Cars
MG Motor Confirms Production of Cyberster Roadster
MG Motor has confirmed that the British-born brand will manufacture a production version of its cutting-edge, fully-electric Cyberster concept car by issuing teaser images of the stylish new model. Developed as a co-creation between both customers and MG, and first showcased in 2021, the Cyberster is a two-door, two-seater sports car that blends MG’s brand heritage with its future plans.
The Cyberster was developed by the renowned SAIC Design Centre and takes inspiration from the classic MGB Roadster. The Cyberster has a futuristic exterior look, with its characteristics of youthfulness, sharpness, and boldness emphasised in several ways. At the front, the design highlight is the headlights, which are complemented by the slim grille and scissor doors. The taillight design, taking cues from modern art and the Union Flag, gives the rear of the car a distinct look and feel, while the upturned duck tail maximises the car’s aerodynamic capabilities.
Spearheaded by the Global Executive Director of SAIC Design Centre, Shao Jingfeng, the objective of the project was to introduce a new roadster sports car and a personalised lifestyle car experience. This was enabled through MG’s founding of a first-of-its-kind co-creation organisation. Taking into design account the opinion of users and expert designers, 25 major elements and 97 sub-elements within the car were co-created, taking customer engagement and personalisation to a new level.
Tom Lee, Managing Director of MG Middle East, commented, “It has always been in our plans to bring the brand’s strong British heritage and classic two-door sports design back with a modern twist, and the Cyberster does just that. What started off as a concept car, has now become a reality. This two-door sports car will bridge the gap between our rich history and our progress toward the future of mobility. It thrills me to know there’s a demand from our customers for MG’s classic designs and I look forward to bringing this model to the region once it’s ready.”
First unveiled in 2021, the Cyberster is set to offer a range of around 800km and a 0-100 km/h time of less than three seconds. The car will feature 5G interconnectivity and an e-sports cockpit, created through a collaboration between MG and Bilibili e-sports. Further details will be revealed in due course.
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.
Cars
NIO Debuts Flagship SUV EL8 in UAE
NIO, a leading premium smart electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has officially launched its flagship SUV, the EL8, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This marks the company’s first entry into the Middle East region, following the recent announcement of its joint venture, NIO MENA, with Abu Dhabi-based partner CYVN Holdings.
Founded in 2014, NIO has rapidly gained a strong foothold in the global EV market, boasting a network of over 598,000 users worldwide. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has been a key driver of its success. The EL8 is a testament to NIO’s dedication to creating environmentally friendly vehicles. Equipped with advanced battery-swapping technology, the SUV offers a convenient and sustainable charging solution. Additionally, NIO is actively working on renewable energy initiatives to power its infrastructure, further reducing its carbon footprint.
The EL8 is packed with innovative features, including NIO’s proprietary SkyOS platform, which enables seamless integration of various vehicle functions. The in-car AI system, NOMI, enhances the driving experience by listening to and responding to user commands. To address range anxiety, NIO offers its innovative Power Swap technology, allowing users to replace their vehicle’s battery in just a few minutes. The company plans to introduce Power Swap Stations across key locations in the UAE, providing drivers with a convenient and efficient charging option.
NIO places a strong emphasis on user experience. The NIO App offers a range of digital services, while NIO Life provides a curated collection of lifestyle products. The company is also opening its first NIO House in the UAE, a community space for users to gather, socialize, and experience the NIO brand. The EL8 is a luxurious and technologically advanced SUV that combines intelligent features, sustainable design, and powerful performance. Its spacious interior, advanced safety systems, and long-range battery make it an ideal choice for discerning drivers in the UAE.