NEWS FROM THE MONTH

ENOC OPTS FOR RENAULT RENEWAL / MICROMOBILITY COMES TO FUJAIRAH PRO DRIVERS MUST FOLLOW BELT RULES / QATAR RE-OPENS TO GCC

NETWORK

United Diesel fuels ENOC operation’s growth

ENOC SNAPS UP EIGHT NEW RENAULT TRUCKS C 380 TRACTOR HEADS FROM UNITED DIESEL

FLEET

Eight new C 380 Renault Trucks tractor heads will be used to deliver fuel to ENOC service stations across the UAE. Renault Trucks’ exclusive authorised distributor for Dubai and Northern Emirates United Diesel handled the sale of the new trucks, with ENOC noting that the units will enhance its existing fleet, “in line with ENOC’s plans to partner with leading global brands that offer customerfriendly, cost-effective solutions”.

The Renault Trucks C 380 Tractor Head 6x2 with rear liftable axle offers superior driver comfort, exceptional reliability and optimal fuel efficiency, making it ideal for regional and long-haul applications. It is equipped with a range of features ensuring a high level of safety, for the driver as well as for other road users.

According to Renault Trucks: “The cab of the C 380 is built around the driver. All controls are at the driver’s fingertips, while there is also a 7’’ HD LCD information display and seats with fitted red seat belts designed by Recaro. The design of the windshield and side mirrors guarantee clear visibility around the cab with minimum blind spots, essential for helping keep other road users safe.”

The C 380 units ordered by ENOC also arrive with a complete suite of safety features including: an automatic parking brake; EBS (Electronic Braking System); ESC (Electronic Stability Control) to help maintain route stability control in difficult conditions; and AEBS (Advanced Emergency Braking System), which uses a radar unit and a camera to detect an imminent risk of collision. The LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System) alerts the driver when it detects the vehicle is unintentionally deviating beyond the lane markings, so they can react in time to avoid an accident, said Renault Trucks.

The C 380 is also equipped with a fuel-efficient DXI 11 Euro 5 engine and OPTIDRIVER gearbox and the CALS (Centralized Automatic Lubrication System), “to ensure maximum uptime and lower service and repair costs.”

Renault Trucks and United Diesel added they will be delivering specialist after-sales 24/7 support, including driver and technician training, and a comprehensive repairs and maintenance contract.

STREAMLINING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE RTA’S MANAGEMENT OF THE DUBAI TRANSPORT NETWORK HELPED IT TO SAVE 30 MN LITRES OF FUEL

FENIX LAUNCHES FUJAIRAH’S FIRST E-SCOOTER SERVICE

MICROMOBILITY

Micromobility operator FENIX is partnering with Fujairah Holding and Fujairah Municipality to provide on demand e-scooters to residents and visitors of Fujairah.

According to the firm, the unique collaboration will deploy Fenix’s purpose-built light electric vehicles across Fujairah.

The first vehicles to be rolled-out at the Fujairah Corniche and then into other communities in the coming weeks.

All FENIX e-scooters are equipped with integrated hand sanitization packs, enabling residents and visitors to commute across the coastal Emirate with safety and ease, said FENIX.

“Commuters around the world are seeking affordable and convenient transportation options and we see a universal demand for micromobility in cities of all sizes,” said Jaideep Dhanoa, Co-Founder and CEO, FENIX. “ Smaller cities are often underappreciated but they are where most of the world resides.

“FENIX is committed to unleashing urban potential in all cities, and are thrilled to enter this partnership with Fujairah Holding and Fujairah Municipality, providing the first shared electric scooter service in the emirate, in line with our commitment to invest in all seven UAE emirates in 2021.”

Fujairah will be the micromobility service provider’s fifth operating city in the region and fourth in the UAE, following its launches in Abu Dhabi, RAK and Dubai. FENIX has the largest fleet of purpose built electric scooters in the MENAT region.

ABU DHABI URGES COMMERCIAL DRIVERS TO BELT UP

FLEET

Most drivers, commercial and private, will be aware of Abu Dhabi’s new DARB system: from 2 January, it’s been activated during peak times on the four bridges leading into Abu Dhabi, with AED4 charged for each crossing, up to a maximum daily fee of AED16 per vehicle.

A second system has seen the Emirate activate radars all across the city to spot and caution motorists who are not putting on seat belts and using mobile phones while driving. The system is called VAST (Vehicular Attention and Safety Tracker).

The ‘VAST’ technology aims to preserve the safety of drivers, passengers and all road users, as well as raising awareness and educating the community on the importance of following safe driving habits.

The radar, developed by Abu Dhabi Police, captures high-resolution images under a variety of conditions via artificial intelligence cameras, which provide ‘smart’ analysis of images and rapidly detect seat belt and mobile phone violations. Offending drivers will receive an SMS notification of the violation, insisting they rectify their behaviour immediately.

The ‘VAST’ system was implemented in five phases and is a virtually error-free mechanism providing comprehensive coverage of the Abu Dhabi highways, claim authorities.

SAUDI ARABIA TO END QATAR BLOCKADE

LOGISTICS

An agreement to end almost four years of isolation for Qatar has been reached, with Saudi Arabia set to re-open its land and air border. The two GCC countries will once again share a border crossing for the first time since June 2017, it added that the move is, “the first step toward ending a years-long diplomatic crisis.”

While welcoming the news, Anwar Gargash, the UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, urged caution in a tweet, suggesting, “We have more work to do and we are in the right direction.”

UAE newspaper, The National, reported that the process was instigated following a phone call between Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“Based on a proposal by Sheikh Nawaf, it was agreed that the borders between Saudi Arabia and Qatar would be reopened,” said the National.

Speaking ahead of the 41st GCC Summit taking place this week - where the Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is now expected to attend - Nayef Al Hajraf, Secretary General of the GCC, issued a statement noting that the move was “a reflection of sincere efforts being made to ensure the success of tomorrow’s summit across all areas despite the exceptional circumstances created by the pandemic. Today’s announcement once again proves that the GCC embodies a deep-rooted partnership that consistently overcomes challenges while advancing the interests of the GCC people thanks to the leadership and wisdom of its leaders.”

AL MASAOOD WINS UD IMPORTER AWARD

ETIHAD RAIL BEGINS AL DHAFRAH TRACKLAYING

TRUCKS

Al Masaood Commercial Vehicles & Equipment (CV&E) Division has won the coveted ‘UD Trucks MEENA Importer of the Year 2020’ award at the ‘Annual UD MEENA Partner’s Conference 2020.’ The award is annually passed to the winner at the event which rounds up UD Trucks importers from across the Middle East and the East and North African countries.

This year, the honour was passed to Al Masaood CV&E during a virtual conference for its “contributions and efforts to overcome obstacles in a highly challenging market environment”.

The award was given after the division demonstrated a strong performance in 2020 despite unprecedented difficult market circumstances. The event also took note of the division’s new strategies for 2021 to help it thrive under the prevailing global situation.

In an impressive showing, the division also made the top three of numerous award categories, namely the ‘Parts Salesman of the Year;’ the ‘Service Salesman of the Year;’ the ‘Best Sales Team of the Year;’ the ‘Best Marketing Team;’ and the ‘Best Marketing Initiative of the Year.’

LOGISTICS

Etihad Rail has announced that it has started tracklaying works across the Al Dhafrah Region, under Package A of Stage Two of the railway network project.

The firm said it started works early in 2020 on Package A and has made steady progress, with half of the soil preparation works completed, and 79% of sand and rock cutting finished. Overall, 59% of Package A construction work stands completed, Etihad Rail explained.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region announced the launch of tracklaying works. He said the project has achieved key milestones, with construction progress of Stage Two accelerated, while Etihad Rail’s Stage One continues to “overachieve”, with 2020 operations outperforming 2019’s results.

He was speaking to media during his visit to Etihad Rail’s railhead in Al Ruwais. Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, took part in the ceremony along with Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Etihad Rail board member and other senior executives.

Sheikh Hamdan was briefed by Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak on the ongoing construction progress of Package A, which will connect the UAE rail network to Al Ghuwaifat on the Saudi border and the wider GCC region.

USING AI HELPS RTA REACH AN OPERATIONAL SURPLUS OF 61%

TRANSPORT

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) says a series of initiatives and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped it to reach an operational surplus of 61%. The authority has also revealed that it has achieved record savings in the use of energy through 46 projects and initiatives that resulted in saving 45 million gallons of water and 39 million kilowatts/hour of electricity.

According to the recently published RTA Sustainability Report 2019, the RTA led the region by recording the least road traffic fatalities of 2.3 cases per 100,000 of the population compared to 21.9 cases per 100,000 of the population in 2006. It has reached a customer satisfaction rating as much as 92. percent.

The report was prepared according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, and the Assurance Standards AA1000 2008 (AA1000AS) and the CEO of RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector, Nasser Abu Shehab, said the progress outlined in the report reflects the RTA’s efforts to “improve the performance in social, environmental and economic standards.

“The key areas of the sustainability framework had been categorised into three pillars, nine focus area and 30 elements that emphasised the RTA’s values, and balanced its business goals to ensure Dubai’s Sustainable future and estimated sustainable impacts of actions,” Bu Shehab said.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: LEXUS PRESENTS DIGITAL PREMIUM IN THE UAE, CAN STELLANTIS SAVE PEUGEOT AND FIAT, GM AT CES 2021 AND MORE!

PAUL GODFREY JOINS T&FME TEAM

APPOINTMENT

With immediate effect, Paul Godfrey returns to CPI Trade Media to work as Deputy Editor across the titles Truck & Fleet Middle East and Construction Machinery Middle East.

Many of you may remember Paul from his roles as MC at previous editions of the Truck & Fleet & Conference UAE and the Access & Handling Summit - and now, as well as further developing the events’ agendas and profile, he’ll be playing a new role in enriching the content and editorial voice of their anchor publications.

Paul is also a well-known media personality in the region, having pioneered magazines and events in the SME/ enterprise sector, and hosting groundbreaking conferences such as Bold Talks, Insurex and SME Beyond Borders.

“Publishing is my natural home and I couldn’t be more delighted to return to CPI, which continues to build a pristine range of industry-leading titles with editorial integrity, featuring primary research and expert analysis that has great value for the growth and profitability of the sectors they represent,” Paul commented.

One of Paul’s first tasks will be to complete the programme for the upcoming Truck & Fleet Conference which returns for its second event on 22 March, 2021 at the Radisson Red in Dubai, explained editor Stephen White.

“I am delighted to reveal a new member of the team of Paul’s calibre,” he added. “Like any business, we are looking forwards at the start of 2021 and Paul’s background in SMEs will be vital in representing two exciting industry’s with bags of potential.

“Having previously stood in front of the industry at our last event, I am sure he will help make the Truck & Fleet Conference a success.”

ADNOC DISTRIBUTION PRIMED FOR $10MN SAUDI SPENDING SPREE

FLEET

ADNOC Distribution has reached a ‘definitive agreement’ to acquire 15 service stations in Saudi Arabia.

The move reaffirms its commitment to grow its business in the Kingdom; the largest fuel retail market in the GCC, it said in a statement.

The value of the purchase is expected to reach US$10 million with the new stations seen as central to a long term smart growth strategy to become the leading fuel operator in Saudi Arabia.

Adnoc said it also “sees value creation potential coming from uplift in fuel margins and the company’s integrated approach to managing fuel and non-fuel retail offerings.”

The stations are located in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia and will be re-fitted and re-branded in line with ADNOC Distribution brand standards.

“Expanding our presence in Saudi Arabia is an important milestone for our company and part of our profitable growth strategy,” said Ahmed Al Shamsi, acting CEO, ADNOC Distribution. “We see this expansion as a natural progression since opening our first station in 2018 and look forward to significantly increasing our presence in the coming years.

The deal will be a major boost to Adnoc’s current fuel operation in the region which currently includes a station close to Riyadh and a second in the city of Hofuf within Al Ahsa Governate.

2021 LEXUS IS MAKES ITS UAE DEBUT

FLEET

The 2021 Lexus IS has been launched in the UAE at an exclusive preview hosted by the brand’s local distributor – Al-Futtaim Automotive.

Three distinct versions – Lexus IS 300 Premier, Lexus IS 350 F Sport Prestige and Lexus IS 350 F Sport Platinum were revealed at a special event held last week at Al-Futtaim Lexus’ state-of-theart center at Green Community, Dubai Investment Park (DIP).

The latest version of the popular vehicle returns as a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan, “while expanding on the qualities that have built its loyal following across the UAE”, said Al-Futtaim Lexus.

The firm said it will also offer new IS customers with free insurance for the first year and a complimentary services package for up to three years or 60,000 KM whichever comes first.

“We are delighted to launch the iconic 2021 Lexus IS in the UAE – a market of automotive connoisseurs,” said Saad Abdullah, head of marketing & brand operations. “Now in its fourth generation, the Lexus IS is the culmination of over two decades of innovation and high performance in the segment.

“With a stunning new design, impeccable refinement and athletic powertrain, every journey in the new IS is a true experience of exceptional luxury and exhilarating performance.”

The preview event also showcased the world’s first Lexus RC F Pro Drift spec car. Custom-built in the UAE, the 844hp Lexus RC F Carbon Kevlar was accompanied by Lexus F Brand Ambassador, Ahmad Daham – the five-time Middle East Drift Champion. Daham has helped the vehicle meet the FIA standards and make it the first Lexus RC F Drift in the world to compete in multiple events across the region.