Truck&Fleet ME April 2023

CONNECTOR THE GREAT DATA

Nicholas Watson, CEO & Co-Founder of Udrive, on why telematics on the cloud is creating a revolution in fleet management

THE END OF COMBUSTION

In his most recent book, Stephen Bayley, an architect by trade and founder of the Design Museum in London describes the car as the greatest cultural and design phenomenon of the 20th century before musing that we are now seeing the Age of Combustion come to its end.

“In design terms, the Age of Combustion was as rich and varied as architecture’s Baroque – and far more popular. And now it is coming to an end, as the internal-combustion engine is superseded by the battery and cars become wheeled computers, running on AI not oil,” writes Bayley.

The book itself has been described as a celebration of all-things automotive, an almost tinted-window look at a golden age where the rumble of an engine signalled freedom and symbolised the hopes of an age now passed. At a time, where many people – often in this magazine – are talking about the democratisation of mobility, the freedom to pick and choose how and when you want to travel, it is worth pondering that a century ago we already had it. All powered by the explosion of fuel under our bonnets.

There is a reason people talk about range anxiety and also feel range anxiety behind the wheel of an electric vehicle. An open road

is no longer open to you if you are questioning the battery info on your dashboard, and you’re worrying whether you will be find a charging point up ahead. Well, if you can find and afford an EV that is. I get that and I get Bayley. When Audi talks about moving to fully electric in a timespan you can measure in months, as they do in this issue of T&FME, many of us will feel an element of regret that we are passing into a new age with fewer certainties of the past. That’s progress folks. And now it’s up to those that are working in EV, AI, AV – and in any of your favourite mobility initials – to remember that we have to be replacing the old with a new that gives as many people as possible a chance to see and feel the opportunities ahead of us. Pulling down the rosetinted windows on the past, for a second, it is vital that we recognise that it took decades for most people to fully enter the Age of Combustion. Now we have a chance to reach as many people as possible, let’s ensure that we don’t keep the phenomenon of mobility locked into the richest pockets and the most lucrative areas. We need mobility in all its forms for as many people as possible – and to do that we need governments, private enterprise and all of us with a hand on the steering wheel to work together.

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MOST POPULAR

FLEET

UAE residents turning to rental cars during Ramadan, says study

LOGISTICS

Amazon opens new Fulfillment Center in Dubai

FINANCE

CARS24 offering test drive giveaway for pre-owned test drives during Ramadan

FLEET

Al-Futtaim heralds a new e-mobility era with launch of Electric Mobility Co.

CARS

FLEET

Plant visit: Expanding horizons in Bhuj T&FME visits BKT’s Bhuj operation in India and finds the OH tyre firm is determined to keep growing

CARS

Mercedes-Benz launches digital campaign to foster equal opportunity Reema Juffali, Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver, is at the centre of the emotional campaign film marking International Women's Day

FLEET

Bentley looks forward to retiring its ‘iconic’ W12 engine

First introduced as the 6l, twinturbocharged W12 in 2003, the engineering team in Crewe has continually improved performance ever since

FEATURES

Analysis: 3PL in the UAE Astute Analytica takes a look at how the UAE third-party logistics market is projected to reach a market valuation of $6.5 billion by 2030

INTERVIEW

BEEAH Transport heading to the next level: Nasir Al Shamsi interview

T&FME talks to Nasir Al Shamsi, the man in charge of BEEAH Transport’s green ambitions

Audi Dubai and Northern Emirates showcases latest model lineup during UAE Tour

ELECTRIC MOBILITY COMPANY FORMED IN UAE / FM FLEETS WANT MORE COLLABORATION

DNATA DOING WELL DOWN-UNDER / JEDDAH

NETWORK

Al-Futtaim heralds a new e-mobility era

MOBILITY

Al-Futtaim says it is laying down a strong marker in the country’s green mobility landscape with a triple announcement at their Future Mobility Day event. Held at the Ain Dubai Plaza, Bluewaters restort, the event was intended to demonstrate how the firm intends to remain at the forefront of the UAE’s fastexpanding e-mobility sector.

With the UAE declaring 2023 to be the ‘Year of Sustainability’, and the country welcoming worldleaders later in the year at the United Nations’ Conference of the Parties (COP28) Climate Change Conference - green mobility has become a priority agenda, with

the UAE government committing to more zero-emission solutions and investments under the UAE Net-Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.

Al-Futtaim announced three major unveilings, all leading to their future mobility vision. The first announcement was the launch of their Electric Mobility Company –and the UAE’s first ever e-mobility focused dealership. The company will operate as an individual entity, with a team of global talents pooling their expertise in electric vehicle, hybrid and automotive, led by a newly appointed managing director, Hasan Nergiz.

With the vast experience and resources of Al-Futtaim, the new company is slated to grow fast in

a sector already seeing a surge in demand; with the UAE’s EV market expected to grow at a CAGR of 30% until 20281. The UAE has one of the highest levels of EV acceptability, as 30% of the UAE residents strongly consider buying an EV to contribute to the green transition. The UAE also has one of the highest charging-station-tovehicle ratios in the world, with 325 charging stations currently and plans to increase this number significantly in the coming years. Nergiz shared, “Beyond selling EV cars, the company represents a remarkable leap in the automotive sector and the way we steer the future of the business: “Our vision is to redefine the way customers

perceive electric and hybrid, and to give everyone in the UAE open access to advanced technologies and new-age, sustainable driving experiences. Now more than ever is the right time to launch this electric mobility company, with the growing customer demand and the government imperative on green technologies.”

The new Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company also announced BYD as its first NEV (New Energy Vehicle) partner, which was the second significant announcement of the day. The UAE will now be the first country in the region to have the industry-defining BYD vehicles touring its streets, with AlFuttaim as its UAE representative.

GLOBAL MOBILITY SERVICE MARKET IS FORECAST TO SOAR TO $4BN BY 2030 FROM JUST $3.3BN IN 2021, SAYS UAE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY

THE NEW AL-FUTTAIM ELECTRIC MOBILITY COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT IS POWERED BY THE NEW NEV (NEW ENERGY VEHICLE) PARTNERSHIP WITH BYD, SAYS FIRM

FM COMPANIES CALL FOR GREATER COOPERATION AT ACCESS AND HANDLING SUMMIT

FLEET

FM contractors and experts from across the access and handling sector have called for greater industry cooperation to protect lives and ensure construction and building maintenance are more sustainable. The Access and Handling Summit took place last month at the Habtoor Polo Club in Dubai, with a series of panels taking a deep dive into the challenges facing the sector.

A forum featuring representatives from facilities management firms Emrill, Farnek and Gracko sectors highlighted how effective collaboration early in the construction process is essential.

Other talking points during the day included equipment and team mobilisation best practice, planning for working in a construction and built environment, project stakeholder co-ordination and improving efficiency and value for the project and building owners.

The event, which doubled its audience from 2022, also explored the possibilities for wider use of electric equipment and emerging technologies such as AI and IoT.

“We wanted an event where people were able to really tackle the major issues of this sector and we had fantastic participation, especially from the audience,” said Stephen White, head of content, Construction Machinery Middle East. “Clearly this sector wants to reach out to as many stakeholders as possible - and it was great to see this passion for their work throughout the day.”

AUDI SHOWCASES MODEL LINEUP DURING TOUR

CARS

Al Nabooda Automobiles, the authorised distributor of Audi in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, was the official automotive sponsor of the recent UAE Tour 2023, ensuring that the world-recognised UCI World Tour stage cycling race proceeded smoothly and safely throughout the week-long race.

As part of this significant partnership, Al Nabooda Automobiles provided the UAE Tour with over 60 Audi models to support the iconic race. These included the Audi S8 which served as a lead car at the start of each stage, and the A8, which transported key VIPs to and from the event. The UAE Tour is a seven-day UCI World Tour stage race, which includes opening flat stages in the

desert and culminates with arduous climbing days. It is the only UCI World Tour event in the Middle East.

Audi Q models were also provided to each individual team as support vehicles, demonstrating their versatility and overall functionality for those with athletic or adventurous lifestyles. Each of the models were used to the best of their capabilities throughout the race

stages, delivering reliable, comfortable and spacious capacity for the Tour teams during the race. UAE-Team Emirates rider Adam Yates, made it to the mountain finish at Jebel Hafeet in an exhilarating final stage to the race and secured third place overall, just behind Australia’s Luke Plapp, of Ineos Grenadiers, with Remco Evenepoel claiming overall victory by 59 seconds.

DNATA WINS BONZA SERVICES CONTRACT

FLEET

dnata says its multi-year contract with Australia’s newest airline, Bonza, will help the firm expands its retail catering footprint in the country. Under the terms of the contract, the Emirates-owned service provider will oversee operations and services for Bonza including the delivery of the airline’s on-demand 100% Australian menu. dnata’s global experience and comprehensive, end-to-end solution will ensure a seamless implementation and delivery of the airline’s retail program across

its operations, said dnata. Retail experts from the company have worked in partnership with Bonza to select and develop a broad range of Australian made products. These include quality meals, beverages, and snacking items, helping the airline provide a fresh approach to the onboard experience and maximise ancillary revenue, explained dnata.

dnata Catering will support Bonza’s operations from a new facility near the carrier’s base at Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY) – the first of its kind for

the burgeoning airport. Including its newest catering centre, dnata Catering now operates 15 facilities with a team of over 3,000 highly trained professionals, providing tailor-made inflight catering and retail services to over 40 airlines in Australia.

“We are immensely proud to have been selected as the inflight retail partner of Bonza. Our innovative solutions, combined with our deep understanding of passenger needs, will ensure a memorable and unique inflight experience, helping the airline deliver on its ambitious growth plans,” said Hiranjan Aloysius, Chief Executive Officer of dnata Catering Australia.

“We are extremely honoured to be part of this historical moment in Australian aviation history and look forward to contributing to Bonza’s success.” Having launched operations in January 2023, Bonza, Australia’s only independent low-cost carrier, currently offer 17 routes across 13 locations from its home base at MCY.

INTEGRATED LOGISTICS PARK COMING TO JEDDAH

FLEET

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry have agreed to set up an integrated logistics park at Al Khumrah in the south of Jeddah at a cost of one billion riyals (USD 266 million). Mawani said the logistics development will further bolster its

role as a key player in the national transportation ecosystem and boost its drive to “position the Kingdom as a global logistics destination in line with the ambitions of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), alongside realising the outcomes of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program

(NIDLP) that aim to transform Al Khumrah into a world-leading platform for logistics and supply chain activities.” Designed for optimum asset utilisation, the park is set to create over 10,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in the logistics sector while strengthening Jeddah Islamic Port’s pivotal position as a major maritime hub delivering top-tier services and increased throughput capacity. Spread over 3sqkm, the logistics park comprises of three zones that include shared warehouses, medium-sized storage yards and single warehouses, and large storage yards and on-demand warehouses. The various zones fulfil importers’ and exporters’ requirements of stocking multipurpose cargo, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

POLESTAR 2 LANDS AT MALL OF EMIRATES

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Performance electric vehicle Polestar 2 has arrived at the state-of-the-art new Polestar Space at the Mall of the Emirates. Hosted by the Swedish EV company and Al Futtaim Trading Enterprises, the new exhibit offers customers to connect with Polestar, take a test drive and purchase the 100% electric Polestar 2. Situated on Level 1 of the mall, the new Polestar Space has been expanded to a total floor space of 234 m2 and can accommodate

up to three Polestar EVs at a time, in addition to a configuration studio for customers to create their perfect Polestar, as well as two private consultation rooms for one-to-one interactions with Polestar Specialists.

“The reaction to Polestar in the UAE so far has been positive and amazing, and we’re excited to give customers an enhanced experience through the new Polestar Space in Mall of the Emirates,” said Mohamed Kassem, general manager for Polestar UAE.

“Offering improved service in every way, the new Polestar Space is the perfect setting to showcase the cutting-edge, sustainable design and advanced technologies of Polestar 2, as well as upcoming models to be launched in the future.”

The opening of the Polestar Space in Mall of the Emirates follows a highly successful debut year for Polestar in the Emirates, as the vehicle enjoyed significant interest following the market launch of the Polestar 2 in February 2022.

CARS24 OFFERING TEST DRIVE GIVEAWAY FOR PREOWNED TEST DRIVES

RETAIL

CARS24, one of the fastest growing e-commerce platforms for pre-owned cars in the UAE, has launched its Ramadan Bumper Offer that will give its customers test-driving in Dubai the chance to win a new 128GB iPhone 14 every single day.

Widely known for providing ease and convenience, customers can opt to use the CARS24 app or website to book their test drive at a preferred location in Dubai for a nominal refundable fee or visit the CARS24 Test Drive Hub in Jebel Ali. Customers from other Emirates will need to conduct the test drive in Dubai at CARS24 Test Drive Hub in Jebel Ali to be eligible for the raffle draw.

“We have seen a major boost in sales during this auspicious time,” said Abhinav Gupta, CEO, Gulf Region for CARS24. “The operations at CARS24 have immensely grown over the years with the loyal support of our customers and this year, we wanted this offer to reflect our gratitude towards this community for the recognition we have received by offering the chance to test our wide collection featuring SUVs, sedans and high-end luxury cars to help our customers make a well-informed decision.”

Opened in 2022, the CARS24 Test Drive Hub is a one-stop shop for all things related to purchasing a used car, including affordable finance and insurance options.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: THE MOBILITY SPECIAL ISSUE LOOKS AT THE COMPANIES RESHAPING THE FLEET MARKET, AND MUCH MORE!

NAZ Industries for almost 3 decades is a global leader in manufacturing of different range of truck mounted bodies, different types of semi-trailers and process vessels. We are specialized in design, manufacture and supply of our products using internationally recognized engineering software and advanced production machinery in the manufacturing Industry. Focusing on global standards requirement and International Road regulations has made NAZ a reputed and valuable brand in both local and international market. Since establishment NAZ designed, engineered, and manufactured over 100,000 products shipped to more than 28 countries worldwide. At NAZ, we believe in a philosophy that any further BUSINESS is an outcome of continued AFTER SALES SUPPORT

Address: NAZ Industries LLC, Jebel Ali Industrial

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MAMMOET SHIFTS HUGE 1.5GW CCGT POWER PLANT IN UZBEKISTAN

FLEET

When Mammoet was approached by Globalink Logistics to assist with the transportation of heavy items for the construction of a new power plant in the city of Shirin, Uzbekistan, it certainly wasn’t a case of “let’s cross that bridge when we come to it” when rising to the engineering challenge.

Developed by ACWA Power, the new 1.5GW combined cycle gasturbine (CCGT) power plant is part of the Uzbekistan Government’s plan to improve efficiency and capacity of its electricity production, while boosting economic growth and reducing environmental impact.

Uzbekistan doesn’t have sea access, so typically Caspian Sea ports are chosen for receiving any Out of Gauge (OOG) cargo. For this project we have chosen Kazakhstan Port of Bautino. This cargo’s destination was the city of Shirin in Uzbekistan, meaning once it arrived at the Caspian port it would face a 2200-kilometre road trip. A team of engineers, headed up by Mammoet

Operations Manager Marek Lysko, set to work on planning the best method to get the OOG components (ranging from 130t to 517t) from port to plant.

It was decided that Port of Bautino on the coast of the Kazakh Caspian Sea, would be the best port to receive the cargo. Mammoet has had a presence in the Caspian region since 2004.

Mammoet has access to crawler cranes, conventional and SPMT trailers, and a yard with 30 t/ m2 maximum allowable ground

bearing capacity. The port also links to important transport corridors, which makes transport of heavy loads through the region more efficient.

“We call it Mammoet Port, because it’s purely operated by us,’ says Ali Yoldashov, Mammoet’s regional manager – Caspian. “Bautino is a seaport and has sufficient draft, unlike other ports in the Caspian Sea. The ground-bearing pressure capacity on the port is sufficient enough to handle oversized cargo on the crane outreach. It also gave us the

possibility to make customs clearance, and practically unlimited storage space. We established it was the only solution.”

Most of the OOG items would be loaded straight from vessel to trailer and then driven to the site directly from the port. However, for the five heaviest items, most notably the 517t gas turbines, this wasn’t possible.

Yoldashov, explains: “The gas turbines can be transported on a rigid set of conventional trailers having large axle numbers, but because the load capacity of the majority of the existing bridges in Uzbekistan, the load spreading calculation entered the discussion. Everybody understood that this solution wouldn’t be suitable for the transportation of these heavy units on the bridges. What we had to do was distribute the weight by hanging the cargo between two separate trailers at the front end and rear end.”

Even with this solution and 480 tyres distributing the load, there were still some bridges unable to handle the extreme axle loads.

MB LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO FOSTER EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

OEMS

What if we lived in a world where it was even more normal than it is today for women to pursue supposedly “male careers”?

A world where gender is no longer an issue, because being a woman in certain areas is no longer the exception. That is the theme of the MercedesBenz campaign film for International Women’s Day 2023. Because despite widespread progress in recent decades on the subject of equal opportunity, the path must be consistently pursued. To raise awareness, the film focuses on three female protagonists who have close ties to the company. The brand with the iconic star logo is actively supporting them in achieving their goals and dreams.

“With the digital marketing campaign for International Women’s Day, we are stepping up our

communications on the principles of our company and around such initiatives as She’s Mercedes. We are again using our social media reach to actively promote a world where diversity and equal opportunity matter.

Because it is only when people respect and value one another that a company – and a society – can be successful,” said Bettina Fetzer, VP, Communications & Marketing Mercedes-Benz AG Sabine Kohleisen, member of the Board of Management of MercedesBenz Group AG, responsible for the Human Resources Division & Director of Labour Relations added: “We are convinced that our ambitious business objectives can become reality only with the best talents in diverse teams. To make this happen, we want to have even more qualified women in senior management positions – and want to inspire and attract even more talented women to careers in technical professions.”

In 2006, Mercedes-Benz was among the first German corporations to set itself a voluntary goal to increase the share of women in senior

management positions to 20 percent by the end of 2020. This share is currently at almost 25 percent. With women still underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree programmes and related occupations, the advancement of women remains an important and challenging focus topic.

As a next step, Mercedes-Benz aims to have 30 percent women in senior management by 2030. The Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG is almost 40 percent female, with three women among the eight members. At the centre of the emotional campaign film is Reema Juffali, Saudi Arabia’s first female racing driver, who is competing in the GT World Challenge at the wheel of a MercedesAMG GT3. Reema Juffali was born in Jeddah in 1992. She is the first female racing driver from Saudi Arabia.

LONG RANGE KIA EV9 DEBUTS AS THREE-ROW E-SUV REVEALED / EMPOW POWERS INTO SAUDI MARKET FOLLOWING UAE DEBUT

LAUNCHES

KIA EV9 will offer ‘athletic performance’

KIA HAS REVEALED FULL DETAILS OF THE KIA EV9, ITS FIRST THREE-ROW SEAT ELECTRIC SUV

Kia says the Kia EV9, its first three-row seat electric flagship SUV, brings fresh thinking, design, and technology to the sector and spearheads the brand’s rapid transformation to a sustainable mobility solutions provider in the era of electrification.

Based on the game-changing Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9 ensures “athletic performance”, complemented by a targeted all-electric range over 541 km, according to the World harmonised Light vehicle Testing Procedure (WLTP). Ultrafast 800-volt charging capability enables the EV9 battery pack to be replenished with sufficient charge to power the vehicle for 239 km

in approximately 15 minutes. Numerous technological breakthroughs include the Highway Driving Pilot (HDP) system, available in the Kia EV9 GT-line in the future, enabling conditional Level 3 autonomous driving in selected markets. It also introduces the Kia Connect Store, which enables customers to purchase digital features and services on demand, giving them the flexibility to choose the features they want and continuously upgrade the capability of the EV9 with Over the Air (OTA) updates at any time.

Ho Sung Song, President and CEO, said: “The Kia EV9 transcends all aspects of traditional SUV thinking and represents

the pinnacle of Kia’s design and engineering capabilities. Created to meet the needs of all family members, the EV9 also spearheads Kia’s rapid transition to a sustainable mobility solutions provider, not just by its advanced EV architecture, but also through the numerous recycled and sustainable materials used in its creation.”

The Kia EV9 will go on sale in selected global markets from the second half of 2023, and features a 3,100-mm wheelbase, supported by a choice of 21inch, 20-inch or 19-inch wheels. With an overall length of 5,010 mm, it stands at 1,980-mm wide and 1,755-mm tall, displaying

a bold and contemporary appearance while “still maintaining its unique character”.

The EV9 delivers on performance with an impressive aerodynamic coefficient of 0.28. This has been achieved through the implementation of several advanced features. These include Kia’s first-ever 3D-sculpted underbody cover, which features a convex shape at the front and a concave shape at the rear, along with aerodynamic wheels, and innovative air curtains integrated into the front bumper. These elements combine seamlessly to provide superior airflow control and optimised performance and efficiency,

READY TO DRIVE

The Kia EV9 will go on sale in selected global markets from the second half of 2023, and features a broad choice of electric powertrain configurations based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) technology.

EMPOW SCREECHES INTO KSA

GAC MOTOR’S EMPOW SEDAN GETS SAUDI DEBUT AFTER UAE LAUNCH

SWIVEL AND RELAX SEATING

The Kia EV9 offers a range of seating options that cater to diverse needs with seven-seater and six-seater configurations and a variety of second-row seat options suitable for different situations such as moving, charging, and resting.

delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

The EV9 features a broad choice of electric powertrain configurations based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and utilising Kia’s fourth-generation battery technology. A 76.1-kWh battery is offered exclusively with the Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) Standard model, while a 99.8-kWh battery is fitted in both the

RWD Long Range and All Wheel Drive (AWD) variants.

The RWD Long Range model utilises a 150 kW/350 Nm electric motor, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0-to-100 km/h in 9.4 seconds, as preliminary data reveals. Also powered by a single electric motor, albeit a more powerful 160 kW/350 Nm variant, the Standard RWD EV9 can accelerate from 0-to100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The all-new EMPOW is built to deliver an exhilarating drive packed with advanced smart features, stunning racecar design and ultimate handling, says GAC Motor. Ushering a new chapter of the modern and sporty sedan with an iconic wider and lower stance coupled with its racecar-style exhaust sound, the new model takes on GAC Motor’s revolutionary technology and boasts a refreshing and trendy design and dynamic exterior. GAC Motor chose the UAE to be the first market in the Middle East to showcase the EMPOW due to its strategic importance within the region at the end of 2022 and is now launching in Saudi Arabia, Comprising a 1.5TGDI engine, EMPOW brings users a stronger sporty, youthful vibe, and is equipped with a central console screen, wireless phone charging, the L2 ADAS feature—making it much more advanced in terms of technology, innovation and smart driving experience as compared to its competitors in the segment. GAC Motor seeks a presence in this sporty sedan segment and EMPOW delivers it in style with 177 max horsepower and 270 Nm torque delivering strong power coupled with superb handling. Designed with both style and performance in mind, the EMPOW is a sporty sedan that will appeal to the diverse driving demands of young consumers.

QUICK MOVER 0-100KM/HR IN 6.95SECS

With a 1.5L turbo-power engine that utilises GAC MOTOR’s in-house developed MegaWave technology, the model can accelerate from 0 to 100KM per hour in just 6.95 seconds, with a 7-speed DCT transmission and 270 Nm of torque. Featuring a sleek silhouette with futuristic lines, the EMPOW has an oversized front grille, 18-inch alloys and quad exhausts at the rear giving the model a distinct sportscar appearance. Its interior is styled in brightcolored leather panels and carbon fibre materials, it is integrated with dual smart touchscreens, providing drivers with a futuristic and ergonomic driving experience. Following its UAE debut through Gargash, GAC MOTOR is now rolling out models to Saudi Arabia in the upcoming months, introducing its signature craftsmanship to esteemed customers in the country and further strengthening its reputation as a leading automaker.

1.5l

270Nm

7-speed DCT 0 to 100km 6.95 seconds

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THE GREAT

PROBLEM SOLVER

T&FME talks to Soham Shah, CEO, SelfDrive about how the firm has won over the car industry in the Middle East

The rental and leasing scene in the region has become a very crowded party over the last decade. Traditionally hosted by the big name rental firms and leasing distributor houses, gatecrashers have stormed though the doors offering an entirely new way for consumers to get the cars they want and for the length of time they want. Leading this charge is SelfDrive. The brainchild of the amiable Soham Shah, the company is a rare of example of where everyone seems to benefit. Partnering with car makers, dealers and lessors, ranks of cars can be shifted via its fleet platform ensuring vehicles get on the roads. Consumers, meanwhile, get access to new to as-good-as new vehicles from over 25 brands – the list keeps growing - with cars offered from 24 hours to 36 months. It’s a what you want, when you want it approach, that has made SelfDrive the leading car rental tech firm in the region.

Shah recalls when the company decided to move away from a straight chauffer service and leasing firm working in five Indian states to a fully-fledged Mobilityas-a-Service player in the Middle East.

Going back as far as 2007, Shah said he and his team had noted a lack of control when it came to buying cars for leasing services in India. The buy-to-lease model often meant that vehicles had to be sold if they weren’t being used.

“We were doing all the big names in India and realised that the only option after a vehicle had been leased was to auction it out,” he says.

What the car industry and their fleet customers needed was flexibility and the ability to maximise their investment into individual vehicles. And that meant better utilisation.

“The SelfDrive concept came to us in 2011 with a blue print of a concept called “microlease” in 2012. It was just a very vague one line draft, later on it started being called as car subscription,” he explains. “We called it “microlease” because as a product it sat right below the leasing model. We identified a gap in the market. One could only find daily / weekly rental or go to a big leasing company, but could’nt find a solution if you could use the vehicle as on-demand?”

With the SelfDrive model taking shape as a company that could offer all-in-one service Daliy/Weekly rentals,

microlease (car subscription) - 1month to 12 months and customized leasing solution & lease own (now known as its LeasePro programme), the company then needed two things: a digital platform to host the services (“We had the fleet, we had appetite. What was missing, was the technology to power and manage it all) and a market where it would be welcomed. This led to its launch in the UAE in 2017.

“What actually happened was one of the heads of a major automotive OEM was using our services at Mumbai International Airport at the time and asked us how serious we were to grow out of India,” he recalls. The problem being presented to the firm was how OEM and distributors had unsold inventory that was losing value in the Middle East.

“I remember going to a yard in 2016 and seeing piles/lines of unsold cars. These were brand new cars sitting in the desert by the way,” he explains. “We were operating SelfDrive in India, but it was difficult to gain momentum because of travel limitations on working between states. So, we said, let’s test the market out.”

Shah proudly tells T&FME that the company is now the largest vehicle subscription service in the region. Oman has followed its UAE launch and last year it entered Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and finally Kuwait. It is poised to join fellow micro-leasers iDrive and ekar in Saudi Arabia with the service likely to gain even more popularity with OEM and distributors as it expands.

“We can monetise the same vehicle whether that is through a microlease or a lease-to-own arrangement. The same model can have a different monetisation ratio depending on how our tech implemented,” he remarks.

One of its main reasons for success has also been the choice for consumers. The platform is open to any OEM or distributor that wants to partner with SelfDrive, ensuring that it offers a huge range of vehicles. Need a sports car for the weekend. No problem. Need to switch to a family car when your relatives stay with you? That can be accommodated too.

“We wanted a platform that was entirely agnostic,” says Shah. “It is a brand agnostic platform for dealers’ unsold inventory and the flexibility it offers to the users becomes immense.

“We all know Volvo is doing

something in subscription, Hyundai is doing something in subscription but if you want a change your car you’re options are limited to that brand.”

He adds that the service is particularly popular with the expatriate community.

“Our initial analysis showed that it was taking 18-24 months for someone to make their first purchasing decision,” he reveals.

“This is because when you arrive, banks will leave you alone as your credit rating is not set, and you may not be able to have

the down payment you need to get the car that you want.” Services like SelfDrive now offers a way faster and flexiable access to mobility on-demad than in it was in the past.

The turnaround is rapid, the platform has the capacity to offer car subscription reservation to be servered on the same day and within 3 hrs delivered to you especially comparing with the given time taken in the past of 24 to 48hrs & the game changer is “LeasePro” service that offers only Brand New Cars direct

from the dealership as compared to the traditional leasing methods.

“The average waiting time for a leased car delivery can take up to 30-40 days or more to get your desired car. We reduced it 7 days. If you want to lease a car now, click onto LeasePro in the app - you can view our listed brand new cars with zero kilometres and you can have it in the colour and trim you want. Also the 7 days is just so we can get it valeted, Insured and registered. We can potentially even do it in 3- 4 days….”

A younger demographic that does not have the financial clout to make a big vehicle purchase has also embraced the service as its totally flexable & ondemand.

“The car has always been an aspirational product but I’m not going to talk about the people on Instagram, but the real people that need a car. They need to commute to their job and we can make their lives easier.

While those consumers could choose to lease or rent, he adds that we found another gap in the market and identified a fundamental problem with the traditional rental houses early on.

“All the big rental companies will only buy the vehicles that make financial and profitable sense to them. So, every car rental company offers the same cars and models. What’s unique about that? Nothing. No car rental or leasing company is going to buy a i.e BMW X5 MSport!” He says, adding to a exasperated unsold inventory problem. We were watching as the vehicles

We wanted a platform that was entirely agnostic”

RAPID TURNAROUND

Services like SelfDrive now offers a way faster and flexible access to mobility on-demad than in it was in the past.

would not fit the rental firm’s narrow specifications of their own fleet. Shah adds: “The problem is that the dealers and the manufacturers have practically no say or control over the rental fleet ecosystem that is puerly governed by rental companies.”

Unsurprisingly, the noises from manufacturers were largely positive when SelfDrive made its initial pitches to them.

“Manufacturers said: We are prepare to support you, if you build up the platform. So in 2016 and 2017 the team – the founders, the tech guys - got together and practically rebuilt the existing platform from the ground up and made it more suitable for the automotive eco-system in the Middle East.”

Today, SelfDrive’s proprietary suite of fleet management technology offers a way to increase market share without any capital investment from OEMS. SelfDrive has consequently attracted companies from across the automotive industry onto its platform, including companies that you traditionally see themselves as rivals in the market like BMW and Audi – other brands include

VW, Nissan, Infiniti, Renault, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Geely, Toyota, Mitsubishi and Kia. “We practically have everyone from the Japanese to the Koreans to the Germans and the Americans all on one platform.”

A traditionally conservative dealer channel has also been tempted onto the platform despite their own leasing operations.

“The dealer network has got onboard - the more that we talked to the dealers we realised that they wanted it to fit with their existing leasing operation,” he says. But wouldn’t that make them more resistant to effectively joining a rival service? T&FME asks.

“They had no other vertical (within their businesses) in case there was an early return to a leased car,” he explains, adding that could mean the loss of thousands of dollars if a dealer had to take back the vehicle. “They had a massive headache from a capex point of view. If a company leased 100 units and then pulled out of 75 units after 18 months breaking the lease contract, then the only options was to

sale the cars in the used car market as it might not necessary fetch the actual cost canculated via the 36 months leased deal and may create heavy revenue losses.” but with SelfDrive dynamic platform the early returned cars can quickly be turned around within couple of days under Micro Lease subscription and achive its lost revenue.

In an age of great disruption, SelfDrive is seemingly doing its best to disrupt the Middle East market but also building a new age car sector at the same time. Adapting to the every changing the automotive industry and providing meaningful solutions to match end-to-end (manufacturers to dealers to consumers) with an one fully integreated tech solution. SelfDrive is just not a APP it has built a new age Eco System where for the first time market access to mobilty is complimented direct from the car manufacturer.

SelfDrive now intends to expands its services to UK & Europian Markets by Q2 of 2023 & in USA by Q4 of 2023. Making it one of the fatest growing tech mobility company.

The average waiting time for a leased car delivery can take upto 3040 days or more to get your desired car. We reduced it 7 days”

BUILDING A NEW AGE CAR SECTOR

SelfDrive is just not a APP it has built a new age ecosystem where for the first time market access to mobilty is complemented directly from the car manufacturer.

FINDING AN

EDGE IN I OT

Nicholas Watson, CEO & Co-Founder of Udrive, on why telematics is the revolutionary technological advancement in fleet management

Mobility is the backbone of the modern city in the most connected and mobile era humanity has ever seen. With smarter cities fast becoming a mainstay of governments worldwide and especially in the Middle East, the unification of mobility with technology is now paramount.

Recent developments in global socio-political situations have impacted the cost of mobility for both trade and consumers who commute for their daily 9-5s. Soaring energy costs, high interest rates and inflation have forced commuters into sticking between a rock and a hard place. Limited urban mass transport options are stuck in rush hour traffic due to single-occupant vehicles. Intensive labour and the high cost of projects means government solutions to this issue can take years, maybe even decades to resolve.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the key drivers transforming the mobility industry in such spaces to provide a solution to a global problem, where data and insights are being used to optimise transportation systems, safety and user experiences. More than 41 billion active IoT-connected devices are forecasted to be connected globally this year, according to Frost & Sullivan. Shared mobility and micro-mobility services (such as e-scooters and e-bikes) offer an affordable and accessible alternative. The concept of urban mobility is constantly evolving as millennials and Gen Z are already the dominant players in the consumer market, with sharing models firmly integrated into their daily lives. Udrive’s fleet operates

next-generation hardware devices that interface with the vehicle CAN-Control and On-Board Diagnostics systems allowing for 2-way communication and control.

This live-stream communication to middleware allows our team to digitise the vehicle and customer experience. This is the ‘tap-an-app’ generation, where any problem or requirement is expected to be resolved or served with an instantly accessible app connected to an ecosystem of service data solutions.

Micro-mobility, the service of small, light vehicles for individual use, combines with carsharing as a first or last-mile option that is faster than walking, cheaper than taxis, especially for areas with underdeveloped public transport routes and ultimately very sustainable for the environment. A McKinsey report forecasts that micro-mobility has the potential to reach consumer spending of $300 billion to $500 billion globally by 2030, comprising both shared and private micro-mobility.

Where can IoT’s impact on mobility be seen the most?

IoT brings a lot to the table with the infrastructure it impacts. This includes: Smart Traffic Management: IoT-enabled sensors and cameras can be used to monitor traffic flow and identify potential bottlenecks or congestion points. This data can be used to optimize traffic management systems, improve traffic flow, and reduce travel time for commuters.

Predictive Maintenance: IoT sensors monitor the performance of vehicles and equipment live and in real-time, identifying potential maintenance needs

before they become critical. This can help to reduce downtime and additional costs.

Enhanced Safety: IoT sensors can detect potential road safety hazards including accidents, road debris, or weather conditions. Drivers access this information in real-time, allowing them to adjust their routes accordingly.

Personalised Transportation: IoT sensors can gather data on travel patterns and preferences, allowing more personalized transportation solutions. Vehicle-sharing services like Udrive use such valuable data to provide more customised vehicle options, benefits, and pick-up and dropoff locations, reducing travel time and increasing commute satisfaction.

Sustainability: Vehicle emissions and other environmental factors can be monitored continuously, providing critical insights into the impact of a series of vehicles or a fleet on the environment. This data can be used to optimize delivery systems and reduce the carbon footprint of the mobility industry, and thereby the city.

KPMG reports almost 50% of car owners today will no longer want to own a vehicle by 2025, while ResearchAndMarkets claim four out of every 10 car journeys will be via car share. Udrive car-sharing solution is also in line with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Plan where it bids to build a 20-minute city by reducing the strain of moving across the city and improving connectivity for passengers across the country while promoting a circular economy, a cornerstone of sustainability.

Telematics enables the transfer of data over long distances. It involves the

The concept of urban mobility is constantly evolving as millennials & Gen Z are already the dominant players in the consumer market, with sharing models firmly integrated into their daily lives”

TRANSFORMING THE MOBILITY INDUSTRY

The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the key drivers transforming the mobility industry in such spaces to provide a solution to a global problem, says Nicholas Watson.

use of telecommunication channels and signals, using various devices including sensors, GPS receivers and other communication technologies to gather and transmit information about the performance of equipment or vehicles.

Telematics has become an integral part of the IoT ecosystem, allowing for the seamless integration of devices and data to enable smart applications and services.

In mobility, particularly in the area of fleet management, telematics gathers data on vehicle performance, including fuel consumption, engine efficiency, and maintenance needs, used to optimize the fleet, improve driver safety, and enhance the efficiency of operations. It is also used to track the movement of goods and vehicles, monitor temperature and humidity levels, and provide alerts on potential problems or delays. This helps to optimise supply chain operations, improve inventory management, and ensure products are delivered on time and in the best possible condition with minimal disruption.

Areas of mobility the Telematics will influence

The industry’s use of telematics-enabled IoT devices focuses primarily on the following key areas: Vehicle maintenance, route optimisation, asset tracking, safety and compliance and driver behaviour. With vehicle maintenance, devices monitor

key aspects of a vehicle’s performance, including fuel consumption, engine health, and tire pressure, vital to schedule preventive maintenance, reducing the risk of breakdowns and increasing vehicle uptime, something which directly benefits the bottom line of any car-sharing or supply transport company. In terms of route optimisation, real-time traffic updates with alternative route suggestions and time management solutions help drivers avoid traffic and reduce the endless consumption of fuel while stationary. Asset

tracking allows sensors to track location, usage and maintenance needs, allowing for a greater reduction in costs. Telematic devices can also monitor compliance with safety regulations, including driver hours of service and speeding. They also monitor speed, acceleration, and braking patterns as well as disruptive or erratic driving. The data is used to identify areas where drivers need additional training or coaching, reducing the risk of accidents.

Having real-time data on a fleet’s assets helps not only understand utilisation but create predictive decisions around wear and tear and planning resources for maintenance. There are clear challenges, however, as strong technical knowledge and ground support are key to maintaining a healthy fleet with telematics as it requires consistent data relay from those assets. In a country like the UAE, technicians are readily available as these skill sets automatically find a way to enter smart cities. In newer markets, it is harder to find talent that can work with multiple IoT manufacturers and vehicle models. This is where you need strong procedures and processes as well as high levels of continuous training.

Take Udrive, for example. We serve on average over 100 customers per car per month. If we assume 50 unique customers, this translates to potentially 50 fewer cars on the road, further resulting in multiple benefits for commuters and drivers, as this

IoT is one of the key drivers in the mobility industry”

BUILDING AND SAVING THROUGH EXPERTISE

Building teams with strong technical telematics expertise can save time and money when it comes to fleet utilisation. UDrive serves on average over 100 customers per car per month and an average of 50 unique customers, and is potentially running 50 fewer cars on the road, says Watson.

becomes more economical and sustainable. There are fewer vehicles manufactured, and traffic reduces as there are fewer cars plying streets, freer parking, and less wastage both financially and in terms of carbon footprint.

This is a lucrative industry to be operating in as an investor, particularly from a semi-government or B2G perspective, as there are relatively few players who provide telematics and IoT for mobility in urban settings. The GCC in particular is embracing smart cities, with KSA launching NEOM and Oxygen, and Dubai’s 2040

vision leading the charge. If a city is open to smart technologies, you create an opportunity for the existing transport infrastructure to embrace IoT and integrate with existing government services. The more interconnected, the better for all industries. As the cycle continues, it breeds investment, new business and of course startups and industry expansion. In general, data creates opportunities to make business efficient. Most VCs look for data-rich, low-cost operating models which can be scaled quickly and can offer

high-quality real-time data. According to a McKinsey report, over the last decade, investors have poured $220 billion into more than 1,100 mobility technology companies across ten sub-technology clusters.

Telematics and IoT can provide fleet managers with a wealth of data and insights used to optimise operations, reduce costs, and improve safety and efficiency. By leveraging these technologies, fleet managers can gain a competitive edge in the market and provide better service to their customers.

TAPKEY: TELEMATICS IS ALL ABOUT FOCUSING ON THE DRIVER

Telematics is a word that has grown in popularity over time, writes telematics experts Tapkey. It combines automotive technology with computer science and creates new opportunities in the fleet management sector. The range of functions already available in fleet management today is nothing less but amazing. Besides that, the benefits provided by vehicle telematics are endless. The upshot is greater operational efficiency, improved flexibility and allaround better results. Not surprising, that the telematics technology has exponentially expanded. In 2022, the global vehicle telematics market is expected to be sized at around $103 billion. The market is highly competitive and consists

of a significant number of major players. That’s why it’s important to stand out of the crowd. Here are the latest trends and how you could differentiate from your competitors. One of the most noticeable trends in telematics has been a shift from vehicle location and routing to solutions that are focused on the drivers and their safety. Businesses collect and analyse fleet data to gain insights into what drivers are doing. Improving safety by monitoring driver behaviour—that’s the keyword. Continuous feedback regarding driving style and driving behaviour can reduce unwanted driving habits such as speeding or harsh braking. This may reduce collisions and accidents. Of course, insurers are

interested in this data. When speaking about trends in this field, data integration is one big part. It’s the drive to ensure that fleet management systems can communicate with one another. Nowadays, efficient fleet management is not possible without synchronising key telematics data with the company’s existing fleet management system. Fleet owners are able to generate a far more accurate reflection of fleet performance, when various

elements within the fleet chain are connected. The IoT is set to impact further on telematics. As fleets use increasing types of technology to control their fleet, technology companies are developing software to enable seamless integration solutions. More fleets are recognising the need to monitor fleet activity to control costs and boost productivity. By embracing modern technologies, forward-thinking telematics companies can stay one step ahead.

This is a lucrative industry to be operating in as an investor”

REAL-TIME DATA FOR BETTER UPTIME Having real-time data on a fleet’s assets helps not only understand utilisation but create predictive decisions around wear and tear and planning resources for maintenance.

WHAT THE

Alejandro J. Pérez Álvarez, Electrification & Connected Vehicles Manager talks to T&FME about transitioning to a greener future

“WE ARE EXCITED AT

Audi is transitioning its product range to electric vehicles in all of its core segments more systematically than any other established carmaker. Sitting down with T&FME, Alejandro J. Pérez

Álvarez,

Electrification & Connected Vehicles manager at Audi Middle East says that the car-maker is ready to play its part in ensuring the region is ready to make its own green transition.

What is Audi’s vision in terms of sustainable personal transportation for the future? Is EV the future or does Audi envision a future comprising EVs, hydrogen vehicles, hybrids, etc?

Production for our last new combustion engine model will begin in 2025. Its rollout to international markets will extend into 2026, with all other Audi models launched on the global market starting in 2026 already being fully electric.

Based on this clear decision made as part of its Vorsprung 2030 corporate strategy, Audi is now taking steps to prepare its global facilities for the production of all-electric cars, which is part of a robust plan to have 20 all-electric Audi models on the road by 2025.

Share your thoughts on the state of play of EV infrastructure (in structures and in public spaces) in the UAE at present. What are some of the key markers that authorities

THE END OF THE AGE OF COMBUSTION

Audi will begin to move away from combustion engine cars in 2025 before extending it to international markets in 2026. All Audi models launched in 2026 will be fully electric.

have to hit in Audi’s opinion in terms of deploying EV infrastructure?

The UAE is the most advanced in the region when it comes to making strides towards electric mobility. Keeping in mind the Dubai Green Mobility strategy 2030, we know that the UAE has already implemented government procurement targets, incentives on both a federal and local level, as well as regulations on electric vehicle charging stations.

At Audi, we believe in success through technology and innovation, which is why we are continuously improving and innovating. With each electric model that carries the

Audi badge, we are collaborating with key stakeholders to push ahead with infrastructure projects where possible, to help create a positive case for charging stations. These parameters include: Increase the number of High Power Charging Networks at the main road corridors; Creating open-source maps with information about charger locations; Real-time information about status and availability of the chargers; Charge Point booking options; and Being able to use one e-mobility service provider to access multiple charging points.

These are a few of the key markers that we believe will support in the already great strides towards the deployment of EV infrastructure in the country.

In other markets, Audi is working to create EV charging points – is Audi doing the same within the UAE and working with regional authorities? If so, please share details in terms of what that entails.

We know the UAE has set an ambitious target of having 10% of all vehicles on the road to be electric by 2030. This indicates a strong push towards the future of mobility opening exciting opportunities for automotive manufacturers like Audi.

For starters, we have an agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and technology company, Siemens, to support in the development of a hassle-free network of charging infrastructure across the UAE.

The MoEI have already installed ten fully connected, Siemens Sicharge D 160 kW ultra-

We believe in success through technology and innovation”

MOST ADVANCED IN THE MARKET

The UAE is the most advanced in the region when it comes to making strides towards electric mobility, says Alejandro J Pérez Álvarez.

fast chargers on highways in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. We look forward to further expanding this network through our partnership in the near future.

We have also collaborated with the Museum of the Future as their official automotive partner in order to be able to inspire the minds of the general public and open the doors to means of future mobility, while also enabling them to view and accept electric models as the future. As part of the brand partnership, we have been able to install a robust system of 21 chargers within the museum’s parking facilities to support the future vision of electric mobility in line with countries vision to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

How can regional authorities give sustainable development more support/a stronger push in the UAE? Where do you see challenges in getting more sectors to embrace sustainability?

The UAE has an incredibly progressive and forward-thinking government, which is definitely very advanced in this area.

A Federal Government decree to convert

20% of public sector car fleets to EVs in-line with national aims to have 42,000 EVs on the country’s streets by 2030 shows a push towards the future of mobility in the interest of the UAE government, which is exceptionally refreshing for us in the automotive industry.

Some of my recommendations to policymakers in the region would be to continue the implementation of electric vehicle incentives as they help greatly to increase the adoption of EVs.

Lastly, of course the increase of infrastructure projects but also promoting the use of green energy is essential and pertinent to the implementation of electric mobility in the region. The more infrastructure readiness we are able to achieve, the higher the demand for EVs and the more consumers will be willing to make the shift.

What are some of the unique challenges with regards to developing/deploying EV infrastructure in the UAE? How can these challenges be overcome?

While we are seeing an uptake in the sales of EVs, there are still a few

challenges in their development and deployment in the UAE and region.

For starters, there needs to be more alignment between key players in the EV space in order to ensure each and every contributor is on the same page. There should also be further development and implementation of high-performance chargers as opposed to regular AC chargers as they are more efficient, quicker and provide customers with an easy and hassle-free charging experience. Our products are ready for this.

Another key challenge is that high-rise buildings are densely built-up and many of these towers do not provide the opportunity to install home car chargers for residents. This obviously needs to change so that residents can easily access and charge their electric vehicles.

Despite the challenges, we are currently working with market partners closely to raise awareness of these challenges and take the necessary steps needed to overcome them. This region has absolutely unimaginable potential. Along with great resources, it has such forward-thinking leadership that is determined to move full speed ahead towards the future.

The automotive industry is currently going through a massive transformation. It is truly an exciting time for us to work in this sector”

SHOWCASING AT THE MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE Audi has been working closely with the Museum of the Future in the UAE. As the official automotive partner, it has been able to showcase what the future of mobility will look like, through a unique line-up of concept vehicles.

What is the next game changer in the EV/EV infrastructure space? Faster charging technology/electrified roads to charge vehicles, etc?

The automotive industry is currently going through a massive transformation, the size of which hasn’t been seen or experienced in recent times, so it is truly an exciting time for us to work in this sector.

In terms of new technologies, we are already seeing the development of ultrafast hubs powered by second life batteries, which in turn reduce the impact in the energy system, along with connected vehicles with smart routing solutions, autonomous driving and the creation of new batteries that offer faster charging solutions.

As the world shifts towards sustainable mobility, this in turn evolves technologies and design of not just vehicles themselves, but what they can do, and ultimately, what they stand for and symbolise as well. At Audi this can’t be any more true, where we believe that the future is not only electric, but as importantly, fully connected and human-centric as well.

We are redefining the design process from the inside out and putting customers front and centre more than ever before. For example, our Audi “sphere” concepts, the Grandsphere, Urbansphere, and the Audi Skysphere, which we recently premiered locally here in Dubai, are all glimpses into a future that is electric and autonomous, but more impressively the way they are experienced overall.

What are some of Audi’s sustainability goals for the UAE/the GCC region? What resources has it committed to achieving these goals?

At Audi, our aim is to shape the future of premium mobility across our region. This has been our focus over the past two years with introductions of some of the most exciting products our industry has seen in recent times, and we continue this strong momentum into 2023.

Future focus remains the expansion of our electric portfolio, as we align our efforts, not only against our mobility strategies, but also the UAE’s and wider region’s green mobility vision for the future too. On the product side, our upcoming Audi Q8 e-tron, the latest offering in our electrification offensive, will see its regional debut this March, joining an already impressive e-tron lineup, spearheaded by the extraordinary e-tron GT. Sustainability continues to be a key area of development. Audi carries its own sustainability standards through the entire

value chain as well. We aim to be a net-zero carbon emissions company by no later than 2050, and carbon neutral by as early as 2025.

Our dealers will also support with local infrastructure projects to ensure a smooth transition to electric vehicles in their cities is reached in the shortest time possible, while also adjusting to online business models as well. Essentially, Audi has the right product portfolio, exceptional designs, and a desirable brand. We are already a step ahead – with a very strong line-up available locally and with more to come to fulfill this appetite as our customers’ needs increase. We hope this continues to serve as a catalyst and an enabler

for more sustainable initiatives across the government and wider mobility sector.

What recent sustainable achievement in the UAE/GCC is Audi Middle East most proud of?

This region has tremendous potential and while we have already made great strides forward, we are excited for what the future holds. At Audi, we are proud of our robust product portfolio, from the e-tron S to the e-tron GT, which are available across the GCC and Levant region.

We are also proud of our dealers for renovating their facilities to include sustainable energy saving technologies. Each dealer in the Middle East has made strides to install high power chargers in their facilities, while also looking at methods to work on various infrastructure projects in their respective markets. In Oman for example, Audi have been working closely with local energy provider, EVO, installing over 70 chargers across the country in 2022. This network will be further expanded to over 250 charging points by the end of 2023.

We have also been lucky to work closely with the Museum of the Future in the UAE. As their official automotive partner, we have been able to showcase what the future of mobility will look like, through a unique line-up of concept vehicles. Working with the museum has also provided us the opportunity to install bespoke Audi charging units in its parking facilities. With 21 charging bays available to EV-driving visitors, this marks the first fully operational EV hub from Audi, in line with our goal to support the UAE’s future vision.

There needs to be more alignment between key players”

ALIGNING WITH THE REGION’S GREEN AMBITIONS Audi has aligned it efforts with the UAE’s and wider region’s green mobility vision for the future too. An effort that is complementary with its own mobility strategies.

UNPRECENTED SHIFT IN AUTOMOTIVE The automotive industry is currently going through a massive transformation, the size of which hasn’t been seen or experienced in recent times, says Pérez Álvarez.

OFF-HIGHWAY LEADS RB LOTS

AUCTIONS

Ritchie Bros. says its march Dubai auction featured plenty of logistics, quarrying and off-highway gear for bidders. Speaking ahead of the auction, the firm said confidence from overseas bidders remains high due to the numerous photos, videos, inspection reports, and other details on the online listings.

Bidders were able to come to the Jebel Ali auction yard in Dubai to inspect items in person. Having these two options helps buyers understand the equipment they are bidding on, said Ritchie Bros. Among its usual wide range of machinery category such as excavators, mini excavators, forklifts, crane and loaders were also SUVs, rock trucks, articulated dump trucks and more.

Following the success of its 2022 online Timed Auctions in Dubai which saw strong international buyer participation, Ritchie Bros. saw a 24% increase in excavators sold at the Dubai site in 2022 compared to the year before. The company’s March auction presented another large line up of excavators to bid on.

With a tightened supply of new equipment and improved productivity in the construction industry, demand for used equipment and heavy machinery continues to remain strong in the first quarter of 2023. Continuing effects of chip shortages, manufacturing delays and other market conditions underpin the demand for used and near-new equipment from buyers located around the world.

As more equipment buyers around the world turn to used equipment to meet their fleet management needs, Ritchie Bros.’ auctions in Dubai continue to attract strong online attendance with over 1,000 bidders from 69 countries participating in the company’s most recent January online auction.”

Top buyer countries were the UAE, Kuwait, India, USA, and Uganda.

SAF: WE ARE READY FOR SMART TRAILERS

TRAILERS

The SAF TrailerMaster from the SAF-HOLLAND Group makes transport processes digital and trailers smarter, claims the company. SAF TrailerMaster connects components and supplies digital data in real time. For fleet managers, the futureproof trailer management offers even more added value, says the manufacturer, as they can see the status of their entire fleet at a glance, manage it and evaluate maintenance procedures.

For decades, SAF-Holland has been renowned for durable suspension systems, safe fifth wheels, clever commercial vehicle accessories – and will be adding intelligent trailer technology to this portfolio in the future.

“Digitalisation, currently a key factor in our industry, also creates

added value in trailers – for commercial vehicle manufacturers and transport companies. Processes that are digitally optimised with the SAF TrailerMaster increase effectiveness, allowing fleets to better address the increasing competitive pressure,” says David Meder, pproduct manager Smart Trailer at SAF-HOLLAND. Freight forwarders can use the real-time overview from the SAF TrailerMaster and the performance

reports for the individual trailers to increase the productivity of their fleet, for example: They will be able to coordinate their vehicles more profitably and prevent downtime in the future. If, for example, the tyre pressure is continuously monitored and adapted when required, this will also reduce fuel consumption. That saves costs and reduces CO2 emissions.

The SAF TrailerMaster makes processes digital and automates the communication between trailer, driver and fleet operator. The telematics application shows all vehicle and movement data centrally and in real time: This allows fleet managers to always keep an eye on the location, load or mileage of the trailer as well as the technical condition of tyres and brakes – for more transparency in everyday transport operations.

AD TO HOST WORLD’S LARGEST AV RACE

AUTOMONOUS VEHICLES

ASPIRE, the programme development arm of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has launched the world’s largest autonomous racing league. The league will kick off with the autonomous car race set to happen in Q2 of 2024 and will take place at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

The organisers said the autonomous car race will be the first in

a series of autonomous vehicle races. With a prize pool of up to USD 2.25 million, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Car Race will feature the Dallarabuilt Super Formula cars, the usage of which has been enabled by Japan Race Promotion, Inc. (JRP). The Super Formula cars are the fastest in the world, outside of Formula One, and they will be adequately equipped for autonomous racing.

A core goal of the Abu Dhabi

Autonomous Racing League is to push the boundaries of autonomous mobility by hosting challenges to advance R&D in autonomous racing and artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, the applied research executed in preparation for the League will develop cutting-edge and low-risk solutions to significantly reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions through the increased efficiency, while at the same time increasing safety and performance standards of motorsports and commercial transportation.

JRP will enable ASPIRE to leverage one of the world’s most advanced racing cars in order to push the limits and high speeds of autonomous driving by providing the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League with exclusive access to the Dallara Super Formula car. Key members of JRP will also share their significant expertise in race management accumulated for over 50 years since 1973.

BRINGING

THE X-FACTOR

Augmented reality (AR) has been heralded as a game-changer from industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing, but until now reallife examples of its use in the region have proven to be few and far between. However, this could be set to change.

Recently, Juffali Commercial Vehicles (JCV) announced its new partnership with tech giant and AR pioneer TeamViewer, in

an effort to further enhance productivity, as well as improve the quality of life for their employees. Juffali Commercial Vehicles

CEO Heiko Schulze and Alexandru Cretu, National Service Director say that they are excited to provide their engineers with new technology to create a smoother experience for everyone involved.

Through TeamViewer’s XAssist system, JCV hopes to provide innovative remote support in the Saudi market using its capability to use AR to connect engineers remotely

with experts wherever they are based.

“We are very excited to work with TeamViewer to provide our engineers with new technology to help them analyse situations with greater speed and efficiency,” says Schulze.

“This partnership highlights our determination to constantly improve, and not settle for what we have. This would also bring new opportunities for growth as well as a new experience both internally and for the customers as well, aiming to deliver them faster servicing and a better overall experience.”

In its latest update on the Saudi market, Juffali Commercial Vehicles looks at its cuttingedge AR approach to remote support

We are very excited to work with TeamViewer”

Through this partnership, comes a wealth of opportunities to improve on the already existing technology, in order to take steps beyond what has already been achieved.

For JCV, XAssist brings a newer experience to both the user as well as the customer in a feat that is unmatched in the region. This partnership would provide the potential for not just quicker, but more efficient and precise servicing that would set the standard for all companies in the region. This new technology will be introduced in Riyadh, Jeddah, as well as Dammam, in an effort to bolster the technology that is already available in the servicing centres. This will help Juffali Commercial Vehicles set the standards of servicing across the region, and deliver the best possible experiences for the customer as well as utilise unique methods of problem solving that can only be found in Juffali Commercial Vehicles.

What is XAssist?

With the addition of XAssist into the daily routines of engineers, this would help provide them with on-the-go assistance wherever they would need it. The XAssist is essentially able to provide assistance through the use of AR where the user wears Smart Glass technology to be able to show what they are working on to another person on the other side, while still being able to use both hands to work. The device is fitted with two cameras, one focused on the face, and the other being a first person view of the user. The XAssist would then be

able to connect to an expert, where they would be able to see and assist the user with what they would need help with. Moreover, the XAssist also come with a plethora of advantages that could be of use in many situations.

Quicker solutions

Through the use of XAssist, production downtime can be significantly reduced should a problem occur. Employees would be able to connect and show the problem to an expert, who would be able to provide

assistance from a distance. This would help save time by eliminating the time that it would take to physically have an expert see the situation. Additionally, AR markers can be placed on certain places to help clarify any instructions that were given by the expert. Furthermore, multiple people would be able to join the call, giving way for external support should it be needed.

How can XAssist be used?

Depending on the situation, XAssist can be used to connect to experts to help find a solution to the problem. This would create faster response times in order to reduce the time needed overall to come to a solution. While the end-user would be able to connect to the engineer immediately and see the problem first hand and be able to explain the solution to the user without having to leave their office. Should the problem prove to be more advanced, third-party experts would also be able to join and analyse the problem with all parties involved. Through the use of XAssist, productivity levels can be kept high by reducing the amount of time that is needed for an expert to see the situation, in addition the analysis of the problem can be further sped up by using AR where markers can be placed to ease the process of providing instructions to the user. The advantages of XAssist can also be extended to the customers where they can be provided a new smoother experience in servicing that is unmatched in the region.

XAssist aims to deliver faster servicing”

TECH ADOPTION WITH A PURPOSE

JCV CEO Heiko Schulze says bringing TeamViewers’ XAssist system improves speed and efficiency – and the promise of new growth opportunities in the Kingdom.

WORKING SMARTER

XAssist links users wearing Smart Glass technology anywhere in the vast Saudi market with off-site experts to show what they are working on, while still being able to use both hands to work.

TECH ADOPTION WITH A PURPOSE Alexandru Cretu, National Service Director for JCV, says providing engineers with the exciting new technology will create a smoother experience for everyone involved.

QUESTIONS EVERYONE

ASKS WHEN

BUYING AN EV

More people than ever are plugging into the benefits of electric cars, with more than 690,000 battery-electric vehicles gliding gracefully through our towns, cities and countryside.

If you’re looking to start out on your own electric journey, you’re bound to have questions. After all, from innovative features to day-to-day practicalities, there’s a lot to learn.

Here, online car-trading expert cinch answers some of the most common questions that are asked by buyers when looking at going electric for the first time.

So sit back, buckle up, and let us chauffeur you through this guide.

How do you charge an electric car?

While petrol and diesel cars rely on fuel to stay on the road, electric vehicles need electricity to keep their wheels turning. Like other electrical appliances, EVs must be plugged in to recharge, and this can be done at home, work, or at public charging points.

The charger should be attached to a wall close to your parking space, either in your garage or driveway. Just plug the connecting cable into your car socket and let it work its magic.

As for public EV chargers, you can

usually find them at service stations, supermarkets and public car parks.

Currently, country like the UK has 39,000 public charging points – the UAE, conversely has just below 300 - but that figure is rising on a weekly basis.

There are handy public charging apps available (such as cinchCharge in the UK). It has a live map showing where available chargers are nearby and allows drivers to access over 20,000 charging points with just the one payment method.

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

The truth is that there’s no definitive answer

Cinch goes into the minds of EV buyers and tells T&FME they’re in for an exciting ride

Over its lifetime, an electric car has half the climate impact of an average fossil-fuelled vehicle”

to this question. Charging times for EVs vary based on a range of factors including your car model, battery size and charging unit.

Many public charging stations have a charging rate of 7kW, which can give you enough electricity to travel up to 30 miles from one hour’s charging. More powerful chargers, such as 22kW ones, can charge your battery for up to 90 miles in the same amount of time.

One quick way to calculate how long it takes to charge your EV is to divide its battery size (kWh) by the charger’s power (kW). For example, if you own a Nissan Leaf with a 40kWh battery and plug it into a 50kW rapid charger, your electric car will be fully charged in less than one hour.

Remember that outside factors can also affect your car’s charging time. If it’s a warm day, you should park your EV in the shade as hot temperatures can affect battery health.

Warm weather will reduce your battery’s capacity, leading to shorter range estimates and more frequent charging pit-stops.

How far can you travel on an EV battery?

Another pressing question is how far you can drive before you need to recharge.

As with charging times, the range you get from your car depends on which model you choose and your driving habits. As a careful driver, you’ll be able to squeeze more miles out of your vehicle.

For example, a Jaguar I-Pace has an approximate range of 292 miles (470km), while a Honda e lasts about 125 miles (201km).

On average, though, you can expect an EV battery to have a range of 217 miles (349km).

How long do EV batteries last?

When it comes to the lifespan of an EV battery, there is no exact answer. But if well-maintained and kept in moderate climates, today’s batteries can keep going until they are 12-15 years old and should cover up to 200,000 miles.

Do electric cars have engines?

Technically, electric cars don’t have engines. Instead, they have electric motors and are fuelled by rechargeable batteries.

The main difference between an electric motor and an internal combustion engine is that the former transforms power into energy, whereas the latter converts fuel into energy.

Electric motors are made up of two parts: The stator and the rotor. Receiving energy from the battery, the stator creates a magnetic field that activates the rotor, which turns the wheels of the car.

The fact that there are fewer moving parts in an electric car is good news for any EV-owner. With fewer fiddly components compared to their fuelpowered counterparts, electric vehicles are easier and less expensive to maintain.

Are electric cars (really) better for the environment?

One of the driving factors behind purchasing an EV is that we’re told it’s a more sustainable,

PREPARE FOR THE HEAT

eco-friendly motoring option. But it is true?

Well, yes.

Over its lifetime, an electric car has half the climate impact of an average fossilfuelled vehicle. Specifically, electric motors are 77% more efficient than conventional engines, using the same amount of energy to cover twice as many miles.

EVs do produce a limited amount of pollution, such as from brake and tyre particles. But from the moment they start cruising across cities or down country lanes, electric cars release no exhaust emissions.

If you become the proud owner of an electric vehicle, you’re in for an exciting ride!

You should park your EV in the shade as hot temperatures can affect battery health”

Warm weather will reduce your battery’s capacity, leading to shorter range estimates and more frequent charging pit-stops, warns cinch.

BREAKING DOWN

BARRIERS

FedEx looks at how women are gaining a foothold in the supply chain industry and are making significant contributions

omen, who have historically been underrepresented in the logistics industry, are now taking center stage. In 2022, women accounted for 19% of C-level positions in the average supply chain organisation, up from 15% in 2021. Successfully recruiting women, advancing them into leadership roles, and retaining them in supply chain positions are now considered essential components of an organization’s strategy. We are not just discussing traditional administrative roles here; the new generation

Wof women employees who have been joining FedEx in increasing numbers over the past few years has proved that their fresh perspective can enhance all parts of supply chain operations. From package sorting and courier duties to truck driving and ground operations management, there is literally nothing a woman cannot accomplish!

On 8 March, we celebrated International Women’s Day; a day dedicated to promoting gender parity and female empowerment. This is also an excellent opportunity to learn more about some of the amazing women who work at FedEx and get inspired by their personal stories.

Becoming a pilot takes a great deal of determination – it’s not something that happens overnight. First Officer and Pilot Stefanie Lee recalls that it wasn’t always easy. At the same time as climbing the career ladder, Stefanie was also trying to balance being a mother.

“In my career, I faced several challenges from those who thought I couldn’t be a single mother and still fly. I pushed through those barriers – and am happy to say I’ve now been flying for 19 years, seven of those with FedEx and the military.”

While Stefanie acknowledges gender and other biases may exist, she feels

We will gain esteem and the reversal of stereotypes”

proud to work for FedEx, flying 777s.

“FedEx values and respects the contribution of all employees - including women - in the field of aviation.”

Her advice to women who would like to follow in her footsteps: “Let your performance speak for itself. It’s the best way to combat biases anyone may have. Be your best self. Treat people with dignity and respect.”

Women delivering operational excellence

As a senior manager Ground Operations and Road Network at FedEx, Sophie Hoult motivates, leads, and inspires to make sure that day-to-day operations run safely and successfully. This is vital to ensure FedEx delivers the best service possible to its customers.

Being part of the FedEx family for nearly five years, Sophie didn’t face any major challenges in the logistic industry: “I believe this speaks highly of FedEx as an employer, where performance and adaptability are more important than gender.”

Sophie believes that FedEx is a fantastic place for career development: “I have been fortunate to be promoted twice and move across different departments. The available tuition assistance, online courses, and the business leaders’ vision to foster employee development and promote from within have provided me with an environment that is conducive to my professional and personal growth.”

Her advice to the next generation of women entering the workforce: “Find yourself a coach. A colleague, a friend, or a relative. Someone who can see your strengths and will provide you with confidence when you are feeling self-doubt or disbelief.”

It is all about determination

Farrah Fayo has been with FedEx for nearly two years. Even though ground courier is a male-dominated role that requires lifting boxes and driving a van, Farrah was determined: “I told myself that if other women can do it, I can do it as well.” Her family only cared that she was employed in a safe environment.

FedEx is a great place to work, according to Farrah: “When it comes to gender equality, everyone is treated fairly.” She also appreciates the assistance of her coworkers: “Working as a courier is a tough job, but my team is always there to support me.”

Farrah is looking forward to becoming a part of the Service Agents team. “The fact

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Farrah Fayo (top) and Zainab Matovu believe that FedEx has provided them with job security and an opportunity to prove gender does not need to be a barrier in logistics.

that FedEx is a long-term career employer makes me hopeful that I will be able to spend the rest of my working life here.”

Zainab Matovu joined FedEx about a year ago. Like Farrah, Zainab works as a courier in Dubai. Her passion for her job helped her overcome any obstacles she encountered: “I rise up every morning with optimism to face the challenges of the day, and I find work to be easy and fun. It’s always a pleasure to interact with different customers and put a smile on their faces.”

Zainab believes FedEx provides an abundance of growth opportunities:

“There is no gender bias in FedEx’ career

opportunities. The company’s internal training development courses have been invaluable in advancing my career.”

As someone who enjoys driving, Zainab wanted to experience the sensation of operating large delivery vans. And she succeeded! If you are a woman considering a career in logistics, Zainab’s words will motivate you: “Let’s challenge the stereotypes that have traditionally associated this profession with men. Only by growing the number of women who embrace opportunities and challenges in the industry will this be possible. In return, we will gain esteem and the reversal of stereotypes about women.”

Inspiring change

Despite the progress made in recent years, gender equality in the workplace remains a global challenge. In some parts of the world, women continue to face gender discrimination, as well as salary disparities. Many women experience bias not only due to their gender, but also because of their ethnicity, possibly a disability, or other aspects of their identity.

The most important outcomes of our gender equality efforts have been the equal opportunities created for all our team members to grow and advance their careers. While we strive to accelerate progress and set an example, we continue to look for ways to break new ground. Businesses - not only in the logistics sector - that prioritize gender equality initiatives, will be better prepared to meet the challenges of a world that is constantly changing.

People thought I couldn’t be a single mother and still fly”

BALANCING ACT

Pilot Stefanie Lee is successfully balancing her career with being a single mother after pushing through several barriers to get where she is.

THE COLD IN FROM

Saudi ride-hailing app initiative aims to increase female participation in transportation industry

As the world geared up to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th, Jeeny, the Middle East’s fastest growing ride-hailing application, announced a femalefocused initiative to support and drive an increase of women drivers across the country.

Jeeny operates as a Middle Easternbased mobile application that hosts multiple services to ease daily consumer needs such as transportation, integrated wallet top-up transactions, mobility, and much more on-demand with a wallet that spans all services together.

The tech driven company was offering a commission free month during the first month once signed up as a driver with Jeeny. The initiative aligns with the 2023 theme of

Embrace Equity, aiming to take on inclusivity.

As of June 2018, women were allowed to drive for the first time in Saudi Arabia, as part of the kingdoms Vision 2030, which is set out to increase economic strength, diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, improve society, and develop public sectors further. Through the new law, women received independence and opportunity, which directly impacted the country’s economy positively.

The app has majority male drivers, while there is also a growing demand for female drivers, Jeeny’s female-focused initiative aims to increase female driver signs ups to offer diversity and inclusivity on the app. Jeeny drivers have the power to control their income and schedule, via the use of their personal car. All drivers are checked and vetted before signup to ensure safety and standards are met.

“We believe that supporting women is not just the right thing to do, it is also good for business. Our aim is to attract more female drivers to join Jeeny as a source of employment which offers them flexibility to manage their own income and schedule. Our initiative will offer a commission free month, allowing the female driver to maximize on their income during their first month of driving with us – to see their true potential.” stated Eugen Brickius, co-CEO of Jeeny.

“As a nation, female employment hugely increased once women were allowed to drive, which was a goal of Vision 2030, and now we want women who love driving to make an income from it.” He continued.

The initiative is part of the ride-hailing app’s ongoing commitment to supporting women’s empowerment and gender equality in the country.

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