Truck&Fleet ME January 2022 by CPI Trade Media

VEHICLES/ TECH / TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

O94/JANUARY 2O22

MIDDLE EAST

LI CENSED BY D U BAI D EVELO PM ENT AU TH O RIT Y

E H T G N I K A M E R “WE’

” E C I O H C T S BE

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS MOBILITY

18 / THIS IS THE WAY T&FME takes a look at IVECO’s new Way Line-up as it makes its debut in Dubai.

ALSO THIS ISSUE … NETWORK

06 / NEWS FROM THE MONTH Major deals for Renault Trucks and MercedesBenz in Abu Dhabi. LAUNCHES

10 / RAIZE THE CSUV ROOF AFM in the UAE claims that the new Toyota Raize redefines the CSUV segment.

INTERVIEW

12 / AN EKAR STORY ekar’s general manager Stanislav Betin talks his shared vision with founder Vilhelm Hedberg for mobility. INTERVIEW

16 / AGILITY ON SAFETY The safety story behind Agility and EMC’s partnership in Abu Dhabi. MOBILITY

26 / DASHING THROUGH Continental discusses how its new dashboard concepts are integral to its smart mobility future. EVENT OVERVIEW

28 / #NOFILTERDXB The launches and cruises from the re-imagined Dubai Motor Show event. PARTING SHOT

32 / CHANGING ATTITUDES The Middle East’s auto aftermarket ‘ready for change’, reveals Automechanika Dubai survey.

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JANUARY 2022 01

WELCOME

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5483 MANAGING PARTNER VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5472 DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & BUSINESS OPERATIONS SHIYAS KAREEM shiyas.kareem@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5474

NOT MAKING A DRAMA OUT OF A CRISIS I’m probably misquoting US commentator and thinker Charles Swindoll here but the return of disruption by Covid-19 across the globe proves his point that: “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities disguised as impossible situations.” That mantra, and “Don’t make a drama out of crisis” – a slogan from a popular advert from my childhood in the 1980s – have been playing on my mind throughout December as governments reacted quickly – or dithered – about their response to the Omicron variant that has dominated the news. The last two years (yes, it’s been that long!), have been a period of huge and unpredictable changes. So, the last thing that you want to be facing is yet more market disruption, but there is hope from the World Health Organisation that 2022 could see the end of the worst of it. I am under no illusion that the year coming up is not going to be easy at all but we did see signs of a return to normality through 2021. Certainly, this year starts feeling less bleak than the last, and maybe we can afford ourselves a little optimism.

From a market point of view, 2021 proved that there can be a bounce back following a Covid break, even if it felt like we had truncate most of our main activity into six months. I enjoyed the rush of new announcements and launches at the end of the year particularly. And at least we are not facing the threat of lockdowns in the region even if problems in Europe and the US are likely to cause some tremors here. There were already long waits for new trucks and parts to come out of the straining factories in those markets before the new variant emerged, and so it would be prudent to place extra focus on service and maintenance routines in the new year. As ever, hope for the best, plan for the worst. Finally, if you’re in the final stages of submitting your entry for the upcoming Truck and Fleet Awards 2022, ask yourself how you and your organisation stand up to another mantra said by the late-Steve Jobs: “I’m convinced that about half of what separates the entrepreneurs from the non-successful is pure perseverance.” I’m sure all of us have had to have a lot of that over the past two years.

STEPHEN WHITE EDITOR, TRUCK&FLEET ME STEPHEN.WHITE@CPITRADEMEDIA.COM 02 JANUARY 2022

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR ANDY PITOIS andy.pitois@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5473 EDITORIAL EDITOR STEPHEN WHITE stephen.white@cpitrademedia.com +44 7541 244 377 ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER BRIAN FERNANDES brian.fernandes@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5479 DESIGN ART DIRECTOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DESIGNER PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com PHOTOGRAPHY MAKSYM PORIECHKIN maksym.poriechkin@cpitrademedia.com MARKETING & EVENTS EVENTS & CONFERENCE PRODUCER PAUL GODFREY paul.godfrey@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5470 EVENTS EXECUTIVE MINARA SALAKHI minara.s@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 433 2856 SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING EXECUTIVE GLADYS DSOUZA gladys.dsouza@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5478 CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION DATA & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WEB DEVELOPMENT SADIQ SIDDIQUI ABDUL BAEIS FINANCE CREDIT CONTROL EXECUTIVE CAMERON CARDOZO cameron.cardozo@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5499 FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015)

The publisher of this magazine has made every effort to ensure the content is accurate on the date of publication. The opinions and views expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content are published in good faith. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publisher in writing. Publication licensed by Dubai Development Authority to CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC. Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC. CPI Trade Media. PO Box 13700, Dubai, UAE. +971 4 375 5470 cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

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Nomination Deadline

17 January 2022

Venue

Raffles

RAFFLES / DUBAI / UAE

Honouring the champions of the truck and fleet sectors, rewarding outstanding performance Nominate Now | tfawards.com

About

2022

Winning an inaugural Truck & Fleet ME Award will be a recognised badge of excellence amongst clients and peers.

Open Voting Categories

Nomination Categories

These awards celebrate the champions whose vehicles play a key role in the operations, logistics and projects at the heart of the GCC economy. They award the manufacturers and dealers whose trucks lead the way – whose out-of-the-box innovations deliver critical commercial ‘edge’, day in, day out. They honour the achievements of the key players responsible for the industry’s dramatic post-Covid re-set.

z Heavy-Duty Truck of the Year

z Innovation in Mobility

The Event

MOST POPULAR

READERS’ COMMENTS

FEATURED

CONSULTANT

SAUDI PIF TO INVEST $266BN INTO NEW PROJECTS BY 2025

DP World and DRC ink agreement to develop deep sea port in Banana

CONSTRUCTION

Bahrain calls for bids for demolition of terminal at international airport

INSIGHT: Tantek 4D and the tallest modular-built high-rise in the world

CONSTRUCTION

Dar Al Arkan and Pagani unveil $217.8 million DaVinci Tower on Dubai Water Canal

CONSULTANT

PDC inks MoU with York for services at King Abdullah Port

CONSTRUCTION

EGA appoints new supply chain boss

04 JANUARY 2022

ANALYSIS: Asset management can support privatisation across The Kingdom

Glad to see that Newcastle United’s new owners are not putting all of their eggs into one basket given the team’s current form in the English Premier League! But in all seriousness and staying on topic, this is an almost mind boggling number and story. It is also an ambitious target even for the Saudi Public Investment Fund to get that $266 billion invested within the next four years – but it demonstrates the ambition of The Kingdom to make sure it stays on target for the structural and infrastructure work that it needs to stick to its Vision 2030 plan. I heartedly agree with the Serco assertion made elsewhere on the site that asset management must be taken seriously and will go hand in hand with attracting investment as the government begins to disentangle itself from many of its services and holdings through privatisation. The recent regulatory framework saw a record boost in FDI this year and shorn up a weak-looking legal backline, but it will be mid-2022 until we really see whether The Kingdom is winning the promotion fight for investment. Name withheld by request

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NETWORK

RENAULT TRUCKS AND SIJIMIX FIRST DEAL / PASCO SECURES DEAL FROM EMC / AVERDA BAGS NEW KSA CONTRACTS / HMC ACCELERATES N-BRAND IN THE REGION

NETWORK Renault wins first Sijimix deal RENAULT TRUCKS COMPLETES DELIVERY OF 10 UNITS OF K 380 P6X4 CONCRETE MIXERS TO SIJIMIX IN ABU DHABI FLEET Renault Trucks has announced the brand’s first deal with Sijimix, one of the UAE’s leading readymix concrete suppliers, to supply a total of ten new K 380 trucks, which will be used to transport concrete across the eastern UAE. Sijimix’s new trucks, supplied by the brand’s partner in Dubai, United Diesel, will expand the company’s existing fleet of over 140 units. The K 380 P6x4 Rigid Chassis models, which meet Euro 5 emission standards and are equipped with a wide range of technological features as well as 9 CBM transit Concrete Mixers, are set to optimise Sijimix’s local operations thanks to the K range’s functionality and fuel efficiency.

The K 380 P6x4 Rigid Chassis models have a reputation for robustness, exceptional reliability and optimal fuel efficiency. They are equipped and designed to ensure maximum productivity and safety for their drivers, as the new models meet concrete suppliers’ operational needs. The K 380 models, in addition to their robust build, also reduce operational costs by minimising fuel consumption by combining a Euro 5 380hp engine, the Optidriver AT 2612F gearbox with automatic clutch, and a 445-litre tank.Sijimix’s new K 380 P6x4 trucks, which will mainly be operating from Fujairah, are also driver-centric as they feature numerous advanced

technological and safety features. To minimise risk and increase safety, the trucks are equipped with EBS (Electronic Braking System), Hill Start Aid (HSA), Anti-Spin Regulation (ASR), Wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Emergency Braking Assist, all of which assist drivers in tricky situations and provide comfort. Mahmoud Attourah, CEO. of Sijimix, commented: “Our deal came through numerous studies we’ve conducted, where Sijimix concluded that Renault Trucks are the best choice in terms of financial cost of operation and quality and reliability of the product, which are ideally suited for our operations across Fujairah.” Commercial director of Renault

Trucks Middle East, Guillaume Zimmermann, said: “Completing this first deal with Sijimix is another great step forward for the Renault Trucks team as we embark on another new partnership with a top local supplier. The quality of our trucks along with their features, technological advancements and efficiency, in addition to United Diesel’s services and strong network, are key factors that contribute to the high demand in the UAE.” Mike Mokhles Makary, general manager of United Diesel, commented: “Renault Trucks offers an excellent range of trucks that is perfectly suited to the varied requirements of our customers across the UAE.”

DUBAI POLICE SAYS ADDING THE CADILLAC CT5 TO ITS EXCLUSIVE FLEET OF PREMIUM VEHICLES KEEPS ‘DUBAI RESIDENTS SAFETY IN MIND’

06 JANUARY 2022

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NETWORK

AVERDA BAGS NEW KSA CONTRACTS FLEET

EMC PAVES WAY FOR PRECAST FIRM PASCO TRUCK DEAL FLEET

Emirates Motor Company (EMC), the authorised dealer for Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain has completed the handover of an Arocs 4040K 6x4 and three New Actros 4048S 6x4S to PASCO Paving Stones Company. Market leaders in the business of interlocking tiles and paving, with a reputation for reliability, inventiveness, and competence, as well as German heritage (managing partner Dr. lng. Armin J. Wuensch is himself German), PASCO’s partnership with EMC CV, and in turn, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, is a long-standing one built on shared values and aspirations, said the firms in a statement announcing the deal. When making the latest updates to their fleet of trucks, the GM at PASCO, Velu Murugun prioritised increased safety and advanced technology. Combining the service quality, economic efficiency, and expertise that Mercedes-Benz trucks are renowned for, along with cutting-edge technology and industry-leading equipment highlights and advantages, the powerful Arocs and Actros trucks with the latest innovations were obvious choices, said EMC CV: “The Actros is known for its reliability and dependability for long-distance and distribution haulage, while the Arocs is well established as a reliable, robust titan in construction and off-road applications. “Both vehicles are celebrated for not just providing drivers with optimum driving and working conditions, but also granting fleet managers unprecedented intelligent network management and logistics control with telematics solution from Fleetboard – a combination which results in better overall performance across the board.” meconstructionnews.com

Averda has secured a contract to become the environmental partner for two major events in Saudi Arabia’s cultural calendar this month. The firm will manage waste and cleaning services for The Red Sea Film Festival and the Kingdom’s debut Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2021, which is being held in Jeddah. According to a statement, The Red Sea Film Festival takes place in Jeddah’s historic old town from December 6 to 15. Saudi Arabia’s F1 began on December 3 in the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. “Averda is honored to become the trusted partner to support these two major events in Jeddah and ensure the best possible

experience and environment for the many national and international visitors,” said Averda chief growth officer Mazen Chebaklo. The firm said its crew will work around the clock at both events, to ensure the locations are kept clean and has set aside additional resources in readiness for any

urgent issues. For the film festival, the company will be responsible for managing construction and demolition waste from the temporary installations, and ensuring all litter and waste generated by filmgoers is promptly and responsibly removed, leaving the environment pristine, the statement concluded.

HMC ACCELERATES N BRAND MEA ROLL-OUT CARS Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) is stepping up the presence of its high-performance N Brand line-up in the Middle East and Africa, the Korean car-maker has revealed. During a launch event held this week in Dubai, the company showcased its N model expansion plan for Middle East and Africa region which includes the Veloster N, Elantra N, Kona N. HMC also highlighted N Brand’s high-performance philosophy and its

commitment to sustainable e-performance, giving a glimpse of the future direction for motorsport initiatives and how it will serve as a basis for upcoming N models. The N line takes its name from its origins at Hyundai’s R&D Center in Namyang, Korea, but also takes its name from legendary German racetrack Nürburgring, where Hyundai hones its N technol ogies. The curves of the racetrack are the inspiration behind the N Brand logo, says HMC. With technology

inspired by motorsports, N Brand is based on the three pillars of N – Corner Rascal, Everyday sports car, Racetrack Capability. N Brand aims “to create high performance vehicles that adhere to high standards of driving excellence while ensuring fun-to-drive as they are practical.” Bang Sun Jeong, head of HMC MEA, explained: “The expansion of N Brand will allow customers to experience the ‘fun to drive’ offering delivered, something which our customers are enjoying in KSA.”

JANUARY 2022 07

NETWORK

IEM OPENS STATE-OF-THE-ART MG SHOWROOMS CARS

Inter Emirates Motors (IEM), a subsidiary of Ali & Sons Holding LLC and MG’s official distributor in the UAE, has opened two new showrooms across the country. The new additions join the existing three showroom footprint as a part of IEM’s expansion plans. “The opening of the new MG exclusive showrooms is driven by heightened consumer demand for the British-born automobile brand along with its drive to increase its customer-base across the UAE,” explained the firm in a statement. The core focus of the showrooms at Shiab Al Ashkhar, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and at Industrial Area 12, Sharjah is to widen the reach of MG Motor across the country

and provide quality service to customers without compromising on convenience, added IEM. “We are thrilled to see the phenomenal response that MG vehicles have attained over a very short period of time in the UAE,” said Mohamed Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of Inter Emirates Motors. “The passion and

enthusiasm of motorists in the UAE for the brand is what is providing us with the opportunity to grow even faster than we projected. This enables us to further cement our national commitment to the residents of the UAE in meeting their unique needs and demands.” IEM took on MG Motor in April 2021 has sold over 2,600 vehicles from a variety of categories with its most recent launch being that of the all-new 2022 MG GT – which will be displayed exclusively across five IEM showrooms across the country. The car adapts the third-generation MG family aggressively sporty look. Inspired by the classic two-door MGB sports car, MG GT is the “perfect choice for those looking for power at a cost-efficient price”.

EPG PARTNERS UP WITH GENERAL MOTOR’S BRIGHTDROP LAST-MILE EV ARM FLEET Emirates Post Group (EPG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Motor’s BrightDrop Solutions. BrightDrop is the US firm’s electric vehicle and last mile delivery services operation and will now work to help Emirates Post to develop “more efficient, smarter, and

sustainable last mile solutions”. The agreement was signed by Badr Al Olama, chairman of Emirates Post Group, and Luay Al Shurafa, president and managing director of General Motors Africa and Middle East, during the third day of this week’s 4th Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit in Dubai.

The signing of the agreement is in line with the shared vision of both parties to explore opportunities around sustainable logistics services in the UAE, particularly in delivery vehicles, explained the companies in a statement. In addition, the parties agreed to cooperate in testing future proof of concepts in line with their respective goals.

WENCHAO GROUP TO CONSTRUCT WORLD-CLASS DISTI IN DIC DISTRIBUTION

Dubai Industrial City (DI), one of the region’s largest manufacturing and logistics hubs, has announced that the WenChao Group is investing more than $200 million into the construction of a world-class food manufacturing and distribution facility in the business district. In a statement, DI said that the agreement was signed at the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit. Founded in Dubai in 2006, the WenChao Group has a diverse portfolio which also includes a retail group integrating e-commerce logistics, chain hypermarket ‘Wemart’ and food processing. The organisation has also founded a number of F&B brands, including YaoYi Tea and Tasty Yue, and boasts a global trade network covering nearly 20 countries, the statement added. Phase One of the WenChao Logistics Hub Dubai is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2022. It will comprise of an integrated warehouse, distribution centre, food processing and manufacturing plant for semi-cooked and braised food. The more than 950,000 sqft factory will incorporate the latest technology to support a predicted food production turnover worth up to $136.1 million annually. Jiansheng Sun, Chairman of WenChao Group, said: “We are excited to set up our logistic hub in Dubai Industrial City, the first significant milestone of our strategic cooperation.”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: THE SECRET OF EKAR’S SUCCESS, THE NEW WAY FOR IVECO IN THE REGION, AGILITY ON ABA AND DAIMLER AND MUCH MORE!

08 JANUARY 2022

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NETWORK

BOROUGE AND ADNOC AGREE KIZAD DEAL TRANSPORTATION

KIA EXPANDS RAFA NADAL ACADEMY INTO KUWAIT OEMS

Kia has announced a partnership with the Rafa Nadal Academy based in Kuwait. This sees the existing global partnership between Kia and the tennis school franchise — extend to the Middle East. Through the collaboration & the Certified Distributor in Kuwait, Kia Al Mutawa will provide a fleet of two vehicles for VIP shuttles, including Telluride, the largest Kia SUV, as well as Carnival, Kuwait’s ‘beloved’ family van.

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Leading petrochemical company Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge) and ADNOC L&S have agreed a deal which will see the start-up of logistics services at a new main logistical hub at Khalifa Port and KIZAD in Abu Dhabi. The new agreement covers transportation and handling operations for Borouge-manufactured polymer products at Khalifa Port for export to international markets, complementing existing agreements between the two companies. Furthermore, the new agreement will optimise the manufacturing and distribution value chain for Borouge and improve cost per unit, enabling competitive downstream growth of ADNOC’s petrochemicals and polymers business, said the firms. “Our strategic collaboration with ADNOC L&S is key to realising our

growth strategy and ambitions,” said Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Polymers Company (Borouge). “The expansion of our agreement enables us to unlock further opportunities in the UAE and enhance local supply chains. Together, we are driving synergies to support the UAE’s economic diversification and building on the competitiveness of our national industries.” Speaking on the new agreement,

Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC L&S, added: “ADNOC L&S with the support of Borouge, has established a strong track record of delivery across all contracted services. “With the inclusion of Borouge’s UAE Gateway agreement, we have an expanded partnership that will cover all of Borouge’s logistics requirements from production site, to feeder vessel services to main port logistics,” he concluded.

JANUARY 2022 09

LAUNCHES

AL-FUTTAIM TOYOTA CLAIMS ITS NEW TOYOTA RAIZE REDEFINES CSUVS / 70TH ANNIVERSARY PATROL GETS WORLD PREMIERE

LAUNCHES COMPACT TURNER 4.9M RADIUS

New Raize lifts CSUV market in UAE AL-FUTTAIM TOYOTA SAYS NEW TOYOTA RAIZE REDEFINES THE COMPACT SUV SEGMENT If you’re looking to buy a compact SUV then you’re probably going to need a vehicle that places practicality above all else. Enter the brand-new Raize, an exceptionally practical vehicle that is being retailed by AlFuttaim Toyota in the UAE. Pairing outstanding fuel efficiency and maneuverability with distinctive design and ample interior space, the new vehicle highlights Toyota’s focus on catering to the needs of the brand’s more cost-conscious customers. The new Raize measures around 4m in length, making it ideal for customers who wish to enjoy the additional luggage space and safety associated with an SUV,

10 JANUARY 2022

while also bringing the benefits of a vehicle that is compact and easy to drive, says AFM Toyota: “Equally suited to weekend leisure trips and everyday use, the Raize was developed to be active, practical, and compact and provides world-class mobility for customers in every scenario. All aspects of the vehicle, including its platform and powertrain unit, have been newly developed to deliver performance, comfort, safety, and peace of mind.” Andy Barratt, managing director, Al-Futtaim Toyota says the vision for the new Toyota Raize was to differentiate the vehicle from every other SUV on the market by: “Combining

an amazingly spacious interior and distinctive styling with a confidence-inspiring balance of maneuverability, safety, and stability. “Raize’s new platform ensures world-class handling, stability, and ride comfort together with a host of carefully considered features to meet the needs of our discerning customers in the UAE. This vehicle opens a totally new genre in the compact SUV market, and we are confident that our customers will enjoy time spent within its surprisingly spacious cabin, whether they are traveling on their daily commute or a weekend adventure. The new Raize reflects our commitment to developing

diverse mobility solutions and offers the space, practicality, and comfort demanded by today’s active lifestyle.” The brand-new Raize is available with a choice of two engine options. The 1l threecylinder turbocharged engine provides smooth and responsive acceleration and produces 97 hp and 140 nm of torque, while the 1.2l three-cylinder engine option delivers an optimal balance of power and fuel economy and produces 87hp and 113nm of torque. Both engines come paired with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which simulates a seven-speed sequential shift transmission to

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LAUNCHES

PATROL ARRIVES AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI 70TH ANNIVERSARY PATROL GETS WORLD PREMIERE

DISTINCTIVE CONNECTIVITY The CSUV combines a spacious interior and distinctive styling with a balance of maneuverability, safety, and stability for ‘greater peace of mind’, says AFM Toyota.

TWO ENGINE OPTIONS The Raize comes with a choice of two engine options, including a 1.0l three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 97 hp or a 1.2l three-cylinder engine offering 87hp.

deliver powerful, smooth acceleration from start-off and at low speeds, and quiet and efficient transmission at higher speeds. A newly developed lightweight, highly rigid body and suspension contribute to outstanding handling, stability, and ride comfort. The vehicle also boasts excellent maneuverability, with a 4.9m turning radius.

The vehicle’s front end features a robust and smart look, with angular bumper corners and a trapezoid lower grille, creating a powerful, wide appearance. Muscular wheel arches contribute to the vehicle’s assertive stance, while the use of sleek LED headlights and sequential turn lights reflect the advanced technologies within.

Nissan has launched the new 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary model in the region, following its world premiere at Expo 2020 Dubai in December. Retailing from $55,000 (199,900 AED), the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary is a commemorative model exclusive to the Gulf region, “honouring its unmatched legacy of conquering all terrains.” The Middle East formed a powerful attachment with the Nissan Patrol when the first-generation SUV landed in the Gulf in 1956. Proving itself as a reliable and capable SUV that can conquer all terrains, the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary models builds on the success of its predecessors and rewrites the benchmark for design, comfort, and technology. Embodying power and premium quality, the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary model is more luxurious and connected than ever before with numerous stylistic and technological advancements, says Nissan. A striking V-Motion grille and new 20inch machine cut alloy wheels embellish the exterior of the iconic SUV, while all-new burgundy interiors elevate the level of opulence within the cabin. An all-new 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity along with new 10.1-inch rear entertainment screens, allow drivers and passengers to be more connected,

while enhancing safety and enjoyment. Inspired by Nissan’s powerful new design aesthetic, the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary features a bold V-Motion chrome grille and 20-inch machine-cut alloy wheels. The stylised chrome along the bodywork includes a new side fender vent badge branded with the 70th Anniversary logo. Drivers and occupants are welcomed into a premium cabin where every detail is crafted to heighten the driving experience, with the brand-new burgundy interior option specifically designed to celebrate the Patrol’s 70-year legacy. Attention to detail and class-leading spaciousness create a truly first-class experience for all on board, accentuated through diamondstitched quilted-tan leather seats. With its suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) offerings, the 2022 Patrol 70th Anniversary model offers drivers a safer, smarter, and more connected driving experience. SPECIFICATIONS Engine

5.6l V8

Power

400hp

Torque

560Nm

Transmission 7-speed AT Drive

Variable 4x4 Mode

FIRST GEN SUV 1956 GULF DEBUT

SPECIFICATIONS Engine

1.2l / 3cyl

Power

87hp

Torque

113Nm

Luggage capacity

369l

Transmission

7spd Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

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JANUARY 2022 11

INTERVIEW

PAY AS YOU

GROW

Ekar’s general manager Stanislav Betin talks to T&FME on the journey to higher carsharing in the region 12 JANUARY 2022

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INTERVIEW

hat to expect when you step into a sector-defining, market-bending office of a company like ekar? A bustling techno-scape of screens and geeks perhaps? Or maybe the loungey, beanbag-topia of scattered climbing walls of a Google hub? ekar has been on T&FME’s interview hitlist for nearly half a decade so it’s frustrating that I am late for our first interview with GM Stanislav Betin to find out how it works. But a second spin around Barsha to find a car park space is a useful reminder that driving isn’t always a convenient option even in a car-friendly city like Dubai. And it is the concept of convenience that has spurred on ekar’s founders Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusar for five years; taking the novel idea of carsharing – a fusion of vehicle rental and taxi service – from obscurity to the mainstream in the UAE. It is also a major, if alternative, fleet operator in the market offering 1,000s of vehicles to those who can’t get a car and are priced-out of chauffeur/pro-driven services. Through its app, cars can be hired for as little as 0.70aed per minute and it is proving to be a viable alternative to ownership for some city dwellers. After all, open the app and a few clicks later you can have a family car for the weekend on your doorstep or leave the office and make that run in a sports car you’ve been day-dreaming about all day. Having finally got a space and paid for it – with ekar you can park at an RTA spot for free – a friendly voice greets me on arrival. I half-hope the customary coffee on offer is brewed in a re-creation of a New York apartment but a mildly disappointing walk through some discreet ranks of desks and chairs follows (especially for a company that had the highest utilised carshare service in the world before Covid-19). However, a few minutes with Stanislav Betin later and it is clear that this is a business that is operating at the cutting edge. It is also one that is evolving its approach and software development to keep pace with how transportation is changing. “Mobility is growing into one holistic eco-system,” remarks Betin, adding that the company and its systems are purposely modular, effectively enabling it to bolt on new services as it moves forwards. “You start with one core business which is ride hailing, then you add car-sharing, meconstructionnews.com

A SHARED VISION FOR MOBILITY ekar founder Vilhelm Hedberg (pictured) was instrumental in bringing in Stanislav Betin as general manager. Betin says the two share a passion for pushing the boundaries of mobility.

then you can add micromobility… and you can move to a whole, complete universe (of mobility services).” Betin was brought into ekar at the end of 2020 and it is easy to see why he was a good fit for a mobility company looking to expand. The native Russian speaker’s career has shifted from fintech firm success in Asia (“I got bored”) to his own ride-hailing start-up Fabcab in Sri Lanka which he built using a solution from a Bangalore software house. Despite 60,000 subscribers, and promising talks with investors and partners,

Mobility is growing into one holistic eco-system”

including micro-mobility powerhouses Lime and Bird, the Easter Sunday bombings in 2019 shattered confidence in the tourism sector and he had to move on. “After the bombing in 2019, the GDP fell by 10 times in Sri Lanka and investors were not paying attention to this market at all,” he recalls, adding that time spent in Europe after the attacks reinforced his growing interest in mobility and transportation. “I travelled a lot in Europe and I saw this wave of eScooters and I thought, wow, this is amazing, we should do something like that. And it was not just people using it for fun. The way they did it in Warsaw was amazing because they had dedicated lanes so you could travel from the centre to the outskirts. Zoning was also done in a terrific way. I was reading a lot about Bolt (which provides a range of micromobility vehicles) and it felt like this concept could grow by adding more modules (vehicles and services.)” One of his stops in Europe included a stint as CEO of Anytime Belarus Carsharing in the Russian satellite state of Belarus. His time there bolstered his belief in the concept of car-sharing before joining ekar in December 2020. The UAE firm is a like-minded company that wants to avoid being pigeon-holed into a single vertical and take an agnostic approach to what it can offer: “We are thinking about how we can find our space,” he says. The UAE is also proving to be increasingly open-minded about the

JANUARY 2022 13

INTERVIEW

ON-DEMAND CARS AND FUEL UAE fuel delivery service Cafu formally partnered with the self-drive mobility company to automate the fuelling process of the latter’s fleet of cars in 2021.

concept with Betin suggesting that acceptance is growing so fast that regulation is struggling to keep up. A situation that isn’t as beneficial as it may seem at first. “Customer acceptance is developing much faster than the regulation. But when regulation keeps up pace, it’ll be a great market to operate all sorts of mobility.” Feeling the blues

The ekar pay-as-you-go fleet was instantly recognisable with its blue car liveries in its formative year. It was also synonymous with the MINI brand. It later added five Tesla S and X models to its fleet in a partnership pilot with Abu Dhabi’s sustainable masters MASDAR. While these vehicles have been fundamental to building its profile and reputation, Betin’s appointment has marked a more aggressive approach to broadening the range of vehicles it is using and the app service’s appeal. ekar ended 2021 by doubling the vehicles on offer to a 1,000 new vehicles including the new 2021 Kia, Hyundai and Mazda cars from the ranks of its car rental partners. Betin says he was keen from the start to push for a range of vehicles that ensures it can offer the full gamut of cars from economical, compact sedans, sports cars, sporty mini SUVs, to family-sized vehicles. He tells T&FME that even before joining he looked at ekar and could see how some things could be done better in a variety of areas including pricing and its pricing structure. Most of all, getting the fleet right was at the core of how he could see the firm growing. 14 JANUARY 2022

“At that time, everything was about MINIs,” he says. “They were recognised everywhere but I knew from experience that they were an emotional choice of car which can get boring very quickly. You also have to spend more time on the servicing and a few other bits.” Fortunately, Vilhelm Hedberg was open to his suggestions and Betin was soon getting an insight into a firm that isn’t afraid to do things a little differently. “He said, let’s have a call and Zoom session and he gave me the full narrative of the company. What amazed me was that he started walking me through the

When regulation keeps up pace, it’ll be a great market to operate all sorts of mobility”

company presentation and it was the first time that somebody was selling me his company like that. He was so passionate about it, I barely gave him feedback!” He says with a grin. “I said about ten words, and he said, ‘you know what, I’ve got a board meeting in a week’s time, why don’t you come up with a presentation on what we will do next in another country.” Betin quickly compiled one of the most meaningful surveys for the potential of car-sharing and ride-hailing attempted to date. Examining 15 countries, their regulation, oil prices, the number of active cars and the success of similar platforms to ekar, Australia emerged as the outstanding candidate. Especially after he churned through other data such as trip lengths and journey types, and how ekar would fit in the market. Oh, and he did that all within a week. “I managed to put this showcase together for Australia and how it compares to the numbers we have for the UAE. It was easy,” he says blithly. “50% of those countries were already ‘nos’ based on the average income per capita (because that matters) and car security…once you put in these numbers you could make projections on ekar’s pricing, fleet occupancy, income per car per day.” “(For Australia) I said we would not start in Sydney if at all, but Adelaide, Melbourne, or Brisbane,” he remarks, adding that immediately he could see that

EKAR LAUNCHES IN SAUDI ARABIA ekar, claims to be the Middle East’s first and largest personal mobility company. In December, it began offering subscription services within its ‘Self-drive Super App’ across Saudi Arabia in partnership with some of the largest car rental companies in the Kingdom.

meconstructionnews.com

INTERVIEW

he and Hedberg shared the same vision on mobility even if it wasn’t yet clear how they would use his expertise: “We had this chemistry and I got the job. I was pitching Australia as a launch market but,” he laughs. “I was told I had to stay here.” Betin spent his first few weeks taking a deep dive into the ekar app, which services it was offering, and learning what features were possible and those that were unlikely to get regulatory approval in a market that is still maturing. Although that can sometimes work in your favour. “For example, in Minsk, I took 100 vehicles from Moscow which were sitting idle, and just changed the SIM card. It was Covid time, the Mayor of Moscow had switched off car-sharing, so I just shipped them. I had the head of state police in Minsk calling me to ask why there were 100 vehicles with Russian number plates (on the streets). It wasn’t prohibited as the regulation isn’t there. The customers were making fun of it saying, look we got these from our big brother.” He continues: “Here, you don’t have that flexibility. There is the relationship with a leasing entity and that we (have to) own the license. There are ways you have to on-board a vehicle and how the pay per minute works. In Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, you can get the same car for a minute to a month. But in Dubai you cannot. We also have the restriction of having a maximum of 200 vehicles in the pay-per-minute fleet and they are all RTA branded. Then we have a daily fleet in Dubai which you can extend and these are on separate licences.” Despite the intricacies of the market, Vilhelm Hedberg recently said the firm is feeling extremely bullish about its prospects. Visitors continue to pour into the EXPO 2020 Dubai event and both local residents and the steady return of tourism are helping to turn the mobility start-up into a major transport platform. Behind the deceptively straightforward process of ordering a car through the app is a sophisticated suite of software that is constantly analysing where and when cars are likely to be in demand. The proprietary algorithms developed by the ekar data and tech teams places carsharing cars in the optimal areas – and at the right time of day – in the cities in which ekar operates; ensuring a car is within walking distance in some of the most popular districts. The frequency in meconstructionnews.com

MOVING FROM MINI Betin has been driving a campaign to expand the portfolio of cars on offer. Initially associated wth MINI, the firm now offers a range of vehicles through its rental company partnerships.

0.70

Through its app, ekar vehicles can be hired for as little as 0.70aed per minute

1,000 ekar ended 2021 by doubling the vehicles on offer to a 1,000 new vehicles including new 2021 Kia, Hyundai and Mazda models

which cars are returned, service, cleaned and sent back into the field is also constantly improving. Booking percentages are up by over 30%, and have allowed it to introduce dynamic pricing that changes depending on where and when you are booking. It can also change depending on who you are. New users or lapsed ekar veterans (or super users) are incentivised by pricing or offers to tempt them into the eco-system and hooked on the idea of car-sharing. Part of this increase in utilisation has been through extra demand and partly due to the technology that drives the business – and by extension the businesses of its car rental partners which share revenue from each transaction. “We started the revenue sharing model last year. The daily car fleet licenses are owned by them, and we tech-enable them. We put them in the sweet spots where they enjoy high utilisation. We clean the cars, refuel them and do the maintenance at a third-party location. He explains further: “We have a few agents that help us with cleaning, and we also have a group of technicians, drivers who are technicians that can do some small repairs. We relocate the vehicle if needed to the service station and out them where they will have a better chance of being booked. So it’s a whole infrastructure. When we are looking at ekar, we call it as mobilityas-a-service, right? Because it’s not only the app, but the whole back end to that. Betin shows T&FME a dynamic heat map of Dubai that displays where cars are and where they should be

moved to get a booking. This is fleet management at the cutting edge. “We have built an algorithm which we call fleet rebalancing. It operates with two layers of data. One is historic bookings and the second is the number of app openings. Normally heat maps are static, but ours is dynamic and checked every hour,” he explains, before a revealing example of how people are still the main drivers of success even in an operation like ekar. “We had pilot with a third-party solution, but I said to my data engineers let’s try and build it in-house. They said, you know what, we’ll do that as a home assignment after work,” he says. A couple of months later they had successfully created an entirely new way of knowing when and where the cars should be at the busiest times for the app. “It is entirely predictive. We start our fleet rebalancing plans (where the cars need to be placed) at 2am for the morning and then in the morning we work on the afternoon. Later we will work on a 24-hour span,” he explains. “We were sitting with our friends from Sixt and they were saying this is very academic. This is exactly the term that we are looking for. We are bringing people here with degrees in math and they are building something which you could call rocket science.” With our time coming to a close, T&FME asks how far can car-sharing in the market go. Looking at his on-screen map again, he says, that Dubai is one city where there is a need for a lot more cars to be available for car-sharing. “We know that if a car is 250m or less from a user the probability is 45%. Anything more than that it drops to only 6%. The market is dying for additional vehicles and there are not enough.” With cities like Moscow having 26,000 vehicles available for car-sharing, he suggests that the mobility stakeholders in the market need to be working together to ensure availability. Especially in a world where having 10s of thousands of cars sit idle in a city is becoming less sustainable: “I get asked what’s the next big thing for car-sharing in the region all the time and I always answer education. With proper marketing and access to cars down below 250m away the numbers would be skyrocketing. We are not afraid of competition because that means additional fleet and the more cars we have, the higher the utilisation we will have.” JANUARY 2022 15

ADVERTORIAL

AGILITY’S ACTIVE

SAFET Y APPROACH

Why does Agility Logistics Abu Dhabi have the safest fleet on the road?

gility Abu Dhabi is a leader in oil & gas logistics, contract logistics and customs clearance services. Some of the region’s major oil & gas projects depend on Agility for logistics solutions, as do the agriculture, chemicals, defence and healthcare industries. With 575,000 sqm of open yard storage in Abu Dhabi’s logistics park, customers and fleet operations alike benefit from premier contract logistics services. Beyond the open yard storage capacity, 96,000 sqm are available for closed ambient 16 JANUARY 2022

and temperature-controlled warehousing. Agility’s fleet of more than 465 transport vehicles easily handles all containerised, noncontainerised, heavy and oversized cargo. Within Abu Dhabi, Agility holds a preferred status with customs. Ably supported by Emirates Motor Company (EMC), the authorised General Distributor of MercedesBenz Trucks in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, this allows Agility to serve freight forwarding customers with benefits like duty-free exemptions, digital paperwork processes and lower tariffs on goods coming to and from Khalifa Port to Abu Dhabi and Mussafah.

The vehicles

Agility’s fleet of more than 465 vehicles easily handles all cargo”

Agility has the largest Heavy Duty Truck fleet in the UAE that are equipped with Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ celebrated Active Brake Assist safety system. In total, a quarter of the fleet has either the Active Brake Assist 4 and its latest version Active Brake Assist 5 helping to ensure the logistics powerhouse operates the safest trucks on the roads for their UAE business partners and customers. What is Active Brake Assist?

Developed by Daimler for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, the Active Brake Assist is a safety meconstructionnews.com

ADVERTORIAL

assistance system that assists the driver, when a risk of accident is detected, with a three-stage warning concept up to full braking, and which can reduce the speed of the vehicle. It detects stationary and moving obstacles, as well as moving pedestrians within the system limits. The latest generation – Active Brake Assist 5 is capable of applying maximum full-stop braking in response to pedestrians crossing its path, approaching from the front or moving ahead. The Active Brake Assist is equipped on Agility’s Mercedes-Benz Actros 2145S tractor heads with flatbed trailers for long haulage. In addition to the Active Brake Assist, these Mercedes-Benz trucks also come with other unique features such as Driver Airbag, ESP, Lane Keeping Assist, Proximity Control Assist, and Attention Assist. These safety assistance systems are designed for many critical driving situations and they all work hand-in-hand to provide additional safety to the truck drivers, other road users and protect both the vehicle and cargo. A health and safety conscious-workplace is a critical priority for Agility with 84% of its operations ISO 45001-certified for occupational health & safety. To achieve and maintain a high health and safety standard, some of the approaches they adopt include stopping accidents before they start, and using technology to empower operations (Source: Health & Safety | Agility Sustainability). This is evident with their initiative to invest in advanced safety technologies such as the Active Brake Assist, ESP, Proximity Control Assist, and other safety systems on its Mercedes-Benz Trucks. These are mainly used on their double trailer combination which means they are especially important since these trucks are carrying double loads; serving different clients in different sites. The servicing and maintenance of these trucks is being managed by Emirates Motor Company (EMC), the authorised dealer of Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Abu Dhabi through a partnership to ensure that these vehicles are in the hands of professionals. Operations in Abu Dhabi are carried out from purpose-built premises with a well-integrated network of showrooms, offices, part depots and workshops. EMC has been the authorised general distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain since 1962. From the beginning, dedicated customer service has played a major role in the company’s success. EMC was also the first Mercedes-Benz distributor in the Middle East to be awarded ISO Certification in 1994 and is currently meconstructionnews.com

MERCEDES-BENZ SAFETY ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS Attention Assist Attention Assist is a system that can recognize increasing tiredness and recommend the driver to take a break. It increases driving safety and helps to avoid accidents by warning the driver if fatigue or lack of attention are detected. Lane Keeping Assist Lane Keeping Assist is an image-processing safety system. It warns the driver if he drives over detected lane markings in order to help prevent him from departing from his driving lane. A digital camera behind the windscreen detects the vehicle position in relation to

the left-hand and righthand lane markings. Importantly, the Lane Keeping Assist system relieves the driver’s workload by providing warning signals in many critical driving situations. It also allows the driver to react immediately to the audible warning issued from the left or right loudspeaker if the system detects that he has driven over the lane markings. Proximity Control Assist This assistance system with stop-and-go function is on hand to help the driver to maintain speeds and distances to vehicles ahead and can reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

certified to the ISO 9001:2008 standards. EMC markets, distributes and services all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, from luxury saloons to the largest trucks, and provides Mercedes-Benz qualified service with high and consistent availability of genuine parts. EMC serves a premium client segment in the world, including dignitaries, the UAE government, oil companies and the business community. The close relationship between EMC and Agility demonstrates the importance of a fleet operator working in tandem with its distributor partner; with every MercedesBenz Actros in Agility’s fleet protected with a service contract to ensure hassle-free after sales services and seamless uptime. This has led to EMC being recognised by Agility as the ‘Manufacturer who keeps cargo moving’ and has given Agility the confidence to acquire the Arocs and Atego from EMC to cover the many different applications of the business. Agility also ensures that its drivers are being professionally trained to operate the trucks with the latest technology. So far there have been zero accidents with these trucks, and it is the goal to remain this way. The motivation of the drivers, however has increased with the provision of vehicles equipped with the highest safety standards and the latest technology. All of these factors contribute to the success of Agility as the leader and investor in technology to enhance supply chain efficiency, and to provide service excellence to their customers with the state-of-theart assets with the latest technology.

AGILITY’S ABILITY IN ABU DHABI Within Abu Dhabi, Agility holds a preferred status with customs and is ably supported by Emirates Motor Company (EMC), the authorised General Distributor of MercedesBenz Trucks in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

JANUARY 2022 17

FEATURE

IVECO SHOWS

THE WAY

IVECO was in Dubai last month for the launch of its much-anticipated high duty truck line-up for the region

he last two years has seen a steady stream of new heavy truck launches and the latest saw IVECO finally joined the competition with its much-anticipated high duty truck line-up for the Middle East. The new off-road truck IVECO T-WAY and the on-road truck IVECO S-WAY were both revealed at a live European virtual launch at the beginning of June, but this week’s series of dedicated days at the Dubai Autodrome are the region’s first chance to see and test the new IVECO WAY range.

18 JANUARY 2022

Customers, dealer network and representatives of the automotive press were invited to a launch event which included a dedicated test drive on an on-road and offroad track. IVECO took a direct approach to the launch specially designed to touch and test the new IVECO range, offering “participants a unique experience, telling an immersive story made up of a mix of video content and live interactions.” It also took the guests on a discovery journey through IVECO’s world as it unveiled the latest in its long lineage of legendary trucks.

With the new ‘WAY’ family, we cover the whole set of market demands”

Carmelo Impelluso, IVECO Head of Commercial Operations EMEA, explained: “With the launch of the new IVECO T-WAY and IVECO S-WAY, we now offer our customers the most complete, entirely renewed, business-oriented product range for off-road and on-road missions. “The new IVECO WAY family enables us to cover the whole set of market demands with a coordinated offer of very differentiated products. Today, our customers see their trucks as a business tool. They look for a complete solution that will deliver the profitability they need. This is what makes meconstructionnews.com

FEATURE

our IVECO WAY range unique: it delivers everything our customers expect – and more.” “Every detail of the new IVECO WAY Range has been developed in order to optimise all the total cost of ownership elements: fuel consumption, price, residual value, maintenance and uptime costs, driver satisfaction and productivity,” added Fabio De Serafini, Africa & Middle East Business Director, IVECO. “With the new ‘WAY’ family, we cover the whole set of market demands with coordinated, but very differentiated products. The world is moving fast, and the world of transport must not only keep up, but anticipate and drive the change.” The IVECO T-WAY

The IVECO T-WAY builds on the heritage of robustness and reliability of the brand’s long lineage of champion off-roaders. It introduces state-of-the art technological solutions to exceed all expectations in productivity, payload capacity, safety and driver comfort. These characteristics of extreme toughness, high performance and reliability are clearly expressed by the theme of the advertising launch campaign: “TREAT IT BAD”. The IVECO T-WAY has been designed to offer best-in-class performance in every off-road mission, robustness and torsional rigidity. It carries over from its predecessors the legendary robustness of the highresistance steel chassis with a 10mm thick frame, with a Rail Bending Moment at the top of the segment at 177 kNm. The front axle has a maximum capacity of up to 9 tonnes. Hub reduction on the rear axle is standard to maximise strength and performance. The new heavy-duty rear suspension system for Tandem axles optimises vehicle weight and improves off-road performance with greater ground clearance and a better departure angle. The truck delivers all the power needed for traction and PTO with IVECO’s reliable and efficient Cursor 13 engine (13 litres) that develops up to 470/480 hp. The engines are coupled with the proven 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, which now also features new functions specifically intended for off-road mobility including a Hill Holder function to help departure on steep slopes, Rocking Mode to help recover traction in slippery conditions and Creep Mode for ultra-low speed when idling; for the on-road sections of the mission, the Ecoroll, function that uses the vehicle’s inertia when travelling downhill enhances the transmission’s efficiency. meconstructionnews.com

The IVECO T-WAY comes equipped with the 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox

HI-TRONIX represents the state-ofart in the automated transmission sector, IVECO claims, “and delivers the perfect gearshift strategy for every application. The IVECO T-WAY has also been designed for efficiency and productivity, with a host of features, a lower kerb weight, and new telematics features and digital services. It offers a new fuel-saving solution for missions that require an occasional All Wheel Drive (AWD) capability: the HITRACTION hydrostatic drive system for 6x4 rigid and articulated models. It operates at speeds of up to 25 km/h and is automatically activated to provide additional hydraulic front-wheel traction when needed. It delivers significant benefits in terms of fuel consumption and payload compared to the AWD solution.

The low kerb weight has been further reduced by 325 kg compared to the Trakker with the new design of the tandem support on the rear axles, which is now a single-piece casting component. The IVECO T-WAY is set to become a favourite of body builders for its extraordinary flexibility, says the Italian-based truckmaker. With both rigid and articulated versions, it can continue to claim it has the widest offering of driveline options on the market: Partial Wheel Drive on 6x4 rigid and articulated and 8x4 rigid models; as well as All Wheel Drive on 4x4 and 6x6 rigid and articulated, and on 8x8 rigid versions. The All Wheel Drive range has been extended with new 4-, 4.2- and 4.5-metre wheel base models, which can transport special loads with no modification to the chassis. The new HI-MUX electric and electronic architecture is fully compatible with the latest-generation control systems. The new PTO line-up includes a new high-performance sandwich PTO that delivers up to 2,150 Nm torque. This extreme versatility, width and depth of range, and extensive choice of variants makes the IVECO T-WAY the perfect truck for all types of bodies and vocational missions. The cab of the IVECO T-WAY shares the driver-friendly design of the IVECO WAY range, with its sleek, aerodynamic lines. Available in two versions – AD short

A REGION IN THE DRIVING SEAT Customers, dealer network and representatives of the automotive press were invited to a launch event which included a dedicated test drive on an onroad and off-road track to experience the vastly improved cabin design.

JANUARY 2022 19

FEATURE

cab and AT long cab with standard or high roof – it is focused on functionality to facilitate the driver’s daily work. The entire driver area has been created to provide a practical and easy-to-livein environment. The comfortable and ergonomic driver’s seat, together with the new-concept multi-function steering wheel, ensure excellent driver comfort. Driver safety is paramount in the harsh conditions typically faced by trucks in the region and the vehicle is designed to provide maximum protection, with safety features which far exceed the typeapproval requirements. The new braking system features EBS as standard, full disc brakes are available on PWD models, and new ADAS (Advanced Driving Assistance Systems) are available across the range. S-WAY on the highway

The IVECO S-WAY is the new on-road vehicle of the new IVECO WAY range, the ideal business solution for the fleet owner, “and the perfect travel companion for the driver. It further increases its fuel efficiency, which was already among the best, with a new engine line-up and next generation rear axle, advanced technologies tailored to the customers’ needs.” The truck builds on the success this range has achieved since its European launch in 2019 and has proved extremely popular with drivers for its high levels of comfort. Customers appreciate the improvements in performance

15%

The IVECO S-WAY full LED lights have a much sharper beam that improves visibility by 15 percent

S-WAY ON THE WAY The IVECO S-WAY is the new on-road vehicle of the new IVECO WAY range, the ideal business solution for the fleet owner, says the manufacturer.

20 JANUARY 2022

and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) that come with high reliability of new truck. In the face of fierce competition, logistics operators need top-level uptime, efficiency an productivity from their fleets. The new IVECO S-WAY meets this requirement by providing a complete package of features without equal, developed with focus on driver centricity: “It is more than a product: it offers a business model that covers the vehicle’s entire life cycle and helps IVECO’s customers to meet their own customers’ requirements,” says the company. In redesigning the cab from the ground up, IVECO has taken every opportunity to deliver cost savings and productivity gains to the benefit of the owner’s profitability.

All the elements of the new design work together to achieve a superior aerodynamic performance and deliver fuel savings up to 4% on top of the outstanding fuel efficiency that is the hallmark of this product family. Every detail of the cab exterior has been studied with care to minimise air resistance. The new roof is perfectly integrated into the front end of the vehicle, presenting a flat surface that minimises drag. Even the retractable front step that provides easy access to the windshield completely disappears when not in use. The front grille with high radius corners and side fins, the integrated headlights, the two new bumper design with integrated deflectors, together with the new design of the wheel arches, create flowing lines that optimise air flow – “and make a statement with a distinctive style.” The vehicle’s aerodynamic performance is further enhanced by additional features that reduce drag by closing gaps. They include the optimised aerodynamic kit with rubber extensions to close up the space between tractor and semi-trailer. The new design of the door, which extends all the WAY down to the second step, creates a smooth surface on the sides of the cab, reducing turbulence at cruising speed. A new cab designed around the driver to provide superior driving comfort on board. The IVECO S-WAY carries over all the advances introduced in the previous generations and adds a new cab entirely redesigned around the driver’s to provide the ultimate driving environment with outstanding ergonomics and controls layout. The ergonomic layout of the controls ensures all the key functions are within easy reach of the driver. The multi-functional steering wheel, with 22 switches, puts all the necessary functions, at the driver’s fingertips this set-up eliminates distractions for the driver who can operate without ever needing to move their hands from the steering wheel. The dashboard and central stack have been redesigned to improve operating comfort and efficiency with a new layout and greatly increased functionalities. The new Start/Stop engine button and the slot for the electronic key with integrated remote control are conveniently placed on the dashboard near the DNR area. The redesigned roof, lower tunnel and shaped upper shelf provide a comfortable standing height of 2.15 metres in the centre of the cabin, while the upper longitudinal usable space is 35 cm wider than in the meconstructionnews.com

Multimedia Cockpit New interior lighting concept

MirrorCam

Electronic Parking Brake with HOLD function

Active Drive Assist

New rear axle ratio

Active Brake Assist 5

New light signature & night lights

Traffic Sign Assist

Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC)

The new Actros. Ready to set a new standard. New Standard Equipment

New Optional Equipment

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

Keyless start New vehicle key Electronic parking brake PowerShift 3 with four driving programmes New light signature & night lights New Mercedes-Benz emblem sign New interior light concept The new design of the steering wheel

Trucks.MercedesBenzMENA.com

MirrorCam Active Brake Assist 5 Multimedia Cockpit Multimedia Cockpit Interactive Trailer Stability Control Assist Independent trailer brake, electronic Remote Online Active Drive Assist (available only in Morocco) Predictive Powertrain Control 2nd generation (available only in Morocco)

FEATURE

A RANGE COMPLETED IVECO says it now offers its customers the most complete, entirely renewed, business-oriented product range for off-road and on-road missions. It also believes that the new IVECO T-WAY is set to become a favourite of body builders for its “extraordinary flexibility”.

CMY

STRONG DRIVER FOCUS The IVECO S-WAY has been developed with a strong focus on the driver, and the new cab has been redesigned and reinforced to ensure high levels of passive safety, with mechanical resistance compliant with ECE R29.03 cab crash standards.

previous model, providing easier access to the upper bed and compartments. The night area combines functionality and comfort with its new symmetrical layout and well-placed storage, USB connections and controls. The air conditioning system, and integrated parking cooler and heater systems ensure an ideal internal climate within the cab in all weather conditions, when driving or during stops. The IVECO S-WAY has been developed with a strong focus on the driver, and the new cab has been redesigned and reinforced to ensure high levels of passive safety, with mechanical resistance compliant with ECE R29.03 cab crash standards. The new design also provides much improved direct visibility for the driver with the one-piece side windows and rear-view 22 JANUARY 2022

Every detail of the new IVECO WAY Range has been developed in order to optimise all the total cost of ownership elements”

mirrors. The IVECO S-WAY also offers full LED lights, which have a much sharper beam that carries further, improving visibility and obstacle perception by 15%, further enhancing safety in low-light conditions. In addition, the IVECO S-WAY features a complete array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems to help the driver operate the vehicle efficiently and safely while reducing fatigue on the road. The cab also addresses security when the vehicle is parked with the new design of the door which now extends all the WAY down, leaving only the bottom step exposed, and includes an additional mechanical door lock inside the cab. The new engine line-up meets Euro III/ V emissions standards. The Cursor 9 and 13 engines provide a wide range of power ratings starting from 360 hp

to 560/570 hp. The engine efficiency has been improved with introduction of Common Rail injection system. The 9 and 13-litre engines have been coupled with new, high-efficiency Hi-Tronix 12 speeds automated gearbox which enables substantial improvement in electronic clutch control, resulting in greater efficiency, enhanced durability and better performances. Additional features contribute to the IVECO S-WAY’s fuel economy. They include the new Ecoroll function which automatically disengages driveline in smooth slope to exploit vehicle inertia, Ecoswitch which optimizes engine power/torque output according to vehicle load and mission, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring system to keep under control the pressure of each tyre for increased safety and fuel efficiency. meconstructionnews.com

osram.com/nightbreaker-200

Upgrade your service with 200% more brightness The new NIGHT BREAKER® 200 Introducing our brightest halogen headlight, ever. With up to 200% more brightness1 to guide the way, this high-performance halogen lamp is a valuable addition to any automotive business. Far-reaching light beams and up to 20% whiter light1 provide excellent vision and visibility for up to 150 meters—enabling drivers to see farther and react sooner. Now, you can enhance customers’ safety and offer a modern look with a simple halogen upgrade that is globally approved for road use. Whether its quality, performance, or style they’re after, the new NIGHT BREAKER® 200 will make your customers see halogen lamps in a whole new light. Insist on OSRAM – the No. 1 in Automotive Lighting.

Compared to minimum ECE R112/R37 requirements

Light is OSRAM

WORKSHOP

GEAR IN WITH GARGASH AUTO / SHELL LAUNCH CARBON NEUTRAL LUBRICANT / FRIGOBLOCK AND VOLVO EV FLEET DEBUT / BRIDGESTONE PICKED FOR AUDI E-TRON

WORKSHOP

Gear your check with Gargash Auto initiative

LEADING SERVICE BRAND UNVEILS FREE CONSULTATION PROGRAMME SERVICING

Gargash recently launched a new initiative which aims to ‘educate and empower’ vehicle owners by offering free consultations on everyday car upkeep. Having hands-on information about automotive care is an initiative that Gargash Auto says it has “on its agenda in 2021, leading into 2022.” The initiative started offering free consultations to all walk-in customers on December 1st at its Al Quoz facility. Any customer that walks into the Gargash Auto facility up until the end of February will receive a complimentary consultation

from one of their qualified service advisors, ranging from basic vehicle care to advanced situations that arise during a breakdown. The initiative that runs over a 3-month period will cover a range of topics focusing on both genders, promoting values of inclusion and education. “Driving a car is a huge responsibility, and as with any machine, a car too can run into trouble if not looked after, through ‘Gear in with Gargash Auto’ we want to equip drivers with all the basic knowledge of vehicle function as

WALK-IN CONSULTATIONS Customers can use the walk-in consultant services until the end of February. Advice can include tips on basic vehicle care and guides to vehicle features.

well prepare them for unforeseen circumstances,” said Amir Pervaiz, general manager, Gargash Auto. The brand wants to encourage road safety by adopting safe practices, implementing preventative measures, and destigmatizing the notion of automotive care only being associated with one gender. Gargash Auto is determined to do its part to make the UAE roads a safer space, thereby contributing towards a healthy eco-system and society. The topics Gargash Auto will cover include, but are not limited to: Battery jump-start; basic engine Knowledge; knowing all the common warning lights on the dashboard and their respective meaning; oil leak checks; what to do in case of a random breakdown; refilling the wiper water tank; engine oil level check; tyre pressure check; and how to locate the fuel tank. Pervaiz added: “Often drivers get into situations as they tend to ignore warning signs that the vehicle might be giving such as tyre pressure being low, the engine being overheated, and many more. We strongly feel if they were aware of this, they would be able to pick on the warning signs early on and avoid getting into difficult situations.”

BRIDGESTONE SELECTED FOR AUDI Q4 E-TRON TYRES

Bridgestone has been chosen as tyre supplier for the Audi Q4 e-tron – Audi’s first compact, fully-electric SUV. To meet Audi’s demanding technical requirements for the Q4 e-tron, Bridgestone developed custom-engineered ultra-low rolling resistance summer tyres with ENLITEN Technology. Sustainable and lightweight, ENLITEN Technology reduces tyre rolling resistance by up to 30% and weight by up to 20% to extend EV driving range and reduce environmental impact thanks to improved resource productivity. The bespoke summer tyres offer a rolling resistance performance that betters the European A label grade threshold and make no compromises with on-road stability, which is crucial for the heavy load on a rear traction vehicle, said Bridgestone, adding that it sees electric mobility as a huge opportunity.

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S WORKSHOP: THE DUBAI MOTOR SHOW IS REDEFINED, REDESIGING A DASHBOARD FOR SMART MOBILITY, AND MORE

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WORKSHOP

FRIGOBLOCK BEGINS COOLING OF EURO EV FLEET

SHELL LAUNCHES CARBON NEUTRAL LUBRICANTS IN REGION LUBRICANTS

Shell says its recently launched portfolio of carbon neutral lubricants is now available for customers in the Middle East. The lubricants portfolio is developed for applications across a range of products, from passenger cars to heavy duty diesel engines for industrial sectors, said Shell. It added in a statement that customers in key markets across the Middle East, including UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain will now have access to carbon neutral Shell Helix Ultra Lubricants, “which offer consumers a more sustainable choice of motor oil, without compromising high performance and engine protection”. Shell Rimula R6 series premium engine oils, which are now also available as a carbon neutral product option are primarily used for heavy duty diesel engine oil applications and original equipment manufacturers. “At Shell, maintaining responsible operations is an integral part of our business,” said Haytham Yehia, general manager, Shell Lubricants Middle East. “The world is going through a significant shift; these transformational changes have now dictated that businesses across key sectors must re-evaluate how they operate and identify ways to reduce their net carbon footprint.” Shell’s expansion plans in the region place its commitment to achieving a lower-carbon future high in its list of priorities. It plans to offset annual emissions of more than 200 million litres of advanced synthetic lubricants and plans to compensate approximately 700,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions per year.

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REFRIGERATION Frigoblock has delivered its first system for an all-electric distribution truck to Martin & Servera, a Swedish wholesaler for restaurants and commercial kitchens. The new Volvo FE Electric truck featuring the electric Frigoblock FK13 refrigeration unit started delivery operations in the city of Stockholm, Sweden. This zero-emission and low-noise solution will allow Martin & Servera to deliver goods in Low Emission Zones, and at any time of day or night, significantly contributing to increasing the efficiency of their inner-city deliveries. The driver can also easily operate the refrigeration unit from inside the cab and turn it off if necessary when approaching one of the city’s sensitive areas. “Building on decades of industry expertise, our technology is designed to create value for our customers while helping them

BATTERIES UNDER CONTROL The supply of energy from the vehicle’s batteries can be altered depending on the need to secure the correct temperature in the two refrigerated compartments

to reduce the environmental footprint of their transport operations”, said Fredrik Weimyr, managing director at Thermo King Sverige AB. “Combining the electric technologies of Volvo and Frigoblock, we developed an energy efficient solution that takes our customers and the industry another step closer to sustainable, CO2-neutral temperature-controlled transport.”

The Frigoblock FK13 dualzone unit selected for this application communicates with the vehicle’s CAN-system via the Frigoblock inverter technology. This allows the Frigoblock refrigeration units to work directly with the battery-powered vehicle, minimising the number of energy-consuming components and optimising the use of the battery, says the company.

MONTA AND CITA EV START REGION CHARGE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Electric vehicle (EV) charging app, Monta, and e-mobility solution provider, CITA EV, have announced a new partnership to help supercharge EV charge point infrastructure in the Middle East. As part of the agreement, CITA will utilise Monta software to provide businesses and organisations in the Middle East with opportunities to install and manage new charge points. Monta will also provide 24/7 customer support and payment system to provide a pain-free charging process for charge point owners and drivers, becoming CITA’s exclusive EV charge point software provider in the Middle East in return. Monta’s platform brings together organisations and charge point installers to provide more solutions to EV drivers, such as smart queueing and reservation features, while adding a new revenue stream.

Electric charge point infrastructure is set to undergo significant transformation in the Middle East as the adoption rate of

electric vehicles increases, something which is seen as a significant opportunity for growth in the region. Countries such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia are pushing for at least 10% and 30% of cars in their respective regions to be electric by 2030, while the United Arab Emirates is aiming to have 42,000 electric vehicles on its streets within the same time period. “Electric vehicles in the Middle East have increased tenfold over the past five years, to the point where the current amount of public chargers simply cannot fulfill demand,” said Ian Beattie, Sales and Operations Director at CITA. “Organisations across the region are looking to support the move to electric vehicles, as well as flexible solutions that benefit everyone, but simply can’t get there fast enough. This is where Monta comes in, offering a seamless charge point integration experience. We’ve been really impressed.” JANUARY 2022 25

FEATURE

GOING THE RIGHT WAY Continental’s Wrong Way Driver system promotes safety by warning at-risk drivers about vehicles traveling the wrong way and gives early alerts about a wrong-way driver’s location, speed and direction of travel.

IN THE

ZONE

Ahead of this month’s CES event, Continental offered an answer to today’s mobility concerns

ontinental believes it can drive the future of mobility and make our roads safer, more connected, and more convenient. At the CES 2022 event held in Las Vegas, the company presented a glimpse into the future. “The future of mobility means safer, connected and more inclusive transportation systems. At CES, we are demonstrating the possibilities of achieving our vision zero goal and optimising convenience for easy access to mobility for everyone,” said Gilles Mabire, chief technology officer, Continental Automotive. “Continental’s innovative solutions on display are not only transforming the driving experience, they’re

26 JANUARY 2022

also reinventing the definition of mobility.” Vehicle technology is profoundly transforming towards fully connected, automated as well as software-defined vehicles. Continental is already driving this development by offering an overarching set of solutions for server-based architectures and being the first supplier who has brought a Body High-Performance Computer (HPC) to the market with Volkswagen’s ID. electric series. In addition to platforms for domainfocused HPCs for the vehicle cockpit, data management and vehicle connectivity, driving safety and dynamics, or automated driving, Continental is now also offering modular platform solutions for cross-domain HPCs. A first cross-domain HPC from Continental,

At CES, we are demonstrating the possibilities of achieving our vision zero goal”

which hosts functions and features from the body and vehicle control domain, will be integrated into future electric vehicles from a major Chinese vehicle manufacturer. Continental’s architecture and networking portfolio is extending by offering scalable zone controller solutions with growing cross-domain capabilities. Its Zone Control Units (ZCUs) are in physical zones in the vicinity of sensors and actuators, act as a communication gateway, provide smart power distribution and ensure the reliable execution of vehicle functions. With Continental’s modular platform solutions, vehicle manufacturers can choose the best fit for their future vehicle architectures. Continental also says software and powerful IT infrastructure based on the Continental meconstructionnews.com

FEATURE

Automotive Edge Framework enable new functions and are transforming mobility. This modular hardware and software platform connects the vehicle to the cloud and features numerous options to develop, supply and maintain software-intensive system functions. This will allow drivers to integrate the functions they want going forward during the entire service life of their vehicle by downloading quick and convenient software updates. Continental’s award-winning ShyTech Displays feature control surfaces made of buttons, lights and switches are hidden and integrate into the display in a brand-new way. While the full range of control options is always there for a user, only relevant content is visible. Instead of presenting an ‘empty’ black display surface or numerous physical buttons, Continental’s ShyTech Displays create a more attractive cockpit design presenting an elegant surface that can be made to resemble wood grain, carbon fibre, or leather. The display can be a pillar-to-pillar solution, utilising the full width of the dashboard, or it can be used to create completely new interactive areas for drivers and passengers where displays traditionally were not in use before. The growth of display areas is one of the key trends across vehicle interiors, but this can lead to a disruptive experience for drivers. For the first time at CES, Continental demonstrated its award-winning Switchable Privacy Display, aimed to entertain the front passenger while reducing distractions for the driver. With this technology, passengers can engage with multimedia content such as videos or the infotainment system outside the driver’s view. In private mode, a strongly directed backlight makes content fully visible only from the passenger’s viewing angle. If necessary, and if the traffic situation permits, the display can be switched to public mode, allowing the driver and the passenger to experience the selected content. As entertainment options become more prevalent in vehicles, technology like the Switchable Privacy Display is essential to reduce driver distractions. Crashes involving wrong-way drivers are among the most catastrophic, with almost 400 people killed every year in the United States. Continental offers a demo of its Wrong Way Driver system, which promotes safety by warning at-risk drivers about vehicles traveling the wrong way. Early alerts about a wrong-way driver’s location, speed and direction of travel allow other drivers to take proactive safety measures. The technology relies on a combination of Continental sensors, meconstructionnews.com

SPOTTING VEHICLES SOONER The high resolution of the long-range LiDAR improves the classification of objects. This enables key features for passenger and commercial vehicle applications by combining a high dynamic spatial resolution with long-range detection.

The future of mobility means safer, connected and more inclusive transportation systems”

connected vehicle systems and a heat-mapping algorithm. It is a self-learning system that works with roadside equipment to define the lane and direction of travel. The fully immersive demo puts users behind the wheel of a car in a scenario with a wrong-way driver. Participants experience the situation with and without the Continental technology in a driving simulation. Alongside its partner AEye, Continental unveiled the HRL131 long-range LiDAR. This precision sensing technology is a critical component to enable the future of autonomous mobility. The HRL131 is a microelectromechanical system-based (MEMS) adaptive LiDAR for Level 3 and Level 4 assisted and automated driving solutions. This high-

performance LiDAR technology enables key features for passenger and commercial vehicle applications by combining a high dynamic spatial resolution with long-range detection. Its software defined scan patterns can be fully customised to adapt to any customer requirements. With that, the sensor is set up to handle the most difficult, dynamic environments for autonomous driving – from high-speed highway scenarios to densely packed urban roads. The HRL131 is on track for start of production in 2024 and will be the first high-resolution, solid-state long-range LiDAR sensor in the world to go into series production in the automotive market. The Conti GreenConcept, meanwhile, is a conceptual study by the premium tyre manufacturer leverages both current and emerging technological approaches to the engineering of sustainable tyres for passenger cars. The goal of Continental’s integrative and sustainable concept is minimising resource consumption across every link in the tyre’s value chain. As a result, the study addresses everything from the sourcing and procurement of raw materials in the various stages of production up to ways of extending the tire’s service life. Development engineers and materials experts rose to the occasion and found novel solutions to each of these challenges. The result, a tyre that consists of a particularly high percentage of traceable, renewable, and recycled materials, has a lightweight design that conserves valuable resources, and extended service life thanks to a renewable tread.

DRIVING WITH NO DISTRACTIONS The Privacy Display offers entertainment and information to the passenger without distracting the driver.

JANUARY 2022 27

FEATURE

THE FAST AND

THE CURIOUS

The Dubai Motor Show returns as a supercar cruise with a green conscience

t first glance, the noisy petrol head crawls around Dubai’s more touristy locations make #NoFilterDXB look like a late-to-dinner Dubai resident’s worst Thursday evening nightmare, but peering through the fumes of the hyper-exclusive supercars you could find launches, debuts and a surprisingly long list of the latest and unreleased Electric Vehicle (EV) and hybrid models aplenty. Indeed, the region’s only and self-styled urban lifestyle and motoring festival arrived at the end of 2021 with a green conscience. With the UAE progressing numerous Green Mobility initiatvies, including the 28 JANUARY 2022

Dubai Clean Energy Strategy and 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, the UAE currently boasts more than 250 charging stations for EVs – making the Emirates the world’s leading nation for EV charging stations per capita. #NOFILTERDXB – a redefined edition of Dubai World Trade Centre’s popular Dubai International Motor Show – embraced the automotive industry’s shift to sustainable practices with a showcase of the nextgeneration EV and hybrid vehicles that will contribute to national Green Mobility targets in the event’s ‘Go Electric’ showcase.

It’s been incredible and a bit surreal, even for us petrol heads”

Bringing a major regional launch to #NOFILTERDXB, Arabian Automobiles the flagship company of the AW Rostamani Group and the exclusive dealer for Nissan in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates - is showcasing Nissan’s first-ever EV crossover, the Nissan Ariya, which is ‘likely’ to hit UAE streets in the middle of next year. Michel Ayat, CEO of AWR Automotive, described the Ariya’s debut as part of the firm’s continuing mission to align with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy to make public transport emission-free by 2050. “It gives us great pride to leverage #NOFILTERDXB to showcase the Nissan Ariya, which seeks to deliver the brand’s meconstructionnews.com

FEATURE

TAKING TO THE ROAD Concieved as a rebrand and rethink of the Dubai Motor Show, #NOFILTERDXB was a much more party and community-focused event than its World Trade Centre predecessor.

promise of innovation and excitement that is accessible to everyone,” he said. “Dubai is exemplary in its vision of becoming a smart city, investing in infrastructure and providing financial advantages to EV drivers to promote electric mobility. As the pioneer that took electric cars to the global mainstream, Nissan is again breaking the mold in designing and building EVs with the Ariya.” Elsewhere, BMW showcased the recently launched iX – the manufacturer’s battery-electric mid-size luxury crossover SUV. With dual BMW electric motors, fifth-generation eDrive technology and the latest electric all-wheel drive system, the new BMW iX offers a range of over 600 km while meconstructionnews.com

250

The UAE currently boasts more than 250 charging stations for EVs

delivering sports-car levels of acceleration. With over 500hp, the BMW iX powers from 0 to 100 km/h in less than five seconds. “Recently, we have seen the Government of Dubai taking further steps towards its Green Mobility Strategy, supporting the growing market demand for electric vehicles with an increase in electric charging stations around the city,” said Arsal Hassan, head of PR and Marketing, BMW AGMC. “We at AGMC are thrilled to be taking a part in progressing towards a greener, more sustainable future with the introduction of vehicles like the BMW iX.” Mercedes-Benz was also at the event, displaying the all-electric EQS, the first premium saloon from Mercedes-EQ to be

designed from scratch as an electric car. With a maximum range of up to 785 kilometres, the EQS is a complete reimagining of the S-Class sedan and is packed with advanced tech under the hood and in the cabin. “We are excited to participate at #NOFILTERDXB and showcase our new entry into the all-electric car market – the luxurious EQS. Sustainability is becoming a central component of our brand philosophy and an essential aspect of our corporate strategy. The EQS meets the demands of today and is a perfect example of how the future of large electric luxury saloons will look like. At a time where the UAE is spotlighting both sustainability and mobility through JANUARY 2022 29

FEATURE

the EXPO 2020 Dubai, we are excited to work with Dubai World Trade Centre to showcase the best in both of those fields at #NOFILTERDXB,” said Ivo Kapitzki, general manager, Gargash Mercedes-Benz. While the green launches caught the eye, it was the Dubai Supercar Parade which proved the city’s insatiable appetite for glamour and amazing lifestyles remains as strong as ever today. Featuring a sensational multi-million dollar motorcade of more than 200 supercars, motorbikes, and custom cars it snaked its way through Dubai Harbour, JBR and JLT on the final day of the inaugural #NOFILTERDXB. The Dubai Supercar Parade was held as part of nation-wide celebrations leading up to next week’s 50th UAE National Day. Tapping into the country’s forthcoming Golden Jubilee celebrations, Gargash Motors led the convoy with the all-new Mercedes-AMG G 63 UAE GOLDEN JUBILEE Edition – one of only 50 ever made – that launched at #NOFILTERDXB earlier this week. “It was really exciting to lead the Parade in the Mercedes-AMG G 63 UAE Golden Jubilee Edition to commemorate the UAE’s 50th anniversary. With the Parade capturing the spirit of the nation’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, this was the perfect car to head the amazing convoy of supercars,” said Alen Bedrossian, marketing manager, Gargash Mercedes-Benz. Khalid Al Mulla, the founder & president of Group 63 – one of the world’s largest AMG clubs with over 198,000 members, and a major exhibitor of super and custom cars at

BMW CELEBRATE AT #NOFILTERDXB A 67-strong convoy of BMW cars, including a 1970s copper-coloured BMW 2002, rolled into #NOFILTERDXB, as the BMW Club UAE threw its support behind the city’s newest super trendy urban lifestyle and motoring culture festival. “We’ve been waiting for #NOFILTERDXB since it was first announced because we saw it as a great opportunity to get

Dubai is exemplary in its vision of becoming a smart city”

our members together and celebrate our BMW family at a motoring community event close to our hearts,” said Mohammed Wazif, president & Co-Founder of the BMW Club UAE. Parade see some of the world’s most sought-after supercars rolling through the streets of Dubai Harbour, JBR, and JLT, before returning to #NOFILTERDXB for public viewing.

#NOFILTERDXB – piloted an iconic red Jannarelly D1 Trofeo through the Parade. “It’s truly amazing to be part of #NOFILTERDXB. What an unbelievable fleet of cars and the November weather was perfect for a morning cruise. If I had to pick a favourite car from the Parade, the matt black Bugatti Chiron would be my choice – it’s gorgeous,” said Al Mulla. With the Parade fleet driven by members of local automotive clubs and private owners, Noor Daoud, the Middle East’s first

female drift racer, sprinkled girl power on proceedings by flagging the convoy off at Dubai Harbour, before jumping in a white Lamborghini Aventador to join the Parade. “I am very blessed, happy and grateful to be here. It is my first time to flag off a Parade and it means so much that #NOFILTERDXB had their trust in me. Dubai is well-known for luxurious supercars, but how they managed to line up this huge number of cars and bikes was unbelievable. You will never find this in any other country in the world,” said Daoud. Local automobile clubs came out in their droves to support the Parade, with a dozen owners from the Dodge Viper Club GTSs, SRTs, and GTS-Rs to the fold, while the Porsche 9ers Club joined in with a series of 911s, GT3s and GT3Rs. “We had over 30 of our members here for the Parade. I drove a 911.2 Turbo S and had my wife along for the ride. What #NOFILTERDXB has done is amazing, bringing the city’s car community together outside in the beautiful November weather was so special. People were seeing cars they would never normally see; a Bugatti Chiron Sport 110 just crept by – it’s incredible and a bit surreal, even for us petrol heads,” said Adnan Malik, a British national who founded the “coffee and cars” focused 9ers in 2019. With thousands of spectators lining the Parade route to get up-close to the throng of super and high-performance cars by MercedesBenz, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lambourgini, McLaren, Porsche,

REBRANDING AND REDEFINING MOTOR EVENTS The organisers described the event as the most fabulous motor cars and urban lifestyle festival of the year creating a unique event in car-crazy Dubai.

30 JANUARY 2022

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TEST DRIVE

URBAN COOL The experimental event celebrated the motoring experience but it also wanted to showcase all things urban cool; from yachts to fashion, culinary and sports.

an eye-popping collection of motorbikes by Aprilla, BMW, Ducatti, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hyabusa, Indian Motorcycles, KTM, Motot Guzzi, MV, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, and Yamaha, were a hit with two-wheel fans. “I love cars, but I am definitely a bike guy. I drove up from Abu Dhabi this morning to be here, we left at 6am, so it’s great to see a really diverse collection of the two-wheelers included,” said Rajiv Mukhi, a 32-yearold Indian national who works in I.T. Also joining the Parade was Porsche owner Karim Khalaf, a resident of Dubai for over 16 years: “I am here with my nine-year-old son Rami, who is more of a petrol head than me. Getting together like this and seeing all these amazing cars is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is not every day you get to celebrate the UAE’s 50th Anniversary in such spectacular fashion. The Parade summarised Dubai in one parking lot. Beautiful cars, shiny mechanics, people from all over the world in harmony, getting together and celebrating what they love.” Other vehicles in the Parade included a 10-plus Abarth 595s and 695s, two Audi R8 V10s, several Chevrolet Corvettes, a 1966 Chevrolet Chevlle, a Dallara Stradale, a Dodge Charger Hellcat, a Ford Mustang Classic, a KTM X-Bow, a Lotus Evora S, a Maserati MC Stradale, a Mitsubishi Evo 8, a Rolls-Royce Ghost, and a Tesla Model 3, amongst others. Tim Johnstone, 47, a British Expat living in Dubai who watched the Parade from the Dubai Harbour start line, said: “This is one of those ‘wow’ moments that Dubai is known for; meconstructionnews.com

the collection of cars, the Marina backdrop, the weather, the views – this lifestyle is something you simply don’t get anywhere else.” Lola Chakravarty, an Indian national and long-time resident of Dubai Marina, was another spectator at the start line: “My husband and son were pestering me all week to come, and I wanted to watch from our balcony. For once they were right, I’m very glad we came to the start. The line-up of vehicles is very impressive, it’s like a scene from a movie.” Amir Baderkano, a 14-year-old Dubai resident from Russia, added: “The Parade is amazing, it is very special to see so many supercars in one place – my favourite is the Lamborghini Aventador and I have seen two already. I am going to have a lot of fun editing all my photos – and yes, no filter needed!” Trixie LohMirmand, Executive VicePresident of Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the organiser of #NOFILTERDXB and the Dubai Supercar Parade, added: “The Parade has united the city’s motoring community for an amazing celebration of what makes Dubai so special. We had over 200 cars in the convoy, with drivers from all over the world, but they all spoke the same languages: cars and lifestyle. We want to thank the drivers for taking part, and our partners at Dubai Police, the Roads & Transport Authority, Dubai Ambulance, the General Directorate of Civil Defense, and Dubai Events Security Committee for their efforts and energies in delivering another amazing spectacle for the city.”

INFINITE HOSPITALITY INFINITI Middle East exhibited its two newest premium SUVs – the all-new QX55 and next-generation QX60 – in a Japanese lifestyle-themed concept during the rebranded Dubai International Motor Show, #NOFILTERDXB. Taking place at the Dubai Harbour, every element of the INFINITI display aimed at expressing ‘omotenashi’, a concept of Japanese hospitality, which means “to wholeheartedly look after guests”. Guests were greeted

with a subtle, yet striking conceptual representation of the cherry blossom tree centerpiece – a ‘delicate’ steel and LED-light fixture, blooming with hanging origami. The Japanese art of origami is a special inspiration and key component to the brand. “It can be seen in the iconic grilles of INFINITI models and is also one of the artistic components used in the next-generation QX60 as part of its reimagined and premium design language,”said INFINITI.

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URBAN COOL The experimental event celebrated the motoring experience but it also wanted to showcase all things urban cool; from yachts to fashion, culinary and sports.

JANUARY 2022 31

PARTING SHOT

BRACED FOR

CHANGE Middle East’s auto aftermarket ‘ready for change’, reveals Automechanika Dubai survey

he Middle East’s automotive aftermarket industry is bracing for change over the next five years, according to the newly released Automechanika Market Outlook 2021 – the third in the annual survey series conducted by GRS Explori. Commissioned by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, organiser of Automechanika Dubai, the Middle East’s largest international automotive aftermarket industry trade show, which took place last month at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the report reflects findings from a survey of nearly 1,000 sector players globally. More than half the Middle East respondents (58%) said they had been negatively, or very negatively, impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic with an astounding 82% saying they are battling parts shortages and delays largely caused by logistics challenges. Some 69% of Middle East players surveyed said they anticipate major (43%) or minor (26%) changes in their sector over the next five years, with the key drivers being technology advancement, economic shifts and altered consumer behaviour. “The good news is that 76% of Middle East

respondents say they are ready to face the changes which puts the regional industry in a great position for recovery and growth,” commented Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Automechanika Dubai’s show director. “It is also encouraging that 36% view the sector as growing over the next five years – which is up from 29% in the 2018 survey so industry-wide optimism is increasing. “A further 27% of Middle East respondents in 2021 predict business to continue as usual while 30% of Middle East respondents expect new technology to present significant opportunities,” added Bilikozen. Within the Middle East the segments most likely to face disruption, according to respondents, are parts and components, electronics and systems and repair and maintenance. Electric and hybrid vehicles are seen by regional respondents as bringing in the most considerable disruption to the traditional petrol/ diesel vehicle segment, with passenger cars being the biggest change driver. Within the region, 84% anticipate change to an alternative fuel – up 4 percentage points on the initial survey in 2018. “Interestingly, 40% of Middle East operators report receiving customer enquiries for alternative

fuel vehicle products and services,” added Bilikozen. “Yet more than half the respondents (55%) from within the garage and workshop sector admit they have not yet invested in the new equipment which will be needed to service electric vehicles though the majority say they know they need to invest but have not yet begun the process.” Looking ahead five years, almost half the Middle East respondents anticipate electric, hybrid and solar-powered vehicles being commonplace on the region’s roads, with pricing and government policies being change catalysts. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, say the respondents, won’t pick up the same pace until 2031, though almost a third (31%) believe autonomous vehicles will be on the region’s roads within five years, and over half (51%) are expecting private vehicle ownership to be impacted by ride and car-sharing businesses. The full report was presented at Automechanika Academy the event’s accompanying conference. “The report is essential reading for all involved in the region’s automotive aftermarket industry as it drills down into vertical segments and provides insights which can guide survival and growth strategies for the next five years and beyond,” added Bilikozen.

NEXT ISSUE: THE TRUCK AND FLEET AWARDS, BODYBUILDERS WORKING IT OUT, BMW TEST DRIVE, AND MUCH MORE!

32 JANUARY 2022

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PARTING SHOT

DRIVE THE NEW WAY

NEW IVECO T-WAY: HIGH PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY ON OFF-ROAD TERRAINS With a complete line-up of AWD and PWD versions and the the 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, the IVECO T-WAY features a host of functionalities such as Rocking Mode, Off-road Mode, Creeping Mode and 4 reverse gears to tackle with ease the toughest off-road conditions. The new architecture of the EBS system, combined with disc brakes on all wheels, greatly improves the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s safety in the most demanding applications.

NEW IVECO S-WAY: HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENCY FOR ON-ROAD MISSIONS The new IVECO S-WAY, with a completely redesigned and reinforced cab, offers a wide choice of Euro III/V diesel engines, a delivering class-leading power from 360 HP to 560 HP Euro III / 570 HP Euro V and superior fuel-saving devices, such as anti-idling feature, Ecoswitch, Ecoroll and Smart Alternator. 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated transmission with the most advanced technology in its category, electronic clutch and best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio.

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Truck&Fleet ME January 2022

Articles inside

AN EKAR STORY

NOFILTERDXB

CHANGING ATTITUDES

DASHING THROUGH

AGILITY ON SAFETY

NEWS FROM THE MONTH

RAIZE THE CSUV ROOF