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BYD opens a new showroom in Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Global New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales leader BYD recently opened a brand new showroom in Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road in collaboration with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company as part of BYD’s “Closer to You” strategy. Both firms hosted an official SZR showroom opening where visitors and select media personnel including The Cornea Impression had an exclusive opportunity to preview the highly anticipated YangWang U8, marking its first-ever appearance in the UAE. Launch for the same is scheduled for sometime in 2025 with up to 8 variants on offer comprising both BEV and Hybrid powertrains.

This state-of-the-art facility sprawling 750 square meters, located right next to the Oasis Mall for easier accessibility to Dubai residents, has already registered more than 1,000 walk-ins and test drive bookings. The new BYD facility boasts special interactive discovery zones within its premises to educate customers of the benefits and capabilities of BYD’s cutting-edge technologies such as BYD’s Blade battery and DM-i engine and technologies through full-scale models and interactive exhibits. Ample parking equipped with EV charging stations is also available within the facility’s premises. Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director at Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, commented, Our focus moving forward is accessibility, therefore by the end of the year, we aim to cover 90% of the market within 15 kilometres of a BYD showroom, with new locations opening in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah. We’re also aiming to expand our after-sales services and introduce mobile servicing, allowing customers to service their vehicles at their convenience, at home or on the go. This initiative is a major step in making the transition to EVs even more convenient in the region.”

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Honda Middle East and Africa celebrates 30 successful years in the region

On September 11th 2024, Honda Motor Co. (Middle East & Africa Office) hosted a special event at The Taj Exotica & Spa, at The Palm Dubai to celebrate its 30 successful years in the region. The Japanese carmaker invited select media representatives from the GCC and North Africa regions as a mark of gratitude. The Cornea Impression was invited for the same too. The brand further showcased its diverse product lineup at the event comprising not just automobile and motorcycle offerings but products in the marine and business segments as well. Honda also took advantage of the wider media to showcase the all-new BF350, incorporating Honda’s first V8 engine.

Mr Rajvinder Johal, General Manager, Honda Motor Co. (Middle East & Africa Office) spoke about Honda’s new Global Brand Slogan, evolving from “The Power of Dreams” to “Power of Dreams: HOW WE MOVE YOU” which encapsulates both physical mobility and emotional engagement. This was followed by a keynote speech by Mr Anup Ravindranath, Senior General Manager, Honda Motor Co. (Middle East & Africa Office) who spoke about the future roadmap of Honda in the region and teased the Honda ‘0’ series of electric vehicles showcased at CES earlier this year. He further emphasized on safety being regarded as top priority in Honda’s books with the goal of achieving zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles worldwide by 2050.

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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.”