18 minute read
SUNNY SIDE UP
NISSAN INTELLIGENT MOBILITY-POWERED NISSAN SUNNY COMES TO REGION / ALFA INTRODUCES NEW GIULIA AND STELVIO QUADRIFOGLIO
LAUNCHES
POWER BOOST UP TO 12%
Sunny sides up
THE ALL-NEW SMART NISSAN SUNNY 2020 COMES TO THE MIDDLE EAST
Following its regional showcase at the Dubai International Motor Show 2019, the all-new Nissan Sunny 2020 is now available in showrooms across the region. The fully upgraded model comes with an exterior featuring Nissan’s V-motion grille and a spacious refresh in the interior.
The all-new Sunny 2020 is the latest addition to the growing line-up of Nissan’s renewed sedan models - and features a bold new look, advanced powertrains and technology features. The new generation car builds on this solid foundation and reinforces Nissan’s presence in the increasingly popular B-Sedan segment that is loaded with technology and safety features not usually found in the segment.
The new design features lower, wider and longer exterior dimensions while retaining Sunny’s roomy interior space. It is the latest in the makeover of Nissan’s complete sedan lineup following the flagship Maxima and new Altima.
“The Nissan Sunny continues to be a favourite for the region – selling over 474,500 units in the GCC alone since its introduction to the region in 1994,” said Thierry Sabbagh, managing director, Nissan Middle East. “The all-new Sunny 2020 retains the essence of this sedan, while adding a sleek design lift and tech upgrades to provide an enhanced driving experience. The new look is striking and refined in equal measure, and we can’t wait for customers in the region to try out the all-new Sunny experience.”
Introducing an energetic and provocative exterior, Nissan Sunny 2020 uses key styling elements of Nissan’s distinctive “Emotional Geometry” design language which include the new Sunny’s V-motion grille, boomerang-shaped headlamps and tail lamps, kickup C-pillars and floating roof.
A recent survey conducted by Nissan shows that the sedans segment retains a strong appeal – especially for younger buyers, globally. Among drivers who don’t own a sedan, 75% would consider buying one now or in the future. For millennials, the number rises to eight in 10. In the UAE, 80% would consider a sedan as their next car purchase.
“Safety and technology remain a top priority at Nissan, and the all-new Sunny features Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology that helps provide front, side and rear safety monitoring and intervention technologies to enhance awareness on the road. This model also makes for an easier and more confident driving experience with seamless smartphone sync options and driver assist technology. This is bolstered by mechanical innovations including an advanced engine design, upgraded Xtronic transmission and an electric power steering system – all of which comes at a highly affordable price, making it ideal for entrylevel buyers,” Sabbagh added.
The all-new model comes in three trim-levels, models - S (MT or Xtronic), SV (Xtronic) and the sporty SL (Xtronic).
The Nissan Sunny 2020 arrives in the UAE at a starting price for
IMPOSING DESIGN
“The wheels are pushed out, there’s an imposing grille presence, everything about it says lower, wider, longer,” said Giovanny Arroba, program design director, Nissan Global Design Center, Nissan Motor Company.
A SMART ENTRY-LEVEL SEDAN
The all-new Sunny features Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology that helps provide front, side and rear safety monitoring and intervention tech.
1.6 S CVT of AED 57,900.
With the all-new Sunny, Nissan has reimagined the entry-level sedan with a design that respresents a leap for both the brand and other cars in its class. The Sunny now features lower, wider and longer exterior dimensions while retaining its typically roomy interior space. It is the latest in the makeover of Nissan’s complete sedan
SPECIFICATIONS Engine Power Torque Fuel Economy (Manual) Fuel Economy (Auto)
lineup following the flagship Maxima and new Altima.
Under Nissan’s “Emotional Geometry” design language, Sunny adapts key elements – such as the V-motion grille, boomerang-shaped headlamps and tail lamps, kick-up C-pillars and floating roof. The result is an entrylevel car that the designers describe as an energetic, provocative and engaging modern compact sedan.
1.6l / 4-cyl 118hp 149 Nm
17.1 km/L
19.3 km/L ALFA REFUSES TO SLOW DOWN
“Today, at a time when circumstances have required a break in the usual fast pace, the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio, with their 510-hp 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo engine, are not slowing down, augmenting their supercar-level performance for MY2020 with exclusive, brand-new features and a wide range of technology, connectivity and safety upgrades,” says Alfa Romeo on its newest beasts to hit the market.
The legendary Italian company is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year and decided to announce its news at a virtual press conference. A necessary but modern convenience. Words not always associated with its oft-lauded cars.
The new 2020 Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio feature class-leading performance with the powerful 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo powerplant in 100% aluminum, “capable of unleashing no less than 510 hp and 600 Nm maximum torque at 2,500 rpm.”
Delivery to the wheels is the responsibility of the Alfa Active Torque Vectoring system, assisted in the Stelvio Quadrifoglio by the innovative Q4 all-wheel-drive system. The 8-speed automatic transmission has been calibrated to optimise fluidity and comfort so the vehicles can easily be driven on all terrains.
Only in RACE mode do the cars express their full potential with lightning-fast gear changes in only 150 milliseconds, says the firm. Each Quadrifoglio is fitted with a range of systems designed to enhance the pleasure of driving, and offer the motorist the most authentic, engaging experience behind the wheel. These include Alfa Active Suspension, Alfa DNA Pro selector with RACE mode, and the Alfa Active Aero splitter in the Giulia. The systems are all coordinated and adapted in real time by the Alfa Chassis Domain Control unit, constantly ensuring the ideal conditions for vehicle and driver to make the most of the exceptional performance of the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio.
In the year 20 model and higher, customers can opt to fit the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio with a new Akrapovič exhaust, another dual mode system, in titanium with carbon fiber tail sections, featuring an even more sophisticated sound.
Much-needed improvements have been made for the driver including a new design of the centre console which offers more storage space. The steering wheel and leather-trimmed gear stick are also new, as are the safety belts, now available in red or green. Coming soon, a new upholstery option for the electric sports seats, with perforated leather throughout.
SPECIFICATIONS Engine Power Torque Transmission Drive
2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo
510hp 600Nm
8-spd (A) AWD
FURIOUS BI-TURBO 510-HP POWER
BEST OF ALL WORLDS
Al-Futtaim Motors’ general manager of commercial vehicles, Hino and Toyota Material Handling, Ramez Hamdan, on the launch of the new Hino 500 FD1024
The last few months have proven how vital the trucking and transport industry is to the region. This is particularly true in the UAE where truck operators have formed a lifeline in a country that relies on the transport of essential products and services by road. As the country emerges from its lockdown, its recovery and growth will only be achieved by businesses being able to depend on a logistics chain powered by a fleet of reliable and safe trucks. Enter the new medium-duty Hino 500 FD1024, the latest edition in a long-line of celebrated vehicles to roll-out of the much-vaunted Koga Plant – the state-of-the art ‘mother plant’ of the Toyota-owned commercial vehicles manufacturer’s global production effort.
The UAE market was once dominated by heavy vehicles, particularly during the peak years of construction more than a decade ago, Al-Futtaim Motor’s (AFM) general manager of commercial vehicles, Hino and Toyota Material Handling, Ramez Hamdan, tells T&FME that the new truck arrives at a
We are witnessing higher demand in logistics, FMCG and energy”
time where the market is rapidly changing.
“The construction segment is significantly down compared with previous years,” begins Hamdan. “While we are seeing fewer heavy vehicles being sold, we are witnessing higher demand for vehicles needed by sectors such as logistics, FMCG and energy. This is leading to an increase in MCV (medium commercial vehicles) and LCV (light commercial vehicles) solutions.”
Experts are predicting that the UAE will be among the countries that bounces back relatively quickly as the COVID-19 pandemic
ROBUSTNESS AND RELIABILITY
The Hino 500 FD1024 features improved power and fuel economy. It has been built to be robust, reliable and safe.
comes under control. with the growth of e-commerce expected to accelerate as business and consumer habits evolve. Hamdan says that trend should drive further demand for MCV trucks like the HINO 500 FD1024.
“Early into the COVID-19 situation, we witnessed a major increase in the e-commerce sector. That requires creating more and deeper logistics chains, and has led to an increase in MCV and LCV fleet for many companies in the UAE. These vehicles are ideal for distribution and can easily operate on highways and into cities.”
We are aiming to provide peak efficiency all the time, everywhere”
To switch between those two very different environments, the new truck features a high-performance Euro 4 engine and has a proven higher service interval of 20,000 km – using Hino Engine Oil – which Hamdan says makes the Hino 500 more eco-friendly than ever. Long gone are the bare-bones designs of the past too. Reflecting the needs of the sectors it has been built to serve, fleets will be purchasing a truck with an exterior and interior designed with driver comfort and visibility in mind. It also features side-door impact beams, improved mirrors to for a bigger field of vision, front and rear under-run protection, ABS (anti-lock braking system) and the Emergency Guard Impact Safety (EGIS) cabin.
The Hino 500 FD1024 has a GVW of 10.4 Ton and a payload capacity of 7.0 Ton. This helps the truck to be the complete allrounder Hino was aiming for, and cope with a wide range of applications such as tipper trucks, curtain siders, reefer trucks as well as general cargo and cement mixers. Hamdan says that this versatility means that AFM can approach a broad cross-section of the market. He produces a long list of potential fleets that could benefit from the new truck.
“Our target sectors are logistics, FMCG, contracting, waste management and transport companies which are operating with applications like cargo bodies, chillers, cranes, refuse compactors and recovery platforms,” he says. “One of the first customers to own the new Hino 500 FD1024 was Ajman Police. They needed an aerial platform for rescue operation on high levels floor and light pole maintenance.”
AFM is determined to help customer’s meet their requirements. Any new owner, he says, will be plugged into AFM’s well-honed customer journey from initial sale conversations, delivery to aftersales support and body building.
“We are the largest distributor of automobiles and automotive products in the UAE with fully computerised showrooms and a highly professional sales advisor team across all the emirates. We provide the right model solution, with proper PDI (pre-delivery inspections) and sanitisation, as well as support of delivery to the customer’s site for new units.
“We also operate fully equipped service workshops and parts facilities in every emirate. It is an aggressive customer satisfaction programme, designed to enhance service levels right across the company, from showroom to workshop. We always continue to foster customer relationships,” he affirms.
Peak transportation
Last year’s debut of the robust, flexible and light 300 series of trucks opened up the F&B and fuel delivery market for AFM. It is clear that the heavier 500 is igniting Hamdan’s ambition to now help re-shape the medium segment of the UAE commercial vehicles market.
“With the new Hino 500 FD1024, we are aiming to provide customers with optimal performance and peak transportation efficiency all the time, everywhere!” he enthuses. “The roll-out includes changes to not just the aesthetic but also the drivetrain. There is a painstaking attention to detail with the truck that makes it easy to operate and can, in turn, boost the motivation and morale of drivers. This will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of a customer’s business.”
Medium duty trucks have traditionally struggled to find a role in the UAE market with many operators preferring to run the heavy vehicles they have relied on for years. But with margins on balance sheets getting ever more tighter, trucks like the Hino 500 are becoming much more attractive as the market moves away from being dominated by the construction sector.
“This a transportation solution that offers a powerful performance with a Euro4 engine that is turbo charged with its high horsepower of 245 PS (@2500 rpm) and high torque of 726 Nm (@1500 rpm) but it also has lower diesel consumption in addition to numerous safety features. It’s not only got a well-crafted exterior and interior designed for driver comfort and visibility, but also excels in hot and cold climates, at high altitudes, low altitudes – and almost everything in between – to thrive in almost in any environment imaginable.”
Of course, it is the all-important engine which will be relied upon to guarantee this performance. Hino says the six-cylinder J08E delivers increased output, greater cooling, improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Through development it has created a refined package which it claims results in resulting in greater efficiencies.
“The new engine has been elaborately engineered for outstanding environmental performance coupled with the ability to generate higher power and torque,” explains Hamdan. “It also features the new transmission LX06 (6+1 speed) in compliance with the high torque and is equipped with power shifting option.”
INSIDE THE HINO 500 FD1024
The truck has been crafted with the driver in mind, including a simple, easy to see dashboard layout, high convenient storage and seat position features that make it easy to get in and out of the cab, says Ramez Hamdan • 8-way adjustable driver seat for improved comfortability. • The leg area in front of the centre seat is redesigned to improve the comfort for the centre seat passenger. • Power windows & central lock for further comfort. • Enhanced diameter of the speedometer and tachometer with enlarged meter indications • Switch panel is at convenient position for driver. • All functional switches are placed together for easy access of the driver. • Factory fitted AC. • Cup holder and card holder at convenient position. • Ample storage space, multipurpose stand and large flat tray at the
instrument panel. • New style of inside door handles, integrated handle and lock knob provides ease in door operation. • Changed fluorescent lamp to LED; LED interior light is brighter than the fluorescent lamp, with longer life of 40,000hr and 58 lux (which was previously 46 lux) • The LED is built in the ceiling to achieve a flat surface, and
Head clearance is improved from 109mm to 150mm.
KEEPING THE DRIVER SAFE
A newly designed cab meets Hino’s Emergency Guard Impact Safety (EGIS) compliance and is packed with an array of features to protect the driver.
Safer transport
Beyond the engine and driveline changes, it is the safety features that arguably elevate the Hino 500 FD1024 over previous models. Stepping into the cab, it offers excellent downward visibility for the driver, with 45 o of visibility (20 o in an upward direction and 25 o in a downward direction).
“So, for example, the driver can see the head of a small child (1m high) at a distance of 1.6m,” Hamdan tells T&FME.
The cab also meets Hino’s stringent Emergency Guard Impact Safety (EGIS) compliance and is rigidly constructed with a wealth of safety devices such as a SRS airbag (driver), a seat-belt with pretensioner for driver protection, a collapsible steering column, steel plating to provide protection from door impacts, as well as anti-collision steel beams threaded into the structure.
Hamdan also notes that the truck has front under run protection to protect smaller vehicles from being run over by the truck.
“And the truck’s steering system allows driver to steer vehicle after accident in case of front collision,” he adds. “Tubeless tyres also further benefit the customer, and the New FD1024 comes with tubeless tyres (Size 235/75 R 17.5) to make driving easy and safe.”
Hamdan is in no doubt that safety of drivers is a major concern for AFM in ensuring that delivers on the promises it makes to its customers.
“For instance, we relentlessly pursue safe braking to protect customer’s cargo, their business and put smiles on the faces of their drivers,” Hamdan says. “This truck has state-of-the-art brake technology that includes brake chambers coupled with ABS to help prevent serious accidents.
“This comes as standard to enhance safety and bring peace of mind. ABS contributes by enhancing stable and consistent braking without the wheels locking up when the brakes are applied; consistently maintaining stable controllability and helping the driver to avoid accidents.”
As most truck owners know, the brake system is an important element as it helps drivers to stay in control on the road when they are carrying a load; allowing them to slow down, make turns safely and stop when necessary. The Hino 500 FD1024 uses an air-over-hydraulic brake system, which Hamdan notes combines the best benefits of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
“When the brake pedal is depressed, this controls the amount of air pressure.
Hydraulic pressure is then used to apply the brakes,” he explains.
Looking ahead
After the disruption of the first half of 2020, AFM is expecting deamand to recover by Q3 and Q4 2020. Looking ahead, Hamdan says the market will stablise and the business is optimistic that there will be further growth by the first quarter of next year. He stresses that the company understands that
it needs to continue to support customers in the months ahead to help them to also recover lost ground and grow.
“During this period, we understand that our customers need the maximum support in terms of finance solutions, also in terms of after-sales support by providing mobile workshop to do the service at the customer’s site, and online training for their drivers are being offered. Finance solutions are available from AFM Hino through
45˚
The redesigned cab offers drivers 45 degrees of visibility
CHANING FLEET HABITS
The UAE market is seeing an increase in the sale of MCV trucks as fleet requirements evolve. our partner banks at special rates and will support them through service contracts, insurance, body fabrication, and more.”
Ultimately, Hamdan believes fleets will see a rapid return on their investment through the Hino 500 FD 1024.
“Fleets can expect to see a return on their investment within the first month of starting operation, in terms of fuel efficiency, less maintenance and durability and the minimising of breakdowns,” he concludes.
OUTSIDE THE HINO 500 FD 1024
A new aerodynamic and stylish design helps reduce air resistance, and ensures high stability, road grip and better fuel economy. The stylish appearance comes with new style of V Shaped Grille, a larger and bolder logo and more visible indication to other vehicles, says Ramez Hamdan
Changed design of bumper:
Multi-part construction has been adopted for the front bumper. Ease in replacement of individual parts, Cost effective maintenance of bumper. Enables easy access to the windshield, Anti-skid bumper step.
Headlamps:
Upgraded and new design of headlamps combined with flasher, for better visibility in different conditions, bigger flasher at side door.
Outside Door Handles:
Improved door handle. The outside door handles have been enlarged for an improved gripping feel. The handle button is slightly concave to allow better positioning of a thumb.
Accessibility:
8-way adjustable driver’s seat has Improved comfortability and driver has multiple adjustable options. With easy ingress for tall and short drivers, the driver’s seat side assist grip is extended by 420mm so that a short driver can hold the assist grip easily and securely, the step area is also increased for safer and easier ingress and egress. For short drivers ,the distance between the floor and hip point is decreased by 15mm, and for tall drivers the distance between the pedals and hip point is increased by 48mm. The seating position adjustment range is increased. The seat provides a comfortable driving position for drivers ranging from 146cm to 193cm in height.
Reliability and Maintenance:
It is easy to check, service and maintain the vehicle to help prevent accidents and breakdowns with the aim of the keeping the truck on the road with Larger fuel tank compare to previous model for longer hauls. The inlet diameter of the washer fluid tank has been increased from 28mm to 40mm to allow easy refilling of fluid. The installation position of the washer fluid tank has also been changed to a convenient position.
