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1 year ago
After the Crown received the SUV treatment, Toyota is putting stilts on an even more prestigious model. Simply known as the Century, the new luxobarge is Japan’s Rolls-Royce Cullinan and might end up being even more exclusive since the sales projection is of only 30 units per month. It’s far more luxurious than any Toyota/Lexus SUV before it but it’s also the most expensive. It costs 25,000,000 JPY, which works out to approximately $170,000. The boxy SUV with split horizontal lights à la Genesis is imposingly large, measuring 197.8 inches (5205 millimeters) long, 78.3 in (1990 mm) wide, and 1805 mm (71 in) tall. It’s shorter but wider than the Century sedan and only seats four instead of five. It boasts a generous wheelbase of 116.1 in (2950 mm) and tips the scales at a hefty 5,665 pounds (2,570 kilograms). Getting in and out of those posh rear seats should be a breeze since there are grab handles on the C-pillars, electrically deployable side steps, and rear doors that open to a 75-degree angle. Alternatively, there are minivan-like electric sliding rear doors – as shown during the presentation on a rather interesting GR-badged variant. Just like the stately sedan, it […]
1 year ago
The EU’s pledge to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars and vans from 2035 poses an “imminent risk” to Europe’s car manufacturers, which are unlikely to win a looming EV price war with their Chinese competitors.The executive, however, said BMW was in a better position to compete with the Chinese manufacturers, most of which are targeting buyers of cheaper and smaller electric vehicles. Yet, “The base car market segment will either vanish or will not be done by European manufacturers,” Zipse. European Union member states in March approved an emissions regulation under which the bloc will end sales of new carbon dioxide-emitting cars and vans in 2035. The new rules target 55% CO2 emission reductions for new cars and 50% for new vans from 2030 to 2034 compared to 2021 levels, as well as 100% CO2 emission reductions for both new cars and vans from 2035. The landmark deal was made possible after Germany – the biggest economy, the biggest car market, and the biggest car manufacturer – sought and won an exemption for e-fuels. Germany wanted sales of new cars with internal combustion engines if they run on e-fuels to continue beyond 2035, and it got that exemption. The slump in exports […]
1 year ago
Heavy vehicles weighing over 65 tonnes will be prohibited from plying on UAE roads, it was announced Monday. Effective next year (2024), it is part of a federal law that regulates the weight of vehicles approved by the UAE Cabinet. The aim is to “preserve our advanced infrastructure” and enhance road safety, according to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. A smart electronic gate system will be installed to measure and monitor the weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles. Rewards system Sheikh Mohammed announced a new system for rewards and incentives for employees of the federal government. The financial and in-kind incentives are for three categories — outstanding annual performance, exceptional achievements (within the entity) and state-level achievements. Labour complaint system As per the law, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation will be responsible for issuing decisions regarding labour disputes in which the value of the contested claim does not exceed Dh50,000. Regulating water, electricity During the Cabinet meeting, a federal regulator for water and electricity was announced. “The bureau aims at regulating the electricity and water trade in the UAE and abroad … It will […]
1 year ago
A Dubai auction of premium number plates brought in more than $13.5m at an exclusive auction. The proceeds of the 113th Open Auction for Distinctive Vehicle Number Plates of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) amounted to AED49.789m ($13.6m). This represented an increase of 30 per cent compared to the first open auction that took place this year which raised AED38.21m. Dubai number plate auction The most expensive plates were: RTA offered 90 fancy plates at this auction comprising of two, three, four and five-digits bearing (AA-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z) codes. By offering distinctive licensing plates at open or online auctions, RTA seeks to provide a neutral and transparent platform that bidders can avail of. Such plates are appealing to passionate clients as they symbolise important events in their lives. The proceeds of the 113th Open Auction for Distinctive Vehicle Number Plates of Dubai’s .RTA, held at the InternContinental Dubai Festival City Hotel on Saturday, September 2, amounted to AED 49.789 million These auctions are also of great importance to RTA as they serve the needs of a wide range of customers. RTA tends to hold auctions according to market needs with the objective of maximising customers’ satisfaction and improving the level of service.
1 year ago
Dubai Taxis has announced new hourly rentals, tracking information and journey-sharing services to its app. The new services include driver-hiring by time to create a chauffeur-style service and accurate trip detail-sharing capabilities. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) subsidiary Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) announced the launch of four smart and innovative services to its digital application (DTC App). One of the premium services recently provided by DTC is the “Hourly Rental” service. This service is designed to suit the demands of residents, tourists, and entrepreneurs, as well as tourist facilities such as hotels, tour operators, airlines, and other public and private entities. Users can use the service to make many nonstop trips without designating a specific destination. Passengers can guide the driver to specific locations. The service caters to business executives by allowing them to book a single limousine for several meetings, with the option of making multiple stops as part of their business trips. The service is available 24/7, allowing users to complete all journeys with a single vehicle rather than switching between different vehicles, saving them time, effort, and cost. DTC also launched the “Lost and Found Service”, enabling passengers who lost any of their belongings during their trip to retrieve […]
1 year ago
Classic Ferraris are hot items at premier auction events, such as RM Sotheby’s Monterey Car Week last week. A crashed 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider Series I by Pinin Farina coachwork fetched $1.87 million. The sports car is one of 13 and will take much more than a buff job to return to road-worthy status. RM Sotheby’s description of the mangled Ferrari says this one is chassis number 0406 MD, the second one built and assembled in March 1954. Only “13 spiders and two berlinettas were completed by Pinin Farina over a run of first-series cars before Scaglietti assumed coachwork production. Cherished by enthusiasts today for its historical significance, gorgeous aesthetics, and spirited performance, the 500 Mondial is a highly desirable collectable that is eligible for major vintage events, justifying its position at the centre of notable collections worldwide,” the auction house said. It was revealed by the auction house 0406 MD had a racing history: “In April 1954 the Ferrari was piloted by former factory driver Franco Cortese and co-driver Perruchini at the Coppa della Toscana, finishing 19th overall and 2nd in class. It is interesting to note that Cortese is listed as the owner on the factory build sheets, and his name appears several times in the engineering notes, prompting […]
1 year ago
Under pressure of the western sanction regime, Mercedes-Benz has cut Russian dealers off from its software, severely impacting their ability to diagnose and service vehicles. BMW has implemented its own restrictions. “Dealers have been disconnected from the manufacturer’s online software systems,” distributor Mercedes-Benz Russia told Izvestia. “Due to the withdrawal of Mercedes-Benz AG from the Russian market, the joint-stock company Mercedes-Benz Russia does not have any additional opportunities to check and carry out other service measures set for Mercedes-Benz cars by the manufacturer.” “In some cases, the lack of access to online systems will increase repair times,” the company said, as mechanics will have to rely on their “accumulated experience and knowledge.” In addition to thwarting maintenance and repairs, the software cut-off will also leave Russian drivers unable to update programming on their vehicles. On his program, Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov lashed out at the Germany company. “Mercedes-Benz informed dealers that all cars would be withdrawn from the service,” he said, according to a translation circulating online. “What does it mean? They sold it and it’s now dangerous? Where’s the class action lawsuit against Mercedes asking it to buy back the cars it sold in Russia? Driving these cars is now potentially dangerous.” Escalating the rhetoric, he implored the Russian government to “protect […]
1 year ago
Tas’heelat Automotive Company announced the launch of the “EMKOO & EMZOOM”, an all-new pair of SUV models by GAC MOTOR at an exclusive event held on the 14th of August 2023 at the GAC MOTOR showroom. The unveiled EMKOO features GAC’s ‘diamond cut’ design philosophy, taking point for the brand’s global SUV lineup. The EMKOO carries a distinct appearance, characterized by the chiselled surfaces found in the front fascia, the lack of a conventional front grille, and overall aggressive and sporty detailing. The Emkoo’s design is heavily influenced by sci-fi elements, bleeding into the car’s sharp lines, angular edges, and stance, with the compact crossover sitting on 19-inch alloy wheels complementing the car’s size and design well. Under the hood, the Emkoo’s beating heart is a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This combination gives the Emkoo a combined output of 177 hp and 270 Nm of torque. This mill is capable of achieving an impressive fuel economy figure of 16.1 km/L. The EMZOOM takes the stylish looks and capabilities of GAC’s GS3 crossover and ramps it up to another level by blending aesthetics, expansive interior space, cutting-edge technology, and remarkable performance into one crossover. The EMZOOM […]
1 year ago
The New York Fire Department recently reported that so far this year there have been 108 lithium-ion battery fires in New York City, which have injured 66 people and killed 13. According to FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh, “There is not a small amount of fire, it (the vehicle) literally explodes.” The resulting fire is “very difficult to extinguish and so it is particularly dangerous.” Last year there were more than 200 fires from batteries from e-bikes, EVs, and other devices. A fire ignited at an e-bike shop and killed four people near midnight on the morning of June 20. Two individuals were left in critical condition. The fire commissioner has warned New Yorkers that such devices could be very dangerous and typically explode in such a way that renders escape impossible. FDNY also reports that in just three years, lithium-ion battery fires have surpassed those started by cooking and smoking as the most common causes of fatal fires in New York City. It’s happening all over the country as these blazes have become commonplace. Cars and e-bikes are randomly blowing up in driveways and garages. Now let’s be honest: 13 deaths in a city the size of New York with some 8 […]
1 year ago
Turns out that driverless robotaxis still may not be ready for primetime. A shining example of this revelation came from California this week where, one day after the state implemented a massive expansion of the robotaxis, it was faced with a 10-car driverless traffic jam in San Francisco. The 10 taxies “blocked two narrow streets in the centre of the city’s lively North Beach bar and restaurant district”, according to a report from Yahoo Finance, which said the robotaxis “might as well have been boulders” because nobody knew how to move them. The jam clogged up Vallejo Street and two corners on Grant, as human drivers were unable to manoeuvre around the automated vehicles, the report says. The robotaxis sat with their parking lights flashing for 15 minutes before “waking up” and eventually moving on. “Our houses in North Beach are made of sticks,” said Aaron Peskin, who represents North Beach on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. He tried to allay his fears that robotaxis could jam the streets close in the event of a major emergency or fire where people needed to evacuate an area. Cruise, who oversees the project, blamed cellphone carriers for the problem. Government affairs manager Lauren […]
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