Motors - Gulf Insider

3 years ago

McLaren CEO Says Supercars Not Ready For EV Technology

Several years ago, Mercedes-AMG chief Philipp Schiemer assured Road & Track that the V-8 engine would be in production through 2030. Fast forward to today, and McLaren’s CEO Michael Leiters expresses scepticism, stating that electric vehicle technology isn’t yet primed for supercars. Leiters, speaking with Bloomberg Television on Thursday, said, “I don’t expect this technology [EV] to be ready for real supercars before the end of the decade.” He stressed, “Weight is super important, you need also the right range.” From McLaren’s new showroom in Dubai, Leiters highlighted that heavy cars aren’t nimble around turns and go against “the core of our brand.” In other words, even the most advanced battery systems for EVs aren’t ready for real supercars – maybe not until 2030. “We don’t want to do an electric car which weighs two tons and then has 2,000 horsepower,” Leiters continued. He said the weight would need to come down to the 3,300-pound range – or equivalent to models in production today. Despite Leiters’ concerns, some supercar makers are shifting towards zero-emission vehicles (see: Aston’s deal with Lucid). However, Mercedes-AMG head Philipp Schiemer has been very clear the V-8 engine will be around through 2030: “I think there will be a future, yes,” […]

3 years ago

First Look: Made-In-UAE Electric Bike to Hit the Road

In a momentous revelation at the 7th Economic Sustainability Forum in Sharjah, the spotlight was firmly on the UAE’s sustainable innovation as the first-ever “Smart Electric Traffic Bike” made entirely in the Emirates was unveiled. This groundbreaking achievement emerged from a dynamic partnership between the Sharjah Research Park for Technology and Innovation and “Sulmi.” Brigadier Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, seized the moment to unveil this trailblazing prototype during the forum. The event itself was a testament to the harmonious synergy between the police force and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in their collective commitment to bolstering the business sector. Under the theme of “A Safe Sharjah with a Sustainable Economy,” this forum resonated with excitement and anticipation for the UAE’s role in sustainability solutions. It comes as the nation prepares to host the global COP28 gathering next month, positioning itself as a beacon of innovation and eco-consciousness on the world stage. Top speed, charging, range This groundbreaking electric motorbike boasts a top speed of 155 km/h and a range of 300km on a single charge (enough to cover Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and back, on a single charge), thanks to its […]

3 years ago

McLaren Opens World’s Largest Standalone Showroom in Dubai

McLaren has unveiled the world’s largest standalone showroom in Dubai. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, this facility shares the McLaren Dubai complex with the world’s largest dedicated Service Centre, which opened its doors in 2022. The grand opening gala saw the presence of Michael Leiters, CEO of McLaren Automotive, who was joined by over 200 esteemed customers and VIPs. The event also featured the regional debut of the stunning new McLaren 750S. A spectacular lightshow took place at downtown Dubai during the event. Moreover, the evening showcased a collection of iconic road cars, including the McLaren P1, McLaren Senna, Speedtail, and 765LT. “I offer my warmest congratulations to the team at McLaren Dubai on the launch of this spectacular new showroom. Dubai is McLaren’s biggest market in the UAE, and this landmark opening is a key milestone in McLaren’s growth globally, as well as further strengthening our presence in the region,” Leiters said. Dubai sets stage for McLaren supercars Juma Khalifa Al Nabooda, Board Member of the Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda Group of Companies, also expressed pride in launching the world’s largest McLaren showroom in Dubai. “We are extremely proud to be launching the largest McLaren showroom in the world here […]

3 years ago

Singapore: It Now Costs $106,000 to Be Allowed to Buy a Car in the World’s Most Expensive City for Drivers

To own a car in Singapore, a buyer must bid for a certificate that now costs $106,000, equivalent to four Toyota Camry Hybrids in the U.S., as a post-pandemic recovery has driven up the cost of the city-state’s vehicle quota system to all-time highs. Singapore has a 10-year “certificate of entitlement” (COE) system, introduced in 1990, to control the number of vehicles in the small country, which is home to 5.9 million people and can be driven across in less than an hour. The quota, offered through a bidding process, has made it the most expensive city in the world to buy a car, with the COE for a large car more than quadrupling from 2020 prices on Wednesday to a record $106,376.68. Including COE, registration fees and taxes, a new standard Toyota Camry Hybrid currently costs $183,000 in Singapore, compared with $28,855 in the U.S. The cost of buying that Camry in Singapore is about double the price of a small, government-subsidised flat in the country. In 2020, when fewer people in Singapore were driving, the price of COEs dropped; a post-Covid increase in economic activity has led to more car purchases while the total number of vehicles on the road is capped at […]

3 years ago

Redefining SUV Performance and Luxury; New Porsche Cayenne Unveiled in Bahrain

Porsche Centre Bahrain, has announced the launch of the all-new Porsche Cayenne. The SUV sets the standard in performance, luxury, and innovation, redefining the driving experience for distinguished customers in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Unleashing Performance: The new Porsche Cayenne delivers exhilarating performance, combining power and agility to create an unrivalled driving experience. The SUV comes with high-performance gasoline engines and offers electrified hybrid options and futuristic electric models. Luxury Redefined: Its exterior design features sleek lines, sculpted contours, and iconic Porsche styling cues. Inside the cabin, premium materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology seamlessly blend to create an elevated driving environment. Innovative Technology: The all-new Cayenne is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that enhances connectivity, convenience, and driving pleasure. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system seamlessly integrates with the driver, providing intuitive access to an array of features and functions. From advanced driver-assistance systems to innovative infotainment options, the Cayenne ensures a connected and immersive driving experience. Uncompromising Safety: Porsche Centre Bahrain prioritizes safety, and the new Cayenne reflects this commitment. From adaptive cruise control to lane-keeping assistance, the Cayenne offers a comprehensive suite of safety technologies that prioritize the protection of occupants. “We are thrilled to introduce the all-new […]

3 years ago

Saudi Arabia a world leader in electric vehicle market: minister

Saudi Arabia aims to become a global player in manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) and related products, including electric batteries, said Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al Khorayef. The minister made the remarks during the inauguration of Lucid Motor’s first EV manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia, located in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Rabigh governorate. The inauguration of Lucid Motor’s plant confirms the sound implementation of the National Industrial Strategy (NIS) and its seriousness in establishing a flexible, competitive, and sustainable industrial economy led by the private sector, Al Khorayef said. Electric vehicles in Saudi Arabia The EV industry is one of 12 strategic industrial sectors covered by the NIS to boost the growth of industry across the Kingdom, the minister said. The mission today is not just about building another vehicle manufacturing facility, but rather betting on the future through technology and innovation and striving for the Kingdom to become a global player in the industry of EV and related products, Al Khorayef stated. The inauguration of Lucid Motor’s EV manufacturing plant confirms the Kingdom’s commitment to the investment in clean energy and the green economy, the minister said. He added that the Kingdom will witness a vibrant […]

3 years ago

Mitsubishi Is Pulling Out Of China’s Auto Market

We have been writing over the last few months about increased competition in China’s EV market and (most recently) about intense EU scrutiny over Chinese subsidies, which the EU claims is mucking up its electric vehicle market by driving prices lower. Now, one Japanese automaker is backing out of China altogether. Mitsubishi “has started final withdrawal talks with China’s Guangzhou Automobile Group”, its joint venture partner in China, according to Nikkei. The company has been suffering from “sluggish sales”, the report says, noting that other Japanese automakers are also reassessing their viability in the Asian country. GAC Mitsubishi Motors has shuttered its manufacturing operations in Hunan province indefinitely, marking the end of Mitsubishi’s sole factory in China. GAC, which holds a 50% share in the joint venture, plans to repurpose the Hunan facility for electric vehicle (EV) production while aiming to retain some level of its workforce, the report says. Mitsubishi Motors and Mitsubishi Corp., owning 30% and 20% stakes respectively, will pull their investments, although GAC Mitsubishi will continue to exist as a business entity. Nikkei notes that in 2022, Mitsubishi’s car sales in China plummeted by 60% to 38,550 vehicles. An attempt to revive sales with the launch of the hybrid […]

3 years ago

Saudi: Lucid Introduces Exclusive ‘Kingdom Dream’ Edition, Only 93 Cars by Year-End

Lucid Motors, the renowned American electric vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled a unique edition limited to just 93 cars to honour Saudi Arabia’s National Day. This exclusive production run, dubbed the “Kingdom Dream,” holds great significance for both Lucid Motors and the nation itself. “The 93rd Saudi National Day, observed on Sept. 23, was a historic moment for us,” said Faisal Sultan, vice president and managing director for the Middle East at Lucid Group. “On the 27th, we inaugurated our first international manufacturing plant and the Kingdom’s inaugural car production facility. The ‘Saudi Dream’ edition is a tribute to this monumental occasion.” Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Sultan provided further insight into this exceptional edition, explaining: “Only 93 ‘Kingdom Dream’ editions will be available. “These vehicles will feature the ‘Dream’ edition designation, enhanced by the inclusion of ‘Kingdom’ in their name and distinctive green accents on badges and throughout the car.” Customers can choose from the standard colour palette of gold, black, white, and red. Sultan emphasized: “We are currently accepting orders, and we anticipate these special editions to be available by the end of this year, if not sooner. We are working diligently to expedite the production process.” The introduction of […]

3 years ago

“Nothing Is Working”: Volkswagen’s Factories in Germany Paralyzed After Massive “IT Malfunction”

What’s being described as an “IT malfunction” has paralysed Volkswagen Group’s central infrastructure, forcing the automaker to suspend production at several plants on Wednesday. German business newspaper Handelsblatt spoke with a Volkswagen spokesman who said an “IT disruption of network components at the Wolfsburg location” was detected around 12:30 pm local time. The network disruption has led to production lines at the main auto plant in Wolfsburg, as well as in Emden, Osnabrück, and Zwickau, to halt operations. “Nothing is currently working in the offices at the Wolfsburg headquarters either. The extent of the disruption is not yet entirely clear,” Handelsblatt said. The newspaper noted, “An attack from outside is considered unlikely.” However, nothing is confirmed amid a spate of recent cyberattacks across the Western world (remember Vegas a few weeks ago). How long until Russia is blamed?

3 years ago

London Has The World’s Slowest Traffic

London was the slowest city center to drive through last year, according to TomTom Traffic Index 2022. As Statista’s Anna Fleck reports, on average, Londoners could expect to take 36 minutes and 20 seconds to travel just 10 kilometers, and to sit in traffic for an estimated 325 hours per year. Two Indian cities also feature in the top eight roundup: Bengaluru with an average travel time of 29 minutes and 10 seconds per 10 km and Pune with an average of 27 minutes and 20 seconds. In ninth and tenth position were Lima, Peru with 27 minutes and 10 seconds as well as Manila, the Philippines with 27 minutes per 10km. TomTom reports that the rise in workers heading back to the office in 2022 was met with an increase in travel times across nearly two thirds of the analyzed cities. With the year’s energy price hikes, the company also looked at how much drivers were paying throughout the year, finding that with congestion, fuel consumption increased too. Hong Kong was particularly hard hit, becoming the costliest city to drive in, with more than US$1000 ($1,023) calculated to be spent by a driver commuting every day at rush hour. This year’s traffic index is based on trip […]

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McLaren CEO Says Supercars Not Ready For EV Technology

First Look: Made-In-UAE Electric Bike to Hit the Road

McLaren Opens World’s Largest Standalone Showroom in Dubai

Singapore: It Now Costs $106,000 to Be Allowed to Buy a Car in the World’s Most Expensive City for Drivers

Redefining SUV Performance and Luxury; New Porsche Cayenne Unveiled in Bahrain

Saudi Arabia a world leader in electric vehicle market: minister

Mitsubishi Is Pulling Out Of China’s Auto Market

Saudi: Lucid Introduces Exclusive ‘Kingdom Dream’ Edition, Only 93 Cars by Year-End

“Nothing Is Working”: Volkswagen’s Factories in Germany Paralyzed After Massive “IT Malfunction”

London Has The World’s Slowest Traffic

Recent Posts

“Closely Monitoring The Situation”: Germany Fears Next Migration Wave After Spanish PM Welcomes Hundreds Of thousands Of Illegals

LMRA Conducts 1,222 Inspection Campaigns, Visits

Customs Affairs Updates Duties On Personal Shipments And Postal Parcels Under GCC Unified Customs Law

Bahrain Team Continues Strong Performance At 4th GCC Games In Doha, Maintains 55 Medals

New Salary Rule In UAE: Unified Wage Deadline Set For Private Sector Employers

Saudi Arabia Braces For Extreme Heat And Dusty Winds During Hajj

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