NEWS FROM THE MONTH

VOLTA POWERS UP NEW EV RANGE/ RAFED DC PLAYS CRITICAL COVID-19 ROLE AGILITY HAILS IMPACT OF GIS MERGER / AL DHAFRA SELECTED FOR NEW DRIVING SCHOOL

NETWORK

Volta planning to add three new variants to EV range

VOLTA TRUCKS HAS REVEALED THAT IT PLANS TO EXPAND ITS PRODUCT PORTFOLIO WITH THREE ADDITIONAL VARIANTS WITHIN THE MEDIUM- TO LOWER END OF THE HEAVY-DUTY CLASS

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

With the 16t Volta Zero model expected to begin its fleet pilot by the end of the year ahead of full series production in 2022, the start-up says it is adding 7.5-tonne, 12-tonne and 19-tonne weight categories.

“The Company will offer a comprehensive range of fullelectric commercial vehicles that have been reimagined and redesigned thanks to their innovative, compact electric powertrains by logistics people for the logistics industry,” it said in a statement.

The 16-tonne Volta Zero is currently in the engineering development phase, with early prototype testing due to start shortly.

Production of the 16-tonne vehicle will be closely followed by the largest 19-tonne and mid-size 12-tonne variants in 2023. A Pilot Fleet of the smaller 7.5-tonne vehicles is expected to be launched for customer trials in the same year, with production commencing in late 2024. These later vehicles are currently in the early design development phase.

With the company’s clear focus on best-in-class vehicle safety with features for the driver and the surrounding ecosystem, all trucks will adopt the innovative low-seat central driving position with a glasshouse-style cab This offers 220-degrees of visibility to maximise visual communication between the driver and vulnerable road users around the vehicle. Also, like the 16-tonne vehicle, all variants will be designed with optimised payloads, thus offering fleet managers the opportunity of using a reduced number of larger Volta Zero vehicles, and removing several smaller vans from their operations, thereby also having a positive effect on inner-city traffic congestion,” said Volta.

BEE’AH WILL INVEST $180MN AS IT BUILDS THE REGION’S FIRST-EVER WASTE-TO-HYDROGEN FACILITY WITH UK PARTNER CHINOOK SERVICES

MILLIONS VAXED VIA ABU DHABI’S RAFED DC

LOGISTICS

Rafed, Abu Dhabi’s group purchasing organization (GPO) for healthcare supplies and equipment, has celebrated a new operational milestone after successfully overseeing the storage and supply of millions of COVID-19 vaccines doses via its dedicated Rafed Distribution Center in the UAE capital.

The dedicated pharmaceutical facility, which measures 19,000 square meters and incorporates eight stateof-the-art cold chambers with the capacity to store up to 120 million vaccine vials, caters to all temperature bands ranging from 2-8ºC for PPE and medical equipment, to -80ºC deep freezer capabilities for vaccine storage.

Rashed Saif Al Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer of Rafed, said: “What the Rafed team has been able to achieve over the past seven months is incredible and our facilities continue to play a critical role in enabling the UAE’s immunization initiatives. We are still a relatively young company and the ability to process over three million vaccine doses each month is proof that Rafed is providing a key link in the nation’s logistics chain and enabling centralized procurement services across the Emirates.”

In addition to essential cold storage facilities for COVID-19 vaccines, the Rafed Distribution Center also houses cutting-edge radio frequency scanning for dispatch and inventory control systems, as well as advanced building monitoring.

“This is a critical milestone for Rafed and the entire healthcare supply chain,” added Al Qubaisi. “While our priority has been the rapid supply of COVID-19 vaccines, our aim is to build on the facility’s success in coming months and expand our ability to reduce operational costs.”

AGILITY: GIS MERGER ONE OF THE LARGEST PRIVATE M&A DEALS MADE IN THE GCC

TRUCKS

The sale of Agility’s Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) business to DSV Panalpina A/S (“DSV”) is one of the largest ever private M&A deals made in the GCC.

In a statement, the two firms agreed that the combination is expected to create a topthree global freight forwarder based on revenues.

Under the terms of the deal, Agility will become the second largest shareholder in DSV with an approximate 8% stake in the combined company.

The combination of DSV and GIL is intended to “fortify DSV’s position as a leading global transport and logistics compan”y with a combined pro forma revenue of approximately USD 22 billion and a combined workforce of more than 70,000 employees.

“This deal creates significant shareholder value and marks a new milestone in Agility’s journey. Agility remains committed to the supply chain industry, and will become the second largest shareholder in one of the fastest-growing and most profitable logistics companies in the world,” said Tarek Sultan, Agility’s Vice-Chairman. “I want to thank GIL’s leadership and employees for profitably growing the company and steering it through one of the most challenging periods the industry has ever seen during the global pandemic. Agility is proud of what GIL has achieved.”

He added: “Agility will be exploring opportunities between DSV and its other businesses, with promising areas of future cooperation potentially including Agility’s Logistics Parks business, Shipa group of companies, and technology ventures. Agility will remain an emerging markets leader, investor in emerging technologies, and champion of sustainable business.”

“Agility’s Global Integrated Logistics business and DSV are an excellent match, and we are proud that we can announce our agreement to unite,” said Jens Bjørn Andersen, Group CEO of DSV. The combination of our two global networks will provide us with the opportunity to offer our customers an even higher service level. GIL’s global network, industry competencies and strong market position in APAC and the Middle East complement DSV’s network well and will support our long-term value creation ambitions. Our two groups of companies already share a culture of entrepreneurship and local ownership, and we look forward to welcoming GIL’s talented staff to DSV.”

Sultan concluded: “This deal is one of the largest private M&A deals made in the GCC to date. We expect that this transaction will have a positive impact on shareholder’s equity and the company’s market value.

“It will give Agility the resources and flexibility to explore new opportunities and reposition the company for the next phase of growth.”

EMIRATES DRIVING CO BUILDING $6MN SCHOOL

DHL BOOSTING LOGISTICS OPS WITH TOYOTA

TRAINING

Emirates Driving Company PJSC has revealed it is investing $6 million in developing a state-ofthe-art branch office and associated facilities “to help future motorists seeking driving classes in Madinat Zayed City, Al Dhafra region.”

Emirates Driving Co is the only licensed motor driving training institute to provide professional motor driving training to customers and prepare them for driving tests in Abu Dhabi. It has successfully trained 55,853 drivers in the COVID-19 pandemic-hit 2020, a figure which is narrowly up from 55,832 in 2019. Its new branch will accommodate a large number of customers on an area of 115,223 square metres. The project is set to be executed over a period of 16 months, and estimated to be completed by the end of 2022. The company said the move is in line with its own vision to improve the services provided to its customers in the Al Dhafra region and the surrounding areas, and to improve the customer’s journey to obtain a driver’s license.

“This step has been initiated following the company’s strategy which is aiming to expand locally and internationally by delivering an integrated group of services which involves training services and safe driving awareness to cover large sector of customers,” it added.

LOGISTICS

Al-Futtaim Toyota Material Handling and DHL have signed a long-term contract under which the exclusive distributor of for Toyota Material Handling equipment in the UAE will supply and maintain 32 Toyota electric forklifts for the global logistics major.

Al-Futtaim Toyota Material Handling said the machines range from 2-3t and come equipped with Toyota’s patented System of Active Stability (SAS) technology. It has already supplied 26 light-duty electric forklifts to DHL, a first-time customer, and the remaining units will be delivered before the end of this year. The forklifts are deployed across DHL’s warehouses in the UAE. The SAS technology they are equipped with works by continually monitoring the forklift’s operations and automatically taking protective action when needed.

The system takes over 3,000 readings per second to detect unsafe operating conditions and if a safety hazard is detected, the SAS activates one of its two main features – Active Control Rear Stabiliser System and Active Mast Function Control System, improving lateral and longitudinal stability of the forklift.

Ramez Hamdan, managing director – Industrial Equipment (FAMCO, HINO, Toyota Material Handling), Al-Futtaim Automotive, said: “We are extremely delighted that DHL has chosen the Toyota electric forklifts for their material handling needs.

“This deal further reaffirms our leading position in the material handling industry in the UAE. These electric forklifts provide substantial fuel savings and reduced carbon footprint, also contributing to the UAE’s Vision 2021 to create and maintain a sustainable environment.

“Toyota forklifts are known for their solid build quality, reliability and durability that is second to none.”

BEE’AH AND PEPSICO BEGIN WASTE COLLECTION

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Bee’ah and PepsiCo have pledged to to collect and recycle the equivalent of 100% Aquafina plastic packaging produced in the UAE in 2021.

The pledge is in line with the UAE’s goal to divert 75% of total waste from the landfill and is part of PepsiCo’s ongoing goals to reduce, recycle and reinvent for a more sustainable food system. PepsiCo’s local bottling partner, Dubai Refreshment Company will support this ambitious goal, said the firms in a statement.

As part of the partnership, Bee’ah will oversee the collection, transportation and recycling at their Material Recovery Facility (MRF) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics. Bee’ah’s MRF is one of the largest and top producers of plastic recyclables in the Middle East with an annual capacity of over 600,000 tonnes.

The mass collection project will utilise Bee’ah’s far-reaching network of recyclables collection systems in strategic locations, communities, malls and more across Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, to improve waste segregation and collection. Additionally, to ensure traceability, Bee’ah will leverage digital data capturing, weighing system, and GPS monitoring to track and report the progress of PepsiCo’s recyclables. “As the Middle East’s sustainability pioneer, Bee’ah is leading the charge for a circular economy and zero-waste targets in the UAE and wider region,” said HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of Bee’ah.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2021 TRUCK BOOK PRO, INDUSTRY GIANTS TALK CELLCENTRIC, AND MUCH MORE!

AFTE TAKES JEEP TO UAE AUTO FEST

DISTRIBUTORS

Al-Futtaim’s Trading Enterprises presented Jeep’s “world of adventure and customisation” at Auto Fest 2021 – UAE’s unique shopping mall automotive exhibition. Four exclusive Jeep SUVs powered the brand’s stand at Dubai Festival City Mall (DFCM) including a special Gladiator Rubicon Launch Edition, a Jeep’s first-ever desert-rated vehicle - the Gladiator Sand Runner – in addition to the 80th Anniversary editions of the iconic Wrangler in twodoor and four-door variants.

A collaborative effort between Al-Futtaim’s Trading Enterprises and Stellantis, the global parent company of the Jeep brand, the focus of this year’s Jeep Auto Fest activation was the 2021 modified Jeep Gladiator that holds several exciting customisations from Mopar - a Stellantis-owned, leading parts and service division that specialises in authentic Jeep customisations.

For drivers who are looking for individuality, the Gladiator, the only trail-rated pick-up to ever exist was represented by the Gladiator Rubicon Launch Edition – a special model modified by Mopar for the Auto Fest pop up. From the outside, the exclusive Gladiator Rubicon Launch Edition is equipped with FOX hydraulic jounce bumper, FOX 2.5” internal bypass shocks with remote reservoir both front and rear, in addition to unique attributes such as heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, removable roof and doors, and functional truck beds.

The first “Desert Rated” Jeep ever, Gladiator Sand Runner was also on show. The vehicle is powered by the 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine, and provides 285hp and features high-flow intake and exhaust ports, Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and Electronic Throttle Control.

GM MIDDLE EAST HAS BEST QUARTER SINCE 2018

OEMS

General Motors (GM) Middle East says it has successfully delivered its highest first quarter sales results since 2018, with total growth of 15% year-onyear (YoY). The firm reported that it had achieved a strong first quarter performance, “further delivering on its’ ambidextrous regional business and growth strategy.”

It says the 15% sales growth for its core petrol-powered vehicle portfolio was driven by the automaker’s 2021 Trucks and SUVs, including the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Captiva.

“Since the beginning of the year, we’ve made remarkable headway delivering on our ambidextrous business and growth strategy for the region: continuing to our drive towards GM’s global vision of Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion, while growing our Truck and SUVs franchises,” said Luay Al Shurafa, President and Managing Director, General Motors Africa and Middle East.

“We are off to a very strong start for 2021, with the highest first quarter sales for GM since 2018. The 15 percent growth for our core vehicle business is testament to the great teamwork and the support of our dealers, who have gone above and beyond to exceed our customers’ needs and expectations as demand for GM products continues to rise.”

“With a winning position spearheaded by our all-new 2021 line-up, we have an incredibly exciting future as we revolutionise mobility. With the recently confirmed Chevrolet Bolt EUV and GMC Hummer EV SUV, alongside the pending launch of OnStar technology and the autonomous mobility project happening right here on our doorstep thanks to Cruise and RTA.”

ZOE STOPS FOR EV LAB COFFEE SOCIAL

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Arabian Automobiles brought the Renault Zoe during its participation in the inaugural EV Cars & Coffee community meet by EV Lab, a firstof-its-kind omnichannel, multi-brand electric vehicle platform.

The event brought together EV owners and enthusiasts from across the country to discuss and debate the future of electric vehicles. The Renault Zoe, a modern, 5-seater electric model with advanced technology, was on display.

“It is an innovative solution to greener transport, contributing to the city’s overall mobility agenda,” said the firm. “Arabian Automobiles is proud to be associated with events that prioritise sustainable initiatives. The UAE currently hosts the largest number of EV charging stations across the globe with Dubai boasting the highest concentration. The successful event at City Walk hosted over 100 individuals and is one step forward in the long march towards raising awareness on the benefits of electric vehicles for the environment and overall economic progress.”