Cars
Al-Futtaim Lexus Launches 2019 Lexus ES
The new seventh-generation Lexus ES builds on its strengths with an all-new platform and is now available through the Al-Futtaim Lexus network in the UAE. After six generations of unprecedented success in the luxury sedan segment, the 2019 Lexus ES makes an extraordinary leap with a striking coupe-like design, enhanced performance, and innovative technologies.
One of two major additions to the all-new Lexus ES lineup includes the ES 300h, an electrified hybrid model, which combines two power sources consisting of a petrol engine and two electric motors. The class-leading hybrid electric model enables customers to contribute to a sustainable future while enjoying increased driving satisfaction and engagement provided by its advanced technologies and cabin quietness, as well as its acceleration smoothness, especially when starting off.
The second addition is the all-new 2019 Lexus ES F-SPORT model, which further enhances the driving excitement so that drivers can enjoy a sense of oneness with the car, born of its ability to respond immediately to driving enthusiasts’ intentions in various situations. In addition to a thrilling exterior that highlights its bold and aggressive personality, the all-new Lexus ES F SPORT features numerous upgrades such as a retuned suspension, 19-inch wheels and tires, and unique aluminium interior trim that gives the machine a more dynamic look and feel.
ES loyalists will find the seventh generation more spacious, quieter and safer than ever before and will be able to enjoy an exhilarating performance, class-leading active safety technology and a level of craftsmanship rarely found in this segment. As for the environmentally-conscious, the newly introduced electrified variant, ES 300h offers over 80% better fuel savings compared to the petrol engine current generation ES.
Running 24.1km on one liter of petrol, the ES 300h is able to go 1205 kilometers on a full tank without having to stop by a petrol station. “The first generation of this best-selling sedan debuted in 1989, and over the past 30 years, Lexus ES has evolved to constitute, thanks to its supreme quality and unbeatable dependability, a key staple in many houses and fleets,” said Mohamed Maktari, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Lexus. “Lexus ES is the leading sedan in our line-up and one that constitutes over 70% of our sedan car sales. With the introduction of the new electrified variant, we expect the sales to spike as all institutions and individuals accelerate their efforts to reach the sustainability targets set by the UAE Government’s Vision 2021.”
The new longer, lower and wider ES pushes the limits of design in the luxury sedan class. For this generation, daring design elements have been added to the car to challenge the traditional expectations of buyers. To create a dynamic yet fluid shape and enhance the driver’s visibility, a low hood has been adapted, producing a distinctive silhouette emphasized by an aggressive downward angle.
The provocative elegance of the design starts up front with the latest iteration of the brand’s signature grille, but adds individual cues that are unique to the ES such as the vertical grille pattern and satin-plated trim, adding slim headlamps with distinctive L-shaped marker lights. In profile, the ES has a dynamic yet fluid shape that starts with the low hoodline that feeds into the sleek roofline. The rear of the all-new Lexus ES is clean and sharply chiselled, with distinctive three-dimensional, L-shaped LED taillamps that wrap around the quarter panels to provide a continuous styling line from any angle.
There are three different wheel designs (standard 17-inch, two 18-inch) for the ES 250, ES 350 and ES 300h, while the ES 350 F SPORT gets standard 19-inch wheels. 10 colors make up the exterior paint palette including two new shades, Sunlight Green and Ice Ecru. The F-SPORT model gets two exclusive colors: White Nova, embodying ultimate purity, and Heat Blue that expresses high energy.
In the new ES, the driver’s focus is kept on the road ahead by placing the centre display screen, instrument panel and available heads-up display in a tight cluster in the driver’s field of view. Front passengers, on the other hand, get a more open and spacious environment that promotes relaxation. Completing the all-new Lexus ES’ distinct personality is its exquisite interior that invites the driver and passengers to enjoy a range of advanced features offering a refined cabin experience.
These include an enhanced in-vehicle 12.3-inch multimedia display, a 10.2-inch colored and adjustable head-up display (HUD), a 7-inch color multi-information display (MID), a wireless charging system for smartphones, an LED ambient illumination, the Lexus Climate Concierge with a 3-zone independent temperature control system, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, multi-adjustable power and ventilated front seats, power reclining rear seats, a rear armrest with multi-operation panel, and a hands-free power trunk lid.
Despite the coupe-like design, rear seat passenger comfort- a hallmark of the ES – remains a top priority. A lower hip point and a carefully configured headliner preserve headroom while the longer wheelbase delivers generous legroom. ES 350 and ES 300h offer Shimamoku wooden trim and Bamboo trim, which give the ES a hand-crafted appearance that luxury buyers expect in this category.
To give it a more distinctive look, the F-SPORT model comes with all-new kind of metallic cabin trim, inspired by the making of “Katana” a traditional Japanese sword, and uses “Hadori”, a polishing technique that relies on a thin grinding stone, giving the ornamentation panels a three-dimensional appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle.
ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a new 8-speed direct shift automatic transmission, with an update to D4-S fuel injection, designed to deliver commanding acceleration along with an invigorating sound. The impressively smooth engine now throws 301 horsepower, up significantly by 11%, compared to the older model, while delivering 16% better fuel economy. The new ES 250 also comes with an 8-speed Automatic Transmission and offers 13% better horsepower and 25% better fuel economy with 17.2 KM / L.
The HEV variant, ES 300h is capable of delivering exceptional fuel efficiency, responsive performance and minimal emissions. An all-new engine, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder incorporates fast-burn combustion technology that makes it one of the most thermally efficient engines ever offered in a Lexus. An all-new nickel metal hybrid battery is smaller than before which allows it to be mounted underneath the back seat so it doesn’t infringe on trunk space.
The all-new ES is available across all Al-Futtaim Lexus showrooms in the UAE starting from AED 195,000.
Cars
JETOUR’s T1 and T2 i-DM Highlighted at Jeddah International Motor Show
On October 29th, the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show (JIMS) took place at the Superdome in Jeddah. JETOUR Auto showcased its top-tier models from both the off-road and family series. Among the highlights were the urban light off-road SUV JETOUR T1 and the super hybrid SUV JETOUR T2 i-DM, making their debut. This event underscored JETOUR’s confidence in its strategic glocalization efforts and its increasing investment in the Middle East as part of the “Travel+” strategy.
At the JETOUR booth, the T1, a new addition to the off-road series, made its international debut. As an urban lite off-road SUV, the T1 boasts a premium interior and a rugged boxy design, which earned the Red Dot Design Concept Award 2024. It comes equipped with the TOUR OS 2.0 system, ensuring advanced technology, a quiet cabin, and comfortable seating for a futuristic feel. The T1 features a 2.0TD+8AT powertrain and XWD intelligent four-wheel drive. It also supports official modifications, appealing to those seeking individuality and a high-quality lifestyle.
JETOUR’s ambition to become “The World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles” is embodied in the T2 i-DM, which employs JETOUR’s Super Hybrid i-DM technology. This technology includes a high-efficiency hybrid engine, a hybrid transmission, and a Battery Safety System, characterized by high energy efficiency, performance, safety, and intelligence. The T2 i-DM achieves a maximum combined power of 280kW and a maximum combined torque of 610N·m, offering an exhilarating driving experience. Notably, the T2, the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the T2 i-DM, has become the best-selling boxy SUV in Saudi Arabia since its launch in the first quarter of 2024. The introduction of the T2 i-DM is expected to further boost JETOUR’s popularity in the Saudi market.
As Ke Chuandeng, Vice President of JETOUR AUTO, said at the Jeddah Motor Show, “Since its establishment, JETOUR has already covered over 2000 sales and service networks in more than 60 countries and regions and has achieved a total of 1.4 million+ customers globally in just 74 months. JETOUR’s ‘acceleration’ has been created. In Saudi Arabia, JETOUR aims to continue this momentum of accelerated growth. To better serve customers in Saudi Arabia, JETOUR will upgrade its channels and services through the establishment of more exclusive showrooms, authorized dealerships and cooperation with FIX AUTO, creating a convenient and worry-free service experience.”
The T1, which debuted at JIMS, is set to officially launch in the Saudi market early next year. Once launched, the T1 will join forces with the T2 to form a premium product lineup, further enriching the off-road series. The rapid expansion of JETOUR’s family and off-road series, including models like the X70, X90, and DASHING, is anticipated to drive sales in the Saudi market to exceed 20,000 units next year.
Cars
VinFast Officially Launches in the Middle East
VinFast Auto has officially entered the Middle Eastern market. The company, together with its partner Al Tayer Motors, officially opened its first dealership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the downtown area of Dubai. With a total area of over 1,000 square meters, the store is designed with a modern and luxurious style, integrated with a service workshop, providing customers the opportunity to directly experience VinFast’s smart electric vehicles, including the VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9 models.
With modern design, advanced technology, and impressive performance, VinFast’s electric vehicles promise to bring entirely new driving experiences to customers in the UAE as well as the Middle East region. Previously, on October 17, 2024, VinFast signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Charge&Go to promote the installation and operation of a network of public charging stations and related services in the UAE.
According to plans, additional VinFast dealerships in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, will be opened later this year. The VinFast VF 8 model is expected to be priced starting from $47,500 (Eco trim) and $51,500 (Plus trim) when it is launched for sale in the Middle East.
Speaking at the event, Ta Xuan Hien, CEO of VinFast Middle East, shared, “Today’s official brand launch in the Middle East marks an important step in VinFast’s journey to expand its presence in the global electric vehicle market. We are proud to partner with Gulf nations in the electrification revolution, offering smart and powerful electric vehicles with exceptional warranties, while gradually realizing our expansion plan in the Middle East and globally.”
As a pioneer in the all-electric vehicle strategy, VinFast has established a strong reputation with its presence in numerous international markets such as the U.S., Canada, Europe, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines. The Middle East is a new advancement in VinFast’s expansion strategy, especially as countries in the region are adopting policies to accelerate the development of electric vehicles.
In the Middle East, VinFast has signed exclusive partnership agreements with three leading regional dealers: Al Tayer Motors (UAE), Al Mana Holdings (Qatar), and Bahwan Automobiles & Trading (Oman). By promoting collaboration with top partners in the Middle East, VinFast is actively participating in realizing green mobility solutions in the region, while affirming the commitment of the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer to making EVs more accessible to everyone.
Cars
JETOUR T1 to be Unveiled at Jeddah International Motor Show 2024
From 29 October to 2 November, the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show, with the theme of “drive the excitement”, will be held at the Jeddah Superdome. JETOUR will bring several flagship models to the show. Among them, the new member of the off-road series, Lite Off-road SUV JETOUR T1, will make its debut at the Jeddah International Motor Show.
It is known that the first model of the JETOUR T series, T2, has been widely recognised by local users since it was launched in Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of this year, and has held the top spot for boxy SUV in sales. The T1 model, which will make its debut in the global market, will further enrich JETOUR’s off-road product matrix. In addition, JETOUR will also showcase the hybrid vehicle of JETOUR T2 i-DM for the first time overseas. In the future, JETOUR will adhere to the “Hybrid product strategy combining ICE and NEV” and increase the R&D and introduction of off-road and new energy vehicles, aiming for the World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles.
As one of the flagship models of JETOUR at this show, JETOUR T1 is positioned as an urban light off-road SUV, specially designed for individuals with distinct personalities and the pursuit of high-quality life. It is the latest masterpiece of JETOUR AUTO after the popular T2. The creative and powerful design of the off-road series has been recognized by professionals, and it was awarded the Red Dot Design Concept at the 2024 Red Dot Design Awards among other unlisted products. Meanwhile, JETOUR T1 is equipped with a TOUR OS 2.0 system, a quiet cabin and comfortable seats, overall enhancing driving comfort. It is also equipped with 2.0TD + 8AT strong power, making more comfortable journeys beyond expectations.
Another important model that will make its debut soon is the JETOUR T2 i-DM, positioned as the adventure hybrid SUV. It is a hybrid product launched by JETOUR in response to the global trend of energy transition. The model adopts JETOUR’s latest super hybrid technology, i-DM, which combines a high-efficiency hybrid-specific engine, hybrid-specific transmission and battery safety system. It features high energy efficiency, strong performance, good safety, and high intelligence. It can achieve a maximum combined power of 280kW, a maximum combined torque of 610N·m, a maximum pure electric range of 139KM, and a combined range of 1,000KM+ with a full tank of fuel and a full charge. T2 i-DM is the first new energy vehicle launched by JETOUR AUTO overseas and is believed to continue T2’s popularity and gain the attention and favour of users in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region.
In addition, it is known that JETOUR will also bring the X50 from the family series, as well as the Dashing Black Edition and T2 Black Warrior to this Jeddah International Motor Show. From family to off-road series, from traditional fuel vehicles to hybrid models and modified models, JETOUR continuously improves and enriches its products. JETOUR enters a new stage of market development with the Jeddah International Motor Show as a starting point.