Cars
Ford Announces the new Edge
Ford has announced the launch of the new Edge that offers a comprehensive range of camera and sensor-based driver assistance technologies. The Edge also marks the Middle East debuts of Post‑Collision Braking and Evasive Steering Assist. The new Edge launches in the Middle East with a choice of engines: the 250hp 2.0-litre EcoBoost inline-four cylinders for Ambiente, Trend and Titanium models, and the 335 horsepower 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 for the all-new Edge ST performance SUV.
The new Ford Edge is the first vehicle to be equipped with Ford’s full CoPilot360 suite of safety features. On Ambiente and Trend models, the CoPilot360 features include:
- Auto High Beam Headlamps
- Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane Keeping System which includes Lane Keep Assist, Lane Keeping Alert and Driver Alert
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Dynamic Brake Support
- Rear View Camera
Titanium and ST models also get the following features:
- Post-Collision Braking, which helps to reduce the impact of a potential secondary collision by automatically applying moderate brake pressure when an initial collision event is detected; slowing the vehicle can potentially lessen injury to occupants and further damage to the vehicle
- Evasive Steering Assist, which helps drivers steer around stopped or slower vehicles to help avoid collisions. Designed to operate at city and motorway speeds, it uses radar and a camera to detect slower-moving and stationary vehicles ahead and provides steering support to enable drivers to manoeuvre around a vehicle if a collision is imminent
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centring Assist helps the vehicle maintain a comfortable driving distance from vehicles ahead and helps reduce stress during long, light-traffic road trips by helping keep the vehicle centred in its lane
Driving and parking in towns and built-up areas are made more comfortable and less demanding with features including Cross-Traffic Alert, Ford Adaptive Steering, Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, Side Parking Aid and Park Out Assist that helps drivers pull out of parking spaces.
The new Edge uses Ford’s latest powertrain technologies to deliver effortless performance alongside optimised fuel-efficiency. A small, high-pressure turbo and larger, low-pressure turbo work in series at low rpm for greater responsiveness and enhanced torque. At higher engine speeds, the larger turbo works alone to produce the boost required to deliver peak power.
Ford’s new eight-speed automatic transmission has been engineered to further optimise fuel-efficiency and deliver responsive performance and smooth, swift gearshifts. Tuned to meet European driving expectations, the transmission features:
- Adaptive Shift Scheduling, which assesses individual driving styles to optimise gearshift timings. The system can identify uphill and downhill gradients and hard cornering, and adjust gearshifts accordingly for a more stable, engaging and refined driving experience
- Adaptive Shift Quality Control, which assesses vehicle and environmental information to help adjust clutch pressures for consistently smooth gearshifts. The technology can also adjust shift smoothness to suit driving style
An available wireless charging pad nestled in the new Ford Edge forward media bin now enables cable-free charging of compatible devices, and Ford’s SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system – compatible with Apple CarPlay and other mobile platforms– enables drivers to control connected smartphones, audio, navigation and climate using voice commands and an 8-inch colour touchscreen.
Customers can further upgrade their audio experience with a new premium B&O PLAY sound system that has been specially tuned for Edge. The system uses a 10-channel Digital Sound Processor to control and equalise each of the 12 speakers, ensuring an even sound distribution throughout the cabin. A surround sound option delivers an even more enveloping audio experience.
The new Edge also offers a new fully configurable 3D digital instrument cluster that allows drivers to personalise the layout of the speedometer, rev-counter and vehicle information displays to suit their own preferences – and even adjust between one of seven colours – while maintaining a simple, elegant appearance. Further, available comfort and convenience technologies include a full-length panoramic glass roof, heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
With harmonious, high-quality materials and cutting-edge design, the spacious new Edge interior exudes a premium feel. A redesigned centre console features a new rotary gearshift dial for the eight-speed automatic transmission that frees up space and allows easier access to the wireless charging pad while enhancing the vehicle’s modern, sophisticated feel.
An electronic parking brake button in place of a conventional parking brake lever also helps maximise space and houses adjustable cup holders and a deep storage box with enough space for books, toys and tablets. An even larger swing-bin glovebox sits under the dashboard, and further stowage is available in the instrument panel top.
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.