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NEWS FROM THE MONTH
FAMCO LAUNCHES NEW VOLVO TRUCKS RANGE / AL JADAWEL LAND TRANSPORT PICKS RENAULT K 480 / RTA ANNOUNCES EXPO 2020 PUBLIC TRANSPORT PLAN / ETIHAD RAIL
NETWORK
FAMCO launches new range of HD Volvo trucks in the UAE
NEW GENERATION FH, FM AND FMX MODELS FEATURE ENHANCED SAFETY SYSTEMS INTEGRATED TO HELP AVOID ACCIDENTS AND MINIMISE DOWNTIME, SAYS IMPORTER
LAUNCH
Leading heavy vehicle and machinery importer FAMCO (Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company) has launched its new cutting-edge Volvo Trucks range as it looks to “reinforce its market-leading position” in the UAE.
The new-generation FH, FM and FMX heavy-duty trucks have been redesigned to deliver even higher levels of productivity, class-leading safety features, as well as a more driver-friendly experience with an enhanced driver interface, interior space and overall visibility. These advanced models deliver a stronger return on range, giving users an environmental and financial saving in the process, said FAMCO in a statement.
FAMCO and Volvo Trucks have been partners in the UAE since 1978 and have established a solid relationship that extends far beyond just the initial sales cycle. With the support of the Swedish truck brand, FAMCO has invested in state-of-the-art facilities and software that works with the customer to ensure world-class levels of service, uninterrupted parts availability and, most importantly, reduced downtime for vehicles in the field.
“Revealing these new trucks in the presence of members of the Volvo Trucks international team is not only an honour, but also a return to some form of normality for us at FAMCO,” said Ramez Hamdan, Managing Director of FAMCO and Commercial Vehicles. “FAMCO and Volvo Trucks truly are a team working closely together on a daily basis. And that is the secret to the success of these two brands, which then benefits our customers. Bringing class-leading products to the market and providing the support and guidance our customers need, regardless of their industry or usage.”
THE UAE’S ENERGY STRATEGY 2050 AIMS TO INCREASE THE PERCENTAGE OF CLEAN ENERGY IN THE COUNTRY’S ENERGY MIX TO 50%
ETIHAD RAIL AND TRANSPORTR DEVELOPING INTEGRATED DIGITAL LOGISTICS SERVICES
LOGISTICS
The UAE’s Etihad Rail has announced a collaboration with digital freight services provider Transportr to enable the streamlining of the services it provides in the logistics sector.
The developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network said that the collaboration comes as part of Etihad Rail’s “long-term digital innovation strategy in advancing cuttingedge technology for the rail sector, alongside the company’s commitment to the UAE’s digitalisation agenda”.
Under the cooperation, Etihad Rail and Transportr will work together to offer digital solutions for services such as booking, tracking and multi-modal connectivity, providing “a complete digital rail freight solution that will complement Etihad Rail’s range of new and sophisticated technologies that are convenient and efficient”.
Ahmed Al Hashemi, executive director, Commercial, at Etihad Rail, said: “Etihad Rail is at the forefront of the industry in developing innovative solutions for its customers. Through integrating state-of-the-art technology into our network, we are creating a rail service that is new, modern, and cost effective, bringing significant benefits to the wider local and regional logistics sector.
“Through implementing international best practice, we are reducing transport and storage costs, improving supply chain resilience, and providing future customers with seamless freight transport. Transportr provides a range of sophisticated solutions for the whole logistics sector.”
AL JADAWEL LAND TRANSPORT OPTS FOR DOUBLE-DIGIT RENAULT K 480 PURCHASE
FLEET
Najah Al Tahir, owner of Al Jadawel Land Transport, targets using the French brand across the entire fleet by the end of 2022 as total fleet of vehicles reaches 98
Renault Trucks has delivered ten K 480 heavyduty construction models to one of the UAE’s leading construction material transportation companies, Al Jadawel Land Transport.
The purchase expands the Fujairah-based firm’s fleet size to 98 as part of a strategy to exclusively use the French brand across the entire fleet by the end of 2022.
The new trucks have been supplied by Renault Trucks’ partner in the United Arab Emirates, United Diesel, and will now be deployed to “transport aggregate from the crushers in the Northern Emirates across the country.”
According to Renault Trucks, the K 480 Tractor Head 6x4 models purchased by Al Jadawel Land Transport “deliver the highest levels of driver comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency. They are equipped with a range of features that are designed to optimise productivity, minimise downtime, reduce operation costs and maximise profitability. Designed to operate in extreme conditions, their outstanding technical capabilities meet and exceed customers’ dayto-day requirements.”
“We are incredibly proud to have struck this deal with Renault Trucks,” said Najah Al Tahir, owner of Al Jadawel Land Transport. “With operations across the UAE, which is known for its tough terrain and high temperatures, we require trucks able to withstand these harsh conditions.
“The brand’s range has a reputation for being able to meet and exceed our needs, which is why we aim to switch our whole fleet to consist only of Renault Trucks models by 2022.”
The K 480’s spacious, well-appointed cab features controls are at the driver’s fingertips, while there is also a 7’’ HD LCD information display and seats with fitted red seat belts. The design of the windshield and side mirrors guarantee clear visibility around the cab with minimum blind spots, helping keep both occupants and road users safe, according to Renault Trucks.
The manufacturer added that there safety features include EBS (Electronic Braking System), Hill Start Aid (HSA), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Emergency braking assist (AFU). A Tyre Pressure Monitoring system (TPMS) is also fitted, “to ensure operators benefit from the maximum lifetime of the tyres.”
The K 480 model is equipped with a fuel-efficient DXI 13 Euro 5 engine, developing 480 hp and torque of 2,400 Nm, and an Optidriver gearbox with automated clutch: “They combine to ensure the highest standards of productivity while minimising fuel consumption and reducing operating costs. Cruise control is also fitted as standard on C & K ranges.”
MICROMOBILITY EXPERT FENIX EXPANDS IN GCC
RTA ANNOUNCES EXPO 2020 TRANSPORT PLAN
FLEET
Micromobility operator FENIX has now expanded its first-in-the-region private e-scooter service into three countries and seven cities, covering communities across Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Doha and Manama.
According to the firm, the MyFENIX app has garnered high demand, organically generating thousands of user subscriptions to the unique private e-scooter leaseto-own service since its launch in Abu Dhabi in February 2021: “The resounding success exemplifies the growing demand for micromobility in areas and segments not serviced by shared e-scooters today.”
Subscribers of MyFENIX can now access its e-scooter services in Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman, Doha and Manama.
The service is inclusive of unlimited rides, a smart app to lock and locate the scooter, and free maintenance with vehicle replacements in less than 24 hours. Users who subscribe for 24 months will permanently receive their e-scooter, as a nocommitment lease-to-own product.
“We want to transform the way we move in cities and ignite impactful commerce,” said Jaideep Dhanoa, CEO, FENIX. “The MyFENIX service is a game-changer for mobility access.”
TRANSPORT
A project for integrated transport and flexible mobility around nine EXPO 2020 bus stations has been endorsed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The project will be undertaken in collaboration with Nakheel, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Tecom and Dubai Properties.
According to a statement, the project will see the RTA provide an integrated environment around metro and bus stations. It will see the construction of 226 pedestrian paths and 857 dropped kerbs and will create paths for people of determination at 1,053 points. It also includes a host of speed calming measures such as humps, shared cycling & pedestrian tracks, shared cycling and vehicles lanes, roadside parking slots, and wider pedestrian pavements.
“The project aims to encourage the use of environmentally friendly alternative transport means such as cycling tracks and encouraging public to use pedestrian walking paths, as well as public transport means, such as the metro, tram, marine transport and public buses,” said Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority.
He added that the project focuses on improving the surrounding environment, as it will promote the integration of multi-modal transit means. Improvements include providing pedestrian pavements and addressing traffic safety requirements such as safe crossings, and traffic signals designated for pedestrians and cyclists.
“The project includes the enhancement and implementation of mobility and connectivity standards at Al Baraha, Al Ghubaiba, Al Jafiliya, Business Bay 2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, International City, Palm Jumeirah, Etisalat and the Union Bus Stations.”
AD AIRPORTS AND MASDAR COMPLETE SOLAR CAR PARK PROJECT
SUSTAINABILITY
Abu Dhabi Airports and Masdar have announced the completion of what’s billed as Abu Dhabi’s largest solarpowered car park. The three-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project is installed on the car shading at the shortterm car park of the Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
According to a statement, the project comprises 7,542 solar panels and the energy generated by the grid-connected project will be used to power the car parking facility, with excess energy fed to other sections of the airport. It is expected to save 5,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
“The Midfield Terminal is designed to not only deliver a state-of-theart smooth and seamless passenger experience but also safeguard the UAE’s beautiful natural heritage.
“Throughout its development, we have integrated technology which enables sustainability, protects the environment, and creates a cleaner, greener, and more ecologically friendly building.
“Net-zero development has been a central ethos in the design and construction of the Midfield Terminal. By making smart and sustainable choices during its development in our use of double glazing, efficient lighting, and environmental controls, we have achieved considerable reductions across the building’s wider energy use,” said Shareef Al Hashmi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: FULL COVERAGE OF THE OEM ROUNDTABLE FROM THE TRUCK AND FLEET CONFERENCE UAE, AND MUCH MORE!
SUSTAINABILITY
Middle East’s sustainability pioneer Bee’ah is set to build the region’s first waste-to-hydrogen project in the UAE. Working with UK-based Chinook Sciences, Bee’ah’s project will include a green hydrogen generation plant and a hydrogen vehicle fuelling station, in collaboration with UK-based Chinook Sciences.
The firms said the project is an evolution of their $180 million waste gasification to energy project and “addresses the increased market demand for new sources of renewable energy.”
Once completed the fueling station will use green hydrogen generated from the waste-to-hydrogen plant from non-recyclable plastic waste and waste wood. The green hydrogen will then be fed into the fuelling station to power hydrogen vehicles.
“Green hydrogen will be a vital pillar of our future energy landscape and Bee’ah has been looking into this market for some time now with Chinook in alignment with our long-term strategy to develop new, sustainable energy solutions,” said HE Salim Bin Mohammed Al Owais, chairman, Bee’ah.
Chinook Sciences CEO Dr Rifat Chalabi, said the company was excited to to use its patented RODECS gasification and pyrolysis technology in the UAE.
Dr Chalabi explained that the RODECS process breaks down hydrocarbons from waste through advanced thermal treatment to release and recover green hydrogen: “When the green hydrogen is used in vehicles, it emits only water and no carbon emissions.”
LEXUS REACHES 19MN TONS CO2 MILESTONE
OEMS
Lexus says it has eclipsed the milestone of 2 million global sales of electrified vehicles at the end of April 2021. In 2020, 33% of Lexus models sold globally were electrified. Since 2005, the company’s electrified vehicles have contributed to a cumulative reduction in CO2 emissions of approximately 19 million tons – equivalent to the combined CO2 output of 300,000 passenger cars each year for the past 15 years.
Lexus is aiming to further develop its electrified product portfolio to make use of the diverse energy sources and infrastructure environments encountered around the world. Lexus now sells nine models of electrified vehicles, including HEVs and BEVs, in around 90 countries around the world.
By 2025, the company will introduce 20 new or improved models, including more than 10 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). The future expectation is that sales of electrified models will exceed those of the pure-petrol variety. In addition, by 2050, Lexus aims to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle, from materials, parts, and vehicle manufacturing to logistics, driving, and disposal/recycling.
“We are proud to achieve this remarkable milestone, which represents another important step in tackling environmental challenges and realizing our goal of a carbonneutral society where people can enjoy a happy, healthy and sustainable life, with freedom of mobility,” commented Kei Fujita, Chief Representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation.
In order to further accelerate the spread of EVs, Lexus plans to introduce the first PHEV in a mass-market model in 2021, as well as a completely new model dedicated to BEVs in 2022.
AL FARIS BRINGS LIEBHERR LR 1500 TO REGION
FLEET
Al Faris has announced an expansion of its crane fleet with the addition of several new units recently, including a 500t capacity Liebherr LR 1500 crawler crane, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. The regional heavy lifting and transport specialist said the new crane is part of a fleet expansion, with various cranes and other heavy equipment joining to its growing fleet, which is already the largest in the Middle East region.
A few of the cranes being added to Al Faris’ fleet are Liebherr mobile cranes ranging from 110t to 500t along with the powerful and compact Liebherr LR 1500.
Al Faris added that it continuously invests in the latest, technologically advanced equipment and ensures the best solutions to its customers.
Kieve Pinto, executive director, Al Faris said: “We have performed numerous heavy lifting operations for unique projects for more than 28 years and it has always been our priority to provide safe, innovative, and reliable equipment for heavy lifting, heavy transport and energy projects.”
