VEHICLES/ TECH / TRANSPORTATION/LOGISTICS
O98/MAY 2O22
MIDDLE EAST
LI CENSED BY D U BAI D EVELO PM ENT AU TH O RIT Y
G N I D N I F S I O V L O V W HO
T U O Y A W A
ugh o r h t y a w a g n i d n fi s k l t ta d d n e a t s s e d r n u u s L s e n t pr s M ar t i o c , n o i t p d is r u n i a h c y l p su p in e a r k U n i e l t r oub
H T A P W E N A U RE TO THE FUT
ES BACK R NISSAN GO PATHFINDE W E N E H T WITH
Multimedia Cockpit New interior lighting concept
MirrorCam
Electronic Parking Brake with HOLD function
Active Drive Assist
New rear axle ratio
Active Brake Assist 5
New light signature & night lights
Traffic Sign Assist
Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC)
The new Actros. Ready to set a new standard. New Standard Equipment
New Optional Equipment
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • •
Keyless start New vehicle key Electronic parking brake PowerShift 3 with four driving programmes New light signature & night lights New Mercedes-Benz emblem sign New interior light concept The new design of the steering wheel
Trucks.MercedesBenzMENA.com
MirrorCam Active Brake Assist 5 Multimedia Cockpit Multimedia Cockpit Interactive Trailer Stability Control Assist Independent trailer brake, electronic Remote Online Active Drive Assist (available only in Morocco) Predictive Powertrain Control 2nd generation (available only in Morocco)
CONTENTS
CONTENTS INTERVIEW
12 / SUPPLYING DEMAND T&FME looks at Volvo Group’s approach to tackling global problems of production in a heavily disrupted market.
ALSO THIS ISSUE … NEWS
06 / NEWS FROM THE MONTH Imdaad celebrates a major win after securing a major contract with Dubai Municipality. LAUNCHES
10 / FINDING A NEW PATH The new Nissan Pathfinder finds its future in its past. MARKET REVIEW
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16 / TIME FOR A CHANGE Consultant Worldwide7 and co-founder Abdulrahman Inayat explore how automotive businesses must change to recover from Covid-19. FEATURE
20 / SCANIA’S SUPER POWER Scania’s development teams talk maing a super engine and its other safety and efficieny tech in development. WORKSHOP
22 / ...AND THE POINT IS Trade Point by Al-Futtaim Automotive promises to change the way spares get into the UAE market. SPECIAL REPORT
28 / 160 YEARS OF OPEL A look back at the venerable brand’s rich automotive history. PARTING SHOT
32 / SKYSPHERE DEBUT Audi’s newest concept makes its debut at Dubai’s Museum of the Future.
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MAY 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
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CAN’T BUY NEW KIT? Later this month, I will be participating, hosting and generally running around like a maniac at the Truck and Fleet Conference – this year being hosted by the Radisson Red Hotel in Silicon Oasis, Dubai. I suspect that one of the most important topics up for debate will be what happens when you can’t get new vehicles and parts into a market which is at its busiest for a number of years. It is also a market that is at its costliest for some time – perhaps ever. In recent years, like many businesses, fleets have had to take on-board rising fuel costs and the introduction of VAT. Construction traffic and revenue is down in areas where the boom is residential and hospitality has subsided while competition for contracts has eaten away at margins. Through that period we have also seen the impact of Covid which has disrupted its way globally and locally re-shaped the needs of customers. I would argue that a lot of the changes – like increased digitalisation in transport and logistics and the growth in e-commerce - we have seen will make fleet lives easier over the long-term. It is just frustrating they have come at a time when many fleets would’ve benefitted from a slower pace, so they could re-shape and plan at their own speed. Even if you’re one of the fleets that are riding the wave of some of the more positive changes to the market, you may
be being held back by an inability to ramp-up your fleet renewal. Simply put: You may want to buy a new truck but you probably can’t...or certainly not yet. For once, demand is outstripping supply with commercial vehicles production struggling with the globalised supply chain networks that we once took for granted unable to feed the market. This month I sat in on the Volvo Group quarterly reporting hosted by its CEO. A lot of ground was covered, but it was the insight into juggling the cost and logistics obstacles of getting new vehicles out into fleet hands that really caught my attention. Most OEMs have been pushing the services side of the business and the last two years have probably fixed that thinking with fleets needing to run their vehicles for longer. It will be interesting to hear how the supply chain problems globally are affecting the Middle East fleet market during the conference. And most importantly of all, I will be asking the OEMs and distributors present how they can help fleets keep going while we all ride out this storm, particularly as we don’t always get the full fat version of their support here. I suspect that for all the noise of technology revolutionising the fleet sector, the answer will be good old fashioned human contact. Talking of which, it will be great to have you there too!
STEPHEN WHITE EDITOR, TRUCK&FLEET ME STEPHEN.WHITE@CPITRADEMEDIA.COM 02 MAY 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.
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WORLD CEMENT ASSOCIATION CALLS FOR MENA CEMENT FIRMS TO DECARBONISE
NPCC led consortium awarded major carbon capture and storage project contract
CONSULTANT
Mahmoud Abougabal joins HKA’s Expert Services Team as Director
EXPERTS: Overcoming resistance to new technology CONSTRUCTION
Akar Technical Services completes $14.9m contract work at Dubai Properties’ Villanova in Dubailand
FLEET
RTA unveils five-year sustainability plan
CONSTRUCTION
Kuwait’s HEISCO and Mitsubishi Power emerge as lowest bidders for 2,400MW Sabiya Power Plant project
04 MAY 2022
READERS’ COMMENTS
INSIGHT: Facilio reveals its data-driven vision
It is a welcome intervention that The World Cement Association (WCA) has called upon cement firms in the MENA region to take decarbonisation action, ahead of COP27 in Sharmel-Sheikh, Egypt and 2023’s COP28 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. However, it is worth noting that this is as much of a balancing act as decoupling from fossil fuels and will have a global impact. Even I was surprised to read that cement manufacturing in the MENA region makes up 15% of the world’s total production. It is great to see that the UAE and Saudi Arabia at least seem to be taking this seriously have both made pledges to reach net zero half-way through this century but will they find themselves priced out of the local market if the construction industry is able to find cheaper imports from neighbouring countries? Financially and ethically it makes sense to reach a region-wide agreement on how cement is produced, backed-up by tariffs on high carbon imports – and possibly even penalties for firms that choose their bottom line over a greener future. Name withheld by request
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NETWORK
IMDAAD SIGNS OFF ON DM CONTRACT / DCV MENA CELEBRATES FIRST FEMALE DRIVERS IN UAE / EKAR P2P IS A MIDDLE EAST FIRST / AMAZON FEEDS A MILLION PEOPLE IN RAMADAN
NETWORK
Imdaad wins Dubai Municipality contract for industrial areas THREE-YEAR CONTRACT COVERS SIX INDUSTRIAL ZONES AND INCLUDES 222 ENGINEERS, TECHNICIANS AND CLEANING CREW FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Imdaad, the UAE-based facilities management group, has said that it has signed up by Dubai Municipality to provide cleaning services in the city’s industrial areas. In a statement, Imdaad said that the three-year contract covers six industrial zones and includes wide-ranging services. This will include mechanical and manual sweeping, litter collection, mechanical and manual levelling of open areas,
and the cleaning of gullies. An experienced team of 222 engineers, technicians and cleaning crews will be deployed, it added. Commenting on the win, Group CEO Jamal Abdulla Lootah said: “This new agreement strengthens our relationship with Dubai Municipality and reflects our long-standing partner’s continued satisfaction with Imdaad’s services.” “It also highlights our growing presence in the public sector as
well as our diverse capabilities to provide cleaning and FM services across a wide range of industries,” he stated. The new contract follows the signing of a threeyear agreement in March with Dubai Municipality to provide comprehensive waste management, recycling, and infrastructure cleaning services in Dubai’s Al Mizhar 1, Al Mizhar 2, Muhaisnah 1, and Nad Al Hamar districts. Under the terms of that
contract, Imdaad has deployed a 99-strong workforce and 11,712 bins of various capacities. “We are confident that our expert team will ensure the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and attractiveness across the contract area, helping businesses in Dubai’s Industrial Areas to conduct operations in a safe and clean environment while also maximizing the comfort and convenience of residents, customers, and visitors,” Lootah concluded.
THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA ELECTRIC VEHICLE MARKET IS VALUED AT $35MN IN 2020, AND IS EXPECTED TO REACH $86MN IN 2026
06 MAY 2022
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NETWORK
AMAZON GIVES 1MN MEALS DURING RAMADAN FLEET
DCV MENA: NEW FEMALE DRIVERS A GAMECHANGER DRIVERS
Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA (DCV MENA) believes the achievement of its first two female employees to obtain a Heavy Truck (HT) license in the UAE will have long-lasting ripple effects across the commercial vehicles industry. Mandy Chan and Meliza Gilroy obtained their Heavy Truck (HT) license after completing a rigorous training course at Belhasa Driving School. DCV MENA added that its dedication to pushing boundaries and pioneering change in the commercial vehicles sector is reflected in both its cutting-edge design and innovative use of technology as well as their approach to workplace diversity and accountability. As part of an ongoing commitment to nurturing individual development and generating opportunities for internal growth within the company, all employees at DCV MENA benefit from being part of a comprehensive training and development plan which includes the chance to obtain a Heavy Truck license. With a well-deserved reputation for excellence and professionalism, state-ofthe-art facilities in Jebel Ali Free Zone ( JAFZA) and forward-thinking ethos it will come as no surprise that Belhasa Driving Centre is Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA’s preferred driving school partner. Belhasa are the first - and thus far only - driving centre in JAFZA to certify women in the Heavy Truck category. Both companies are driven by a number of shared core values, said the firm in a statement: “These include prioritising road safety and doing all they can to ensure safe and accidentfree driving, whether that be through education, intensive training, regular assessments or technological innovation. meconstructionnews.com
Amazon targeted the distribution of more than one million meals to support families in need across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt during the Holy month of Ramadan. The donation programme, in its second year, provided volunteering opportunities for hundreds of Amazon employees working alongside community partners to pack food hampers at Amazon’s Fulfillment Centres across the region. The company said it leveraged its scale to support communities and delivering the hampers to those who need them most. “In the true spirit of the Holy month of Ramadan, we are proud to extend our support to the important work the UAE Food Bank does
through the year,” said Ronaldo Mouchawar, VP, Amazon Middle East and North Africa (MENA). “With our ability to innovate quickly, we are leveraging our experience in logistics and delivery to help to get more than one million meals into the hands of those who need them the most especially
during the month of giving.” In partnership with the UAE Food Bank, Amazon provided a combination of grocery supplies, packaging materials, services, and monetary donations. This was expected to result in more than one million meals reaching underprivileged families in the safety of their homes.
EKAR LAUNCHES P2P APP IN KSA ON-DEMAND ekar has launched the Middle East’s first peer-to-peer carsharing app in Saudi Arabia. When their personally owned vehicles are not in use, Saudi ‘hosts’ can now earn money by renting them out on the ekar platform, said the firm. It added in a statement that vehicles previously inspected and installed with a telematics
unit or ‘health tracker’ by the ekar operations team can be instantly activated on the ekar app: “ekar’s 270,000 members can then seamlessly book, unlock, and pay for the rental of personally owned vehicles via the ekar app.” ekar says the digital peer-topeer solution removes the host and renter’s need to meet in
person for the clumsy and often time-consuming ‘key handover’. ekar’s peer-topeer is entirely contactless. The car keys are safely locked in an otherwise immobilised vehicle, only accessible via the app’s direct integration with the vehicle’s onboard computer, enabling the hosted car to be unlocked and driven. Without the app’s authentication, cars are locked, totally immobilised, and will not start, thus preventing any unauthorised access or theft.
MAY 2022 07
NETWORK
NEW ‘HEAVYWEIGHTS’ FROM FUSO SHOWCASED TRUCKS
Al Habtoor Motors, the official distributor of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation (MFTBC) in the UAE, has showcased the “new highly efficient, versatile and safe” range of FUSO Canters. The range features advanced technologies designed to deliver the lowest cost of ownership for a light-duty truck and excellent fuel economy, said the firm. After the successful launch of the FUSO Canter in Euro V emission norm in December 2020, the next outstanding technological feature is being launched in the UAE: the DUONIC automated manual
transmission. For the first time, the FUSO Canter will feature this technology in the UAE. In addition to lower fuel consumption, the directshift transmission, well known from its use in passenger cars, causes less
wear to auxiliary equipment, reduces the burden on the driver, particularly on short trips, and combines the convenience benefits of an automatic transmission with the economy of a manual transmission. The compact DUONIC automated manual transmission is based on a mechanical six-gear manual transmission, with two hydraulic wet clutches and electronic control. The two maintenance-free clutches are arranged concentrically and integrated into the gearbox housing. Clutch number one is used for forward gears one, three and five, while clutch two handles gears two, four and six.
BEEAH INAUGURATES NET-ZERO COMPLIANT ‘OFFICE OF THE FUTURE’ WASTE MANAGEMENT BEEAH has officially opened its new headquarters in Sharjah. Billed as the ‘Office of the Future’ the structure was designed by Zaha Hadid, boasts next generation technologies and is set to realise net-zero emissions. The building is said to be one of the most sustainable and smartest buildings in the world and aims to set a new benchmark for other workplaces. The official opening was led by HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Following the
formal inauguration, Dr Sheikh Sultan toured the headquarters along with Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council and leaders of government entities. They were briefed on all technological aspects of the building and introduced to its different spaces, including the courtyards, the visitor’s centre, state-of-the-art auditorium and smart meeting rooms. BEEAH chairman Salim bin Mohammed Al Owais said the HQ has been built with sustainability at its core
and integrated with future technologies and is the most AIenabled office in the Middle East. Al Owais explained, “It is equipped to operate at LEED Platinum standards, the highest standards for energy efficiency in the world and realises netzero emissions. The building design is among the last works of Dame Zaha Hadid, one of the most influential architects of her time. The distinct curvilinear features of the headquarters mimic the intersection of sand dunes, drawing from the desert landscape of Al Sajaa in Sharjah, where the building is located.”
DULSCO OPENS 70,000 TONNES PER ANNUM WASTE-TOENERGY PLANT WASTE MANAGEMENT
Dulsco has commissioned what is billed as the first of kind Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) plant. The waste-to-energy plant has the capacity to process more than 70,000 tonnes of waste per annum –the equivalent of 7,000 garbage trucks diverted away from landfill. The RDF plant is said to have an innovative processing methodology that treats waste to produce a refuse derive fuel product and is located within the EXPO 2020 premises in Dubai. Waste is pre-treated before being processed and the output product serves as a fuel feed to power the plant itself or is used by cement and other factories as an environmentally friendly and more sustainable alternative to natural gas, a statement from the firm said. The RDF Plant underpins the company’s commitment to sustainability and supports its drive toward achieving a circular economy with an effective long-term solution for waste management in the region in line with the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy 2021 - 2031. “The waste to fuel plant is an important addition to our collection of waste treatment facilities, as treating waste arising is an integral part of a sustainable waste management process. EXPO 2020 was a great platform for Dulsco to utilise our state-of-the-art processing facility and expertise to treat waste which helped us achieve in excess of 85% waste diversion from landfill,” said Dulsco CEO David Stockton.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: HOW VOLVO GROUP IS BALANCING SUPPLY CHAIN PRESSURES, A MARKET RECOVERING FROM COVID-19 AND MORE!
08 MAY 2022
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NETWORK
ETIHAD RAIL BRINGING FREIGHT TERMINAL TO DUBAI INDUSTRIAL CITY LOGISTICS
Etihad Rail has announced an advanced freight terminal that will occupy 5.5mn sqft. It is to have a capacity of five million tonnes and will connect major manufacturing centres and warehouses in Dubai Industrial City with the rail network. The terminal is a collaboration between Etihad Rail and Dubai Industrial City and will contribute to cementing the UAE’s position as an international trade hub, and boost Dubai’s global competitiveness in manufacturing, logistics, transport, trade, and investment. This comes in line with the UAE’s Railways Programme, which aims to facilitate trade by connecting the country’s industrial and manufacturing centres and opening new trade routes. The announcement of the rail freight terminal was attended by His Excellency Eng. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail; His Excellency Malek Al Malek, director general of the Dubai Development
Authority and CEO of TECOM Group; Abdulla Belhoul, COO of TECOM Group; Saud Abu Alshawareb, MD of Dubai Industrial City, and other officials and key representatives. The rail freight terminal will complement Dubai and the UAE’s advanced infrastructure and state-ofthe-art transport network, cementing
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the nation’s position as a gateway to the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, the statement said. The terminal at Dubai Industrial City will deliver a major boost to the UAE’s Industrial Strategy, also known as Operation 300bn. Increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to the economy by building advanced logistics
infrastructure will strengthen the country’s position as the leading Arab nation on the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report, it added. “The terminal will contribute to strengthening the supply chain and freight logistics services, in line with the UAE’s efforts to develop the country’s transport and logistics sector. With a capacity of 5 million tonnes, the terminal will connect the industrial and manufacturing centres in the UAE, open new trade routes, and support the country’s sustainable development,” said Malak. He added, “The announcement of the new terminal comes in line with the UAE Railways Programme, which aims to enhance the country’s transportation infrastructure through the development of the UAE National Rail Network, which play a key role in the country’s development, modernisation and urban planning.
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MAY 2022 09
LAUNCHES
NEW NISSAN SUV FINDS PATH BETWEEN CONTINUITY AND MODERN FEATURES / POLESTAR 2 MAKES ITS LONG-AWAITED DEBUT IN THE UAE
LAUNCHES FASTER ACCELERATION 30% UPGRADE
The path to success THE FIFTH-GENERATION PATHFINDER FUSES TRADITIONAL WITH MODERN TOUCHES WITH A FAMILIAR LOOK Strengthening its SUV dominance in the Middle East, Nissan has announced the regional launch of the bold and versatile, allnew Nissan Pathfinder 2022. During the first nine months of 2021, Nissan saw an increase of 10% in sales in the Gulf last year and popular off-roader returns to keep this run going with a complete redesign and a host of mechanical and technological upgrades to cater to the growing needs of families in the region. The fifth-generation Pathfinder fuses traditional with modern touches and emphasises its “bold design through a unique mix of elements and a strong identity”. While the sillouhette of the car is
10 MAY 2022
more evolution than revolution in terms of design, welcome touches such as the elegant C-shaped LED lights, do mark an upgrade even if sports a familiar-looking 3-slot grille and fender design The appeal of the 2022 model is largely what is in offer rather than what catches the eye. The brand’s popular SUV lineup has been enhanced since the introduction of the suite of features such as industry leading technologies including ProPILOT and Nissan Safety Shield® 360. The all-new Nissan Pathfinder 2022 also features a two-tone paint scheme for the first time ever on the range and an all-new 9-speed automatic gearbox that
offers 30% better acceleration than the outgoing model. The interior of the adventureready Pathfinder features refined materials and a robust, open design. Driver and passengers are greeted with a modern, spacious environment that enhances comfort and versatility with heated and ventilated front seats, available 8-way power driver’s seat including 4-way power lumbar support and available 2-way power front passenger seat. Seating flexibility has been enhanced with standard 8-person capacity or, for the first time on the Pathfinder, premium second-row captain’s chairs for a 7-person capacity (available
in the SL grade). The second-row bench seats now offers EZ FLEX one-touch release fold/slide with push button activation from both front and rear sides of the seats, making life easier for parents and backseat passengers alike. The SUV’s cargo area has also increased, with a new easy-to-clean luggage box offering additional 54.4 liters of under-cargo storage. This is accompanied by a large center console storage box for tablets, laptops, and smartphones, in addition to a console passthrough area that adds an additional 13.4-liters of storage. Long trips will also be a breeze with a total of 16 (!!) beverage
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LAUNCHES
POLESTAR DANCES INTO THE UAE MARKET SWEDISH PERFORMANCE ELECTRIC VEHICLE, POLESTAR 2, LAUNCHES IN THE UAE AN ‘ICONIC’ BRAND The Pathfinder is an iconic SUV in the Middle East, one that has provided customers with luxury and the freedom to explore for several decades, claims Thierry Sabbagh, managing director, Nissan Middle East.
PACKED WITH SAFETY FEATURES The Nissan Pathfinder 2022 is fitted with Nissan Advanced Airbag system including ten airbags as standard, with the optional Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering enhanced protection.
holders, five USB ports, a new storage shelf above the glove compartment, and standard Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with second row climate control and rear roof vents. The all-new Nissan Pathfinder 2022 offers the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) technologies including ProPILOT which eases driver workload by reducing the amount of
acceleration, steering, and braking input under certain driving conditions, such as single-lane highway driving. The the optional Nissan Safety Shield 360, offers protection through Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure intervention, High Beam Assist, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.
Swedish premium electric vehicle brand Polestar is now available in the UAE after it appointed Al-Futtaim as its distributor in the market. The move paves the way for the company’s Polestar 2 car to make its debut in the Gulf state. Since its international launch two years ago, the Polestar 2 has won attracted a number of growing enthusiasts to the challenger brand and the world’s press during its first year on sale. Awards and accolades include Car of the Year titles in Norway and Switzerland, BBC Top Gear magazine’s Best All-Round EV, Red Dot’s Best of the Best for Product Design, and the coveted Golden Steering Wheel in Germany. Polestar, the Swedish premium electric performance brand, confirms its arrival in the United Arab Emirates with the Polestar 2. Polestar has appointed the Al-Futtaim Group, the leading automotive distributor and retailer in the United Arab Emirates, as its representative in the region. Nils Mösko, head of Strategy and Business Development at Polestar, commented: “We are excited to bring Polestar to the United Arab Emirates. As a premium electric challenger brand, we found a natural partner in Al-Futtaim Group, and we are pleased to join their portfolio of automotive brands.” Polestar cars are purchased online through
a simplified, 100% digital process, which is complemented by physical retail locations known around the world as Polestar Spaces and Polestar Destinations. These bespoke retail environments allow consumers to interact physically with the brand, meeting with Polestar Specialists to explore the car in more detail, including test drives. The first Polestar Destination in the UAE is planned to open to the public in Dubai later in 2022. In the UAE, the Polestar 2 model range will include three versions, each offering a mix of performance and range. The range-topping Long range Dual motor variant has two electric motors and the 78 kWh battery, with a total output of 408 hp and 660 Nm, and up to 482 km* electric range. The Long-range Single motor version with a battery capacity of 78 kWh, a 231 hp/ 330 Nm powertrain and up to 542 km* electric range will be available in the UAE later in 2022. SPECIFICATIONS Model
Long Range Double Motor
Battery
78kWh
Power
408hp
Torque
660Nm
Range
482km
POLESTAR 2 3 VARIANTS
SPECIFICATIONS Engine
3.5l DOHC V6 engine
Drive
Intelligent 4WD system
Power
271hp
Torque
340 NM
Transmission
9-speed AT
meconstructionnews.com
MAY 2022 11
INTERVIEW
SUPPLYING
DEMAND
Volvo Group’s CEO Martin Lundstedt talks side-stepping conflict in Russia and supply chain woes to steer the commercial vehicle-maker’s growth in 2022
T
aking to the reporting stage at the end of a tumultuous start of the year, the CEO of Volvo Group, the maker of Volvo and Renault trucks, buses and Penta engines, Martin Lundstedt is putting on a serious tone despite a seemingly strong start to 2022. “Economic activity continued to be good in Q1 2022 with high transport volumes and good construction activity in most markets,” he says. “We increased sales and improved profitability. Our net sales grew by 12% to SEK 105.3 billion. The high business activity combined with our growing service
12 MAY 2022
contract portfolio resulted in continued good service growth, which was up by 19%. Adjusted operating income (profit) increased to SEK 12.7 billion (11.8 in Q1/2021).” Make no mistake, the numbers look good on paper as they carry over the divestment of UD Trucks to Isuzu – said to be worth over $2 billion in total – and an order book that remains healthy, but they also bely serious pressure in the supply chain. “We achieved an adjusted operating margin of 12.0% despite a challenging supply chain situation,” he says. “Operating cash flow in the Industrial Operations amounted to SEK -5.4 billion (5.7 in Q1/2021), in part due to a
Truck deliveries increased by 17% on the back of really hard and dedicated work”
build-up of inventory related to the unstable supply chain. In the first quarter, the economic activity continued to be good with high transport and construction activities. In most markets, demand continue to be larger than supply and in such times – and we have seen that now for a while – it is important to keep discipline in the order book management.” He adds: “The supply chain continued to be strained, which caused disturbances and stoppages in production also in Q1. Order backlogs are extended and lead times long, and this has negatively impacted order intake.” While the supply chain strains, transport activity across most regions is at good levels, meconstructionnews.com
INTERVIEW
and demand for trucks is high, the company is unable to match demand with supply. “We have large order books and delivery times are long, and this has made us restrictive with order slotting, which has affected order intake negatively. We are doing everything we can to reduce the long lead times to our customers. We are restricted to booking firm orders, and the order intake isn’t currently a good indicator of the market activity going forward: the size of the order book, the fleet utilisation among our customers, the used trucks business, the service business and the customer finance activities, all these indicators are still strong and at healthy levels.” “Despite these issues, truck deliveries increased by 6% to 55,600 vehicles which is a record for a first quarter. Net sales grew by 31% to SEK 69.6 billion. We have had extra costs due to the supply chain disruptions as well as higher costs for material and have worked proactively with price management to mitigate them. We expect that the inflationary pressure will continue. Despite these headwinds, our truck business achieved an adjusted operating margin of 12.5%.” He continues: “Truck deliveries increased by 17% on the back of really hard and dedicated work along our supply chains, both internally, and externally. We are running our manufacturing system at a high level, with extra flexibility. And we see that this is paying off in terms of volumes. And also in positive market share developments in many markets.” Throughout his review of the Group’s start to 2022, Lundstedt stresses that the numbers have been impacted by disruption in the Russian market. Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February and the sanctions that followed, all sales, services and production in Russia have been suspended. Effectively, dislocating the Swedish firm from its operation in the country and SEK 9 billion of assets says Lundstedt, adding that it estimates its losses over the quarter to be SEK 4.1 billion. “The ongoing war is devastating for Ukraine and my thoughts go out to everyone who is suffering. We are doing what we can to support affected colleagues, families and communities. The group and many individual employees have donated funds to the Red Cross and UNHCR. “Furthermore, our colleagues in neighbouring countries have teamed up with these organsations so that we can provide concrete local in-kind support that matches their needs. There are many examples of our colleagues going above and beyond to support meconstructionnews.com
DEALING WITH RISING COSTS Lundstedt says Volvo expects price pressures on new vehicle production to continue with supply chain pressures and material costs showing few signs of abating.
AN INDUSTRY TRANSFORMS The international trucking industry is undergoing a transformation towards more sustainable transport as sales of heavy battery electric trucks are starting to pick up, with Europe in the lead. An increasing number of heavy all-electric trucks are now running in commercial traffic. Statistics from the market analysis group IHS Markit show that during 2021 a total of 346 electric trucks (≥16 tonnes) were registered in Europe – an increase of 193% from 2020. Volvo Trucks has the largest
market share at 42%. The countries in Europe with the most electric trucks registered (≥16 tonnes) are Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and The Netherlands. “We are determined to drive the electric truck revolution and our market leading position in Europe is proof that we are doing just that. Even if volumes are still low, we see rapidly growing interest, both in Europe, North America and in other parts of the world. In 2021 we have taken orders, including letters of intent to buy, for more than 1,100 trucks in over 20
countries. I’m convinced it’s becoming a key competitive advantage to offer electric, zero emission transports,” says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks. “Clearly, these numbers show that we’re off to a very good start in sales. With the broader electric truck line up, it will be possible to electrify nearly half of heavy road transports. This proportion will grow even larger as the distance that electric trucks can drive increases and the charging infrastructure for heavy trucks becomes further developed,” adds Alm.
MAY 2022 13
INTERVIEW
the victims of this humanitarian catastrophe and we appreciate all their dedicated efforts.” “We are doing what we can to support colleagues in the Ukraine and families, communities, customers and business partners that are affected by the war. There are many examples of our colleagues in the group in and around Ukraine, going above and beyond expectations to support victims of these humanitarian catastrophe and we really appreciate all the dedicated efforts done since the war started and sanctions were imposed. We are continuously assessing the situation to protect people and assets to the fullest extent possible from outside of Ukraine.”
It is clear that our customers are really beginning to push for electric vehicles”
He adds: “What we have seen so far when it comes to the capacity constraints and the supply chain constraints is not related to the situation in Russia.” Unlike Russia, the Chinese market is both a critical component of Volvo’s global supply chain network as well as a key sales territory. “Construction activity in Europe and North America has remained on good levels, driven by both the commercial sector and infrastructure investments. In the first quarter, the economic activity continued to be good with high transport and construction activities. In most markets, demand, continue to be larger than supply and in such times.
SUPPLY CHAINS UNDER PRESSURE The supply chain continued to be strained, which caused disturbances and stoppages in production also in the first quarter.
Buses bounce back
FLEET CONCERNS ANSWERED American startup company WattEV has placed an order for 50 Volvo VNR Electric trucks. Over the next several months, the trucks will be deployed in WattEV’s Truck-asa-Service model (TaaS). TaaS provides shippers and carriers access to Class 8 batteryelectric trucks at a per-mile rate, including charging, that is on par with the total cost of operating diesel trucks. “Volvo Trucks applauds WattEV’s unique approach to accelerating fleet electrification through its Truck-as-a-Service model, which aims to remove potential barriers to adoption
14 MAY 2022
so that fleets of all sizes can get access to electric trucks and perform local and regional delivery with zerotailpipe emissions,” says Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. To support its TaaS model, WattEV is building a public network of battery-electric truck charging depots to service major transportation corridors in California. The first public charging depots will feature 250 kW CCS chargers that will provide the Volvo VNR Electric trucks an 80% charge in 90 minutes for the six-battery packs. WattEV plans to expand the
And we have seen that now for a while. So in such times, it is important to keep discipline in the order book management. “The Chinese market, on the other hand, continued to decline. Volvo CE’s net sales decreased by 9% to SEK 22.6 billion, primarily related to China (the adjusted operating margin amounted to 12.4% (15.4 in Q1 2021),” he reveals, adding that the market has shrunk by as much as 35%. Of major concern is its role as supplier of semiconductors and raw materials. He estimates that the total global sales could be down by as much as a 10% (and “maybe considerably north of that”) compared to a market where production is flowing easily. “That is why we have been restrictive with order intake with the restraints that we see, not least the lockdowns we have seen in China recently. In deepsea logistics transport we do see a specific flows of semiconductors and electronics, but we should understand that in a normal truck depending on if it’s a fully electric, or if it’s an ICE truck, you have somewhere between 1,600 and up to maybe 3,500-4,000 semiconductors. So it’s really now a game where we are working supply chain by supply chain. “You need to take step back and say, the Group trucks delivering the 6,500 trucks – which is a record for a first quarter – shows we have the methodologies and the organisation – and the competence – to work with it internally, and together with our supply chain. And we will continue to drive it like that.”
public charging network across the US and will scale its depots to provide 1.2 MW charging capability for ultra-fast charging. Volvo Trucks was the market leader in heavy electric trucks in 2021 in Europe with a market share of 42% and also has a leading position in North America. With a total of six electric truck models in production as of this year, Volvo Trucks has the most complete electric line up in the global truck industry, covering everything from city distribution and refuse handling, to construction transports and regional haulage.
After a difficult period with limited travel due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there are some signs of demand for buses improving from low levels, says Lundstedt. “In Q1, net sales in our bus segment increased by 28% to SEK 3.1 billion and the adjusted operating margin was 0.7% (-0.6). Bus orders are up 146% from low levels, while deliveries decreased by 2%. What we see now is that with the Covid restrictions being gradually lifted, the confidence among our customers is coming back from the low levels and we have seen that trend for a while. When it comes to city bus customers and transit bus customers, we start to see the see signs that, again, from low levels, the opening up of tourism in city operations. “We see also this improvement in the bus fleet utilisation and in the service activities,” he continues, noting that the quarter saw Volvo Buses received an important order and meconstructionnews.com
INTERVIEW
one of the largest orders it has ever secured in Latin America with 472 conventional and 92 articulated buses handed to RedBus and Metropol (T&FME understands these will be owned and loaned by Volvo to the operators). Volvo Penta’s solid performance continued in the first quarter, with sales that increasing by 23% to SEK 4.2 billion for an adjusted operating margin of 18.3% (18.9). Also performing strongly, was the company’s customer-financing business, Volvo Financial Services. Indeed, new business volumes continue to grow. With credit losses remaining low in most regions, adjusted operating income increased to SEK 882 M (682) (excluding, again, Russia), and it is a sign of the shift in emphasis among fleets self-financing renewal to leaning into the support Volvo is able to provide. “The whole organisation is doing an impressive job in supplying our customers with vehicles and machines and supporting them with services,” says Lundstedt. “However, the situation in the global supply chain for semiconductors and other components remains unstable, characterised by disruptions, unpredictability and lack of freight capacity.”
THEY’VE DONE AN IMPRESSIVE JOB Lundstedt says the wholo Volvo organisation has done an impressive job to continue to supply new vehicles and new machines.
We are running our manufacturing system at a high level, with extra flexibility”
“We will therefore continue to have disruptions and stoppages both in the production of trucks and in other parts of the Group. The continued spread of covid-19 particularly in China and the war in Ukraine are putting additional pressure on the already strained supply chain and production system. “Amid this period of geopolitical turmoil and human suffering we are keeping up the speed in the transformation to more sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. It is clear that our customers and their customers are really beginning to push for a transition into electric vehicles and machines to
decarbonise their value chains. This is a development that will only accelerate.” Volvo Trucks started serial production of electric trucks in 2019, as one of the very first truck brands in the world to do so. When production of the heavy duty all-electric models Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX begins this fall, Volvo will have the most complete electric line up in the global truck industry. Volvo has delivered electric vehicles to a wide range of customers in Europe, North America and Australia. The company’s target is that half of its total truck sales will be electric by 2030. In March, the global logistics company Maersk placed an order for 110 Volvo VNR Electric trucks. In Canada, Volvo Trucks’ customer Martin Brower, which is a transport provider for restaurant chains globally, has introduced its first Volvo VNR Electric truck dedicated for deliveries to McDonald’s restaurants. “These are just some examples of the transformation that is taking place here and now. We are manoeuvring from a position of strength with a competitive electric offer already today. And we continue to accelerate our investments to roll out even more electric products and solutions in the near future.”
RUSSIAN PRODUCTION SUSPENDED Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February and the sanctions that followed, all sales, services and production in Russia have been suspended.
meconstructionnews.com
MAY 2022 15
FEATURE
THE CHANGING
LANDSCAPE
Worldwide7 and co-founder Abdulrahman Inayat explore how automotive businesses must change to recover from Covid-19
A
nalysis across industries suggests the global auto industry is emerging as a relatively strong performer in the recovery from the pandemic. There are bright prospects for electrified vehicles in the context of a green recovery to lift projections for the sector. In the Middle East region, countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are becoming early adopters of electric vehicles. Saudi Arabia said that at least 30% of cars in its capital would be electric by 2030, as the Kingdom pursues a net zero goal by 2060. “The automotive industry has experienced disruption with external factors driving change, from new entrants to government legislation, but the biggest is new technology coupled with consumers’ ever-increasing expectations of how they want to experience a car brand.” 16 MAY 2022
says Abdulrahman Inayat, Co-Founder and Director of W7Worldwide. “Communicators need to be ready for ever-shifting consumer perceptions. Post Covid-19 consumers want to know what brands are doing to reduce emissions and prevent climate change, and how that applies to the car and company’s conduct.”. As consumer behaviour continues to change and become an increasingly online experience, auto brands need to find new ways of connecting with their customers and build trust in their brand. For any auto brand to lead the transformation in this sector, communicators must understand how to tell their innovation story credibly. Being viewed as cutting edge leads to positive brand outcomes in areas that go beyond product. The positive outcomes “beyond product” are, being more likely to be loved, being seen as delivering amazing customer experiences,
30% Saudi Arabia has said that 30% of cars in its capital would be electric by 2030, as the Kingdom pursues a net zero goal by 2060
and being seen as doing good in society. There are certain key automotive marketing messages that help consumers make their purchasing decision. These are Price, Safety, Status, Tech & features, fun & lifestyle, and environmental. While price-driven messages and impact videos of cars showing off its features and performance remain relevant, consumers are now seeking much more. This means going beyond traditional automotive marketing techniques to create more emotive content and crafting different environmental or safety messages to appeal to different communities or demographics. Reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change is a pressing problem to which there are high expectations to find solutions and car makers are very much part of the solution in making progress toward achieving this aim. The automotive industry must now navigate meconstructionnews.com
TEST DRIVE
an emerging and very different “new normal.” Governments and cities have introduced regulations and incentives to accelerate the shift to sustainable mobility. Regulators worldwide are defining more stringent emissions targets as part of their country’s respective COP26 commitments. On the local level many cities are pushing ahead with regulations on car usage. The current challenge is to be able to balance the new demands of consumers, the contribution to slow climate change and new skills automakers need to deal with these shifts so as to deliver continued economic prosperity. Furthermore, the automotive industry is disrupted by four megatrends – connected, autonomous, electric and shared driving – causing an unprecedented technology and business model transformation. Amid this transformation, there are bright prospects for EVs in the context of a green recovery to lift projections for the sector. The speed of adoption of these new trends is accelerating fast and industry players must develop the capabilities to quickly identify how to renew and communicate in the new normal. Whilst oil still constitutes the main source of national revenue and domestic fuel of Gulf countries, new renewable energy and clean transportation technologies, economic and energy diversification, concerns about pollution and climate changes, and support for sustainable growth are now driving the new economic agendas of many of the oil-rich Arab countries. In the Middle East region, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are becoming early adopters of electric vehicles. Saudi Arabia has said that 30% of cars in its capital would be electric by 2030, as the Kingdom pursues a net zero goal by 2060. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has been investing in EVs for several years, including Tesla rival Lucid Motors (See T&FME April 2022). Growing infrastructure development in the country will drive the electric commercial vehicle market. Having worked with top international automotive companies, W7Worldwide has formulated a 7-Step Guide to help incorporate the post COVID-19 market transformation into auto brand’s communications strategies.
Brand purpose
EV MARKET TO MORE THAN DOUBLE The Middle-East and African electric vehicle market was valued at $35 million in 2020, and it is expected to reach $84 million by 2026, registering a CAGR of over 15% during the forecast period (2021 - 2026).
a car brand. Communications need to be ready for ever-shifting consumer perceptions. Post Covid-19 consumers want to know what brands are doing to reduce emissions and prevent climate change, and how that applies to the car company’s conduct. While preferences among consumers vary regionally and nationally, the constant is that brands that innovate can’t forget the importance of ethics and purpose. Having work with top international automotive companies Worldwide7 has formulated a seven-step guide to help translate the current transformation into a business’ communications strategy.
The industry has been disrupted by external factors driving change”
It is not enough to talk about a vehicle’s range, features, or sustainable material. Brands must illustrate the impact their investment has on consumers and society to connect the emotional and the rational. This means telling brand stories around your purpose, both in the context of the product and outside of it. Auto brands, for instance, must clearly communicate their product and brand value, so people see how it fits with and enhances society and their lives. Communication needs to expand the brand story beyond the product, so people see and understand how and why a brand behaves in the way that it does. By telling the story this way, a car brand connects the rational and the emotional drivers to build a deeper connection with the end-user. Responsibility and humanity will become strategic drivers for brand resilience in the years to come. Common purpose is emerging from the world living through the Covid-19 pandemic. Brands need to trap into this common purpose. Building trust
As consumer behaviour continues to change and become an increasingly online experience, auto brands need to find new ways of connecting with their customers. A good PR campaign helps you to reach out to your target audience and bring in new buyers Not only does it bring their attention to your brand, but if done properly, it will also make them want to learn more about you.
The landscape changes
The automotive industry has experienced disruption with external factors driving change, from new entrants to government legislation, but the biggest is new technology coupled with consumers’ ever-increasing expectation of how they want to experience meconstructionnews.com
BEATING PRE-COVID LEVELS The automotive sector’s level overall activity in Q2 of 2021 was running well above pre-Covid levels (measured at Q4 2019) and ahead of most other industrial sectors measured. Activity levels in the sector were 33.1% higher than they were at the end of 2019, before the pandemic impacted economies across the world.
MAY 2022 17
FEATURE
Building trust gives a brand an advantage in telling their story in times of crisis and turning stakeholders into advocates. The greater the trust in your brand, the better it can withstand potential failures, missteps and even brand sabotage. Trust in a brand also means that we are willing to recommend it. This is the ultimate compliment that a loyal customer can pay: Making someone elsae ware of their trust and letting them know that it is okay for them to trust the brand too. If a brand behaves in a way that suggest the customer’s trust is misplaced, they will terminate the relationship decisively.
emphasises the importance of employing various platforms to ensure that customers can get in touch through the channels they prefer. Right message, right audience
Leadership
For any auto brand to lead the transformation in this sector, communicators must understand how to tell their innovation story credibly. Being seen as innovative is crucial for success in this market. The challenge for brands innovating while proving the everyday benefits of their brand to consumers. Being viewed as cutting edge leads to positive brand outcomes in areas that go beyond product. The positive outcomes are being more likely to be loved, being seen as delivering amazing customer experience, and being see as doing good in society. Consumers are not only concerned with your brand’s response to external challenges. Executives working at auto brands play a role in shaping a consumer’s perception. In the post-Covid environment, reputation is everything and key executives can make or break brand images because they play a key role in communicating a company’s moral compass. Leadership from the CEO will be key to establishing the components of a transformation with a new business model, and the ability to scale fast. Lobbying
The auto industry is innovating at such a speed that technology is ahead of the readiness of infrastructure and legislation in many countries. Pressure is coming from both society and governments, which forces companies to rethink their business practices. However, little is known on how to integrate the physical environment into business strategies, as it never has been done before. The car industry is one of the most proactive industries when it comes to environmental progress. Decarbonisation is a pressing problem to which there are high expectations to find solutions and car makers are very much part of the solution in making progress towards achieving this aim. Fostering innovation 18 MAY 2022
BE CLEAR ON YOUR PURPOSE It’s no longer enough to talk about a car’s range, features, or sustainable material. Car brands must be clear on their purpose, illustrating the impact their investments have on consumers and society to connect the emotional and rational, says Abdulrahman Inayat.
Mobility will continue to become more digital, more connected and particularly more electric”
33.1% The auto sector’s overall level of activity in Q2 of 2021 were 33.1% higher than at the end of 2019
is a priority for government, ensuring that the auto-industry continues to deliver economic prosperity and a competitive edge in technological development. Ensure that a company is part of the industry debate and government policy reshaping that sees your organisation be part if the solution to the challenges of today. Leveraging digital channels
Having a multi-channel strategy will extend your reach to a wider demographic. Accelerated by the pandemic, a large portion of the population takes a digital-first approach. Tracking and understanding the customer journey should be the basis of your communications strategy. It is crucial to know as much and as many of your customers as possible before developing your campaigns. Industry players are shifting to digital communication strategies as consumers are utilising multiple online platforms through their purchase. 95% of prospective buyers do their research online before visiting a physical dealer. Users are taking an active role in their purchase process today. Shoppers are particularly turning to online videos for their research to discover, learn and compare before making a purchase. Online customer reviews are critical in helping with the decision-making process. The buyer will be reading reviews on channels such as YouTube, Google, and other review sites. It is vital to have positive sentiments about your brand and product as shoppers trust reviews. Equally, shoppers today are expecting ease of connectivity for dialogue with businesses across digital channels. This
There are certain key automotive marketing messages that help consumers make their purchasing decision. These are price, safety, status, tech and features, fun and lifestyle, and environmental. Using digital monitoring and measurement tools, brands need to identity and understand their audience to provide them with relevant personalised communications. While price-driven messages and impact videos of cars showing off its features and performance remain relevant, consumers are now seeking much more. This means going beyond traditional automotive marketing techniques to create more emotive content and crafting different environmental or safety messages to appeal to different communities or demographics. We know that different audiences respond to different messages particularly in the digital space, so targeted content is necessary to reach potential consumers at the right time on the right channel with the right message. After all, a new vehicles is second only to a new home in the size of the transaction, the length of the ownership cycle, and the reaffirmation of an individual’s sense of self-worth. Communications need to formulate their strategies and campaigns to be driven by a strong combination of data insight and creativity. Branding strategy development therefore requires identifying the potential customers and dividing them into segments in order to understand the basic behaviours of those customers and develop an effective branding strategy that speaks to them. Transitioning to the future
While regional and everyday mobility is slowly returning to pre-Covid 19 levels, the situation remains changeable, and the automotive industry must now navigate an emerging and very different new normal. The supply of semiconductors has been volatile, with the auto-industry being hit particularly hard. At the same time, sustainability and decarbonisation of the overall supply chain require a significant review of existing industry processes. Much the same as many other industries across the globe, the pandemic accelerated the trends across technology innovation that were already emerging, Mobility will continue to become more digital, more connected and particularly more electric. meconstructionnews.com
Date
21 Sept
Venue
Dubai
Website
fleetandmobilitysummit.com
DUBAI / UAE
Supporting Fleets and delivery businesses to be smarter operators 21 Sept 2022
About the
Fleet & Mobility Summit
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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 roll-out 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.
For Change
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. Mobility is also opening up possibilities in adopting on-demand, leasing and rental services to keep costs down and protect your operation’s flexibility.
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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.
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FEATURE
MAKING A
SUPER ENGINE Scania’s R&D team on being the beating heart of the Swedish truck and busmaker’s new powertrain and beyond
20 MAY 2022
meconstructionnews.com
FEATURE
F
or the past five years, Scania’s super-dedicated R&D teams have turned over every stone to develop the most energy-efficient and sustainable combustion engine platform the heavy transport industry has ever seen. Here’s how they came up with the super-efficient Scania Super. How do you improve an engine platform that has won the European Green truck award five years in a row? How do you develop a powertrain that will strengthen Scania’s industry-leading position within sustainable transport for the rest of this decade? How do you secure wins in future fuel consumption tests, an area in which Scania has a proud record that it doesn’t want to lose? The developers at Scania Technical Centre who were given these assignments say the answers are: determination, innovation and customer focus.
Completely new platform
“We had the privilege to start with a blank slate and develop a completely new 13-litre engine platform,” says Assistant chief engineer Linda Pukk Berggren. “Starting from scratch meant we could concentrate all our design work with the customers’ needs in focus, without restraints. That’s why we can now present a product that the transport industry really needs here and now to take the necessary steps towards a sustainable future,” she adds. With the Super engine platform, Scania’s engineers struck the perfect (and delicate) balance between a high-performing engine and an aftertreatment system that is as efficient as possible in limiting emissions but at the same time is “non-intrusive” for the engine and lets it fulfil its potential. “We reach up to 50% in brake thermal efficiency. This is quite remarkable and means that a whole new level of energy is going directly to the wheels. What is also important is that fuel consumption is significantly reduced for a very broad part of the engine speed and load area. This means that many different applications, such as long-haul, construction and forestry vehicles, will all benefit from the improvements and emit less CO2,” says Magnus Nilsson, technical mnager within Aftertreatment. Thanks to this outstanding energy efficiency and other major updates in Scania’s powertrain – such as a new gearbox and a new range of driven rear axles – fuel meconstructionnews.com
system, which has been proven to offer excellent fuel saving capacity and increased productivity and uptime, has been remade from the ground up. The system has earned a name of its own: Scania Twin SCR. “Our new Twin SCR aftertreatment system is an inventive ‘chemical factory’ designed to utilise the limited heat that exits the efficient engine. It is capable of dramatically reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates. The concept is also future-proof for stricter environmental legislation in the years ahead,” says Nilsson. Dual over-head
A BLANK SLATE The engine teams at the Scania Technical Centre had a completely clean slate when they started development of the 1.3 engine platform..
savings of eight% or more can be reached for long-haulage operations. And that’s in comparison with Scania’s already industry-leading performance levels. Efficient just became super-efficient. So, what’s ‘under the hood’ of the new 13-litre engine? Quite a lot, in fact. New features include dual over-head camshafts, optimised injectors, improved combustion, an optimised high-pressure fuel pump, improved cooling and lubrication, increased turbocharger efficiency, and a state-of-the-art engine management system. Not only that; Scania’s successful dual dosing Selective Catalytic Reduction
We had the privilege to start with a blank slate”
Both Nilsson and Pukk Berggren say they have vivid memories of the five-year long development process. And, at more than two billion euros, it is one of Scania’s largestever investments in a new powertrain. In 2019, Nilsson says the developer teams were quite puzzled when testing trucks with the new engine platform in the heat and high altitude of the Sierra Nevada mountains in southern Spain. The data indicated a significant reduction in fuel consumption of approximately 10% in some tests – compared to the current award-winning Scania product that will be replaced by the new platform. “We were fault-checking the test equipment because we questioned the readings, especially as the exhaust flow was comparatively low. Exhaust flow is an important parameter for designing the aftertreatment system and for the catalyst
A TRUCK-LOAD OF NEW FEATURES New features include dual over-head camshafts, optimised injectors, improved combustion, an optimised high-pressure fuel pump, improved cooling and lubrication, increased turbocharger efficiency, and a state-of-the-art engine management system.
MAY 2022 21
FEATURE
DEVELOPING TOGETHER Laura Del Col (centre left) says that communication and teamwork is key at Scania.
sizing. The higher the exhaust flow rate, the shorter time the catalyst can use to reduce the emissions. The experiments were re-run and confirmed in test cells at R&D in Södertälje. And we realised: the new engine was that good; we actually achieved this significant reduction of mass flow and, more importantly, fuel during the tests,” says Nilsson. For her part, Pukk has fond memories of driving the test trucks down to southern Spain. “The feel of the trucks and the new powertrain was absolutely amazing. I couldn’t believe how quiet and smooth it was to drive the truck. It’s a personal memory that will stay with me forever,” she says. 22 MAY 2022
Making coaching more efficient
We reach up to 50% in brake thermal efficiency”
With up to 5% less fuel consumption, coach operators should expect the most energyefficient Scania coaches yet, which will also meet or even surpass emission targets. It’s crucial for coach operators to minimise the fuel consumption of their vehicles. Fuel is one of the main contributors to the total cost of operation, and margins are tight. A further challenge is adapting to tough new environmental laws restricting Nitrogen Oxide and CO2 emissions. And coach customers increasingly expect sustainable travel, too. Scania understands these ‘pain points’, and has put fuel efficiency and lower emissions at the heart of the new Scania
bus and coach generation. Three years of intensive R&D have produced fuel consumption savings of up to 5%, depending on emission class (Euro 6, Euro 5, etc). “At the outset of this project we set a target of reducing fuel consumption for our travel coaches by an average of four to five% from our previous model. I’m happy to say that we have achieved that, thanks mainly to the new powertrain,” says Niklas Berglund, expert engineer at Energy Consumption, Bus Chassis Development. That the coaches are using the same types of driveline components from Scania trucks has also been beneficial. “While the coach sector still lacks an equivalent energy use standard to city buses’ Standardised On-Road Test (SORT), the fact Scania trucks with these components have won the annual green truck award five years running, plus numerous other industry tests, means most comparisons in energy efficiency will be the same,” says Berglund. The new engines also meet or even surpass the more stringent Eu6E emissions guidelines; reassuring for operators facing ever tighter regulations. And, all Scania coaches and buses can be run on biofuel, a cleaner option and an important stepping stone on the way to fossil-free transport. After three years of groundbreaking development, Scania is giving coach operators the most fuel-efficient, sustainable, comfortable and driveable vehicles yet. “This is an important step forward for Scania. We have to lessen the amount of traffic that’s on the road, and buses have an incredibly important role to play in boosting public transport and sustainability,” says Berglund. “My main hope from this new bus generation is that it will really open customers’ eyes to our tremendously good powertrain in terms of its energy consumption and emissions levels. “And that they also understand that we can truly go not just nearer neutral in terms of fossil fuels, but switch to biofuels, where possible.” The search for autonomy
Beyond its work in engines and powertrains, Scania is also concentrating a lot of its effort into how autonomous technology and improve transport efficiency. Meet: Laura Dal Col. Early in her life she decided she wanted to do something meaningful for society and the environment. As a manager at the Scania Autonomous meconstructionnews.com
FEATURE
other’s strengths and skills,” says Dal Col. “I’m a true believer in diversity. Our team is very diversified in terms of competence and experience. That is very important when so much of our work is about trying out new angles and figuring things out for ourselves. Bringing different approaches and perspectives to the table is crucial for our success.” Build, measure, learn
IMPROVING TRANSPORT EFFICIENCY Beyond its work in engines and powertrains, Scania is also concentrating a lot of its effort into how autonomous technology and improve transport efficiency.
Transport Research department, she truly makes a difference in the world. Around the globe, digital technology drives exciting new developments in sustainable transport. Technologies like automation, electrification and connectivity are reinventing transport. Automation will transform logistical flows by enabling goods to travel for longer distances without stopping. When improving energy efficiency and safety, and also relieving congestion issues, it will change the environment and the world to the better. “I honestly find it hard to imagine any job being more rewarding than the one that I have at the moment. And that is because the work we are doing has a real impact on society. We are building a better and more sustainable transport system – and I feel really proud to be playing a role in that,” she says. Growing up in Italy, Dal Col gained an interest for math and physics at an early age. However, most friends pursued medical studies, so she decided to study bioengineering. But after a course in automation, she immediately knew what she wanted. The decision to change her master degree to control engineering was easy. Eager to learn more, she moved to France to pursue a PhD in control engineering and automation. Eager to put what she learned into practise, Dal Col began looking for a specific job. She found one at Scania, starting in 2017 as a development engineer of autonomous transport solutions. “In pure software companies, developers focus on building the framework for autonomous driving and then partner with meconstructionnews.com
vehicle companies to test their products. At Scania, it is different, because we have the advantage of being able to develop the software and hardware together. Focusing on both the software and hardware at the same time is challenging, but it gives us an amazing opportunity to learn quickly.” She rapidly advanced to senior developer and in April 2020, she got the opportunity to lead the team. “I have just started this journey and I have a lot to learn as a leader. But communication and transparency is the key, and teamwork is essential. I want everyone to understand and acknowledge the strength of each individual in the team and benefit of each
The feel of the trucks was absolutely amazing”
The team is working with autonomous deployment, infrastructure, maps and localisation. With this in-built intelligence, autonomous trucks can interpret and adapt to their surroundings and carry out pre-determined tasks. “In traditional manufacturing, products are developed over time in small incremental steps. But with disruptive technologies like automation, we do not have time to do that. Taking big steps and getting new products out there quickly is the only way to learn what works and be competitive. Our mantra is build, measure, learn, in fast iterations according to agile practises. Have a plan, but do not plan too far ahead. And focus on the learning. We might not have all the answers right now, but what we can do is learn really fast.” For the future she would love to continue the journey as a manager and working with new technologies. She appreciate that every day is different. “Working with skilled people is fantastic. The motivation from the engineers gives me energy. Being a developer, I know how much work that has been put into that, and it makes me proud of my team,” she concludes.
ENERGY-EFFICIENT TRANSPORT With up to 5% less fuel consumption, coach operators should expect the most energyefficient Scania coaches yet, which will also meet or even surpass emission targets.
MAY 2022 23
WORKSHOP
TRADE POINT SET TO TRANSFORM UAE AUTO MARKET / PULSE TARGETS 100 ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING POINTS IN ABU DHABI
WORKSHOP
Willis: Trade Point can transform auto market
AFM’S DIGITAL PLATFORM ALLOWS DEALERS TO PURCHASE GENUINE SPARES, BODY PARTS, TYRES, BATTERIES AND LUBRICANTS RETAIL
AFM Automotive says its Trade Point car parts digital platform will ‘transform’ automotive industry.The firm revealed the new digital platform which allows B2B dealers to purchase genuine spare parts, body parts, tyres and battery and lubricant products. The Trade Point portal provides a one-stop process that optimises the ordering and purchase process while enabling ease, convenience and transparency as well as a single access point for all Al-Futtaim brands including Toyota, Lexus, Volvo, Honda, Dodge, RAM and Jeep,
explained the firm. Encouraged by the UAE’s goals of transformation to a smart city strategy and championing digitalisation, Al-Futtaim Automotive added it wants to offer a seamless digital journey “to all our partners”. With the platform integrated alongside all Al-Futtaim internal infrastructure systems, an order placed on Trade Point is picked up within seconds allowing deliveries directly to B2B partners up to four times a day. Additional features of the platform include simplified payment methods, individual business sales analysis insights and live delivery
MAKING SPARES EASIER Al-Futtaim Trade Point is claimed to make it easier for dealers to transact with Al-Futtaim Automotive in a safe environment.
tracking as well as detailed product information and accompanying images to ensure easy distinguishing. In just two months, 13,500 orders have been fulfilled using Trade Point with 150,000 parts being purchased and sold while giving dealers access to over half a million unique part numbers. The announcement came on the sidelines of the Al-Futtaim Automotive Dealer Conference, an annual event which celebrates upcoming innovations, sheds light on staff achievements at the events awards ceremony and highlights promising business performance. The top 12% of UAE dealers attended the event, comprising elite, platinum and gold dealers, some of which have been with Al-Futtaim Automotive brands for over two decades. “Al-Futtaim’s relentless customer focus enables us to expand and diversify our mobility offering, responding to not only our customers’ changing needs but those of our dealers too,” said Paul Willis, president, Al-Futtaim Automotive. “With Trade Point, we are at the forefront of the increased government and industry focus on digitalisation and will address the
AUDI OFFERS FREE CHARGING INSTALLATIONS ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Audi Middle East offered customers in the UAE free electric vehicle home charging installations as part of a clutch of services via its new Powered by Progress throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. Other benefits included mileage warranty, free service packages as well as free home charging installations, although models available as part of its Ramadan campaign. Although benefits varied from one market to another the campaign featured aan overall focus on the Audi Q range, as well as select A range models. In the UAE, Audi offered its Electric Vehicle (EV) customers free home charging installations along with five year-roadside assistance and mileage warranty, and a first year free-of-charge of insurance. Carsten Bender, managing director, Audi Middle East said. “This is truly the best time of the year to purchase an Audi.”
INSIDE THIS MONTH’S WORKSHOP: OPEL CELEBRATES ITS 160TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2022 WITH A LOOK AT ITS MAJOR AUTOMOTIVE LANDMARKS
24 MAY 2022
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WORKSHOP
PULSE TARGETS 100 EV POINTS IN ABU DHABI
GM LOWERS CARBON FOOTPRINT IN THE REGION SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING
General Motors Africa & Middle East (GM AMEO) says it is doubling down on its carbon footprint reduction across its Middle East Operations, Supply Chain and Distribution network. Through a series of sustainability initiatives across its Middle East facilities, GM has confirmed it is currently saving 330 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, rising to a saving of approximately 2,000 metric tons of CO2 annually by 2024 - totaling a 95% operational carbon footprint reduction annually. By 2035, GM operations in the UAE will have reduced carbon emissions by approximately 24,000 metric tons, equivalent to planting approximately 876,000 trees, from a 2022 baseline. GM Middle East’s carbon footprint reduction will be spearheaded by the installation of solar panels at GM’s Middle East Distribution Center, the highest energy generating facility for GM in the UAE. The solar power project is scheduled to be complete in 2023 with 13,000 square meters of the latest-technology solar panels achieving 100% solar power for this facility. This announcement highlights GM’s environmental stewardship across its operations, said the firm. This regional reduction contributes to GM’s global commitment to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions* 72% by 2035 from a 2018 base year. These regional initiatives align with GM’s global commitment to prioritize climate actions, including building on the company’s commitment to equitable climate action. Previously, GM had announced $50M had been committed to its global Climate Equity Fund, helping to close equity gaps in the transition to EVs and other sustainable technology.
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ELECTRIC VEHICLES Pulse, a UAE-based smart-mobility solution provider, is deploying a spectrum of fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers across Abu Dhabi that will take 15 - 75 minutes to charge an average range of 400 km. In the past, EV users didn’t have access to a fast-charging network in Abu Dhabi. Residents of Abu Dhabi can find the Pulse EV charging stations at their community Mawaqif parking lots located near parks, cafes, restaurants and key places of interest. “Abu Dhabi will be hosting the UN Climate Change Conference in 2023 and has put forward an ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This deployment is part of our ongoing mission to establish an extensive EV charging network across critical locations around the UAE,” said Pulse Board Member Mohammed Rashid Al Suwaidi during the
HELPING TO MAKE CLEAN KILOMETRES Pulse aims to deploy 100 EV charging points in the run-up to the conference and has, to date, helped power more than 50,000 clean kilometres.
inauguration of the company’s first public charging station. The inauguration was attended by HE Saeed Mohamed AlSuwaidi, managing director of Abudhabi Distribution Company; HE Mr Abdullah AlMarzouqi, director-general of the Integrated Transport Center; Abdulaziz AlShamsi, Customer Service Executive Director of Abudhabi Distribution Company, and Ramiz
Alaileh, director of sustainability and energy efficiency at the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi. Pulse aims to deploy 100 EV charging points in the run-up to the conference and has, to date, helped power more than 50,000 clean kilometers, amounting to a reduction of 12 tonnes of carbon emissions. Its existing EV charging station has witnessed a total energy consumption of 8.3 MW.
TADANO TEASES WORLD’S FIRST ELECTRIC RTC TECHNOLOGY
Japanese manufacturer, Tadano has announced its plans to launch the world’s first electric roughterrain crane by the end of 2023. Currently in development, the crane will be able to drive to the jobsite and complete all lifting operations using battery rather than diesel power to deliver zero-emissions operations, the manufacturer said on the announcement. Those
expected to benefit most are workers operating in congested and noisy urban areas, completing lift projects at night and operating indoors. It comes on the back of Tadano’s long-term environmental targets, announced last year, which include 25% reduction in CO2 emissions from business activities, 35% reduction in CO2 emissions from product use by 2030, and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“We have set aggressive goals for lowering both operational and product emissions, and we will partner with industry leading companies to attain those goals,” said Toshiaki Ujiie, President, CEO and Representative Director of Tadano Ltd. “We are excited to introduce the first battery/ electric rough terrain crane, which will be a key driver for our goal of 35 percent reduction in product CO2 emissions by 2030,” he added.
COMPLETING ALL JOBSITE MISSIONS The crane will be able to drive to the jobsite and complete all lifting operations using battery rather than diesel power to deliver zero-emissions operations.
MAY 2022 25
RADISSON RED / DUBAI / UAE
Preparing fleet in the GCC for a sustainable future 24 May 2022
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T&F Conference The event that will lower your businesses costs The third edition of our flagship conference and unique test drive programme returns and sets out to help heavy fleet and T&L operators face up to the challenge of succeeding in a rapidly changing landscape while planning for the future. As fuel costs rise to unprecedented levels, the Truck and Fleet Conference continues to help fleets in the UAE run leaner, safer, more efficiently. Now an established fixture on the transport and logistics calendar, the third conference returns in 2022 with the demands on fleets to be key players in the region never being greater, this is also a crucial time where opportunities such as e-commerce, last mile delivery services and digitalisation can take an operation to another level. More than ever, fleet operations must control their costs and remain competitive in a highly dynamic market. Those that will succeed will be those that can be agile and open to new ideas.
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FEATURE
THE OPEL STORY: EMOTION AND TRADITION
Venerable German brand Opal celebrates 160 years of affordable mobility
I
n 2022, Opel is celebrating a very special anniversary. For 160 years, the brand with the lightning bolt emblem has been making innovations affordable for a wide audience. This was ensured by Adam Opel himself when he founded the company in August 1862 – and later by his five sons and his wife Sophie, who energetically participated in the further development of the company and can therefore be considered the first female manager of a sewing machine, bicycle and automobile brand. Offering customers vehicles paired with emotion and tradition – the automobile manufacturer has remained true to this
28 MAY 2022
commitment to this day. There are numerous models from the legendary 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”, Kadett and Kapitän to current bestsellers such as the Astra, Mokka and the Corsa, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year. Just as Opel was a pioneer in the 1920s with the introduction of assembly line technology, the car manufacturer is now on the way to becoming a sustainable mobility brand that will rely entirely on electric vehicles in Europe from 2028. “Opel has been moving people for 160 years. Today we are driven by the same spirit as the company founder Adam Opel: technology and innovations for everyone – whether sewing machines, bicycles or cars. All this with a clear
1862
Adam Opel assembled his first sewing machine, laying the foundation stone for the Opel company
view of the future, always ready to face new challenges. Many bestsellers from Opel’s rich history stand for this, as do our current models, most of which are already electrified. From 2028, Opel will be a purely electric brand in Europe. We are therefore well prepared for the next 160 years,” says Opel CEO Uwe Hochschurtz. The success story began at the end of August 1862. Adam Opel assembled his first sewing machine in Rüsselsheim, laying the foundation stone for the young Opel company. Production figures quickly rose – not least because Opel accommodated individual customer wishes and designed special sewing machines for special requirements. As early as 1868, Adam Opel and his employees meconstructionnews.com
FEATURE
moved into a new factory. The company soon developed into one of the largest sewing machine manufacturers in Germany and exported to the whole of Europe. After the sewing machines, Opel built up its next successful pillar with the bicycle. In 1886 the first penny-farthing bicycle was built in Rüsselsheim - making Opel one of the first bicycle manufacturers in Germany. Soon the range of models expanded to include tricycles and “Sicherheits-Niederräder” (“safety bicycle” with “low wheels”), and in 1888 the first factory building was inaugurated, reserved solely for the production of bicycles. Opel was quick to adopt modern technology such as pneumatic tyres, ball bearings and free-wheel hubs for its bicycles. From 1894 onwards, Opel introduced bicycles specially designed for women. The success story continued through the decades. In the 1920s, Opel advanced to become the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer. The decisive developmental step in the history of the company – driven forward by the five sons after Adam Opel’s death – was the start of automobile production in 1899. Opel is thus one of the pioneers in this industry and one of the most traditional car manufacturers in the world. Automobile production in Rüsselsheim started with the Opel “Patent-Motorwagen System Lutzmann”. In 1906 the 1,000th vehicle was built. The final breakthrough came in 1909 with the legendary 4/8 PS “Doktorwagen”. At 3,950 marks, it cost half as much as luxurious competitors and paved the way for a broader section of the population to own their own car. The introduction of the modular system in 1910 also made a significant contribution. Opel was the first German manufacturer to introduce large-scale production using assembly line technology. The first car to roll off the assembly line in Germany in 1924 was the 4/12 PS “Laubfrosch”, always painted green. Just three years later, the Opel 4 PS, with a base price of only 2,980 marks, was no longer an expensive luxury item for the well-heeled, but developed into a reliable means of transport for many. At the same time, thanks to rational production, the car became more affordable from year to year - and with continuously increasing performance. Demand for Opel continued to grow, and in 1931 the 1.2 litre became the first true “people’s car”. The next revolution in production followed soon after. In 1935, the new Olympia model became the first German mass-produced vehicle with a unitary all-steel body, which, thanks to its low weight, ensured improved driving performance and low fuel meconstructionnews.com
1899
Automobile production began in 1899 with the Opel “PatentMotorwagen System Lutzmann”
consumption. For the first time, the new design enabled the so-called “marriage” between the body and the power units. The entire production process was thus faster and more efficient, paving the way for the construction method to enter large-scale production. Over the decades, Opel has repeatedly set trends with new models and vehicle variants and created true bestsellers. The most enduring and traditional model line was the Kadett, the first version of which saw the light of day in 1936. In 1962, the Kadett A became a million-seller: as a compact car, it was the driving force behind the German “economic miracle”, and in the 12th generation – since 1991 under the name Astra – it continues to ensure that innovations
find their way into the compact class. Opel remains conscious of its tradition. For example, the side “gill”-look in the new Astra hatchback is reminiscent of earlier Kadett generations. What is now known as the Astra and Insignia Sports Tourer rolled off the production line a few decades ago as the Caravan. Here, too, Opel played a pioneering role. In 1953, the carmaker launched the Olympia Rekord Caravan, a mixture of “car and van”, the first large-series station wagon from a German manufacturer. But Opel was also an early player among the “big stuff”. The first post-war Opel, a 1.5 tonne Blitz truck, left the factory in 1946. Today, the light commercial vehicles Combo, Vivaro and Movano, all of which have
A HISTORY OF SAFETY Throughout its 160 years of production, safety and comfort across all vehicle classes have always been Opel’s top priorities.
MAY 2022 29
FEATURE
already been electrified, are practical, have a large load volume and are fully up to date – the latter even comes in two CO2-free versions: the battery-electric Vivaro-e and the hydrogen fuel cell transporter Vivaro-e HYDROGEN. Opel has also enjoyed great success with smaller models over the decades. First and foremost, the Corsa small car, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Right from the start, it quickly became the best-selling vehicle in its segment and continues to be a success. In the current generation, electrified for the first time, it is once again a bestseller in its class. Opel also established a new vehicle class in 1991 – the Frontera, an “all-wheel drive recreational vehicle”, made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The compact Opel Frontera Sport was the first to demonstrate what is now widely known as an SUV, and
From 2028, Opel will be a purely electric brand in Europe. We are therefore well prepared for the next 160 years”
the five-door Frontera with a long wheelbase became the forerunner of the modern off-road vehicle. Around 30 years ago, it immediately became the market leader and triggered a four-wheel drive boom throughout Europe. In 1999, Opel once again demonstrated how it combines heart and mind with innovative solutions. With the Zafira and its highly variable Flex7 concept, Opel defined the new segment of seven-seater compact vans. For the first time, a seven-seater could be transformed into a two-seater with a large load area in the blink of an eye – without having to remove any seats. Safety and comfort across all vehicle classes have always been Opel’s top priorities. From the 1930s onwards, the self-supporting unitary body made the Olympia, Kadett and Kapitän more stable and lighter. The Rekord C was also an innovator for the brand. When
it was launched in 1967, it was the first Opel car to have coil springs on the rear axle. It also set standards in its class with front disc brakes and a brake booster. In addition, the telescoping safety steering column became standard in Opel models as early as 1968. In 1991, the Astra was fitted with the Opel Safety System with side impact protection, anti-submarining ramps in the seats and seat belt tensioners. And in 1995, Opel was the first German car manufacturer to introduce full-size airbags for driver and front passenger as standard on all new cars. Opel also democratises lighting technologies in the medium, compact and small car classes that were previously only available in much higher-priced vehicles. In 2003, Opel was the first vehicle manufacturer to introduce AFL (Adaptive
OPEL ROCKS-E KARGO Opel is extending the model range via the passenger door as well as of its emissions-free Rocks-e light directly from their seat. For the motor vehicle with a new delivery latter, the horizontal cover above version. Only 2.41m long, 1.39m the load compartment simply wide and 1.52m tall, the Rocks-e lifts up towards the window. If KARGO offers professionals more goods are removed via the open than 400 litres of flexible cargo passenger door, the cover can be volume. With its turning circle of lifted upwards. When the cover is only 7.20 m, the quadricycle can horizontal again in its anchorage, it manoeuvre down the narrowest can support up to 40 kilograms and alleys. Together with the electric also serves as a practical desk with driving range of up to 75 kilometres a slip-free work surface. Thanks to (WLTP1), this makes the Sustainable precisely shaped recesses, there Urban Mobilty (SUM) vehicle from is room for a delivery note and the German car manufacturer ideal clipboard in A4 format as well for delivering goods such as as a laptop or tablet. parcels, pizza or medicines, Slightly elevated especially in urban areas. behind it, within easy COMPACT The Rocks-e KARGO will reach, is another 2.41M LONG, be available to order 1.39M WIDE initially in Germany and the Netherlands later this year – additional markets are planned to follow. Instead of the passenger seat in the standard Rocks-e two-seater, the Rocks-e KARGO has a modular cargo compartment, separated from the driver’s cockpit by a vertical wall. Nevertheless, the driver still enjoys the same space and driving comfort as in the passenger version. Drivers can access the goods stowed in the cargo compartment
30 MAY 2022
fold-away storage compartment for smaller objects such as sunglasses, calendars or pens. The height of the desk and storage compartment ensures an unrestricted all-round view. To make the cargo compartment of the Rocks-e KARGO even more flexible, the cover can be completely removed and stowed behind the driver’s seat. This makes it possible to transport larger and taller objects. In addition, the Rocks-e KARGO has an adjustable loading floor on the passenger side that can be locked at seat height to create two separate compartments or lowered to floor level. This allows the stowage of objects up to 1.20 m long. The minimalist Rocks-e KARGO thus
offers more than 400 litres of cargo volume and a payload of 140 kg. Like the passenger version, the electric motor of the Opel Rocks-e KARGO produces 6 kW/8 hp of continuous power, with a maximum power output of 9 kW/12 hp, e.g. for accelerating. The 5.5 kWh battery can be fully recharged in around four hours via an AC household socket. The accompanying 3.0-metre-long charging cable is permanently housed in the vehicle and simply pulled out of the passenger door when needed. Opel offers an adapter for charging at a public charging station. Also typical for the Rocks-e KARGO is the two-tone look of the front and rear, as well as the new Opel Vizor brand face. LED headlamps and LED indicators are standard. The side sills and bodywork further underline the robust appearance. The doors on both sides are identical. The passenger-side door swings forward as usual, while the driver’s door swings backwards in the opposite direction. A bright, pleasant interior atmosphere is provided by the standard panoramic glass roof, exceptional for a vehicle of this kind.
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FEATURE
Forward Lighting), dynamic cornering lights and 90-degree cornering lights in the mid-size class; in 2008, the next generation of lights, AFL+, also made its debut with the introduction of the first Insignia. And in 2015, the Opel Astra was the first to feature the adaptive Intelli-Lux LED® Matrix Light, the latest generation of which, as Pixel Light with a total of 168 LED elements, now provides situation-specific, precise illumination in the Insignia, Grandland and the new Astra without dazzling other road users. In addition to safety, Opel drivers can also count on comfort. The ergonomic seats available in many models are not only adjustable in many ways and offer options including ventilation and massage functions – they have also been certified by the Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Healthy Back Campaign). The emotions that extraordinary cars can arouse were recently demonstrated by the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD – the electrified homage to the Manta sports coupé that became a cult car in the 1970s and 1980s. Even back then, the Manta A inspired with its design and characteristic front “visor”, which today adorns all new Opel models from the current Mokka to the Grandland as the Opel Vizor. However, the company had already underlined its reputation as a manufacturer of particularly dynamic series-produced models. In 1965, Opel presented the Experimental GT, the first concept car from a European car manufacturer, at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt. The two-seater broke the mould of conventional European car design. Only three years later, the first seriesproduced Opel GT rolled off the production line. Its performance, unique design and attractive price made the GT a hit with buyers, and it is still a real dream car today. Almost five decades ago, Walter Röhrl put Opel front and centre in motorsport. In 1974, he and co-driver Jochen Berger became European Rally Champions in an Ascona SR, and in 1982, together with Christian Geistdörfer, he won the Monte Carlo Rally in an Ascona 400 against strong four-wheel drive competition, and at the end of the season claimed the World Rally Championship title. The Opel Corsa-e Rally is currently proving that top performance and environmental compatibility are not mutually exclusive. With the emission-free small car, Opel is the first manufacturer to develop a batteryelectric rally car that has been competing in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the first electric rally one-make cup worldwide, since 2021 meconstructionnews.com
TAKING THE MANTA MANTEL Opel recently revealed the Manta GSe ElektroMOD the electrified homage to the Manta sports coupé that became a cult car in the 1970s and 1980s.
and thus demonstrates the future of rallying. Opel is aware of its responsibility towards the environment and acts accordingly – then as now. As early as 1985, Opel presented the Corsa 1.3i, the first European small car with a three-way catalytic converter. And in spring 1989, the brand with the lightning bolt emblem was the first European manufacturer to equip all models from small cars to large limousines with the exhaust gas after-treatment system as standard. To further increase the sustainability of the vehicles and the materials used, Opel is the first car manufacturer to have implemented a recycling cycle for synthetic materials just one year later.
Today we are driven by the same spirit as Adam Opel: technology and innovations for everyone”
Opel was already on the road electrically at an early stage – and at a “record pace”. As early as 1971, the Elektro GT set six sensational electric car world records on the Hockenheim racetrack. Opel continued its role as electric pioneer in series production vehicles as well. With the electrified Opel Ampera, Europe’s “Car of the Year 2012”, the traditional brand established a new segment in the European automotive market. With its range extender, the coupé-like four-seater was the first electrically driven vehicle suitable for everyday use with a range of around 500 kilometres. The Opel Ampera-e, a purely battery-electric compact car, followed in 2016. A single charge of the 60-kWh lithium-ion battery provides a driving range of up to 520 kilometres (according to NEDC). And in 2019, Opel launched the Corsa-e, the brand’s first all-electric compact car, affordable e-mobility accessible to many customers across Europe. The range of electric models – as plug-in hybrids as well as battery-electric – has continued to grow ever since, so that by 2024 all Opel models will also be available in electrified variants. The latest addition to the zeroemission range is the new Vivaro-e HYDROGEN fuel cell van. It is no coincidence that an Opel Vivaro-e serves as the technology carrier for the innovative drive concept. Stellantis and Opel have gained a lot of experience in more than two decades of developing hydrogen fuel-cell-drive – from the HydroGen1 feasibility study to the HydroGen4 test fleet in customer use – and have expertise in this field that covers all areas of the system.
HEADING FOR 2024 The range of electric models – as plug-in hybrids as well as batteryelectric – has continued to grow at Opel. The company says that by 2024 all of its models will also be available in electrified variant
MAY 2022 31
PARTING SHOT
THE SKY’S
NEW LIMIT
Audi Skysphere concept makes its official Middle East debut in Dubai
A
udi has previewed the first member of a new family of concept vehicles in Dubai at a private event for representatives of media from across the region. The Audi Skysphere concept is the name of the electric-powered, two-door convertible based on the Audi design of tomorrow. The incredibly futuristic model was on display for the general public at the Museum of the Future in time for Ramadan, with the concept car was the surprise showing during an event which also marked the regional previews of the new Audi A8 and S8 models. With it, the brand is illustrating its vision for the progressive luxury segment of the future, with features that include autonomous driving, a revolutionary interior and a seamless digital ecosystem, said the German car-maker. With the Audi Skysphere concept, the brand with the four rings is redefining luxury of the
future, with the car changing what we know about mobility and designed to offer its occupants captivating and world-class experiences. “We are delighted to unveil the Skysphere concept in Dubai. This car represents the zenith of hu-man capability and innovation, so we wanted to treat it a little bit differently for its grand unveiling in a venue renowned for its creativity. With the Skysphere, passengers are given the maximum amount of freedom and can choose between two driving modes; a grand touring experience and a sports experience and is the perfect celebration of progress. Its visit to Dubai symbolises how we envision the future or mobility and is an ode to a city that that has positive and influential plans that will trickle down across the region,” said Carsten Bender, Managing Director of Audi Middle East. With the touch of button, drivers of the Skysphere can either pilot their 4.94m-long e-roadster themselves in ‘Sports’ mode with a
reduced wheelbase, while the rear-wheel steering ensures that the vehicle remains extremely agile despite its dimensions. They can also choose to be chauffeured around in a 5.19m GT in the autonomous ‘Grand Touring’ driving mode while enjoying the sky and the scenery, maximum legroom, and the services offered by a seamlessly integrated digital ecosystem. Customised infotainment options are also available, such as linking the on-board streaming service to music and video providers used at home. And in a further step, Audi also aims to provide personalised and exclusive options for users of its luxury cars in the future – such as concerts, cultural events, or even sporting events that are only available upon special invitation. In this way, says the German firm, a vehicle like the Audi Skysphere concept will “become a platform for experiences that expand horizons beyond the mere ride in just a few years.”
NEXT ISSUE: ALL THE VIEWS AND INSIGHT FROM THE THIRD TRUCK AND FLEET CONFERENCE IN DUBAI, AND MUCH MORE!
32 MAY 2022
meconstructionnews.com
PARTING SHOT
DRIVE THE NEW WAY
NEW IVECO T-WAY: HIGH PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY ON OFF-ROAD TERRAINS With a complete line-up of AWD and PWD versions and the the 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, the IVECO T-WAY features a host of functionalities such as Rocking Mode, Off-road Mode, Creeping Mode and 4 reverse gears to tackle with ease the toughest off-road conditions. The new architecture of the EBS system, combined with disc brakes on all wheels, greatly improves the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s safety in the most demanding applications.
NEW IVECO S-WAY: HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENCY FOR ON-ROAD MISSIONS The new IVECO S-WAY, with a completely redesigned and reinforced cab, offers a wide choice of Euro III/V diesel engines, a delivering class-leading power from 360 HP to 560 HP Euro III / 570 HP Euro V and superior fuel-saving devices, such as anti-idling feature, Ecoswitch, Ecoroll and Smart Alternator. 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated transmission with the most advanced technology in its category, electronic clutch and best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio.
34 MAY 2022
meconstructionnews.com
