MIDDLE EAST LICENSED BY DUBAI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 1O1/ SEPTEMBER 2O22 VEHICLES / TECH LOGISTICS Rasso Bartenschlager on Shams+ and Al Masaood Power Division’s ambitions for greener charging in the UAE ANFUTUREELECTRICSOLAR CHARGING FOR
ALSO
THIS ISSUE CONTENTS…FRONT THECOVERNEXT CENTURY T&FME talks to Al Masaood Power Division on its plans for Shams+ and its ambititions for off-grid charging. 06NEWS/ NEWS FROM THE MONTH Tesla Semi emerges from hibernation for a late2022 launch. 10LAUNCHES/TWIN VAN DEBUTS IN UAE Toyota’s LiteAce and Nissan’s newest refrigerated Urvan launches open up options for fleet buyers in the UAE. 18INTERVIEW/RACE TO THE FRONT In T&FME ’s second interview with Al Futtaim Automotive’s Vincent Wijnen, he talks about why it has rapidly digitalise. 20INTERVIEW/KSA: BUILDING NEOM T&FME looks at the impact of the Actros and Arocs at the NEOM mega-development in Saudi Arabia. TEST DRIVE 22 / NISMO REVIEW T&FME ’s reviewer Jason Saundalker finds a lot to like in the redux of the venerable Nissan Patrol’s update. 28MOBILITY/THE NETFLIX OF TYRES What is Mobox, Bridgestone’s so-called Netflix of tyres subscription service? PARTING SHOT 32 / DOUBLING DOWN General Motors doubles down on an electric future in the region. 06 1022 28 32 20
CONTENTS truckandfleetme.com SEPTEMBER 2022 0 1
the discussion up on what it means to be operating in and around the fleet sector at this time and make your choice regarding what mobility will mean for your business in the years ahead. And that’s exciting.
If only there was a forum where we could find a consensus on what ‘mobility’ in the region really means – oh…
WELCOME
CIRCULATION & PRODUCTION DATA & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER PHINSON MATHEW +971phinson.george@cpitrademedia.comGEORGE43755476
While we may all disagree on what mobility means, I’m sure when it comes to finding the best mobility providers and solutions in the market – we got this.
EVENTS EXECUTIVE MINARA SALAKHI +971minara.s@cpitrademedia.com44332856
New for 2023, potential winners will be able to submit their nominations as part of a pre-selection ahead of a public vote. Submitting your entry is easy, simply upload your nomination with images and other information, including technical specifications, before 20th October.
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0 2 SEPTEMBER 2022 truckandfleetme.com
In the run up to this month’s Fleet and Mobility Summit at the Radisson Red Hotel in Silicon Oasis, I’ve been spending a lot of time talking to speakers and panellists about what that M-word means. It is fair to say I got a lot of different answers.
MARKETING & EVENTS EVENTS & CONFERENCE PRODUCER PAUL +971paul.godfrey@cpitrademedia.comGODFREY43755470
ARTDESIGNDIRECTOR SIMON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.comCOBON DESIGNER PERCIVAL percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.comMANALAYSAY
My view, is a little of all of the above. And I will continue to advocate for all of them, even when it is unrealistic to expect, say, heavy electric trucks to make a meaningful impact in the market for many years. Ultimately, the Fleet and Mobility Summit is one of the first chances to open
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WHAT DOES ACTUALLYMOBILITYMEAN?
DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM +971raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com43755483
WEB DEVELOPMENT ABDUL BAEIS UMAIR KHAN
From the 1st November, we will then be staging a public vote to find out the market’s preferred winner in each of the open categories. This is expected to close on the 1st December. For most of the technical categories, we will be holding a judging process conducted by a panel of industry experts ahead of the Awards evening on 24th January 2023 where the winners will be announced.
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There are others that argue that mobility is really about changing the way the customer interacts with their transporter or the services they want to access. On-demand, ride-hailing, carsharing, aggregation are all here to stay and the old descriptors and methods of running a fleet are slowly being put to one side.
MANAGING PARTNER VIJAYA CHERIAN +971vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com43755472
To some, it’s the use of technology and data in transportation to improve safety and efficiency – and where possible plug into the smart infrastructure on offer. To others, it’s the vehicles themselves, the trucks, cars, vans, and the greener ways they can be made and driven. Whether its electric, hydrogen or even more efficient fossil fuel burning, mobility is about making the fleet sector a greener member of society.
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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.
This month also marks the opening up on nominations for the 2023 Truck and Fleet Awards. Last year, we invited thousands of people to take part in the voting and we’ve tweaked the process this time around to make it easier for nominees to submit their entry before voting starts in earnest.
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21 Sept RADISSON2022RED / DUBAI / UAE Supporting Fleets and delivery businesses to be smarter operators
Contacttouch us Content
About Fleetthe & Mobility Summit
Sponsorship
Hear from industry veterans and disrupters alike about their digital transformation and new service rollout experiences. Learn about new practices and ways to finance your fleet while remaining competitive in a rapidly advancing market. Find out how new mobility technology, services and vehicles can upgrade and grow your business while maintaining high levels of customer retention and satisfaction. Listen to the day-to-day experiences of key professionals in the sector and how they faced and overcame their own challenging situations.
OpportunityUnique
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.
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.
Get in
The regional market has seen some remarkable changes to the fleet and mobility sectors in the past halfdecade. The rise of e-commerce and digitalisation means these sectors have been among the few beneficiaries of the Covid pandemic with both private and end-user clients accessing services in unprecedented.
Gear up For Change
Likewise, technology is powering a revolution in how sectors such as hospitality, F&B and retail can directly serve homes and offices via their own fleet or third-party service providers. Mobility is also opening up possibilities in adopting ondemand, leasing and rental services to keep costs down and protect your operation’s flexibility.
Ultimately, this is an event that will help companies managing their own fleet or relying on fleet services to understand how the market will continue to evolve and what choices they should make to be competitive.
Agenda2022
Event2022 Partners GOLD PRESENTEDSPONSORBY TRANSPORTPRESENTEDPARTNERBY TECHNOLOGY PARTNER SUPPORT PARTNER SUPPORT PARTNER
Set to impact the fleet and mobility sector in the region and transform industry futures.
How advanced new technology will continue to transform the market and how it can suit your business
The role of role of e-mobility and smart transportation for the next decade
ExperienceKnowledge
With several networking breaks, you’ll be able to get face time with panellists and presenters, following on from interactive presentations and Q&A sessions.
© 2022 CPI Trade Media. All rights reserved.
The TransformationDigital
EvolutionTechnology
Sharing knowledge and experience of successful fleet and mobility operations
Role E-Mobilityof
IntelMarket
SolutionsLatest
Market intelligence, trends and predictions for the future of mobility in the region
The latest vehicles and mobility solutions available for businesses involved in fleet leasing, rental, deliveries and on-demand mobility services
Musk tweets that Tesla Semi will ship this year NETWORK
Tesla’s vehicles are equipped with autopilots which allow the car to steer, accelerate and brake automatically. The
NETWORK truckandfleetme.com0 6 SEPTEMBER 2022
TRUCKS
He added that the Cybertruck pick-up, first revealed in 2019 will now be available in 2023.
Rumours of supply chain issues particularly with the batteries suggest that it has endured a troubled halfdecade but industry observers had expected it to return to disrupt in the next 12 months.
Tesla Semi kick-started a wave of large truck announcements when it was revealed five years ago; leading fleets Sharjah-basedincludingwaste
management company BEEAH to promptly place pre-orders, but the original electric disruptor to the car market has been quiet on its truck alternatives in recent years.
Of course, beyond the electric drivelines, the big promise of autonomy is both the US firm’s strength and weakness.
The Tesla Semi emerged this summer from its hiatus in a string of announcements and photo ops, including a spin on the Laguna Seca racetrack, suggesting Elon Musk’s pet project could be close to fulfilling those early adopter orders.
Tesla fleet is available with the tech that allows the vehicles to auto-park and undertake automatic lane changes. However, it hasn’t been without its issues and incidences where drivers have overestimated the capability of its Level 2 autonomous vehicles. It remains the badge most identified with the future, and you can hope it will come good on its promise to use technology to make professional driving safer and more efficient.
While revealing his second master plan for the company, Musk tweeted: “Tesla 500 mile range starts shipping this, Cybertruck next year.”
TRANSGUARD SCORES $68MN IN CONTRACTS / TACHYON SEES MASSIVE RISE IN POPULARITY / TESLA SEMI WILL LAUNCH IN 2022 AFTER GROWING AT A 15.7% RATE IN 2021, MENA CAR SALES WILL FALL TO 6%, BELOW THE GLOBAL AVERAGE OF 6.4%, FORECASTS MOODY’S THE LONG-AWAITED ARRIVAL OF THE TESLA SEMI COULD BE MONTHS AWAY, AFTER ELON MUSK REVEALED THAT THE 800KM TRUCK WILL SHIP THIS YEAR
On the other hand, Transguard’s consumer division,
Transguard Living, was selected to provide maintenance services to a gated community with Mediterranean and Moroccan-style villas. The three-year contract, which will see Transguard’s Consumer Management team working across more than 350 villas, runs until May 2025.
Providing soft FM services to one of the world’s largest and most famous malls was another highlight of the first quarter. The contract, which mobilises in November 2022 and will run until 2025, will see over 800 staff deployed.
LOGISTICS
MOTOBOY GROWTH BOOSTED BY FUEL RISES
He added that Tachyon prioritises ease of use, security, and affordability, “giving actual value back to its stakeholders”.
SERVICES FLEETS
“We have spent a year and a half building the technology and piloting it with different business partners,” said CEO and cofounder Abdulrahman Ijaabo. “This enabled us to reach productmarket fit early on, hence witnessing healthy growth month on month.”
Motoboy Delivery Services (Motoboy) says rising fuel costs in the UAE is helping it to see rapidly growing demand. The home-grown on-demand electric delivery services provider is expanding its electric on-demand delivery services to over 30 partners and counting in Dubai, across six sectors that include F&B, e-commerce, construction, logistics, luxury retail, travel and transportation.
Dr. Abdulla al Hashimi, CEO, Transguard Group said, “This is a strong start to financialourespeciallyyear,forourFM
Now in its seventh month of operation, Tachyon has seen a tremendous growth in revenue, with the growing start-up ecosystem recording revenue growth of more than 50% month-on-month in the region.
“Other delivery providers have to either incur the increased prices or levy them onto the customer. We are a sustainable company aiming to go fully electric and can offer affordable price points.”
“The fact that we experienced this type of increase in our revenue within the first seven months of operation is based on critical factors; Convenience, security, integration, traceability, and price competitiveness.”
0NETWORK8SEPTEMBER 2022 truckandfleetme.com
As the UAE’s first and only RTA-approved sustainable electric bike logistics solutions provider, Motoboy has become the delivery
“Transport activities in the region are still heavily paper based and rely on multiple manual entry points. We believe that opportunities to digitise and eliminate waste is massive. Our journey is just getting started and we feel very optimistic about the future.”
DELIVERY FLEETS
Among them is Talabat UAE, where it has agreed a month-long pilot phase, offering on-demand sustainable deliveries across Dubai, as the regionally renowned e-commerce platform seeks eco-friendly solutions for its deliveries. Motoboy is also
TRANSGUARD BAGS $68MN IN CONTRACTS
offering prospective partners and individuals and exclusive first five deliveries free, when using its sustainable delivery solutions.
solutions provider of choice in Dubai since launching its services in May 2022. Motoboy will further expand its fleet with an additional 50 electric vehicles in the coming months; aligning with its aim to achieve zero carbon emissions in the long term.
Transguard Group’s facilities management (FM) division has booked approximately $68mn in new contracts. The wins are said to have come from several prestigious partnerships with two of the largest property developers in the UAE.
“With rising prices, restaurants, companies and individuals are seeking affordable and sustainable alternatives for their delivery requirements,” said Farid Dallal, Founder and CEO of Motoboy.
TACHYON SEES MASSIVE RISE IN SINCEPOPULARITYLAUNCH
Cloud-based logistics platform Tachyon has experienced rapid growth since launching at the beginning of the year, says its founder Abdulrahman Ijaabo. The Riyadh-based firm is the first logistics platform to be integrated with the Bayan platform of the Saudi Public Transport Authority (PTA). The platform gives users the ability to manage their internal or external transport and logistics operations. Users can take advantage of their entire digital solution to improve their services, save costs, and save time.
division but also across the business as a whole. The team’s performance over the last few weeks has been nothing short of exemplary and we anticipate even greater growth in the coming months.”
The firm said a new partnership with one of Dubai’s leading property developers was a key contract win. Transguard’s FM division is responsible for cleaning a racing facility at the heart of the city with up to 400 professionals, it stated.
Social media:
Email: info@nazindustries.ae Website: www.nazindustries.ae
Address: NAZ Industries LLC, Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1, Plot S01, Dubai, U.A.E
NAZ Industries for almost 3 decades is a global leader in manufacturing of different range of truck mounted bodies, different types of semi-trailers and process vessels. We are specialized in design, manufacture and supply of our products using internationally recognized engineering software and advanced production machinery in the manufacturing Industry. Focusing on global standards requirement and International Road regulations has made NAZ a reputed and valuable brand in both local and international market. Since establishment NAZ designed, engineered, and manufactured over 100,000 products shipped to more than 28 countries worldwide. At NAZ, we believe in a philosophy that any further BUSINESS is an outcome of continued AFTER SALES SUPPORT
Tel: +971 48107777
Al-Futtaim Toyota believes LCV demand is skyrocketing as the UAE consolidates its position as a global hub of commerce and logistics. Based on Toyota’s famed cornerstones of quality, durability and reliability (QDR), the LITE ACE enables businesses to achieve more by facilitating agile and cost-competitive transportation.
designed to make every driver more competent at what they do. With a 750kg payload capacity offering stable drivability when fully loaded, the LITE ACE will help businesses and enterprises with more fuel savings, cargo space and ease of operations, enabling them to do more business and save more money. We are confident that the Toyota LITE ACE will exceed the expectations of our commercial clients in the UAE looking for quality transportation solutions for their businesses.”
launchesinLITEToyota’sACEthehole
The new Toyota LITE ACE will cater to a wide range of customers, including fleet businesses in need of compact commercial vehicles, says Al-Futtaim Toyota, the exclusive Toyota distributor in the UAE.
“Whether it’s entrepreneurs, grocery deliveries, small businesses or multi-fleet operations, our customers have always had the same needs in the LCV segment: a reliable vehicle with great performance from a trusted manufactureri,” said Vincent Wijnen, senior managing director at Al-Futtaim Automotive.”
The comfortable seat positions also offer a wide field of view for stress-free driving, with reclining and sliding seats helping reduce driver tiredness. The electric power steering also comes as standard to alleviate the driving burden. Additional features include manual air conditioning, power door locks and windows, a wireless door lock remote control, door grips and assist grips, and a DC12V/120W accessory socket.
AL-FUTTAIM TOYOTA DEBUTS PURPOSE-BUILT TOYOTA LITE ACE FOR UAE FLEETS NEEDING COMPACT VEHICLES
we are proud to bring a purposebuilt commercial vehicle for the UAE that continues that legacy. The LITE ACE’s four-speed automatic transmission and loading/unloadingversatilefeatures are
The Toyota LITE ACE square body twin-seater semi-cab style
design features a rear lift up type door, dual sliding side doors to allow flexible cargo movement even in tight parking spots, and optimal front-rear weight balance and interior space.
NEW TOYOTA LITE ACE WILL CATER TO A WIDE RANGE OF CUSTOMERS / REFRIGERATED URVAN LAUNCHES INTO THE UAE MARKET ECONOMYFUEL 14.1 KM/LITRE
The new Toyota LITE ACE will appeal to a wide range of customers, including fleet businesses in need of compact commercial vehicles and last-mile delivery service providers in the UAE’s flourishing e-commerce market. With a 4-speed automatic transmission, 750-kg payload, 3.4 m3 of load space, and sliding doors on both sides, the vehicle offers outstanding loading capacity
10 SEPTEMBER 2022 LAUNCHES truckandfleetme.com
The LCV van has been designed to move a nation and provide businesses with a competitive edge, particularly through its compact design.
“Wth the new Toyota LITE ACE,
This is complemented by a comprehensive array of safety features to protect the driver and passengers, including two
and comfort, along with practical and reliable performance.
LAUNCHES
ARABIAN AUTOMOBILES HAS INTRODUCED THE NISSAN REFRIGERATED URVAN DECLARING IT WILL SERVE FLEET BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS
front SRS airbags; Vehicle Stability Control (VSC); Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Traction Control (TRC); Emergency Stop Signal (ESS); and Tire Pressure Warning System (TPWS), among others.
Salah Yamout, COO, Arabian Automobiles, said: “We have witnessed last year that there is an increased demand on vans, with AAC recording a 16% rise, and panel vans have recently recorded a surge in sales due to the growth of e-commerce and doorstep deliveries, among others.”
Masaharu Tezeni, chief engineer of the Toyota LITE ACE added: “The reliability of the new Toyota LITE ACE is highly valued by loyal customers in markets where it has already been introduced.
We are confident businesses across the UAE will also embrace the new vehicle’s many advantages. With features such as the powerful, economic engine and the suspension that provides a balance between stability when loaded and outstanding ride comfort, the new Toyota LITE ACE represents a complete solution for the safe, seamless, and cost-effective transportation of cargo.”
CHOOSE THE RIGHT VAN FOR YOUR OUTFIT The LITE ACE is ideally suited for a diverse catalogue of sectors ranging from leasing companies providing services to large MNCs, courier companies and retailers, corporate fleets and SMEs, logistics and courier services, and FMCG businesses. EngineSPECIFICATIONS 1.5l Transmission 5-speed AT Power 96hp Torque 132Nm Fuel Economy 14.1 km/litre AFFORDABLE FLEXIBILITY Offering a fuel economy of 14.1 km/litre, the vehicle’s versatile and large carrying capability, optimal front-rear weight balance and affordable maintenance translates into low running costs. MASTERCHILLER 3 WARRANTYYEAR
The Nissan Urvan celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023. From the start, the Urvan (also known back then as the Caravan) was designed to be a multi-purpose carrier to fulfill a number of different roles. Like its rival, the HiAce by Toyota, the van still earns its living from being a cabover in mini-bus fleets or SME ops across the globe. An updated refrigerated Nissan Urvan launched in the UAE this summer with temperature control, making a good option for businesses that deal with fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, meat and poultry, flowers and plants, and baked goods. The offering is targeted at supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants that require refrigerated vehicles for their daily operations.
To keep the contents of the van healthy and fresh, the van houses polar-grade freezer PVC curtains and keeps the storage area well-lit and accessible with user-friendly in-cab controls and an auto-on/-off LED lighting system. The refrigeration unit is protected with a three-year chiller warranty and is made further durable by heavy-duty floor panels for superior insulation, which is insured with a five-year warranty.
Salah added: “As the summer approaches, we understand that businesses require an automotive offering that would tick all the boxes when it comes to the easy transportation of perishables. At Arabian Automobiles, we believe in diversifying our offerings and customising them to suit the needs of our customers, and the Nissan Urvan with its refrigeration is a great example of our efforts in that direction.”
truckandfleetme.com LAUNCHES
With its strong build and modern looks, Nissan Urvan perfectly complements small business needs adding a seamless touch to their daily requirements, added the firm in a statement: “The van is designed to be a one-stop solution for intelligent mobile storage solutions for the fleet business.”
The refrigerated Nissan Urvan is available in standard roof and highroof panel options, across Arabian Automobiles showrooms in the UAE.
NEW URVANREFRIGERATEDOUTINTHEUAE
12 SEPTEMBER 2022 INTERVIEW truckandfleetme.com A CHARGE Rasso Bartenschlager, general manager, Al Masaood Power Division talks to T&FME about its role in expanding the UAE’s ambitions for greener power across the Emirates SHAMS+ IS ON
Those areas should also benefit from the deal with Sunstream International to bring the French company’s containerised solar panel solution to the UAE. Al Masaood wants
“Over the years, the team has done a great job which resulted in us achieving multiple accolades, including the Volvo Penta Aftermarket importer of the Year in 2016, the Yacht Support Center in the Middle East in 2018, hosting the RollsRoyce Power Systems World Distributor Conference in 2018 in Abu Dhabi and the highest growth in the PowerGen business in the Middle East in 2020,” he tells T&FME proudly, adding 2022 has seen it add to its roll-call of achievements.
“It is a solution also offers the highest convenience and efficiency as well as easy installation. It is a smart solar-powered solution that will not only help decarbonise the transport industry, but will also foster EV adoption in the agriculture, industrial, construction and marine sectors,” he explains. “It is an effective solution for marine docks, for the desert, agricultural fields, and interstate highways; as it is a plug and play solution that runs on solar energy.”
T
Backed-up by smart internet-based and universal charging set-ups, charging a vehicle could take as little as 25 minutes at the highest charging speeds. Considering that this is all powered by sustainable solar energy, it is fair to say SHAMS+ is at the cutting edge in a market that is still building up its traditional charging infrastructure. In fact, it is arguably at the cutting edge of what is possible anywhere.
“With an extensive network of universal charging stations that can cater to all battery needs of the automotive and maritime sectors, we intend to make our services available even in remote, hard to reach or hard to connect areas,” he comments.
As one of the early players in the UAE’s power industry, the Al Masaood Power Division has witnessed the country’s transition to clean energy which does not compromise energy security and cost.
“So far this year, we have achieved three major accomplishments. We successfully launched SHAMS+, a first of its kind UAEbuilt smart charging solution for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid marine vessels that has been awarded with the ‘Innovative Smart Electric Charging Solution Award’ at the prestigious Sustainability Innovation Awards 2022,” he says. “We also signed an agreement with German designed, French operated company, Sunstream International to spearhead the future of solar energy solutions in the GCC region and we received the Rolls-Royce Power Systems Sustainable Lighthouse Award 2022.”
Given the scope of potential uses, Bartenschlager unsurprisingly describes SHAMS+ as a new chapter in Al Masaood Power Division’s sustainability journey. Reiterating that this is the first solution of its kind to be launched in the UAE, he says, proudly, that SHAMS+ is also in line with a corporate vision to reduce carbon emissions and help accelerate the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative’s goals.
SEPTEMBER 2022 13truckandfleetme.com INTERVIEW
Of those recent announcements, it is arguably SHAMS+ (SHAMSPLUS) which has captured the most attention and imagination of the UAE public, ever since the containerised and off-grid charging technology was revealed at the EVIS 2022 conference earlier this year.
“To support this vital industry, we have introduced various energy solutions in the market that are helping with the evolution to sustainable and green energy in line with the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative.”
During the event, it was demonstrated how the off-grid solar-powered solution can be installed in urban or rural locations, and marine ports; providing green power wherever it is needed.
he UAE is making huge strides to diversify and shift from its heavy dependency on oil by investing in sustainable energy, especially solar energy. But how do you ensure that even remote locations have access to green power? In an expansive interview, general manager Rasso Bartenschlager explains that Al Masaood Power Division is tackling this challenge head-on by delivering a new generation of power solutions to the market which could help the UAE find greener ways to power its vehicles and equipment – wherever they may be.
What strikes you immediately about Al Masaood Power Division is both the scale of its operation and ambition for electric vehicle charging and making solar power much more practical for the private sector. A fully realised subsidiary of the Al Masaood group, Bartenschlager has the support of a diverse team of over 200 employees to call upon, and it is a team that has always placed customer service and satisfaction as its number one priority as it strives to innovate.
to create the widest and the most sustainable range of plug & play, flexible, modular and movable solar power solutions in the market. Sunstream’s technology broadens the possibilities of generating green power and local electricity in hazardous, remote, and challenging conditions, says Bartenschlager.
Off-grid EV charging solutions also provide cost-effective charging compared to installing permanent charging stations that require electric grid upgrades, line extensions, and create expensive demand fees. Bartenschlager believes that with the right combination of power generation and energy storage, it should be possible to potentially lower energy costs: vital at a time when there are global concerns regarding the cost and security of traditional forms of power generation.
Over the years, nations all over the world have taken significant steps to diversify their energy sources by moving away from a strong reliance on oil and toward investments in renewable energy sources like solar energy, wind energy and biofuels. Bartenschlager tells T&FME that the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent spike in fuel prices have hastened this transformation even more:“This energy transition offers a crucial link to medium- and long-term global climate and sustainability goals as part of short-term stimulus and recovery plans.”
UAE government has taken several steps – including making significant investments and providing subsidies to encourage private companies – to improve the nation’s charging infrastructure.
Masaood Power is eager to support in providing clean and sustainable energy solutions in any way it can.
“Utilising the gained experience and expertise, connecting this with the market trends and new technologies, is a good foundation of providing innovative solutions in a timely manner,” he says. “The more difficult part is to create the market opportunities that the market is not aware of, or a demand is not yet available.”
While charging infrastructure for EVs and hybrids is a huge problem globally, Bartenschlager notes that the
It is energy”onthatsolutionandaashighwaysinterstatefields,agriculturalthedocks,forsolutioneffectiveanmarinefordesert,anditisplugplayrunssolar
Bartenschlager sees the UAE as a country that is preparing to be ready for the adoption of electric vehicles, but he says the market for sustainable energy, which benefits from a sizable consumer base and government assistance, is ideal for investments in the electrification of transportation.
“A containerised charging station can combine with renewable energy sources like solar and wind, power generators using biofuels or natural gas, for an entirely off-grid, sustainable, net-zero EV charging if a connection to the electric grid is not possible,” he explains.
The UAE has witnessed a significant shift towards the adoption of EVs during the last decade, Bartenschlager believes we are witnessing customers becoming more environmentally sensitive forcing manufacturing companies to adapt to the changing demands.
Bartenschlager explains that Al-Masaood Power Division is developing and offering products and solutions (both hybridsand microgrid) that could ultimately account for 82% of clean energy and gas energy sources in the UAE: “The UAE promotes the use of microgrids in line with the goals of UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and our greener solutions can operate and deliver energy independently wherever it is required.”
“These measures are being taken to overcome these challenges in the adoption of EVs in line with the UAE vision 2050,” he tells T&FME
As the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 takes on full momentum, Al
“The country already has many success stories of private sector entities putting significant efforts and investments in accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility. The popularity of eco-friendly alternatives to internal combustion engine automobiles is also being fueled by consumer awareness of climate change. The UAE is driving the transition to electric vehicles in the area and plans to have 42,000 electric vehicles operating on its roads by 2030.”
“The adoption of any new technology is always driven by the demand and supply. Furthermore, the European Union countries endorsed a push to eliminate carbon emissions from new cars by 2035, effectively indicating the end of the era
MEETING GREENER POWER NEEDS
“These solutions can be employed across various sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and defence and decurity in the GCC region,” he remarks, adding: “By making such technology available, we are promoting the use of renewable energy in place of fossil fuels”
14 SEPTEMBER 2022 INTERVIEW truckandfleetme.com
“The country’s various industries are now directing their focus on employing cleaner energy practices, which gives us a wide opportunity to extend to them the needed support. We are constantly on the lookout for any prevailing opportunities that will help us in our drive to support the UAE in its sustainable energy agenda,” says Bartenschlager, adding that the Al Masaood can offer both the private and public sector knowledge accumulated from working in the market for over five decades.
“Also, the advancements in technology to lower the charging time and the rapid construction of charging stations are expected to bolster the market demand over the next five years. The UAE electric vehicle charging infrastructure market is anticipated to grow at a robust CAGR in the forecast period, 2023-2027. Since EVIS 2022, customers, operators or investors understand the value proposition of this solution, and a continuous inflow of enquiries and requests has been registered. Moreover, many of those clients are now ready to connect the dots in their sustainable strategy, especially when it comes to a seamless operation when implementing E-mobility solutions.”
Rasso Bartenschlager says Al Masaood Power Division’s solar-powered solutions can help sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas and mining, as well as national charging needs, even in the most remote of locations.
He concludes: “Businesses have begun to embrace using electric vehicles for delivery. Given the growing connections between the logistics sector and electric mobility, EVs have shown to be a wise investment.
“A study in Abu Dhabi highlights that the demand for EVs is up by 200% amidst the fuel price hike in the past two quarters. Another survey conducted recently found that almost 82% of UAE respondents are considering an EV as their next vehicle, while 90% are considering a hybrid.
“Mostly what discourages people from buying EVs could be the presence
“Businesses using sustainable vehicles to move freight, goods, and packages have benefited greatly from government subsidies and various economic incentives. Due to their great manoeuvrability and low carbon footprint, EVs are very efficient for last-mile deliveries. They provide clean air circulation, significantly reduce carbon emissions, and are beneficial for small cities, metropolitan areas, and enclosed spaces.”
of the internal combustion engine. This vision and other trends have encouraged automobile manufacturers to bring more EV models to the market every year, with major players putting significant investment for electrification of their fleets,” he says.
Accessibility of fast charging stations and availability of a diverse range of electric vehicles are two essential factors that encourage more customers to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles, he explains.
2030
Glory launching Damani – its first UAE-manufactured EV, by employing sustainable future technologies and robotics in the manufacture of EVs, the UAE is marching steadily towards its goal of proliferating electric mobility across the country in the coming years.”
HELPING TO MAKE THE EV SWITCH EASIER Accessibility of fast charging stations like SHAMS+ and the availability of a diverse range of electric vehicles are essential factors that will encourage more customers to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles, says Bartenschlager.
“As an emerging global logistics hub, the UAE is well situated to become a model for responsible green supply chain (GSC) procedures,” says Bartenschlager.
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of differing charger types and limited charging stations. However, to propel the country’s infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, the government and private sector are stepping up their efforts. Subsidies provided by governments to shift from traditional vehicles, acquisition costs and running costs are also important factors in the adoption of EVs in the UAE.”
“With companies such as M
“Sustainability initiatives that have been implemented in the UAE logistics and transport sector are analysed in the context of their worth, resilience, and relationship to the key drivers of their success.”
SUSTAINABLE CHARGING SHAMS+ will provide sustainable battery charging through solar energy at the highest charging speed –starting from 25 minutes. The ultra-fast charging solution will serve as a solar power system, with an extensive network of charging stations that can cater to all battery charging needs.
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He adds that the shift in consumer attitudes, may be leading to a move of logistics and transport companies to take greener vehicles and equipment more seriously in the region.
Founder and CEO Tim Oltmann recalls the early importance of securing an exclusive contract in 2014 with Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Bahri Line to ship vehicles and
“We work closely with all of our partners in order to ensure efficiency in loading times and cargo management, and this also helps
our customers to achieve better delivery times,” explains Oltmann. “We always provide accurate feedback for the shipping lines to know what will suit customers better.”
equipment needed to support the Kingdom’s huge infrastructure investment from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Poland: “Transport Overseas became one of the leading independent RoRo liner agencies in Northern Europe.”
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The contract also shored up a determination to establish a physical presence in the Gulf and soon the firm was opening a regional office at the heart of Dubai’s DMCC district. The move has consequently enabled it to increase sales activity among its automotive OEM client list. Oltmann adds that they appreciate an approach which brings transparency and efficiency to a process which, in the past, has proven frustrating for many companies supplying the local market.
Fair and just pricing is at the core of the business, he adds: “We always work hard to have the best value between pricing and service levels. Customers have their own requirements, and we are flexible enough to accommodate almost any cargo ‘point-to-point’. Costs and prices always have to be weighed up against service levels and feedback suggests we provide the very highest satisfaction in the region.”
T&FME talks to Tim Oltmann founder of RoRo experts Transport Overseas Group on the firm’s rapid progress as a logistics enabler for OEMS shipping to the Middle East
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ransport Overseas can look back on a decade of success in the Middle East market which has seen the business establish itself as, first, a cargo broker specialising in RoRo tonnages to the fully-fledged operation it is today. Ever since those early steps of 2012, the links to Europe for the Germanyheadquarted firm have remained strong and Transport Overseas is the go-to shipping and logistics supplier for a power list of OEMs –including Iveco, MAN, Sitrak, TrueMax and Schmitz CargoBull – that need to get truck tractor heads and trailers from Europe into the region.
Oltmann describes himself as coming from a “100% RoRo background” having served an apprenticeship with one of the world’s largest shipping transporters, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics. The close to nine
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With the interview coming to an end, he states that Transport Overseas is here to stay in the region as it enters its second decade.
Combining lines operating out of important hubs in Europe, Middle East and Asia, Transport Overseas offers full logistic services to customers shipping from Europe to all over the world.
vehicles – both new and used – is expected to increase in the next 12 to 18 months and we are well-placed and prepared for that.”
Oltmann’s own role has moved away from the busy work of hitting the phones to coordinate shipping to a more strategic role looking at future development. With Transport Overseas rapidly growing in recent years, he has subsequently turned his attention to maintaining its expansion with an eye on shifting market trends and the changing requirements of the business. The Dubai office has worked tirelessly to help Transport Overseas build its reputation as a rolling-stock shipper in the UAE; helping clients place vehicles and equipment on major projects such as the Dubai Metro and Expo 2020. On the horizon now are new mega projects beyond the UAE and across the region, and Oltmann wants to ensure that his business can bring its experience and expertise to clients working on them.
“We have had more focus on sending EUmade products to the USA in the last year, and this has also seen a boost in demand. We have also started used truck and trailer shipping. The demand increased following a shortage of new trucks in the EU, and this will become an expansion area in the future.”
It is also ready to handle the challenges faced by automotive and equipment clients experiencing global supply chain and cost disruptions: “Costs have been affected by raw material price increases as per all business sectors and this has led to higher shipping costs globally. Furthermore, the increases in demand have affected prices in areas where there is a lack of capacity available,” notes Oltmann. “The disruption in supply faced by the manufacturers has led to bottle necks which are then passed on to the shipping side of the business. Brands are pushing for better delivery times although the
“There is no doubt that in the coming years shipping will need to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Eventually, the ships coming into service will pollute less and become more efficient, and there is long term optimism that this may lead to favourable effects on pricing.”
He adds that while the European, and particularly German-based, equipment and commercial vehicle sector has been a crucial component to the Transport Overseas’ dayto-day business over the years, “production and delivery delays have made this much more challenging in the last 12 months.”
vehicles still need to be shipped to the Middle East region and, here, there are, again, capacity constraints. We work a lot on streamlining this with our excellent relationships with shipping lines. Better preparation is key to this.”
Expanding on the key Saudi market for a moment, he continues: “The Saudi Vision 2030 programme is on track and will provide increasing business for us in the coming years, especially through our exclusive agreement with Bahri. We are also still very much involved in Saudi’s metro projects, and are working on several exciting projects for NEOM as well (the mega development across the north-west of the country),” he says. “Demand for commercial
“We are running our own RoRo vessel space from Europe to Middle East and Asia. We have slot agreements with container lines and dedicated chartering department in case we need to charter break bulk vessels for clients,” he tells T&FME, adding that the firm also has the capacity to handle industrial projects.
“Currently the focus is on new infrastructure projects in Egypt, Sudan and KSA,” he remarks. “We are enlarging our footprint by working with new clients while also re-exporting from the UAE out to the wider region and Africa.”
years he spent there presented him with the chance to work in a variety of commercial sales positions across the Middle East and Asia regions. It was the perfect background to form Transport Overseas Group in 2012.
He adds that those logistics services may include trucking, customs clearance, terminal handling, surveys and supervision, ocean freights and deliveries at destinations to endusers. These are all plugged into a carefully plotted shipping network which is crucial in a business where timing is everything.
The talk of looking towards the future leads Oltmann to suggest that shipping and logistics must embrace a more sustainable approach to keep costs and emissions under control in the years ahead.
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REGIONAL TRANSPARENCY AND FLEXIBLITY Oltmann, pictured right with Richard Hall – Middle East and Asia Pacific Sales Director, says that the office in Dubai has helped establish the firm as a leading RoRo supplier to the region.
OFFERING GLOBAL RO-RO SUPPORT AND SERVICES
The disruption to global production, however, has opened up new opportunities for the company to explore.
“From the start, we focused on providing worldwide RoRo shipments; combining lines in important hubs in Europe, Middle East, as well as Asia which have become very successful. We can offer full logistic services to customers covering what is needed from Europe to all over the world.”
“We foresee growth in our business especially through the Middle East and Asia as the developing parts of the world grow in the coming years.”
AMBITIONDELIVERING
NEOM is a revolutionary plan to create the world’s first truly 21st century city, a mega-development that is drawing on the finest minds globally to tackle issues of sustainable living and industries at an unprecedented scale of ambition.
NEOM is described as a vision of what a new future may look like; and the estimated $500 billion regional development on the Red Sea is being built from the ground up as a living laboratory, and a place where entrepreneurship will chart the course for this new future.
The Crown Prince wants NEOM to focus on nine specialised investment sectors and living conditions that will “drive the future of human civilisation”, including
energy and water, mobility, biotech, food, technological and digital sciences, advanced manufacturing, media, and entertainment “with livability as its foundation.”
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The focus on these sectors is likely to create economic growth and diversification by fusing the drive of the Saudi government with international expertise to drive local industry, job creation, and GDP growth in the Kingdom. NEOM is backed by more than half a trillion dollars in investment by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, local as well as international investors.
Juffali Commercial Vehicles and Mercedes-Benz Trucks play a major role in the new future at NEOM
“We cannot ignore the livability and environmental crises facing our world’s cities, and NEOM is at the forefront of delivering new and imaginative solutions to address these issues,” said HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
ver since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced plans for a $500 billion mega city dubbed ‘NEOM’ in Tabuk Province five years ago, the eyes of the world have been watching patiently to see progress on the mega-project.
“NEOM is leading a team of the brightest minds in architecture, engineering and construction to make the idea of building upwards a reality.
ENEOM:
Nothing in the world can match the scope of NEOM in terms of its size or its ambition. It is so vast that the development’s land mass includes a huge swathe of the northwest territories of Saudi Arabia and could also eventually extend across the Egyptian and Jordanian borders; making it the first private zone to span three countries. The site will also become the main entrance to the King Salman Bridge, linking Asia and Africa, which will add to the zone’s economic and geographical importance.
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He continues: “The MercedesBenz Trucks brand is synonymous with reliability, top-of-the-range Heavy-Duty Trucks, and our customers receive a Truck with components that are designed to work together to deliver higher production levels and versatility.”
NEOM will be a hub for innovation, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and companies will come to research, incubate, and commercialise new technologies and enterprises in groundbreaking ways. Residents of NEOM will embody an international ethos and embrace a culture of exploration, risk-taking, and diversity – all supported by a progressive law compatible with international norms and conducive to economic growth.
The new generation of Mercedes-Benz, Actros, and Arocs heavy-duty trucks, which are assembled at the National Automobile industry (NAI) Factory (Subsidiary of Juffali commercial vehicles) in Saudi Arabia, has added a new dimension of efficiency and strength, as they were developed specifically for extreme weather conditions in Saudi Arabia and with specifications that make them bear the most difficult operating requirements.
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STRENGTHENED TO WORK IN THE SAUDI CLIMATE
Students, meanwhile, will be able to access free world-class and continuous online education, while the population benefits from e-governance that puts city services at their fingertips. Building codes stipulate that net-zero carbon houses must standard, and the city layout is being designed to encourage walking and bicycling. Perhaps, most importantly, all the power in NEOM will be sourced from renewable energy.
Future technologies also form the cornerstone of the mega-development. The Kingdom is actively exploring the possibilities of cutting edge and disruptive solutions for transportation from automated driving to passenger drones, new ways of growing and processing food, healthcare centered around the patient for their holistic well-being and wireless high speed internet (described as “digital air”) for everyone
Heiko Schulze CEO, of Juffali Commercial Vehicles, explains: “The scale and ambitions of NEOM are second to none and it is incredibly rewarding to see our Mercedes-Benz Trucks Actros and Arocs are working so hard for this world-class project.
With the first phase of the development is expected to be completed by 2025, NEOM will be a destination and a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses, and reinventing environmental conservation.
NEOM will be the home and workplace of more than a million residents from around the world. It will include towns and cities, ports and enterprise zones,
Playing a vital role
With works now well underway, Juffali Commercial Vehicles is playing a vital role as the construction and development of one of the world’s most ambitious new mega-developments takes shape.
“The Mercedes-Benz, Actros, and Arocs trucks have proven to be highly efficient and durable, making them a favourite for many customers around the world,” said Schulze,
The new generation Mercedes-Benz Trucks Actros and Arocs vehicles used at NEOM have been assembled at the National Automobile industry (NAI) Factory and were developed specifically for extreme weather conditions in Saudi Arabia.
2025
research centers, sports and entertainment venues, and tourist destinations.
IT IS INCREDIBLY REWARDING Juffali Commercial Vehicles CEO Heiko Schulze says it is incredibly rewarding to see its Mercedes-Benz Trucks Actros and Arocs vehicles deployed on the mega-development.
He jokes: “Although, it is still an expensive product. It’s not a meal that you are ordering because you don’t want to cook.
“We have our own finance company, we
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“This was already growing but I think this has been accelerated by Covid. The interesting thing is that this is not just all replacement of old vehicles.”
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“I think the past two years we have seen the acceleration of the digital transformation, and so people are now much more comfortable using digital means to either buy or at least inform themelves – and make decisions,” he explains.
Wijnen notes that while it is possible to order your new Lexus or Toyota within we’ve done T&FME ’s second interview with Al Futtaim Automotive’s Vincent Wijnen, he talks about why it has rapidly digitalised CAN LEAPFROG” MARKETS YOU
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He adds that in this new environment, Al Futtaim wants to make the most of its “end-to-end” value train, in other words use technology to link in its financial arm to fund purchases or offer alternatives.
In the second part of an interview with Al Futtaim Automotive’s Vincent Wijnen, T&FME asks how they have been dealing with this change and how the industry could further evolve.
have our own used operation (Automall), we have an insurance company, so you can imagine if you have everything inhouse, you can do a seamless end-to-end process. If you are quick in your choice, you can do it all within, let’s say half an hour or so… you have to upload your documents and so on. I think the people that are doing this, are open to doing this are not afraid of buying online. That’s something that people have to get used to.
20 SEPTEMBER 2022 INTERVIEW truckandfleetme.com
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he way that people are buying their vehicles is undergoing a huge revolution globally –with the Middle East undergoing its own seismic shift. In a postCovid climate, drivers and vehicle owners now expect to be able to access services and interact with their local distributor in the same way they can with their local grocer, favourite travel company or retailer.
“The point is, is to have integration. The end-to-end seamless integration, that’s the trick,” adds Wijnen. “And then also, at the same time, making sure that your organisation is lined up with that because we can make it seamless, but if the sales exec doesn’t understand what they need to do, when the customer walks in and basically starts from point zero again, that will actually not work. So, the key is to make sure that everything,
“If you go to our SZD Road showroom in Dubai what you will see right now is all the tools that the customer or the sales team need to continue to that journey. If the customer has logged on and registered on the site – at that moment we can pick it up. It’s just not seamless in the sense that you have a QR code, etc. This requires some more system integration that we are working on, but we are going to get there.”
“What we’ve done is upgraded all of our websites using new technology we’ve developed.”
Wijnen says that it should lead to a point where the process is so integrated that sales teams can access all the model information with financial paperwork done online ready as soon as the buyer comes to the showroom.
minutes, many people choose not to –instead adopting for a final showroom visit to make the final decision.
The in-showroom experience is already displaying the direction of travel that Al-Futtaim are taking.
According to the latest AlFuttaim Automotive data, the overall automotive market is up 9.3% compared to the first six months of 2021. Reflecting this positive momentum, Al-Futtaim Automotive closed out the first half of the year with a total market share of 35.4%, selling 40,542 vehicles, up 2,190 units versus first half of 2021.
“We are thrilled by the strong demand and positive momentum so far in 2022, with our sales only limited by the global supply chain challenges. Al-Futtaim Automotive increased market share in some key segments with one of our leading marques, Toyota, continuing to dominate the SUV and car market. The increase in sales is a direct result of our continued commitment to deliver on our brand promise of enriching the lives of our customers every day,” said Vincent Wijnen.
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“It is more a case that the organisation and team we have now at AFM Automotive is relatively new – (most of the people have only been here for two and a half years maximum) – and we knew when we were building our strategy that we wanted to do this anyhow. At beginning, I said that the UAE isn’t really a professional retail market. We decided to professionalise the organisation very quickly and move into a retail-oriented organisation.
“The fact that Covid was there made it just more obvious that we should speed up and do this, because it is an opportunity. I’ve see it as very simple. These markets are markets where you can leapfrog. This would take a decade in a mature market to do. Here, you can do it within one or two year, and if you’re focused do it with a strong core and integrated strategy, then you will beat the competition. Because I don’t think the competition is as far as we are.”
He explains to T&FME that rather than Covid forcing Al Futtaim to tear-up its blueprint, the pace has been spurred on by an ambition to bring the firm up to the standards set by its peers in other markets.
including the human factor is in line with your new way of doing business.”
SUVs continue to dominate the UAE market, making up 50.5% of sales for the first half of the year. Toyota is the market
leader in the SUV segment, accounting for 25.2% of sales from January to June. Toyota saw an 11.4% increase in total volume year on year and 0.5% increase in market share. The growth also continues across Al-Futtaim Automotive’s brands.
“The interesting thing is what drives a lot of the demand,” he remarks. “People are actually going into the site and then start going through the six steps to buy, but they don’t complete it online. Basically by then, they know what they want. They have seen the finance options, they’ve seen the trade-in value that we can provide them. And at that moment, they want to go to the showroom. And that’s fine –but a lot of our sales we can relate back to that funnel. That is a big change.”
A MARKET ON THE REBOUND
While the luxury vehicle market is down 10.3% overall, Lexus has managed to increase its luxury market share by 1.2%, with the Lexus IS, Lexus LX and all-new Lexus NX remaining popular models.
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Creating this new environment hasn’t been an overnight process. Work on the site continues but the progress to date represents month’s of work which has been accelerated to capture this sudden shift in vehicle buyer behaviour.
To build the new customer journey, Al-Futtaim have looked to existing and proven systems before adapting them to the business. The approach has allowed it to move quickly in the digital space.
“If you go there, you’ll see that the stands with the cars are basically one-toone copies of the site, so you will recognise the car you want to configure and then you have the sales execs, with exactly the same on their screens. And then, we’ve also got two large configuration rooms where customers can just sit privately with or without a sales exec on a very big screen. They can also look at videos…so we have moved that way it is just not 100% there yet but it will be there very soon.”
“That is not yet operational, but it will be,” he says. “You need to answer me again in nine months and I will say yes we can do that!”
“So we completely restructured the organisation, created a proper network with dealer principles and everything. And we hired some people that have done this before,” he continues. “So we first changed the way we run the business, the way we interact, and in parallel, we worked on the websites and the other digital tools that we have. It was consciously done that way.
When you consider that almost every other full size SUV in the Middle East market is now a newer generation vehicle, it’s fair to say that an all-new Patrol is long overdue.
Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) is Nissan’s tuning and racing division and has lavished its expertise on a number of road-going Nissans over the years including the GT-R, 370Z, Juke, Sentra and others. The Patrol NISMO is said to be exclusive to Middle Eastern markets and is a combination of aesthetic and functional upgrades.
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Patrol, there’s a NISMO badge off-centre on the front upper grille, on the rear boot lid, and on each of the massive but striking 22-inch two tone aluminium wheels.
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TEST DRIVE 22 SEPTEMBER 2022 truckandfleetme.com
Anniversary edition. The subject of this review, the Nissan Patrol NISMO, is potentially the last hurrah for the Y62 platform before it is retired in favor of a new design (already being referred to as Y63).
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW PATROL NISMO:
Our dressed in ‘grey metallic’ paint Patrol certainly stood out, even parked next to a fully blacked out LE Patrol Platinum at The Dubai Mall, thanks to the significant NISMO upgrades. Up front, the NISMO screams ‘get out of my way’ - the sculpted front bumper and finished in black upper and lower grilles are handsome, and are accented by chrome bits that sharpen the look nicely. And, to make certain that no one mistakes this vehicle for a regular
Tying the exterior design together is glossy red trim that can be found on both bumpers, under the side steps and even on the wing mirrors. Pop the hood and you’ll find the V8’s typical black engine cover has been swapped for a finished-inred NISMO engine cover. There’s other NISMO exterior trim as well including
ne night, several summers ago, an inclinedautomotivefriendand I were heading to one of our usual haunts and encountered every traffic light on Jumeirah Beach Road. Sat at one of the traffic lights, as if by telepathy, we both decided to survey the vehicles around us and noticed the scenery was dominated by Nissan Patrols. It seemed no matter where we looked, there was either a Y61 (previous generation) or Y62 (current generation) Patrol staring back at us.
NISMO Niceties
The Y62 is far different from the Y61 and since its introduction in 2010, there have been a couple of Y62 facelifts, as well as special editions including a 70th
The Y62 Patrol gets a sporty look and a bit of juice, but there’s no hiding the fact that it’s a decade year old design, writes Jason Saundalkar
Looking at the rear, there’s a substantial finished in black roof spoiler, which Nissan says enhances the vehicle’s design and aerodynamic performance. The Patrol’s rear bumper also gets a sportier and more aggressive look and is perfectly symmetrical; sitting at the lower centre is a rear fog light comprised of seven LED lights. Nissan claims this light emits the same amount of illumination as the brake lights in adverse conditions. It’s a cool addition and is flanked by sculpted fiberglass and plastic designed to resemble an underside air diffuser. The left and right extremities of the bumper feature what look like chrome encircled exhausts; these are purely aesthetic however, which was a tad disappointing as I thought they were cool up to the point I looked closer and found they were just hollow black space.
This prompted us to come up with a little game to amuse ourselves; anytime either of us spotted the big Nissan, we’d yell Patrol! The cabin was never quiet thereafter. We continue to play that silly little game every so often and, although it’s been several years, it still reminds both of us just how many Nissan Patrols dot the roads of the UAE, even today. This is impressive when you take into account that the Y61 and Y62 Patrols were introduced in 1997 and 2010, making them 25- and 12-years old respectively.
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Climbing into the eight seater’s massive cabin, you’ll find that NISMO has been hard at work here too with some subtle as well as in-your-face tweaks including: NISMO illuminated kick plates; two tone (red/black) leather and alcantara seats with NISMO headrests; tachometre with red NISMO ring; NISMO carbon veneer finish, NISMO dual tone door trim etc.
for when things get choppy off road; I don’t recommend serious offroading however, the low hanging front and rear bumpers will almost certainly be destroyed when attacking or coming off dunes.
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FULLY FEATURED, BUT READY FOR UPDATING
Stomp the loud pedal from a standstill and the Patrol shoves you into your seat while surging forward – the monster will do 0-97km/h in about 6.9-seconds. This means it’s faster getting up to highway speeds than a number of current generation mid-size SUVs, and isn’t far off its recently
Despite its immense size and weight, the Patrol NISMO was as easy to drive and live with as my considerably smaller and lighter R50 Pathfinder. On the first evening I had the Patrol, I had to get to Mall of the Emirates during rush hour for a couple of errands and, surprisingly, I got in and out of the mall in what felt like record time.
On the plus side, the Patrol NISMO does feature wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a massive centre coolbox, intelligence cruise control, 360-degrees camera, land departure warning, forward emergency braking with pedestrian detection, so it’s not completely left in the dust with regards to features and technology. There’s even a rear limited slip differential with a locker
When I reached the mall, it was rammed with people rediscovering their horns, however the reasonably well insulated cabin, ice cold air conditioning (despite being about 42-degrees Celsius), and comfortable seats had me feeling quite relaxed through it all. On top of that, people seemed to immediately give me priority the minute I switched the indicators on, while the 360-degree camera made getting the NISMO into and out of the angled parking slots a piece of cake. After that first experience, I looked forward to going everywhere with the big Patrol as my steed.
dark chrome handles, roof rails and - if you can spot them behind the massive wheels – yellow Bilstein shock absorbers, which Nissan says improve handling.
On the road, the Patrol NISMO’s high (and I do mean high) driving position means you can see what’s going on hundreds of metres ahead of you, while the rest of the glasshouse provides good visibility for shoulder checks and general visibility (useful in tight spaces/busy streets). That said, it is possible to lose other vehicles in the Patrol’s chunky pillars but, thankfully, the blind spot warning and intervention systems did a good job of keeping me in the clear.
The NISMO’s 5.6 litre V8 puts out 428hp at 5,800rpm and 413lb-ft of torque between 3,600rpm to 4,800rpm – while the torque figure is the same as other V8 powered Patrols, you get 28hp more. The horsepower difference isn’t substantial given the vehicle’s size and weight (Nissan notes the Patrol NISMO is 4.5kg lighter overall…). The V8 (first introduced in 2010) doesn’t have cylinder deactivation technology and there’s no trick hybrid system here for better fuel efficiency, however it continues to be a potent motivator paired with the also dated but quick shifting seven-speed automatic gearbox.
There’s plenty to visually distinguish the Patrol NISMO from other models in the line-up on the inside, writes Jason Saundalkar.
TEST DRIVE truckandfleetme.com24 SEPTEMBER 2022
Living with the Patrol NISMO Cars and SUVs tend to get larger with each subsequent generation but although the Y62 Patrol is over 12 years old, it is still king of the hill when compared to modern rivals. Here are some stats to digest it’s nearly 17.5feet from end-to-end, 6.7-feet wide and tips the scales at a little over 2.8 tons – in a game
There’s certainly plenty to visually distinguish the Patrol NISMO from other models in the line-up on the inside, however in terms of overall features and design, the cabin does feel dated. Although competitor full size SUVs have cabins that are less expansive, they offer far more storage space/cubbies, bigger and more responsive displays, a head’s up display, greater number of USB ports, and crazy speaker systems with over 30 speakers in some cases (though the 13 speaker BOSE system does sound brilliant).
DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
The NISMO lacks modern premium SUV touches, but it does have the safety features and connectivity suite you expect for the price.
of Top Trumps, there’s not many vehicles on the market that will challenge this Nissan.
With a starting price of AED 385,000 ($105,000), the Patrol NISMO sits in a
space crowded by full size competition that is more modern and offers better fuel efficiency – the latter is particularly pertinent given the astronomical rises we’ve seen in pump prices over the last few months. That said, despite its shortcomings, the Patrol NISMO still manages to charm with its aggressive looks, comfortable and expansive cabin, and characterful V8. There’s a reason you still see so many of them on the roads even today and given the long term reliability associated with these vehicles, we’ll likely see them for a long time to come.
sharp, quick inputs on small roundabouts and turns will expose the Patrol’s significant size and mass. On the plus side, as the vehicle still uses a hydraulic steering rather than an electric system, steering feel is reasonable for an SUV. And although this is a heavy vehicle, Nissan’s done a good job of balancing steering performance and feel at low and high speeds – I never exited the Patrol feeling like the drive tired me out.
refreshed chief Japanese rival with a twin turbo V6. Though the V8’s peak torque come up higher in the rev range than modern turbo or supercharged engines, the amount of shove you feel every time you go near the throttle, indicates that a chunk of the V8’s torque is developed under 2,000rpm. Overtaking at highway speeds also demonstrates the powertrain’s flexibility and, unlike most modern V8s or boosted V6s, you get a Nascar-like soundtrack when the V8’s doing its business.
SUPERLATIVE RIDE POSITION
NISMOThe platformthehurrahthepotentiallyislastforY62”
truckandfleetme.com SEPTEMBER 2022 25 TEST DRIVE
Conclusion
On the road, the Patrol NISMO’s high driving position means you can see what’s going on hundreds of metres ahead of you, while the rest of the glasshouse provides good visibility for shoulder checks and general visibility.
With regards to handling, taking into account the vehicle’s size, height and weight, and its lack of air suspension, the Patrol NISMO was never going to be an agile steer. With that said, the Nismo tuned suspension and Bilstein shock absorbers did a good job of keeping body motions in check, though
Where the NISMO’s older powertrain will have you wishing for something newer is when it comes to running costs. Drive aggressively and the V8 is thirsty but, even if you’re being docile with your throttle inputs or relying on cruise control, you’re never going to be blown away by this vehicle’s fuel economy. Over the four day test period, the best I managed was 10.7km/l while cruising E311 at 109km/h, while city driving with start/stop traffic was significantly lower. The Patrol’s 140-litre fuel tank, at the time of going to press, cost about AED 550 to fill up (US $150) – while I didn’t manage to empty the tank during my test, I’d make an educated guess that you’d get approximately 800km in terms of range (on average).
ROBUST AND ECONOMICAL With the Star family, Goldhofer says it has developed a straightforward, robust and economical air-suspension trailer range.
FASTER AND FURTHER
LUBRICANTS
Valvoline Inc is a worldwide marketer and supplier of premium branded lubricants and automotive services, with sales in more than 140 countries. Established in 1866, the company’s heritage spans 156 years, during which time it has developed brand recognition across multiple product and service channels. Valvoline ranks globally as the number 3 passenger car motor oil brand in the DIY market by volume and in the United States operates and franchises no fewer than 1,400 quick-lube locations.
The transaction is still subject to customary adjustments set forth in the equity purchase agreement, Aramco said.
also introduce the Stepstar semi lowloader at IAA Transportation.
Cummins and Meritor will now move further and faster in developing economically viable decarbonised powertrain solutions.
acquisition, Cummins said it intends to deliver market-leading decarbonised solutions globally accelerating Meritor’s investment in electrification and integrating development within its New Power business.
“We are excited to welcome Meritor’s employees into Cummins,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins’ CEO. “Together, Cummins and Meritor will move further and faster in developing economically viable decarbonised powertrain solutions that are better for people and our planet.” Rumsey took the reins as President and CEO on 1 August 2022.
provider of integrated powertrain solutions across internal combustion and electric power applications.
tracking steering for even greater maneuverability,” said Markus Albrecht, Product Line Manager for the Star family. In addition, the trailer has Wader container latches for transporting large construction containers and is available with new Goldhofer CargoPlus tyres for axle loads of ten or twelve tonnes, offering a loading height of only 780mm. As part of its product portfolio expansion Goldhofer will
GOLDHOFER SET TO DEBUT TRAILSTAR AT IAA
DRIVETRAINS
Diversification into the lubricants DIY market is a declared core strategy for Saudi Aramco, so far spending in excess of $250bn in R&D initiatives to develop market-leading energy alternatives to its previously core role as a fossil fuel producer.
“Like all vehicles in the Star family, it has an optimum payloadto-deadweight ratio. Plus, the fourand five-axle versions feature self-
SAUDIBUSINESSSELLSVALVOLINECORETOARAMCO
According to the heavy-lift specialist, the three to five axle air-suspension trailer comes with a practical load securing system, form-fit pocket stakes and a ramp system with an extremely low approach angle to accommodate low-floor vehicles.
MERITOR SOLD IN MAJOR DEAL
Tom Linebarger, Cummins’ Executive Chairman added, “Cummins can help grow Meritor’s core business given our sales and service network and customer relationships around the world, and this acquisition has clear synergies for both companies that will position us for future investments during our industry’s technology transition.”
Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, Aramco Senior Vice President of Downstream said Valvoline’s global products business fits perfectly with Aramco’s growth strategy for lubricants “as it will leverage our global base oils production, contribute to our R&D capabilities and strengthen our existing relationships with OEMs”.
TRAILERS
Cummins has completed its acquisition of Meritor, a global supplier of drivetrain, mobility, braking, aftermarket and electric powertrain solutions for commercial vehicle and industrial markets, the company has announced. The integration of Meritor’s people, products and capabilities in axle and brake technology will help position Cummins as a leading
It also features 10t lashing points on the full length of the loading deck. As an optional extra, a very “wide, deep and long” excavator boom recess is available for transporting excavators with large excavator arms.
“We have developed a line that offers our customers meaningful advantages in terms of the versatility of their fleets. The common parts strategy delivers economies of scale in fleet management for our customers for increased profitability,” added Robert Steinhauser, Sales Manager Europe/North Africa at Goldhofer.
Oil giant Saudi Aramco has agreed to acquire Nasdaq-listed Valvoline Inc’s global products unit for US$2.65bn. The Saudi firm – whose capital value on the KSA Tadawul exceeds US $4tn – recently announced that its growth strategy includes further development of the lubricants division, and here, has focused on a household-name brand with a leading international reputation.
As demand for decarbonised solutions accelerates, ePowertrains are expected to be a critical integration point within hybrid and electric drivetrains creating packaging and performance differentiation and the opportunity to provide more advanced clean mobility products. In a statement announcing the
SEPTEMBER 2022 WORKSHOP27truckandfleetme.com
Goldhofer will introduce its new Trailstar air-suspension trailer from the Star family at this year’s IAA Transportation in Hanover from 20 to 25 September, the company has announced.
MOBOX is a new and efficient mobility solution by Bridgestone that caters to customers’ vehicle maintenance needs. It is basically a subscription package that offers a customisable range of services, including tyres, full warranty and other vehicle-related services, for a set monthly fee. Over the years, we have noticed that vehicle maintenance could be considered an inconvenient and expensive factor for a car owner. The MOBOX service has been rolled out to alleviate
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this inconvenience, and present an overall approach to facilitate car maintenance in a convenient, easy, and seamless manner.
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OUT OF THE BOX
After its success in Europe, Al Masaood TBA was the first Bridgestone partner to pilot this solution in the MENA region, owing to the increased demand for proper vehicle maintenance in Abu Dhabi. It reduces the possibility of unexpected bills, which can arise due to tyre malfunctions, through its set monthly payment options.
28 SEPTEMBER 2022 INTERVIEW truckandfleetme.com
For the benefit of our readers, please give an overview of MOBOX by Bridgestone – and what are the benefits for the customer?
Al Masaood TBA’ general manager Salah Adib talks offering the Netflix experience to the tyre market and supporting drivers switching to electric charging in the
y bringing Bridgestone’s MOBOX subscription service to the region, Al Masaood TBA Division has found itself at the very head of the curve when it comes to offering genuinely new ideas and ways for consumers to ease their financial worries as well as the stress of maintaining their vehicles. Talking to T&FME, general manager Salah Adib, explains that while his business is pleased to be the first to offer the so-called Netflix of tyres outside of Europe, it will continue to pioneer sustainable services and products in a much more digitalise world.
MOBOX offers three packages – MOBOX Light, MOBOX Plus, and MOBOX Premium – which include 2/4 tyres and services like tubeless valves,
THINKINGUAE
SEPTEMBER 2022 29truckandfleetme.com INTERVIEW
Also early in the summer, we teamed up with Bridgestone, the Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi and Road Safety UAE to raise awareness about tyre safety among truck drivers, especially with the rising during the summer months. Our technical team carried out truck tyre inspections at the Mussafah truck weighing station in Abu Dhabi. Throughout the campaign a total of 276 truck tyres were examined, and our service team gave technical advice to help trucks drivers and road users take better care of their tyres and keep their vehicles running at optimal performance.
Across the world, businesses are witnessing a transition from a product- based economy to a more service-oriented one. Adapting to the pace of consumer demands, which has seen a move from products to overall package services, our partner, Bridgestone’s MOBOX solutions in Europe, looked promising to us, and we realised that it would add greater value and make vehicle maintenance convenient for our customers in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
As far as we are concerned, TBA is installing EV chargers in some of its prime retail outlets in Abu Dhabi to support the transition from the traditional fuelbased vehicles to EVs. As a Bridgestone authorised dealer, we are aware that the firm is making investments in tyre development technologies to support EVs on a worldwide scale. Bridgestone anticipates changing its tyre offering to address some of the more prevalent EV issues.
tyre fitting, wheel balancing, nitrogen filling, wheel alignment, tyre rotation, aircon services, and a full warranty. The MOBOX solution was designed to reduce the risk of unexpected bills due to various vehicle malfunctions and to make vehicle maintenance easier for customers.
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You have had such a successful launch. What do you think this says about
The UAE as well has been rapidly progressing in terms of digitalisation, and we can see more and more consumers adopting the subscription model in food and lifestyle services. We considered it the right time to introduce MOBOX during this period considering the changing consumer trends and preferences in the UAE.
the market’s appetite for Netflix-style subscription services – particularly when it comes to the auto market here? Customers find easy and accessible services convenient for their lifestyles. Recent trends have them expecting subscription-based services like Netflix or Amazon, where their payment and service solutions are made easy. This has raised the desire for efficient and seamless solutions, which gives MOBOX an upper hand. At Al Masaood Tyres, Batteries and Accessories, we always seek modern and simple solutions that meet customer trends and expectations. Customer preferences and feedback is our top priority.
Can you tell us more about TBA’s collaborations for driver safety and tyre health?
Do you think it changes the way the customer approach a company such as yours? For instance, does it encourage them to come to your Al Ain and Abu Dhabi facilities to change their tyres more often?
Since introducing MOBOX, we’ve seen a positive response from our customers, which prompted our principal Bridgestone to award us with the ‘Global MOBOX Award’. This award is basically in recognition of our efforts in launching the all-in-one MOBOX service in Abu Dhabi as the first pilot in the MENA region.
We noticed vehicle maintenance was a hassle for customers, so in partnership with Bridgestone, we rolled out this solution in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region to provide customers with a simple and cost-effective solution to address their needs. Since its roll out in 2021, we have recorded a notable growth in MOBOX subscriptions, with over 500 contracts already sold and no let-up in fresh subscribers.
Al Masaood Tyres, Batteries, and Accessories (TBA) Division is the first company to market the solution outside of Europe, and you have also been awarded for it — how did that come about?
At Al Masaood TBA, our priority is to preserve the safety of our community on the road. Over the past several years, we have participated in the Summer Road Safety campaigns rolled out by Abu Dhabi Police. In Ramadan this year, we partnered with Bridgestone – for the second time – in their Eyes on Road campaign. Throughout this campaign, truck drivers were given free health check-ups at various truck stops, with a dedicated physiotherapist conducting comprehensive movement, spine, and posture screenings for the truck drivers. A nutritionist was also on board, offering them appropriate diet plans to stay physically and mentally healthy during the holy month – given the extended hours they spend on the road.
ADAPTING TO THE PACE OF CHANGE Salah Adib says that Al Masaood saw potential in MOBOX to help it match the UAE’s rapid progress in digitalisation.
We are seeing a shift towards more sustainable mobility methods. How is TBA keeping up with this – especially on the drive towards EV adoption? Experts from various sectors have been cooperating to further improve the energy efficiency and environmental friendliness of future tyres, especially during the phases of production, usage, and recycling. They have highlighted the necessity to guarantee sustainability, especially in production processes, and to replace tyre components with more eco-friendly material.
Singh, Managing Director, MarketingTotalEnergiesMiddleEast FZE
TotalEnergies has been present in the UAE for more than 80 years where it has built a longstanding presence, reflected by the size and diversity of its multi-energy assets and partnerships.
30 SEPTEMBER 2022 ADVERTORIAL truckandfleetme.com
otalEnergies is a global multienergy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity.
in 2013 with a capacity of 109 MW.
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TotalEnergies: A longstanding energy and mobility partner in the FOCUSUAE
In renewables, TotalEnergies (20%) is a partner of Masdar and ADPF in the UAE’s first Concentrated Solar Power plant, which was inaugurated
The company continues to grow in the solar sector in the country, especially in the field of distributed generation where it holds a leading
TOTALENERGIES’ TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East (TEMME) serves a wide range of customers across the region with support from: 3rd Largest Blending Plant of TotalEnergies worldwide in terms of capacity; 27 Distributors in 13 countries; 4 Sales Channels – Direct UAE; Distributors; Group Affiliates (including 45 in Asia and Africa); Lubmarine 72 Hours TEMME promises to deliver to customers in the UAE within three days; Own Warehouses Ensures rapid order fulfillment; Regional Hub Provides training and support, as well as supply to customers located across the region. FACTSMIDDLEMARKETINGTOTALENERGIESEAST&FIGURESsociety”2050,getandenergyreinventambitionTotalEnergies’istothewayisproducedconsumedtotonetzerobytogetherwith 30-34 Rue du Chemin Vert 75011 Paris +33 (0)1 85 56 97 00 www.carrenoir.com Ce fichier est un document d’exécution créé sur Illustrator version CS6. TECHNIQUETONS RECOMMANDÉS TOTAL DateJFBTOT_21_00008_TotalEnergies_Logo_RGB26/05/2021
The organisation is today the first foreign company active in the country, with all its businesses present. In 2021, equity production stood at 280,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d).
TotalEnergies has been active in the UAE’s power generation since 2001 through the Taweelah desalination plant and power station, producing around 10% of Abu Dhabi’s water and electricity needs, in partnership with TAQA.
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Its more than 100,000 employees are committed to energy that is ever more affordable, cleaner, more reliable and accessible to as many people as possible.
inTEMMEsheTEMME.ispositionwhiletrustedregions.MiddlelubricantsofandownedMiddleTotalEnergiesposition.MarketingEast(TEMME)isafullysubsidiarybasedinDubai.Itisactiveinmanufacturingmarketingoftheentirerangeautomotive,industrial,marine&greasesintheentireEastandCentralAsianItsvisionistobecomeapartnerinmobilitytransitionstrengtheningitsleadershipinlubricantsintheregion.OverseeingtheregionaloperationKarineSingh,ManagingDirector,BasedinDubaiUAE,isleadingatransformationoftomatcharapidtransitionmobilityintheregion.Thefocus,saysKarineSingh,isonacustomercentric-approach.WithovertwodecadesofworkinginTotalEnergies,sheisthefirstwomanmanagingdirectorofTEMME.“Ourbusinessstrategyaimsatdevelopingprofitableandsustainablebusinessmodelswithastrongfocusonhealth,safety,environmentandquality,”remarksKarineSingh.
Active in more than 130 countries, the firm puts sustainable development in all its dimensions at the heart of its projects and operations to contribute to the well-being of people.
32 SEPTEMBER 2022 PARTING SHOT truckandfleetme.com
a recent two-day drive and technology immersion held at General Motors’ Michigan headquarters and R&D centers. The event highlighted GM’s commitment to deploying its zero emissions, zero crashes, zero congestion strategy to help build a sustainable future for the planet, made possible by groundbreaking technology, that is set to revolutionize mobility in the Middle East.
The SUV will be debut in 2024 and join the Cadillac LYRIQ, GMC HUMMER EV and Chevrolet Bolt EUV – all slated to arrive in the region by next year. The addition cements GM’s aim to lead the EV market with the broadest line-up, offering an EV for every need and every wallet, claimed the company in a statement.
It added that the launches meet the “intensifying interest for electric vehicles across the GCC”, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates ranking in the top 50 countries embracing EV transition, according to a global vehicle electrification index collated annually by AlixPartners.
13 EVs coming to the region by 2025 and showcases “cutting-edge technology set to redefine mobility”
technological advances, visionary government agendas, regional sustainability goals and rising fuel prices,” said Luay Al Shurafa, president, General Motors Africa and the Middle East.
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“At GM, we are focused on the customers of today and tomorrow, delivering on our Ambidextrous Business Strategy to provide the cars, trucks and SUVs that our customers love, while seeding for leadership in Future Mobility across electrification, autonomous driving and connectivity. Interest and appetite for EVs is skyrocketing in our region, and with 13 all-new EVs confirmed for launch by 2025, GM’s clear goal is to be Number 1 in EVs in the Middle East by 2025. The Middle East is a critical market for GM, and we are aligning our plans with regional government ambitions to encourage adoption of green mobility and support net zero targets.”
“As a car maker, tech company and customer experience innovator, GM’s growth strategy is to ensure that our current and future fleet of vehicles address the unique needs of the region for price, range, performance, and charging. And we’re going well beyond the traditional model of vehicles. From launching a fleet of fully autonomous Cruise Origins in Dubai in partnership with the RTA, to signing an MoU with Emirates Post Group to explore electrifying the last-mile delivery ecosystem, to partnering with start-ups across the region, GM is much, much more than a car company and we’re excited to show people across the Middle East what’s in store, continued Al Shurafa.
ELECTRIC FUTURE GMDOWN’‘DOUBLESON
At its recent two-day drive and technology immersion held at General Motors’ Michigan headquarters and R&D centersGM is investing $35 billion into EV and AV technology across the Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac brands, reaffirmed at
NEXT ISSUE: FULL FLEET AND MOBILITY SUMMIT REVIEW, A LOOK AT AUTOMECHANIKA DUBAI, AND THE BEST OF IAA, AND MUCH MORE!
eneral Motors Africa and Middle East has confirmed that the Chevrolet Blazer EV will be the fourth of 13 electric vehicles it is set to launch in the region by 2025.
“The auto industry in the Middle East is transforming at pace, moving further and faster toward an all-electric future, driven by
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