Truck&Fleet ME July-July 2022 by CPI Trade Media

VEHICLES/ TECH / TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS

O99/JUNE–JULY 2O22

MIDDLE EAST

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

E R A E W “

” G N I N E T S I L

ing s u c o f s i s k ru c T D U w o h e n h t o r a e n v i d l e e H d ne t o i l M our ad m o t t o b t he d n a e m i t now d on up e e n e w t ru c k s

P U G N I V V E R OST WORLD’S M

ET THE V TIME TO ME ULL-SIZE SU F L U F R E W PO

POWERFUL & ECO-FRIENDLY Heavy-Duty Forklift Trucks

6-10ton FD60 FD70 FD80 FD100

02-205 5600

masaood.com

CONTENTS

CONTENTS INTERVIEW

12 / WE ARE LISTENING T&FME talks to UD Truck’s Mourad Hedna on why fleets are talking about Total Cost of Ownership.

ALSO THIS ISSUE … NEWS

06 / NEWS FROM THE MONTH The RTA provides clarity on Dubai’s transport plan for the next five years. LAUNCHES

10 / SUPER SUV Cadillac unveils the world’s most powerful fullsize SUV, the Escalade-V. INTERVIEW

16 / KINGDOM RULERS Saudi Arabia’s JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicles talks about why the Mercedes-Benz brand remains the Kingdom’s premier brand. INTERVIEW

20 / INSPIRED TO DO MORE Mohamed El Zeftawi, general manager of Al Masaood CV&E on the importance of partnership and going the extra mile. TEST DRIVE

22 / AUDI RS E-TRON GT Ingolstadt’s first performance EV is a handsome brute with driving dynamics worthy of the RS badge writes Jason Saundalkar. MOBILITY

28 / MICRO TRENDS From MaaS to mobility hubs, Ekar’s Dheeraj Satta looks at the 5 top trends in the world of micromobility for 2022 and 2023. MANUFACTURING

30 / STAYING GREEN M Glory Group on how the UAE’s first electric vehicle plant is meeting a rising demand for green mobility.

meconstructionnews.com

JUNE–JULY 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

CALLING ALL UPWARDLY MOBILE PEOPLE I write this month as fuel prices in the UAE reach heights that I certainly don’t recall seeing in the country. Unsurprisingly, the subject was one of the main topics of concern during last month’s Truck and Fleet Conference in Dubai. While September’s Fleet and Mobility Summit will be much more technology-focused, I expect it to be brought up again. And for good reason. Controlling your costs is a major part of what the discipline of fleet management is about. Even if it is a career that you have found yourself accidentally falling into, you soon learn that it will be one of the main ways that your performance will be assessed by. During the conference we looked at the importance of driver training to control speeding, braking and vehicle wear and tear – and they all can make a huge difference to the amount of fuel that each vehicle uses. As can having the right truck and trailer combination for each application as so eloquently explained by Mohammad Jaber of DSV during our keynote interview on-stage. The Fleet and Mobility event will continue this conversation into the realms of how technology can enhance your day-to-day operations. If we are to live with high fuel prices – a new normal, if you like – then we need every tool available to keep costs under control. Rising fuel costs is of course not the only critical theme on the agenda. The

transportation of people and goods is changing at a rapid pace in the region – and I am currently in the process of assembling a cast of expert speakers and panellists to join the discussion on stage. Could that be you? From the rise of on-demand passenger services to last mile deliveries, I believe that by bringing key stakeholders and professionals together we can extend each other’s expertise and shape the mobility sector for years to come; as well as set some benchmarks for good practice and cost control. The regional market has seen some remarkable changes to the fleet and mobility sectors in the past half-decade. The rise of e-commerce and digitalisation means these sectors have been among the few beneficiaries of the Covid pandemic with both private and end-user clients accessing services in unprecedented. Likewise, technology is powering a revolution in how sectors such as hospitality, F&B and retail can directly serve homes and offices via their own fleet or third-party service providers. But mobility is also opening up possibilities in adopting on-demand, leasing and rental services to keep costs down, protect fleet operation flexibility and ultimately its future. If you would like to participate or put forwards a colleague you feel will enhance the event, please contact me at stephen.white@cpitrademedia.com

STEPHEN WHITE EDITOR, TRUCK&FLEET ME STEPHEN.WHITE@CPITRADEMEDIA.COM 02 JUNE–JULY 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 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.

meconstructionnews.com

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS THE MAX

Discover how the most advanced technology, most powerful engine and the highest levels of efficiency in the Ford Trucks F-Max can power your business.

• ECOTORQ E5 Engine delivering 500HP: Optimum fuel consumption and maximum performance under any road condition (ECO & Power mode)

• Automated Transmission: Selecting the right gear shift to suit different driving conditions • Aerodynamic Design

• Low Cost of Ownership

DOWNLOAD THE AL TAYER MOTORS APP

premier-motors.ae

altayermotors.com

ONLINE

MOST POPULAR CONSTRUCTION

Umm Alqura for Development & Construction announces 71,000sqm mall in western Makkah The mall is being developed as part of the Masar destination, a cultural project taking shape in western Makkah

PROPERTY

Luxhabitat Sotheby’s International Realty to manage sales of 1 Residences

INFRASTRUCTURE

TRSDC and ARCHIRODON complete installation of last connecting piece for crucial Shura Bridge project 1.2km bridge will connect project’s hub island of Shura to the mainland across the Al Wajh lagoon

MACHINERY

CONSTRUCTION

GMMCO Limited becomes distributor for JLG in South and Eastern India

DAMAC and de GRISOGONO launch Safa Two tower Safa Two will feature extensive green features across living units and public spaces including a ‘Fog Forest’ at the crown of the tower OPINION

How the UAE is future-proofing by being a Metaverse champion

CONSTRUCTION

Azizi to begin handover of Creek Views I in Dubai Healthcare City The residential project has received its civil defence and building completion certificates MACHINERY

MACHINERY

Hyundai expands heavy construction range with two articulated dump trucks The HA30A and HA45A have a compact chassis design and are built around a full-time six-wheel drive concept that improves driving conditions on terrain

Supporting Fleets and delivery businesses to be smarter operators

meconstructionnews.com

21 Sept 2022 Dubai UAE

Tadano harmonises telescopic boom crawler line

MACHINERY

Husqvarna Construction introduces new range of demolition robots

JUNE–JULY 2022

NETWORK

RTA UNVEILS FIVE-YEAR ROAD TRANSPORTATION PLAN / NEW SCANIA MD WANTS TO EXPAND SERVICES / CAREEM AND HALA DRIVE RAMADAN CHARITY PUSH

NETWORK Route boost to Dubai network RTA EXTENDING ITS DEDICATED BUS AND TAXI LANES OVER FIVE-YEAR PERIOD FLEET Dubai is about to see a major overhaul of its transportation network after a plan to construct dedicated bus and taxi lanes extending 37km during the period 2023-2027 was approved by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). According to a statement, the lanes cover eight main streets mainly Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Street, 2nd December Street, Amman Street, Al Satwa Road, Al Nahda Street, Omar bin Al-Khattab Street and Naif Street bringing the total length of dedicated bus and taxi lanes to 48.6km.

“The dedicated bus and taxi lanes is a successful global practice that encourages people to ride public transport rather than private vehicles,” said Mattar Al Tayer, directorgeneral, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA. “As seen in several metropolitan cities in North America and Europe, dedicated bus and taxi lanes reduce journey time, increase the compliance with the on-time bus departures, encourage public to use mass transport means, improve the taxi arrival time, and reduce the direct and indirect operational costs as well as pollutions.”

He noted that the project contributes to realising the RTA’s strategic goal (Integrated Dubai), improving the living standards in the city, and enhancing the happiness of public transport riders. Earlier, the RTA completed the construction of dedicated bus lanes stretching 11.6km, which included a separate lane for buses and taxis on Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street extending 4.3km from the intersection with Al Mina Street to a point just before the intersection with Zabeel Street, in both directions, the statement explained. Al Tayer continued, “Widening the scope of dedicated bus

lanes increases the average bus speed and reduces the travel time during peak hours by more than 40%. The introduction of this project is expected to reduce bus journey time by 44% on the 2nd December Street, 39% on the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Street and Amman Street, 28% on the Omar bin Al-Khattab Street, 27% on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, 25% on Al-Nahda Street, and 18% on Al Satwa Road. The project is expected to contribute to a 30% increase in public transport riders by 2030 on some streets and reduce the requirements of additional buses due to the journey time saved.”

ACCORDING TO GLASGOW CONSULTING GROUP’S VISHAL PANDEY AN EV MODEL COSTS 50% MORE THAN ITS COMBUSTION EQUIVALENT

06 JUNE–JULY 2022

meconstructionnews.com

NETWORK

SCANIA ME EXPANDING FINANCIAL AND SERVICES TRUCKS

CAPTAINS RECEIVE OVER 1.2MN AED IN RAMADAN AID DRIVERS

In the spirit of generosity during the holy month of Ramadan, Careem and Hala matched all Customer tips made on the app across the UAE, Pakistan, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain to recognize the hard work of ride-hailing and delivery Captains. The total amount of customer tips collected across Careem and Hala, and then doubled by the companies, amounted to AED 1,293,929 (US $352,280). “We want to thank our Customers for their generosity to Captains during the holy month of Ramadan,” said Bassel Alnahlaoui, Managing Director of Mobility at Careem. “Our Captains work hard to simplify people’s lives every day and we are pleased to deliver AED 1,293,929 to them by matching tips across the UAE, Pakistan, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.” Basil Hovakeemian, CEO of Hala, added: “We are proud of our Captains who work tirelessly to bring people together during the holy month of Ramadan. It means a great deal to us that our customers can acknowledge the dedication and hard work our Captains put in each and every day”. Customers tipped Captains on the app for rides after the completion of a ride and for food and grocery deliveries at order checkout. Careem and Hala then matched the amounts tipped, putting both 100% of each Customer tip and another 100% match in each Captain’s weekly pay throughout the month. During Ramadan, Careem also paused orders for food in all markets for 30 minutes to enable Captains to break their fast during iftar time. meconstructionnews.com

Scania Middle East’s new managing director Marian Cernoch says he is determined to ensure that the Swedish brand offers a wide range of financial and service products for its fleet customers. Scania Middle East recently welcomed Cernoch as its new managing director for the region, with the executive moving from his previous position as Head of Sales in the EMA Region. He has also previously worked as sales director for the Central European Region. As part of his new role as MD,

he will be based in the Scania Middle East Head office in Dubai. “It’s my pleasure to join the Scania Middle East team

and personally contribute to the Scania brand image and market presence development in the region,” said Cernoch. “I am eager to bring forward Scania’s sustainable strategy approach by wider scope of bundled offerings including comprehensive financial and service products. Facing current very complex and disrupted global environment it’s not enough to be just well known as a quality vehicle manufacturer, it’s essential to become a real solution provider, offering answers to any kind of transport and logistical tasks.”

WORLD’S GREENEST SERVICE STATION READY FUEL Taqeef, the originator of desert cooling systems in the UAE and the Middle East, has explained how it supported ENOC’s Service Station of the Future at Expo2020 in its goal of achieving ‘Platinum’ certification with sustainable, state-of-the-art, energyefficient cooling solutions. The project is the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-certified service station in the world, with the design inspired by the ghaf tree. The Service Station of the Future was fitted with 13 indoor and outdoor units of

the new generation O General Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) technology to cool 300 of space. Platinum is the highest possible rating under Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) – the most widely used green building rating system globally, and a mark of excellence for highly efficient, cost-saving sustainable design and construction. “Taqeef has been at the forefront of championing airconditioning technologies that achieve increasing levels of energy conservation beyond the referenced standard. We are proud to have played a significant role in supporting

ENOC in fulfilling its vision of a sustainable and technologically advanced concept,” commented Tariq Al Ghussein, CEO, Taqeef. VRF systems are sustainable, cost-effective HVAC systems that offer energy savings, increased comfort, design and installation flexibility, lower maintenance costs, and quiet operation. VRF technology offers the ability to obtain a significant number of points toward LEED certification. With 50 years of HVAC leadership, Taqeef claims it is setting the agenda for more conscious cooling - with cleaner, greener systems and designs in the residential and commercial sectors.”

JUNE–JULY 2022 07

NETWORK

EXPERTISE’S MOBILE CRANE FLEET ON THE UP

FLEET

Saudi Arabia-based industrial service provider Expertise Contracting Company (Expertise) has placed an order for 79 Demag cranes, representing not only the biggest order in 15 years for Demag but also

the largest ever from a customer in Saudi Arabia, said the company. Among the new additions are 50 Demag AC 55-3, 17 AC 130-5, 11 AC 250-5 and one AC 500-8. Expertise says it serves over 1,500 customers from the petrochemical industry, oil

and gas production industry, energy industry, and other industrial sectors all over the Middle East. The large number of all-terrain cranes were required as the result of a winning bid for a project for the world’s largest oil production company, Saudi Aramco. In addition to its headquarters in Jubail Industrial City, Expertise runs an additional 13 branches in Saudi Arabia and has a fleet of nearly 4,000 vehicles and machines, In terms of crane services, the company possesses a fleet of all-terrain cranes, rough-terrain cranes, crawler cranes, truck-mounted cranes, and city cranes with lifting capacities ranging from eight to 1,200t.

NEW JAFZA HUB TO MEET LOGISTICS DEMAND LOGISTICS DP World has broken ground on Phase One of its Jafza Logistics Park, which is billed as a purpose-built trading and logistics development. Located in Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), the park will accommodate the growing number of warehousing, processing and logistics activities carried out in Dubai. According to a statement from DP World, the new facility will reinforce the success of the logistics cluster in Jafza, which

has already grown by 14% since 2016. The project covers a total leasable area of over 46,000sqm, of which 87% will be allocated to warehousing. The remaining space is dedicated to office facilities. Jafza Logistics Park businesses will be able to leverage DP World’s integrated end-toend logistics solutions and expertise as a data-driven supply chain logistics provider. The park’s location between Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum

International Airport, and Etihad Rail’s Jebel Ali station will facilitate the efficient and seamless flow of goods within the region and across the world. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & MD of DP World UAE & Jafza, as well as the company’s leadership team. He explained: “We recognise the critical role the logistics sector plays in enabling the growth of various industries around the globe.”

ACCIONA NAMED SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR SUSTAINABILITY

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA) has awarded its “Sustainable Transport Contractor” prize to ACCIONA’s joint-venture for the Dubai Metro extension project. The “Dubai Metro Route 2020” project consists of the construction of a 15-kilometre-long section, including 11.8 km of raised viaduct and a 3.2-km-long tunnel that starts from Nakheel Harbour & Tower station on the Red Line. In total, there are seven stations, including an interchange at Nakheel Harbour & Tower and an emblematic Metro station to welcome visitors to the site of the Expo. The awards recognise road and transport projects and initiatives carried out in Dubai that make a positive contribution to caring for the environment through the application of sustainable construction principles. The Extension Route 2020 was officially inaugurated in October 2021, coinciding with the start of Expo 2020. ACCIONA and partners were recognised for their optimisation of the cooling systems and installed solar panels to generate energy at seven of its stations. The award ceremony took place in the World Trade Center of Dubai and the prize was received on behalf of ACCIONA by its project director, José Luis Oliván. One of the main reasons leading to the prize was the award of LEED V4 Gold certification for the seven stations.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: SAUDI’S POWERHOUSE DEALER, UD TRUCKS ON THE UP, AUDI GT REVIEW, AL-MASAOOD INTERVIEW, AND MORE!

08 JUNE–JULY 2022

meconstructionnews.com

NETWORK

MINI AND 25HOURS HOTEL’S PARTNERSHIP ARRIVES IN DUBAI FLEET

Two of the UAE’s most vibrant, stylish and innovative brands have announced a ground-breaking new partnership. MINI and 25hours Hotel One Central have come together to provide a unique offering to Dubai’s hospitality sector. Four MINI vehicles will be based at the 25hours Hotel, offering guests the opportunity to test drive a MINI, utilising it as a journey companion while exploring the Emirate. Guests of 25hours Hotel One Central can avail four hours of complimentary drive-time with the house MINIs, included with their accommodation. MINI is the perfect brand for getting out and about, allowing guests to experience the sense of freedom behind the steering wheel. With the support of AGMC, the exclusive importer of MINI in Dubai, the journey of both brands continues to grow worldwide. With the partnership first established in

Berlin, Dubai is the latest addition to a global strategy, offering guests a holistic urban experience. With a shared ethos of adventure and fun, both brands take inspiration from the past, but provide a modern twist – with an exciting, unique design at the heart of what they do. Launched in December 2021,

this is the first 25hours Hotel outside of Europe, offering the perfect playground for travellers and residents of the city to enjoy and revel in. The hotel brand is ‘rooted in culture and community’ making the ideal synergy with MINI – one of the automotive industry’s best-loved brands for more than 60 years, with their community

Benefits:

ü Cleans New Common Rail High Pressure Diesel Fuel Injectors without removing ü Restores Power & Fuel Efficiency ü Removes Combustion Chamber Deposits ü Reduces harmful emissions, black smoke ü Cleans the entire Diesel Injection System, including injection pump & oxidation catalyst

M O E ed ü rov p Ap meconstructionnews.com

of owners and enthusiasts among the most passionate around the world. Yann Woisson, Head of MINI Middle East, said: “This is an incredibly exciting partnership for everyone involved. 25hours Hotel One Central’s recent launch is a wonderful addition to Dubai’s hospitality sector and fits the MINI philosophy perfectly. “Both brands are steeped in tradition but deliver with a vibrant modern perspective. Having MINI cars based at the hotel will provide guests with the thrill of wonderful adventures Dubai has to offer, in a car built for fun.” Jean-Francois Brun, General Manager 25hours Hotel One Central, said: “We are thrilled to have launched this unique cooperation with MINI. It’s a first for Dubai and a great benefit for our guests. We look forward to developing the relationship through engaging the wider MINI community - watch this space!”

“New common rail diesel injection and conventional injection system compatible”

www.BGMiddleeast.com JUNE–JULY 2022 09

LAUNCHES

CADILLAC REVEALS DETAILS SURROUNDING THE 2023 ESCALADE-V LAUNCH / NEW RANGE ROVER SPORT COMBINES DRAMATIC MODERNITY AND ITS DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER

LAUNCHES SUPERCHARGED

NEW 2.65L ENGINE

More power to you CADILLAC REVVING UP ITS V-SERIES LINEUP WITH THE ADDITION OF THE ESCALADE-V, THE INDUSTRY’S MOST POWERFUL FULL-SIZE SUV Cadillac has revealed details surrounding the 2023 Escalade-V — the industry’s most powerful full-size SUV, which is expected to arrive to the Middle East by the end of 2022. With an elevation of design, performance and technology, the first-ever Cadillac V-Series SUV is the purest expression of the passion that exists at the core of Cadillac. Boasting a potent blend of refinement, power and technology, Escalade-V features performanceinspired styling and an unmistakable sound that combine for a head-turning street presence, says the firm. The Escalade-V expands the V-Series lineup, now in its fourth generation, which offers more levels of performance while preserving the lineage of the

10 JUNE–JULY 2022

original lineup introduced in 2004. Kristian Aquilina, managing director, Cadillac International Operation and Cadillac Middle East says: “The iconic Escalade has continuously set new benchmarks in the luxury SUV segment throughout the years. It is the epitome of refinement, style and innovation. In parallel, our V-Series line-up packs our most advanced performance vehicles, spearheaded by the V-Series Blackwing which took our region by storm last year. The Escalade-V truly combines the best of both worlds and brings to life the most powerful and luxurious full-size SUV. With the Escalade-V set to dominate the streets of the region by end of 2022, we know we are closing this year too on a high note.”

At the heart of the Escalade-V is a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine rated at 682 horsepower and 885 Nm of torque. Standard performance elements include a 10-speed automatic transmission calibrated for Escalade-V, fulltime active all-wheel-drive system and exclusive suspension hardware and software calibrations. An Escalade-V ESV version is also available. With the full-time active all-wheel drive system to enhance traction, along with the supercharged engine, Cadillac expects the Escalade-V to be capable of 0-60 mph sprints in under 4.4 seconds and a quartermile time of 12.74 seconds at 110 mph based on initial GM testing. “With a power-to-weight ratio

among the top in its class and advanced driving technologies to put that power to the pavement, the Escalade-V offers an engaging and energetic driving experience like no other full-size luxury SUV,” said Jaclyn McQuaid, executive chief engineer, Full-Size Trucks. “More importantly, it lives up to the vigorous requirements of the V-Series Mondrian insignia.” Rated at a GM-estimated 682 horsepower at 6,000 engine rpm and 885 Nm of torque at 4,400 engine rpm, the Escalade-V’s 6.2L hand-built supercharged and intercooled engine builds on a legacy of supercharged V-8 engines offered in Cadillac V-Series models, those being the second- and third-generation CTS-V models, the XLR-V, and most

meconstructionnews.com

LAUNCHES

MUSCLE-BOUND RANGE ROVER SPORT DEBUT NEW RANGE ROVER SPORT COMBINES DRAMATIC MODERNITY AND DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER WITH ELECTRIFIED PERFORMANCE AS A HYBRID SUPERCHARGED TRANSMISSION A 10-speed automatic transmission pairs with the engine and features calibration for the unique powerband characteristics of its supercharging system.

A PERSONALISED EXPERIENCE Drivers can also personalise their experience behind the wheel through the exclusive V-Mode, which drivers access via a button on the center console ahead of the transmission shifter.

recently, the CT5-V Blackwing. The Escalade-V’s engine shares architectural similarities with the CT5-V Blackwing’s supercharged V-8, but features a larger, 2.65L R2650 TVS supercharger that helps overcome the higher inlet and exhaust restrictions on the full-size SUV application. It spins at up to 13,500 rpm to produce approximately 10 pounds of boost and

has an electronically controlled bypass valve for optimal drivability. The supercharger’s unique fourlobe rotors are designed to broaden the engine’s power band, with great low-end torque production and strong high-rpm power. The rest of the engine is designed to support the high output and the greater cylinder pressures that come with forced induction.

According to Jaguar Land Rover, the third-generation Range Rover Sport is the most desirable, advanced and dynamically capable yet. A suite of powerful and efficient powertrains includes six-cylinder extended range Electric Hybrids, a potent new V8 and mild hybrid six-cylinder petrol and diesel Ingenium engines. Pure-electric propulsion will be introduced in 2024, as Land Rover continues its electrification journey. The New Range Rover Sport is available in S, SE, HSE and Autobiography specifications, with a First Edition available throughout the first year of production featuring a specially curated specification. “The exceptional New Range Rover Sport sets new standards as the ultimate sporting luxury SUV, building on seventeen years of unique customer appeal,” says Thierry Bolloré, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover. “It is the latest embodiment of our vision to create the world’s most desirable modern luxury vehicles, effortlessly blending new levels of sustainability with the signature qualities that have made Range Rover Sport so popular.” The exterior is unmistakably Range Rover Sport with taut surfacing, a dynamic stance and instantly recognisable profile, perfectly accentuated by “stealth-like detailing and muscular proportions – giving the

impression the vehicle is poised and ready”. The sculpted exterior is detailed with finishes such as a stealth-like front grille and Digital LED lighting units, which create a distinctive Daytime Running Light (DRL) signature. The eye-catching designs, the slimmest ever fitted to a Land Rover, sit above a sculpted, double-aperture lower bumper that incorporates a horizontal bisecting body-colour element that creates greater visual width, enhanced by black detailing. The new P510e Electric Hybrid is engineered to meet the demands of drivers looking for a high-performance drive, impressive efficiency and more than 100km of zero emissions EV range. It seamlessly blends Land Rover’s 3.0-litre six-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with a powerful 105kW electric motor and 38.2kWh battery, producing a total system output of 510PS. SPECIFICATIONS Model

P510e Electric Hybrid

Engine

3.0l/6cyl Ingenium petrol engine

Hybrid range

113km

0-100km/h

5.4 seconds

CO2 emissions

18g/km

REALWORLD RANGE 740KM

SPECIFICATIONS Engine

6.2L V-8 Supercharged DI VVT

Power

682hp / 508 @ 6,000

Torque

885 @ 4,400Nm

Max engine speed

6,300rpm

Transmission

Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic

meconstructionnews.com

JUNE–JULY 2022 11

FEATURE

“WE ARE

LISTENING”

Mourad Hedna, head of UD Trucks (MEENA) talks to T&FME about finding the right truck for the right job

12 JUNE–JULY 2022

meconstructionnews.com

FEATURE

he readers of T&FME and the market at large have watched with great interest as UD Trucks has emerged as a true regional force over the past decade. The company confidently launched the latest generation of its popular Croner and Quester models earlier this year and Mourad Hedna explains that the Japanese brand is preparing for further growth as the both the commercial vehicles industry and the fleet sector try to side-step worldwide disruption and rising costs. Even as the industry faces challenges globally, the Middle East region remains an exciting market where the fundamentals look strong. “We believe our sector will keep growing,” he begins. “As of today, we don’t see a real, competitive alternative to trucks. Regionally, some people argue that if you have rail, and so on, but I think up to now there is no real competitor flexibility wise, cost-wise and efficiency-wise as trucks.” UD may have departed the Volvo Groups’ umbrella last year, but it is continuing to enjoy a formidable rise in the ranks in the region’s fleets. With new parent company Isuzu and its former Swedish owner agreeing to a 20-year strategic alliance partnership, it can remain a competitively priced range that combines European engineering knowhow where it matters – as with the excellent ESCOT transmission – and Japanese simplicity, robustness and reliability in hot conditions. It even bounced back impressively from the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, to register a 30% increase in sales across the Middle East and North Africa market, including a 24% rise in its key largest market by volume, Saudi Arabia. Despite this impressive performance, Hedna explains that UD has not been entirely immune to the same supply issues that have slowed order times across the industry. “In the long term, the GDP growth looks strong and the investment into construction and logistics will continue. For sure, in the short term, the driver of the market has been Covid which has created big challenges for us in terms of meeting demand and a strain on supply,” he continues. “During the peak of the crisis, no one knew for sure how will be the demand and whether people will continue buying trucks or not. The automotive industry has an advanced supply chain which is very complex and based on the just-in-time approach. And of course, what

meconstructionnews.com

FINDING THE RIGHT APPLICATION Having successfully launched its latest generation of Quester and Croner trucks in the region, Mourad Hedna says that the brand is constantly listening to fleets to find the right truck for their needs.

Regionally, there is no real competitor costwise and efficiencywise as trucks”

we saw with Covid and the restrictions that followed were the creation of big disturbances globally. Unfortunately, we are still there because even if you disturb just one element on a supply chain that is very complex, then you have uncertainty everywhere – and we are still in the middle of this uncertainty we don’t know yet when you will see a balance between supply and demand – or whether the high demand is sustainable or not. How to manoeuvre this uncertainty is the big equation that everyone is working on.” While the automotive industry may be struggling to meet customer needs, fleet businesses themselves have their own struggles to contend with such as rising fuel prices and inflation. “You’re seeing inflation in raw materials, commodities and rising manufacturing and logistic costs. So the overall price of everything is going up. Fuel prices also starting to create big challenges for customers in the region

because they used to enjoy low fuel prices,” notes Hedna. “in UAE, In just the last six months we have had a plus 56% rise in fuel.” Hedna, who has always been a believer in going into field and listening to fleet owners, says that he has seen the knockon effects of this pressure first-hand. “Yesterday, I was talking to some customers in Fujairah and they said that the majority of their trucks are idle because it costs a lot to keep them running and they cannot negotiate higher contract prices,” he remarks, adding that total cost of ownership has become a higher priority than at any other time he can recall in the MENA region. “More and more customers are looking at the bottom line and the purchase price. The emotional approach to decision making is less and less important. Customers are looking at the brand that can give them what they need.” His words echo the famous mantra of UD’s founder Kenzo Adachi and his commitment to JUNE–JULY 2022 13

FEATURE

ensure that then Nissan Diesel was “building the trucks that the world needs today”. In many ways, the company finds itself at a point where a customer that has historically invested in one brand and stuck with it, is now prepared to see fleet acquisition as a question of making the right decision for their business rather than scoring prestige points among their peers. “I don’t even think it is all about Covid,” he remarks. “People are looking for exactly what they need. Not more now. They’re asking questions about whether they need an over-specified option. Maybe 300 horsepower is good enough for me and I don’t need 500 horsepower? “This didn’t used to be on the table, because, going some time back, people were promoting what was being used in other markets such as high horsepower, and so on. Which, again, was more about appealing to the emotional side.” Ever since taking the reins of the Middle East, East and North Africa region in 2016, he has been determined that the company is, in his words, humble enough to sit with fleet customers and watch and learn how they run their operations. It is also an approach he says that now runs through the veins of its growing network of distributors in the region. “I learnt that we need to listen more, stronger and deeper to our customers. It is a big mistake to come to them and believe that we know more than them and dictate to them which solutions they need and have to use. I

don’t like that as when it doesn’t work, some turn around and say you didn’t listen to us, or even, you’re not smart enough,” he laments. “But I have to be humble and say that these fleets or customers have been in the business for many years and very often they are successful, they must know something and we need to learn from them rather than dictating solutions that may be optimised somewhere else. I was talking to an oil and gas operator at the opening of our new Fujairah facility this week, and the first thing I said was, let me send a couple of people from my team to observe for a halfday, to see your operations, understand your challenges and needs . For me, the connection with the customer has to be really sincere.” Each week, the UD team sits down to discuss how our customer trucks are performing in the field and discuss customer satisfaction. This way, feedback is taken in, and potential problems can be resolved rather than dismissed. “We go through our customer list, one by one, truck by truck,” he reveals. “If there are issues, a customer will forgive you if he knows that you care.” This process of listening and learning has been piled into the newly launched mediumduty Croner and its heavy-duty cousin the Quester. Both continue the legacy of engine, transmission and driveline development with Volvo Group, but UD was determined to grow in the Middle East and show that it is a key player in these markets contributing to the

THE MOVE TOWARDS TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP Rising fuel costs and inflation are making fleets more concerned about the total cost of ownership (TCO) in the Middle East and North Africa region, says Mourad Hedna.

14 JUNE–JULY 2022

More and more customers are looking at the bottom line and the purchase price”

prosperity and development of the region.. Introducing Euro 5 models into the market for the first time, Hedna tells T&FME that he has been pleased with the feedback so far. “When we launched the Euro 5 products there were two main things we got back: the optimum driveability and the ease of using the ESCOT automatic transmission and the real time driving coaching,” he says. “One other important feedback we got from customers, partners and key stakeholders is the professionalism and family spirit of the UD team.” ESCOT allows automatic and manual shifting to adapt to payloads and improve fuel efficiency and eases driver operations, but during its own testing T&FME was particularly impressed by how easy the coaching display makes understanding your fuel efficiency at a time when every drop is counting for drivers. As Hedna enthuses: “It’s fantastic, easy to use, and you can see the benefit.” Sitting within the core Croner and Quester models are additions that could enhance fleet operations depending on the application. The first is UD’s 6x4 40T Quester (“It’s on par with a European construction truck. This truck is doing very well in the Middle East and Africa”) which was first introduced to heavy fleets in 2018 – alongside an 8x4R with hub reduction. “We have also introduced heavy duty version of 64T with GCW 100 T for construction and long haul segment in UAE; which is by far the biggest segment in UAE. It has ESCOT, 460 horsepower and 2,220 Nm flat torque, as well as the advanced smart coaching. We are just starting this journey, and this will be a very successful product because we are price competitive in the segment.” In addition, for Saudi Arabia market, UD Trucks is pushing 4x2T designed to meet the needs of long and regional haul segment in Saudi Arabia combined with different service agreements offering, which is historically dominated by European premium brands. We have made entry into some customer fleets who never use to look beyond 2-3 specific brands. UD Trucks is also doing very good with Quester 64R and 42T with 8 litre engine with 280 and 330 hp offering, what Hedna describes as most cost effective options for customer for less demanding HD applications where they need HD chassis but really don’t need very high hp engine. “We are creating a new segment. We spent a lot of time on it, so we could return back to customers with something that wasn’t overspecified for their needs,” he says. “It’s perfect for meconstructionnews.com

FEATURE

some countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait as the roads are flat and you don’t need to cross the Alpes or Pyrenees in your truck. It’s a heavy-duty truck that is doing the job perfectly, and you will see fuel that consumption is much better. And the purchase cost is more affordable.” “Waste management is another segment where UD is clearly a key player in the region. With our experience cumulated in the last years and continuous products and services enhancements, we have an optimised value proposition with best Euro5 range for Medium duty and heavy duty for that segment.” Turning to the future, the Isuzu partnership means that UD Trucks can begin to consider in the future the Light Duty offering in its line-up and realise its ambitions of being a full-range provider. UD Trucks is also working of new mobility options such as electrified, hydrogen fuel cell, biodiesel and hybrid vehicles. Hedna says that like elsewhere, adoption in the Middle East will be subject to how competitive these next generation options can be compared to their traditional rivals and how ease and implications of implementation for fleets. “There could be some segments (that adopt faster than others), especially in some countries and some cities which may say you will not allow these to enter a city, if you are not running on electricity. There will be a lot of city requirements where everybody needs modern, sophisticated smart light and medium duty trucks. “But, then if you are outside a city, you may have challenges with infrastructure and access to charging, and so on. Then, running on cleaner diesel will have to be an option. So, we are working on these different technologies internally and with different partners,” he comments. “However, especially, when we talk about electric battery and hydrogen, it’s a meconstructionnews.com

Every single time we are bringing a product or service you need”

big disruption, which means you are not just talking about be able to bring in one truck and having it tested in one in city. If you want really to think about this, it’s the full ecosystem that we need. This is beyond just the manufacturer. It’s the infrastructure, the charging, the availability and the price of the electricity and hydrogen, the source of electrivity and Hydrogene that need to be green as well.” He continues: “And then you have the batteries. Many don’t realise that if you want to have a truck, maybe 18-ton, then you are

carrying 3t-4t in batteries too. In my view, in the short- to medium-term, I don’t think that there will be a big jump to these disruptions in the region that we talked about. Early adoption could be restricted to some very specific segments and it will be more smooth progress for a while, and then, of course, like any disruption when it comes, it could be very fast,” he says, adding that we could see a move more towards improved emissions trucks like Euro5 and Euro 6 acceleration and more likey more restrictions on the very old imported trucks. COP 27 in Egypt and COP 28 in UAE could be a catalyst for that. With our conversation coming to a close, T&FME asks whether being able to draw on both ISUZU Group and Volvo Group, is a ‘best of all worlds’ situation for UD Trucks as it faces an exciting, if unpredictable future in the industry? “Definitely,” he affirms. “There is a long term strategic alliance between Isuzu Group and Volvo Group. UD is enjoying the strong assets we built in the past with Volvo group and continue our growth journey in heavy duty. ISUZU Group is a fantastic automotive group with long expertise in automotive and it will provide a lot of opportunities for UD Growth as well. Light duty is also in the genes of ISUZU Motors and in the future light- and medium-duty will be very important because we will need even more last mile delivery services. Especially in this region.” Concluding, Hedna adds: “The story for us here is that we are consistent. We have put an organisation in place, and we are listening to the market. We have fantastic collaboration with our partners based on trust and mutual support. We are staying close to our customers and whatever requirements change, every single time we are bringing a product or service according to the customer’s needs.” JUNE–JULY 2022 15

INTERVIEW

JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicle’s CEO Heiko Schulze on being Daimler’s power broker in Saudi Arabia and how it is empowering its own customers

PERFECT

espite a challenging global landscape, Saudi’s determination to pour money into its economy and infrastructure while continuing to its programme of reform under the Saudi Vision 2030 framework makes it one of the most exciting places to be heading a major industry partner as we head further into the decade. “I am optimistic about the upcoming years,” begins Heiko Schulze, CEO, JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicles, adding that despite the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Kingdom has maintained its economic development where others have faltered.

VISION “It seems to be that also 2022 will be a good year,” Schulze adds. “With the Vision 2030, the Saudi Arabia has really chosen the right direction and the way this vision is executed is positive. Future regulations, when it comes to our industry sector, will also force our customers to renew their equipment. That is why I believe, in general, there is a positive development on the horizon, particularly for our industry sector.” JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicles has been the powerhouse agent for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Vans and Buses since 1976 ensuring that the German giant has maintained its preeminent status as KSA’s premier commercial vehicles brand. As the CEO, Schulze also oversees the National Automobile Industry Company joint

1976

JIPCO has been the agent for Daimler’s range of MercedesBenz Trucks, Vans and Buses since 1976

venture with Daimler which can assemble almost 10,000 trucks per year, including the much-heralded New Actros from their Jeddah-based facility. Already the world’s most successful heavy truck it is also now one of the most advanced, enhancing the firm’s position as a major employer of young Saudi talent and ensuring that the operation continues to evolve. Schulze, however, stresses that buyers in the Kingdom have traditionally placed value and reliability over the very latest in commercial vehicles technology. “The technologies we are introducing are not new. When it comes to Mercedes Benz trucks, they used to be assembled in the Kingdom over 50 years ago, and Mercedes Benz

BRINGING THE FULL BREADTH OF MERCEDES-BENZ TO THE KINGDOM JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicles has been a full range provider of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including buses and vans, since 1976. With local truck assembly established for five decades, it has helped to ensure that the famous three-pointed star is Saudi Arabia’s number one commercial vehicles brand.

16 JUNE–JULY 2022

meconstructionnews.com

INTERVIEW

is the market leader in the heavy truck sector because their trucks are reliable and offer good value for money. Of course, there are products from Daimler, like electric trucks, alternative drive trains, CO2 neutral solutions. But, overall, this is not what customers are looking for.” As well as introducing the New Actros in 2019, the year marked the entry of Daimler’s Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Cooperation range into its ranks. Schulze believes being appointed the Japanese brand’s distributor in the Kingdom ensures JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicles can now be a full-range supplier as well as further its role in the push for local production and employment. “The trend of localisation and the demand for it will continue. It will get stronger,” he says. “We have talked about the Vision 2030, and of course Saudi Arabia is striving to get more independent of the oil and develop different industry sectors. In this regard, localisation is essential and this is why we have decided, not only to assemble the Mercedes Benz heavy trucks here but also light and medium duty Mitsubishi models.” He adds that the firm has decided to invest in a completely new factory in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). Building an assembly plant there, will place JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicles at the centre of what is planned by the Saudi government to become the automotive centre for the region and keep the operation close to the cluster of companies needed to support the burgeoning industry. “We will assemble the Mercedes-Benz trucks line there. We will also have our neighbour the Arabian Metal Industry there for customerspecific body solutions. We will also have a third company with us which focuses on heavy construction machinery. We are approaching the future of the industry through localisation. Without localisation, it will be much more difficult in the future to do business here in KSA.” Being successful in the market for commercial vehicles means you need to cover the entire Kingdom, he adds, explaining that the company will expand its coverage geographically

THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCALISATION Heiko Schulze says that JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicles must priotise localised assembly and is supporting talented young Saudis, including an increasing number of women which it employs.

while still focusing on providing greater support in its existing network: “We plan to expand to the north. We are present in all other areas already but in all relevant locations, you need to offer the service and products that are in demand. Even in existing locations, we are investing in bigger and more modern workshops. In January, we opened a new workshop facility in Riyadh. We need to satisfy our customers’ needs by being present delivering great quality services.” While construction and investment in infrastructure are causing an increase in demand, Schulze says that new opportunities are opening up as the Saudi economy begins to diversify away from its reliance on the oil industry. This is in turn broadening the types of vehicles it needs to provide, he explains. “We are now offering a very wide range of commercial vehicle products, like light and medium duty trucks for example. We are covering the entire product portfolio with commercial vans, providing many of them to the private sector.” The increased demand in lighter categories is being matched by a need for new vehicles to replace ageing heavy trucks in the market. Schulze suggests that, unsurprisingly, disruption in the global supply chain is lengthening order times. Frustrating both JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicles and its customers. “We are in the commercial transportation business and sell heavy trucks. We have had a high demand for this kind of product over the past year. This is, of course, an excellent situation

Localisation is essential and this is why we have decided, not only to assemble the Mercedes Benz heavy trucks here but also light and medium duty Mitsubishi models”

for us. Currently, we are not able to fully satisfy demand for this kind of products,” he explains. “The automotive industry was heavily affected; so were companies that provide heavy trucks, which is why we do not get sufficient products here in order to assemble and sell on time.” JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicles is typically determined to keep pushing forwards, particularly as the opportunities far outweigh the challenges in the Saudi market. “We want to focus on growth over the next 12 months. I believe we need to grow in all the sectors of our industry through the use of different approaches. We need to prepare ourselves to participate in the economic growth of the Kingdom and to be strident in being relatively better than our competitors,” he says. “We also need to have better solutions for customers than others do. This is what is on the agenda for the next 12 months. This is something we do permanently. We permanently question ourselves; whether we are on the right track, what needs to be enhanced, what needs to be changed, what needs to be reduced, or what needs to be strengthened. This is an ongoing process.” Central to this approach will be JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicles matching the rampant appetite for online access to services and products in what is one of the youngest populations in the region. Schulze and the company firmly believe in developing more online-based services to empower their customers. “We are making great progress in terms of building our brand through our websites, portals, an e-commerce platform for selling parts, channels to contact customers, and we are considering the creation of mobile workshops. We are trying to cover all the regions at the same time. We are doing great deal of enhancements to these areas. We also believe in female empowerment. We have significantly increased the number of females working in our company in the last year, and we want to continue this path. We should empower and inspire the market to recognise the brilliance of women across all sectors and position levels.”

COVERING THE NEEDS OF THE SAUDI MARKET Schulze says the addition of Daimler’s Mitsubishi Fuso Trucks & Buses into its ranks in recent years has expanded JCV Juffali Commercial Vehicle’s ability to cover a range of requirements in a market that is undergoing rapid change.

meconstructionnews.com

JUNE–JULY 2022 17

RADISSON RED / DUBAI / UAE

Supporting Fleets and delivery businesses to be smarter operators 21 Sept 2022

About the

Fleet & Mobility Summit

Gear up

From on-demand services to last mile deliveries, the Fleet & Mobility Summit will bring key stakeholders together to extend their knowledge base and see the technology and practices that will shape their businesses for years to come.

Hear from industry veterans and disrupters alike about their digital transformation and new service rollout experiences. Learn about new practices and ways to finance your fleet while remaining competitive in a rapidly advancing market. Find out how new mobility technology, services and vehicles can upgrade and grow your business while maintaining high levels of customer retention and satisfaction. Listen to the day-to-day experiences of key professionals in the sector and how they faced and overcame their own challenging situations.

The regional market has seen some remarkable changes to the fleet and mobility sectors in the past halfdecade. The rise of e-commerce and digitalisation means these sectors have been among the few beneficiaries of the Covid pandemic with both private and end-user clients accessing services in unprecedented.

Likewise, technology is powering a revolution in how sectors such as hospitality, F&B and retail can directly serve homes and offices via their own fleet or third-party service providers. Mobility is also opening up possibilities in adopting ondemand, leasing and rental services to keep costs down and protect your operation’s flexibility. Ultimately, this is an event that will help companies managing their own fleet or relying on fleet services to understand how the market will continue to evolve and what choices they should make to be competitive.

Unique

Opportunity Brought to the market by Truck & Fleet ME, the Fleet & Mobility Summit will give the region’s leading distribution, mobility solution providers and channel operators, an overview of the major trends emerging in the market. The first event of its kind in the region, it will also give fleet professionals and clients, the opportunity to talk directly with leasing companies, distributors, financing firms and OEMs to see what is new and innovative in the market.

For Change

Get in touch

Sponsorship Brian Fernandes | +971 4 375 5479 brian.fernandes@cpitrademedia.com

Date

Venue

21 Sept

Radisson Red

Website

fleetandmobilitysummit.com

Complimentary

2022

Agenda

Technology

Latest

Evolution

Solutions

With several networking breaks, you’ll be able to get face time with panellists and presenters, following on from interactive presentations and Q&A sessions.

How advanced new technology will continue to transform the market and how it can suit your business

The latest vehicles and mobility solutions available for businesses involved in fleet leasing, rental, deliveries and on-demand mobility services

Role of

Knowledge

E-Mobility

Experience

The role of role of e-mobility and smart transportation for the next decade

Sharing knowledge and experience of successful fleet and mobility operations

Market

The Digital

Intel

Transformation

Market intelligence, trends and predictions for the future of mobility in the region

Set to impact the fleet and mobility sector in the region and transform industry futures.

2022

Event Partners TRANSPORT PARTNER

PRESENTED BY

INTERVIEW

Mohamed El Zeftawi, General Manager of Al Masaood CV&E on the importance of partnership and going the extra mile for customers

INSPIRED TO

DO MORE

hat is Al Masaood CV&E’s philosophy as a business?

Al Masaood CV&E has always believed and worked towards building trust and partnership with its clients by going the extra mile and providing excellent customer service. We have been at the forefront, as the first contact point, whenever customers need support.

inspired us to intensify our efforts to further improve the overall customer experience. The division not only offers products but total solutions to customers—including chassis, superstructure, extended warranty, service contracts for both preventive and corrective maintenance, training, and financial solutions. We are working towards continuously innovating and redefining customer experience as our unique value proposition, in addition to conducting deep product analyses to better understand customer preferences and purchasing trends.

Please give an overview of Al Masaood CV&E’s current offering

What are your priorities

and your start to 2022.

when it comes to adding new

We have had a fantastic start to 2022 in terms of market share and profitability, which is in line with our growth strategy. This has

products to your portfolio?

20 JUNE–JULY 2022

For more than 50 years of our journey as an organisation, Al Masaood has built its

Japanese brands have been able to successfully build trust among customers in the UAE with high quality products”

reputation in the market as a leader by investing in our community, employees, and customers to make them happy. When it comes to adding new products to our portfolio, we ensure that they add value by meeting the market’s needs in terms of specs, quality, and robustness. We also make sure that our products are backed by efficient aftersales support to provide excellent service to our customers. We ensure to associate with only those brands which constantly undergo innovation to meet the evolving demands of our different clients. Furthermore, we will continue to evolve with the requirements of our customers as part of our commitment to enhancing customer experience and in line with our efforts to reinforce our market leadership. meconstructionnews.com

INTERVIEW

Last month, you announced that you had secured the UAE distribution of TCM’s range of equipment. What does this range offer the market, and

for overall customer satisfaction, and our industry is no exception; we have seen the market transition from a simple trading operation to a total solution market over the course of several phases.

why is now the best time for your two firms to collaborate?

How is Al Masaood CV&E

As an industry leader in the vehicle and transport field, we have always undertaken with great pride, the responsibility to make available quality products by collaborating with organisations that share our vision for mutual growth and excellence. We are delighted to have added Toyo Carriers Manufacturing (TCM) to our portfolio as it covers forklifts of various capacity between 1.5 ton and 23 ton in addition to full range of material handling equipment. As its authorised distributor, we are tying our customer-centric sales and aftersales support to TCM’s robust product range through this partnership to provide an end-to-end service to our customers. This collaboration, which aligns with our growth strategy in terms of expanding product portfolio and territory, exemplifies our commitment to bringing to the UAE market top quality products to support the operations of relevant local sectors.

adapting to those changes

Japanese brands have a long history in the UAE. Why do you think they have been so

in the marketplace—such as the products and services you offer—and the challenges facing your customers today?

We have successfully secured our market share by listening to the customers, understanding their needs and challenges to deliver high-performing products and holistic solutions aimed at overall customer satisfaction for both sales and aftersales. We, at Al Masaood CV&E, believe that the ideal service is to provide your customers with peace of mind and a hassle-free experience. Do you think the disruption caused by COVID and rising costs in the market is an opportunity for a company like yours to prove the importance of the chain

between the distributor, the manufacturer, and the end-user?

For more than 50 years, Al Masaood has built its reputation in the market as a leader by investing in our community, employees, and customers to make them happy”

The crisis created due to the COVID-19 pandemic has reiterated the importance of corporate collaboration between the distributors, the manufacturers, and the end-users. Al Masaood CV&E was successful in gaining market share by capitalising on having the right support from the manufacturer during this tough time. Even during the global supply chain shortage, we were also able to meet the needs of our customers in terms of products following a robust mechanism between Al Masaood CV&E and the manufacturers. Ultimately, do you think the long-term effect of these trends will be a positive one for the market and your business?

I believe the challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have made customers recognise the importance of having a strong business partner who can support them. An ally who can fulfil all the requirements of the customers rather than having only a supplier.

BRINGING QUALITY TO THE UAE The partnership between Al Masaood and TCM is part of a commitment to bringing to the UAE market top quality products to support the operations and businesses in the market, says Mohamed El Zeftawi (right).

successful, and will ‘Made in Japan’ be something for you to capitalise on with TCM?

Japanese brands have been able to successfully build trust among customers in the UAE with high quality products. Brands like Nissan and INFINITI have captured the market with their superior and durable products. We will surely do our best to capitalise on this going forward with TCM, which has been a long-established global brand in the material handling industry. The TCM brand had pioneered the manufacturer of the first “Made in Japan” internal combustion forklift truck in 1949. We are sure to provide diverse options to our customers with TCM’s wide product range that has been designed to deliver affordable top-quality industrial vehicles. Please share your thoughts on how the market has changed over the years.

The UAE is one of the world’s most demanding markets, with customers expecting more and more added values meconstructionnews.com

JUNE–JULY 2022 21

TEST DRIVE

Ingolstadt’s first performance EV is a handsome brute with driving dynamics worthy of the RS badge writes Jason Saundalkar

HAS AUDI GOT ITS

GT RIGHT? 22 JUNE–JULY 2022

meconstructionnews.com

TEST DRIVE

udi’s first forays into the electric vehicle (EV) space began with the e-tron SUV (produced since 2019) and e-tron Sportback SUV (since 2020). The Ingolstadt headquartered company then launched the e-tron GT and its sportier offering, the RS e-tron GT, the latter being the subject of this review. Unlike the brand’s first two EVs which are produced in Belgium, the e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT roll off the line at Audi Böllinger Höfe, at the company’s Neckarsulm site. It’s the same facility that produces the R8 and is said to be a hightech plant that feature smart technology, and is capable of carbon-neutral production and leverages eco-electricity and biogas. The RS e-tron GT is based on the J1 platform which is shared with the Porsche Taycan – both vehicles were developed simultaneously and share several components (more on this later). While this is the case, the Audi is easily the more handsome of the two EVs. Audi says the vehicle is the ‘start of a new era, the gran turismo of the future’ and I think they’ve absolutely nailed it from a design standpoint. From every angle (dead on front/ rear, side profile, rear three quarters), the dressed in ‘Tango Red Metallic’ RS e-tron GT looked brilliant. It ticked the futuristic checkbox without trying odd/polarising design elements that non-traditional automotive brands seem obsessed with and, crucially, it’s easily identifiable as an Audi. The T&FME) tester was optioned up with attractive 21-inch rims and wide, low profile tires that suited the vehicle perfectly. Overall, the EV’s wide and low stance and smattering of RS kit (carbon roof, wing mirrors, functional vents etc) screamed futuristic and aggressive. In fact, in my book, the RS e-tron GT is hands-down the best looking EV you can buy today. Familiar Ergonomics

Getting into the T&FME tester presented a cabin that screamed quality. Like the exterior, the interior is immediately familiar if you’ve been in other Audis. That said, there are some new elements on this EV that I hope will filter over to some of the brand’s current vehicles when they receive their mid-cycle refresh. Like other sporty Audis, the dashboard is designed to face the driver and Audi’s lovely virtual cockpit is now displayed, sharper than

A PORSCHE PARTNERSHIP The RS e-tron GT is based on the J1 platform which is shared with the Porsche Taycan – both vehicles were developed simultaneously and share several components .

I’ve ever seen before, on a 12.3-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. As before you have the option to switch between modes: classic; sport and e-tron; the latter is the one I used extensively for the test drive, which puts your speed, range, gear, regeneration etc centre of the bright and crisp screen. Flanking the centre information is space for ancillary information which you can quickly pull up using the steering-mounted multifunction buttons. Sitting to the right of the driver’s display is the 10.1-inch central MMI touch display. The screen provides acoustic feedback and enables you to interact with the car’s infotainment, navigation, comfort settings etc. It proved responsive and easy to use, though the screen does retain fingerprints and looked a mess that I relented and wiped off after each drive. Thankfully, on the RS e-tron GT, Audi opted to ditch the lower centre screen – on the

current generation RS6 and S8 that T&FME tested in 2021 and 2020 respectively, that screen offered climate controls, which meant taking your eyes off the road if you wanted to make adjustments. On this EV however, that screen’s been replaced by good old fashioned buttons, which I developed muscle memory for over the four day test period. The AC performed well, quickly cooling down the luxurious though somewhat monotone colored cabin in early December within a few minutes of setting off. Sitting below the centre vents, you’ll find a few more useful and frequently used buttons including ‘Drive Select’. Considering this is a RS vehicle, we’d expected to find a RS button on the steering wheel, so we could flick through modes without needing to take our hands off the wheel (this button was on the steering wheel of the RS6 and RS Q3 that we tested in 2021). JUNE–JULY 2022 23

TEST DRIVE

Audi has also done away with a traditional gear selector and instead fitted a smart looking rocker style switch that became second nature to use within a couple of hours. In close proximity are the handbrake controls as well as the EV’s start/stop button. The one issue I had with this lower part of the centre console is there isn’t much space to keep your things – you get a small binnacle to the side of the gear selector that isn’t deep or long enough for the biggest phones on the market. There are also two cup holders towards the rear of the centre console, the second of which is where you’d expect there to be a padded elbow rest for your right arm. Over the course of our test drive, I found my elbow sliding into that cup holder and once even bumped my funny bone (which is no laughing matter in reality). Getting into the back, I was pleased to find rear seat legroom and headroom generous. The big issue in terms of practicality however is truck and frunk (front trunk) space - you get 366 litres at the back (without folding the rear seats down) and 81 litres in the front. The rear trunk space is significantly lower than what you get in other EVs and even Audi’s own A7 Sportback for example (535 litres), while the frunk’s 81 litres is halved (roughly) by the EV’s charging cable kit. In an electric car, everyone can hear you scream

As I’d mentioned earlier, the e-tron GT shares several key components with the Porsche Taycan, including its 800-volt electrical architecture (benefits include high continuous

24 JUNE–JULY 2022

SECOND NATURE SELECTION Audi replaced the traditional gear selector and instead fitted a “smart looking” rocker style switch that became “second nature” to use within a couple of hours.

output, shortens charging duration and reduces weight and space required by wiring), front and rear electric motors, two-speed rear axle mounted transmission, all-wheel steering and even the air springs. All these components work together to make the RS e-tron GT a monster in spirited driving or a refined GT when you just want to eat the kilometres and get to your destination unstressed and without harming the environment. The RS e-tron GT offers 590hp (510hp in the standard e-tron GT) and 612lb-ft of torque, though engaging launch control will offer 637hp for 2.5 seconds. Using

Audi’s lovely virtual cockpit is sharper than ever”

launch control, the RS e-tron GT ripped from 0-97km/h in an incredible 3.2 seconds (measured using the EV’s onboard timer). That’s super impressive when you consider the EV weighs 2.3-tons without a driver but what impressed me even more was the fact the EV was able to deliver exactly the same result back-to-back. Audi says it’s employed a high-tech thermal management system that works to ensure performance doesn’t suffer even when it is called upon repeatedly. Nothing can really prepare you for the instant and seemingly endless torque from those electric motors. Off the line or when you’re already at speed, if you floorboard the accelerator, it feels as though you’ve been shot out of the world’s largest canon. What’s really unsettling is the EV doesn’t make a racket while pinning you to your seat, all you hear is the interesting, spaceaged hum that the EV plays into the cabin (and on the outside) to give you an auditory indication that you’re moving at speed (in dynamic mode, the sound is noticeably more aggressive). The sheer pace of the RS e-tron GT does take a day or two to get used to and Audi has done a great job calibrating the accelerator, so you can progressively metre out exactly how much thrust you want to summon from those two motors. More impressive still is, despite the EV’s SUV challenging weight, the RS e-tron GT is a dynamic steer. The lithium-ion batteries are located at the car’s lowest point between the two axles, and Audi even says the vehicle has a near perfect weight distribution of 50:50. That

meconstructionnews.com

TEST DRIVE

LOW SPEED MANEUVERABILITY The RS e-tron GT’s set-up does a great job of recreating the surefootedness of Audi’s brilliant mechanical quattro system, while the rear wheel steering aids low speed manoeuvrability.

set up coupled with the chunky tires, all wheel steering, and adaptive air suspension meant the EV was surprisingly agile and had this reviewer grinning through the corners. The EV’s set-up does a great job of recreating the surefootedness of Audi’s brilliant mechanical quattro system, while the rear wheel steering made low speed manoeuvrability in tight spaces a cinch. With regards to braking performance, it’s worth noting here that the RS e-tron GT only really employs its physical brakes in hard braking scenarios; the rest of the time the vehicle’s regenerative braking is what slows progress when you get off the accelerator. You can adjust how much regenerative braking the car provides via the steering mounted paddles – this is a brilliant move considering you’ll likely want to adjust this on the fly depending on conditions. Set at maximum regeneration, the car does slow quite noticeably every time you lift off the accelerator but it’s not enough that you could do entire journeys only managing the accelerator pedal. In terms of ride quality, one advantage of substantial weight when combined with well sorted suspension is a composed and refined ride, and indeed, this reviewer was chuffed with the EV’s overall composure. Going over bumps or broken road, the EV was comfortable regardless of drive setting, and thanks to the lack of a combustion engine and the inclusion of acoustic glass on our tester (optional extra), the vehicle was an incredibly tranquil place to spend time in. The seats, as you’d expect, are wonderfully supply and supportive – this is a car that you meconstructionnews.com

could happily spend hours and hours in.

The EV does a great job of recreating the quattro system”

Can it go the distance?

Audi claims the RS e-tron GT’s 85kWh lithium-ion battery offers up to 487km when fully charged and, by the end of my time with the vehicle, I was convinced the EV could do that range or manage better. After two days with the Audi, doing my 90km round trip to and from the office each day, the vehicle’s battery still had about 50% of its charge, despite those trips including a fair bit of spirited driving. I can’t say I’ve had this sort of a reassuring experience with earlier EVs; after I’d

performed the two, back-to-back 0-97km/h launches, the range estimate dropped by 48km on the RS e-tron GT. When I did the same with an older EV, the range dropped by 150km, which really knocked my confidence in terms of how much range I’d actually be able to get out of that vehicle. In terms of charging, the RS e-tron GT supports both AC and DC charging from 11-to-270kW and Audi has given the EV two charging points just behind the front wheels. An AC charging port can be found on both sides of the vehicle, while a DC port sits only on the right-hand side. All the necessary cables are provided along with the vehicle and Audi notes that using a standard 11kW AC charger, an empty battery can be fully charged overnight. 22kW charging will top up the battery faster however, when working with a powerful DC terminal, the EV can leverage 270kW charging and recharge energy for up to 100km of range in just over five minutes. Charging from 5-to-80% SoC (state of charge) takes just 22.5 minutes under ideal conditions, Audi says. Verdict

With all its optional extras, our test RS e-tron GT costs AED660,000 which makes it the most expensive Audi we’ve ever tested. The Audi isn’t quite perfect but it’s a handsome brute of a thing that’s easily the most confidence inspiring EV I’ve spent time in to date. And, when it comes to its cabin, the RS e-tron GT simply leaves what’s offered by non-traditional automakers in the dust in terms of refinement, fit and finish.

A BRILLIANT MOVER You can adjust how much regenerative braking the car provides via the steering mounted paddles – this is a brilliant move, suggests Jason Saundalker.

JUNE–JULY 2022 25

WORKSHOP

BMW TAKES SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO VEHICLE COATINGS / RED DOT AWARD RECOGNITION FOR CONTI TYRE / BOSCH UNVEILS $525MN GREEN HYDROGEN PLAN

WORKSHOP

BMW turning biomass into bodywork

BMW GROUP USES NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO CONSERVE RESOURCES AND REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM PAINTING BODYWORK COATINGS

BMW Group is the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to use matt paints made from biomass instead of crude oil at its European plants. In addition to this, BMW Group Plants Leipzig and Rosslyn (South Africa) are also using sustainablyproduced corrosion protection. Renewable raw materials such as bio-waste or waste from sewage treatment plants serve as the starting material for the paints. The CO2 savings determined in a TÜV-certified process

amount to over 15,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions between now and 2030. “By reducing our use of fossil raw materials, we can conserve natural resources and lower CO2 emissions at the same time. To achieve this, we are increasingly relying on sustainability innovations in our supplier network,” says Joachim Post, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “Innovative paints based on renewable raw materials are an important step in this direction.”

SCALED TO CREATE LOWER EMISSIONS The two BMW Group plants in Leipzig and Rosslyn produce an average of around 250,000 vehicles per year – the sustainable manufacturing process reduces the CO2 emissions from paint production by more than 40%.

BASF’s innovative production process makes it possible to replace petroleum-based precursors, such as naphtha, with renewable raw materials from organic waste, starting in the early stages of paint production. This not only reduces consumption of fossil resources, but also avoids the CO2 emissions associated with the production, transport and processing of crude oil. The corrosion protection and matt paints used at BMW Group Plants Leipzig and Rosslyn are chemically identical to the paints previously used, with all the same properties as conventionally manufactured body coatings. Since bio-based and conventional coatings are produced on the same line, BASF adopts an externally certified mass balance approach. The amount of paint purchased by the BMW Group is calculated to be exactly equivalent to the amount of bio-naphtha and bio-methane that would be required for 100% petroleum-free production. The sustainable manufacturing process reduces the CO2 emissions from paint production by more than 40%.

CONTINENTAL SPORTCONTACT 7 SCOOPS DESIGN AWARDS TYRES

SportContact 7, the new sports tyre from Hanover has won two of the most prestigious international design awards – the Red Dot Award: Product Design and the iF DESIGN AWARD. “We are very happy that our sporty flagship has not only been able to convince tyre fans with its performance, but that design experts from all over the world have also recognised our work with these awards,” said a delighted Enno Straten, head of Strategy, Analytics and Marketing, Replacement Tires EMEA at Continental. During development, the design experts pursued three main objectives: First, to develop a credible “next generation” for the long line of successful SportContact tyres. Second, the innovations developed should be made visible in the best possible way. And third, the design language had to be aligned with that of modern sports cars.

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S WORKSHOP: E-KAR ON THE IMPORTANCE OF MICROMOBILITY, THE LAUNCH OF M-GLORY IN THE MARKET, AND MORE

26 JUNE–JULY 2022

meconstructionnews.com

WORKSHOP

BOSCH UNVEILS $525M GREEN HYDROGEN PLAN

HYVA TO DEBUT NEW LOADERS AT IFAT TRAILERS

Hyva will reveal its latest advances in products from its Container Handling, Cranes and Tipping Solutions ranges at the upcoming IFAT event. Hyva’s Titan range of Hookloaders and Skiploaders, already well established as industry leaders in Container Handling, will be represented by some of our brand-new products at IFAT 2022. Titan PRO, the new flagship hookloader from Hyva, is faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly. It builds on a rich history and a reputation for strength, reliability, and durability. Also, on display will be its boltable solution for the light commercial vehicle segment, the Titan City hookloader. The system comes with all benefits and advantages of ease of operation, intuitive electrical or pneumatic in-cab controls, secure hook latch, strong combination locks and the widest range of accessories, says the firm. From its crane range, Hyva will showcase the HW60 crane. This specialist crane for waste collection offers a higher productivity and reliability and is ideal for activities in urban areas. The crane is designed in accordance with EN12999 and equipped with load limiting device, multifunctional radio remote control and hexagonal section extension. Hyva’s industry leading Tipping Solutions now come enhanced with Hyva Smart TGS, integrated with front end cylinders. The system drives tipping to a new level through the implementation of digital and cloud technology. Using digital, sensor-based monitoring to deliver real-time alerts and warnings to the driver, Hyva Smart TGS provides an environment in which drivers are supported to make optimum decisions at any given time.

meconstructionnews.com

ENGINES Bosch is investing up to $525 million towards the development of electrolyzer components under its Mobility Solutions business sector by the end of the decade. When it comes to green hydrogen, Bosch is stepping on the gas: in the interest of effective climate action, the company is planning not only to use this new fuel, but also to be one of the companies producing it. This is why it is branching out into the development of components for electrolyzers, which use electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Ideally, the electricity for this purpose is generated from renewable sources such as wind or photovoltaic power, in which case the result is known as green hydrogen. “We cannot afford to delay climate action any longer, so we aim to use technology to support the rapid expansion of hydrogen

REDUCING DEPENDENCY ON FOSSIL FUELS Bosch forecasts that the global market for electrolyzer components will increase to a volume of around $14.5 billion over the same period.

production in Europe,” said Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch, at the presentation of the company’s annual figures. “To do this, we will leverage our know-how in fuel-cell technology,” added Dr Markus Heyn, chairman of the Mobility Solutions business sector. In light of energy diversification, the move away from fossil fuels,

and the need to reduce CO2 emissions, demand for green hydrogen is growing rapidly – not only in energy-intensive industries such as steel, chemicals, and heavyduty freight, but also in private real estate. According to a report published by PwC, demand for green hydrogen across the GCC is expected to grow significantly in the medium term, reaching about 530 million tons by 2050.

TRANSICOLD PICKED BY VOLTA TRUCKS TRAILERS

Volta Trucks has confirmed the selection of Carrier Transicold as the sole supplier of refrigerated equipment for its full-electric 16-tonne Volta Zero. The supply agreement follows a project in which Carrier Transicold engineers worked closely with the Volta Trucks development team to integrate engineless ‘Iceland’ all-electric refrigeration systems and PowerBox technology into the new Volta Zero.

The system is designed for customers needing a sustainable, temperaturecontrolled urban delivery vehicle. Announcing the supply agreement with Carrier Transicold, Ian Collins, chief product officer of Volta Trucks, said; “Selecting Carrier Transicold as our supplier of refrigerated equipment for the Volta Zero was logical, given our strategy of working with worldleading partners. Carrier Transicold is a global company offering best-

CONTINENTAL ACCESS Customers specifying a temperature-controlled Volta Zero can access Carrier Transicold’s pan-European service network – the largest of its kind, providing the most comprehensive levels of workshop and mobile-based aftermarket support for servicing, repairs, replacement parts and breakdown assistance.

in-class engineless refrigeration solutions. Carrier Transicold Iceland units are proven in the marketplace, and it seamlessly integrates with our powertrain and control systems.” The Iceland eCool is a high capacity undermount system that operates in conjunction with the PowerBox that functions like an electronic power take-off. The PowerBox takes energy from the Volta Zero driveline and converts it into the 400V AC current at 50Hz which is required to operate the Iceland unit. From an operational perspective, the Carrier Transicold system achieves more than 95% efficiency when converting energy from the electric driveline to power the refrigeration system. “We have invested in electric technology over the past two decades, and we are pleased customers are reaping the benefits,” said Victor Calvo, President, International Truck & Trailer, Carrier Transicold. JUNE–JULY 2022 27

FEATURE

SMALL AND

PERFECTLY FORMED From MaaS to mobility hubs, Ekar’s Dheeraj Satta looks at the 5 top trends in the world of micromobility for 2022 and 2023

icromobility is paving the way for the future of city transportation postcovid. 2021 was a tremendous year for micromobility, with world leaders sparking new discussions around global sustainability and modes of transportation. Increased shared micromobility and Covid’s impact on public transport and urban commutes sparked a powerful momentum, where cities across the world started to look at emerging trends around bike sharing, scooter-share, and especially electric-powered vehicles. Everything from where and how to park bikes to how cities can encourage cyclists with new infrastructure, the excitement around e-bikes, and much more, made regular headlines. The surge of popularity around 28 JUNE–JULY 2022

these topics begs the question – what can we expect from the micromobility market in 2022, 2023 and going forward? Shared micromobility is the future of sustainable city transportation. And as pioneers of the bike share movement, our passion for bike share and creating smart cities inspires us to roll out systems globally while expanding our proven expertise and technologies into a new generation of micromobility offerings (including e-bikes, a multimodal solution, and a larger push into mobility as a service). Tomorrow’s world starts today, so we’ve been keeping our eyes on 2022’s hottest urban mobility trends — especially since PBSC is already deploying solutions that bring these trends to life! What is Micromobility in 2022?

Before we jump in, let’s take a quick step back

For happy, healthy cities and citydwellers, sustainable transit is the way”

and answer the question: What exactly is micromobility and what’s its impact? As the term “micro” suggests, it’s all about smaller, ecofriendly vehicles that run on sustainable electricity (such as shared e-bikes) or simply rely on people (such as pedaling on bikes, for example). With increasing urbanization, micromobility offers cities an eco-friendly alternative to travelling by car. For happy, healthy cities and city-dwellers, sustainable transit is the way. Here, then, are 5 micromobility trends for 2022 and beyond: 1. Mobility Hubs

Mobility hubs in urban areas propose easy, attractive alternatives to personal cars by combining several access points to various modes of city transport. Mobility hubs integrate shared micromobility (such as bike share and scooter-share) with public transit, access to meconstructionnews.com

FEATURE

cycling routes, EV charging, and even car-share pick-up/drop-off points. When well-planned and carefully integrated into dense urban parts of major cities, the vision behind mobility hubs acts as a driving force for reducing traffic congestion, greenhouse gases, and encouraging greater social equity by ensuring every commuter has access to their choice of transportation, regardless of whether or not they own a car. As industry leaders in urban shared mobility, we create and implement sustainable micromobility solutions that meet each city’s unique needs and integrate with their evolving infrastructures. Realizing this vision involves developing technologies and solutions that fit right into a city’s transit infrastructure, which, more and more, will include its existing mobility hubs. This brings us to the next big trend in micromobility… 2. Multimodal Docking and Charging

The idea behind multimodality in shared micromobility is to place stations in key urban areas, near the metro, train, and other important intersections throughout the city. Multimodal stations integrated into mobility hubs for public transit facilitate the use of several forms of alternative and sustainable transport for people going to work, to school, to see friends, or do groceries. At each one of these points, people can grab a bike, take a bus, or have access to a cycling path. Ease and accessibility have always been and will continue to be fundamental in encouraging people to opt away from personal automobiles and adopt sustainable city transportation systems. Multimodal docking and charging stations function to create easy access to daily commuters via multi-functional mobility hubs. Already used by our bikes, the technology behind multimodal solution can be adapted to any type of two-wheeled vehicle in cites, to dock and charge them with ease between trips. Welcoming bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, and with the possibility of EV (electric vehicle) charging, customisable Smart Stations are now even smarter. Our multimodal docking and charging Smart Stations feature state-of-the-art technology (created by PBSC’s expert engineers) that invites multiple shared micromobility operators in a city to securely dock and charge several types of bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters in the same station. This gives users smooth access to diverse transit options to better plan and complete their trips, while also allowing cities to cleanly manage multiple micromobility operations. By using this smart technology, the city’s system operators will also have access to crucial data on ridership and when bikes need meconstructionnews.com

TRANSPORTATION: THE MACRO TO THE MICRO Shared micromobility is the future of sustainable city transportation, says Ekar’s Dheeraj Satta.

rebalancing or kiosks need to be updated. 3. MaaS (mobility as a service)

As smart cities reimagine public transit to include shared micromobility systems, more and more transit apps reflect the exciting emergence of MaaS (mobility as a service). Users need one convenient app to access multiple ways to plan trips and commutes with ease, from bus routes to bike rentals, and we’re here to make that happen. PBSC’s bike share systems feature innovative technology that can swiftly integrate with a city’s public transit app! In cities like Montreal, Toronto and Barcelona, among others, users can even locate bikes and stations using Google Maps. 4. Electric Bikes

From Montreal to Monaco, Dubai to Barcelona, Valence to Rio de Janeiro, more and more cosmopolitan cities are integrating pedal-assisted electric bikes into their fleets with great success: Out of the 500 million

The vision behind mobility hubs acts as a driving force for reducing traffic congestion, greenhouse gases, and encouraging greater social equity”

trips taken worldwide on PBSC bikes until today, 14 million were on e-bikes, and 8000 of our E-FIT and BOOST e-bikes are circulating in 15 cities throughout the world. It’s easy to see why electric bicycles are becoming so popular when you think about it. Perfect for commutes (even in hot weather and hilly terrain), e-bikes allow locals and tourists to get around a city without breaking a sweat or depending on a car. Urbanites can travel longer distances quickly and effortlessly. The best part? Even though pedal-assist bikes might feel like riding to your destination is a breeze, you still get your daily dosage of exercise. 5. Solar Charging

Solar-powered mobility is a trending industry focus. After all, think about the benefits of climateneutral, solar-powered shared micromobility options, whether for commuting to work, exploring new neighborhoods, or popping to the grocer. In the bike share market, that’s where solar-powered e-bike systems come in. That’s just one reason we’re delighted with the success of our pilot project in beautiful Aspen, Colorado, in partnership with WE-cycle and Skyhook Solar, where PBSC’s solar-powered Smart Stations and 25 of our perky, efficient E-FIT bikes were added to the network (which since 2013 has also featured our ICONIC bikes). Operated by WE-cycle, the system just finished its first year of completely solar-powered charging! In Aspen’s hilly landscapes, e-bikes are ideal examples of sustainable mobility that bring smiles to everyone’s faces!

JUNE–JULY 2022 29

FEATURE

MAKING EVs

IN THE UAE

M Glory Group on how the UAE’s first electric vehicle plant is meeting a rising demand for green mobility

t the end of March this year, M Glory Group laid the foundation stone for the United Arab Emirate’s first industrial facility to manufacture electric vehicles (EV) at Dubai Industrial City, one of the largest industrial hubs in the region, and worth an investment of $408 million. The factory’s official opening on 28 March was presided over by His Excellency Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, undersecretary at MoIAT, Dr Magda Al-Azazi, chair of the Board of Directors of M Glory Holding Group, and Saud Abu Al-Shawareb, managing director of Industrial City. The sustainable industrial facility, with advanced capabilities will be the UAE’s first plant of its kind and is expected 30 JUNE–JULY 2022

to produce 55,000 cars per year to meet a rising demand for green mobility to reduce global carbon emissions. M Glory Holding aims to benefit from the Fourth Industrial Revolution and sustainability by employing future technologies and robotics in the manufacture of EVs. The corporation’s new facility will be an extension to their portfolio, which includes robotics engineering and artificial intelligence as well as sustainable real estate. The new factory at Dubai Industrial City will create more than 1,000 jobs and is built on a total land area of 1 million sqft to accommodate future expansion plans. The electric cars will be exported to the wider GCC region, Egypt, Tanzania, Senegal, Mali and Kenya. Dubai Industrial City, part of TECOM Group, is one of the most prominent

The M Glory factory will be the first of its kind in the UAE worth an investment of AED1.5 billion”

industrial and logistics hubs in the region with more than 280 factories and 750 business partners across several strategic sectors. It is a major contributor to achieving several national strategies including the “Operations 300 billion”. Dubai Industrial City and The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) recently have signed a deal designed to further enhance the UAE’s industrial sector while facilitating decarbonisation efforts. The Memorandum of Understanding was focused on three core elements, including enabling the UAE’s Industry 4.0 programme, attracting foreign investors as part of “Make It In The Emirates” campaign, and facilitating decarbonisation across the industrial sector. The partnership’s objectives are in line with the UAE’s industrial strategy, which aims meconstructionnews.com

FEATURE

to develop the nation’s industrial sector and raise its contribution to the GDP. At the event, M Glory unveiled their first fully electric car called “Al Damani” DMV300. With two different models built using European specifications, the car has a battery capacity of 52.7 kWh and can cover more than 405km on a single charge. His Excellency Omar Al-Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: “The ministry, in coordination with partners from the UAE’s industrial sector, is implementing a package of projects and initiatives under the UAE’s national industrial strategy. The aim of these projects is to make vital sectors in the UAE, including the industrial and technological sectors, even more attractive to investors. They will also help industries of the future to develop new competitive advantages and consolidate the position of the UAE as a hub for global companies, investments and talents.” His Excellency continued: “The ministry is focused on encouraging local manufacturers to diversify and develop their production to support the growth of national industries and enhance their competitiveness. The establishment of a factory to produce electric vehicles in the country is in line with the ministry’s efforts to create new competitive advantages for advanced industries. It is also in line with the goals of the ’Make in the Emirates‘ campaign, launched by the ministry, which focuses on enhancing the future and sustainability of industries.” Reflecting on the occasion, Saud Abu Al-Shawareb, managing director of Industrial City, said, “Sustainability is a global responsibility and transitioning to alternative, low emission energy sources is an integral part of achieving a greener future. The manufacturing industry can play an essential role in enabling the national net zero strategy by delivering innovative, technology-backed solutions in line with Operation 300bn and powered by our partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. M Glory’s addition to our community demonstrates our commitment to boosting the manufacturing industry, as well as supportive environment that empowers local manufacturers like M Glory to set up operations and fuel the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative.” Dr Magda Al-Azazi, chair of the Board of Directors of M Glory Holding Group, said: “Today we are laying the foundation meconstructionnews.com

stone to inaugurate an Emirati industrial facility with international specifications where we will manufacture environmentallyfriendly electric cars, contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable development.” She added: “The M Glory factory for the manufacture of electric cars will be the first of its kind in the UAE and it will operate through two production cycles per year. It will employ the technologies and techniques of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including a welding line, a dyeing line and a final assembly line using the latest robots in the manufacturing processes.” She stated that the factory will produce a variety of electric cars, the types and details of which will be revealed during the coming period. She added that these cars will be competitive and durable as they are compatible with the

1,000 The new factory at Dubai Industrial City will create more than 1,000 jobs and is built on a total land area of 1 million sqft

THE UAE COMES TO THE EV FORE The M Glory factory will bring the manufacture of electric cars to the UAE for the first and will produce a range of vehicles through two production cycles per year, explained M Glory chairperson Dr Magda Al-Azazi.

environment and atmosphere of the Gulf region and will constitute a qualitative addition to the electric car sector. Dr Al-Azazi continued: “The announcement of the new facility comes in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai and carries forward the momentum achieved by this international event, which has strengthened the country’s position regionally and globally. It has helped define the emirate’s ability to attract business and investments, thanks to its world-class infrastructure, security and stability, as well as legislation and laws that keep pace with the country’s advancement. This has enabled the UAE to become a global economic center, topping international economic indicators in terms of competitiveness and business environment. She emphasised that the industrial sector in the UAE is on the verge of a great renaissance thanks to the 50 principles announced by the national government. Such foresight has accelerated the development of the sector by boosting national industrial institutions and companies, developing their businesses and capabilities, and opening new markets for them to expand globally. She concluded: “I value the support and facilities provided by Dubai Industrial City to launch this first industrial facility of its kind in the Middle East, as it provides the ideal ecosystem for launching and expanding our ambitions and future expansion plans.” The UAE is gearing up sustainability efforts under the UAE Road to Net Zero Strategy. Transportation is one of the main producers of greenhouse gases globally. The shift to public and private electric transport is quickly gaining momentum with consumer spending on EVs reaching US$120 billion in 2020 according to the International Energy Agency. Even local initiatives such as Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) goal to make public transport emission-free by 2050 demonstrating shifting mentality towards environmentally friendly transportation. Covering more than 550 million sq. ft., Dubai Industrial City is designed around a world-class masterplan that divides the massive business district into strategic sector-focused zones. It serves as a catalyst for the growth and expansion of the industrial sector in the UAE and is committed to enabling projects in renewable energy and sustainability in line with Operation 300bn and the UAE Road to Net Zero by 2050. JUNE–JULY 2022 31

PARTING SHOT

CUSTOM MADE

IN TURKEY

Ford takes another major step in its electrification transformation with its Turkish-arm set to deliver the all-new, all-electric, E-Transit Custom

ollowing hot on the heels of the all-electric E-Transit that began production in March this year – and the first of four further all-electric commercial vehicles Ford Pro will introduce by 2024 – the E-Transit Custom is designed to set a new benchmark in Europe’s one-tonne van segment and help businesses across the region to effortlessly make the change to electrified vehicles. Earlier this year, Ford announced that by 2024, four further new all-electric vehicles will join the E-Transit two-tonne van as part of the iconic Transit family, including the Transit Custom and Transit Courier vans, as well as Tourneo Custom and Tourneo Courier people movers. The all-electric E-Transit Custom will enter production in the second half of 2023 – part of the most extensive Transit Custom range ever offered to European customers. Further product details will be released in September this year. All Transit Custom variants will be built by Ford Otosan – Ford’s joint venture in Turkey – at their Kocaeli site, the home of European Transit manufacturing, delivered as part of Ford Otosan’s

previously announced €2 billion investment in its facilities. Ford, SK On Co., Ltd. and Koç Holding also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for an industry-leading joint venture to create one of Europe’s largest commercial vehicle battery facilities, targeting a mid-decade production start and an annual capacity in the range of 30 to 45 Gigawatt hours. The all-electric successor to Europe’s bestselling van 1,2 is designed from the ground-up to fit seamlessly into the Ford Pro ecosystem of productivity-enhancing, value-adding solutions. E Transit Custom will be supported by Ford Pro software, charging, service and financing solutions via one comprehensive platform to help increase uptime and reduce operating costs. The newest addition to Ford Pro’s electrified line-up will be a key component in Ford’s bold commitment to reach zero emissions for all Ford vehicle sales in Europe and carbon neutrality across its European footprint by 2035. E-Transit Custom’s no-compromise all-electric architecture helps to deliver a targeted driving range of up to 380 km, 3 DC fast-charging, and

full towing capability– not to mention dynamic new styling. In addition, the new van will help take productivity to new levels using sophisticated connectivity to enable always-on relationships. “This is a watershed moment for commercial vehicle operators, and another hugely significant realisation of our Ford Pro ambitions,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Ford Pro, Europe. “Europe’s best-selling van just went all-electric and – supported by our Ford Pro one-stop-shop of productivityboosting services – the operating benefits this will bring to business across Europe cannot be overstated.” Among features developed using in-depth insights from van users to ensure E-Transit Custom provides an unmatched customer experience, ProPower Onboard technology will provide exportable power for tools, lights and devices while on site. With an expressive and sculptural design, this is a working vehicle that companies of all sizes will be proud to have as a trusted partner. Featuring rebalanced proportions, a confident stance and full LED lighting, the new model will set a distinctive new design benchmark in the one-tonne segment.

NEXT ISSUE: TRUCK AND FLEET CELEBRATES ITS 100 TH ISSUE WITH A LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION, AND MUCH MORE!

32 JUNE–JULY 2022

meconstructionnews.com

Truck&Fleet ME July-July 2022

Articles inside

NEWS FROM THE MONTH

SUPER SUV