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Google launches HD maps for vehicles, Volvo and Polestar first to integrate

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Google launches HD maps for vehicles, Volvo and Polestar first to integrate

Google has announced an HD version of its vehicle mapping solution. Unlike Google Maps, Google’s HD map is not a consuming-facing application but an additional layer of data that’s served to the vehicle’s L2+ or L3 assisted-driving systems through Google Automotive Services.

The additional information sits on top of Google Maps’ data and delivers details such as precise lane makers and localization of objects (road signs) to help assisted-driving vehicles orient themselves on the road. The driver will not be able to see or access the HD map or data directly. It’s not clear at this time if the driver will even know if the vehicle is using the HD mapping, though, presumably the vehicle’s assisted-driving skills will be improved when it’s in use.

Also read: Google opens Android Automotive OS to Spotify, other media app developers

According to a Google spokesperson, the HD mapping is initially focused on high-traffic roads like freeways, but the spokesperson stopped short of saying exactly which cities or freeways. They said Google is working with automakers to determine where the HD map is most helpful.

The HD map is now available to automakers using Google Automotive Services. Volvo and Polestar announced that the HD map will soon be available in the Volvo EX90 and the Polestar 3.

Subcon 2023

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Subcon 2023

Subcon returns to the NEC in 2023, bringing together the full manufacturing ecosystem for the UK’s longest-established subcontract manufacturing supply chain show. This is the premier event for procurement teams from both OEMs and tiered suppliers to benchmark their subcontracting manufacturing capabilities and refine their supply chain. Discover the best suppliers, latest innovations and practical advice to help build new partnerships and optimize business strategies.

Discover over 200 solution providers all under one roof – refine your supply chain and keep costs down. Plus, be inspired by industry leaders who will reveal stories behind some of the UK’s most interesting engineering and manufacturing projects. Your future business starts here. Find out more about the exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities available at Subcon. Meet with engaged buyers and key influencers from across the manufacturing and engineering industries. Don’t miss this unmissable opportunity to showcase your products and solutions.

Egypt keen to enhance trade with India for industrial goods, automobile parts

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Egypt keen to enhance trade with India for industrial goods, automobile parts

There is potential for trade enhancement with Egypt as India has competencies that Egypt wants, for example in information technology, cyber security, industrial goods, car manufacturing, automobile parts, and light engineering goods said, Former Deputy National security Adviser Pankaj Saran.

Saran who currently serves as Convenor of NatStrat, Centre for Research on Strategic and Security Issues said that this depends on how fast the Egyptian economy grows.

“Egypt is very keen to import wheat from India. There are a lot of Indian investments in Egypt. We can use Egypt as a gateway to the rest of the region including to northern Africa, Europe, and the Arab world,” he advised on his fortnightly show on Awaz-the Voice.

He was speaking on the renewed efforts to bring the two countries together with the ongoing visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah-El-Sisi to India. Saran, who has known Egypt from the time he was posted there for three years as a young diplomat, says that Egyptians and Indians are like-humoured.

He said the relations between the two countries were not so warm for a long time because of internal instability in Egypt. He said that President Mubarak, who ruled the country for 30 years, was “focused on fighting terrorism, fundamentalism, and extremism”.

So, they did not have time for India or the rest of Asia. They had an extremely close relationship with the United States, Europe, and in particular France.

He pointed out that of late, Egypt seems to have decided to look eastward, more towards Asia, to China a little bit, and Russia and their outreach to India seems to be part of this decision to diversify their geopolitical options.

NEXUS Automotive International Accelerates Growth in Africa

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NEXUS Automotive International Accelerates Growth in Africa

Nine years after the creation of the automotive aftermarket company, NEXUS Automotive International will further focus on Africa through IAMAGA, a dedicated entity. The aim is to accelerate growth on the continent and continue deploying N! innovative and sustainable initiatives.

N! will further develop the activities of IAMAGA, a regional entity dedicated to the African Automotive Aftermarket, which includes 34 Africa based members and their affiliates.

Also Read: IAMaga – The Nexus gateway to Africa

IAMAGA will be providing specific services to its community such as:

  • Transactional activities, for optimized access and pricing.
  • Strategic Partnerships with OEMS, with specific commercial collaborations.
  • Financing and coordination of innovative projects.
  • Assistance with sustainability related initiatives.
  • Data sharing.
  • N! Academy Training deployment (garages/distributors).
  • Garages network services structuration.
  • Mobility in Africa through innovation screening.
  • African members representativity (central service center, credit risk scoring, …)
  • Sustainability: « Re-man / Re-use / Recycle » activities structuration.
  • Replicate the newly created Algerian Academy in other markets.

Also Read: NEXUS and IAMaga unifying the African Automotive Aftermarket Community

IAMAGA will also reunite its community through the organization of a dedicated mid-year event, which will take place in Morocco.

“Africa has always been strategic since the launch of NEXUS – it’s part of the DNA. After 9 years, we have developed an impressive network that is looking forward to providing more quality parts, more services, innovation, and of course, a sustainable future!” said Gael Escribe, CEO of NEXUS Automotive International. 

Also Read: Extremely Constructive Outcomes Following the First ‘The One Africa Business Summit’ organized by NEXUS in Cairo, Egypt

About NEXUS Automotive International

Established in 2014 by CEO Gaël Escribe, NEXUS Automotive International, the leading automotive aftermarket (AA) global community, is shaping the future of the AA.

Thanks to an entrepreneurial, innovative and agile mindset, N! disrupts the industry bringing innovative solutions for a more sustainable, digital and connected mobility. At the same time, it supports its community of more than 150 members in 140 countries, allied with 78 global suppliers, by providing services to accelerate their growth.

N! is offering new approaches and new ideas for a connected, global and consolidated world of tomorrow to accelerate the success of car and heavy duty spare parts and services distributors and manufacturers, through 18 regional structures that connect them.

NEXUS’ consolidated turnover was more than 39 billion euros in 2022.

Automotive aftermarket supplier BGA (BG Automotive) unveils its expanded product range.

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Automotive aftermarket supplier BGA (BG Automotive) unveils its expanded product range.

Automotive Aftermarket supplier BG Automotive has introduced new development through their Product Development Team & Technical Team ensure that the most relevant references as being released monthly to ensure that your business remains competitive covering the latest applications.

BGA product references use OE parameters and tolerances as the mandatory MINIMUM requirements to pass our accredited quality controls in our UK Head Quarters and are now available at your disposal to be stocked.

8 new references have been added in January alone to our Steering & Suspension range covering popular models such as BMW, Hyundai, Opel/Vauxhall, Audi, VW, Honda & Kia.
Our market-leading technologies such as induction hardening, CNC machining, cataphoresis and our high-capacity forging facility ensures that our Steering & Suspension references have the highest standard of rust resistance in comparison to our competitors.

‘TRC01056’ covers models such as Audi Q7 2018 onwards and VW Touareg 2017 onwards. ‘TRC01037’ covers applications for Audi A4 2016 onwards and Audi A5 2016 onwards. All of our components are tested electronically and undertake a 3-axis test for durability to ensure maximum performance & resistance.

Also read: BGA’s TOP SELLERS-Preparing for the Steering & Suspension demand 2023

One timing chain reference has been added with ‘TC2312K’ covering models such as Citroen Berlingo 2018 onwards, Ford Focus, Transit Connect 2018 onwards and Peugeot Partner 2019 onwards.

Cylinder Head Cover product group has also been expanded this month with ‘RC23003’ covering models such as Citroen Relay 2011 onwards, Ford Transit 2011 – 2014 and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2015 – 2019.

We look forward to kick-starting 2023 with a strong target of releasing new competitive product references and strengthening our business relations with our current customers.

About BGA (BG Automotive)

BGA (BG Automotive) is an Automotive Aftermarket parts supplier, celebrating over 90 years of OE manufacturing heritage as the aftermarket division of the largest privately owned OE supplier, 4BG Group, established in 1929.

BGA (BG Automotive) focuses on providing one of the largest ranges of high quality, competitively priced parts in the aftermarket containing Auxiliary Drive, Camtrain, Cooling, Gaskets, Lubrication, Power Steering, Steering & Suspension, Timing Belt Kits, Timing Chain Kits and Transmission.

Axalta announces Global Automotive Color of the Year for 2023 – Techno Blue

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Axalta announces Global Automotive Color of the Year for 2023 – Techno Blue

Axalta Coating Systems (NYSE: AXTA), a leading global coatings company, has announced its 2023 Global Automotive Color of the Year – Techno Blue. This is the 9th year the company has featured a trending color.

Axalta’s 2022 Automotive Color Trends ‘Powered by Color’ highlights the generational trends, changing reality and positive outlook that shaped this 2023 selection. Techno Blue is a pulsating color that is right on beat with the rhythm of today’s lively energy. The modern, whimsical shade also embodies the transition from the real to virtual world.

“This year’s color is vibrant and radiates positivity,” said Hadi Awada, Senior Vice President, Global Mobility at Axalta. “Techno Blue is a bold contrast to the luxurious Royal Magenta, Axalta’s 2022 Color of the Year, shifting people’s mindsets towards futuristic thinking. I’m proud that our Mobility team continues to drive trends throughout the automotive industry.”

Techno Blue is formulated for various coating solutions and enriches the already diverse color palette. As a leading color expert in paint and coatings, Axalta uses its innovative technology, advanced color formulations and proprietary insights into global and regional color preferences to drive future color trends.

For more information about the Global Automotive Color of the Year for 2023 visit www.refinish.axalta.eu/techno-blue and for Axalta’s color capabilities, visit www.refinish.axalta.eu/colour-2023.

About Axalta Refinish

Axalta Refinish – part of Axalta, a leading global company focused solely on coatings – is a valued, reliable global paint repair partner to our customers, who demand nothing short of total customer satisfaction. We give them confidence in our fast, efficient, high-quality coating technologies and integrated digital business processes, making the entire paint repair journey faster, easier and more profitable. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, our dedication to innovation and our constantly-developing technology means we offer our customers an unlimited colour choice for perfect colour matches. Most importantly, we work tirelessly to anticipate our customers’ needs so they can address the challenges they face every day. We have an impressive portfolio of brands for every bodyshop requirement, for every segment of the market, and for every level of market maturity. For more information visit refinish.axalta.eu and follow us on LinkedIn

About Axalta

Axalta is a global leader in the coatings industry, providing customers with innovative, colourful, beautiful and sustainable coatings solutions. From light vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings facades and other industrial applications, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enhance durability. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the global team at Axalta continues to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axalta.co.za and follow us @Axalta on Twitter.

BGA’s TOP SELLERS-Preparing for the Steering & Suspension demand 2023

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BGA’s TOP SELLERS-Preparing for the Steering & Suspension demand 2023

BGA’s product group ‘Steering & Suspension’ is highly recommended by our Product Development Team which have identified 24 must stock references for your business to remain competitive covering the latest applications.

BGA’s Steering & Suspension components use OE (original equipment) parameters and tolerances as the mandatory MINIMUM requirements to pass our accredited quality controls in our UK Head Quarters and are now available at your disposal to be stocked.

Over 1 Million Steering & Suspension components shipped alone in 2022 positions BGA as an ideal choice to become your parts distributor in 2023 as we are positioned to release new product references every month ensuring that we remain competitive in the automotive aftermarket.

Steering & Suspension is one of the most important components of any vehicle as they are responsible in ensuring the vehicle is able to be controlled and allows it to absorb shocks from the imperfect road surfaces. It is important to have the most common steering & suspension components regularly stocked to ensure that you are able to promptly accommodate any customer request.

The suspension system of a vehicle is made up of several parts including but not limited: track control arms, ball joints, stabiliser links, tie rod ends, bushes & strut mounts which can be sourced directly from BGA (BG Automotive).

Control arms are especially susceptible to wearing out as they are one of the main components of your suspension system, when this occurs the vehicle will likely experience alignment issues, wheel vibrations and may cause difficulty steering. It is extremely important to properly diagnose and be able to quickly replace any components as to not decimate customer safety.

Nissan launches 2023 Nissan X-Trail in the Middle East

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Nissan launches 2023 Nissan X-Trail in the Middle East

Nissan has launched the All-New 2023 Nissan X-Trail in the Middle East as a Premium Urban Crossover. The 2023 Nissan X-Trail furthers the brand’s commitment to introduce innovative mobility solutions, and offers customers class-leading versatility, elevated exterior and interior designs, advanced safety, and improved levels of capability.

Held at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in Saudi Arabia, the two-day launch event began with an official unveiling of the all-new X-Trail hosted by Thierry Sabbagh, President of Nissan and INFINITI in the Middle East, alongside Adib Takieddine, Managing Director of Nissan Saudi Arabia. Attendees then embarked on an adventure-filled journey and made pitstops along a thrilling route to discover more about the All-New 2023 Nissan X-Trail.

Defy Ordinary

Reflecting the Nissan SUV’s role to Defy Ordinary, the key themes echoed across the event were eXpand, eXpress, eXplore, and eXhale, pushing guests to eXist beyond the everyday. A segment-leader on several fronts, the all-new model features the latest Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies, including ProPILOT Assist for the very first time on the X-Trail line-up, and offers heightened connectivity with up to a collective 35.4-inches of cabin screens.

Sabbagh said: “For over twenty years, the X-Trail has been an integral part of our SUV line-up in the region and has continually catered to the needs of families and adventure enthusiasts across the Middle East. Brought about by a deep understanding of our customers, the All-New 2023 Nissan X-Trail, which is one of our most technologically advanced SUVs to date, addresses customer desires in the rapidly growing mid-size SUV segment and is in line with our global Nissan NEXT transformation plan.”

Marking the brand’s first regional launch to take place in the Kingdom, the event served as a testament of Nissan’s commitment to Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, a key region of opportunity for Nissan since 1956.

Exciting trajectory

Takieddine commented: “Saudi Arabia’s automotive industry is set on an exciting trajectory, with further development planned under the Vision 2030 program, and we are here today as a partner to contribute to the kingdom’s ongoing transformative shift in the automotive sector. Today’s regional launch of the All-New 2023 Nissan X-Trail marks a major milestone for us at Nissan, as we solidify our commitment to the region and continue to deliver innovation that excites”.

The latest addition to Nissan’s impressive SUV lineup, the All-New 2023 Nissan X-Trail features a striking exterior design, with distinctive Nissan elements including a signature V-motion grille and floating roof design. Accentuating the X-Trail’s appeal to families are its bigger-opening rear door apertures, that open up to 85 degrees for easier rear access and egress. The interior receive a premium upgrade, underlined by Nappa leather-accented seating with 3D diamond quilting available on the top-of-the-range SL grade.

The 2023 Nissan X-Trail is powered by an all-new 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that, compared to its predecessor, raises power output by 12hp to 181hp, and boosts torque by 11Nm to 244Nm, for more effortless acceleration and confident overtaking. Power is pushed through an advanced Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with paddle-shift controls on the steering wheel for manual over-ride of the new shift-by-wire transmission interface.

Intelligent 4×4 system

Making its debut in the 2023 Nissan X-Trail is an Intelligent 4×4 system with direct coupling that reacts faster than ever before, allowing for the seamless transfer of power between axles for ultimate stability and traction. A twist-dial Drive Mode Selector provides five driving modes to choose from: Off-Road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sports, with the added benefit of Hill Descent Control for carefully modulated downhill off-road driving.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility suite of active safety features is provided with greater capability, making it the safest X-Trail ever, with Nissan Safety Shield 360 that includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and High Beam Assist. Supporting this is the first-ever introduction of Nissan’s semi-autonomous ProPILOT Assist on X-Trail, which can accelerate, brake, and cruise at a set speed within a single lane.

Offering customers the choice to select the grade that best suits their lifestyle, the all-new model is available in four grades, with 2WD or 4WD options. This is in addition to 15 different color combinations including five dual-tone options and 5-seater or 7-seater configurations.

The Nissan X-Trail 2023, which is the fourth SUV model to sport the brand’s latest design language and insignia, following the Patrol, Pathfinder, and KICKS, is available for booking at Nissan’s partner network across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region.

Source: Syndigate.info

Volta Trucks welcomes Claes Nilsson to its Board of Directors

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Volta Trucks welcomes Claes Nilsson to its Board of Directors

Volta Trucks, the leading and disruptive full-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and services provider, has appointed Claes Nilsson to its Board of Directors. Claes Nilsson joins the Volta Trucks Board following an extensive career in commercial vehicles with AB Volvo, where he held the position of President of Volvo Trucks and member of its Executive Board. Prior to this, he was responsible for Volvo Trucks regions in Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa, as well as previously being responsible for Strategy, Business Development and Product Planning, both regionally and globally. He’s also held Board positions for Volvo Financial Services, Volvo Venture Capital, and several market companies across AB Volvo.

Claes brings a deep understanding and knowledge of the commercial vehicle industry to the Board of Directors, including retail, aftersales service, supply chain, financing, leasing, and rental as well as the body builder marketplace.

Announcing the appointment of Claes Nilsson, Douglas Snyder, President of Luxor Capital Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Volta Trucks, said:

“The appointment of Claes Nilsson comes just two months after the appointment of Karl Viktor Schaller to the Volta Trucks Board. These new appointments further strengthen the deep experience within the Board, bringing key industry expertise and validation to the company as it focuses on its commercial operations, and converting the initial interest generated in the full-electric Volta Zero into confirmed and binding orders. These customer truck orders will be built early this year on our production line in Steyr, Austria.”

Claes Nilsson added;

“It is with great enthusiasm that I join the Board of Directors of Volta Trucks. I am very impressed with the vision and plans the company has to deliver electric commercial vehicles and thereby contribute to a more sustainable transport industry. The product is clearly a world-first concept, both in terms of an optimized electric truck and for the safety of drivers and other road users. The operational model and the speed that Volta Trucks has worked is also contributing to my excitement. Most importantly though, is the positive impression of the people I have been in contact with. With my experience from many years in the truck industry, I look forward to supporting the company in its future progress.”

Toyota unveils 2023 FJ Cruiser ‘Final Edition’

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Toyota unveils 2023 FJ Cruiser ‘Final Edition’

Toyota has announced the launch of the 2023 FJ Cruiser in the Middle East, together with a special ‘Final Edition’ grade to mark the iconic vehicle’s last year of production. With just 1,000 units available, the Final Edition comes with several unique features and gives off-road adventurers a unique opportunity to own a piece of motoring history. The FJ Cruiser is set to be discontinued in December 2022, after more than 15 years as one of the region’s most popular SUVs.

Inspired by almost half a century of tough off-road performance from the legendary FJ40 4×4 utility vehicle, the FJ Cruiser was developed as a capable SUV aimed specifically at drivers looking to push the limits. Launched in 2007, the model was hailed as an instant classic by customers and critics alike, particularly in the Middle East where it has gained an enthusiastic following among off-roaders.

Toyota
Toyota FJ Heritage. Toyota unveils 2023 FJ Cruiser ‘Final Edition’

The 2023 Final Edition adopts a single-tone select beige color for the exterior, upholstery, and center cluster trim, creating a distinctive sense of modernity. Further adding to the vehicle’s rugged appeal, a special black coating has been applied extensively throughout the exterior, including the blacked-out grill, bumpers, exterior mirrors, door handles, and spare tire cover. 17-inch aluminum wheels and side steps are also included, while a Final Edition badge indicating the vehicle’s unique number underlines the limited edition’s exclusivity.

Vincent Wijnen, Senior Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Automotive, said: “After 15 years as one of the region’s best-loved SUVs, the time has come to bid a fond farewell to the Toyota FJ Cruiser, a model that has now become as iconic as its predecessors. Tough, rugged and capable, the FJ Cruiser is a firm favorite amongst the UAE’s off-road enthusiasts. Although these will be the last FJ Cruisers produced, we will continue  to see them on the roads, deserts and mountains of the Emirates for many years to come, thanks to Toyota’s legendary reliability. We are excited to pay tribute to this legendary SUV with the Toyota FJ Cruiser Final Edition.”

Kei Fujita, Chief Representative, Middle East and Central Asia Representative ‎Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, commented: “The FJ Cruiser rides into the sunset leaving lasting memories of one of the most iconic SUVs in Toyota’s rich history. The vehicle’s winning combination of off-road capabilities, style, and performance make it equally at home during desert adventures or everyday activities and provides a comfortable and dependable experience for drivers and passengers, wherever their journeys may lead.”

Fujita added: “Although the model will be discontinued, the excitement of off-road capabilities lives on with other adventure-ready Toyota vehicles such as the iconic Land Cruiser, GR Sport Variant, and Prado. I would like to thank our customers for continuing to inspire us to develop ever-better cars tailored to the needs of motorists in the region and beyond.”

Powered by a DOHC, 4.0-liter V6 engine that incorporates dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence, the 2023 FJ Cruiser is capable of producing 270 horsepower and 380 N m of peak torque. It is also equipped with a wide range of driver assistant features such as Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Crawl Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with an off switch, and electronically controlled locking rear differential. In addition to stellar all-terrain performance, drivers enjoy greater peace of mind thanks to Toyota’s world-class safety features.

The FJ Cruiser’s legendary status as one of the most unique Toyota SUVs and proven durability throughout the years will live on in the hearts of its owners and the Toyota family. Although production will cease, owners can be assured they will continue to enjoy world-class service from their local Toyota Service Centers. The 2023 FJ Cruiser is available in a variety of attractive finishes and specifications, while the Final Edition is scheduled to roll into the region during Q4 2022.

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