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New Porsche Panamera Debut Details Are Out

Mark your calendars! The all-new Porsche Panamera will make its world premiere on 24 November 2023. Where exactly? At the Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai. The visitors, however, will only get to see the sports saloon in the flesh between 25-26 November 2023.

With just over two months left for the D day, Porsche has revealed a few mouth-watering details about the upcoming car. For instance, for the first time, the new-gen Panamera will be available with an optional chassis with active damper control. As standard, the four-door model will boast a semi-active chassis with new two-valve shock absorbers. A new PDK (dual-clutch transmission) is also in the mix.

Obviously, the new Porsche Panamera will also take the PHEV route. The third-gen derivative with two engines will offer increased electric range and shorter charging times.

Excited?

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Polestar 2 Crosses 150K Production Count

The Polestar 2 was the first volume model for the Geely-backed Swedish brand. It entered production in 2020, and over 150,000 examples have been produced within three years. No matter how you look at it, that is an impressive feat.

In the UAE, where Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company is the authorised dealer, the Polestar 2 has received strong interest since being introduced in the first quarter of 2022. The country also hosted an exclusive showcase of the Polestar 6 at the Emirates Towers, Dubai, in February this year. Another event that boosted interest in the brand was the presentation of future EVs, the Polestar 3, Polestar 4, Polestar 5 and the Polestar 6, at ADGM in Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island in May 2023.

Sales of the Polestar 2 in the UAE have been supported by its Polestar Space at the Mall of the Emirates. It can house up to three Polestar EVs at any given moment. Besides housing two consultation rooms, the showroom has a configuration studio for customers to customise cars as per their taste.

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Al-Futtaim Group launches a new EV content platform called EVLife.ae

Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, an EV-dedicated division of the Al-Futtaim Group, has brought some of the leading EV brands, such as BYD and Polestar, to the UAE alongside developing its charging platform, Charge2Moov. The firm’s vision now extends to addressing greater public awareness of e-mobility adoption by launching an editorial platform called EVLife.ae. This platform will comprise a variety of curated content on the latest developments seen in the world of e-mobility around the world, alongside the benefits of going electric, how-to guides for first-time EV buyers, reviews of the latest EV models, interviews with industry experts, and news on governmental policies affecting electric mobility. The content will be published in English and Arabic and feature non-biased news, updates, research, and information covering multiple brands, not limited to Al-Futtaim Automotive brands.

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Airbus Helicopters And PHI Group Sign A New Agreement

A new framework agreement has been inked between Airbus Helicopters and PHI Group. It includes commitments for two types of helicopters – twenty super-medium H175s and eight H160s. The overall count of 28 units comprises firm orders and purchase options that PHI may execute before the agreement’s deadline.

PHI Group, which has been supporting the energy industry for 74 years, operates over 200 helicopters worldwide. The fleet helps the company serve various markets, including energy and air medical. PHI’s Airbus fleet comprises H125, H135, H145, H160 and the H175. The latest addition – the H175 – has been in service since 2015. There are 54 of them currently in use, and have accumulated nearly 195,000 flying hours. Of that, 170,000 hours were spent serving the energy sector.

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New Asics Gel-Kayano Shoes Launched

Renowned sneakers maker Asics has introduced the 30th iteration of one of its hot-selling shoes – Gel-Kayano. The Japanese firm claims the new-gen running shoe “reimagines the level of comfort” with the help of new technologies. One is called the 4D Guidance System, which supports the runners by working with the body’s movement. Another new feature, PureGel, promises increased shock absorption and smoother transitions for the user. Aiding the comfort and speed aspects is a combination of FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning and a 4mm increase in stack height.

The new Asics Gel-Kayano 30 is available at all official retailer outlets, including Sun & Sand Sports, GoSport, Intersport and online at AED 795 (RSP excluding VAT). Those who plan to buy these shoes will benefit from Asics labelling them with the total CO2e emissions produced across their lifecycle. That ticks the sustainability box.

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SMBC Aviation Capital Orders More Boeing Aeroplanes

Dublin-headquartered aircraft lessor SMBC Aviation Capital has ordered 25 Boeing 737-8 jets, bumping the backlog to 81 for 737 Max family aircraft. The 737-8 derivative can seat between 162 and 210 passengers, depending on the configuration. The single-aisle aeroplane, one of the most popular globally, can cover 3,500 nautical miles nonstop. That range makes it an excellent fit to operate short- and medium-haul routes.

Earlier this month, Boeing received an order from another aircraft lessor – Aviation Capital Group.