Hyundai and General Motors join hands to co-develop EV technologies

Developing EVs has been a capital-intensive affair for brands which has influenced them to join hands. BMW and Toyota recently announced plans of coming together to explore hydrogen fuel-cell EV technology. And now, the latest alliance to be announced involves General Motors and Hyundai Motor Company as they sign an agreement to “explore future collaboration across key strategic areas”. These key areas include potential collaborations to co-develop passenger and commercial vehicles featuring clean-energy, electric and hydrogen technologies as well as internal combustion engines, sourcing raw materials for batteries and steel and working together to reduce production costs overall.

The framework agreement was signed by Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra where the former commented, “This partnership will enable Hyundai Motor and GM to evaluate opportunities to enhance competitiveness in key markets and vehicle segments, as well as drive cost efficiencies and provide stronger customer value through our combined expertise and innovative technologies.”

Akasa Air Now Has 25 Boeing Jets In Its Fleet

Indian low-cost carrier Akasa Air has taken delivery of its 25th Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The narrowbody twin-engined jet landed in Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport on September 12, 2024. The single-aisle airliner, with Captain Bhavna Gandhi and Captain Sanaya Chothia incharge, flew out of Boeing’s facility in Seattle on September 9. The aircraft’s first halt outside the USA was in Keflavik, Iceland. The final leg to Telangana’s capital began in Larcana, Cyprus.

For those unaware, Akasa Air placed its first-ever order for narrowbody jets in 2021: 72 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline started commercial operations in August 2022, followed by an order for four Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets in June 2023. Then, earlier this year, the carrier deepened its order books with the American aircraft manufacturer by ordering 150 737 MAX aeroplanes. Simple math reveals that in 17 months, Akasa Air had an order book of 226 aircraft. The remaining 201 aircraft will be delivered over the next eight years.

The carrier serves several domestic routes and offers overseas connections. For instance, the daily Mumbai-Riyadh service was launched in June 2024. Similarly, Akasa Air linked India’s financial capital with Kuwait last month.

Etihad Airways To Double Daily Direct Flights To Paris

UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways, has announced a new flight schedule for its Abu Dhabi-Paris route. Starting November 1, 2024, an Airbus A380 will fly passengers between the two capitals directly daily. Then, from January 15, 2025, a second daily service will be introduced on the same route. This one will be served on a Boeing 787-9.

Both aircraft will feature a three-class configuration. The A380 will exclusively offer Etihad’s ‘The Residence’ – the only three-room suite on a commercial airliner worldwide. In addition, the double-decker four-engined long-haulier will boast First Apartments, Business Studios and, of course, an Economy section. On the other hand, the 787-9 will offer travellers the option of First, Business and Economy Class cabins.

Also Read: Etihad Confirms Two New Routes To Strengthen Connectivity In Europe

Beginning November 1, 2024, flight EY31 will depart Abu Dhabi and arrive in Paris at 02:40 and 07:30, respectively. The return leg – EY32 – will fly out of the French capital at 09:45 and land in Abu Dhabi at 19:25.

As mentioned above, the second daily service will begin in mid-January of next year. Flight EY33 will leave the UAE capital at 14:20 and land in Paris at 19:10. The same aircraft will carry flight number EY34 on the way back, which begins at 20:45 and concludes at 06:25 the next day. All times mentioned above are local.

Hot Wheels to host Abu Dhabi’s first-ever Monster Truck Live Glow Party in November

For the first time ever, Hot Wheels will bring its Monster Trucks Live Glow Party into Abu Dhabi where these larger-than-life trucks will put on an adrenaline-fueled car-crushing show under glow lights for the thrill-seeking fans. The Monster Trucks Love Glow Party will be hosted between November 8th to 10th at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Some of the global fan-favourite monster trucks such as slimy green sludge covered Gunkster, dino-inspired Mega Wrex, skull-brimmed black-out Boneshaker among others will feature at this Live Glow Party. Prices will start from AED 160 per person and interested enthusiasts can head on to www.LiveNation.me to book their tickets.

Dubai Police adds the all-electric ZEEKR 001 Shooting brake to its elite fleet

The Dubai Police elite fleet is known world over for boasting supercars such as Mclaren Artura and Lamborghini Urus Performante. But since 2023, the city and its authorities have adopted a more environment-conscious approach to mobility which propelled the addition of an all-electric ZEEKR 001 Shooting Brake premium vehicle in Dubai Police’s elite fleet. The ZEEKR 001 now gets adorned in Dubai Police’s iconic livery while delivering 544hp, a 3.8sec 0-100kph sprint time, 540km claimed range and 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The official announcement was made by AW Rostamani Group (AWR), the official distributor of ZEEKR, with an official handover ceremony being held at the Dubai Police headquarters earlier this month. The event was graced by the presence of Brigadier Juma Salem bin Suwaidan, Acting Director of the General Directorate of Traffic, Ahmed Shehab, Regional Director of Product and Strategy of ZEEKR MENA and Roberto Colucci, Director of ZEEKR at AW Rostamani Group among other AWR and ZEEKR executives. Roberto Colucci, Director of ZEEKR at AW Rostamani Group, said: “Today marks a significant milestone as we proudly hand over the ZEEKR 001 to join the Dubai Police fleet. Partnering with Dubai Police, an institution recognized globally for its commitment to innovation and public safety, is a testament to our joint dedication in ensuring the safety and security of this city. This partnership also aligns perfectly with our shared vision for a more sustainable future, contributing to the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero goals. By integrating electric vehicles into its operations, Dubai Police is setting a powerful example of environmental responsibility. We are confident that the ZEEKR 001 will serve as a valuable tool in the Dubai Police’s unwavering mission, and we’re proud to be a part of this transformative journey towards a greener and safer Dubai.”