Latest news with #Al-FuttaimAutomotive
TECHx
29-04-2025
- Science
- TECHx
UAE Students Win Rookie Award at NASA Rover Challenge 2025
Home » Smart Sectors » Education » UAE Students Win Rookie Award at NASA Rover Challenge 2025 Students from Deira International School (DIS) made history by winning the Rookie of the Year award at the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge 2025. This marks the first time a team from the UAE has received the honor. The international competition, hosted by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, challenges students to design, build, and race human-powered rovers on terrain that simulates planetary surfaces. It is part of the Artemis Student Challenges, which aim to inspire future scientists and engineers. The DIS team, aged 16 to 18, stood out among 76 teams from 16 countries. They were recognized for: Innovative rover design Strong problem-solving skills Effective teamwork and collaboration The award is given to the top-performing first-time team. It highlights excellence in design, execution, and team spirit. The team was guided by Mr. Dominic Bourn, Head of Physics at DIS. They were also supported by Al-Futtaim Automotive, which provided: Access to advanced tools and facilities Real-world engineering mentorship Industry-level project support Antoine Barthes, Vice President of Al-Futtaim Automotive, stated: 'This award reflects the mindset we want to nurture in future mobility innovators.' Kerry Ross, COO of Al Futtaim Education Foundation, added: 'Our students showed what can be achieved when education meets opportunity.' The DIS achievement aligns with the UAE's vision to grow its presence in global innovation and space exploration. It also supports national efforts to strengthen STEM education and inspire youth to pursue careers in science and engineering. Their success at the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge 2025 is a proud moment for the UAE and sets a benchmark for student-led innovation in the region.
Campaign ME
11-04-2025
- Automotive
- Campaign ME
Katib Belkhodja appointed as Toyota and Lexus Marketing Director
Al-Futtaim Automotive has named Katib Belkhodja as Marketing Director for Toyota and Lexus in the UAE, placing the senior group executive with wide-ranging divisional experience in a key leadership role across its two flagship brands. In his new position, Belkhodja will oversee the full spectrum of marketing and communications activities for both Toyota and Lexus. His remit includes strengthening brand equity, driving full-funnel performance marketing, and enhancing customer engagement, with an emphasis on data-driven strategies and the integration of AI-powered tools across the marketing mix. Prior to this appointment, Belkhodja served as Director of Customer Centricity at Al-Futtaim Automotive, where he was instrumental in advancing several group-wide initiatives. These included the rollout of a new CRM and lead management platform, early adoption of generative AI within marketing and customer experience, and the group's communications strategy for the COP28 partnership. Belkhodja holds more than 15 years of experience within the automotive industry, having worked with OEMs, major dealerships, automotive digital platforms and has served as the Marketing Director of Al-Futtaim Automotive before moving into the Customer Centricity Director role. His move comes at a pivotal time for both brands, as the company prepares for a year of product innovation, experiential activations, and increased investment in electrified mobility. The appointment signals a continued focus on marketing leadership to support brand relevance and business growth in a competitive automotive landscape.
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Al-Futtaim Automotive appoints Katib Belkhodja as Marketing Director for Toyota & Lexus UAE
Al-Futtaim Automotive has announced the appointment of Katib Belkhodja as Marketing Director for Toyota and Lexus in the UAE. The move places a seasoned executive with broader divisional experience at the helm of the company's core business, reflecting the strategic importance of Toyota and Lexus as the market grows more competitive. In his new role, Katib will lead the marketing and communications strategy for both brands, focusing on brand strength, full-funnel performance, and deeper customer engagement. His approach combines customer insight, data-driven decision-making, and an ambition to scale innovative, AI-powered marketing practices. In his previous role as Director of Customer Centricity for Al-Futtaim Automotive, Katib played a pivotal role in several enterprise-level initiatives—leading the rollout of a new CRM and lead management system, managing the launch of new brands into the portfolio, and pioneering the early adoption of generative AI in both marketing and customer experience. He also led the group's communications strategy for the COP28 partnership, a milestone in Al-Futtaim's sustainability agenda. With a significant year ahead for both Toyota and Lexus—marked by product innovation, experiential campaigns, and a focus on electrified mobility—Katib's leadership will support continued brand relevance and business resilience in a dynamic environment.
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment and BYD Commercial Vehicles ignite a new era in green mobility, unveiling the next generation of electric trucks and buses in the UAE
Revolutionizing Commercial Transport: BYD introduces four game-changing electric commercial vehicles, redefining urban logistics, freight, and sustainable public transport. Dubai — Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment has officially launched a bold new chapter in sustainable transport, partnering with BYD, the world's leading electric mobility company. An extraordinary fleet of fully electric vehicles was unveiled at a spectacular event held in Dubai. The event brought together influential industry leaders, government representatives, media, and VIPs, marking a historic moment in the UAE's green transformation of commercial transport. The launch introduces four cutting-edge BYD electric vehicles, each engineered to disrupt the logistics, freight, and public transport industries: ETM6 Electric Truck – A powerful and dynamic urban logistics solution, powered by a 126 kWh battery for high-performance city operations. EV Light Truck T5 – The agile delivery hero, with a 132 kWh battery for efficient, eco-friendly urban deliveries. EV Medium Truck ETH8 – A heavy-duty commercial workhorse, featuring a 255 kWh battery to take on the toughest transport challenges. B12 Electric Bus – A revolutionary public transport solution with a 425 kWh battery and an impressive range of 550 km, setting new standards for sustainable mobility. With rapid-charging capabilities and zero tailpipe emissions, these vehicles offer businesses an eco-conscious, cost-effective alternative to traditional fuel-powered fleets—driving both environmental responsibility and operational efficiency. Powering the UAE's Vision for a Sustainable Future "With the introduction of these electric vehicles, we're not simply launching a new fleet—we're accelerating the future of green mobility solutions in the UAE," said Ramez Hamdan, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment. "The arrival of BYD's electric trucks and buses is a key moment in the transformation of the commercial transport sector, enabling businesses to reduce their carbon footprint while enhancing operational performance." By embracing innovative electric mobility solutions, Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment is laying the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and greener future in commercial transport. This launch is not just about bringing electric vehicles to the UAE—it's about leading the charge in reshaping commercial mobility and driving forward the UAE's green revolution. The event also highlighted Al-Futtaim'Automotive's ongoing commitment to supporting the UAE's environmental goals through innovative zero-emission solutions. Ramez Hamdan, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment, emphasized: "BYD's fully electric trucks and buses are more than just advanced technology—they are catalysts for a shift in the transport landscape. These vehicles will help businesses reduce their carbon footprint while championing the UAE's vision for a sustainable future." About Al-Futtaim Automotive Al-Futtaim Automotive, one of the main five operating divisions within the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group of companies, is a conglomerate of motoring-related businesses, franchising some of the world's most-recognized automotive brands and services. Operating in 10 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa and empowered by around 9,000 associates, the UAE-headquartered Group's services span across distribution of new and used vehicles, manufacturing, leasing, and aftersales. Ranging from passenger cars to SUVs, commercial vehicles, industrial and construction equipment as well as motorbikes and quads, Al-Futtaim Automotive Group offers an integrative customer-centric experience for motorists, fleet operators and contractors alike, and strives to become the leader in tailor-made mobility solutions.
Khaleej Times
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment, BYD unveil UAE's next-generation electric trucks and buses
Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment has marked a major milestone in green mobility, partnering with BYD, the world's leading electric mobility company, to introduce a new era of sustainable commercial transport in the UAE. The official launch event in Dubai showcased a state-of-the-art fleet of fully electric vehicles, bringing together industry leaders, government representatives, media, and VIPs. This significant initiative aligns with the UAE's commitment to environmentally responsible mobility solutions, paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient transport sector. Revolutionising commercial transport with electric vehicles The launch featured four advanced BYD electric vehicles, each designed to transform the logistics, freight, and public transport industries: ETM6 Electric Truck - A high-performance urban logistics vehicle with a 126kWh battery, optimised for city operations. EV Light Truck T5 - A compact yet powerful delivery solution, featuring a 132kWh battery for eco-friendly urban transport. EV Medium Truck ETH8 - A heavy-duty commercial truck, equipped with a 255kWh battery to handle demanding transport needs. B12 Electric Bus - A next-generation public transport solution with a 425kWh battery and an impressive 550 km range, setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban mobility. With rapid-charging capabilities and zero tailpipe emissions, these vehicles provide businesses with a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered fleets - enhancing operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Advancing the UAE's sustainability vision 'With the introduction of these electric vehicles, we're not just launching a new fleet - we're accelerating the future of green mobility in the UAE,' said Ramez Hamdan, managing director of Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment. 'The arrival of BYD's electric trucks and buses marks a pivotal moment for the commercial transport sector, empowering businesses to lower their carbon footprint while optimising performance.' By embracing innovative electric mobility solutions, Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment is laying the groundwork for a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable future in commercial transport. Driving the shift towards zero-emission mobility The event also underscored Al-Futtaim Automotive's continued commitment to supporting the UAE's environmental goals through advanced zero-emission solutions. 'BYD's fully electric trucks and buses represent more than just cutting-edge technology - they are driving a fundamental shift in the transport landscape,' Hamdan added. 'These vehicles will enable businesses to operate more sustainably while aligning with the UAE's vision for a greener future.' By introducing game-changing electric mobility solutions, Al-Futtaim Industrial Equipment is not just bringing electric vehicles to the UAE - it is leading the transformation of commercial transport, reinforcing the country's position as a regional leader in sustainable mobility.
