highlighted by the presence of 25 country pavilions and 36 international trade associations, while 90% of exhibitors, and 52% of the 30,000-plus visitors are expected to come from outside of the UAE. The 16th edition will also reflect a sense of renewed optimism in the automotive aftermarket, where emerging trends and disruptive technologies are steering the industry toward a bold new future. Global automotive aftermarket manufacturers are gearing up for period of robust business growth in the Middle East, while new research indicates car sales

and the corresponding demand for spare parts and auto services is on an upward trend.

IQR is a Spanish producer of lubricants under the brand name Matrix, and is launching its operations in the Gulf region to find new partners, while Autopumps from the UK is testing the regional waters for the supply of its aftermarket parts not only for the automotive industry, but for industrial, agricultural, and marine applications.

And Cyprus headquartered ALCO Filters is looking to build on its millions of dollars of revenue generated every year in the Middle East for its vast range of 3,500 filters, after establishing a regional presence years ago.

All three are among more than 2,000 exhibitors from 57 countries at the upcoming Automechanika Dubai 2018 trade fair, the Middle East and Africa’s largest exhibition for the automotive aftermarket and services industry.

The exhibitors’ sentiment is underlined by research from analysts TechSci Research that suggests an uptick in passenger and commercial vehicle sales coupled with an increase of cars-in-

We’ve been exhibiting at Automechanika Dubai since 2006, and have since generated cumulatively more than US$10 million of new business in the Middle East”

use across the Middle East will have a positive flow-on effect on the automotive aftermarket.

According to TechSci, Middle East sales revenue from engine and car components, systems, tyres, and auto accessories, will surpass the US$15 billion mark by 2021, compared to approximately US$12.4 billion in 2017, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4.9 percent.

That’s welcomed by the likes of ALCO, IQR, and Autopumps, along with the hundreds of other exhibitors making their preparations ahead of Automechanika Dubai’s 16th edition, which will take place from 1-3 May 2018 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

A long-time exhibitor at the annual three-day event, ALCO Filters will launch its new filter range for cars, trucks, earth moving equipment, and stationary engines.

“We’ve been exhibiting at Automechanika Dubai since 2006, and have since generated cumulatively more than US$10 million of new business in the Middle East,” said Loizos Louca, ALCO Filters’ Managing Director.

MARCH 2018 TRUCK&FLEET ME 37

EVENT PREVIEW

ABOUT AUTOMECHANIKA DUBAI 2018 Over its past 15 years, Automechanika Dubai has succeeded in bringing together leading automotive aftermarket brands to this fast-growing region, providing an important opportunity to connect with new prospects, have face to face interactions with existing customers, create brand awareness, and position themselves as reliable suppliers of premium quality aftermarket products and services.

Automechanika Dubai 2018 returns with its popular Truck Competence initiative, where more than 1,500 exhibitors will showcase their products dedicated to the entire value chain in the truck sector, from truck parts and accessories, to workshop equipment, body repairs and care.

It will also feature the popular Automechanika Academy – a series of seminars, presentations, and workshops about key issues and regulations that affect the automotive aftermarket, and the African Buyer-Seller Meet, connecting suppliers with buyers from the world’s second largest continent.

A STRONg MARKET International visitors say that the event in Dubai is a staging point to entering the GCC market.

We’re keen to meet up with existing clients and expand our clientele through meeting new prospects”

“Having a strong presence in the region, we’re keen to meet up with existing clients at Automechanika Dubai 2018 and expand our clientele base through meeting new prospects.

The fact that 52% of visitors to the trade fair are international coupled with the current value of the Middle East auto aftermarket makes this exhibition attractive to attend.”

José Luis Cid, CEO of IQR, a debut exhibitor at Automechanika Dubai 2018, said participating is part of an overall strategy to find new partners in countries where it has no presence: “We’re now present in 35 countries and all our efforts are focused toward expanding our international network to become a global brand,” he said.

“Also, we’re launching Matrax Lubricants in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)

UNDER THE HOOD OF FLEET OPERATIONS Truck Competence covers the entire value chain in the truck sector from truck parts and accessories, via workshop equipment to body repairs and care.

38 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018

and therefore being at Automechanika Dubai 2018 enables us to show participants our brand and our values.”

Meanwhile, Autopumps will launch various products at Automechanika Dubai 2018, including an expansion of its Commercial and Industrial pumps range.

“We’re also showcasing our expertise in the manufacture and supply of commercial camshafts, rockers and engine valves for off highway, agricultural, marine and heavy goods vehicle applications,” said Bill Cotton, Owner and Managing Director of Autopumps.

“We’ve identified the Middle East as a strong market, which is growing in the commercial vehicle parts sector. Dubai is the regional hub for business and a standout player on the global stage. Automechanika Dubai is one of the key trade shows in the commercial parts sector, and we’re using the platform to meet with key industry contacts and decision makers, and strengthen business in the region,” added Cotton.

Despite the recent slowdown across the region, car sales in the Middle East in the longterm will recover, with analysts Frost & Sullivan (F&S) estimating light vehicle sales will grow at a compound annual growth rate of eight percent, reaching 4.1 million units by 2021.

That’ll put the total number of cars in operation in the region at 41.36 million according to F&S, compared to an estimated 37 million in 2017.

Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Passenger cars constitute a major vehicle segment in the Middle East and Africa, while stabilising oil prices and significant government infrastructure in a number of regional countries will also boost growth in the commercial vehicle segment in the coming years.

PARTING SHOT

Back on THE Track

An icon of the Le Mans 24 Hour race is once again back in production after 62 years

G

et one if – and while – you can as Jaguar Classic says it is finishing production of the D-type race car in Coventry, 62 years after starting its run back in 1956. The catch is only 25 new examples of the D-type will be meticulously hand-built at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Warwickshire.

The first Jaguar D-type to be assembled by Jaguar Classic, an engineering prototype, will make its world debut at the Salon Retromobile show in Paris last month, six decades on from when Jaguar first announced it was ready to build 100 of the cars in 1955.

With only 75 completed, Jaguar Classic is returning to the company’s original ambition by creating 25 all-new, periodcorrect sports cars to complete its run.

The D-type is the third continuation vehicle from Jaguar Classic, complementing the six

missing Lightweight E-types completed in 2014-15 and nine XKSSs built in 2017-18. The car, which won the Le Mans 24 Hours race three times between 1955 and 1957, was powered by the six-cylinder XK engine. Every aspect of the D-types built for clients from 2018 will be created to authentic, original specification.

“The Jaguar D-type is one of the most iconic and beautiful competition cars of all time, with an outstanding record in the world’s toughest motor races. And it’s just as spectacular today,” said Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover classic Director. “The opportunity to continue the D-type’s success story, by completing its planned production run in Coventry, is one of those once-in-a-lifetime projects that our world-class experts at Jaguar Land Rover Classic are proud to fulfil.”

Jaguar Classic’s team dug through the original Jaguar engineering drawings and records, to ensure each new D-type will be built to the authentic

specifications laid down by competitions manager Lofty England and his engineers in the 1950s.

D-type clients can choose either 1955-specification Shortnose or 1956-spec Longnose bodywork.

The engineering prototype is the 1956 Longnose specification, identifiable by its extended bonnet, characteristic tail fin behind the driver’s head, wide-angle cylinder head and quick-change brake calipers.

Kev Riches, Jaguar Classic Engineering Manager, described it as one of the outfits toughest ever assignments.

“Recreating the nine D-type-derived XKSSs was hugely satisfying, and an even bigger technical challenge than the six missing Lightweight E-types, but lessons learned from the XKSS project have given us a head start on the final 25 D-types. Each one will be absolutely correct, down to the very last detail, just as Jaguar’s Competitions Department intended.”

NEXT ISSUE: A MAjOR TyRE MANUfACTURER ON THE MIddLE EAST, wHO TO SEE AT AUTOMECHANIkA, LOCAL ASSEMbLy ANd MUCH MORE!

40 TRUCK&FLEET ME MARCH 2018