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Al-Futtaim Toyota Says the Future of Automobiles is Zero-Emission Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

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Al-Futtaim Toyota held a special preview of Toyota’s new Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV) at its headquarters, to explain all the environmental advantages of the zero-emission technology. The preview was followed by test driving the FCEV Toyota Mirai and a field trip to the first Hydrogen station at Al Badia, Dubai Festival City, where attendees experienced the 3-minute Hydrogen tank filling.

Unlike battery-powered electric vehicles, the four-door mid-size electric sedan with performance that fully competes with traditional internal combustion engines, Toyota Mirai, is not recharged by plugging it into an electricity grid but creates electricity using hydrogen, enabling the car to run up to 500km+, while emitting only water vapour. Globally, Toyota’s electrified vehicle strategy centers on a significant acceleration in the development and launch plans of various electrified powertrains such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), with the aim of selling more than 5 million electrified vehicles, including more than 1 million zero-emission vehicles (BEVs, FCEVs) by 2030.

For Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, in addition to the Mirai introduced in 2014, Toyota Motor Corporation will expand its FCEV lineup by introducing SUVs, as well as buses and trucks and will also roll out the FCEV technology to other industries, in contribution to a low-emission hydrogen-based society. At the event, Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota said, “Al-Futtaim Toyota pioneered sustainable motoring in 2008, through Hybrid Electric Vehicle solutions which have so far saved the environment over 7,000 tons of CO2 through the taxi fleets of Camry Hybrid Electric. As a leader in sustainable mobility in the UAE, we have a responsibility to lead the charge for greener motoring and cleaner air as a consequence. In our next chapter, and in line with the UAE Vision 2021, we believe that Mirai or any other FCEV in the future, once adopted on a large national scale, can actively help the UAE in its march towards a serious climate action thanks to the many practical benefits it presents, such as zero pollutants, zero behavioural change, long mileage and minimal hydrogen filling time of 3 to 5 minutes.”

Al-Futtaim Toyota is working on expanding the network of Hydrogen stations through active cooperation and collaboration with government authorities and partnering companies in the UAE.

Stay tuned for a preview of the Toyota Mirai!

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JAECOO J5 Set to Launch in UAE in July 2025

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The long-anticipated JAECOO J5, hailed as “the new darling of future travel”, is set to debut in the UAE this July 2025, marking the region’s entry into a new era of light off-road lifestyle and refined outdoor mobility. After making waves globally during its reveal at the Shanghai Auto Show held in April 2025, the J5 is finally arriving in the UAE — where automotive enthusiasts and adventurers alike can experience the future of travel with exclusive test drives available at JAECOO showrooms across the Emirates.

Designed for modern explorers seeking a harmonious connection with nature, the JAECOO J5 blends rugged capability with elegant aesthetics, drawing inspiration from snow-capped mountains and meandering rivers. With a bold waterfall grille, sharply defined ridge-like body lines, and integrated rear spoiler, the J5 combines strength and softness in perfect balance — a true masterpiece “from classic, beyond classic.”

“The JAECOO J5 is more than a vehicle; it’s a lifestyle statement for today’s generation of freedom seekers,” said Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International. “It’s engineered to fulfill a growing longing for nature and freedom in the midst of urban hustle, and we are proud to bring that vision to the UAE.”

Built on a new powertrain platform, the J5 ensures smooth yet powerful driving performance across all road conditions — from daily city commutes to spontaneous desert adventures. The in-car microphone and karaoke mode add entertainment elements to family trips. “J5 reflects our belief that travel should not only be bold and beautiful but deeply personal and inclusive,” added Shawn Xu. “We invite all UAE residents to test drive the J5 and discover a new standard of off-road elegance.”

The JAECOO J5 will be available for test drives by the end of June 2025 at all official JAECOO showrooms in the UAE.

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NIO Intros 3-Minute Battery Swapping for EVs in UAE

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NIO has launched its Power Swap Station technology in the UAE, offering a rapid alternative to traditional EV charging. This system allows drivers to exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in approximately three minutes. This infrastructure is designed to address common concerns regarding EV adoption in the UAE, namely long charging times and charger availability. The process is fully automated: vehicles autonomously park within the station, where the discharged battery is automatically removed and replaced. Each swapped battery undergoes a comprehensive health check, ensuring optimal performance and safety, and is charged under ideal conditions to promote longevity.

Key advantages of NIO’s battery swapping include its speed, which is comparable to refueling a traditional car, and a hassle-free, automated process that doesn’t require drivers to leave their vehicle. The system also performs a full system health check with every swap and optimizes battery charging to extend lifespan. Furthermore, the swappable battery design facilitates easier reuse and recycling.

The UAE’s inaugural Power Swap Station opened in February 2025 at Yas Marina Circuit. Since its launch, about 15% of NIO users in the UAE are actively utilizing the battery swapping service, indicating growing local user preference. Unlike conventional charging, which slows as the battery nears full capacity, battery swapping provides instant full charge, enhancing efficiency and making EVs more practical for daily use.

NIO reports significant time savings compared to traditional charging methods. For instance, charging a 100-kilowatt-hour battery from 5% to 95% via an 11kW AC charger typically takes 8 hours, while a Power Swap Station completes this in minutes, offering up to a 99% time saving. Similarly, it provides substantial time reductions compared to 50kW DC (up to 97% saving) and 120kW DC (up to 93% saving) fast chargers.

To date, over 1,749 kilowatt-hours of electricity have been delivered through battery swaps. This energy delivery, which would take approximately 15 hours with a 120kW DC charger, was completed in just 1.4 hours of total swapping time using the Power Swap Station, marking a tenfold improvement in energy delivery efficiency.

As demand for battery swapping increases, a second NIO Power Swap Station is scheduled to open in Dubai in the coming weeks, with additional stations planned throughout the year. This expansion aligns with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which promotes investment in sustainable and innovative mobility solutions to support the UAE’s expanding population.

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The 2025 INFINITI QX55 Arrives in the Middle East

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INFINITI has announced the arrival of the 2025 QX55, a stylish and comfortable crossover coupe that makes a statement with its iconic sloped roofline and confident presence. The latest iteration of the QX55 emphasises daring design, a meticulously crafted interior, and user-friendly technology, promising an elevated driving experience.

The 2025 model year offers buyers a streamlined selection of three well-appointed grades, each providing the added confidence of standard INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Prioritising driver and passenger safety, every QX55 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard active safety technologies. This includes Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, High Beam Assist, and Cross Traffic Alert.

The entry-level QX55 LUXE offers a compelling package, powered by a potent and efficient 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Exterior highlights include 20-inch dark-painted aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, drivers will appreciate a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the ProACTIVE Package, heated front seats, a convenient wireless phone charging pad, and the intuitive INFINITI InTouch infotainment system featuring both Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay integration.

Stepping up to the QX55 ESSENTIAL grade adds practical enhancements designed for everyday convenience. These include the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection for enhanced visibility, integrated navigation, climate-controlled front seats for optimal comfort, and rain-sensing front wipers. The top-of-the-line QX55 SENSORY builds upon the already well-equipped ESSENTIAL grade with a focus on premium materials and advanced features.

The interior is adorned with black natural maple open-pore wood trim and luxurious semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, complemented by heated rear seats. Audiophiles will appreciate the rich and immersive sound delivered by a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system, complete with metallic speaker grilles for the tweeters. The SENSORY grade also boasts an elite 3-zone full auto air-conditioning system with front and rear ventilation shut function, auto recirculation with ionizer, and fine particle anti-allergen deodorising filters, along with a convenient head-up display and a motion-activated liftgate.

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