Logistics

IVECO and Ital Car SA presented full vehicle line-up at MEDIBAT 2025 in Tunisia

IVECO and Ital Car SA showcased the full IVECO vehicle range to the Tunisian market at the 18th edition of Le Salon Méditerranéen du Bâtiment (MEDIBAT), held from 21-24 May 2025 in Sfax.

The brands highlighted IVECO’s robust offering tailored to meet the toughest business challenges across the construction and transport sectors.

MEDIBAT is one of the largest construction events in the Mediterranean region, attracting key players from across the industry, including international delegations, architects, public and private project owners, and solution providers. The exhibition served as a platform for innovation, professional networking, and the promotion of cutting-edge technical solutions.

At the event, Ital Car SA introduced the IVECO T-Way AT720T43TH 6x4 heavy-duty truck to the Tunisian market. As the successor to the Trakker, the T-Way delivered enhanced capabilities across all performance areas. The stand also featured the Eurocargo ML180E28 4x2, known for its versatility in logistics and urban transport, and the Daily 70C15 chassis cab, a flexible solution for light to medium transport needs.

Ital Car SA’s stand spanned 152 square metres and welcomed over 100 guests, including government officials, media, and customers.

Kais Krima, managing director of Ital Car SA, commented, “MEDIBAT is a strategic event for us. It showcases our expertise in the Tunisian market and an opportunity to reaffirm IVECO's position as a key player in the construction and industrial transport sector. We are pleased to show to our customers and guests these robust, reliable models that are suitable for all missions and terrains.”

Mechim Hichem, IVECO business manager for Tunisia, added, “We at IVECO are very happy and pleased to be present here alongside our excellent and valued partner at Ital Car SA, especially in this special year, while IVECO is celebrating 50 years, we are together with our historic partner Ital Car SA with 50 years of IVECO's history in the market, as one of our most important dealers in African and Tunisian territory. Together, we are presenting our full selection and range of vehicles, which includes our light, and heavy-duty models and options, all designed to meet the different needs of our customers right here in Sfax. It's truly fantastic and wonderful to see so many of you have come to visit and have joined us these days. We want to say a sincere thank you all for being here and for your trust on the IVECO quality and performance.”

Ital Car SA is an official IVECO dealer in Tunisia, offering the full vehicle range through a direct sales force and after-sales services from its base in Megrine. With active operations in Tunis and a national network of sub-distributors, Ital Car SA employs nearly 200 people. The company prides itself on close customer relationships, technical expertise, and responsive service.

IVECO T-Way: built for the toughest jobs

The IVECO T-Way was developed for extreme off-road performance, productivity, and reliability. It builds on the legendary Trakker platform, offering a reinforced high-strength steel chassis with a 10mm thick frame and a top-tier Rail Bending Moment of 177 kNm. The front axle supports up to 9 tonnes, while the rear hub reduction maximises load capacity and durability.

Equipped with a new heavy-duty rear suspension for tandem axles, the T-Way improved off-road agility and clearance. It also featured the Cursor 13 engine producing up to 470hp, paired with the HI-TRONIX 16-speed automated gearbox. Key driving features included Hill Holder, Rocking Mode, Creep Mode, and Ecoroll to optimise traction, control, and efficiency in all terrain and traffic conditions.

Eurocargo: a multi-purpose logistics champion

Eurocargo demonstrated its reliability and flexibility across multiple missions, offering over 11,000 configurations including seven gross vehicle weight classes, four power ratings, three cab types, and seven gearbox options. Updates included LED Daytime Running Lights, Xenon headlamps, an aerodynamic front deflector, and a UV-filtering windscreen. Its ergonomic design allowed for easier cleaning and safer night-time operations.

Daily: the industry’s most versatile light commercial vehicle

The Daily remained the most customisable vehicle in its class, with gross vehicle weights from 3.5 to 7.2 tonnes and wheelbases from 3,000 to 5,100 mm. Its flexibility made it ideal for demanding tasks, including ambulances and rescue vehicles.

It also introduced a new generation of memory foam driver seats, designed for ergonomic support, reduced pressure, and increased comfort.

Thicker side padding, longer cushions, and reworked levers made entry and exit easier, particularly for delivery and door-to-door missions.

UAE's DP World increases investments in sub-Saharan Africa

DP World unveils integrated logistics solution to help OEMs expand efficiently in sub-Saharan Africa’s auto market. (Image source: DP World)

DP World has introduced a comprehensive logistics and market-entry solution designed to overcome the longstanding challenges faced by automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) aiming to expand in sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa is set to become one of the fastest-growing automotive markets globally, with vehicle demand forecasted to rise by 28.5% by 2030. This growth is fueled by increasing incomes, urbanisation, and booming intra-African trade. However, despite the region representing about 18% of the world’s population, it accounts for only around 1% of global vehicle sales. Global OEMs have struggled to grow in the region due to unreliable logistics infrastructure, complex regulations, and inconsistent parts distribution.

DP World’s new turnkey offering marks its first automotive hybrid model in sub-Saharan Africa, combining contract logistics with customised market-entry and expansion services through a single integrated platform. This service provides nationwide delivery to most dealerships within 24 to 48 hours, a digital dealer portal featuring SKU-level inventory visibility, real-time tracking, automated ordering, and integrated payments.

Market entry success

The solution was successfully tested with Foton Motor, a prominent Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer. By utilising DP World’s end-to-end support platform, Foton swiftly launched aftermarket operations for heavy commercial vehicles in South Africa, encompassing warehousing, nationwide distribution, regulatory compliance, and digital dealer enablement. This fast market entry gave Foton South Africa a competitive edge with an integrated service network, helping to build early customer trust and engagement.

Fu Jun, president of Foton International at Foton Motor Group, added, “Growing our presence in South Africa is a priority for Foton, and our work with DP World has played an important role in making that possible. Their support with unlocking market and contract logistics services has helped make our aftermarket operations efficient and straightforward, allowing us to concentrate on serving our customers and building our business.”

The hybrid model also enables OEMs to gain a first-mover advantage in a market where aftermarket parts are often dominated by informal suppliers and grey imports. By providing a dependable service network, OEMs like Foton can establish trust, secure long-term customer loyalty, and reduce counterfeit parts risks, all while benefiting from a single point of contact and accountability within the region.

“The automotive industry’s outlook for Africa is changing fast. The question is no longer whether to enter the market, but how to do it effectively. With extensive infrastructure across the region, and deep expertise in complex logistics and market solutions, DP World is ideally placed to support international automakers looking to enter or expand into one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets,” stated Mark Rylance, chief operating officer for Logistics at DP World Sub-Saharan Africa.

DP World plans to develop further innovative solutions to assist more OEMs entering sub-Saharan African markets in the coming years as it scales its services to meet the rising demand for commercial and passenger vehicles across the region.

Port of Fujairah partners with Endava to enhance digital transformation

Port of Fujairah has evolved into a vital maritime and shipping services centre for the UAE. (Image source: Port of Fujairah)

The Port of Fujairah has signed a strategic agreement with Endava to lead a comprehensive digital transformation initiative that aims to unify and modernise the port’s operations.

Spanning five years and divided into six modules, the project will introduce state-of-the-art digital solutions to enhance vessel call management, dry and liquid bulk operations, gate pass security and real-time analytics, with the goal of achieving world-class efficiency and transparency across all activities.

At the heart of the initiative is a new Port Community System called “MarHub,” envisioned as a fully inclusive and connected digital gateway for all stakeholders.

Over the last four decades, the Port of Fujairah has evolved into a vital maritime and shipping services centre for the UAE and the region, offering a wide range of services including container operations, general and project cargo handling, and dry and liquid bulk logistics.

With an annual throughput nearing 120 million metric tonnes of cargo, 5,000 port calls and more than 12,000 anchorage calls, technology is critical to keeping operations smooth.

This latest transformation effort represents a major step in future-proofing the port’s infrastructure and operational capabilities.

A five-year transformation

Khalil Ebrahim, deputy managing director at Port of Fujairah, said, “Efficiency is the cornerstone of our operations – every moment saved translates directly to enhanced service quality and economic gains. With this transformation, we are not only optimising our processes but also reinforcing full transparency, which ensures security, trust and streamlined workflows. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to providing our business partners with world-class infrastructure and services, perfectly complementing our strategic geographic position.”

He continued, “Seeking to match world-class standards, we’ve selected a partner with global expertise. Endava was especially impressive in its human-centric approach to technology, its suite of proven digital accelerators, and demonstrated ability to deliver truly transformative undertaking with agility, precision, and scale.”

Endava will implement MarHub as a next-generation platform to improve data access, streamline workflows and provide a scalable base for automation and continuous improvement.

The platform’s cloud-native, API-first and modular design will allow the port to introduce new eServices with ease, with Phase 1 planned for launch in Q4 2025.

Supporting the Port of Fujairah’s sustainability goals, MarHub will be hosted in Microsoft Azure data centres based in the UAE, ensuring full data residency and regulatory compliance.

The deployment will use containerisation, automatic scaling and centralised logging to reduce infrastructure waste and promote sustainable IT practices.

Security is also a priority, with the system built to meet ISO 27001 standards and incorporating end-to-end encryption as well as multi-layered identity and access controls.

David Boast, general manager – UAE & KSA, Endava, said, “We are honoured to be chosen as the Port of Fujairah’s transformation partner and are excited to bring this ambitious vision to life. Large-scale digital transformations require careful execution to ensure operational continuity, and our expertise will enable a seamless transition, while continuously delivering powerful new features. I have no doubt that this project will serve as a benchmark for digital-led logistics in the region, setting new standards in efficiency and innovation.”

IEA: Electric cars to make up over 40% of global market by 2030

Electric cars to make up over 40% of global market by 2030

Electric vehicles (EVs) are poised to represent more than 40% of global car sales by 2030 as prices continue to fall and adoption expands across markets, according to the International Energy Agency’s latest Global EV Outlook.

The report highlights that, despite economic uncertainties, EV sales have maintained strong momentum worldwide, surpassing key milestones and reshaping the automotive industry.

Global electric car sales are on course to exceed 20 million in 2025, accounting for more than a quarter of all cars sold. In 2024, EV sales reached over 17 million, pushing their global market share above 20% for the first time, as previously forecasted by the IEA. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, sales rose 35% year-on-year, with major and emerging markets recording record-breaking performances.

China remains the global leader, with electric cars comprising nearly half of all new car sales in 2024. The country sold more than 11 million electric cars, equal to the worldwide total in 2022. Other fast-growing markets include Asia and Latin America, where sales surged over 60% in 2024.

In the United States, EV sales rose by around 10%, with battery-powered models making up over one in ten new cars. Meanwhile, Europe’s growth plateaued due to the phaseout of subsidies and support schemes, although the region’s EV market share remained stable at around 20%.

Affordability is key

“Our data shows that, despite significant uncertainties, electric cars remain on a strong growth trajectory globally. Sales continue to set new records, with major implications for the international auto industry,” said IEA executive director Fatih Birol. “This year, we expect more than one in four cars sold worldwide to be electric, with growth accelerating in many emerging economies. By the end of this decade, it is set to be more than two in five cars as EVs become increasingly affordable.”

According to the report, affordability remains a key driver of adoption. The global average price of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) declined in 2024 due to increased competition and falling battery costs. In China, two-thirds of EVs sold were cheaper than their petrol or diesel counterparts, even without subsidies. However, the price gap persists elsewhere, BEVs were on average 20% more expensive than conventional vehicles in Germany and 30% higher in the United States.

Operating costs, however, continue to favour EVs. Even if oil prices dropped to US$40 per barrel, charging an electric car at home in Europe would still cost about half as much as fuelling a petrol or diesel car, based on current energy prices.

The report notes that nearly one-fifth of electric cars sold globally are imported, with China exporting around 1.25 million units in 2024, many to emerging markets where these imports have driven down retail prices.

A special section of the report focuses on electric trucks, which saw global sales rise by 80% last year, reaching nearly 2% of total truck sales. This growth was led by China, where cost-competitive heavy-duty electric trucks are gaining traction thanks to lower lifetime operating costs, despite higher upfront prices.

UAE and France strengthen transport ties at Rail & Mobility Days 2025

Smart and sustainable mobility solutions were discussed at the event.

France’s top mobility innovators converged in the UAE for the UAE-France Rail & Mobility Days 2025, held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on 23-24 April. The event, spearheaded by Business France, showcased cutting-edge French expertise in rail and sustainable transport, while deepening strategic cooperation with the UAE.

As the UAE ramps up investment in next-generation transport infrastructure, the event offered a platform for French companies to engage directly with Emirati stakeholders. Major developments include:

A US$13.6bn share in the GCC-wide 2,117 km rail network.
A high-speed rail line linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi, expected to be completed by 2030.
Dubai Metro’s expansion, aiming to serve 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, with construction underway and a total investment of US$4.9bn.
Abu Dhabi’s US$6.8bn investment in 155 transport projects, targeting a doubling of public transport use by 2028.
A national goal to reach 50% electric vehicle adoption by 2050.

In this context, Rail & Mobility Days 2025 was designed to match French innovation with the UAE’s ambitious infrastructure and sustainability goals.

High-level meetings and industry engagement

In Abu Dhabi, the French delegation was welcomed by H.E. Nicolas Niemtchinow, French Ambassador to the UAE, before engaging with key stakeholders such as Etihad Rail, Hafeet Rail, Abu Dhabi Mobility, and the Abu Dhabi Transport Company. Delegates also toured the Etihad Rail Al-Faya depot and attended the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit to explore opportunities in the EV space.

The Dubai leg of the programme featured opening remarks by H.E. Jean-Christophe Paris, followed by panel sessions with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), DEWA, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Al Naboodah Transport, and others. Discussions spanned metro and tram development, electric mobility, and the broader energy transition.

French capabilities on display

French companies demonstrated their leadership in transport innovation. Dassault Systèmes, the event’s gold sponsor, presented its advanced 3D design and virtual simulation tools for mobility planning. Other major players included VINCI Construction Grands Projets, specialists in large-scale infrastructure; and RATP Dev, experts in public transport operations.

SMEs also had a strong presence, including Apave, ATEIS, ATM Internationale, CBM Company, Codra, MPH Experts, OXYSIGN, MIPI, Manquillet Parizel, and Saarstahl Rail—each offering niche expertise in areas such as infrastructure safety, maintenance, digital engineering, signage, and railway metallurgy.

The initiative was organised by Business France, with support from Terracotta Manpower, reinforcing France’s long-term commitment to supporting the UAE’s infrastructure evolution.

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