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Self-Driving Prototype of Jaguar I-PACE Shown at Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport

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Jaguar honoured its role as the official Technology Partner of the 2019 Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport with the showcase of an autonomous prototype Jaguar I-PACE, giving visitors a glimpse into the future of mobility in Dubai. Successfully tested on the streets of Dubai in preparation for its appearance at the Congress, the prototype model demonstrates the progress being made in the autonomous driving space globally, and Jaguar Land Rover’s contribution to the Emirate’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy.

The luxury automotive brand’s commitment to an autonomous, connected, electric and shared (ACES) future is a cornerstone to delivering on its Destination Zero vision; the ambition to make societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner. The all-electric, zero-emissions Jaguar I-PACE – current 2019 World Car of the Year and World Green Car of the Year – was chosen for this special project because of its strong sustainability credentials.

The production Jaguar I-PACE was modified to include enhanced vehicle detection and avoidance capabilities through a combination of radar and cameras, alongside a traffic light detection system. The vehicle’s speed and steering, from stationary up to highway speed, were also controlled autonomously during test drives, with the system following routes from a detailed HD map showing route location and a detailed bird’s-eye view of junctions.

Jaguar Land Rover continues its drive for conscious innovation focusing on achieving its vision with Destination Zero – a future of zero emissions, zero accidents, and zero congestion – across its facilities, and through its products and services. Autonomous vehicle technology plays a major role in realising the strategy. To date, Jaguar Land Rover has successfully completed real-world testing of the technology on complicated inner-city roads in the UK and continues to collaborate with academia and industry to accelerate innovation.

“Jaguar Land Rover shares similar goals to Dubai’s government with regards to mobility and sustainability. We both wish to make driving safer, to free up time we spend travelling, and to reduce the negative impact travel has on our planet,” commented Bruce Robertson, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover MENA. “The Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport tackles these same important challenges head-on, and our autonomous Jaguar I-PACE prototype is proof positive of the impressive progress our company and industry are making.”

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince Of Dubai And Chairman Of The Executive Council, the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport aims to accelerate the adoption of self-driving technology globally. Locally, the event supports the vision of H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make 25 percent of all trips in Dubai smart and driverless by 2030.

Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency and Head of the Smart & Sustainable Transport Committee at RTA, said: “Jaguar Land Rover’s pilot launch of an autonomous vehicle at the Dubai World Congress for Self-Driving Transport is a huge boost for RTA’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, complementing our tireless efforts in supporting autonomous vehicles technology and enablers in Dubai. This type of vehicles has become a key constituent in realising the future of transport and smart cities. It also promotes the concept of sustainability through motivating the use of electrical power in transit means.”

Bahrozyan added: “The pilot launch of Jaguar autonomous vehicle in Dubai contributes to the realisation of our leaders drive to transform 25% of total mobility journeys in Dubai to self-driving transport by 2030. We need to dedicate more efforts to deliver on Dubai’s strategy through taking concrete measures, and stepping up cooperation with the private sector, in line with our wise leadership’s aspirations.”

Hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre across October 15 and 16 2019, the event provides a platform for prominent experts, policymakers, researchers, and academics to share their expertise and discuss the latest innovations in technology for self-driving transport.

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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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