23 minute read
TWIN VAN DEBUTS IN UAE
NEW TOYOTA LITE ACE WILL CATER TO A WIDE RANGE OF CUSTOMERS / REFRIGERATED URVAN LAUNCHES INTO THE UAE MARKET
LAUNCHES
Toyota’s LITE ACE in the hole launches
AL-FUTTAIM TOYOTA DEBUTS PURPOSE-BUILT TOYOTA LITE ACE FOR UAE FLEETS NEEDING COMPACT VEHICLES
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.
The LCV van has been designed to move a nation and provide businesses with a competitive edge, particularly through its compact design.
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 and comfort, along with practical and reliable performance.
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.
“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.”
“Wth the new Toyota LITE ACE, 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 versatile loading/unloading features are 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.”
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.
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.
This is complemented by a comprehensive array of safety features to protect the driver and passengers, including two
FUEL ECONOMY 14.1KM/LITRE
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.
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.
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.
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.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Transmission
Power
Torque Fuel Economy
1.5l
5-speed AT 96hp 132Nm
14.1 km/litre
NEW REFRIGERATED URVAN OUT IN THE UAE
ARABIAN AUTOMOBILES HAS INTRODUCED THE NISSAN REFRIGERATED URVAN DECLARING IT WILL SERVE FLEET BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
The refrigerated Nissan Urvan is available in standard roof and highroof panel options, across Arabian Automobiles showrooms in the UAE.
MASTER CHILLER 3 YEAR WARRANTY
SHAMS+ IS ON 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
The 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.
“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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
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
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.
“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”
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.”
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.
“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.
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.”
As the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050 takes on full momentum, Al Masaood Power is eager to support in providing clean and sustainable energy solutions in any way it can.
“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.
“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 UAE government has taken several steps – including making significant investments and providing subsidies to encourage private companies – to improve the nation’s charging infrastructure.
“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.
“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.”
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.
“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 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.
“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
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“With companies such as M 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.”
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.
“Mostly what discourages people from buying EVs could be the presence 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.”
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.
“As an emerging global logistics hub, the UAE is well situated to become a model for responsible green supply chain (GSC) procedures,” says Bartenschlager. “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.”
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.
“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.”
2030
The UAE plans to have 42,000 electric vehicles operating by 2030
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.
THE STREAMLINERS
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
Transport 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.
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 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.”
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.
“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.”
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.”
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
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
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.
“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.”
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
OFFERING GLOBAL RO-RO SUPPORT AND SERVICES
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.”
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
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. 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.”
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.”
The disruption to global production, however, has opened up new opportunities for the company to explore.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
