SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Qatar Motor Show 2016 vows new experiences for visitors The Peninsula Visitors and car lovers can enjoy the top sports, luxury and mid-range brands at this year s Qatar Motor Show under the theme of Explore the World of Motion, as 40 exhibitors take part in its sixth edition. Entry is free to the public and pre-registration is open. Pre-registered visitors will be given priority access. This year offers a larger automotive experience with 18 percent more brands including two surprise exhibitor reveals when the show opens. Exhibitors include Audi, BMW, Bosch, Cadillac, Castrol, Chrysler, Continental, Dodge, Ducati, Ferrari, Ford, GMC, Harley-Davidson, Infinity, Jaguar, Jeep, KTM, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Maxus, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Piaggio, Porsche, RAM, Renault, Rolls Royce, Sand X, Titanium, Toyota, Triumph, VW and Ziebart. For the first time in Qatar, visitors will Explore the World of Motion with a variety of exciting featurs, including a Formula 1 driving simulator by Evotek Engineering. Devilray by Carbondrone will also be on display at the show as a new addition. Carbondrone is the realisation of a dream for a group of experienced industry professionals who come from the world of MotoGP and Formula 1, which will be demonstrated at this year s Qatar Motor Show. Hamad Al Abdan, Director of Exhibitions, at Qatar Tourism Authority, commented: We are thrilled with the development of this year s show and how we are continuing to add further value and experiences for visitors. Qatar Motor Show is the perfect landscape to highlight the world-class facilities and attractions that make Qatar a leading choice for business events. As the largest and most exciting annual automotive event in the region, QMS 2016 will offer outdoor and indoor activities in the heart of West Bay at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC). During the 5-day show the city will also get to experience a daily parade of unique and exciting cars that will travel around West Bay, from offroad motors and classic cars to the dynamic sports models. In addition to the traditional showroom experience, this year the event will allow visitors additional activities in the fanzone - an interactive and experiential outdoor area at the DECC for all ages to enjoy that will include family friendly activities and exciting test drive experiences from leading automotive brands. Hosted by Qatar Tourism Authority as part of the long-term Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 vision, Qatar Motor Show has become one of the most anticipated regional consumer and trade shows on Qatar s annual events calendar. Key partners at this year s event include Commercial Bank as Official Bank Sponsor and Marriott Marquis City Center Doha as the Official Hotel. Nans Company, Oryx Advertising, Sur La Terre, Volante, Layalina Magazine are also the lifestyle media partners, alongside Arab Motors Magazines and Auto Dalil. Abdullah Abdulghani and Bro. AAB Lexus is planning to surprise the visitors of the Motor Show with one of the real showcase of the new line-up of the Lexus brand by showcasing various aspects of its brand, recent updates and newest products in the region through a luxuries booth of 356 square meters. One of the aspects that will be showcased is the Treasure box that holds the most important treasure of For the first time in Qatar, visitors will Explore the World of Motion with a variety of exciting features, including a Formula 1 driving simulator by Evotek Engineering. Devilray by Carbondrone will also be on display at the show as a new addition. Carbondrone is the realisation of a dream for a group of experienced industry professionals who come from the world of MotoGP and Formula 1, which will be demonstrated at this year s Qatar Motor Show the Lexus brand and that s where the Lexus RCF GT3 model is displayed. The newly launched GSF will be showcased. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha, the sole authorised dealership for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Qatar, said that two luxury motor cars: the all-new Rolls-Royce Dawn and a Bespoke Rolls-Royce Wraith that will be showcased at this year s Qatar Motor Show. One of the most anticipated moments at the renowned exhibition is likely to be the first public reveal in Doha of the new Rolls- Royce Dawn. Having been viewed by a select number of VIP customers ahead of the show, the latest creation by the ultra-luxury marque promises a striking, seductive encounter like no other Rolls-Royce to date, and begins a new age of open-top, super luxury motoring. MINI aficionados will be queuing up to see the Middle East debut of the all-new MINI Convertible at Qatar Motor Show 2016. Alfardan Automobiles, the official MINI importer in Qatar will reveal the all-new MINI Convertible for the first time in the Middle East alongside, the all-new MINI Clubman at the sixth edition of the Qatar Motor Show, taking place from 27th January till 1stFebruary, 2016. The latest addition to the MINI family, the MINI Convertible is the first and only premium convertible in the small car segment, bringing with it new open-top driving fun, as well as optimised sportiness, efficiency, comfort, functionality, safety and connectivity. Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the exclusive dealers of Mercedes- Benz in Qatar, will be present in the luxurious and biggest stand that extends on over than 900 square meters, displaying a range of 14 cars from different categories including 4 new cars, the recently launched SUVs, sporty cars to the most luxuries series. Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles will display four of its wide range of cars including A-Class 250 Sport, G 500 Square 2016, C 450 AMG, and C 300 Coupe. Toyota, will participate in the show and will be occupying a large space at the exhibition center where the latest models of the Toyota lineup will be displayed, such as the New Land Cruiser and the New Camry 2016. AAB promises all Loyal Customers and Visitors with much more excitement during the Motor Show at the Toyota Booth, where they can witness a glimpse of the future technology that is going to drive the automotive industry. Toyota booth is developed under the theme of The Wave. Although simple, the wave shape conveys a feeling of dynamic vibrancy. The form was inspired by Origami which is (traditional paper craft of Japan) a simple piece of paper conveying purity and warmth and symbolizes the Superior Peace of Mind that is the Toyota Brand Promise. The new direction of the wave concept was launched during the Geneva Motor Show in 2013. The all-new Tiguan from Volkswagen will make its Middle East debut at this year s Qatar Motor Show. The new Tiguan features innovative technology, upgraded off-road capabilities and a new striking design, allowing drivers of the new model the freedom to navigate the urban jungle with confidence.
Q-Tire wins international recognition The Peninsula S umitomo Rubber Middle East, the leading manufacturer of Sumitomo, Dunlop and Falken tyres, held a Tyre Technicians Training and Inter-GCC Skills Contest aimed to train technicians in the best procedures in tyre fitment, vibration handling and wheel alignment procedures. Following a training programme, the technicians were evaluated on those activities and the best among them was identified and awarded as the Best Tyre Technician in the GCC region. The event was conducted in Kuwait from December 16 to 18, 2015 wherein tyre technicians from Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar participated in the training programme and the competition. Q-Tire nominated technician Jeman Bagayas Dadia who represented Qatar in the contest and came out as the winner of the Best Tyre Technician award in the GCC region. Q-Tire Services, the retail division of International Tire Centre under-the leadership of Tariq Marzooq Al Shamlan, is one of the leading tyre retailers and tyre service centers with 10 outlets operating in key locations of the country and is recognized for its quality workmanship, skilled tire technicians and state-of-the-art equipment. Tariq Marzooq Al Shamlan dedicated this victory to the dreams and vision of his late brother and Q-Tire founder Mohammed Marzooq Al Shamlan. M V Vishwas, the General Manager of International Tire Centre attributes the success to the continuous training and development of Q-Tire employees as he believes in offering a world-class service to Qatar s discerning motorists. This has been the buzz word in the Q-Tire family since its inception and the success inspires all of the team members of International Tire Centre and Q-Tire to further enhance their skills in the faculty of wheel service. Wednesday 27 January 2016 How driverless cars could kill the speeding ticket By Brian Fung The Washington Post One of the big benefits of driverless cars is that they aim to promote safety on the roads while reducing congestion at the same time. If cars are largely run by computers, talking to each other, they can travel closer together in a more coordinated fashion without fear of causing a fender-bender. Those machines could obviously malfunction. But on the whole, driverless cars are known to behave more cautiously than their human operators. And by virtue of their, well, virtues, autonomous vehicles won t know how to speed, run red lights, park illegally or make other traffic violations that would result in a ticket. And that could drive some city budgets into a deep hole. Take US capital, which operates the most speeding and red-light cameras of any city in the country. In 2014, the District of Columbia issued an average of 773 tickets a day from its speeding cameras alone - adding up to roughly $37.5m worth of fines, according to the latest figures from AAA Mid-Atlantic. Since 2007, speed cameras have been a cash cow for the city s police, resulting in nearly $357m in revenue, AAA said. Last year the city pulled in less money from parking tickets, partly due to new, smartphone-compatible parking meters that allow drivers to keep track of their status online. And driverless cars will only accelerate that trend, said John Townsend, a spokesman for AAA Mid-Atlantic. If you have one of these vehicles, your propensity for getting a speeding ticket or red-light camera ticket will be greatly diminished, said Townsend. It ll be another step in the long progression of technology and how it is changing the outcome in the number of people who get tickets. Washington isn t the only city that reaps financial rewards from ticketing drivers. Chicago is looking at more than $1bn alone in outstanding parking tickets, speeding tickets and red-light violations. New York drivers owe the mayor some $756m, while the city of Los Angeles is owed $285m, according to a Freedom of Information Act request by the local news site DNAinfo. The scale of the problem balloons in some smaller municipalities. That s because these jurisdictions may lack other meaningful sources of revenue. The town of Mountain View, Colorado, made up 53 percent of its budget with tickets in 2013. Mountain View is a bit of an outlier - tickets account for less than 4 percent of the budget in many other Colorado towns - but it s hardly unique in its approach to budgeting. In Waldo, Florida, (population 1,015) tickets written by its seven police officers are said to account for half of the town s revenue and nearly twothirds of the police department s budget. CHAIRMAN Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani ACTING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi ACTING MANAGING EDITOR Hussain Ahmad ADVERTISING MANAGER Ali Wahba SUPPLEMENT EDITOR Pramod Prabhakaran DESIGN Abraham Augusthy PRODUCTION Viswanath Sarma IMAGE PROCESSING Mohd Sajad Sahir
H Wednesday 27 January 2016 Genesis and Tucson earn safety awards H yundai Motor s Genesis and Tucson have been recognised by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety s (IIHS) 2016 Top Safety Pick+ awards. This prestigious awards body helps consumers select vehicles that offer the highest level of crash protection by conducting extensive testing and awarding those which are worthy. Jin (James) Kim, Vice President and Head of Operations at Hyundai Motor Company Africa and Middle East said: Our company s emphasis on safety is once again highlighted as two very different models, one an SUV and one a luxury sedan, are internationally recognised for their advanced safety technologies. The features which I think have helped us secure these awards are elements such as the autonomous emergency braking feature, lane departure warning with lane keep assist and the emergency brake assist offering. Adrian Lund, IIHS president commented on the rationale behind the Hyundai recognition: The Genesis is equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), nine airbags and energy-absorbing front airbags, while the Tucson has AEB, helping these vehicles earn our top rating. Both earned a required good rating in the small overlap front crash evaluation and a superior-or advanced-rated front crash prevention system with automatic braking capabilities, a key criteria to qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ award. Hyundai Motor s Genesis is equipped with many advanced safety technology options, including ESC, Lane Departure Warning System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution, Lane Change Assist and a rear-view camera. Multiple advanced safety technology options are also available on Hyundai Motor s Tucson, including AEB with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Backup Warning Sensors and a standard rearview camera. Genesis confirms Middle East launch of G90 in April yundai Motor has confirmed the Middle East launch of the G90, the first Genesis brand model to launch. Arriving in April 2016, this large sedan is set to compete within the luxury car sphere thanks to its world-class technological innovations and striking design combined with the ultimate convenience and dynamic performance. The G90 will mark the introduction of the Korean manufacturer s Athletic Elegance design style which has been created by Hyundai Motors Prestige Design Division resulting in profound elegance, natural dignity and grandeur. These qualities are set to identify the G90 which will be joined by five other Genesis models in the next five years. Commenting on the forthcoming arrival of the model, Jin (James) Kim, Vice-President and Head of Operations for Hyundai Motor Company Africa and Middle East, said: The G90 marks the dawn of the Genesis brand which is set to position Hyundai Motor as a credible competitor within the global luxury car market. This inaugural model is aimed at the Middle East s discerning customer base which demand a superior level of opulence from their vehicle however knows that there is enough advanced technology to create the ultimate in car convenience. Sporty Agility with Refined Performance When driving the G90, passengers will experience premium performance with a range of high-powered V6 3.3-litre T-GDI, V6 3.8-litre GDI or V8 5.0-litre GDI engines which have been developed and tested at the prestigious Nürburgring circuit in Germany and the U.S Mojave test centre. Technological advancements With technological innovation at its core the G90 is set to feature a host of customer-oriented technologies and reduce driver fatigue elevating the model to the top of its class. These will include Genesis Smart Sense, which brings together advanced systems including Advanced Smart Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assistance Systems. World-class comfort Once inside the cabin of the G90, customers G90 will be the first model to launch from the new Genesis brand. Model features cuttingedge technologies, ultimate refinement and luxurious convenience features and advanced safety innovations are set to enjoy a whole host of premium interior features including VIP ergo passenger seats which will feature multiple ranges of electronically-controlled adjustments. To ensure the ultimate in comfort the Genesis team have partnered with Aktion Gesunder Rücken an esteemed German association supported by doctors and therapists worldwide which promotes quality lumber support. Best-in-class luxury refinement Benefitting from an intensive four-year development program by an 800-strong Genesis team, the G90 has best-in-class refinement thanks to extensive work on the car s NVH characteristics. Every detail of the interior has been crafted to continue the car s human focus. Advanced ergonomics analysis dictates the positioning of driver controls and the passenger comfort and entertainment features, while materials are sourced from the finest artisans around the world. Ride comfort and road holding is optimized by combining an advanced H-TRAC all-wheel-drive system with the first application of Genesis Adaptive Control Suspension.
All-new Kia Optima gets high-class The all-new Kia Optima is the fourthgeneration of Kia s popular D-segment sedan, introduced in Qatar recently during a press conference in the serene Al Shaqab Hotel in the presence of media partners and the management of its exclusive distributor, Al-Attiya Motors and Trading Co (AMTC). The all-new Optima features a modern, new exterior, a bold interior design with more space for all occupants, an array of new technologies and a wide choice of efficient powertrains. Retaining the sporty image that has helped the Optima become one of Kia s best-selling models worldwide, while the improved ride and handling and higher quality over the outgoing model, as well as a new high-powered Optima GT model will help us gain ground in its segment, said Hossam Abu Shadi, Automotive Director of AMTC. The Kia Optima plays an important role in the Kia Motors product line-up, introducing the brand to an increasing number of new customers. Since the third-generation model launched in 2010, with its distinctive look, high quality interior and high-tech image, the Optima has offered buyers something fresh and different in the D-segment. It acted as the catalyst for the five-year, design-led transformation of Kia s product range, with a combination of technology, design and refinement changing the way that people saw the Kia brand. Improvements to every aspect of the car will make the all-new Optima an even more compelling proposition to buyers both private and fleet in a segment that is forecast to expand by 6.4% to 5.76 million in 2016. Evolutionary design keeps all-new Optima at the cutting edge The exterior styling of the all-new Kia Optima was a question of balance for Kia s global design teams. The all-new Optima maintains the athletic identity that made it so popular, while making a confident leap forward to attract car buyers looking for something different. Conceived under the watchful eye of Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors, the all-new Optima offers more road presence than ever, with its contemporary surface detailing, sharp body lines and creases, and a more elongated sedan silhouette. The all-new Optima s evolutionary new look was designed to be functional and sporty, with exterior dimensions that are marginally longer, taller and wider. The wheelbase has been extended by 10 mm to 2,805 mm, with the full vehicle length growing 10 mm to 4,855 mm. Meanwhile the new model is 25 mm wider, at 1,860 mm, and 10 mm taller (1,465 mm). These changes enable a roomier and more comfortable cabin, with more head-, shoulder- and rear-seat leg-room and greater cargo capacity. From a styling perspective, the new dimensions afforded Kia s designers the chance to introduce a more swept-back, dynamic shape. The optional LED tail lamps wrap around the corners of the rear of the all-new Optima, and give the car a modern, new light signature. The athletic appearance of the car is boosted by a rising, spoiler-shaped boot lid and an expansive rear bumper which houses a sporty-looking air diffuser and oval exhaust. The new GT model boasting higher power and a sportier drive than the standard Optima range features a more purposeful look, in line with its dynamic intent. Differences include a bolder, more aggressive front bumper design; black high gloss side sills; a subtle rear air diffuser with integrated dual tailpipes and special GT badging. The all-new Kia Optima range will be developed further in future, with the addition of a new body style, inspired by the Kia SPORT- SPACE concept car shown at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show. Refined new interior with more modern design and higher quality Drawing inspiration from Kia s global range of models, the all-new Optima boasts a more luxurious, driver-focused interior than ever before, with a range of features and technologies available which are typically associated with the class above. The new cabin is crafted with an obsessive attention to detail, and represents the biggest step forward for the new model. Kia s design team focused on delivering a thoroughly modern interior look and feel, with the cabin offering a cleaner, more unified design than the previous generation. The dashboard is spread along a more horizontal plane and a wider central console, creating a greater sense of spaciousness. Wednesday 27 January 2016 cabin and cutting-edge technology Greater overall refinement as development teams reduce NVH Reinforcing the need to provide a calm and relaxing driving environment, the allnew Optima boasts greater refinement than ever before, with considerable efforts made by development teams to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Some of the most important innovations to reduce NVH include a larger under-floor cover and more effective windshield seals, each of which help to reduce wind noise by 2% while aiding aerodynamics and, ultimately, fuel efficiency. Increased dashboard insulation helps to reduce the level of engine noise in the cabin by around 4%, aided by general improvements to the acoustic refinement of most engines in the range. Larger cross-member bushings, front and rear, also isolate road noise, while reducing the level of vibration through the floor and steering wheel. The new body, with the increased application of high-strength steel alloys, plays a major part in raising refinement levels. With a more rigid frame and stiffer body panels and engine mounts, the Optima successfully reduces the level of vibration through the cabin. 83% stiffer alloy wheels further cut vibrations resulting from contact with poor road surfaces. In turn, the stiffer body and wheels have enabled Kia engineers to make subtle changes to the car s suspension geometry to further isolate vibrations and road noise without compromising the car s dynamic abilities. Smoother ride, more agile handling, and optional electronic suspension system Improving ride and handling was a top priority for Kia s dynamic development teams, with a focus on delivering the ride comfort and stability that customers expect from a D-segment sedan, while achieving the level of agility promised by the car s sportier appearance. With fully-independent suspension all-round, Kia s engineers have moved the front and rear subframe mounting points further out towards the edge of the vehicle for a smoother ride over uneven surfaces. The result is improved responses to steering inputs and greater traction around corners, while further reducing the time it takes for the suspension to settle after a more significant jolt in the road. At the rear, the all-new Optima receives larger dual lower arms the previous generation Optima s suspension was connected to the chassis with single links on each side mounted with thicker, more absorbent bushings. Further defining the Optima s ride and handling characteristics, these changes have helped engineers achieve greater stability for the all-new model, and improved bump absorption. These upgrades are aided in part by the small increase to the all-new Optima s wheelbase. For the all-new Optima, GT models are fitted with high performance dampers to further enhance ride and handling, with more immediate handling responses and a slightly firmer, sportier ride. The all-new Optima is fitted as standard with a column-mounted electric motor-driven power steering system (C-MDPS), upgraded in the new model to offer greater steering feel and more incisive turn-in. Depending on market, GT models fitted with the high-powered 2.0-litre T-GDI engine are also available with a new rack-mounted power steering system (R-MDPS). Mounted directly on the steering rack, rather than on the column, the new R-MDPS provides greater steering feel and quicker, more linear responses to driver inputs, particularly around the center. This upgrade to the steering results in sharper handling characteristics, placing it among the most agile cars in the D-segment. Touchscreen infotainment and wireless phone charging among new technologies The all-new Optima boasts a range of innovative on-board technologies to improve usability, comfort and convenience for D-segment customers. As standard, the all-new Optima is fitted with a 3.8-inch mono TFT LCD audio display at the center of the dashboard, with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and aux-in and USB ports. Buyers are able to upgrade to a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, incorporating a clear color TFT LCD display and rear parking camera. Kia also offers its latest audio-visual navigation (AVN) systems, introducing a more modern appearance to the center of the dashboard. Buyers can choose between 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and satellite navigation systems, with rear parking camera and Bluetooth hands-free capability. The touchscreen infotainment system is paired with a six-speaker audio system as standard. A powerful 590 watt Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, featuring 10 speakers, an external amplifier and Clari-Fi MP3 restoration technology, is also available as an option. This new Harman Kardon surround sound option will allow music lovers to transform the cabin of their all-new Optima into their own personal concert hall. The all-new Optima is available with a wide range of optional active hazard-avoidance technologies. These include: Advanced Smart Cruise Control (SCC), which automatically adjusts the Optima s speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), which employs a forward-facing camera to detect the car s position within a lane, alerting the driver if they stray over the lines without indicating High Beam Assist (HBA), which automatically adjusts headlamp range according to other vehicles and road conditions Blind Spot Detection (BSD), with a visual warning in the door mirror when another car enters the driver s blind spot Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which warns against other cars driving behind the Optima in car parks while reversing. Future of car world is waiting in the wings By Warren Brown The Washington Post he car world is changing. Rapidly. It is still a place of glitz and glam, highlighted by shiny, elegantly sculpted metal and lots of talk about horsepower Tand speed. But if you concentrate on that, the stuff of automobile shows worldwide, including the 2016 North American International Auto Show at the sprawling Cobo Center, you are likely to miss the fundamentally profound changes taking place. To understand those, you literally have to walk away from the gleaming, noisy showroom floor and visit the side offices and hospitality rooms of companies such as Germany s Continental Technical Corp, France s Valeo or Britain s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. You might also want to spend some time with the people from Apple, Google, Intel or SAP Hana, or with the serious future-studies wonks from Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Honda or Mercedes-Benz. Only then will you get a good idea of how the automobile industry is being altered. The people at Deloitte Touche seem to have - for me, at least - the most understandable handle on what is happening. Craig Giffi, Deloitte s U.S. director of automotive industry studies, puts it this way: There are four basic changes taking place, which he calls four future change states. They are: 1. Incremental change. In Future State 1, the auto industry operates much as it has for the past century. Dealers sell cars. People buy them and drive them themselves. This state assumes that mass autonomous operation of cars - driverless driving - does not take hold anytime soon. 2. A world of car sharing. This is an inconvenient truth confronting automobile dealers and manufacturers. Simply put, new cars are becoming too expensive - the final transaction price now averages $33,566 in US. In this state, shared vehicle services become ubiquitous as greater scale [of shared mobility] and increased competition leads to a more expanded range of services and segmented customer experiences at lower costs, Giffi said. 3. The driverless revolution. In this state, Giffi said, autonomous-drive technology becomes viable, safe, convenient and economical. But he said such progress in no way means an end to private vehicle ownership. Individuals will continue to own cars for many of the same reasons they owned them before the advent of autonomous drive, Giffi said. He said people will accept autonomous drive for its functionality - safety and other potential benefits. You tap the screen of your smartphone to order a car. The car, sans driver, arrives at your place to pick you up. You get in and continue preparing for your day s meetings without worrying about the steering wheel or other traffic matters 4. A new age of accessible autonomy. Future State 4 involves a convergence of autonomous drive and shared mobility. Example: You tap the screen of your smartphone to order an electric Tesla or Chevrolet Bolt. The car, sans driver, arrives at your place to pick you up. You get in the Tesla or Bolt and continue preparing for your day s meetings without worrying about the steering wheel or other traffic matters. All this, of course, will take time. But Giffi predicted that it will happen much faster than doubters expect. There will be tipping points - the funding and creation of governmental infrastructures that can electronically communicate with cars and allow cars to talk to one another, the emergence of fleets of autonomous shared vehicles as a viable transportation option. Giffi, echoing other future-transportation wonks here, said that car manufacturers need to get serious about considering whether they need to evolve from a [relatively] fixed capital production, first-transaction, product-sale business into one centered on being an end-to-end mobility services provider. The changes will be disruptive and uncomfortable for many, the wonks said. But, they added, there is no need for the disruption to lead to economic tragedy. Car dealers, for example, will be challenged, probably within a decade. But smart, creative dealers will survive and thrive, Giffi said. For the moment, they continue to operate as they have for decades, selling and servicing driver-controlled, personally owned vehicles, Giffi said. But all of that is changing with changes in automotive technology, he said. As autonomous-drive vehicles become more widely adopted, there are likely to be far fewer personally owned vehicles than the 250 million in operation in the U.S. today, Giffi said. But the vehicles on the road will still need to be serviced except that, well, as already illustrated by Tesla, that servicing can be done remotely, without appointment and the need for vehicle storage, through software upgrades and electronic patches. That necessarily means smaller dealer networks, Giffi said. How much smaller? According to the industry trade journal, Automotive News, as of January 1, 2014, there were 17,838 dealerships in US (rooftops, actual stores) in the United States. Giffi believes that new automotive technology can reduce that number by 16,000 dealerships nationwide in about a decade. The industry is changing.
Mazda: Next generation technology and design mbodying the Kodo Soul of Motion design theme, new generation Mazda sedans and ESUVs are destined to turn heads, drawing upon the sleek beauty of the Mazda Takeri and Mazda Shinari concepts that preceded them. And with ultra-efficient Skyactiv Technology underneath, there are no concessions to performance or fuel economy. Zoom-Zoom More than 15 years have passed since Mazda first launched the Zoom- Zoom brand message in 2001. In a true sense, it means exhilaration and liberation that comes from experiencing sheer motion. Mazda has defined its brand DNA as Stylish, Insightful, Spirited, and have consistently applied this to all of their product development and marketing activities over the past 12 years. Mazda s stance remains the same: Offer today, and continue to offer in the future, an exciting driving experience to people who still to cherish the emotion of motion that they first felt as children. Kodo Design Sedan or wagon, the new Mazda vehicles are the purest adaptation yet of the Kodo design theme, which was inspired by the movements of animals in the wild and symbolizes Mazda s distinctive vitality and agility. Product Enhancements for New Generation Sedans and SUVs Advancing toward the realization of the dream to make Mazda a special presence dear to the hearts of our customers, and a brand with which customers form an especially strong Sedan or wagon, the new Mazda vehicles are the purest adaptation yet of the Kodo design theme, which was inspired by the movements of animals in the wild and symbolises Mazda s distinctive vitality and agility bond, Mazda is putting its entire effort into making the product embody the very best of the unique value that Mazda has to offer. Once again for the latest update of Mazda6 Sedan and CX5 SUV, Mazda gave careful consideration to the impassioned feedback and opinions offered by loyal customers aimed to bring greater refinement to a variety of elements, including design, the quality and functionality of the interior, ride comfort and quietness, as well as safety performance. Exterior Design Enhancement While the exterior retains its overall appearance, the front grille and other design features were further refined to refresh the model with the latest in the brand s design expression. For the upgraded CX5, the front grille was evolved to create a design that is bolder and tauter with horizontal fins painted metallic gray. The headlamps create an enhanced sense of vitality by adopting a redesigned interior layout and new LED lighting signature. The rear combination lamps feature an LED lighting signature. The 19-inch aluminum wheels adopt a new design with machining that highlights a look of three-dimensionality. The lineup of nine colors includes the newly developed Sonic Silver Metallic and Titanium Flash Mica. Interior Design & Functions The interior fuses a driver-oriented cockpit design based on the Heads-up Cockpit, Mazda s new Human-Machine Interface (HMI) concept, and functionality and a look of power, as well as a sense of taste and high quality. Adopting an Electrical Parking Brake (EPB) gives the floor console a clean and uncluttered look of higher quality. The design features metallic-finish trim that produces solid-looking forms and a sense of power extending out to the sides on a horizontal plane. Three types of decorative panels are available for the instrument panel: an aluminumlook panel featuring a vertical hairline finish and a thin satin chrome strip, a metallic-finish panel, and a piano black panel (may vary according to the markets). The new generation Mazda 6 & CX-5 continues to offer a black leather interior, as well as black or sand fabric interiors. Driving Dynamics A smooth, flat ride realized by adopting a new structure for the front and rear dampers and optimizing the bushing shapes for the front lower arms. Further evolved NVH performance realizes a cabin environment in which occupants can better enjoy conversation while driving. Cabin noise when driving at highway speeds is reduced by approximately 10% over the previous model. The evolved front and rear seat structure provides a feeling of comfortable snugness and a good fit, excellent holding characteristics, as well as ride comfort. The Mazda 6 & CX5 powered by petrol engines and paired with Skyactiv-Drive adopts Drive Selection, allowing drivers to press a switch located beside the shift lever to switch to the Sport drive mode. When in Sport mode, the transmission is automatically set to start out in a low gear. It also increases the amount of torque output when the accelerator pedal is pressed down further to deliver powerful acceleration and a sense of linear response with a minimum of pedal action. Ensuring appropriate drive power and improving responsiveness by enabling the driver to convey their intentions to the car in response to traffic conditions, Drive Selection supports a reassuring driving experience when, for example, merging onto a crowded highway. The new-generation AWD system in CX5 model adopts a newly developed lowviscosity synthetic oil that contributes to better real-world fuel economy. Safety i-activsense offers even more support for driver awareness Mazda pursues safety performance based on its Mazda Proactive Safety philosophy. The fundamental performance of the Mazda vehicles, based on Skyactiv Technology, has been further polished. This combines with Mazda s i-activsense advanced safety technologies to achieve worldclass safety performance, allowing customers to enjoy the drive with peace of mind, whatever the driving scene. Mazda made a particular effort to keep the driver more aware of conditions so they can enjoy driving at night or at highway speeds with greater reassurance. Mazda s first implementation of its new Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) further improves visibility at night. Mazda s Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with wider detecting range detects vehicles approaching from the blind spot areas at the sides and rear. The new Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) Mazda is introducing for the first time supports the driver in steering the car by providing steering torque assistance and steering wheel vibration alerts. Mazda s first use of an Electrical Parking Brake (EPB) Mazda s first implementation of an EPB makes it easy to turn the parking brake on or off by operating a switch mounted on the floor console. Pulling the switch activates the parking brake, while pushing it or pressing the accelerator pedal to pull away from a standing start automatically releases the brake. Mazda Connect Advanced Car Connectivity System Mazda Connect is a car connectivity system that makes it easier to take advantage of functions including internet connectivity and access to social networking services that today s customers consider essential, even when in transit. It responds to a wider variety of needs by greatly improving the convenience of functions that require Bluetooth connectivity, such as hands-free phone operation, reception of short text messages, By supporting the ongoing evolution of communications equipment on both the hardware and software levels, this innovative platform ensures that customers always have access to the latest services without swapping out any hardware. Navigation features The navigation system uses data from SD cards, which comes as a standard on the top grade model and can display the current location on a map, or display routes to take to a target destination. When a smartphone is connected, the customer can search the internet for places they want to go. All New Mazda 2 launched with Skyactiv Technology The fully redesigned all new Mazda 2 featuring Skyactiv technology and a new 1,500cc Petrol engine paired with 6 Speed automatic transmission was recently introduced in Qatar opening up a new segment called The New Power-Eco, which demonstrates how fuel efficiency can be combined without compromising sporty performance. Available in both 5-door hatchback and sedan versions, the New Mazda 2 is equipped with dual airbags, Traction Control System (TSC) and ABS brakes with EBD. AAB Toyota participates in Qatar Motor Show T oyota will participate in Qatar Motor Show (Sixth Edition) which will take place in Doha Exhibition and Convention center (DECC) from Jan 28 Feb 1, 2016 Abdullah Abdulghani and Bros Co (AAB) will be occupying a large space at the exhibition center where the latest models of the Toyota line-up will be displayed, such as the New Land Cruiser and the New Camry 2016. AAB promises all loyal customers and visitors with much more excitement during the Motor Show at the Toyota Booth, where they can witness a glimpse of the future technology that is going to drive the automotive industry, a company statement said. Toyota booth is developed under the theme of The Wave. Although simple, the wave shape conveys a feeling of dynamic vibrancy. The form was inspired by Origami which is (traditional paper craft of Japan) a simple piece of paper conveying purity and warmth and symbolizes the Superior Peace of Mind that is the Toyota Brand Promise. The new direction of the wave concept was launched during the Geneva Motor Show in 2013. Toyota brand promises to deliver Peace of Mind to its customers by manufacturing vehicles that are high in Quality, Durability and Reliability. Toyota also works towards contributing to a Our mission is to bring smiles to the lives of every single customer better society by taking leadership in tackling environmental issues. Our mission is to bring smiles to the lives of every single customer. Toyota vehicle enhances the driving experience by connecting physically and emotionally with the drivers and are becoming more Fun to Drive. That is why Toyota & AAB strives for constant improvement in everything we do. We have a word for it: Kaizen. It means continuous improvement, and it is the key principle that guides AAB & Toyota in our commitment to deliver more to our customers. The vehicles on display embody Toyota s efforts to contribute positively to society while creating ever-better cars that exceed expectations. AAB was founded in the year 1958 by one of Qatar s pioneering business families and is the leading automobile distributor in Qatar. Toyota vehicles known for their highest level of Quality, Durability & Reliability enjoys the highest market share in the country.
Honda ends successful 2015 and kicks off 2016 with fantastic deals D espite a very challenging environment, the Honda Brand in Qatar ended the year on a positive note with very satisfactory results across all its range of products as declared by the exclusive distributor for Honda in Qatar, Doha Marketing Services Company (Domasco). Faisal Sharif, Managing Director at Domasco said: 2015 was one of Domasco s most successful years ever, with progressive growth for all Domasco s brands. This continued success is the result of our commitment to deliver the most innovative products and the best services. The prosperous accomplishments for Honda included the launch of several Honda models that witnessed a huge success in Qatar such as the All-New 2016 Pilot, the upgraded 2015 CRV and the Odyssey J- a new addition to the range of models. The three models have strengthened Honda s positioning in the market and have shown a very strong performance since their introduction. Domasco is expecting the arrival of several new models by the middle of 2016 which will contribute to more sales success. 2015 was also marked by the launch of Honda Qatar mobile app available to all smartphone users. This mobile app aims to assist Honda customers through providing information about the available Honda models and various services. Users can now book a test drive, contact the distributor, book a service or easily get any information related to Honda in Qatar. Adding to these successes, the CR-V won the Best Compact SUV of 2015 at the renowned Middle East Car of the Year (Mecoty) awards. For two consecutive years, the brand has excelled at the Mecoty with the Honda City winning the best Small Sized Sedan award in 2014. Moreover, Car and Driver magazine named the Honda Accord to its prestigious annual list of the 10 Best Cars in America, for a record 30th time in the 32-year history of the award. Commenting on the success of the brand, Greig Roffey, Head of Sales & Marketing at Domasco Honda said, Our team is thrilled to have achieved a positive growth for the Honda Brand in Qatar. We also attribute this success to the positive impact of our world class customer service and our value proposition to customers. We won the first place in the 2015 Customer Satisfaction Index, a survey commissioned by the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) covering the Automotive Industry in Qatar. Building on the momentum of 2015, DOMASCO kicks off the New Year with a range of Honda models offering attractive deals across all models. Talking about Domasco s special offers, Faisal Sharif said, It is in our DNA to always be focused on what we know is important to our customers: excellent service and innovative campaigns Anyone wishing to take advantage of these promotions running through the month of January is welcome to visit Honda Domasco s showroom on Khalifa Street near the National Mosque and TV Roundabout.
Volkswagen Qatar gears up for regional debut of smart SUV for the urban jungle New Tiguan Middle East debut at Qatar Motor Show 2016 Innovative technological features, off-road capability and striking design make the new Tiguan the ideal urban jungle SUV T he all-new Tiguan will make its Middle East debut at this year s Qatar Motor Show at the Doha Exhibition and Conference Center (DECC), 28th January to 1stth February 2016. The new Tiguan features innovative technology, upgraded off-road capabilities and a new striking design, allowing drivers of the new model the freedom to navigate the urban jungle with confidence. Immediately exuding a powerful presence, the new Tiguan is noticeably streamlined, sharper and even more precise in design, exhibiting a new design language by Volkswagen. Yann Lassade, Managing Director, Volkswagen Qatar said: Qatar is embracing new developments with the newly launched DECC, making it an ideal backdrop for the arrival of the new Tiguan - our most innovative Tiguan to date - which is perfectly designed to meet modern day driver demands with a bold new design and innovative technological features. The new model is the second generation of the Tiguan a compact SUV first launched in 2007 which has to date, sold over 2.6 million units worldwide. Also on debut at the Qatar Motor Show will be the Beetle Cabriolet, new Passat and the GTI Club sport.