Latest news with #7X
Business Times
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
Zeekr 7X review: Move over, Musk. And Benz, beware
[HANGZHOU] Fledgling car brands need a breakthrough model if they're to take off, and I think the 7X is Zeekr's. The easiest way to understand this pure electric crossover is that it's yet another Chinese rival to the Tesla Model Y – except it's too good to be just another rival. While Tesla wrote the playbook on how to do a successful electric vehicle, the 7X shows that Zeekr is aiming to take things further, with the help of sumptuous interiors and some Scandinavian design. It's about the same size as the Model Y, with a long 2,900 mm wheelbase that gives back-seat passengers space to stretch out. But beyond the numbers, it's the athletic stance that stands out, along with smooth lines accented by just enough muscle to give it some visual heft. Chinese versions have a luminous 'stargate' grille that can light up as if to signal an alien mothership. That feature's unlikely to make it past the Land Transport Authority's wary eye for approval here, but it's one of many signs that Zeekr isn't content with anonymity. There are more inside, where you're surrounded by pleasing textures and materials that feel expensive, including Nappa leather in the top 'Privilege' version that Zeekr claims is 25 per cent more comfortable than regular leather. The tidy, minimalist layout adds strong Scandi energy, which only makes sense, since former Bentley design chief Stefan Sielaff heads up Zeekr's main styling studio in Gothenburg, Sweden. A 16-inch touchscreen handles most of the controls, but there are still physical switches for the everyday stuff, a quiet rebuke to carmakers that equate modernity with menu-diving. PHOTO: BIG FISH PUBLISHING I wouldn't have minded trying the 7X there, but instead I had a brief go in Hangzhou, the brand's hometown. It wasn't enough to form deep impressions of the Zeekr's handling, but more than enough to be impressed by its refinement. The cabin is a quiet place, the ride is supple, and the car's setup feels like it aims more for serenity than stimulation. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Still, if you do want performance, the 7X doesn't fall short. European markets get a single-motor, rear-drive version with 416 horsepower and up to 615 km of range (WLTP), or a twin-motor, all-wheel-drive rocket with 630 hp and a 3.8-second dash to 100 kmh. Optional air suspension can lift the car 4.5 cm if you fancy going off the beaten path, though a better reason for having it is that it makes the ride feel plush and composed. Zeekr has also come out guns blazing with driver assist features. In China at least, the 7X has lidar, radar and sonar sensors, plus enough cameras to film a Netflix special. They enable Navigation Zeekr Pilot (NZP), a self-driving system already on Chinese roads. I didn't try it out in a 7X, but had a short go in a 007 GT, a sporty wagon destined for export markets. All I had to do was set a destination, engage the system, and then sit back while the Zeekr piloted itself all the way to my car park entrance. Regulations meant I had to jiggle the steering wheel every once in a while, to convince the car that I hadn't stepped out for lunch, while the NZP system spookily did the actual driving. It obeyed traffic lights, steered through messy junctions and, just like a real driver, crept above the speed limit now and then. It even decided on its own to overtake a lorry, executing the move smoothly and using the indicators politely, which already puts it one-up on most BMW drivers. Who knows how long it'll be before NZP pops out of the regulations bottle outside of China? The 7X Privilege's nap-friendly passenger-side rear seat reclines electrically, extends a leg rest and offers massage and ventilation. PHOTO: BIG FISH PUBLISHING Until then, the 7X has to impress by being a car you actually want to drive. It helps that it's ergonomically sound inside, with most things falling to hand easily. A 16-inch touchscreen handles most of the controls, but there are still physical switches for the everyday stuff, a quiet rebuke to carmakers that equate modernity with menu-diving. A Snapdragon 8295 chip keeps the infotainment system snappy, while 5G connectivity and over-the-air updates promise that your Zeekr will get smarter over time. The boot swallows 539 litres of cargo, there's a useful 62-litre frunk, and thoughtful touches include under-seat drawers and even a Zeekr-developed child seat with its own airbag for a baby's head. It's the Privilege version that really sets the 7X apart from the Model Y and its ilk. Its nap-friendly passenger-side rear seat reclines electrically, extends a leg rest and offers massage and ventilation. There's also a flip-out screen and a fold-down tray table, which I first encountered in a Rolls-Royce, even though this car is a world apart from old-money opulence. All that is why Elon Musk has to sleep with one eye open, but the traditional luxury players should be worried, too. Zeekr clearly intends to become known for being more high-tech than Mercedes and more high-end than Tesla, and the 7X spells that out plainly. That's exactly what breakthrough models do. Electric Zeekr 7X Privilege AWD Motor Power/Torque: 630 hp/710 Nm Battery Type/Net Capacity: Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC)/100 kWh Charging Time/Type: 5.5 hours (22 kW AC), 16 minutes 10 to 80 per cent (360 kW DC) Range: 543 km (WLTP) 0-100 kmh: 3.8 seconds Top Speed: 210 kmh Efficiency: 19.9 kWh/100 km (estimated) Agent: Premium Automobiles BEV Price: TBA Available Third quarter, 2025
Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Astra Tech and 7X Partner to Advance Digital Financial Services and Integrated Trade and Logistics Solutions
* Collaboration advances UAE digital transformation goals through unified finance, logistics, and identity solutions * Agreement leverages FINTX and WAYN to drive financial inclusion, cross-border remittances, and last-mile delivery integration Dubai, UAE – 16th May 2025: Astra Tech, the leading consumer technology holding group behind Botim, has announced a strategic partnership with 7X, the investment holding group in trade, transport, and logistics. The agreement, formalized during the Dubai FinTech Summit (DFS), sets the stage for an integrated digital ecosystem that combines financial services, logistics, and last-mile delivery, advancing the UAE's vision for a connected, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy. The collaboration will enhance access to secure, compliant, and customer-centric services by embedding remittance capabilities, salary processing via both Wages Protection System (WPS) solutions through the innovative Botim Salary Card, and digital payment tools into everyday platforms. It also catalyzes future enhancements, including AI-powered address verification, last-mile delivery integration, and expanded payment acceptance points. Astra Tech's WPS solution, the Botim Salary Card, will be rolled out to FINTX's (the fintech arm of 7X) extensive customer base, marking a significant expansion in salary disbursement capabilities across businesses' clientele through a trusted and compliant delivery network. FINTX plays a central role in this collaboration, reinforcing its mandate as a trusted financial enabler and expanding the reach of UAE-born fintech capabilities across all user segments and geographies. In addition, the agreement also explores new avenues to expand Botim's international remittance services through FINTX's global financial network, connecting users to agent locations worldwide. By embedding this infrastructure into the Botim app, users will be able to send and receive cross-border remittances quickly and securely from within the platform they already use every day. This expansion positions Botim as a comprehensive financial services platform meeting the everyday needs of both domestic and international users. The collaboration also lays the groundwork for a broader range of fintech and logistics innovations. These include wallet top-ups and eKYC services at FINTX's Wall Street Exchange branches, enabling Botim Wallet payments at 7X retail locations, deploying point-of-sale systems to support SME digitization, and improving last-mile delivery logistics. Other areas under exploration include address verification powered by the WAYN platform, UAE's Digital P.O. Box, to support verified deliveries and secure digital identities. WAYN's integration will enable more secure, reliable communication and transactions across Botim's user base, contributing to the national digital infrastructure. It will also explore corporate payment integrations via WASLAH, the comprehensive logistics platform by 7X. Commenting on the signing, Ahmed Mourad, Chief Operating Officer of Astra Tech, said the partnership with 7X represents a major leap forward in Astra Tech's mission to redefine access to digital finance across the region. He noted that embedding financial tools into everyday digital experiences is not only about convenience but about building a sustainable infrastructure for long-term financial empowerment. Tariq Al Wahedi, Acting Group CEO of 7X, said: 'This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to shaping a future where finance, logistics, and technology converge to serve people better. By joining forces with Astra Tech, we are advancing our shared commitment to supporting national priorities in digital transformation and empowering communities through accessible, integrated, and secure financial and last-mile services. This collaboration is a pivotal milestone in our roadmap to position 7X as a regional force in digital finance and smart trade infrastructure. We will be unlocking new opportunities to simplify how people move money, goods, and services, laying the foundation for a seamless, customer-centric ecosystem that is built for scale, inclusion, and innovation.' As part of 7X's broader digital strategy, FINTX and WAYN serve as critical enablers in this rollout. FINTX ensures that the financial integrations are robust, scalable, and regulatory-compliant, while WAYN strengthens last-mile authentication and secure identity verification for seamless delivery and communication. The partnership will be rolled out in phases, beginning with deployment of Botim Salary Cards to FINTX's WPS customer base, followed by remittance service integrations. Future phases will explore loyalty programs, logistics enhancements, and expanded financial and business services, making this one of the most comprehensive fintech collaborations in the region. This announcement reinforces Astra Tech and 7X's shared commitment to the UAE's national agenda for digital transformation and financial inclusion by making essential financial services accessible through a single, unified digital platform. -END- About Astra Tech Astra Tech is a UAE-based consumer technology investment and development group operating across the MENA region. Established in 2022, the company owns and operates a portfolio of leading digital platforms including Botim, PayBy, and Quantix. With a mission to redefine consumer technology through AI and innovation, Astra Tech developed the Botim Ultra app, the region's first platform to integrate communication, fintech, and services under one roof. PayBy, Astra Tech's fintech subsidiary, is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE as a Stored Value Facility (SVF) and Retail Payment Services (RPS) provider. Serving over 150 million users in 155 countries, Astra Tech is setting new benchmarks for financial accessibility and consumer empowerment. In 2024, its fintech arm Quantix received the Finance Company License from the UAE Central Bank and secured a $500 million investment from Citi, the largest funding deal for a fintech in UAE history. About 7X 7X, a Public Joint Stock Company under the Emirates Investment Authority. 7X operates as a trade, transport, and logistics investment and holding group, headquartered in Dubai, overseeing and managing its diverse portfolio, including its logistics arm EMX, its fintech arm FINTX, its digital transformation business EDC, and postal services through Emirates Post. 7X supports the UAE's socio-economic development by integrating national goals across logistics, eCommerce, financial inclusion, and digitalization. It is the driving force enabling a world in motion from the 7 emirates to the 7 continents, and across the 7 seas.
Trade Arabia
17-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Astra Tech, 7X in deal to advance digital financial services
Astra Tech, the leading consumer technology holding group behind Botim, has announced a strategic partnership with 7X, the investment holding group in trade, transport, and logistics. The agreement, formalized during the Dubai FinTech Summit (DFS), sets the stage for an integrated digital ecosystem that combines financial services, logistics, and last-mile delivery, advancing the UAE's vision for a connected, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy. The collaboration will enhance access to secure, compliant, and customer-centric services by embedding remittance capabilities, salary processing via both Wages Protection System (WPS) solutions through the innovative Botim Salary Card, and digital payment tools into everyday platforms, said the statement from Astra Tech. It also catalyzes future enhancements, including AI-powered address verification, last-mile delivery integration, and expanded payment acceptance points. Astra Tech's WPS solution, the Botim Salary Card, will be rolled out to FINTX's (the fintech arm of 7X) extensive customer base, marking a significant expansion in salary disbursement capabilities across businesses' clientele through a trusted and compliant delivery network. FINTX plays a central role in this collaboration, reinforcing its mandate as a trusted financial enabler and expanding the reach of UAE-born fintech capabilities across all user segments and geographies. In addition, the agreement also explores new avenues to expand Botim's international remittance services through FINTX's global financial network, connecting users to agent locations worldwide. By embedding this infrastructure into the Botim app, users will be able to send and receive cross-border remittances quickly and securely from within the platform they already use every day. This expansion positions Botim as a comprehensive financial services platform meeting the everyday needs of both domestic and international users. The collaboration also lays the groundwork for a broader range of fintech and logistics innovations. These include wallet top-ups and eKYC services at FINTX's Wall Street Exchange branches, enabling Botim Wallet payments at 7X retail locations, deploying point-of-sale systems to support SME digitization, and improving last-mile delivery logistics. Other areas under exploration include address verification powered by the WAYN platform, UAE's Digital P.O. Box, to support verified deliveries and secure digital identities. WAYN's integration will enable more secure, reliable communication and transactions across Botim's user base, contributing to the national digital infrastructure. It will also explore corporate payment integrations via WASLAH, the comprehensive logistics platform by 7X. On the deal, COO Ahmed Mourad said the partnership with 7X represents a major leap forward in Astra Tech's mission to redefine access to digital finance across the region. He noted that embedding financial tools into everyday digital experiences is not only about convenience but about building a sustainable infrastructure for long-term financial empowerment. Tariq Al Wahedi, Acting Group CEO of 7X, said: "This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to shaping a future where finance, logistics, and technology converge to serve people better. By joining forces with Astra Tech, we are advancing our shared commitment to supporting national priorities in digital transformation and empowering communities through accessible, integrated, and secure financial and last-mile services." "This collaboration is a pivotal milestone in our roadmap to position 7X as a regional force in digital finance and smart trade infrastructure. We will be unlocking new opportunities to simplify how people move money, goods, and services, laying the foundation for a seamless, customer-centric ecosystem that is built for scale, inclusion, and innovation," he added.- TradeArabia News Service
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
7X and Zelostech ink joint venture agreement
UAE: 7X has signed a landmark Joint Venture Agreement with ZELOS TECHNOLOGY PTE. LTD. ('Zelostech') to introduce Level 4 autonomous urban logistics services to the region, marking a significant step forward in transforming last-mile delivery through cutting-edge AI and driverless vehicle technologies. This collaboration positions the UAE at the forefront of next-generation smart mobility, aligning with the country's bold innovation and sustainability agendas. The Agreement, held at Zelostech headquarters in China, was signed by Tariq Al Wahedi, Acting Group CEO of 7X, and Kong Qi, CEO of Zelostech, in the presence of senior officials from 7X, EMX, and Zelostech. Following the ceremony, the 7X and EMX delegation visited Zelostech's vehicle production line, gaining in-depth insights into the company's core competencies and various manufacturing processes. As part of the agreement, a joint venture (JV) will be established to deliver urban logistics solutions by combining 7X's expertise, network, and operational infrastructure, powered by its logistics arm, EMX, with Zelostech's advanced capabilities in autonomous system development and hardware-software integration. In its initial phase, the venture will primarily support EMX's delivery operations, aiming to improve last-mile delivery efficiency and service quality, with plans to gradually expand services to third parties in the UAE. As the project progresses toward commercialisation and large-scale operations, the JV will establish its regional headquarters in the UAE, serving regional players across the wider GCC and Middle East. The aim is to establish a model ecosystem for autonomous logistics, supporting smart city development and the sustainable transformation of transportation networks. Tariq Al Wahedi, Acting Group CEO of 7X, stated: 'This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our mission to reshape the future of trade, transport and logistics across the region. By joining forces with Zelostech, we are not only accelerating the development of an autonomous delivery ecosystem, but also advancing shared priorities around smart mobility, sustainability, and technological innovation. This initiative aligns with broader national visions, including the UAE Green Agenda 2030, and reinforces our commitment to pioneering solutions that define the next era of logistics.' Kong Qi, CEO of Zelostech, remarked: 'Our strategic alliance with 7X is a part of our broader internationalisation vision. We firmly believe that by leveraging our combined capabilities, we can build a robust autonomous delivery solution, personalised for the Middle Eastern market. Furthermore, this is a remarkable achievement which will expedite the transition to smart and sustainable mobility solutions in the region.' Notably, the partnership marks the first-ever large-scale adoption of autonomous driving technology within the Middle East's dynamic logistics sector, elevating present benchmarks of excellence. Furthermore, both entities view this project as a starting point for possible long-term collaborations aimed at catalysing autonomous logistics and smart delivery systems innovation in the region. For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EMX unveils Dark Store network to empower UAE's eCommerce growth
Dubai, UAE: EMX, the logistics arm of 7X, unveiled a new solution designed to support the UAE's hyperlocal eCommerce landscape. EMX's latest offering Dark Store network facilitates quick and affordable deliveries across the UAE for retailers, online marketplaces, and direct-to-consumer brands, solidifying the company's position as a regional logistics leader. EMX's 'Dark Store' is a distribution facility that caters exclusively to online shopping. Retailers can utilise the Dark Store as a fulfilment centre to speed up the delivery of online orders or offer their customers the option to 'click-and-collect' the products they have ordered online. As part of its commitment to accelerating last-mile innovation, EMX is enabling eCommerce companies to meet growing consumer expectations, operate with greater agility, and optimise their supply chains by leveraging its vast logistics infrastructure and in-depth market knowledge. Laith Tahboub, General Manager of EMX, commented, 'Innovation involves more than just speed it is further defined by efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability. With the launch of our Dark Store network, we are expanding on this notion and providing our partners with the tools necessary to scale seamlessly, fulfil faster, and deliver smarter.' 'The initiative aligns with EMX's broader strategic goal of reshape logistics in ways that enhance customer satisfaction and deliver greater operational value for our clients. Some of our Dark Stores are already operational in collaboration with prominent e-Commerce players, and we are actively working to expand the network to at least 36 locations across the UAE by the end of 2025, a significant step in our journey toward a smarter, more connected last-mile ecosystem,' Tahboub added. The latest offering comes as EMX's response to the growing demand for convenience and real-time service in the eCommerce space, as well as a testimony to its commitment to delivering future-ready, technology-driven logistical solutions. With innovations that keep commerce connected, flexible, and one step ahead of the curve, EMX remains a pioneering leader and trusted partner to companies throughout the region.
