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Locally Assembled Prince Pearl to be unveiled on 31st January 2020

Regal Automobiles Industries limited are all set to launch their locally assembled car, Prince Pearl. The car launching ceremony will be held on the 31st of January 2020. The venue of the event is the crystal hall of Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore. Automark magazine has received an official invitation to cover the event and we will be reporting all about the new car in our next article.
The 800cc car prince pearl will be displayed across Pakistan for testing and booking from the 2nd and 3rd of February 2020 and will be available in 8 different attractive colors.

Regal Automobile Industries Limited (RAIL), country’s third-largest bike assembler, has set up an assembly plant in Lahore with an investment of over Rs800 million to produce light commercial vehicles and vans from April 2018.

The company has signed a technical collaboration agreement with China’s DFSK Group to assemble vehicles under the name Prince.

Also Read : Regal Automobile to launch Prince Pearl in Pakistan very soon

The Ministry of Industries (MoI) earlier in February last year had awarded a manufacturing license to RAIL. According to sources, these are the features and specifications of Prince Pearl 800cc hatchback car.

• 796cc water-cooled
• EFI engine
• 40 horsepower
• 60 Nm torque
• Ground clearance: 145mm
• Turning radius: 4.5m
• Gross weight: 735 Kg
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Steering Type: Rack and Pinion with Electric Motor
• Fuel tank capacity: 27L
• Mileage City: 22 KM/L
• Mileage on Highway: 25 KM/L
• Transmission Type: Manual and Auto
• Seating Capacity: 5 persons
• Top Speed: 120-130 KM/H
• Front Wheel-drive
• Brakes: Front: Discs, Rear: Drums
• Suspension: Front: McPherson independent; Rear: Coil Spring
• Tires: 155/65R13 etc
• Power window
• Central locking
• Modern-looking LCD
• Power steering
• Seat-belts
• Aluminum Rims
• Air conditioner
• Heater
• Fog Lamps
• Retractable Mirrors/Power Mirrors

The Prince Pearl hatchback with its apparent features seems to compete with United Auto Bravo Hatchback. The price tag seems to be a mystery that will hopefully be unveiled at the event.
Stayed tuned to Automark as we unveil the details in our next report.

Amazon to roll out 10,000 electric rickshaws in India

As it gears up for a big push into India and a wider pursuit of climate neutrality, Amazon has announced plans to deploy 10,000 electric delivery rickshaws across the country. The move follows successful trials in Indian cities in 2019, as the company also commits to new investment and job creation in the world’s second most populous country.

This pledge commits the company to being completely carbon neutral by 2040, and its announcement was accompanied by news that Amazon had placed an order for 100,000 electric delivery trucks from automotive startup Rivian.

The 10,000 electric rickshaws it will deploy in India are in addition to that, with all hoped to be in operation by 2025. They include both three- and four-wheeled vehicles that have been designed and built in India, and will become operational in more than 20 cities by the end of 2020.

“At Amazon India, we are committed to building a supply chain that will minimize the environmental impact of our operations,” said Akhil Saxena, Vice President of Amazon’s Asia Operations. “The expansion of our Electric Vehicle fleet to 10,000 vehicles by 2025 is an integral milestone in our journey to become an energy efficient leader in the industry. We will continue to invest in the electrification of our delivery fleet, thereby reducing our dependence on non-renewable resources.”

“The 21st century is going to be an Indian century,” Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos said last week during his visit to India, where he announced plans to leverage Amazon’s profile to help create a US$10 billion market for Indian exports by 2025.

All up, the company plans to invest $1 billion in local technology, infrastructure and logistics projects to help create one million new jobs in India by 2025. As it shares plans to scale up operations in the country, it is also placing a lot of emphasis on its environmental ambitions, which fit in alongside its so-called Climate Pledge announced back in September.

Courtesy: New Atlas

Comfortable and safe buses for Pilgrims in Madinah Munawarah

Daily……whenever you like
Al-Haram – Qibaa Mosque – Uhod Battlefield – Qiblatain Mosque – Al-Khandaq

Recently, in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah an excellent alternative transport services has been introduced by Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Development Authority, A project of the Jawlah company for pilgrims and other visitors. There are two types of buses which are travelling from Haram-e-Nabawi different Islamic historical sites.

A colorful red bus (Hop on – Hop Off) has been introduced very recently. Bus takes travelers to 12 historical places across the city with the facility of listing electronic tourist guides details about the place in 16 different languages and free Wi-Fi service also available during travel.
Both buses are running almost 16 hours throughout the year, the first bus is a Worldwide branded “City Sightseeing” double-decker air-conditioned buses equipped with amenities and safety features with accessible for people with special needs. It is a flexible way to travel as the buses also facilitate visits according to the visitors throughout Medinah. It is a global brand providing high-quality service. This bus is successful in more than 105 cities around the world. The tickets are valid for 24 hours and can be used for more than one travel. The tour buses leave every 15 minutes from Masjid Al-Nabawi (in front of gate no. 22).

The cost of this ride is little expensive for general visitors but still it’s a unique experience and availability of this type of service in Saudi Arabia. However, local residents are quite happy and satisfied with this excelled world class service.

The “Green Bus” which has been introduced two years back for the same purpose, also takes pilgrims to very few famous Islamic historical sites. Around 15 Chinese Zhong Tong branded buses are operating on these routes. Quality of the buses is excellent with air-conditioned environment. Each individual seat has safety-belt and rest position option. The bus equipped with latest available options and a card reader to validate travel card digitally, while cars are available with drivers too.

This 40 seats bus has a capacity of around 60 passengers. The operator charged SR 3 initially when this service has been started, however now the cost “Zyara Pass” has increased to SR 10 for a one day pass which can be used for more the one travel during 24 hours, while they offered SR 15 and SR 30 cards with some different options.
Both of these buses are getting popular with the pilgrims and visitors but it take a little more time as most of the visitors are visiting city Islamic historical sites with the groups when they came to Medinah.

While talking with Automark Mustafa Khojah, Senior marketing & Sales Executive of the operator company says, ‘These buses, especially City Sightseeing buses are very familiar with the visitors and they are happy with the flexibility of the rides and they can manage their visits according to their availability and get rid from traditional headache of transportation.’ He encourages and asks pilgrims and religious visitors to use these latest transportation and visit these places in Madinah with ease, comfort and safe journey.

However, it’s really a surprise for me being a regular traveler and had been in Kingdom for 15 years that they have establish this kind of public transport for individual while they have very good transport systems for groups pilgrims in Umrah and Hajj season.

In my personal experience, travelling with “Green Bus” in the last week of my trip to Medinah was unexpectedly good however the management needs a friendlier staff and better customer care/support . Most of the visitors are unknown about this type of service. They further need to highlight clearer information about bus routes. Good management will give fruitful results and provide better journey for pilgrims.

For more information please visit: www.http://csmadinah.com/en/

Toyota Investing $400 Million in Electric Flying Car Company for 'Fast, Quiet and Affordable Air Transportation Services'

Japanese car giant Toyota said Thursday it is investing nearly $400 million in a company working on commercialising electric flying cars for “fast, quiet and affordable air transportation services”.

The investment in Joby Aviation comes as the automaker looks to expand into new sectors as the industry rapidly transforms, with president Akio Toyoda pledging to move the firm “from a car manufacturer to a mobility company”. 

“Air transportation has been a long-term goal for Toyota, and while we continue our work in the automobile business, this agreement sets our sights to the sky,” Toyoda said in a statement announcing the investment. “Through this new and exciting endeavour, we hope to deliver freedom of movement and enjoyment to customers everywhere, on land, and now, in the sky.”

Founded in 2009, Joby Aviation is developing a four-passenger electric aircraft that takes off and lands vertically, like a helicopter, though it has multiple rotors. The firm envisions the aircraft as a mode of commercial transport, rather than for sale to individuals, with its pilots ferrying commuters around.

Toyota said it would also offer its “expertise in manufacturing, quality and cost controls for the development and production” of Joby’s aircraft. One of its executive vice presidents, Shigeki Tomoyama, will join Joby’s board, playing an “active role in setting strategic direction”, Toyota said.

Joby already has a partnership with ride-sharing firm Uber to develop an “urban air taxi service”. Toyota has ventured into the flying vehicle field elsewhere, investing in the Japanese SkyDrive project to develop what is intended to be the world’s smallest flying car.

It has also branched out into other sectors, announcing at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this month its plans for a “woven city” at the base of Mount Fuji that would be powered by hydrogen fuel cells and include roads for autonomous vehicles as well as smart homes.

Courtesy: Latest Stories

Electric Vehicle policy faces another glitch

In the 30th meeting of Auto Industry Development Committee (AIDC), headed by Abdul Razzaq Dawood, advisor to Prime Minister of Industries & Production, Commerce, Textile and Investment was conducted last Thursday. In which it was concluded that the Engineering Development Board (EDB) will be a key department to formulate the Electric Vehicle Policy and has been directed to submit a proposal within the next month.

Dawood stressed that every policy will support ‘Make in Pakistan’ including the Electric Vehicle Policy. This is to discourage the imports and also boost up the local industry creating jobs for the youth.

This was what happened in the meeting according to the newspaper. However, it does not reflect the true story as per inside sources.

As per Automark Sources, EBD was supporting the existing auto industry, however with the questions and concerns raised over the deferred points led to the formation of another subcommittee which will meet on the 20th of January 2019. The deferred points clearly showed the influence of auto industry however the minister listened to all points raised. The committee formed will now go over all aspects of Electric Vehicle policy before the final recommendations are presented.

All major stakeholders including Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), Pakistan Association of Auto Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), Senior officials from Ministry of Industries & Production, Engineering Development Board, Federal Board of Revenue, Planning Commission of Pakistan, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Commerce, leading car manufacturers, truck & bus manufacturers, 2-3 wheeler manufacturers attended the meeting.

Concerns were raised by the auto sector functionaries like the Ministry of Science and Technology and theenvironment agencies which are a part of the policymaking board.

It was distinguished in the meeting that the Electric Vehicle Policy will be integrated as a part of Auto Development Policy (ADP 2016-2021) which would comprise of investment plans, standardization of equipment, the promotion of localization, generating exports in the long run and have a positive impact on the national economy.

It was decided by Dawood that EV Policy is the domain of MoIP as per the rules of business and thus EDB should be the focal department.

EDB Chairman Raza Abbas asked the auto industry to respect the timeline for submission of proposals to the board so the first draft could be finalized before the end of February.

From the Ministry of Climate Change to the Ministry of Industry and Production and now the inclusion of the Engineering Development Board into the policy. This policy seems to have more problems than solutions and agreements. If the policy gets ping-pong more, it is hard to see it getting finalized anywhere shortly.

The uncertainty of the policy is also making the investors of ADP 2016-2022 take a back-seat. Meanwhile, the auto sector faces recession each day as the policy gets delayed.

Hyundai's lineup for Auto Expo India 2020 revealed

Fresh on the success of its compact SUV Venue, Hyundai Motor India plans to bring three refreshed products in the Auto Expo besides a new concept for the Indian market, as it targets 20% market share in 2020.

South Korean carmaker Hyundai will be launching three models at upcoming Auto Expo 2020 to be held from 6th to 12th February, including Tuscon facelift, new-generation Creta and Verna facelift along with showcasing some other concepts.

Revealing its line-up, the automaker said it will bring the second-generation of its Creta bestseller with a new 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit (currently available in Kia Seltos), along with a set of 1.5-liter petrol and diesel engines.

New additions also include automatic parking brake, LED DRLs, connected car tech, a big vertical touchscreen system in the cabin and a panoramic sunroof.

Another Hyundai SUV that will be showcased at Auto Expo 2020 is the facelifted Tucson. The upgraded version will come with the BS-VI compliant set of 2.0-liter petrol and diesel engine.

It will also sport features such as LED headlamps and in the interiors, the Tucson facelift is expected to be embedded with additional features such as a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Hyundai’s Blue Link connectivity features, a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control. Both the models are expected to go on sale soon after the expo.

The Verna will also get a facelift and come with the newly developed BS-VI compliant 1.5-liter petrol and diesel powermill engine that powers the Kia Seltos too. The Verna sedan will have significant design changes with wider cascading grille, newly re-worked headlamps and front bumper. The improvised rear with a new boot and tail-lamp design is also expected.

Inside the cabin, the 2020 Hyundai Verna gets a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support with BlueLink connected car solution.

Other notable launches among the 70 expected launches at the week-long extravaganza are Mahindra sub-9 lakh EV, Tata Altroz EV, Volkswagen T-Cross compact SUV, T-ROC and the Tiguan 7-seater.

Courtesy: Auto.com (Economic Times)


Hyundai Nishat Motor started mass production of Hyundai Porter H-100 Pickup

FAISALABAD: Chairman Nishat Group Mian Mohammad Mansha attends the ‘start of production’ ceremony of Hyundai Nishat Motor plant in Faisalabad Industrial Estate. Also in the picture are guests from Hyundai (South Korea), Sojitz (Japan) and members of management team of the company. Hyundai Nishat Plant will be manufacturing Hyundai brand commercial and passenger vehicles with Phase-1 capacity of 15,000 units per annum. The ground-breaking of this Greenfield plant as held in December, 2017 under the government Automotive Development Policy 2016-2021.

(FIEDMC, Faisalabad) 14th January: Hyundai Nishat Motor (Private) Limited announced its mass production at the assembly plantin FIEDMC, M3 Industrial Estate, Faisalabad.With an annual production capacity of up to 15,000 units per annum in its initial phase, Hyundai’s manufacturing plant is now fully operational.

The Start of Production takes place just two years after the ground breaking in December 2017. The HNMPL plant is the new production home for Hyundai’s first ‘Make in Pakistan’ product, the Porter H-100 Pickup, with other exciting range of models to follow in near future.

Mr. Tatsuya Sato, Chief Operating Officer, said on the occasion that “We are proud to open our new production facility in Pakistan”. Now fully in operation, our new plant allows us to serve the transportation requirements of Pakistan’s market, with world class Hyundai’s Product line that enjoys a strong legacy in the local market. In the longer run, we aim to make it a vital part of our global production network.

The 1st locally assembled vehicle was delivered to itsproud customer at a graceful event held at a local dealership on 13th January, 2020.The customer was given a ceremonial Hyundai Key by Mr. Tatsuya Sato, COO-HNMPL, Mr. Masuda Junya, EVP Marketing & Sales & Mr. Ibad Jamal GM Marketing & Sales.

Senior officials from Hyundai Motor Company Korea & Hyundai Nishat Motor were also present at the occasion.

This marks the beginning of a new era in Pakistan’s automobile industry by delivering world class Hyundai Vehicles to its respected customers and providing the same Brand experience of, ‘Connecting people with Quality Time’.

The Hyundai Porter H-100, is a famed product in the Hyundai brand portfolio. Its previous model known as Hyundai Shehzore has always been high in demand in its segment. It is a three-seater Light Commercial Vehicle with a 1-Ton payload capacity. The pick-up is powered by the upgraded powerful New 2.6L Diesel Euro-II engine along with a 5 Speed manual transmission. It provides exemplary utility to commercial loading needs in its class and is a trusted business partner for commercial loaders and corporates usage.

For more information, please contact:

Mujtaba Yaqoob

Manager Marketing & PR

Hyundai Nishat Motor (Private) Limited

Cell: +92-300-8270724

E: [email protected]

Head Office        : 1-B, Aziz Avenue, Canal Bank Road, Gulberg V, Lahore, UAN: 042-111-111-466, Landline  #: 042-35717090, Email: [email protected]

Manufacturing Plant site   : Plot no 181-187 & 198-208, Phase # II, FIEDMC, M-3 Industrial City, Faisalabad, Pakistan  

Website                          : http://www.hyundai-nishat.com

UAN                              : +92-042-111-111-466

Social Platforms              : #hyundaipakistanofficial [FB, LinkedIn, Insta, Youtube]

[email protected]

1st locally assembled Hyundai Porter Pickup Delivered to customer

Hyundai Nishat Motor (Private) Limited, as per commitment has commenced the deliveries of its locally assembled Hyundai Porter H-100 Pickup, after the bookings were announced open on 3rd December 2019.

The 1st locally assembled vehicle was delivered to itsproud customer at a graceful event held at a local dealership on 13th January, 2020.The customer was given a ceremonial Hyundai Key by Mr. Tatsuya Sato, COO-HNMPL, Mr. Masuda Junya, EVP Marketing & Sales & Mr. Ibad Jamal GM Marketing & Sales.

Senior officials from Hyundai Motor Company Korea & Hyundai Nishat Motor were also present at the occasion.

This marks the beginning of a new era in Pakistan’s automobile industry by delivering world class Hyundai Vehicles to its respected customers and providing the same Brand experience of, ‘Connecting people with Quality Time’.

The Hyundai Porter H-100, is a famed product in the Hyundai brand portfolio. Its previous model known as Hyundai Shehzore has always been high in demand in its segment. It is a three-seater Light Commercial Vehicle with a 1-Ton payload capacity. The pick-up is powered by the upgraded powerful New 2.6L Diesel Euro-II engine along with a 5 Speed manual transmission. It provides exemplary utility to commercial loading needs in its class and is a trusted business partner for commercial loaders and corporates usage.

  • Press Release

New motorbikes to be launched at Auto Expo 2020 in India

More than a dozen automakers are giving Auto Expo 2020 a miss this time due to slowdown in automobile industry. Honda, Yamaha, TVS, Hero MotoCorp will not be at the Indian motor show this year. However, the Auto Expo 2020 will still have around 60 new launches and new technology offerings.

Here are motorcycles to look forward at the Auto Expo 2020:

Suzuki: Japanese automaker Suzuki is expected to unveil a more powerful version of the Intruder with 250cc single cylinder motor. Currently, the Intruder comes with an 155cc engine. The current Intruder shares same 155cc motor with Gixxer. The Intruder 250 would also share a 249cc fuel-injected single-pot engine, which develops 26 hp and 22.6 Nm of torque, with Gixxer 250. The upcoming Intruder 250 is likely to be priced around Rs 1.8 lakh (ex-showroom).

In the entry-level adventure bike segment, Suzuki could enter the competition with the V-Strom 250, which also sports similar engine as the Gixxer 250. The V-Strom 250 is expected to cost about Rs 1.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The bike is likely to have 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels paired with a long-travel suspension system.

Additionally, Suzuki could also unveil the V-Strom 1050, which produces 107 hp and 100 Nm of torque from a 1037cc BS-VI engine. The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 is expected to be priced around Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom).

Suzuki may also unveil a Burgman Street scooter with more powerful engine at the 2020 Auto Expo. The Burgman Street scooter is famous for its plush ride, ample space, and distinct design features. The Suzuki scooter will compete with Vespa SXL 150 and Aprilia SR 150.

Japanese auto maker plans to introduce a new street motorcycle SV650 in its middle-weight lineup in the country. The Suzuki SV650 has a 645cc V-twin engine and is likely to cost around Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom).

Aprilia: The Italian motorcycle maker Aprilia will unveil its BS-6 lineup at the Indian motor show. The company is expected to launch BS-6 variant of SR125 and SR160, with increased prices.

Aprilia is also rumored to unveil two 150cc motorcycles, RS150 and Tuono150.

Okinawa: Japanese company Okinawa is expected to unveil Oki100, an electric motorcycle with a swappable battery pack and the riding range of around 150 km. According to the company’s claims, the Oki100 has a a top speed of 100 km per hour.

The automakers opting out of Indian motor show this year are; Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India, TVS, Honda Cars India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor ltd, Audi, BMW, Ford, Nissan and Ashok Leyland. Other two-wheeler manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, TVS, Hero MotoCorp will also remain absent from the motor show. Other absentees are Royal Enfield, Harley Davidson, Triumph motorcycles, Bajaj Auto, Eicher Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Bharat Benz and Volvo Cars India, but these companies have given the showpiece event a miss in the past as well.

Courtesy: Business Today

Toyota GR Yaris has the world's most powerful three-cylinder

The Toyota GR Yaris has finally been unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon, and it’s better than we expected. It actually makes more power than previously reported, with 268 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It comes from a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-three cylinder engine, making it the world’s most powerful three-banger. Toyota says it will get to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds.

But the engine is only the start of a monster hatchback. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission that’s matched to an all-wheel-drive system that uses a multi-plate clutch center differential to divvy up power, with three different settings (Normal, Sport and Track). As previously reported, the default split is 60/40 front/rear, with Sport switching to 30/70 and Track going with 50/50. Both ends of the car can be fitted with mechanical Torsen-type limited-slip differentials.

The chassis has seen a number of upgrades, too. The front suspension continues to use MacPherson struts, but the rear has been changed to a double-wishbone independent design. The front brakes now have 14-inch slotted rotors and four-piston calipers, and the rear brakes have 12-inch rotors clamped by two-piston calipers. Weight is kept to 2,822 pounds through the use of aluminum doors, hatchback, hood and a carbon fiber roof.

One other cool note about the GR Yaris is that, while its production will play a role in the homologation process for a rally car, it’s also a result of Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda’s desire for such a car. According to Toyota, he had a chance to drive a WRC car with Tommi Makinen Racing and enjoyed it so much he wanted Toyota to build a production car with similar characteristics, and he kicked off the project in 2016. Apparently Toyoda-san will also be the one to approve the final tuning of the car.

Tragically, it’s practically certain we won’t get the GR Yaris here in Pakistan. It would likely be too expensive to attract an audience here, since it’s being built on a special assembly line and has so many changes to the base Yaris. On top of that, the Yaris it’s based on won’t be offered here, so Toyota would have to certify the GR’s safety and emissions equipment from the ground up.

Source: Autoblog.com