Truck&Fleet ME February 2020

VEHICLES/ TECH / TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS FEATURE

14 / THE BACKBONE OF FUEL DELIVERY Al-Futtaim HINO’s Ramez Hamdan talks to T&FME.

ALSO THIS ISSUE …

NETWORK

06 / NEWS FROM THE MONTH Major partnership announcement for ION as Mammoet and ALE agree to combine.

06

12

24

28

34

36

LAUNCHES

12 / E-SPRINTER ARRIVES The eVito’s big brother makes its muchanticipated debut in Europe.

FEATURE

18 / TEST DRIVE T&FME takes to the roads of Abu Dhabi to test a versatile van from Mercedes-Benz.

INTERVIEW

20 / A BRIGHTER TODAY ADF’s Ger Regan on why renewing fleets can afford to be optimistic in 2020.

FEATURE

24 / CES 2020: HYUNDAI T&FME looks at how Hyundai is well-placed to usher in an era of emobility.

FEATURE

28 / CES 2020: NISSAN Products and concepts to the fore for Nissan and Sony’s surprise Vision S reveal.

EVENT

32 / INTERSEC 2020 And talking of technology, a focus on fire systems helps Intersec become a different type of show.

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 01

WELCOME

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5483 MANAGING PARTNER VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5472 EDITORIAL EDITOR STEPHEN WHITE stephen.white@cpitrademedia.com +44 7541 244 377

THE TYRANNY OF TECHNOLOGY As we do on an annual basis in Truck & Fleet Middle East magazine, this issue has a substantial chunk of pages dedicated to the CES 2020 event that took place in Las Vegas last month.

While I wouldn’t confess to be an early adopting, tech geek, I am enough of a tech head to keep a (Bluetooth enhanced?) ear open for some of the crazier ideas that get revealed at the show.

The automotive industry has stolen quite a few of the headlines in recent years with Tesla, Hyundai and Nissan steeling column inches and influencer YouTube minutes with their visions for an electrified and connected future.

This year, however, we had the unusual situation of the biggest car-related news coming from a company that is better known for entertainment systems, games consoles and Spider-Man. With its Vision S, Sony effectively completed the circle that we have seen forming over the last decade. You may still view your car or truck as a way from getting from A to B but the digitalisation of the world around us means that perspective is outdated as a Sky Pager or a Blackberry phone keyboard.

The ‘car’ bit of Sony’s CES concept wasn’t even the most important message of its presentation. Indeed, despite Sony telling the media and public that Vision S is a fully driveable machine, this is a car you will never see on the roads. You will instead, Sony hopes, access its array of connected services and personalised settings presumably in other manufacturer’s – sorry, platform holders’, transportation solution providers’, technology innovators’ - cars.

The irony is that in this rush to be anything but a tyre maker, a truck manufacturer, a toy company, phone producer that the industry (if you can still call it that) is missing out on the opportunity to make people remember why they fell in love with driving in the first place. Especially at a time when the advent of electric vehicles could release people from the yoke of guilt that vehicle ownership has been lumbered with.

If we are truly moving towards an era where cars are not owned but ordered on demand and to your preferences via an app; the fleet companies that do own those vehicles would be well-advised to be planning on tapping into the desire for freedom that driving has always blessed us with. Those who don’t will just be another service provider like your fast food deliverer or mobile app developer.

SUB EDITOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com ADVERTISING SENIOR SALES MANAGER BIPIN SONEJI bipin.soneji@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 433 2856 DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com PHOTOGRAPHY MAKSYM PORIECHKIN maksym.poriechkin@cpitrademedia.com MARKETING MARKETING ASSISTANT AYSHA SULTAN aysha.sultan@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WEB DEVELOPMENT SADIQ SIDDIQUI ABDUL BAEIS 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)

The publisher of this magazine has made every effort to ensure the content is accurate on the date of publication. The opinions and views expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content are published in good faith. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publisher in writing. Publication licensed by Dubai Development Authority

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CONSTRUCTION

HOW WE CAN ATTRACT AND RETAIN TALENT WITHIN THE UAE’S CONSTRUCTION MARKET

Work begins on multiple municipal service projects in Bahrain

Anyone in the industry knows that we have a problem with staff retention but I’ve never seen a statistic as stark as four workers are leaving for every one that joins

CONSULTANT

(How we can attract and

Water security and digitisation high on Acciona’s agenda at WFES

retain talent within the UAE’s construction market).

Holding onto our labour isn’t a problem unique

Interview: We need to empower SMC firms, says UAE BIM’s AbouAlfa

to the region. In fact, the western world has a major problem in recruiting young people into construction which is why the migration

CONSTRUCTION

of workers has become

RTA to leverage drones for inspection of Dubai Metro tunnels

a political hot potato in some countries. Clearly the environment here is tough on-site and the salaries relatively inferior to some other regions, but we really need to be upskilling our workforce and supporting them with

MACHINERY

training and better health

Mammoet installs 740t reactor at Sohar refinery

facilities. Offering not just a salary but an opportunity to maximise the potential of everyone on site will benefit your business and could be the start of a mature labour market here which will help the industry

CONSTRUCTION

W Motors begins construction of $100m facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis 04 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

Earthmoving Report: Al-Bahar introduces Caterpillar’s game changers

as a whole in the long term.

Name withheld by request

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NETWORK

ION SECURES NAVYA REGION RIGHTS / KSA WOMEN DRIVER LEAVING LEGACY MAMMOET LIFTS ALE IN DEAL / ESMA CELEBRATES ACTROS ABU DHABI TRIP

NETWORK ION and Navya eyeing regional growth ION SECURES OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR RIGHTS TO NAVYA AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES ACROSS THE GCC TRANSPORTATION Sustainable transporter ION has agreed to be the official distributor of NAVYA autonomous vehicles across the GCC. The UAE-based sustainable and smart transportation company will operate and maintain the company’s electric and autonomous shuttles as well as promote its vehicles and related activities in the UAE and the GCC region. As an official distributor, ION will engage with NAVYA’s existing and new customers on sales and after-sales support, it was explained in a statement.

NAVYA’s AUTONOM SHUTTLE fleet offers effective first- and lastmile transportation solutions, with optimized navigation and safety

features. The autonomous shuttle also uses advanced guidance and detection systems and is enhanced with deep learning technology.

Already operating in Masdar City since October 2018, the shuttles are also wheelchair-accessible and have a capacity of 15 passengers.

“Our partnership with NAVYA stems from our commitment to revolutionize transportation in the Middle East region, making it greener and smarter, which is key to a better quality of life for cities and communities,” said Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO, Bee’ah and member of the Board of Directors at ION. “This partnership will help ION on its journey towards environmental sustainability and the development of a zero-

emissions transportation network in the UAE and wider region.”

“ION’s purpose is to help create a sustainable transport infrastructure in the MENA region and beyond,” added Samer Choucair, director, CE-Creates.

“Since launching ION with Bee’ah in 2018, we have successfully trialed the use of electric vehicles in shared fleets and now we plan to expand operations to other emirates. With NAVYA, we are bringing the concept of shared autonomous transport to the MENA region for the first time.”

“NAVYA is excited to work with our partners at ION in the GCC region, starting in Masdar with its AUTONOM SHUTTLES, a globally proven

first-and-last-mile transportation solution in operation around the globe. Masdar is an ideal environment to showcase the ways in which driverless vehicles integrate seamlessly into our everyday lives,” said Jerome Rigaud, COO of NAVYA. ION’s technicians are currently undergoing rigorous training with NAVYA experts to ensure models of the AUTONOM SHUTTLE operating in the region provide a regular, dependable service.

ION is a JV between Bee’ah and CE-Creates, the business incubation platform of Crescent Enterprises.

ION is working towards zero-emissions transportation infrastructure in the region.

MORE THAN HALF OF PARENTS SURVEYED IN KUWAIT DO NOT FEEL THAT CHILDREN SHOULD BE WEARING SEAT BELTS AT ALL AGES

06 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

NETWORK

MAMMOET AND ALE MERGER CREATES WORLD’S LARGEST HEAVY LIFT FLEET

KSA FEMALE DRIVERS WILL HAVE LASTING IMPACT ON INDUSTRY DRIVERS

Saudi Arabia’s landmark decision to allow women to drive has continued to have a dramatic impact on the Kingdom’s automotive industry and with the increase of cars on the road, the aftersales market is witnessing a boom, garnering interest from local and international suppliers looking to capitalise on a new stream of consumers.

Over 100 exhibitors from 12 countries, showcasing the latest in automotive aftercare products and solutions across six product sections, will vie for a share of the market created by the influx of female drivers at Automechanika Riyadh, which will take place from 24-26 February 2020 at the Al Faisaliah Hotel – Prince Sultan Grand Hall.

Recent figures from global research and analytics firm, Aranca – the show’s knowledge partner – revealed that 30,000 new licenses had been issued between February and March this year, a positive and encouraging increase which has nearly doubled the number of female drivers on Saudi roads after a slow uptake which saw only 40,000 licenses issued in the first six months of 2018.

“With the significant growth of female drivers, automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and car dealers are seeking to capitalise on the opportunity and capture a significant chunk of the new customer segment”, said Vishal Sanghavi, Head of Automotive Practice at Aranca. “For example, Hyundai has positioned its Kona SUV as a women-centric model.

“By June 2019, 25% of vehicle insurance sales agents at Abdul Latif Jameel’s (ALJ) insurance arm were women and during Q1 2019, over 6% of motor insurance policies were sold to women.

Initiatives such as these are expected to complement the sales of cars to women and thereby aid the KSA automotive industry in the long run.”

As a result of increasing car sales, Saudi Arabia’s automotive spare parts and service market, which stood at roughly US$7.6 billion in 2018, is expected to grow at approximately 6% CAGR over the next five years to reach a value of US$10.15 billion by 2023, said the report.

FLEET Mammoet has announced the completion of its acquisition of ALE, creating the world’s largest heavy lift and move company by far, which will now operate as one entity under the Mammoet brand.

A statement from the Dutch multinational, already the world’s largest lifting service provider before the merger, said the acquisition was completed on January 8 and, over the coming months, a fully developed integration plan will be rolled out “focusing on bringing the two organisations together while maintaining safe and world-class service levels to our customers”.

The combined business will offer unparalleled global coverage with over 140 offices and branches worldwide ensure proximity to the world’s most important industrial and urban areas and thus the company’s customer base. British giant ALE was one of the three biggest heavy lift and move companies in the world and was among Mammoet’s biggest competitors in the sector before the acquisition.

Paul van Gelder, Mammoet CEO, said: “We are looking forward to working together with our new colleagues all over the world and establishing long-term relationships with our customers, existing and new. We will put all our efforts into supporting them with their activities aimed at enhancing cities, businesses and communities that are all part of the transition to a more sustainable future.

As their goals increase in size and complexity, we must reshape ourselves to support them while keeping our primary focus on safety.

“For that, we want to understand our clients’

business and challenges better than anyone else. Regardless of their size, industry or location. We will keep improving our services and support them to build smarter, safer and stronger across the world.

“We feel a fundamental connection to these words. We have chosen to take them on board in our new brand proposition. Together, we are Smarter, Safer, Stronger.”

According to a statement by Mammoet’s, its combined team of dedicated professionals as well as its fleet of heavy equipment are now the world’s largest, significantly enhancing scalability, innovation capabilities and efficient mobilisation like no one else in the industry. This enhances its ability to deliver in the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way possible, from single day local jobs to multi-year megaprojects.

Mammoet says it is the only global heavy lifting and transport business with a large R&D facility run independently from its operational activities, allowing it to innovate for the long term in close collaboration with customers. Innovations to date, such as the PTC and SK crane ranges and the Mega Jack, have shortened project schedules and redefined industry practices, the statement added.

As a result of the acquisition, Michael Birch, until now member of ALE’s executive board of management, has joined as chief commercial officer.

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 07

NETWORK

AA RENAULT OPENS FREE EV CHARGING STATION

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Arabian Automobiles Renault customers can now charge their electric vehicles at the auto retailer’s showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.

The AW Rostamani company

intention to not only cater to its customers but to the citizens and residents of Dubai as a whole, aligning with National Strategies for sustainability, including Dubai Plan 2021 for a sustainable city that adheres to international best practices in its dependence on renewable energy sources,” said Michel Ayat, CEO, Arabian Automobiles.

“We are proud to be playing a role in the green transformation of the Emirate and as such have selected to install the station at the Renault showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road as it is accessible to all commuters.”

says it is “proud to offer drivers in Dubai another reason to start thinking green” when considering their electric car purchase.

“The installation of the electrical vehicle charging station comes as a progression of the company’s

PEUGEOT AND SWAIDAN ENJOYED RECORD SALES IN 2019 RETAIL Peugeot and Swaidan Trading have revealed that they closed 2019 with record fleet sales in the UAE. Swaidan Trading secured three significant fleet deals in the final quarter of the year with Avis Car Rental, Manafeth Medical Equipment and Federal Trading all opting for vehicles from the venerable French manufacturer.

Avis purchased 18 Peugeot 3008 models in early 2019 and added a further 25 units to its fleet later in the year.

“We operate a fleet of around 3,500 rental vehicles

here in the UAE, and the addition of the Peugeot 3008 to our range of rental cars has proved very popular with our customers,” said Ahmed Al Hammadi, head of operations, Avis. “The 3008 model is our most over-booked vehicle in its category and our customer satisfaction ratings for the Peugeot is the highest among all the passenger cars we offer.”

Manafeth Medical Equipment which modifies transport for people of determination recently modified and displayed a customised Peugeot Traveller Business during last November’s AccessAbilities

Expo 2019 in Dubai.

The company is now in talks with Peugeot to introduce a fleet of modified Traveller Business models and is undergoing the approval process with the RTA to become a member of the Dubai Taxi fleet. The modified Traveller Business will also be presented to Dubai Police.

“The Peugeot Traveller Business is the best option on the market for any modification and when we presented the vehicle to the senior officers at the RTA they also acknowledged the benefits of the model,” said Adnan Basheer Ahmed, GM, Manafeth Medical Equipment.

ESMA HAILS ACTROS’ FIRST-EVER SEMI-AUTONOMOUS TRIP TECHNOLOGY

Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA) and MercedesBenz Trucks believe the first ever semi-autonomous truck journey from Dubai to Abu Dhabi has showcased the possibilities of the latest truck technology.

The 140km trip was recently completed by a Mercedes-Benz’s new Actros truck that features state-ofthe-art technology on-board, such as Active Drive Assist, which lets the truck brake, accelerate and steer independently to prevent accidents.

“Actros 5th generation with Active Drive Assist is the first partially automated assistance system on a series produced truck in the world. Today marks the first time these vehicles hit the roads of the Middle East and Africa,” stated Kay-Wolf Ahlden, President & CEO of Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA. The Active Drive Assist system, which enables Level 2 automated driving, is currently only available in the EU markets.

The test drive was organised in collaboration with ESMA to demonstrate the use of this system and its ‘benefits in terms of vehicle handling and road safety’.

Khalaf Khalaf Al Hammadi, Director of Standards at ESMA, added: “In the United Arab Emirates, we are committed to achieving sustainable and environmentally-friendly transportation solutions. To fulfil this pledge we follow the vision of our nation’s leaders to have a transportation sector that is sustainable and future-ready.”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: CES 2020 TECHNOLOGY ROUND-UP, FINANCING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD, NEW E-SPRINTER TEST DRIVE, AND MUCH MORE!

08 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

NETWORK

JORDAN SETS UP FIRST WASTE TO FUEL FACILITY WASTE MANAGEMENT

NEW MODELS BOOST BENTLEY PERFORMANCE IN 2019 LUXURY CARS

Bentley Motors said its sales rose by five percent in 2019 as “a raft of exciting new models helped entice a growing number of customers around the world.”

The British luxury car brand reached a total sales of 11,006 cars globally, the seventh consecutive year that the luxury British marque has sold over 10,000 units According to company the introduction of ew models, combined with greater global availability of other popular models, in particular the Continental GT W12 and Bentayga V8 helped drive growth in the calendar year.

Demand for the Continental GT was increased by the introduction of a high performance V8 engine for both Coupe and Convertible versions, said Bentley Motors in a statement, adding: “The pioneering, go-anywhere Bentayga was also in strong demand, setting a sales record, with new Speed and Design Series models adding to the luxury SUV’s appeal. Three limited edition models were also produced by Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner – all quickly sold out.”

The Bentley Continental GT was the marque’s best-selling model in 2019, with sales up by 54 percent compared to the previous year. Sales of the Bentayga increased, too, by 18 percent.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, called 2019 an extraordinary year for Bentley for many reasons.

“Our sales performance reached over 11,000 customer deliveries for the fourth time in our 100 year history, plus it represents the seventh consecutive year above 10,000 retail sales.”

10 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

An agreement has been signed between Sahab Municipality’s Mayor, Abbas Maharmeh and representatives from the Qamar Energy Company to set up Jordan’s first facility to produce fuel from waste using polycrack technology.

Maharmeh said that this agreement was the first-of-its-kind in Jordan.

Sahab Municipality will receive 25 per cent of the profit generated from the project as well as a commission that will be negotiated if any new municipalities join the project, according to a statement.

Maharmeh said that the municipality transports more than 110 tonnes of waste per day, at a

transportation cost of $87 per tonne, so this facility will not only help to cut that cost but also turn it into a profit, which is a great achievement.

Abdul Rahim Zoubi, general manager of Qamar Energy pointed out that polycrack technology is the first technology in the world

to use a heterogeneous catalyst, which transforms any hydrocarbon element into fuel and gas.

MAN Truck & Bus Jordan recently supplied 101 MAN trucks to make the Jordan capital city of Amman cleaner and greener for residents.

RITCHIE BROS STARTS NEW INSPECTION SERVICE TRADING Global machinery auctioneer Ritchie Bros. (RB) has consolidated the machinery inspection offerings of its constituent brands to offer Ritchie Bros. Inspection Services, a new, comprehensive facility available to customers as part of its Ritchie Bros. Asset Solutions.

According to RB, IronPlanet and Asset Appraisal Services – two brands it acquired in 2017 – have for years been leaders in the equipment inspection business. IronPlanet has offered inspection content and technology for customers of its online marketplaces,

including its IronClad Assurance(R) equipment condition certification, which ensures buyers receive the equipment they expect.

Asset Appraisal Services is a leader in the commercial truck inspection market.

Since both were acquired

by RB, the company has continued to enhance the inspection capabilities and the number of inspections has increased significantly. Now RB is consolidating these two inspection service organisations to formally launch Ritchie Bros.

Inspection Services as part of its Ritchie Bros. Asset Solutions.

Karl Werner, Interim Co-

CEO at RB, said: “We inspect hundreds of thousands of items every year. We believe we have the best inspection team and technology in the industry and are uniquely positioned to innovate and develop targeted solutions for our increasinglysophisticated customer base.”

In 2016, prior to the acquisition, IronPlanet and Asset Appraisal Services inspected more than 100,000 items. For 2019, post-acquisition, the team is expected to surpass 215,000 items, taking 7.5 million photos and analysing approximately 30,000 oil samples, with more than 300 full-time and contract inspectors.

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LAUNCHES

E-SPRINTER MAKES ITS LONG-AWAITED DEBUT AS IT BEGINS TO ROLL-OUT OF GERMANY / 2020 SONATA GOES ON SALE IN THE UAE

LAUNCHES DRIVING DISTANCE UP TO 168KM

eSprinter makes long-awaited deliveries THE E-VITO FINALLY GETS A BIG BROTHER AS ELECTRIC VAN ENTERS EUROPEAN MARKET The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter began rolling out of the MercedesBenz Dusseldorf plant in December.

The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is intended to cover the broadest possible range of use in urban mobility. Accordingly, it is initially being offered as a panel van with high roof and a permissible gross weight of 3,500 kilogrammes. Its maximum loading volume is 10.5 m3, the same as for the Sprinter with combustion engine. Similar to the entry-level diesel engine, the electric drive in the eSprinter

drives the front wheels with an output of 85 kW and a torque figure of up to 300 Newton metres.

A flexible payload and battery concept moreover allow adaptation to individual needs for practical use as the customer can choose between three or four battery units. Equipped with a battery capacity of 55 kWh, its range is an estimated 168 kilometres [1], [2] with a maximum payload of 891 kilogrammes.

A second battery option takes into account other priorities in the

12 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

use parameters: three instead of four battery units with a capacity of 35 kWh allow a range of around 115 kilometres 1, 2. In return, the maximum payload increases by around 140 to approximately 1040 kilogrammes. The integrated fast-charging function provides for more flexibility; 80 percent of the battery charge can be replenished within 30 minutes.

The maximum speed can be configured to suit the task at hand: the top speed can be set at 80

km/h, 100 km/h or even as high as 120 km/h, if speed is essential.

Various modes regulate the degree of recuperation of the energy generated during braking and can be optimally configured with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The four recuperation levels of “D-”, “D”, “D+” and “D++” are selected with the steering wheel paddle shifters. In the D- gear the proactive driving is only possible with a pedal. In the D++ gear the eSprinter “glides”.

LAUNCHES

FEATURE HEAVY SONATA DEBUTS

HYUNDAI’S ALL-NEW 2020 SONATA NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UAE

FITS THE CLASS The electric van’s 1 tonne payload capacity gets it into a crucial cargo category.

FAST CHARGE You can get the eSprinter fully charged in around 6 hours for range of over 150km.

The three “E+”, “E” and “C” drive programs are selected via the drive program button in the centre console. Depending on the selection the eSprinter drives either particularly efficiently or focuses on higher comfort, in which the climate control is adjusted in favour of a higher range, for example.

During recuperation energy is reclaimed if the

vehicle is decelerated. For example, the battery charges when going downhill, instead of losing the energy when braking. The respective setting for the drive program and recuperation level is displayed in the display of the instrument cluster.

With this route-based operating-mode strategy the economy of the vans can be further optimised.

Juma Al Majid, the exclusive distributor of Hyundai in the UAE, has announced the availability of all-new Sonata, starting this November.

“A sportier avatar of the much loved mid-size sedan, the new Sonata is a must have for those who look for elegance, sportiness, and quality in one car. The eighth-generation of Sonata is upgraded with features like sophisticated four-doorcoupe guise and is in line with brand’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language,” said the distributor in a statement.

Suliman Alzaben, General Manager Hyundai UAE - Juma Al Majid Est said, “The new Sonata is how you define luxury.

It is a premium experience, with a range of new technologies, added features, and safety at the core of its engineering. It is now showroom ready and available at Juma Al Majid across the UAE. If you’ve loved the earlier generation Sonata, this is one car that maintains its DNA but with a classier, sportier, and more elegant look and enhanced design.”

Having been in the game since last three decades now, Sonata has, with all its relaunches, raised the standard of design, modernisation, and technology to another level. The new model has a more assertive profile, a cascading grille

framed by distinctive lighting architecture, chrome accents surrounding the daylight opening (DLO), and a wheel design that complement the overall look.

Offering a completely re-engineered driving experience, new Sonata reflects Hyundai’s latest third-generation platform.

One of the main features is the exterior LED daytime running lights, that are embedded in a chrome strip. For interiors, there is an improved center stack and instrument panel echo and a three-spoke steering wheel.

The 2020 Sonata measures 193 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 57 inches high.

That’s versus the 191 x 72 x 58 inches of the seventh generation. The sloped roof gives the Sonata the flavor of a coupe without too much impact on rear space It features six standard airbags and a wide range of safety systems, including technical specifications like a choice of two petrol powertrains that is being offered for Middle East and Africa markets exclusively.

SPECIFICATIONS Engine

2.5l inline-4

Power

191hp

Torque

245Nm

Transmission

8-Speed

POWER CHOICE TWO POWERTRAINS

SPECIFICATIONS Motor output

85kW

Torque

295Nm

Top speed

120km/h

Payload (up to)

1tonne

Range

120-168km

Charging time

6hrs

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 13

FEATURE

HOW HINO IS FUELLING UP Al-Futtaim Automotive Group’s HINO GM Ramez Hamdan on how the famous trucks are now the backbone of UAE fuel delivery

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amez Hamdan, general manager, HINO, AlFuttaim Automotive Group is looking back at 2019 with satisfaction as we turn into a new decade.

Indeed, the past 12 months has seen the successful dealer and automotive brand partnership continue to re-write the light duty truck handbook in the UAE with the pair racing ahead of the competition in terms of growth. He tells T&FME that a swelling order book has helped his 14 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

operation expand by more than a quarter in the relatively short time-span of a year.

“We saw 25% growth from 2018 to 2019,” he beams, adding that the figures were boosted by the winning of major tenders for waste management vehicles in Abu Dhabi with the West Coast Group company and in the Northern Emirates with sector-leader Bee’ah.

HINO falls under the commercial vehicles division of the Al-Futtaim Automotive Group and, as such, offers customers access to a well-established

We are very pleased to see HINO become the backbone of fuel delivery”

network of 3S facilities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The company’s growth has been steady over the years with it using the increased demand for commercial vehicles in the market to offer comprehensive tailor-made solutions to customers including genuine spare parts, service contracts, 24/7 service support and specialised technical support.

It has also been able to add financial, rental and insurance packages for fleets over time but the versatility of the HINO trucks is opening an exciting new area for

FEATURE

FORMING A BACKBONE HINO trucks are known for their durability, versatility and its famed ‘Total Support’ after-sale concept in terms of service contracts and spare parts availability: “making them the trusted partner for companies,” says Ramez Hamdan.

the company to operate in. The brand’s presence in the F&B industry, for instance, has been increasing year-on-year because, Hamdan suggests, customers can trust in the quality of the trucks and the ‘HINO Total Support’ aftersales concept – which includes service contracts and guarantees spare parts availability – that the manufacturer and Al-Futtaim wrap around them.

“HINO trucks product specification and durability gives us a clear dominance in the FMCG market, especially the dairy industry,” he continues. “This is primarily due to the

HINO trucks are known for their durability amd versatility”

continued trust customers place in our products and our unique aftersales service.”

Trucks carrying the Japanese marque include the heavy duty HINO 700 Series (with up to 100t GVW). The HINO 500 Series (with an operating capacity range from 11 to 26 ton GVW), meanwhile, offers a range of applications, such as tipper trucks, curtain siders, reefer trucks as well as general cargo (the HINO 500 Series maximises efficiency and significantly reduces consumption thanks to class-leading engine and transmission choices, says Hamdan.)

The last year, however, has arguably belonged to the HINO 300 Series: a range that offers payload capacities up to 6t and the three different engine power options of 140 and 156 hp. The incredibly flexible light trucks sold in the UAE are able to complete any role efficiently and safely, and, Hamdan tells T&FME, have become the vehicle of choice for the major fuel delivery firms in the Emirates.

He explains that more than 220 HINO 300 series 714 NWB tons and 916 SWB 6 tons trucks were handed over to fuel delivery operator customers in 2019, including CAFU, the Middle East’s first on-demand fuel delivery service app. It’s a relationship the places the trucks at the forefront of the digital revolution transforming the UAE market. While purchases by ENOC and ADNOC, further cement its leading position as the preferred light and medium trucks partner for businesses in the country.

All three firms have subsequently gone on to win major key tenders for major companies in the transportation and food and beverage sectors, such as Al Marai, National Food Company, Al Rawabi, Emirates Transport, Falcon Pack, Marmum Dairy, Masafi. With so many now performing a critical role in the infrastructure of fuel supply in the UAE, Hamdan is understandably proud to see the trucks proving their worth across the country. “We are very pleased to see HINO becoming the backbone of the booming fuel delivery sector,” he enthuses.

To build the trucks to specification, HINO teamed up with GORICA and CMC to carry out the customisation of the trucks for CAFU, ENOC and ADNOC respectively, “to ensure they fit the operational needs for each business and conform to the set safety standards in the UAE,” explains Hamdan.

To help fleets optimise the total cost of truck ownership and make a positive contribution to the bottom line, experts from Al-Futtaim’s Commercial Vehicle Division

are providing eco-driving training to drivers of fuel delivery operators. Offered through the ‘HINO Total Support’ scheme, their training helps fleet owners improve fuel efficiency, minimise the cost of wear and tear, reduce service and maintenance costs as well as insurance premiums and decrease the risk of major road accidents, notes Hamdan.

According to Hamdan, HINO trucks are also cheaper on operational costs, have lower diesel consumption and require less maintenance and bigger service intervals.

He adds: “HINO trucks are known

WHO IS HINO? HINO MOTORS LIMITED (HML) which is now a subsidiary of TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION was founded in 1910 and established as a separate company in 1942. Hino has a rich history in the automotive industry and is the largest manufacturer of trucks and buses in Japan.

Under the HINO brand, HML represents the Toyota Group in the global market for trucks and buses.

Hino also produces Toyota badged vehicles on commission, including the popular sport utility vehicle, the Land Cruiser Prado, and the FJ Cruiser, and supplies Toyota with dyna twoton trucks and with Toyoace two-ton commercial vehicles on an original equipment manufacturing basis. Using the Toyota Production System to achieve continuing gains in productivity and in quality throughout its operations, Hino has adapted that system to its model line to offer customers the best possible products at competitive prices.

Worldwide sales of HINO brand trucks and buses total about 100,000 vehicles a year. Hino and its global distributors are working to assert an even stronger presence in the global marketplace.

In the UAE, HINO is exclusively distributed by Al-Futtaim’s Commercial Vehicle Division, an AlFuttaim Automotive Group company, a conglomerate of motoring-related businesses, franchising some of the world’s most-recognised automotive brands and services across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 15

FEATURE

for their durability, versatility and the ‘Total Support’ aftersales concept in terms of service contracts and spare parts availability, makes them the trusted partner for companies – I thank our partners for their trust in our trucks and confirm our commitment to deliver our dedicated aftersales solutions.”

The success in the fuel delivery sector has been made possible by several years of hard work in establishing a sophisticated support network for fleet customers.

According to Hamdan, Al-Futtaim’s HINO operation aspires to seamlessly integrate with operators in several ways to ensure all-important uptime is maintained.

Like the fuel trucks it is offering, the company is able to help fleets out in the field when they need it the most.

“We can get our mobile service van to a customer site at any time, 24/7,” he says.

“Effectively, we don’t disturb the customer operation, moreover, our service intervals are more than our competitors’ which gives the client an advantage where the truck is stopping fewer times for a service.”

With many customers opting for service and maintenance or repair and maintenance contracts, the company can also fall back on substantial aftersales infrastructure both within Al-Futtaim and from the HINO Middle East parts depot in Jebal Ali Free Zone. Located on the outskirts of Dubai, the facility ensures that parts availability is very high. “We often deliver three to four times a day to customers,” Hamdan explains.

Between 2015 and 2019, HINO trucks enjoyed a rise in market share from 8 percent to 33 percent, effectively doubling the size of the unit’s sales and employee numbers subsequently rose to 105. Entering 2020, Hamdan says that the company is determined to ensure that growth continues unabated: “We want to keep growing our sales and be closer to our customer through aftersales by minimising the downtime of

A LEADER IN FMCG Al-Futtaim Automotive Group’s Commercial Vehicle Division presence in the F&B industry has been increasing year-on-year.

the vehicle. We are therefore opening a 3S (sales, service and spare parts) facility in Sharjah, we are expanding our service mobile vans in addition to making sure our market share keeps growing.”

The Hino range has enabled Al-Futtaim to offer different solutions to a multitude of sectors in a market that is more interested in safety, reliability and productivity than ever before. Their rise to prominence has also been complemented by an evolution in the trucks themselves. A redesigned 500 Series offering a modernised exterior as well as a

We are expanding our mobile service and our market share is growing”

A HINO SERIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS Hino 300 Series The Light Duty Truck “is your dynamic business partner”.

With a payload capacity up to 6 ton and different engine power of 140 and 156 hp – there is no job that the Hino 300 Series cannot perform efficiently and safely.

Hino 500 Series The Medium Duty Truck, “is your perfect work horsepower”.

With an operating capacity range from 10 to 28 ton GVW, the Hino 500 Series achieves low emissions and excellent fuel consumption with numerous safety features.

16 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

Hino 700 Series The Heavy Duty Truck range up to 100 ton.

Delivering bigger profits through outstanding performance and durability, the revolutionary Hino 700 Series is the new standard for trucks in the 21st century.

host of enhanced safety features and driver comfort improvements has been warmly received, for example. However, with our interview drawing to a close, Hamdan singles out the Hino 300 Series hybrid truck as a vehicle to look out for in a year where the world will arrive for Expo 2020 Dubai.

The event will celebrate advances in sustainability and mobility as the world confronts the challenge of climate change in the decades ahead. The Hino 300 Series hybrid truck typifies the solutions that will be needed and the truck was the first to employ a Euro 4 and EVV compliant 4L diesel engine matched to an auxiliary electric motor that is emissionfree and significantly reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, particulate matter and nitrogen oxide.

A UAE leader in sustainable mobility, Al-Futtaim has already begun rolling it out to customers.

Hamdan concludes: “The Hino 300 Series Hybrid is a concrete evidence of our efforts to enhance air quality in the UAE and reduce our carbon footprint on the environment.”

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TEST DRIVE

: E V I R D TEST

THE NEW SPRINTER

T&FME opens the doors and packs the boxes in as it tests the New Sprinter

S

o what if the new eSprinter started to roll out at the beginning of this year (see Launches on page 12 in this month’s T&FME)?

We are certainly not going to see many, if any, of those batteries on wheels for some time in the region. It’s lucky then that the New Sprinter is already earning its stripes in the region providing a blend of up to date features and decent RoI. T&FME was recently invited to try the New Sprinter in Abu Dhabi. Having first tested the Sprinter several years ago on the edge of Yas Island’s course it was an opportunity we found difficult to resist.

When the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter first launched in the early part of the last decade it set a new benchmark for large 18 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

vans in the region. Given the paucity of choice at the time that wasn’t necessarily something to brag about, but we’ve seen the van become a much more popular option for fleets in the meantime.

For instance, back in the day if you ordered a new TV on souq.com you would expect it to be hanging out of a caged pick-up when it arrived at your doorstep.

Now, it’ll be an Amazon livery slamming the breaks outside your apartment.

The era of the van, predicted many years ago in this magazine, has truly arrived in markets like the UAE. Whether that is the result of increasing fuel prices, the rise of e-commerce, digitalisation of supply chains, major player demand, or any other change in the delivery and logistics channels you care to mention, you can make

The era of the van, predicted many years ago in this magazine, has truly arrived in markets like the UAE”

an argument that the answer to your problem could – and possibly should – be a van.

It is no small coincidence that the Mercedes-Benz Vans offering has been joined by its traditional competition in Europe since it first invited the media to test 2013 Sprinter on the Yas Island skid pads all those years ago.

Indeed, if you’re in the market for a van you now have more choice than ever. Don’t fancy a Merc? Well, you could choose a Ford Custom Transit or a Fiat Ducato – and all would offer a good selection of reasons for your fleet buyer to visit their dealer’s showrooms.

Getting back behind the wheel of a Sprinter having tested its rivals over recent years, reminds you what the key differences are.

The most obvious one is drive comfort where the Sprinter still enjoys an edge.

TEST DRIVE

Sitting behind the wheel and enjoying its deceptively light feel (T&FME always tests vans unloaded – Ed), quiet movement and peppy acceleration reminds you instantly that this is a Mercedes-Benz – and far closer to the car experience than, for example, taking the Actros out for a spin.

Slaloming through a course dotted out with cones, T&FME got to test its stability and responsiveness and the van impressed all the way to the emergency braking section at the end.

Offering a new, diverse range of product features that serves specific market segments even more effectively than before, the new Sprinter offers every customer a model tailored precisely to his or her needs. It really manages the leap from a commercial vehicle with pure utility value to an impressive business card for commercial fleets and businesses, as Mercedes-Benz claims.

It is one of the most flexible vans available, with options and applications that extend from people movers in in terms of school buses and ambulances and for logistics services for almost every business sector. Its vehicles are sought after because of their quality, efficiency and reliability, as well as their premium features.

It is worth mentioning that the real technological game-changers are still mostly locked behind the options selection.

Mercedes-Benz Vans offers 600 choices of optional equipment, including special fleet and chassis solutions. It says this means, that the Sprinter can be perfectly adapted to your needs and as part of the “Mercedes-Benz VanPartner” partner programme, body and conversion solutions are available in tried-and-tested quality.

DESIGNED FOR FUNCTIONALITY The New Sprinter features a redesigned cockpit that, despite a busy dash set-up, is claimed to be designed for functionality.

Getting back behind the wheel of a Sprinter having tested its rivals, reminds you what the key differences are”

However, while the Sprinter is designed for safety throughout – the actual bodyshell is particularly stable thanks to its construction and material composition – the panel version of the van only offers Crosswind Assist as standard. Others such as Active Brake Assist (in the case of a sudden brake ahead the adaptive Active Brake Assist intervenes to protect both driver and passengers) and Lane Keeping Assist remain only as options which is a shame as these are at the cutting edge of safety and efficiency for fleets.

If you do have the budget you can also look at the three camera solutions, including the reversing camera with display in interior rear-view mirror to the 360° camera, improve the already good overview from the driver’s seat, upon request. In the dark, the optionally available LED High Performance headlamps illuminate the roadway far and

bright. In case of an emergency, standard airbags help to protect the driver in a collision. Five further airbags are available for driver and co-driver upon request.

Mercedes-Benz Vans has also continued to optimise the consumption of its diesel engines, while the cockpit has also been redesigned for exceptional functionality, with an intelligent, modular stowage compartment and KEYLESS START. On the panel van version, you can precisely customise the cargo space to suit your requirements with practical options such as the interior roof rack, a weight-optimised plastic floor covering and the loadable wheel arches.

Other benefits include a wide range of drive system variants: depending on the operational profile and desired handling characteristics, you can order your Sprinter with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Gearshifting is either manual via a 6-speed manual transmission or automatic via the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.

The maximum payload of the 5t weight variant is 2,646 kg (rear-wheel drive). If you choose front-wheel drive, you’ll get a cargo floor that’s 80 mm lower than the rear-wheel drive, making it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. And now the front-wheel drive holds 50 kg more than the previous Sprinter range so you can get more out of your day.

To make work as economical and pleasant as possible, various radios, multimedia systems and connectivity solutions are available for the Sprinter.

“In the Sprinter you are choosing a vehicle that has impressively proven its economy for more than 20 years. The new Sprinter continues this success story with its legendary quality and reliability. You benefit from its economy right from the outset: with an attractive entry price and numerous configuration options that allow you to order exactly what you actually need,” claims Mercedes. In many it could be right.

VERDICT

PLENTY OF CHOICE FOR FLEETS MB Vans says the Sprinter is one of the most flexible vans available, with options and applications that extend from people movers to logistics services to almost every business sector.

The New Sprinter remains at the front of the pack when you go through the optional and customisable possibilities. This is an excellently tuned vehicle that has been finding niches in shuttle services and hospitality. Whether the panel version represents the best value in its class in the market on the other hand may depend on your powers of negotiation.

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 19

FEATURE

20 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

FEATURE

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Patrick ‘Ger’ Regan, VP, Equipment Finance, Abu Dhabi Finance on bringing industry and banks together – and why he is positive for 2020

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egulation, technology, maturing markets, autonomous vehicles…

Ger Regan, VP, Equipment Finance, Abu Dhabi Finance, is quickly running through the challenges and changes that are shaping the truck and fleet industry as we enter a new decade. Looking at those issues and many others, he has realised that his own industry needs to be adjusting its way of thinking to keep pace.

“We as financial institutions need to look at ourselves and say where is the financial industry at the moment and what level are we at? With a view to be able to support that change going forward,” he begins before asking: “And I think we have to ask ourselves what level do we think we’re at?

“I can see the serious challenges and processes: the importance of relationships; the need for alignment and the upcoming changes that are going to affect our industry going forward. And to meet them, financial institutions are going to need to focus on the relationships and the need for alignment between them and the distributors; (as well as) the need for alignment and understanding between the client and the end-user.”

A legal framework for equipment leasing was announced in the UAE last year. Designed to protect both banks and the end-user, the

hope is that it will encourage banks to lend as they can retain ownership of the asset. At the same time, contractors and operators will have greater access to new equipment and vehicles: “This has a huge – and will have a huge impact – on the industry in the next two years.”

The law that came into effect in January 2019 makes a clearer definition between lessor or lessee (“whereby the lessor shall own the lease asset for the purpose of leasing it”), he explains, but there is still work to be done before it is ready.

“While the law has been announced, it’s currently still going through the regulatory change process; it is still going through the regulatory joining of arms between the Emirates Development Bank, the government and the RTA.” He adds that during a recent meeting with the Emirates Development Bank, it had been explained to him that the EDB is (sensibly) working on the development of a lease register which is similar to the Emirates movable collateral registry that encourages the registration of assets, collateral, or equipment.

“So, in the next six months, the lease registry should be developed. What does that mean? Central bank collaboration with the RTA on changing the structure of the ownership documentation. How is that going to happen?

How is that going to impact us again?” He asks. “My own judgment is to assume there

Most importantly, there is the potential of new market entrants and an opening of the doors to greater funding opportunities for the industry that are there in the next two years”

has to be changes in some way to reflect the ownership structure from lessor to lessee. How does it affect us as institutions, as funders? In terms of regulation and licencing it remains to be seen what the central bank does but I’m sure there are going to be new regulations applied against the provision of a finance lease.”

While to the uninitiated the terms used in the law can seem impenetrably difficult to understand, Regan believes it could stimulate the trading and sale of assets in the market – a critical way for fleets to gain and retain business, as well as control their costs.

To see how this could play out, he looks back at his own experience working both alongside and inside financial institutions.

“I was head of recoveries in the Royal Bank of Scotland between 2008 and 2011 during the recession. And I joined Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers in 2011. So, as part of my own educational learning development, I’ve been lucky enough to see the whole process of equipment finance from financing to recovery to debt recovery management.

“My role in Ritchie’s allowed me to work with institutions and gain an understanding of the value of asset funding recovery. What was the impact? How do financial institutions operate? What’s the legal recourse to value in an asset? How do distributors work with their customers

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 21

FEATURE

when it comes to value recovery? Ritchie’s gave me the idea that a 15-year-old Mercedes Actros or a Volvo FH12 is still worth ten or fifteen thousand dollars in the market, even with a million kilometres on the clock.”

His experience at Ritchie’s contrasts with what he found while working in an asset management role and the realisation that releasing value of an asset can be a complex and legally fraught process; and stifling the flow of money in the system. He argues that the new law could be a fresh start for all the parties on the asset money tree, including the banking sector which he feels needs to be better at working with the distributors of equipment and vehicles, as well as, ultimately, the end-users of the assets banks like ADF are financing.

“We’re going to have to look at our risk policies. We’re going to have to enhance ourselves towards more asset management, operational change, financial technology.

But most importantly, there is the potential of new market entrants and an opening of the doors to greater funding opportunities for the industry that are there in the next two years,” he remarks before explaining how both fleets and financers can benefit.

“The protection of the lease law gives institutions ownership rights. It remains to be seen how the definition and the actual activity takes place, but it at least gives us the opportunity to be working with the distributor and OEM. It also gives us the chance to be flexible when working with residual value; enhancing deal structures (like looking at a term of a lease for three or four years; looking at all refinancing that lease back out; keeping the total cost of ownership low, keeping the EMI low.”)

Taking a breath mid-flow, he pauses to argue that the new rules could also be a

AN AGEING REGION Difficulties in funding new vehicles are forcing fleets to retain ownership for far longer. This harms both their capabilities and their cash-flow.

22 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

SPREAD THE RISK Regan urges distributors not to take on all the risk of financing new equipment in the market by themselves.

benefit to the manufacturers:“There will be a greater role for the OEM to enhance their presence within the region and most importantly, greater training and development.”

According to Regan, the move should also enhance the used equipment market and ensure assets are entering in better condition and buyers will have more channels to look through when buying pre-owned trucks or equipment.

While he may be advocating that his industry must take a look inwardly to be better prepared and more active in the sectors needing financing, Regan is also a firm believer that banks, OEMS, distributors, fleet owners have to be willing to collaborate more often and work together for the shared goal of growth in the market.

“Our role really is to align ourselves within the distributor and OEM environment. But what I find in the market at the moment is that

At the end of the day, financial literacy and risk management is not the responsibility of the distributor”

many institutions are sitting back. We wait for the deals to happen. We have relationship managers that are not active nor visibly active within the distributor environment.

“Michael Peng (the famed US business writer and author) wrote that working relationships are a valuable tool to overcome any deficiencies within the economic environment.

Strategies must originate through loyal networks. Those loyal networks are institutional based and originate from financial partnerships.

It’s up to us – and I use the word as a group, the triangle between a distributor, financier and end-user – to put ourselves in that position.”

Continuing his point, he says that new lines of communication need to be established between the distributors and financial institutions.

“A communication gap exists and there is a need for a distributor and OEM to push... we need to be pushed,” he emphasises. “Distributors need to push for a (new) financial services model.”

Regan is both critic and counsellor when looking at the role distributors have played in financing fleet purchasing. He argues that by filling a void of financing in the market they have risked theirs and other businesses.

“At the end of the day, financial literacy and risk management is not the responsibility of the distributor. However, because of the lack of partners available – financial partners who are looking for their business – and the fear of losing the deal, they look at taking on the on-book risk themselves. And when it goes bad, the client default impacts their whole overall profitability.”

He recognises that the banks themselves are not always able to offer the flexible financing that distributors have been offering fleets. He says however that is now being addressed and an end-to-end and flexible package can be put together to support the distributor’s customer.

“Distributors are not banks. We as institutions have the ability to assess the clients through the country’s central bank; through their own reporting; through checks conducted globally – there are all types of financial models available to us.”

Before closing, Regan urges the distributors to use his and financial sector’s expertise to navigate their way through the currently challenging market environment.

“If anybody wants to give me a call about any aspect of funding, any aspect of asset re-marketing, customers that have residual fleet, we can grow your business.

We can support your business, maybe not as innovative as we would like, but we can certainly put the wheels in motion to try and align with future changes down the line.”

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CES 2020

TAKING TECH HIGHER

Flying taxis and personalised family cars are only the tip of Hyundai’s ambitions

I

n the chaotic race bringing automotive companies into the technology space traditionally occupied by consumer giants like Apple and industrial powerhouses like Siemens, Hyundai Motor Company is arguably best positioned to make sense of it all.

Few, if any, can match a reach of a company that may no longer share legal ties with the construction, retail and industrial firms that bear its name but still has a history of catering for all. It certainly retains an horizon-spanning vision – and the scale - to help create a world where it plays a central role in the mobility of billions of people.

At CES 2020, Hyundai Motor showcased three mobility solutions, comprising Urban Air Mobility (UAM), Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) and Hub, which it says can free future cities and 24 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

people from constraints of time and space and allow them to create more value in their lives.

The company is also accelerating the implementation of its brand vision ‘Progress for Humanity’ and transform itself into a ‘Smart Mobility Solution Provider’.

“Working closely together, UAM, PBV and Hub play key roles in vitalising human-centred future cities and enriching people’s lives.

“UAM connects the sky and the ground, while PBV links people to people on the road.

These two smart mobility solutions connect at the Hub, which will be installed across future cities to form a mobility ecosystem.

“With this smart mobility vision built around the UAM-PBV-Hub network, Hyundai has outlined its commitment to provide customers seamless mobility and a differentiated mobility experience.”

We are looking at the dawn of a completely new era that will open the skies above our cities”

Euisun Chung, executive vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group said the vision is also in line with the company’s mid-term innovation plan ‘Strategy 2025’ to shift to its business structures based on two pillars – ‘Smart Mobility Device’ and ‘Smart Mobility Service’.

“For our smart mobility solutions, we considered what truly matters in cities and in people’s lives. UAM, PBV, and Hub will revitalise cities by removing urban boundaries, giving people time to pursue their goals, and creating a diverse community. Our goal is to help build dynamic human-centred future cities and continue our legacy of progress for humanity. CES 2020 is just the start and we will continue to realise this vision,” said Chung.

Hyundai’s future mobility vision stems from the idea that mobility is closely related to city infrastructure.

CES 2020

HY-GHER THINKING Hyundai is now focused on human-centred mobility solutions to address traffic congestion challenges in major cities

The company has established the HumanCentered City Advisory Group with top global experts from fields such as psychology, architecture, urban design, transportation, and political science, and conducted research on how future cities should be designed to “foster new human-centred” values.

The advisory group derived three key values for future cities: vitalise, enable, and care.

Considering Hyundai’s strength in mobility and connecting people, the advisory group decided to place priority on the ‘vitalisation’ of cities.

“All three values are important, but Hyundai is exceptionally well-positioned to vitalise communities with new forms of mobility,” said Art Markman, a member of Hyundai’s Human-Centered City Advisory Group and professor of Cognitive Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin.

In addition to the advisory group, Hyundai also envisioned different city archetypes and developed future city scenarios to predict the infrastructure and development direction that will be required for future cities.

The company is now focused on humancentred mobility solutions to address traffic congestion challenges in major cities.

“Based on advice from the advisory group, we tried to find mobility solutions that will vitalise communities in a meaningful and imaginative way. UAM, PBV, and Hub are solutions that will help alleviate pain-points in big cities like San Francisco,” said Youngcho Chi, chief innovation officer, Hyundai Motor Company.

The first solution that Hyundai is offering to “vitalise future cities” is Urban Air Mobility, a mobility solution that offers ‘liberation

We will accelerate efforts to harness Hyundai’s businesses and technologies to deliver true freedom”

from grid-lock’ and ‘democratisation of flight’. In other words, it’s a flying taxi.

The company argues that megaurbanisation taking place around the world has resulted in dramatic reduction of transfer efficiency for urban residents and increased social costs related to logistics transportation.

Its solution, the UAM, enables runway-free urban air travel with Personal Air Vehicles capable of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL).

UAM is considered a key future innovation business that can help overcome urban challenges like traffic congestion and transform the paradigm of mobility.

“We are looking at the dawn of a completely new era that will open the skies above our cities. Urban Air Mobility will liberate people from grid-lock and reclaim time for people to invest in activities they care about and enjoy,” said Jaiwon Shin, head of Urban Air Mobility Division, Hyundai Motor Company.

The concept PAV is equipped with eVTOL and designed to seat five people, including a pilot. The PAV will be operated initially by a pilot during the early stages of commercialization and enable autonomous operation once the relevant technologies are developed.

Hyundai says it has the manufacturing capacity and expertise required to develop and mass-produce transportation vehicles such as the PAV. The ‘S-A1’ concept PAV was developed jointly with Uber, the world’s largest mobility company.

“Hyundai is our first vehicle partner with experience of manufacturing passenger cars on a global scale. We believe Hyundai has the potential to build Uber Air vehicles at rates unseen in the current aerospace industry, producing high quality, reliable aircraft at high volumes to drive down passenger costs per trip. Combining Hyundai’s manufacturing muscle with Uber’s technology platform represents a giant leap forward for launching a vibrant air taxi network in coming years,” said head of Uber Elevate Eric Allison.

Hyundai plans to strengthen its partnerships with global companies like Uber and accelerate its UAM business, including developing worldclass PAVs, offering fleet service and maintenance, and developing skyports.

During CES, it was announced that Uber has agreed to a partnership to develop Uber Air Taxis for a future aerial ride share network based on Hyundai’s technology.

“Hyundai’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities offer a major step forward for Uber FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 25

CES 2020

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY Hyundai’s Hub is a community space that could connect its air-based UAMs and ground-based PBVs.

Elevate,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

“As Hyundai taps its automotive industry experience to mass produce air taxis, we will be able to more quickly take Uber’s platform into the skies, expanding affordable and seamless transportation in cities around the world.”

“Through the partnership with Uber, we will accelerate efforts to harness Hyundai’s businesses and technologies to deliver true freedom of mobility,” added Chung. “We will innovate tirelessly to redefine the boundaries of mobility and provide quality time to customers.”

For safety, the PAV has multiple rotors to provide multi-layer redundancy and ensure safe operation, and a parachute deployment system will be placed in the vehicle for emergencies.

PAVs will be designed with low noise levels, making them more acceptable for urban travel and offering comfort to passengers.

UAM will be made affordable and accessible through utilisation of Hyundai’s manufacturing know-how in automobiles, aerodynamic design, use of light-weight from carbon composite materials, productive design technology, and reduced operating costs.

Lastly, Hyundai’s UAM will be passenger-centred by designing the interior with Internet of Things (IoT) features while ensuring comfort and safety of passengers.

Hyundai also showcased its Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) which it calls a new urban mobility solution that can accommodate a wide spectrum of future lifestyles with “limitless personalisation”.

The PBVs can function as a restaurant, coffee shop, and hotel, or even a clinic and pharmacy, in addition to being an urban shuttle. The PBV is inspired by San Francisco’s iconic cable car.

“The design comes alive and makes us feel connected to the way we get around through a progressive reinterpretation of its DNA and incorporation of the urban scenery,” said SangYup Lee, head of Hyundai Global Design.

The PBV is highly customisable with complete disassembly of upper- and underbodies and adjustable size from 4-6m.

Its interior can be personalizsed to individual needs by assembling modular 26 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

parts, taking the PBV beyond transportation into the realm of living space.

The fully-electric PBV is also an environmentally-friendly mobility solution. Its artificial intelligence (AI) feature allows the PBV to navigate along the best routes and charge in-transit with the help of the charger PBVs. The PBV can also travel autonomously in platoon, which is expected to bring innovative changes to personal deliveries, as well support the wider logistics industry within future cities.

Hyundai also presented the Hub a community space that could connect its airbased UAMs and ground-based PBVs. The Hub has a skyport for the PAV on the top and docking stations on the ground for the PBV to approach and depart from multiple directions.

The Hub can be transformed into an

Hyundai is exceptionally well-positioned to vitalise communities with new forms of mobility”

infinite number of new spaces depending on how PBVs are connected. For instance, the Hub can be turned into a cultural complex by bringing together PBVs functioning as concert halls, movie theatres, and museums.

It can also be transformed into a medical complex by connecting medical service PBVs in the form of clinics, doctor’s offices and pharmacies.

Hyundai plans to make smart mobility more accessible by placing Hubs throughout future cities and build a new mobility ecosystem around the UAM-PBV-Hub network.

“The company will overcome mobility limitations of time and space and create new spaces where people can gather and interact to help build and vitalise human-centred future cities,” it said.

VISION S FOR THE DRIVERS In a surprise move, Sony turned up with the Vision S concept car at CES 2020 and it was arguably the biggest example yet of how technology companies are converging with the automotive industry.

While the electronics, entertainment and gaming giant was quick to stress the Vision S is not intended to be made any time soon, the prototype’s use of imaging and sensing technologies controlled by Sony’s

own AI, telecommunication and cloud technologies was a heady mix of potential next generation vehicle features.

A total of 33 sensors including CMOS image sensors and ToF sensors are embedded within the vehicle, in order to detect and recognise people and objects inside and outside the car, and provide highly advanced driving support. Sony’s “360 Reality Audio” provides a deep and immersive audio experience

through speakers built into each seat to encapsulate passengers in sound. The front seats face a panoramic screen on which rich and diverse content can be enjoyed through an intuitive user interface.

Sony will continue to combine its advanced technologies to deliver greater safety and reliability, while also striving to inspire new emotion through revolutionary in-car entertainment experiences.

CES 2020

A 4ORCE FOR GOOD Nissan revealed a raft of new tech at this year’s CES

L

ike its showcase at the 2019’s year-ending Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan came to last month’s CES 2020 tech extravaganza determined to prove it remains at the bleeding edge of innovation in the automotive industry.

Readers of T&FME have seen ACCIONA’s push to prove electric vehicles can compete off-road and in Las Vegas visitors could see Nissan’s own take on going into uncharted driving technology with its twinmotor all-wheel-control system: e-4ORCE. According to the Japanese auto-giant, the technology works by providing instant torque to all four wheels and delivers balanced, predictable power and handling on par with many premium sports cars.

The ‘e’ represents Nissan’s technologies 28 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

enabled by a 100% electric motor drive system.

“4ORCE,” pronounced “force,” evokes physical power and energy with “4” standing for the all-wheel control driving capability, it added.

“The e-4ORCE twin-motor all-wheel control technology offers precise handling and stability, which gives drivers greater confidence and even more excitement than ever before,” said Takao Asami, Nissan’s SVP of research and advanced engineering.

“This technology enables excellent cornering performance and traction on slippery surfaces and comfortable ride for all passengers.”

The technology was born from lessons learned in the development of the Nissan GT-R’s ATTESA E-TS torque split system and the Nissan Patrol’s intelligent 4X4 system. Engineers developed the e-4ORCE technology to specifically manage

The e-4ORCE twin-motor all-wheel control technology offers handling and stability”

electric vehicle power output and braking performance to be smooth and stable.

Nissan claims that its unparalleled ride comfort is the result of the e-4ORCE technology’s ability to minimise vehicle pitch and dive. This is accomplished by employing regenerative braking from both front and rear motors, making city stopand-go traffic less jostling. Similarly, on rough, bumpy roads and when accelerating, motor control is optimised to maintain ride comfort by minimising irregular movement. “e-4ORCE increases driver confidence by faithfully tracing the driver’s intended line thanks to ultra-high-precision motor and brake control. With the confidence to handle such a variety of road surfaces, even for novice drivers on slippery surfaces, driving becomes more enjoyable”.

CES 2020

Also at CES 2020 was the Ariya Concept, a crossover EV with twin electric motors, powerful acceleration, award-winning driver assistance technology and a look that signals a complete reinvention of the brand’s design.

The new Nissan Ariya Concept was previously introduced at last year’s 46th Tokyo Motor Show, and is the company’s main development platform for testing out how it can position itself in the next – to borrow its own phrase – ‘evolutionary phase’ of the automobile.

“The Ariya Concept offers a spacious, premium cabin with high-tech features and a body that conveys the pure, clean nature of electric cars. It embodies the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision of personal transportation – one where electrification and vehicle intelligence will offer seamless and adaptive travel experiences free of accidents or harmful emissions,” says Nissan.

The Ariya Concept expands on design elements first hinted at by the Nissan IMx concept which had debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show two years before.

They include the bold electrified V-motion signature “shield” and striking rear light blade, short overhangs, and an interior that feels more like a lounge than a conventional vehicle: “Although it’s a concept vehicle, the crossover EV’s bold styling and unconventional interior and exterior elements could make it into production in the near future.”

“The Ariya Concept represents a strong collaboration between design and engineering,” said Yasuhiro Yamauchi, representative executive officer, Nissan Motor.

“It is the next stage of Nissan’s future design language as we embark on a new era for the company – the next stage in our evolution.”

The Ariya Concept shared a stand with a very different – and already in the field – modified e-NV200, which was turned into an ice cream van for an allelectric, zero-emission concept to celebrate ‘Clean Air Day’ in the UK last summer.

Nissan partnered with Mackie’s of Scotland, an ice cream producer powering its family-owned dairy farm by renewable wind and solar energy. The project demonstrates how a ‘Sky to Scoop’ approach can remove carbon dependence at every stage of the ice cream journey.

Most ice cream vans, particularly older models, have diesel engines which are kept running to operate the refrigeration equipment. These motors are criticised for producing harmful emissions, including black carbon, when left idling. Some UK towns and cities are now looking to ban or fine these vehicles. Nissan’s concept presents

THE TWO POWERS The Ariya Concept is a crossover EV with twin electric motors, powerful acceleration and the protection of Nissan’s award-winning driver assistance technology.

a potential solution for vendors looking to reduce their carbon footprint, and offer customers a better experience. The prototype van is based on the e-NV200, Nissan’s 100% electric LCV (light commercial vehicle).

The concept is a working demonstration of Nissan’s Electric Ecosystem, combining a zero-emission drivetrain, second-life battery storage and renewable solar energy generation.

“Ice cream is enjoyed the world over, but consumers are increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of how we produce such treats, and the “last mile’ of how they reach us,” said Kalyana Sivagnanam, managing director, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. “This project is a perfect demonstration of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility strategy, applying more than a decade of EV experience and progress in battery technology to create cleaner solutions for power on the go – in ways

The Ariya Concept represents a strong collaboration between design and engineering”

customers might not expect. By eliminating harmful tailpipe emissions, and increasing our use of renewable energy, we can help make this a better world for everyone.”

Whilst the van’s motor is driven by a 40kWh battery, the on-board ice cream equipment – including a soft-serve machine, freezer drawer and drinks fridge – are powered by the newly unveiled Nissan Energy ROAM, which goes on sale later in 2019. Designed for both professional and leisure applications, ROAM is a portable power pack that uses lithium-ion cells recovered from early firstgeneration Nissan EVs (produced from 2010 onwards). This provides a sustainable second-life for Nissan EV batteries.

“We’re delighted to have worked with Nissan on this project as it’s the perfect complement to our own vision of becoming self-sustainable in renewable energy – and eliminating carbon in the journey from “Sky to Scoop’,” said Karin Hayhow, marketing director at Mackie’s of Scotland.

Away from mechanical engineering benches, Nissan also presented a new material at this year’s CES that can help make car cabins quieter while also boosting energy efficiency.

Nissan describes the new lightweight sound insulation material, known as acoustic meta-material, as deceptively simple. It works by a combination of a lattice structure and plastic film which controls air vibrations to limit the transmission of wide frequency band noise (500-1200 hertz), such as road and engine noise. Currently, most materials used to isolate this frequency band consist mainly of heavy rubber board. Nissan claims the new acoustic meta-material weighs one-fourth as much as these while providing the same degree of sound isolation.

ALL THE SWEETNESS, NONE OF THE GUILT The modified e-NV200 for the UK’s Clean Air Day turned an ice cream van into an all-electric and emissions-free treat.

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 29

WORKSHOP

SAFETY BELT AWARENESS IN KUWAIT / GITI TAKES TO THE TRACK IN THE REGION / BMW AND GETEC AGREE PARTNERSHIP / MG ZS EV AND HS WIN 5-STAR RATINGS

WORKSHOP

Kuwait needs to buckle up

INFINITI RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS CONFLICTING OPINIONS ON THE AGE WHEN CLICKING SHOULD KICK IN SAFETY More than half (56%) of parents don’t know the legal requirements for child seat belt use in Kuwait, according to a new survey.

More astonishingly, only 78% of parents said they require children to wear a seatbelt in the car, meaning 22% of parents surveyed do not enforce child safety measures whilst on the

roads. The highest reason cited by parents (54%) for not enforcing children to wear seatbelts, was that they were perfectly safe in the back seat without them, closely followed by they were not necessary on short trips (46%).

The research, conducted

by INFINITI Middle East, also showed conflicting opinions on the age when the safety practice should be introduced.

A PROCESS OF EDUCATION Correct seatbelt use is an ongoing topic of conversation in Kuwait despite it being illegal to be in moving vehicle without one.

One quarter (23%) of those surveyed said that seatbelts should be worn from the age of three, whilst 25% said the age for strapping in was six and above.

According to Kuwait law, vehicle driver and front seat passengers have to wear a seat belt at all times regardless of age.

The survey is part of a major new road safety awareness campaign by INFINITI Middle East, promoting the safety of children in vehicles. Called ‘Eyes on You’, the campaign sheds light on parent’s on-road behaviours and the impact these have on children.

“Correct seatbelt use is an ongoing topic of conversation in Kuwait, and this new survey shows that there is still a lot of confusion amongst parents, when it comes to safety rules,” said Markus Leithe, managing sirector, Middle East, INFINITI. “This new survey, and the ‘Eyes on You’ campaign, aims to draw attention to these crucial safety considerations, reminding parents of their responsibility and how on-road behaviour affects – and is eventually mimicked by - children.”

GITI RACES IN THE MIDDLE EAST FOR THE FIRST TIME TYRES

Giti Tire excited to make ‘international race Middle East debut with high-powered Formula 3 action at the Dubai Autodrome’ Giti Tire says its exclusive tyre provider sponsorship of the Formula 3 Asian Championship Series meant it will made ts racing debut in the UAE last month The championship races were held on January 10-11 in Dubai and January 17-18 in Abu Dhabi.

“Combining performance, safety, and efficiency, this FIA approved series provides great opportunities for these top performers to join Formula 2 and even Formula 1 competition in the future. Only the top quality of tires can be accepted to take on the challenge to grow with these top motorsports drivers,” explained Giti Tire in a statement.

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S WORKSHOP: ABU DHABI’S TRANSPORT FUTURE, INTERSEC 2020 OVERVIEW, THE LANGUAGE OF LIGHTS, AND MUCH MORE! 30 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

WORKSHOP

CE-CREATES LAUNCHES SHAMAL WORKWEAR

BMW GETS RUGGED WITH GETAC TECHNOLOGY

Mobile computing manufacturer Getac has been selected by the BMW Group to supply rugged mobile devices and solutions across its global network for a wide range of applications including R&D, production, warehouse logistics and workshop diagnostics.

Getac has supplied rugged equipment to the BMW Group for vehicle and application testing over the last six years. With the partnership renewed, Getac has received a large new order from the BMW Group for its S410, V110, F110, A140, UX10 and T800 series rugged notebooks and tablets.

Getac has adapted its equipment to the individual needs of the various user groups within the company. In the area of research and development, security and the protection of sensitive data is of paramount importance. In logistics, when using the internal BVIS picking system, the Getac A140’s clear, 14-inch display and optional barcode and RFID readers make recording key data simple and efficient.

Every Getac notebook and tablet offers high reliability and powerful performance, allowing users to perform complex tasks as efficiently as possible.

They are also meet the high quality standards of the automotive industry.

Under the key areas of “Industry 4.0” and digital transformation, Getac says its rugged solutions help open up new ways of optimizing the entire value chain for automotive production.

“The special challenge when working with the BMW Group is the wide range of application areas the company has, each with specific equipment demands that needed to be met,” explained Rick Hwang, president of Rugged & Video Solutions Business Group at Getac.

WORKWEAR CE-Creates has launched a line of specialised industrial clothing called Shamal.

With emphasis on both comfort and safety, the garments are designed for construction, municipal and other outdoor workers exposed to the extreme summer temperatures of the Middle East. Samer Choucair, director of CE-Creates, said the products are “a culmination of years of research and development and an effective and robust solution to one of the most common challenges faced by today’s workforce around the world”.

“The garments have been rigorously tested in a painstaking process involving six stages of prototype tests in the UAE. To ensure performance at the highest level, all elements of the garments were tested including fabrics and designs. Further testing involved

FROM PROTOTYPE TO PRATICAL The garments have been rigorously tested in a painstaking process involving six stages of prototype tests in the UAE.

mannequin simulations and onsite trials in challenging conditions.

Results reported include significant reduction in garment weight and improved thermal comfort superior to any previous garment worn.

These testaments are the greatest advocacy for the efficiency of our product,” said Choucair.

The evaluation process went

through a consortium of UAE and international construction companies, he added. Factors considered when developing the garments include heat dissipation, durability, and comfort.

Traditional concerns including shrinkage, reflective stripes and hardware disintegration and tears were also addressed.

MG CARS WIN EURO NCAP 5-STAR RATINGS SAFETY

MG has been awarded five-star Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Program) safety ratings for two of its newest models, the pure electric MG ZS EV and the All-New MG HS, both of which are now on sale across the Middle East.

The MG ZS EV becomes the first pure electric small SUV in Europe to meet Euro NCAP five-

star safety standards. In addition, the MG HS has also obtained ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program) five-star safety certification, making it the brand’s first SUV to achieve “double five-star” safety standards in both Europe and Australia.

MG is embracing the New Energy Vehicle world, and has already showcased this

A FIRST FOR THE BRAND The MG HS’ ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program) five-star safety certification makes it the brand’s first SUV to achieve “double five-star” safety standards in both Europe and Australia.

commitment through the successful introduction of the MG ZS EV in Europe and the UK, where it has enjoyed an overwhelming response from customers, as well in the Middle East where it was unveiled last month.

Tom Lee, Managing Director for MG Motor Middle East, said: “We are benefitting hugely from the brand’s global commitment to be at the forefront of new energy development. Now, as the region’s major cities focus on becoming the smartest and most sustainable in the world, we can contribute to that vision of the future with our first-ever 100% electric vehicle.

“The MG ZS EV is based on our compact SUV model, which has proved to be very popular in the region, especially in KSA where it was our second best-seller last year.

After extensive hot weather testing, and a robust development program I am very pleased to say we have an appealing, stylish and innovative electric vehicle for the region.”

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 31

FEATURE

HEIGHTENED SECURITY

Intersec 2020 continues the event’s transition into a technology showcase

T

he Middle East fire safety systems and equipment market will register 2.6 percent compound annual growth to 2025 accumulating a combined value of US$2.3 billion, according to a recent 6Wresearch recent report.

A report produced by 6Wresearch says the sector will grow from its current value of US$1.96 billion over the next five years with the UAE, Turkey and Saudi Arabia being the key drivers for the Middle East.

Growth projections are being accredited to economic growth and an increasing demand for sophisticated detection and fire-fighting systems with the bulk of the demand emanating from the commercial and industrial buildings sector.

32 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

Market demand is largely for firefighting systems and equipment, which accounts for 58 percent of spend, followed by fire detection and alarms systems at 31.8 percent and emergency and exit lighting taking up 10.3 percent.

Intersec, now in its 22nd edition, hosted more than 1,200 exhibitors from 54 countries around the world, took place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 19-21 January 2020.

The news comes as exhibitors arriving at the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety and fire protection, revealed that the sector is subject to massive technology disruption that will change the face of the industry and keep people safer.

Sweden’s Ultra Fog Company was planning to roll out game-changing technology at the showMihaiela Bocancea the company’s

Intersec has always been a technology showcase but is now emerging as a technology event”

marketing specialist says sound wave technology, video image smoke detection, fire-fighting drones and robots and water mist systems, which massively conserve water compared to their conventional counterparts will define the industry’s future.

“A Fire Protection system increases the chance of surviving a fire by more than 80 percent,” she says.

“Government institutions are increasingly supporting the use of fire protection systems by introducing laws and standards that oblige builders to protect their constructions.

Even public transport must be protected.

“A fire extinguishing system that is capable of early detection, is the solution.”

But Bocancea says that apart from providing safety solutions, today’s developers must also ensure that the systems they use also

FEATURE

protect the environment. “This is why we try to provide the industry with a fire extinguisher system that uses considerably less water and is environmentally friendly,” she says.

The company wanted to roll out its, ‘Ultra Fog’ systems at Intersec.

“It builds upon 30 years’ experience in research, development, and manufacturing of highly reliable water mist fire suppression systems and remains at the forefront of lifesaving technology,” explained Bocancea.

The Ultra Fog, says Bocancea, will change the face of fire-fighting due to its high cooling effect, low water consumption, reduced piping dimension and light weight system. “It can protect up to 48 sqm. with a single nozzle,” she points out.

And Ultra Fog believes its technology has particular relevance for the Middle East. “In the Middle East water is insufficient and precious, our water mist system would be the best fire protection solution in this area,” she asserts.

The UK’s fire detection leader, Apollo Fire Detectors, says it addressed the industry’s burning issue of discriminating between false alarms and real fires at Intersec.

Mohammed Al Zaben, Head of Sales - Middle East & North Africa says fire detectors, which pass new tests for resistance to false alarms and new flaming and smouldering polyurethane tests provide a solution.

“Manufacturers are developing new smoke and multi-criteria sensors to improve detector performance in line with the new UL268 7th edition standard, which comes into force in May 2020” he explained.

“The fire industry as a whole is adopting new technologies in many areas: better firefighting equipment, improved fire simulation to design safer buildings and better use of big data to track and predict fires.”

“The technology used in wireless fire detectors is also becoming more reliable, leading to greater use of this technology in environments where wired systems are not appropriate.

“This includes historic buildings where the building fabric cannot be penetrated and outdoor environments such as stadia and shopping centres,” he explained.

Al Zaben says more stringent legislation is driving sector growth.

“It is a trend that is shaping the industry.

Technological advancements including water mist technology, wireless alarm system, UL268 7th edition compliant smoke detectors, and an addition of integrating detection devices into building management

The industry is adopting new tech to design safer buildings and better use big data to track fires”

systems are further trends,” he explained.

At Intersec, which is organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, Apollo debuted its new range of smoke detectors developed to meet stringent UL268 7th edition standards, which comes into force next year.

Issues of innovation, environmental considerations and regulatory compliance will be the headline issues to be addressed at Intersec 2020’s expansive series of conferences, workshops, roundtables and live demos.

“Intersec has always been a technology showcase but is now emerging as a technology event,” explained said Andreas Rex, show director for Intersec. “We have responded with a highly pro-active knowledge-sharing programme which includes the Future Security Summit, the Fire Conference, Government Summits, Energy Industry Focus

Day, a specialised Arena and Academy.”

Ultra Fog and Apollo Fire Detectors made up more than 400 exhibitors taking part in the Fire & Rescue section of the show, which wass the largest of the six planned sections. Other segments included Commercial Security, Homeland Security & Policing, Information Security, Perimeter & Physical Security, and Safety & Health.

The Intersec Arena has been designed as a Tech Centre for Excellence.

“It’s an interactive space for product comparisons, technology-focused discussions and solution evaluation to educate end-users.

It will be a bridge that connects solution seekers with developers of game-changing innovations in an environment that reflects the dynamic and cutting-edge nature of the security industry,” added Rex.

INTER-AFRICA: ASEC EXPO SUPPORTED

BY INTERSEC

MORE THAN HALF THE MARKET Market demand is largely for fire-fighting systems and equipment, which accounts for 58% of spend.

ASEC EXPO, the African trade fair for security technology, is entering into a partnership with Intersec, the world’s leading tradefair brand for security and fire-safety technology.

The second African Security Exhibition & Conference (ASEC EXPO), which will be taking place in the Moroccan capital of Rabat in April 2020, will be organised in collaboration with Intersec, the world’s leading trade fair brand for security and fire-safety technology, under the umbrella of Messe Frankfurt. The partnership on the continent of Africa aims to bring a new dynamism to ASEC EXPO, both commercially and strategically.

Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Messe Frankfurt GmbH, says: “We are looking forward to a successful collaboration with the organiser of ASEC EXPO. Since we see ourselves as a catalyst, marketplace and multiplier for technology developers in various countries of the world, it is important for us – and we take it for granted – that we should pass on our expertise in this region of the African continent, too.”

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 33

FEATURE

A LANGUAGE OF LIGHTS Stephan Hartmann, head of Automotive Marketing at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, looks at the car lights of the future

I

n the car of tomorrow, today’s drivers will become passengers.

After the door is automatically unlocked, they will be welcomed individually because the vehicle will use infrared LEDs to identify the passenger by iris scanning or facial recognition. Once it has adjusted personal preferences such as the seat position, the passenger can sit back and relax. Or do other things because the car will drive autonomously. But how will we communicate with semi-autonomous or even driverless cars, and how will these cars communicate with their environment?

Today, a pedestrian waiting to cross the street makes eye contact with drivers and interprets a driver’s gestures as “go” or “stop.” But passengers in tomorrow’s driver’s seat will be reading their emails 34 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

or newspaper and leaving steering to the autopilot. How will pedestrians then recognise when it is safe to cross the road, and how will cars know when they need to stop?

“We need a new kind of communication,” says Stephan Hartmann, head of Automotive Marketing at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. “Light signals instead of eye contact and small gestures will signal to the pedestrian in the future: ‘I have seen you – you can now cross the street.’

“We won’t be reinventing communication for this though,” explains Hartmann. “For autonomous vehicles, we are simply taking a means of communication that has become established across the world over decades and developing it further.” In the early days, manual “signals” and “metal direction indicators” that were simply held out of the

The selfdriving car of the future will combine light signals with text or graphics”

window were used when turning. It was only in the 1950s that electric indicators came along. “Today, we know a lot about the basic functions of turn signals and brake lights and the related colour codes. “This is what we are building on,” says Hartmann.

“The technical development of the LED in combination with lasers and sensors allows us to do much more than just turn an indicator ‘on’ and ‘off’. By adding new colours and capabilities to classic lighting functions, we are taking communication to the next level.”

This means that car lighting is much more than illumination.

“The car lights of tomorrow will send messages. They will ensure safety, guide you and think for themselves because they will be controlled by sensors,” says Hartmann.

For example, icons and graphics can

FEATURE

OSRAM PUTS ULTRASLIM HEADLIGHTS IN FULL BEAM Light is the new chrome for cars, says Osram. In recent years, technological progress in car lighting has led to light becoming an essential design element in modern cars. Smaller and brighter light sources are leading to more compact and versatile headlamps. The powerful Osram Oslon Boost HM pays tribute to this trend by enabling ultra-slim headlamp designs in vehicles.

In addition to numerous features such as adaptive front lighting, often called bend lighting or matrix lighting, the miniaturisation of this component plays a particularly important role. With the Oslon Boost HM, Osram developers have succeeded in achieving an outstanding brightness of 415 lm at 1.5 A with a very small chip area of just 0.5 mm².

In addition to headlamps, the Oslon Boost HM can also be used in combination with other LEDs, to provide an additional high beam.

Thanks to its outstanding luminance, the LED is also suitable for use in MEMS-based adaptive front lighting systems. Osram Opto Semiconductors was able to draw on its many years of expertise in package design to create this new product.

“With the Oslon Boost HM, we are not only expanding our Oslon Boost product family to include particularly high luminance levels but are also helping our customers create ultra-slim headlamp designs,” explains Florian Fink, Marketing Manager for Automotive Exterior at Osram Opto Semiconductors.

“Thanks to our products, future vehicles will feature a ‘new face’.”

be projected onto the road with highresolution pixel headlights. This means that the self-driving car of the future will combine light signals with text or graphics, signaling not only that it will turn but also showing its underlying intent – for example “I want to park.”

In addition, the vehicle will use connected technology to pick up information that is outside the human field of vision. It will transmit it to drivers, pedestrians or the vehicles behind, making roads a safer place.

But the language of lighting and light signals is important not only from a safety point of view. Lighting is image. It is an integral part of a car’s individual brand language. It is no longer just about distinctive headlights – in the future, it will be possible to create new individual shapes and largeformat displays. The miniaturisation of LEDs and continual technical developments offer designers unlimited possibilities with distinctive lighting accents.

“Modern tuning is achieved through lighting – both inside and outside the vehicle. Light is so to say the new spoiler,” says Hartmann. “Cars will be highly standardised in the future. Lighting enables individuality, comfort and communication.”

Lounge feeling

The interior trim will also provide an entirely new driving experience in the car of the future.

In a wireless car, you will be driving in your own personal lounge or mobile office. Lighting will be an integral part of the interior and create a feeling of well-being, while passengers and drivers will focus on things other than traffic.

With the help of the new intelligent Osire LED solution, a large number of separate

Cars will be highly standardised in the future.

Lighting enables individuality, comfort and communication”

LEDs can be controlled individually or in groups, opening up almost unlimited design options: lighting for individual greeting scenarios or soft lighting to relax. But also dynamic, coloured lighting effects to draw the passenger’s attention back to traffic for example.

Window areas especially, will not only be an important communication area in terms of autonomous driving. They could be used as interactive displays for entertainment, as a work space for passengers or as advertising space for passers-by.

“In the car of the future lights will take over a variety of functions. For passengers this means relaxation above all,” says Hartmann, summarising the development scenarios.

“The car of tomorrow will know who you are and what you need. It will be where you need it. And, above all, it will bring you from A to B while you relax.”

THE ROAD AHEAD In the car of the future lights will take over a variety of functions. For passengers this means relaxation above all, says Hartmann.

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 35

OPINION

TURNING ABU DHABI GREEN H.E. Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, executive director of Strategic Affairs at Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi shares his vision for a greener city

T

he Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) is now working to host the activities of the tenth session of the World Urban Forum, in partnership with UN-Habitat. This great event takes place in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi from the 8th to the 13th February 2020, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Today, we find ourselves facing a major responsibility towards organising the activities of the tenth session of the World Urban Forum, where for five days, Abu Dhabi will be transformed into a bustling hub and focal point for experts all around 36 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

the world in smart and sustainable cities and sustainable urban development. There has been an announcement for more than 100 ministers and about 20 thousand people from more than 160 countries. From here, we had to formulate a clearly defined agenda for the World Urban Forum’s discussions and sessions during the six days of its convening.

In DMT, we look forward to cooperating with local and international partners, UNHabitat, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, to make this event held in Abu Dhabi the most attended and diversified session of the World Urban Forum among the previous sessions since it started in 2001.

The recommendations and results of the tenth session of the World Urban Forum will have a significant impact upon achieving the

It is important to aim towards ensuring good urban planning, adequate housing and infrastructure”

vision of integrated and sustainable urban growth in Abu Dhabi. The DMT vision does not only cover Abu Dhabi, however – this also covers a series of countries around the world for several generations to come. The approach is in line with the continuous development of the urban environments of the Emirates, where Abu Dhabi is particularly quick to improve and develop the social, economic, environmental and cultural dimensions of urban development.

We were determined to adopt an agenda that includes several major themes for the discussions and sessions of the tenth session of the World Urban Forum, and carries with it legal implications prepared by UN-Habitat such as exploring the current status of urban law in cities and towns at the global level, understanding the role that urban law plays

OPINION

WHAT DOES THE DMT DO? The Department of Municipalities and Transportation (DMT) was established

by Law No. 30 of 2019 and is the entity responsible for managing the urban planning and transport sectors, and three regional municipalities.

As the entity responsible for supporting the growth and urban development of Abu Dhabi Emirate, the DMT guides, regulates and monitors urban development activities. The expert authority improves municipal work to provide comprehensive services and creates higher living standards for residents through the supervision and management of the municipalities.

The DMT ensures the highest standards of safety, security, sustainability and technological developments of land, air and maritime transport networks of the Emirate, in line with the highest international standards and UAE legislation.

One of the DMT’s top priorities is to fulfil the vision of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, which draws on the vision of our UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

in facilitating good urban development, and defining and reinforcing urban law methodologies and mechanisms that promote sustainable human settlements development.

Based upon the contents of UN-Habitat, we have formulated the agenda of the tenth session of the World Urban Forum to include each of the following points: formulating a common approach at the level of the Arab region to establish sustainable future cities, formulating a mechanism to involve local communities in sustainable urban development, improving the quality of life, formulating an outlook agenda on the future of Arab cities sustainability, and formulating general points that summarise the challenges that stop the achievement of sustainable development of Arab cities and how to confront them and put them as a priority within future plans.

The launch of the agenda of the tenth session of the World Urban Forum stems from the close cooperation with UN-Habitat, where the most prominent objective of this cooperation is to discuss ways to build sustainable cities socially and environmentally.

Coordinating on the issues of urbanisation and human settlements is an important topic to the United Nations, and it is important to aim towards ensuring good urban planning, adequate housing and infrastructure, provide job opportunities, and providing essential services such as water, energy and sanitation.

Principles for preparing the agenda for the tenth session of the World Urban Forum came from the major documents outlining the mandate of UN-Habitat in the Vancouver Declaration on Human Settlements (Habitat I), the Istanbul Declaration on Human Settlements (Habitat II and the Habitat

UN COMMITMENTS Abu Dhabi is committed to sustainable development plans approved by the United Nations.

The Arab region suffers from an imbalance between the rates of urban growth and the needs of the population�

Agenda), the Declaration on Cities and Other Human Settlements in the new millennium, General Assembly Resolution 56/206, and other internationally agreed development goals, including the goals set out in the United Nations Millennium Declaration (General Assembly Resolution 55/2).

The themes that were formulated for the tenth session of the World Urban Forum are in line with the UAE Centennial Plan and the objectives of the National Agenda 2021. We are committed to sustainable development plans approved by the United Nations 2030, as well as the consistency of the agenda and the goals of the World Urban Forum, and according to the new urban agenda that charts the operational approach developed by UN-Habitat, which sets global standards for achievement in sustainable urban development.

FAST DEVELOPER Abu Dhabi wants to improve and develop the social, economic, environmental and cultural dimensions of urban development, including its transport network.

FEBRUARY 2020 TRUCK&FLEET ME 37

OPINION

WHAT IS THE WORLD URBAN FORUM? Established in 2001, the World Urban Forum is the world’s premier gathering on urban issues. The Forum examines the impact of rapid urbanization and its implications for social, economic and environmental policies in communities, cities and towns. UN-Habitat, the convener of the Forum, is the United Nations focal point for sustainable urban development working for an inclusive and prosperous urban future.

The Forum will bring together some 20,000 delegates from more than 150 countries. It will provide an opportunity to strengthen relationships and engagement and demonstrate the feasibility of incorporating sustainable and context-based practices in developed and developing countries.

Placed under the theme “Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation”, WUF10 will be an opportunity for Abu Dhabi to further showcase its achievements in promoting and implementing sustainable urban development as well as playing a significant role in leveraging innovation and cultural. Key topics including human capital, resource management, education and mobility, data and much more, will also be discussed during the five-day conference.

MASDAR AT THE CENTRE Masdar City brings together people in a collaborative environment that allows them to work and live in a sustainable manner.

The Arab region suffers from an imbalance between the rates of urban growth and the needs of the population. The discussions of the World Urban Forum will provide recommendations that help in the developing urban systems and policies that are in line with rapid economic, social and technological changes. It will also meet the main goals of the United Nations urban agenda that was adopted in Kyoto 2016 for sustainable cities.

The long-term development strategy is a focus on the renewable energy sector to diversify sources of income and diversify the return in the gross domestic product of the capital. Abu Dhabi has come a long way in this field, making it a pioneer in the field of sustainability and the optimal use of clean energy.

Abu Dhabi has an exemplary model of sustainable urban development, where

Masdar city is one of the most sustainable urban communities in the world and includes a growing low carbon complex”

THINKING LONG-TERM The long-term development strategy for Abu Dhabi will lean towards the renewable energy sector to diversify sources of income and diversify the economy.

38 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

Masdar city is one of the most sustainable urban communities in the world and includes a growing low carbon complex based on clean technologies. It includes a free zone, a residential area, restaurants, retail stores, and green parks. Masdar has built its philosophy based on three pillars of economic, social and environmental sustainability and is making a green footprint for sustainable urban development in cities, to provide realistic solutions in the field of water, energy efficiency and waste reduction.

As Masdar City is a living model open to the public – as it brings together tourists, residents, students, academics, businessmen, business leaders and investors in a collaborative environment that allows them to work, entertainment and live in a sustainable manner - through the World Urban Forum we can move forward to a more spacious world in building smart and sustainable cities as an ideal option on all economic, social, and environmental levels.

This approach is in line with the aims of the UAE government, and according to the new urban agenda that charts a practical approach developed by the UN-Habitat, which will set the standards for global achievement in sustainable urban development.

Abu Dhabi has demonstrated its ability to develop its strategic growth in a sustainable manner as the urban environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is distinguished by its unique urban identity and openness to the whole world. As the World Urban Forum is being held for the first time in the Middle East and the Arab world, this will give a strong testament to the success of Abu Dhabi’s strategy in implementing sustainable urbanisation.”

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PARTING SHOT

AUTO MAKERS

W Motors begins building the UAE’s first autonomous vehicle facility

D

ubai-based W Motors has laid the foundation stone for its W Motors Automotive Facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The automotive facility will be built at a cost of $100.7m and is expected to spread over 120,000sqft in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The ground-breaking event, which saw Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) laying the foundation stone, was attended by Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, vice chairman and CEO of DSOA and Ralph R Debbas, W Motors founder & CEO. The first phase of the project is set to be completed by 2020, following which the production of all W Motors vehicles will move to this location including the limited series Fenyr SuperSport, upcoming new vehicles, electric and autonomous models, as well as all vehicles under the company’s Special Projects Division.

“As Dubai continues to consolidate its position as an international testing ground for state-of-the-art technology, it is attracting foreign direct investments, international tech companies, promising start-ups, and innovative entrepreneurs from around the

globe. As the comprehensive geo-economic map of the emirate is being developed by the Dubai Free Zones Council, in line with the Fifty-Year Charter launched earlier this year by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which will accelerate the drive for further economic diversification and give it more momentum, free zones like Dubai Silicon Oasis continue to be the hub of choice for cutting-edge companies looking for advanced business ecosystems that provide full traction for launches and growth locally, regionally, and globally,” said Sheikh Ahmed.

According to a statement, Phase One of the project will be divided into three blocks.

The Manufacturing Division will comprise a mechanical workshop, an assembly area, a ‘Concept & Prototype’ manufacturing zone, and will feature the latest machines equipped with advanced smart technologies for the production of carbon fibre, aluminium and other parts.

The main headquarters building will include the design, engineering, research and development and training centres along with an autonomous and technology development

department. The W Motors Gallery, which will showcase all the company’s models, will become a unique experiential space for visitors from all over the world, the statement said.

Dr Al Zarooni added: “Dubai Silicon Oasis offers businesses a unique ecosystem that allows them to benefit from Dubai’s role as a springboard for businesses seeking growth in the GCC which holds opportunities worth more than $1.5tn across all economic sectors. We look forward to welcoming W Motors as a new and highly-anticipated addition to the automotive industry in the UAE, especially considering that such an industry requires a long supply chain of products and services, which in turn can create an exciting set of trickle-down opportunities in autonomous driving technologies and related products and services.”

Phase Two of the project will comprise the W Motors Automotive Academy, that is said to have been developed in partnership with leading regional and international educational institutions. It will offer automotive design, engineering, transportation and AI-themed courses, in addition to certified programmes catering to students and interns from all over the world.

NEXT ISSUE: GREEN OPERATORS SPECIAL WITH THE UAE COMPANY TAKING A DELIVERY LEAD AND THE LATEST FROM ION, AND MORE!

40 TRUCK&FLEET ME FEBRUARY 2020

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