Cyberster revealed in Dubai
As MG Motor is celebrating its 100th anniversary, some of its racing heritage is making an occasion for celebration the world over. The Cyberster is a two-door, two-seater sports car that at once blends MG’s brand heritage and its electric future plans. Again, the design language gives a glimpse of the future of electric mobility while being a throwback to the British-born brand’s renowned classic MGB model. The Cyberster promises a full range of 800 km and can do a 0 – 100 kmph in 3 seconds.
Among specialties of the car is the design collaboration between customers and design experts and its being at the centre of a transcontinental driving tour to celebrate the brand’s centenary. Twin explorers and adventurers, Hugo Turner FRGS and Ross Turner FRG are making a 10,000 km journey from London to Shanghai stopping at various places including Dubai.
World’s first Formula E karting comes to Saudi
Saudi Arabia is building the world’s first Formula E branded indoor karting attractions. Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) today announced a new partnership with Formula E to this effect.
The Formula E Karting attractions are set to be built at four of SEVEN entertainment destinations located in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Abha. a With a selection of adult karts, junior karts, and dual karts, and boasting tracks exceeding 400 meters in length, the Formula E Karting attractions provide extended straightaways for accelerated speed, delivering an unparalleled racing experience for guests.
Euro N CAP enhances criteria in 2023
Revisions in the safety protocols of Euro NCAP and the addition of trucks and other heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) were new for 2023 in the assessment programme, as they continued steadfast towards Vision Zero.
In 2023, Euro NCAP only issued 18 safety ratings, 17 of which were for new car models. 14 cars received 5 stars (82%), three cars received 4 stars (21%), and none below that.
The new assessment protocols consisted of many new and updated standards for collision avoidance, crash protection, and post-crash safety. In collision avoidance, present are new motorcycle scenarios and a scenario against ‘dooring.’ [Dooring is when a driver or passenger opens a car door unsafely into the path of oncoming traffic, causing a collision or swerving, which could be particularly endangering to cyclists.
Conscious of climate changes, Euro NCAP included vehicle submergence and child presence detection (CPD) to mitigate potential harm in case of flooding and hot weather conditions. The Euro Rescue app for first responders has been revamped and enhanced to ensure post-crash safety.
Michael Stroband is President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East
Michael succeeds Martin Schulz, who since February 2021, led Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East and the General Distributor Network across Middle East, Central Europe and Africa.
As Mercedes-Benz undergoes strategic transformation in electric mobility, vehicle software and digitalization, Michael is set to build on their customer reputation, expand digitalization, maintain success in the high-end luxury vehicle segment and build the core vehicle portfolio. His responsibilities also extend to the Mercedes-Benz General Distributor Network in Latin America and South East Asia for the Commercial Van segment.
