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Al Masaood Automobiles and Etihad Rail Freight have completed the first-ever rail movement of finished passenger vehicles for an automotive dealership in the UAE, marking a significant development in the country’s logistics and transport sector.

The shipment involved Nissan passenger vehicles transported from ports on the eastern coast to the dry port at Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, demonstrating how rail infrastructure can now support high-value automotive supply chains in addition to traditional bulk cargo.

Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor for Nissan, INFINITI and Renault across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra, worked with Etihad Rail Freight to deliver the consignment. This makes it the first automotive dealership in the country to move finished vehicles via rail.

The initiative reflects the growing role of the UAE’s national rail network in expanding beyond commodities into more complex logistics segments. By integrating rail into existing distribution systems, the project demonstrates improved coordination between ports, inland terminals and final delivery points.

Transporting vehicles by rail enabled a more streamlined journey from port to destination, improving efficiency, reducing handling time and enhancing delivery predictability. For the automotive sector, where timing and reliability are critical, this approach supports a more consistent customer experience and reduces logistical delays.

Irfan Tansel, Chief Executive Officer of Al Masaood Automobiles, said the initiative strengthens the end-to-end customer journey by improving how efficiently vehicles are delivered. He noted that the collaboration highlights the value of combining national infrastructure with private sector operations to support long-term operational improvements.

Omar Alsebeyi, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail Freight, said the milestone demonstrates the intended role of rail freight as a scalable and reliable logistics solution that integrates seamlessly into modern supply chains. He added that the national rail network is designed to improve resilience and efficiency across the logistics sector and enable broader adoption by businesses across the country.

Beyond operational benefits, the shift also supports environmental objectives. Rail freight offers a lower-emission alternative to road-based transport, contributing to reduced carbon output across automotive logistics chains. This aligns with the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and wider efforts to decarbonise key economic sectors.

The development highlights the UAE’s continued investment in integrated infrastructure, where transport systems are increasingly designed to work together to improve efficiency and sustainability. It also reflects a broader push to enhance connectivity between ports, industrial zones and distribution networks.

As rail freight capabilities expand, further opportunities are expected to emerge across high-value sectors, strengthening the country’s logistics ecosystem and supporting long-term economic diversification.

Savoye has appointed Hakim Ramadan as general manager for the Middle East, tasking him with leading the company’s regional operations and commercial direction as demand for advanced intralogistics solutions continues to rise.

In his new role, Ramadan will focus on expanding Savoye’s footprint across the region, strengthening customer engagement and advancing automation-driven warehouse and supply chain systems. His leadership comes at a time when businesses across the Middle East are accelerating investments in logistics technologies to improve efficiency and resilience.

The regional logistics sector is experiencing steady growth, supported by increasing adoption of automation, rapid expansion of e-commerce and ongoing infrastructure development. These trends are reshaping supply chains and creating opportunities for technology providers specialising in warehouse automation and software integration.

Savoye’s leadership highlighted the strategic importance of the Middle East as a growth market, noting that Ramadan’s industry experience and understanding of regional dynamics will support the company’s ambitions to scale its operations and enhance customer value.

Ramadan will oversee efforts to strengthen operational capabilities while supporting commercial development across key sectors. A key priority will be delivering tailored intralogistics solutions that address increasingly complex supply chain requirements, particularly as organisations seek more agile and data-driven operations.

Commenting on his appointment, Ramadan said the region is witnessing a shift towards more efficient and future-ready logistics systems. He emphasised the importance of working closely with customers and partners to implement practical solutions that deliver measurable improvements in performance.

Since entering the Middle East market in 2021, Savoye has steadily expanded its presence by combining automation technologies, software platforms and packaging systems to deliver integrated intralogistics solutions. The company has been targeting high-growth sectors where efficiency, scalability and operational visibility are critical.

With Ramadan now at the helm of its regional operations, Savoye is aiming to accelerate its growth trajectory, deepen partnerships and further position itself as a key player in the evolution of automated logistics across the Middle East.

The new Volvo FMX Electric truck in action (Image source: Volvo Trucks)

Volvo Trucks has announced the launch of new electric vehicles with improved performance, flexibility and ranges up to 700 km, a new benchmark for electric heavy-duty trucks

The fleet includes the long-distance heavy electric truck, the FH Aero Electric, offering extended range, capable of driving up to 700 km on one charge.

Actual range depends on external conditions such as weather and wind resistance, as well as other factors such as total weight of the truck and the driver’s performance.

The fleet also includes the next-generation heavy-duty Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks, which include improvements in flexibility, productivity, driving comfort and with ranges up to 470 km.

Roger Alm, president Volvo Trucks, said it makes it possible to switch to electric truck operation for even more transport assignments.

“It has never been easier to replace diesel trucks with electric ones,” he said. “We stand firm in our belief that electric vehicles will deliver a large part of the world's truck transport in the future. With the amazing performance of all our new trucks, it's easy to see why.”

The new trucks will be rolled out step by step to markets starting in 2026.

“We’re really sharpening our offering here,” said Alm. “We are broadening it and making electric solutions possible for an even wider range of transport assignments, and also adding a cutting‑edge electric truck with a range of up to 700 km. This means we can fully match the business needs of our customers.”

The new long-distance truck, the Volvo FH Aero Electric with extended range, can drive up to 700 km on one charge thanks to a new driveline technology, the e-axle, which creates space for significantly more battery capacity onboard.

The truck is adapted to the new MCS (Megawatt Charging System) standard and charging the eight batteries from 20% to 80% will take approximately 50 minutes.

“This long-haul electric truck is the best in the industry,” said Alm. “It offers an outstanding range in combination with high payload, fast charging and great riding comfort. With this truck, our customers can drive the really long distances and throughout an entire working day with the same productivity as diesel trucks.”

The new FH, FM and FMX Electric trucks have an all-new driveline designed for maximum flexibility across different applications.

It offers excellent drivability and is engineered so that the driver can drive the truck and power auxiliary equipment such as a concrete mixer, hook lift or refuse unit without extra motors or add-ons. This is due to an integrated gearbox power take-off (PTO) with increased functionality enabling usage during driving. The trucks will have a range of up to 470 km and can be charged from 20% to 80% in approximately 65 minutes.

“The next-generation FH, FM and FMX Electric are packed with new, smart functions, they offer great driver comfort and make zero tailpipe emissions transport available for very wide range of transport assignments,” said Alm.

All new trucks – the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric, and the FH Aero Electric with extended range – are equipped with a gearbox optimised for electric transmission paired with dual motors to deliver smoother and more controlled performance.

The new powershift gearboxes, eight-speed on the new Volvo FH, FM and FMX Electric and six-speed on the FH Aero Electric with extended range, offer seamless gear shifting and also produce less noise and vibration for a more comfortable workday.

Magna Tyres has introduced its latest RG22 truck tyre, developed for drive axle use in regional transport operations where durability and consistent performance are critical.

The new model is designed to deliver dependable traction across a variety of road and weather conditions, supporting fleets operating on mixed regional routes. Engineered with a focus on longevity, the RG22 aims to help operators achieve higher mileage while maintaining stable handling.

Built with an optimised tread pattern, the tyre enhances grip and promotes efficient water dispersion, reducing the risk of aquaplaning in wet conditions. This contributes to improved safety and performance, particularly during long-distance regional haulage.

The RG22 is available in sizes suited to common commercial vehicle requirements and is constructed to handle demanding loads. Its design supports fuel efficiency, achieving a C rating, while maintaining a B rating for wet grip performance. In addition, the tyre meets recognised standards for winter and all-season use, carrying both 3PMSF and M+S markings.

Noise emissions have also been addressed, with the tyre rated at 73 dB and classified within the top tier for external rolling noise, helping reduce environmental impact and improve driver comfort.

Magna Tyres noted that the RG22 has been developed to balance operational efficiency with reliability, offering transport companies a solution that performs consistently under varying conditions while supporting cost-effective fleet management.

With its combination of traction, durability and efficiency, the RG22 is positioned as a practical option for operators seeking to optimise performance across regional transport networks.

Dubai Chambers has stepped up efforts to reinforce trade links with Oman following a high-level delegation visit to Sohar aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience and expanding economic cooperation.

The delegation, led by Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, met with representatives from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the North Al Batinah Governorate to explore new avenues for collaboration between the business communities of Dubai and Sohar.

Discussions centred on enhancing bilateral trade flows, identifying high-value investment opportunities and deepening engagement across priority sectors. Both sides emphasised the importance of building stronger commercial partnerships to support sustained growth in cross-border trade.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured key industrial and logistics hubs, including SOHAR Port and Freezone and Sohar Industrial City. These engagements provided a platform to examine ways to streamline the movement of goods, improve supply chain efficiency and strengthen logistical integration between the two markets.

Participants highlighted the strategic role of infrastructure connectivity in supporting regional trade, particularly as businesses seek more resilient and flexible supply chains in response to evolving global conditions.

Dubai Chambers noted that closer coordination with Omani partners is expected to unlock new commercial opportunities, while enhancing the overall competitiveness of businesses operating in both markets.

Lootah reiterated the organisation’s commitment to fostering stronger economic ties, pointing to the importance of seamless logistics networks and coordinated trade frameworks in enabling long-term growth. He added that such initiatives are key to reinforcing the resilience of bilateral trade relations and supporting shared development objectives.

The visit reflects ongoing efforts by both sides to deepen economic integration and position Dubai and Sohar as complementary hubs within the wider GCC trade ecosystem.

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