Bridgestone and BMW AGMC recently entered into what they are calling a strategic partnership to match the powerful BMW M Series cars with the Japanese tyre-maker’s performance brand Potenza.

The tyre itself has earned a solid reputation for offering superb grip in dry conditions, opening up the possibility for quick handling and sharp turning. So, where better to test this behind the wheel than on a warm early Spring day in Dubai’s auto-home?

Arriving early (for once), T&FME was soon at a track-side media conference held at the Dubai Autodrome, where the two companies explained that Bridgestone will be supplying AGMC’s new BMW M Series with their Potenza tyres. During which we were told that the tyres “offer unsurpassed traction and control, allowing customers to fully experience the thrill of driving.

“The tyres are designed to enhance driver experience, while also empowering cars to achieve their full potential. This high-performance tyre’s tread design has also incorporated new, sustainable technology to improve braking and abrasion resistance.”

“At Bridgestone, we recognise the power of teamwork as a cornerstone of success, and are moving strongly in this direction of partnership, leadership, and excellence,” said Stefano Sanchini, regional managing director of Bridgestone Middle East and Africa.

“We are confident in the capability of our Potenza tyres to maximise the potential of the BMW’s M-Series. At Bridgestone, we are committing to creating more efficient mobility solutions and services than ever before. Our tyres are future oriented, sustainable, and focused on meeting the demands that may arise over the next two to five years, and beyond.”

Jochen Becht, AGMC spokesperson, marketing director, Rolls-Royce, BMW, MINI said that the firm was delighted to announce what we called an exciting partnership alongside Bridgestone.

“Our M vehicles are all about unlocking potential when it comes to power and driving dynamics and with the Potenza tyre we have another market-leading product to help us achieve this.

“Having trust in a tyre is critical when maximising performance so the traction and control the Potenza offers fits perfectly alongside the M Series. We know the incredible capability of our vehicles and are proud to work alongside a partner who can help us even further enhance the driving experience for our M Series customers. We are heading to establish
AGMC as the pinnacle for driving experience in Dubai and northern Emirates and are very delighted to found in Bridgestone a strong partner to help us in achieving our goals.”
With the formalities out of the way, it was time to don helmets and move downstairs to the awaiting 3 and 5 M Series BMWs that were waiting in the paddock.

The BMW M Power Experience is intended to offer drivers a taste of what it feels like to master a car in racing conditions.

In Europe, enthusiasts are encouraged to take a BMW M model “to the limit – to feel one time like a genuine racing driver” and it made sense for AGMC to bring the experience to a performance car and auto-fans hub like Dubai when it was first announced on a 12-month basis last March.

The drift- and circuit training courses are part of the supreme disciplines of the BMW M Driving Experience whether on asphalt or snow and ice in Germany. While drivers here won’t be careering around the Alpine-bound Red Bull Ring or the world-famous Nürburgring Nordschleife, they are offered a total of 10 vehicles comprising of the BMW M2 Competition, the BMW M3 Competition, the BMW M4 Competition, the BMW M5 Competition and the BMW 330.

The Experience also provides a drivers with an in-depth three-and-a-half-hour safety driving course, where instructors will teach and guide guests to become even better drivers while pushing the BMW M vehicles to their limit in a controlled environment. During the course, guests can also practice essential motorsport driving techniques, such as seating position, posture, accelerating, braking and cornering. Upon completion, participants will receive feedback and a certificate at the end of a gruelling but exhilarating session around the FIA sanctioned circuit.

Unfortunately, the briefing on this occasion was a short overview on what to expect in the vehicle, including how to get the best out of both car and tyre on a truncated version of the 5.39km track.

Opting for the more statesman-like 5-Series – a car which is associated with limo and
luxury car hire in the Emirate through companies such as Emirates Bus and Quick Lease – there was little chance to appreciate the more refined points of the vehicle but plenty of track time to appreciate how its M- variant can handle the undulating course (seriously, this would be one of heck of a quick ride to the airport).

The short-version of the Autodrome circuit still includes the dipping, curving departure from the finishing straight which was an immediate test for both brakes and tyres as the car headed into the apex. And it was here that the Potenza really came the fore, taking on all of the front weight of the car and providing the grip coming out of the corner to paw into the 300bhp that sits under the bonnet.

With automatic transmission as standard, it is easy to see even a moderately experienced commuter could take on the course. There was no fiddling with down or upshifting here just the pleasure of being able to throw the car into the corners with it quickly coming apparent that the Potenza can offer even a bit of drift and wiggle room for mistakes.

By the second lap, the heads-up display was readily dialling up beyond 200 km/h before crunching onto the carbon ceramic brakes and a racing rhythm was emerging with the car easily slipping in and out of the corners. Power and brake, power and brake – and then more power as we took on the rising final chicane and corners and into the home straight.

As a demonstration of both BMW’s and Bridgestone’s track-craft, the Experience had done the trick. And you can easily see the two powerhouse brands sticking together – in more ways the one – in the Autodrome for years to come.

Source: TFME

The first thing that hits when you’re behind the wheel of the all-new electric D Wide E-Tech is how quiet the cab is. Shifting out of the Normandy plant where the truck and its fellow electric Ts and Cs are produced, the only sound you can hear is the sound of the power steering. Navigating a route through the local town of Blainville-sur-Orne feels unerring as you stop at a traffic light or junction. There’s no judder or tell-tale diesel rumble. Normally waste runs are clunking stop-start affairs, this on the other hand is, dare T&FME suggests, almost relaxing. Small wonder they put us in a spa the night before the plant visit.

The ride, in short, is impressive. Clearly a test drive can’t replicate the hustle and bustle of a daily waste operation but sneaking up on traffic in what is normally a 16t behemoth is a powerful demonstration of how our cities and communities can be far quieter places to be. Assuming that the infrastructure can be in place to support them.

And it was this point that was returned to over and over again during the visit: if electric trucks are to be adopted quickly then we need to be able to support them with the infrastructure to go with it. This is something Renault Trucks, which boasts the largest fleet of electric trucks on the road in Europe, is keen to address. And partly why it has dropped the ZE moniker in favour of E-Tech.

Indeed, the French manufacturer no longer wants to provide you with merely a truck but everything you need to keep it on the road too. Last month, Renault Trucks unveiled the E-Tech brand and its ambitions in the field of e-mobility with an offer geared towards providing, what it calls, 360° support for its customers. It wants 50% of its sales to be electric by 2030 and, by 2040, 100% of the vehicles sold will be carbon neutral. To put that in context, in 2021, 249 electric trucks were delivered and 613 were ordered.

The electric trucks produced in Normandy represent a tenth of the plant’s 2,000-plus units per year. It is therefore unlikely to be a coincidence that it wants to see 2,000 electric trucks produced instead. Slotting into the current production line, chassis are fitted with the electric drivelines, cooling systems and, of course, batteries, instead of traditional engines, transmissions and fuel tanks. Seeing it in action, it is easy to see how production could be scaled up to add more electric trucks instead of fossil-fuel equivalents.

Although T&FME is told that there is also a need for the auto-cluster and supply chain involved to also be scaled up at the same time. It also needs that transport and logistics industry to follow it into this new era. The entire E-Tech offer is designed to provide comprehensive support for hauliers in their transition to carbon neutrality. As such, Renault Trucks is combining its production of high performance electric vehicles with all-round support for customers.

It wants to guide fleets making their own transition into the roles suitable for heavy e-mobility such as urban deliveries and waste management.
Consequently, it is investing time and resources to bulk-out knowledge at the distribution end of the sales channel and beyond that to monitoring the operations of their electric trucks.

During T&FME’s visit, we were given the overview of how this can work in practice. An initial phase helps customers draw up their decarbonisation plans and analyse and define their needs. It is here that the manufacturer will offer its expertise helping to get the right truck solution for their business and their budget.

Things then get really technical. The second phase of diagnosis involves getting precise knowledge of the customer’s activity, including analysis of the fleet and routes and an analysis of the sites’ electrical facilities. The company explains that this can involve the use of simulation tools to help customers make decisions and monitor their activity, such as a carbon emission reduction simulator and a range simulator.

Following this diagnosis, Renault Trucks provides the customer with a detailed recommendation, which includes a roll-out schedule and a forecast of the reduction in CO2 emissions for the coming years.

Renault Trucks describes itself as becoming the architect of the decarbonisation project and co-builds the new electric mobility ecosystem alongside the customer during the next phase. It will explore financing options for the fleet and any or governmental subsidies that may make the adoption possible. This can go beyond the set-up of the truck, its equipment and bodywork, to the on-site charging facilities needed on site. Even before your new truck is delivered the company is offering to provide its customer with an electric truck, so that it can be tested in real working conditions.

Finally, Renault Trucks will act as the project manager for the customer’s decarbonisation solution: “Installation of on-site charging facilities, training of drivers and fleet administrators, etc. Last but not least, Renault Trucks and its network support customers in the operational monitoring of their fleet, thanks to vehicle connectivity.”

This will involve the manufacturer monitoring the charging facilities, tracking driving and consumption and making suggestions for optimisation, recommending routes, and optimising maintenance operations.

Ultimately, to sell electric trucks, it has recognised that hauliers need practical support in their transition to electric vehicles. It is promising to be at their side in their decarbonisation plans, providing support based on expertise, anticipation, proximity, peace of mind and fast performance.

The unveiling of E-Tech was also an opportunity for the company to expand its all-electric range and from next year two new models of up to 44 tonnes, namely the Renault Trucks T E-Tech for regional transport and the Renault Trucks C E-Tech for construction applications.
Since 2020, the manufacturer has been marketing a range of all-electric trucks from 3.1 to 26 tonnes, manufactured in France – and now feels confident it can support heavier operations when the routes and applications are suitable.

The new models in the heavy-duty range will be fitted with two or three electric motors providing a combined power of up to 490 kW (equivalent to 666 hp). The company has also confirmed that they will be also equipped with an Optidriver gearbox.

The Renault Trucks T and C E-Tech will have two to six lithium-ion battery packs with a capacity of 180 to 540 kWh. The vehicles’ batteries can be fully charged in 9.5 hours by alternating current (AC) up to 43 kW, or in 2.5 hours by direct current (DC) up to 250 kW.

These trucks will be able to travel up to 300 km on a single charge and up to 500 km with a one-hour intermediate fast charge (250 kW).

In order to adapt easily to any type of bodywork and consequently to any type of use, the Renault Trucks T and C E-Tech can be equipped with three types of power take-off (PTO): electric, electromechanical or on the gearbox. In addition to having a gross vehicle weight of 44 tonnes, they will be available in 4×2 and 6×2 tractor versions and 4×2, 6×2 and 8×4 tridem rigids.

Source: TFME

Audi has previewed the first member of a new family of concept vehicles in Dubai at a private event for representatives of media from across the region. The Audi Skysphere concept is the name of the electric-powered, two-door convertible based on the Audi design of tomorrow.

The concept car was the surprise showing during an event which also marked the regional previews of the new Audi A8 and S8 models and is set to be on display at the ‘Tomorrow Today’ exhibition at the Museum of the Future during the Holy Month of Ramadan. With it, the brand is illustrating its vision for the progressive luxury segment of the future, with features that include autonomous driving, a revolutionary interior and a seamless digital ecosystem.

With the Audi Skysphere concept, the brand with the four rings is redefining luxury of the future, with the car changing what we know about mobility and designed to offer its occupants captivating and world-class experiences.

“We are delighted to unveil the Skysphere concept in Dubai. This car represents the zenith of human capability and innovation, so we wanted to treat it a little bit differently for its grand unveiling in a venue renowned for its creativity. With the Skysphere, passengers are given the maximum amount of freedom and can choose between two driving modes; a grand touring experience and a sports experience and is the perfect celebration of progress. Its visit to Dubai symbolizes how we envision the future or mobility and is an ode to a city that that has positive and influential plans that will trickle down across the region.” Said Carsten Bender, Managing Director of Audi Middle East.

With the touch of button, drivers of the Skysphere can either pilot their 4.94-meter-long e-roadster themselves in “Sports” mode with a reduced wheelbase, while the rear-wheel steering ensures that the vehicle remains extremely agile despite its dimensions. They can also choose to be chauffeured around in a 5.19-meter GT in the autonomous “Grand Touring” driving mode while enjoying the sky and the scenery, maximum legroom, and the services offered by a seamlessly integrated digital ecosystem.

Customised infotainment options are also available, such as linking the on-board streaming service to music and video providers used at home. And in a further step, Audi also aims to provide personalized and exclusive options for users of its luxury cars in the future – such as concerts, cultural events, or even sporting events that are only available upon special invitation.

In this way, a vehicle like the Audi Skysphere concept will become a platform for experiences that expand horizons beyond the mere ride in just a few years.

The incredibly futuristic model is set to be on display for the general public at the Museum of the Future in time for Ramadan.

Source: TFME

Al-Futtaim Automotive has revealed a new digital platform that allows B2B dealers to purchase genuine spare parts, body parts, tyres and battery and lubricant products.

The Trade Point portal provides a one-stop process that optimises the ordering and purchase process while enabling ease, convenience and transparency as well as a single access point for all Al-Futtaim brands including Toyota, Lexus, Volvo, Honda, Dodge, RAM and Jeep, explained the firm.

Encouraged by  the UAE’s goals of transformation to a smart city strategy and championing digitalisation, Al-Futtaim Automotive added it wants to offer a seamless digital journey “to all our partners”.

Al-Futtaim Trade Point is claimed to make it easier for dealers to transact with Al-Futtaim Automotive in a safe environment.

With the platform integrated alongside all Al-Futtaim internal infrastructure systems, an order placed on Trade Point is picked up within seconds allowing deliveries directly to B2B partners up to four times a day.

Additional features of the platform include simplified payment methods, individual business sales analysis insights and live delivery tracking as well as detailed product information and accompanying images to ensure easy distinguishing.

In just two months, 13,500 orders have been fulfilled using Trade Point with 150,000 parts being purchased and sold while giving dealers access to over half a million unique part numbers.

The announcement came on the sidelines of the Al-Futtaim Automotive Dealer Conference, an annual event which celebrates upcoming innovations, sheds light on staff achievements at the events awards ceremony and highlights promising business performance. The top 12% of UAE dealers attended the event, comprising elite, platinum and gold dealers, some of which have been with Al-Futtaim Automotive brands for over two decades.

“Al-Futtaim’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables us to continue to expand and diversify our mobility offering, responding to not only our customers’ changing needs but those of our dealers too,” said Paul Willis, president, Al-Futtaim Automotive. “With Trade Point, we are at the forefront of the increased government and industry focus on digitalisation and will address the increase in market demand for accessible mobility.

“With this innovation we aim to create sustainable growth, providing heightened transparency and consistency. Furthermore, as the market leader, our brands are most in-demand, therefore Al-Futtaim Automotive has an important role to play in ensuring customers don’t fall prey to counterfeiters with the potential for fake parts to endanger all road users. With this innovation, we are ensuring we are bringing further regulation to our industry.”

When asked about using the Al-Futtaim Trade Point platform, Usman Kunnath from Supreme Auto Parts said: ‘We benefit from its ease of access, and the fact that my team can autonomously create different user accounts.’

Prasanna Pinto, Dublin Auto Spare Parts also commented: ‘All of our 13 branches across the UAE use Trade Point on a daily basis. It’s good for us because it’s one system to access all Al-Futtaim brands.’

Source: TFME

Al Habtoor Motors, the official distributor of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Bus Corporation (MFTBC) in the UAE, has showcased the “new highly efficient, versatile and safe” range of FUSO Canters.

The range features advanced technologies designed to deliver the lowest cost of ownership for a light-duty truck and excellent fuel economy, said the firm.

FUSO Canter 6.5-ton GVW with DUONIC

After the successful launch of the FUSO Canter in Euro V emission norm in December 2020, the next outstanding technological feature is being launched in the UAE: the DUONIC automated manual transmission. For the first time, the FUSO Canter will feature this technology in the UAE. In addition to lower fuel consumption, the direct-shift transmission, well known from its use in passenger cars, causes less wear to auxiliary equipment, reduces the burden on the driver, particularly on short trips, and combines the convenience benefits of an automatic transmission with the economy of a manual transmission.

The compact DUONIC® automated manual transmission is based on a mechanical six-gear manual transmission, with two hydraulic wet clutches and electronic control. The two maintenance-free clutches are arranged concentrically and integrated into the gearbox housing. Clutch number one is used for forward gears one, three and five, while clutch two handles gears two, four and six. The great advantage of a dual-clutch transmission is that the next gear is already engaged while driving, allowing extremely fast and completely smooth gear shifting. DUONIC is also packed with variety of functions like ECO, Creep, Hill start assisst.

FUSO Canter 6.5-ton GVW longer loading span

Canter Euro V 6.5-ton GVW product is expanded with an additional wheelbase of 4,300mm which has a chassis loading span of 5,500mm. This longer wheelbase model is an addition to existing wheelbases of 3,400mm and 3,850mm. With the new longer loading option, this model fits for the requirements where high volume and payload are equally important. Canter 6.5 ton GVW model is powered with a maximum output of 150ps which is the best in class offered in this weight segment.

FUSO eCanter

The FUSO eCanter – showcased at the event as a sneak preview, is the first all-electric light-duty truck (LDT) in small-series production and is an emission-free transportation solution, which is virtually noiseless. The vehicle delivers increased comfort for drivers, reduces maintenance costs for operators, and embodies a more sustainable option for urban mobility.

FUSO owns the longest experience in industry since the launch of the FUSO eCanter in 2017 more than 200 units have been delivered globally. The FUSO eCanter is the first battery electric light-duty truck in-series production. With the eCanter, FUSO is a global leader in electric trucks, working towards providing sustainable, CO2-neutral transport for both people and goods. With zero emissions, the FUSO eCanter is ideal for inner city distribution. It is perfect for customers looking for sustainable transport solutions. The FUSO eCanter is also a key pillar within the Daimler Truck AG’s electric strategy to achieve CO2 neutral ‘tank to wheel’ transportation goal.

Source: TFME

Etihad Rail has announced an advanced freight terminal that will occupy 5.5mn sqft. It is to have a capacity of five million tonnes and will connect major manufacturing centres and warehouses in Dubai Industrial City with the rail network.

According to a statement, the terminal is a collaboration between Etihad Rail and Dubai Industrial City and will contribute to cementing the UAE’s position as an international trade hub, and boost Dubai’s global competitiveness in manufacturing, logistics, transport, trade, and investment. This comes in line with the UAE’s Railways Programme, which aims to facilitate trade by connecting the country’s industrial and manufacturing centres and opening new trade routes.

The announcement of the rail freight terminal was attended by His Excellency Eng. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail; His Excellency Malek Al Malek, director general of the Dubai Development Authority and CEO of TECOM Group; Abdulla Belhoul, COO of TECOM Group; Saud Abu Alshawareb, MD of Dubai Industrial City, and other officials and key representatives.

The rail freight terminal will complement Dubai and the UAE’s advanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art transport network, cementing the nation’s position as a gateway to the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, the statement said.

The terminal at Dubai Industrial City will deliver a major boost to the UAE’s Industrial Strategy, also known as Operation 300bn. Increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to the economy by building advanced logistics infrastructure will strengthen the country’s position as the leading Arab nation on the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report, it added.

“The terminal will contribute to strengthening the supply chain and freight logistics services, in line with the UAE’s efforts to develop the country’s transport and logistics sector. With a capacity of 5 million tonnes, the terminal will connect the industrial and manufacturing centres in the UAE, open new trade routes, and support the country’s sustainable development,” said Malak.

He added, “The announcement of the new terminal comes in line with the UAE Railways Programme, which aims to enhance the country’s transportation infrastructure through the development of the UAE National Rail Network, which play a key role in the country’s development, modernisation and urban planning. Through our collaboration with Dubai Industrial City, we look forward to providing our local and international customers with logistics and shipping services to support them in achieving their strategic goals and contribute to growing their business.”

Al Malek remarked, “The vision of our leadership has focused on enhancing our robust infrastructure and world-class transport system, as they are essential drivers of economic development. Dubai has transformed into a global logistics and industrial hub in recent years, attracting leading regional and international players and enabling them to grow and expand from the emirate. The addition of rail into the UAE’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and transportation network will strengthen the nation’s leading position as a global trade and logistics hub.”

Belhoul stated, “Our group has always been a key contributor to achieving the leadership’s vision of economic diversification. Over the past two decades, we have focused on advancing the industrial sector through our leading business districts, including Dubai Industrial City, which provides advanced infrastructure and a competitive environment which facilitates strategic partnerships and reinforces the sustainability of supply chains. The addition of the station will support the growth of business partners, expand the emirate’s logistical capabilities, and attract more investments in the industrial sector, thus consolidating its position globally.”

The new terminal is said to build on Dubai Industrial City’s proximity to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, which allows hundreds of companies to reach two-thirds of the world’s population in eight hours. It will provide a range of benefits to the 780 business partners in Dubai Industrial City and the surrounding areas, centred around improving efficiencies and reducing costs.

The environmentally friendly terminal will be the newest mode of transport in Dubai and will complete a comprehensive mobility network comprising one of the world’s busiest airports for international travel, the region’s largest port and state-of-the-art infrastructure nationwide, the statement noted.

Through integrating Dubai Industrial City into the UAE National Rail Network, more than 780 companies, operating within the industrial hub – which provides direct access to Dubai’s main lines, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road – will be able to benefit from Etihad Rail’s cost-effective, time-saving, and efficient rail solutions. In addition, more than 280 factories in Dubai Industrial City will also be able to benefit from Etihad Rail’s transport solution, which enhances the transport solutions available for these companies and supports the wider industrial growth in the UAE, Etihad Rail said.

The new terminal is located within the Etihad Rail’s network which runs from Seih Shuaib to Dubai and Sharjah and forms a critical part of Stage Two of the UAE National Railway. As construction is ongoing in this phase, Etihad Rail continues to pursue strategic partnerships with a range of key entities. Such partnerships align with the company’s wider efforts to ensure this national project plays an important role in the sustainable economic development of the UAE, statement concluded.

Source: TFME

It is no surprise to hear that most vehicles and parts sold in Saudi Arabia and UAE are imported. Nor is it a shock to hear that the downward trend in sales in the aftermarket reflects a drop in car sales in both the KSA and UAE markets over the past five years.

However, Glasgow Consulting Group’s auto-expert Vishal Pandey believes that the passenger car aftermarket can grow as sales return and the second-hand market booms.
“The auto parts market potential in Saudi Arabia and UAE is robust and expected to grow at a healthy rate in the next 5 years,” notes Pandey.

He adds: “Both the Saudi and UAE automotive markets are now more geared towards a ‘service oriented’ business model with more players focusing on customer experience and after sales service.”

Currently there is a small local auto parts and truck production, but no light vehicle production, in Saudi Arabia. But this burgeoning sector will be a major beneficiary going forwards.

Spurred on by government support, Saudi Arabia is also creating a domestic automotive industry and has encouraged global vehicle manufacturers to establish local operations, which will lead to local job creation, as well as technology and skills transfers, he believes.

In the more immediate short term, there is the fall-out of the Covid 19 pandemic to contend with and the disruption caused by events in Europe which are driving volatility in the price of oil and the global economy.

“The KSA passenger vehicle aftermarket component market contracted from SAR 12.5 billion in 2019 to SAR 10.6 billion in 2020 due to COVID 19… a dip of 16%,” he notes. “With vehicles in operation remaining same and increasing demand for used cars, the aftermarket demand for auto components is expected to remain resilient. The dip in the average miles driven by vehicle is likely to have gone down and would have a mild negative impact on parts demand. But this should be back to normal in the second half of 2022.”

Indeed, Vishal Pandey predicts that the passenger car market in both KSA and the UAE will recover in 2022 and their dip in 2020.

“Owing to the high dependence on personal cars for commutation in KSA, the demand for passenger cars is likely to rise in the short to medium term,” he predicts. “Also, with vehicles in operation remaining same and increasing demand for used cars, the aftermarket demand for auto components is expected to remain resilient.”

While the volume growth of aftermarket parts in the aftermarket is expected to remain muted due to the dip in sales of 2016 to 2020 in passenger car sales.

Pandey forecasts that in value terms there could be a growth of around 8.5% driven by post-Covid with pent up demand and the inflation caused by price increase by suppliers.

This could see the total value of the parts such as tyres, batteries and components contributing to a select maintenance parts market worth over a billion dollars per year by 2025.

This constitutes a rise from $10.6bn in 2020 to $16bn in the next three years. In both the UAE and Saudi Arabian automotive markets, Covid has changed the habits of consumers in the passenger car market with mobile servicing, shared mobility, contactless servicing, vehicle pick-ups, among the trends seen at the retail end of the auto-industry. But there are other market drivers too, says Pandey, including the impact of the rise in female drivers.

“About 3 million-plus female drivers (15% of the total female population of KSA) are expected to be on the roads of KSA after the ban got lifted in June 2018; augmenting the demand for aftermarket spares parts and service in the country,” he says.
Localised production by OEMs will also have an impact in the years ahead.

“KSA is currently developing a car manufacturing hub and working to incentivise investors to pump money in the industry. The auto cluster aims to attract local and foreign investment, increase export capabilities, create employment and contribute to economic diversification as a part of Kingdoms’ 2030 Vision Reform Plan.”

The second hand auto spare parts market in the KSA has also significantly developed over the last decade and it is one of the key suppliers of second hand automotive spare parts in the Middle East owing to largest automotive fleet in the region.

“Second hand auto spare parts are primarily sourced from damaged cars, which are sold by insurance companies at throwaway prices, and the remaining are collected from police auctions,” he remarks.

Rising investments are being perceived in new channels of customer engagement such as quick delivery modes and online sales of spare parts in KSA. Online websites — such as Babatin Auto Parts, Souq (an Amazon company), Desertcart, Awok and ACDelco — are now selling automotive spare parts and have increased/boosted sales through online channels over the last few years. This reflects a shift in how people are buying in the aftermarket and how they want services such as car washing, servicing and parts changes, as well as roadside assistance when they break down.

“Mobile apps for auto-servicing are gaining traction in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE,” he says. “In KSA, there is an increasing preference for mobile app aggregators – such as Car Hub, elzhalha and Morni – that connect users with service providers.”

Source: TFME

Source: TFME

BEEAH has officially opened its new headquarters in Sharjah. Billed as the ‘Office of the Future’ the structure was designed by Zaha Hadid, boasts next generation technologies and is set to realise net-zero emissions. The building is said to be one of the most sustainable and smartest buildings in the world and aims to set a new benchmark for other workplaces.

The official opening was led by HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Following the formal inauguration, Dr Sheikh Sultan toured the headquarters along with Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council and leaders of government entities. They were briefed on all technological aspects of the building and introduced to its different spaces, including the courtyards, the visitor’s centre, state-of-the-art auditorium and smart meeting rooms.

BEEAH chairman Salim bin Mohammed Al Owais said the HQ has been built with sustainability at its core and integrated with future technologies and is the most AI-enabled office in the Middle East.

Al Owais explained, “It is equipped to operate at LEED Platinum standards, the highest standards for energy efficiency in the world and realises net-zero emissions. The building design is among the last works of Dame Zaha Hadid, one of the most influential architects of her time. The distinct curvilinear features of the headquarters mimic the intersection of sand dunes, drawing from the desert landscape of Al Sajaa in Sharjah, where the building is located.”

The structured is solar powered and integrates next-generation technologies and is set to achieve a new standard for employee convenience and collaboration. As the firm pursues its ambitions to accelerate sustainable impact globally, the iconic HQ building serves as the organisation’s blueprint to shape tomorrow’s smart, sustainable cities, the statement noted.

In addition to being a global architectural icon in Sharjah, the structure is said to be a major milestone for BEEAH, signaling its growth from a company founded to proactively tackle environmental issues across the UAE, to an international holding group with businesses in industries that are critical to realising a sustainable future, the statement pointed out.

Group CEO Khaled Al Huraimel said, “The building is a manifestation of our twin-pillared strategy of sustainability and digitalisation. This strategy has led to diversification and growth of the Beeah Group’s businesses, not only across industries but also across geographies. The new headquarters will be our base of operations as we continue to pursue ways our businesses can make global impact.”

Source: TFME

Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA (DCV MENA) believes the achievement of its first two female employees to obtain a Heavy Truck (HT) license in the UAE will have long-lasting ripple effects across the commercial vehicles industry.

Mandy Chan and Meliza Gilroy obtained their Heavy Truck (HT) license after completing a rigorous training course at Belhasa Driving School.

DCV MENA added that its dedication to pushing boundaries and pioneering change in the commercial vehicles sector is reflected in both its cutting-edge design and innovative use of technology as well as their approach to workplace diversity and accountability.

As part of an ongoing commitment to nurturing individual development and generating opportunities for internal growth within the company, all employees at DCV MENA benefit from being part of a comprehensive training and development plan which includes the chance to obtain a Heavy Truck license.

With a well-deserved reputation for excellence and professionalism, state-of-the-art facilities in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and forward-thinking ethos it will come as no surprise that Belhasa Driving Centre is Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA’s preferred driving school partner. Belhasa are the first –  and thus far only – driving centre in JAFZA to certify women in the Heavy Truck category.

Both companies are driven by a number of shared core values, said the firm in a statement: “These include prioritising road safety and doing all they can to ensure safe and accident-free driving, whether that be through education, intensive training, regular assessments or technological innovation. The two are also entirely committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, with a particular focus on empowering women and fostering the professional growth of females in what has traditionally been a male dominated industry (women already make up 20% of DCV MENA’s workforce and concrete plans are in place for Belhasa to recruit and train female heavy duty truck driving instructors in 2022).”

A recent event held at Belhasa Driving School’s new Al Quoz location and attended by management representatives from Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA, Belhasa Driving School, RoadSafetyUAE and the RTA was a true celebration of both this mission and Mandy Chan and Meliza Gilroy‘s achievements.

Speaking after taking their Belhasa truck driving instructor for a test drive in a Mercedes-Benz truck and showing off their hard earned for skills, Mandy Chan said: “We were both thrilled to receive our Heavy Truck License and feel honoured today to be presented with these commemorative certificates”.

Colleague Meliza Gilroy added that: “We are very appreciative of the opportunity that was given to us and we applaud the efforts of all the organisations within the UAE taking important steps to promote gender equality across industries.”

“At Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA we are on a constant mission to drive positive change in all areas.  While today we mark the achievements of Mandy and Meliza in obtaining their Heavy Truck licenses, this is only the start,” Olaf Petersen, the General Manager of Daimler Truck Sales at DCV MENA, commented. “We will ensure that they are far from the exception to the rule and are fully committed to making the commercial vehicle industry a viable and attractive career option for women in the UAE and beyond.”

Hani Kamal, the General Manager for Belhasa added: “For many years now we have worked hard to ensure that our workforce is a diverse one that not only offers equal opportunities for all but specifically encourages women to enter into and become an integral part of what has been traditionally considered a male industry.”

According to Thomas Edelmann, the managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, Daimler Commercial Vehicles is a great example of an organization committed to road safety by way of designing safe trucks and also by putting safety as a strategic corporate pillar, as well as embracing gender diversity. A tangible result of these facts is the encouragement of two female employees to obtain their heavy vehicle driving license.

“Studies show women are more risk averse than men, which makes them ideal for truck driving. Trucking statistics show that females are less likely to be involved in a fatal crash and female drivers log more miles each year than their male counterparts. Hence, from a safety perspective, we would love to see more female truck drivers on the roads. However, the number of female truck drivers is still low (USA 7.8%, Spain 4%, Germany below 2%) and in the UAE pretty much non-existent. This initiative by DCV will hopefully excite more females to obtain a heavy vehicle driving license.”

Source: TFME