Bengaluru Gets Audi’s Second Pre-Owned Cars Outlet

Audi India inaugurated its 24th ‘Approved: plus’ facility, located in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, last month. Now, the carmaker has opened the 25th one. Located at 4E, Anand Enterprises, Puttappa Industrial Estate, White Field Road, Mahadevapura, Bengaluru, it becomes the second such outlet in Karnataka’s capital. As with the entire network of ‘Audi Approved: plus’, the new facility will sell cars that have been checked on over 300 points, covering electrical systems, bodywork and the interior. Besides that, the outlet will provide easy financing and insurance benefits. Also, all cars sold via any ‘Audi Approved: plus’ come with a 24×7 roadside assistance membership and complete vehicle maintenance history.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Heart ES-30 To Feature Honeywell Flight Control System

Earlier this year, Heart Aerospace announced its collaboration with a US-based aerospace and defence systems supplier. It was for the Electrical Power Distribution System for the ES-30, the Swedish firm’s first all-electric regional aircraft. Today, it has confirmed another such collaboration. Heart Aerospace has decided to partner with Honeywell to integrate the latter’s fly-by-wire Flight Control System (FCS) into the abovementioned aircraft.

The said FCS is in an advanced stage of development on multiple aircraft. That said, its functions are adaptable to the ES-30 plane. This strategy will help Heart Aerospace complete the development process cost-effectively and introduce the aeroplane to the market more quickly.

The aeroplane maker already has 250 firm orders for the ES-30, with options and purchase rights for an additional 120 aircraft.

Vietnam Airlines To Buy 50 Boeing Jets

American aircraft manufacturer Boeing and Vietnam Airlines will expand their business ties further as the latter is set to order fifty 737-8 aeroplanes. Part of Boeing’s famous 737 Max family, the said variant will help the carrier extend service and add new routes to its network. This development surfaced today during a signing ceremony among the Vietnamese government officials, US President Joe Biden and US Secretary of State Antony Blinkin.

The Boeing 737 Max family jets will allow Vietnam Airlines to fly up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480km) non-stop. That means the new aircraft can cover popular international destinations and regional routes. Presently, the airline has a fleet of fifteen Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which help serve more than fifty destinations in seventeen countries.

Also Read: Aviation Capital Group Extends Business With Boeing