14 minute read
TRACK STARS
GETTING A GRIP
T&FME takes to the Dubai Autodrome track to push Bridgestone’s Potenza and BMW’s M Series to the limit
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 marketleading 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 worldfamous 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
WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP
The Potenza tyres are designed to enhance driver experience, while also empowering the available BMW cars to achieve their full potential.
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.
TEASING THE 7-SERIES
A few weeks before its world premiere and on the occasion of this year’s BMW Group Annual Conference, Frank Weber, has revealed that the focus is initially on technology highlights, a new front-end design based on hallmark BMW design features and a unique interior experience consisting of digital features and exclusive materials. In April, the premium car manufacturer will present the all-electric BMW i7 (combined power consumption: 22.5 — 19.5 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions: 0 g/km; forecast based on the vehicle’s development status to date) and with it the entire new BMW 7 Series.
With the all-electric BMW i7, the Bavarian premium automobile manufacturer is expanding its range of locally emission-free vehicles to the exclusive segment of its top-ofthe-range models. “The new BMW 7 Series is absolutely trail-blazing in every respect. Like no other model, the BMW 7 Series stands for BMW’s innovative strength,” says Weber. “The all- electric BMW i7 is also the most powerful BMW 7 Series. It combines the best driving experience with the ultimate digital experience. This makes it the ideal vehicle for forward- thinking, responsible decision-makers and avant-garde pioneers.”
In the BMW i7, the characteristic design elements of twin round headlights and BMW grille have been completely reinterpreted to achieve a modern and distinctive look. Some of the special design statements ore upper light elements made of exclusive crystal gloss and the illuminated contour of the kidney grille. In the interior, the focus is on the innovative user experience created with new My Modes and the latest generation of the iDrive operating system. My Modes enable the driver to precisely customise the car’s driving characteristics and interior ambience.
PETROMIN TARGETS CV MOBILITY IN KSA / BRIDGESTONE CELEBRATES T&F AWARD / SHELL SECURES ABU DHABI DISTI DEAL / PRAMAC’S BATTERY SECOND LIFE
WORKSHOP
Petromin CV Care Centers open in KSA
PETROMIN LAUNCHES ‘STATE-OF-ART’ COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CARE CENTERS TO SUPPORT SAUDI ARABIAN T&L INDUSTRY
SERVICING
Petromin says it is continuing its expansion into the multi-modal mobility space by announcing the launch of its newest division, Petromin Commercial Vehicle Care Centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
PCVC will provide a multitude of services for commercial vehicles, from preventive maintenance, brakes, tires, suspension, batteries, diagnostics, and electric to major repairs and overhauls. The new centers have been introduced to support the rapidly expanding and flourishing transportation industry in the Kingdom which has been designated as strategic within the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative.
Petromin already has an extensive roster of clientele including some of the most prominent logistics, delivery, long-haul carriers, and public transit companies in Saudi Arabia. Unlike franchised distributors, PCVC is not limited to any specific brand and will service all commercial vehicle brands and models.
Last year, 926 billion tons of cargo were transported across the country by on-road vehicles, and that is expected to exceed 1 trillion tons by 2026. PCVC will assist transportation and logistics companies to meet the demand by maintaining their vehicles in top condition, minimizing downtime, and improving operational efficiencies through exceptional service carried out by professional, highly trained technicians utilising latest state-of-the-art equipment.
Gary Flom, CEO of Petromin’s National Transportation Solutions Company, the parent of PCVC, said the launch will disrupt the industry “by elevating the service to unprecedented heights. We aim to have 80% of all repairs completed within 24 hours. That is a lofty target, but utilising only the top-notch, latest equipment, highly optimised inventory of spare parts, and specially trained professional technicians, we will make a huge impact across the entire mobility space in the Kingdom, now and in the future.”
“Mobility is at the crossroads of an exciting, revolutionary phase. There is a new, modern approach and higher focus on the total cost of ownership, adaptation of advanced fleet management technology as well as emergence of sustainably-minded alternatives.”
SERVING THE FUTURE
The facility will also service emergent commercial transport platforms such as the Electric Vehicles (BEV) and hydrogenpowered Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV).
PRAMAC BREATHES SECOND LIFE INTO I-PACE BATTERIES
BATTERIES
Jaguar’s engineering team have worked with Pramac to develop a zero-emission energy storage unit powered by secondlife Jaguar I-PACE batteries, taken from prototype and engineering test vehicles.
Called the Off Grid Battery Energy Storage System (ESS), Pramac’s technology – which features lithium-ion cells from one-and-a-half second-life Jaguar I-PACE batteries, supplies zeroemission power where access to the mains supply is limited or unavailable. To showcase its capability, the unit helped Jaguar TCS Racing prepare for the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship during testing in the UK and Spain, where it was used to run the team’s cutting-edge diagnostic equipment analysing the race cars’ track performance, and to supply auxiliary power to the Jaguar pit garage.
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SHELL SECURES ABU DHABI DISTRIBUTION DEAL
LUBRICANTS
Shell Markets Middle East Limited (Shell) has secured an agreement with United Motors & Heavy Equipment (UMHE), a subsidiary of Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons Group - one of the leading civil engineering and building construction contractors in the UAE, to bring its industrial lubricants’ products to Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. As part of the agreement Shell will supply lubricants products and solutions, catering to a diverse portfolio of industries ranging from industrial to manufacturing, oil & gas, construction, and power.
“We are proud to partner with United Motors & Heavy Equipment as we look to expand our value proposition in the UAE’s capital and serve our customers efficiently and effectively,” said Haytham Yehia, general manager, Shell Middle East. “This partnership will allow us to meet the increasing demand for high quality lubricants and enhance product accessibility for our growing customer-base. We are confident that our partnership will further strengthen the availability of our premium quality products, and enable our customers to enhance efficiencies of their operations.”
Abdulla Darwish Alketbi, Group Managing Director, Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons Group added: “Through this partnership, we will now have access to distribute a high-quality product portfolio from Shell’s lubricants, which we are confident, will further enhance our distribution efforts in this market.”
Utilising Shell’s global expertise and UMHE’s strong local conglomerate footprint, the partnership is aiming to play an integral role in bringing worldclass products to the UAE’s capital.
BRIDGESTONE DELIGHT AT T&FME AWARDS
TYRES
Bridgestone’s regional managing director says his company is delighted to have won the Tyre Technology Provider of the Year Awards at the Truck and Fleet Awards 2022. The company was presented the award last week at the inaugural event after it secured the most votes in the category.
Bridgestone secured the award in recognition of the organization’s contribution towards innovation and excellence, as demonstrated by their wide range of technologically advanced products and services.
These innovative technologies have been aimed at fulfilling the pressing demands on the tyre industry to deliver products that aid safe and fuel-efficient travel, said the company in a statement.
It added: “The award further highlights Bridgestone’s calibre in producing innovations and stateof-the-art technology that help make cities smarter and safer.”
“Bridgestone is delighted to have earned this award in recognition of our innovative capabilities,” commented Stefano Sanchini, regional managing director, Bridgestone MEA.
“Technology constitutes the foundation of our vision for the future as we continue to transform into a mobility solutions provider. We are striving to embed the most advanced solutions that will promote safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This award is especially dedicated to the valuable employees at Bridgestone, who put in a tremendous amount of hard work to embody our mission statement: ‘Serving society with superior quality.’”
Bridgestone added it has always been a “champion for encouraging innovations” in the tyre industry.
UNDERLINING COMMITMENT
Bridgestone said: “It always sets a high benchmark as a leader in tyre innovation. By securing this award, the company has further underlined its commitment to create more innovative and sustainable technologies.”
EFFICIENCY: ITALIAN-STYLE
The EDGE Line is produced in a new dedicated crane assembly line in Poviglio, Italy, and is developed, said Hyva, according to best-in-class manufacturing principles in terms of quality and efficiency.
HYVA LAUNCHES NEW 40TM CRANE
PTO
Hyva has added the 40tm family to its highly successful EDGE Line cranes. These cranes offer a first-class lifting experience, cutting-edge innovation, and the best available warranty in the industry – 3 years general warranty and 5 years on structural parts, claimed the manufacturer in a statement. The 40tm family comprises 5 models: 3 Rack & Pinion and 2 Endless Slewing models. The HC 401 is rated at 40tm and features a rack and pinon and double linkage set-up which helps the truckmounted system offer a 430o slewing angle. Also available is the Short Boom HC01 K, the HC441 44tm Proportional model which features a Proportional Lift Control System (P-LCS), the endless slewing and 40tm HC 405e and its proportional slewing counterpart the HC 445e.
Hyva said the cranes have from 2 to 8 extensions, 8.02 to 20.90m maximum outreach, and a 10m Jib (not available for K-boom and Marine versions). Other features to increase operator efficiency and safety include: Magic Touch (MT) which allows the driver to open the crane from transport position and back, at the touch of a button; Dynamic Load Diagram (DLD) optimises stabilisation and allows the driver to verify in advance the crane lifting capacity based on truck stability; and the DLD Simulator which shows the operator the possible working area for different scenarios of load and stabiliser extension before use.
Available as option in dedicated markets is the new feature Connectivity 4.0, an innovative accessory designed to increase customer efficiency through the Cloud where all relevant data are stored to support crane operation and maintenance.
