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Double victory for Audi in “Best Cars 2017”

26 Monday Jun 2017

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Audi has driven home two overall wins in the “Best Cars 2017” competition. The Audi A1 triumphed in the “Small Car” category in the reader survey conducted by “auto motor und sport” magazine, and the Audi A3 won the “Compact Car” class.

But that was not the only award the company with the four rings could celebrate recently. The Audi Q2 has won Gold in the German Design Award. At the award ceremony the compact SUV secured the highest award for “Excellent Production Design – Transportation.”

The “auto motor und sport” award ceremony was held for the 41st time this year. Readers of the renowned trade journal selected their favorites from 378 models in eleven categories. The publication selected an overall winner and a top import in each category. In the “Small Car” category, 20.7 percent of the readers selected the Audi A1, and 17.1 percent chose the Audi A3 as the top of the “Compact Car” class.

The Audi Q7 took second place in the “Large SUV/Offroad Vehicle” category with 10.4 percent of the vote. Third place finishes went to the Audi A4 in the “Midsize” category, to the Audi A6 in the “Upper Midsize” class, to the Audi R8 Spyder in the “Convertibles” class and to the Audi Q2 in the “Compact SUV/Offroad Vehicle” category.

“The Audi Q2 surprises with a design that is fully independent and not just a scaled-down version of its big brother,” the jury of the German Design Award competition said in their decision. The new SUV presents itself as an automobile with balanced proportions, which offers plenty of space for its class and is at least as much fun. “This elegant car has the potential to be a trendsetter,” according to the jury’s summary.

The polygonal design of the Audi Q2 brings new facets to the brand’s formal idiom. At the front, a strong image is created by the Singleframe grille in octagonal design that is positioned up high as well as by the large air inlets. On its flanks the Q2 plays with polygon forms. Below the windows, the sharply drawn shoulder line divides into two contours, one above the other. They frame a concave surface with six corners.

The concave shape of the flanks emphasizes the wheels and with them the quattro character of the Audi Q2. The interior takes up the taut and angular form language of the exterior. Despite the coupé-like roof line and compact outer dimensions, adults enjoy ample head and leg room in the rear. One highlight in the interior is the LED lighting package with backlit decorative trim. These shine with a homogeneous light that can be selected from ten colors using the control system.

The German Design Award is presented by the German Design Council and is one of the most prestigious competitions in the design industry. With the prize, the international jury panel recognizes innovative products and projects that break new ground in the German and international design world.

Volvo Buses puts safety as top priority for drivers this summer

18 Sunday Jun 2017

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Image 1 Volvo Buses B8 model

  • Bus passenger safety set to improve with roll-out of driver safety training
  • Safety courses seek to reduce fleet CO2 emissions and boost vehicle uptime with 8% improved fuel efficiency
  • Initiative forms part of manufacturer’s vision to achieve zero accidents with Volvo Group Products

Swedish manufacturer of buses and coaches, Volvo Buses, together with its partners from the transport industry, public transport authorities and private bus operators, are embarking on an initiative to significantly improve driver skills. Volvo is helping authorities and operators to initiate a series of safety training courses for drivers and their trainers with the vision to reduce road accidents, improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impact for businesses across the Middle East and Africa.

Volvo Buses is working closely with operators and authorities across Egypt, UAE, Tunisia and Morocco, helping them to launch a series of refresher driver training programs in local languages for drivers in the region. The company aims to develop local capabilities both in terms of local expertise and creating the course content to deliver training programs in each market.

The course covers topics about the importance of good behaviour, product knowledge, safety on the road and efficient driving skills. It also provides hands-on know-how about how to use the bus features correctly, daily checks, preventive maintenance, safety, fuel efficient driving operations and do’s & don’ts. These practical Refresher Driver training courses will ultimately help drivers improve their behaviour and contribute to achieving Volvo’s goal of zero accidents with Volvo Group products.

By training drivers to take a more cautious approach on the roads, it is expected not only that safety and passenger comfort will be improved but so too will fuel efficiency and emissions. After a recent training course conducted for a Volvo Bus customer in Tunisia, drivers increased their fuel efficiency by 8%, thereby lowering costs for the operator and also contributing to improving local air quality and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.

With rising temperatures in the Middle East region and the potential physical effects that fasting and the hot weather brings, bus drivers need to be vigilant of the passengers within their own vehicles and mindful of pedestrians on the streets. Added to this, bus drivers are also responsible for checking key elements of the vehicle before a journey, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers on-board as well as monitoring other road users. Hence, bus drivers play a crucial role in maintaining safety, and Volvo, having recognised their importance, has embarked on initiating programs for training drivers.

Commenting on this initiative of driver training, Steve Hedouin, Vice President, MEAC (Middle East-Africa-CIS) Volvo Bus Corporation, said: “The human factor plays a decisive role in nine out of ten road accidents. It is therefore paramount that drivers know the risks on the roads. We, at Volvo Buses, intend to partner with key stakeholders and focus on our drivers to improve their driving and behavioural skills, and help them make the right decisions, with the right attitude, to prevent accidents from occurring. Our driver safety courses can also impact businesses financially as skilled drivers improve fuel efficiency and vehicle uptime.”

Steve Hedouin continued, “Every day, millions of people across the region rely on our buses, and our job is to bring them safely to their destination. Safety always comes first at Volvo Buses, it is a core value and part of our soul, so our vision is clear: zero accidents with Volvo Group products. In 1927, Volvo’s founders stated that ’Safety is and must be the basic principle in all design work’. Today, almost 90 years later, we’re still leading the way with a range of pioneering safety innovations that are making their way throughout the vehicle industry”.

Since its inception in 1927, Volvo has introduced a series of inventive safety features within their products. One definitive prevention aid in the safety of bus, truck and car drivers is the seat belt. In ‎‎1958, Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin invented the three-point safety belt, which is used ‎globally in trucks, cars and buses today. Volvo’s visionary three-point safety belt has saved millions of lives all over the world. ‎

Now with nine decades as a standard bearer on safety issues, Volvo Buses has looked to achieve safety improvements in multiple ways. The Volvo B8 range, the latest model launched globally by Volvo Buses, is equipped with features such as Electronic Braking Systems, Electronic Stability program, and I-Coaching. I-Coaching monitors driving patterns and provides drivers with instant feedback on vital parameters, including over-speeding and harsh braking, which in turn prevents accidents from occurring. Thus, it encourages safer driving practices, improves fuel-efficiency and, subsequently, benefits the environment – all key areas that Volvo constantly strives to promote.

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Audi customer teams successful in Europe

12 Monday Jun 2017

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Audi R8 LMS, 24h Nürburgring 2017.jpg

  • Audi one-two-three result in Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup
  • Four podium positions for Audi RS 3 LMS in TCR Italy and TCR Benelux
  • Nürburgring winning Audi R8 LMS on display at Audi Forum Ingolstadt

At Zolder, Belgium and Misano, Italy, Audi customer teams won seven trophies in total last weekend.

Audi R8 LMS (GT3)

Three Audi cars in front: On the third race weekend of the Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup, Audi customer teams decided the top three positions among themselves. In the main race at Circuit Zolder, Markus Winkelhock and Will Stevens in the Audi R8 LMS of Belgian Audi Club Team WRT were the first to cross the finish line. For Winkelhock, this marked the next success in the R8 LMS just one week following his victory in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The former Formula 1 campaigner Stevens clinched his first ever victory in the Audi R8 LMS. Clemens Schmid and Filip Salaquarda (ISR), Stuart Leonard and Robin Frijns (WRT) perfected the success of the Audi brand in Belgium.

Eye-catcher in Ingolstadt: Audi Forum Ingolstadt visitors are able to catch a whiff of racing air these days. The Audi R8 LMS which Audi celebrated its fourth victory in the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring on May 28, including the trophy awarded for its win, is on display in the foyer. The GT3 race car is being showcased in its original condition, all signs of wear and dirt from 4,009 kilometers of racing having been fully preserved.

Audi RS 3 LMS (TCR)

Podium successes: Two drivers of an Audi RS 3 LMS – Plamen Kralev (Kraf Racing) and Massimiliano Mugelli (Pit Lane Competizioni) – made it into the top three at the second event of the 2017 TCR Italy at Misano. In race one, Kralev took second place and in race two, he trailed his brand colleague Mugelli in third place.

Vervisch on podium: Belgian Frédéric Vervisch in an Audi RS 3 LMS of ComToYou Racing achieved position three in the third of four TCR Benelux sprint races in front of a home crowd at Zolder.

Coming up next week

09–11/06 Australian GT Trophy Series, Round 2, Winton (AUS)

09–10/06 DMV GTC, rounds 7 and 8, Nürburgring (D)

10-11/06 Audi R8 LMS Cup, rounds 3 and 4, Suzuka (J)

10–11/06 TCR Portugal, rounds 3 and 4, Portimão (P)

10–11/06 TCR Spain-Ibérico, rounds 3 and 4, Portimão (P)

09–11/06 ADAC GT Masters, rounds 5 and 6, Red Bull Ring (A)

09–11/06 ADAC TCR Germany , rounds 3 and 4, Red Bull Ring (A)

09–11/06 TCR International Series, round 5, Salzburgring (A)

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Raptor’s All-New Terrain Management System Enabled by Cutting-Edge AWD/4WD Transfer Case

10 Saturday Jun 2017

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All-New 2017 F-150 Raptor.jpg

  • All-new 2017 F-150 Raptor features a cutting-edge transfer case that merges all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive capabilities for handling virtually any situation – including sport, weather, four-high desert and four-low locked off-road driving
  • Controlled automatically via all-new Terrain Management System™, or manually by the 4×4 switch, innovative transfer case offers an electronically controlled clutch-based, on-demand system that delivers outstanding performance – for confidence whether on-road or off
  • Specially designed transfer case employs an electronic shift-on-the-fly system featuring mechanical locks to tackle all types of terrain for serious off-road performance – including over 4,000 km of off-road competition testing

When the all-new F-150 Raptor first hit showrooms, few could foresee the extent of the innovations beyond its high-output engine and new skin. Along with all the power and agility gains comes the most advanced drive mode system in its class* – a cutting-edge Terrain Management System™. It is enabled by an all-new dual-mode transfer case that incorporates both all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems and electronic lockers to deliver the ultimate multi-terrain experience.

To give Raptor drivers more performance and capability both on-road and off, Ford Performance engineers developed this all-new transfer case to manage the distribution of power between front and rear wheels. Key to that is clutch-based, on-demand all-wheel drive capability for everyday driving, including all-weather mode, while also providing a mechanically locked, durable four-wheel drive system for confidence in severe off-road driving environments.

When combined with the non-sequential 10-speed transmission and high-output EcoBoost® engine, Raptor can deliver its 421 PS** and 678 Nm** of torque more efficiently for the ultimate driving experience – whether you’re on the road or way, way off.

“Raptor’s transfer case provides the best of both worlds, with the natural benefits from all-wheel drive, such as increased traction in rain and snow, as well as extreme off-road capability that comes with a mechanically locked system,” says Tony Greco, Ford F-150 Raptor programme manager.
Typically, four-wheel drive options for trucks come in two transfer case varieties – on-demand systems that employ a clutch to transfer torque to the front driveline, similar to how all-wheel drive setups work, or electronic shift-on-the-fly systems that use mechanical locks to couple the front and rear driveshafts.

Ford engineers sought to enhance the daily driving experience of Raptor while preserving its ultimate off-road performance. With the clutch-based feature of the transfer case, drivers can travel on-road using the 4×4 auto setting, which delivers the benefit of four-wheel drive without the repercussions of component damage or driveline binding – something that can occur when drivers try to use mechanically locked systems on high-traction surfaces like pavement.
Ford fine-tuned the calibration of 4×4 auto depending on road surface conditions, so the transfer case can vary the clutch torque to suit the environment. For example, when the driver selects weather mode via the Terrain Management System, it’s tuned for slippery surfaces, while sport mode is tuned to feature more of a rear bias that can provide a fun driving experience, including better acceleration and on-road performance.

When Raptor is operating off-road, its electronic shift-on-the-fly system is still available in the form of 4×4 high and 4×4 low – enabling drivers to navigate harsh terrain with confidence and added robustness. In mud/sand mode and Baja mode, the transfer case shifts into 4×4 high, making it optimal for tackling trails and loose or soft ground – as well as engaging in high-speed desert runs. In rock crawl mode, the transfer case employs 4×4 low, enabling intense off-road driving and rock climbing at low speeds, while using an additional gear reduction ratio to provide enhanced capability with improved powertrain response.

In all cases that involve severe environments or conditions, the transfer case delivers flexibility for elite performance. While the Terrain Management System is designed with default 4×4 settings, drivers can manually override the settings to further fine-tune the

system for a different experience.

The system was performance-tested in approximately 4,000 kilometres of competition testing in the 2016 Best in the Desert series, completing the 1,368-km SCORE Baja 1000 to conclude the season. In the end, Greg Foutz Motorsports team members drove the truck another almost 650 km back to their headquarters in Arizona.

*Class is full-size pickups under 3,855 kilogrammes. GVWR based on Ford segmentation

** Per Gulf Standardisation Organisation (GSO) ratings.

Say Yes to Adventure this Summer with a trip to Iceland

18 Tuesday Apr 2017

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AT hilux.jpg

A trip to the land of glaciers and hot springs is necessary for those seeking to beat the summer blues

Arctic Trucks, the region’s leader in 4WD conversions, is coming back this summer with a trip to Iceland. The trip is scheduled to take place on the 1st of July 2017, perfect for all adventurous souls.

Answering the calls of all off-road enthusiasts, Arctic Trucks has scheduled this trip for anyone craving an exciting trip to the outbacks of Iceland. The expedition will have professional trainers from Arctic Trucks, providing assistance through out the trip.

The summer trip will start from Reykjavík and include a visit to Reynisfjara black sands, which is the backdrop to the famous Hindi song- Gerua. The trip will involve some of the magnificent sights and landmark places of Iceland such as Skógafoss, the largest waterfall in Iceland. Travellers will also get a chance to experience walking behind the great Seljalandsfos waterfalls and get a sense of living next to a volcano by visiting the Volcano museum -Þorvaldseyri. They will also get a chance to see Eyjafjallajökull, a volcano caldera covered with ice cap.

Motorheads will get their dose of adrenaline from Minniborgir where Arctic Trucks ensures the best 4×4 experience by providing 38 inch super trucks with tips and tricks to tackle adverse conditions. With the perfect vehicle in hand, the team will head out to Golden Circle, where they get to see Geysir, the hot-spring that spouts water many meters up in the air! For those who love taking on a challenge, there is an option to go snowmobiling on Langjökull Glacier. The expedition will culminate to an amazing thrill of scaling the mountain gem Kerlingarfjöll, which is a mountain cluster, rising 500 – 700 meters above the surrounding central highlands plain. The adventure ensures not just adrenaline rush but also a sense of peace and tranquility brought on by the scenic landscapes.

Trip: The Arctic Trucks Experience

Where: Iceland

Date: 1st -5th July 2017

Price: 418.710 Isk per person

(approx 14,000AED per person)

To make a booking/enquires: info@arctictrucks.com

Ram Trucks Line Up to Spearhead Brand’s Growth

22 Wednesday Mar 2017

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ram range.jpg

Since inception, the Ram Truck Brand has steadily emerged as an industry leader with one goal: to build the best pickup trucks and commercial vehicles in the industry. Hence, by creating a distinct identity for Ram Trucks has allowed the brand to concentrate on core customers and features they find valuable.

In order to be the best, it takes a commitment to innovation, capability, efficiency and durability and Ram Truck invests substantially in its products, infusing them with great looks, refined interiors, durable engines and exclusive features that further enhance their capabilities.

We often find that truck customers, from half-ton to commercial, have a demanding range of needs and require their vehicles to provide high levels of capability. Ram trucks are designed to deliver the total package that meets customers in this segment.

Recently I ventured into the desert with a group of motoring journalists to test the latest RAM Trucks. Growing up on the coastal as well as the highland terrain of the Fiji Islands, I developed an affinity with trucks early in life, as it was the main mode of transport for many who ventured outside the city regularly. Getting into the Ram trucks brought back memories of adrenalin packed drives into challenging terrains that only trucks can handle.

The Middle East is one of the key markets selected to spearhead the Ram brand’s expansion outside North America, where it has achieved significant success since becoming a stand-alone brand in 2009, winning numerous prestigious awards along the way. The brand, which only makes trucks, has rapidly built a strong reputation as a truck specialist.

FCA Middle East has confirmed that the Ram brand portfolio available in the region has grown significantly in response to customer demand, with the majority of new models available in showrooms straight away.

The Ram 1200 metric ton pickup, which joins a much-expanded line-up of larger, highly capable Ram 1500 trucks, gives the brand access to the largest truck segment in the Middle East.

“Ram is a key pillar of our expansion plans and will grow from six percent to represent 15 percent of our business, and even more over in the coming years,” said Maurizio Zuares, CEO of FCA Middle East.

“We listened to customers in order to deliver the products that they are looking for, and the result is an expanded Ram 1500 line up with many more regular cab and crew cab options, plus the addition of a metric ton pickup, which completes the Ram line up and allows us to compete in a segment where we were previously absent.”

According to FCA Middle East’s estimates, 2016 saw trucks accounting for 13 percent of total vehicle sales in the region, making it the second most important segment.

“While there are many opportunities in the Middle East, there are pre-requisites to ensure success. That’s why we believe that having a clear strategy for the future is essential, and we’re confident that we have everything in place to become a serious player in these important segments,” added Zuares.

 FCA Middle East’s strategy is based on a combination of the right products that have been extensively tested in the region, plus a strong focus on maximising the potential of the Ram brand in the Middle East.

Layered on top of that is a no-compromise commitment to both retail and business customers, combining great products with competitive prices and ensuring easy accessibility through a wide regional network. FCA Middle East also supports its products with strong manufacturer warranties, and Mopar® offers further reassurance and peace of mind through extended warranties, quick service facilities, competitive service packages and a wide range of accessories.

Rapid availability of spare parts is clearly another key factor in the purchase decision, and FCA Middle East has that area covered with its dedicated regional parts distribution centre in Jebel Ali.

To better serve the Ram brand customers, FCA Middle East is launching a cross-regional programme to establish sales and service teams that will be trained to effectively support Ram’s expanding portfolio.

Ram launch_Dubai_Day 1_200217_003

The Ram 1500 line up grows from three models to nine, with the introduction of the new Express, Sport, Big Horn, Longhorn and Limited models, with the eagerly anticipated Ram Rebel arriving around the middle of the year.

“From the new 1500 Express, which will appeal to customers looking for an affordable truck without compromising on design, to the sheer luxury of the Longhorn and Limited, which are targeted at customers looking for no compromise on luxury, there’s now a Ram for everyone,” said Robert J. Hegbloom, Head of Ram Brand International, FCA US LLC.

The current ST, SLT and Laramie models will also continue as part of the new range, which also includes 4 x 2 and 4 x 4 variants. All are powered by the legendary 5.7-litre HEMI® V8 and the new Express model also has the distinction of being the most powerful regular cab truck available in the Middle East.

The Ram 1200, available in the market immediately, comes in both single and double cab and 4 x 2 (rear-wheel drive) and 4 x 4 configurations, with two trim levels and the choice of petrol and diesel engines – all versions have a maximum height of 1,775 mm, are up to 1,785 mm wide with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. Payload capacity is up to 1,165 kg, and it can tow up to 3 metric tons.

The two engine options are a 2.5-litre diesel with a power output of 94 kW (126 hp) to 100 kW (134 hp) or a 2.4-litre petrol engine that delivers 97 kW (130 hp). A manual gearbox is standard for both the diesel and petrol engines.

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