Latest news with #GACEmkoo
IOL News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
GAC Motor South Africa Accelerates into 2025 with Bold Innovation and Industry-First Moves
GAC Motor South Africa is entering 2025 with bold energy, a customer-first mindset, and a series of groundbreaking initiatives designed to solidify its position as a major player in the South African automotive market. With strategic price reductions, a historic industry-first warranty, new model launches, and dealer network expansion, GAC Motor is rewriting the rules of engagement in the industry — offering exceptional value, innovation, and quality to the South African consumer. Driving Change with Transparent Pricing In a move that underscores its commitment to transparency and customer-centric values, GAC Motor South Africa has announced a strategic price reduction on two of its most popular models — the GAC Emzoom and GAC Emkoo. This significant pricing realignment is not a promotional gimmick but rather a result of improved foreign exchange conditions and global cost-saving efficiencies that the company has opted to pass directly to consumers. 'Our customers deserve to benefit from favourable market conditions,' says Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of GAC Motor South Africa. 'This price drop reflects our investment in the market and our belief in long-term, honest relationships with our consumers and partners.' As of January 2025, the new retail pricing is: Emzoom Comfort : R419,900 Emzoom Executive : R439,900 Emzoom R-Style : R489,900 Emkoo Executive : R519,900 Emkoo Executive Plus : R559,900 This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to increase accessibility and value, while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the South African market. A Warranty That Redefines Industry Standards Taking customer confidence to a new level, GAC Motor South Africa recently unveiled an industry-first Lifetime Engine Warranty across its entire vehicle lineup. This groundbreaking offer covers an unlimited number of years and mileage for the original vehicle owner, provided the car is serviced at authorised GAC Motor service centres using approved parts. This bold warranty initiative not only sets a new benchmark in customer service but also reflects GAC Motor's confidence in the quality, durability, and craftsmanship of its vehicles. It's a move designed to inspire trust and long-term loyalty among South African drivers. 'This warranty is a powerful promise — a declaration of the confidence we have in our products,' says Ramsoomar. 'It's about peace of mind, lifelong value, and building a brand that people can truly believe in.'
Khaleej Times
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Auto Review: The all-new Geely Starray is a cosmic crossover
The earliest known civilisations have shown great interest in celestial bodies. The Pyramids of Giza, for example, are said to be aligned with Orion's Belt. And we in the modern world have also shown reverence for these astronomical entities. The Japanese automaker Subaru exemplifies this with its logo, which features six stars representing the Pleiades cluster. Speaking of which, more recently, we've had the good fortune to get behind the wheel of the all-new Geely Starray. Besides having a name and design cues that call on the stars, it also aims to earn as many as possible. So, does it hit the mark—or miss it? Here's the full scoop: Design and aesthetics The Starray is yet another compact crossover, but it maintains a tasteful distinction over its rivals thanks to a design inspired by the stunning, sci-fi-like Geely Vision Starburst concept. With its sharp details, sculpted bodywork, and tapering motifs, it effortlessly conveys motion and speed. The most eye-catching elements are the 'Stars-aligned' DRLs and 'Particle Ray Headlights' (both LEDs) that merge seamlessly with the blacked-out 'Lightwave Ripple' front grille—like blocks in a pixelated screen. The squarish wheel arches and dual-tone paint job also add extra visual appeal. The trained eye may also find that the vehicle's silhouette and 'Full-arrow full-width tail lamps' share an uncanny resemblance to the GAC Emkoo's—not a bad thing considering both have attractive exteriors. Furthermore, continuing the theme are 20-inch Galactic wheels that our top-spec test vehicle rolled on. With its allure, the Starray brings aspirational qualities to the Chinese crossover segment, vehicles that were previously seen as mere commuters. A cosmic change, I suppose. The entry price may not speak it, but the cabin has luxury vibes thanks to its striking two-tone layout and accommodation—black on top and tan below—and a host of unique attributes. The 4-spoke steering wheel, for instance, has a flat-top-and-bottom design, which not only looks sporty but also does not deter functionality. Behind it is a colourful 10.2-inch instrument panel, which is accompanied by a large vertically oriented, cutting-edge 13.2-inch infotainment display. What's most striking are the vertical ambient lighting details on the dash and doors—as opposed to the horizontal lines we often see—and the diamond-cut crystal gear selector. This isn't some lazy design; somebody has taken the effort to conceive and implement these ideas, keeping it interesting for the occupants. And general plastic quality is good too. It even has special sun visors with a transparent bottom half, which, besides improving visibility, is something we've never seen before, and a panoramic sunroof which gives a good view of Dubai's skyline—or of a starry night. What could complete the luxury résumé is genuine leather upholstery. But the good news is the leatherette seats are reasonably supple, and the 6-way power driver's seat adjustment along with the extending thigh supports—like in a BMW—help you get into position easily. And the rear cabin is comfy too, with plenty of knee and headroom. Powertrain and performance From our very first outing in the Starray to the last, we found it to be an easy steer through bustling Dubai streets and at high-speed highways, thanks to the commanding view of the road (not to be compared to a Nissan Patrol), compact dimensions, and obedient chassis. As you step on the accelerator, you get those noises of the turbo spooling up from the 2.0-litre engine, which positively perk up your cochlear nerves, albeit it can sound a bit less refined at times. And it doesn't just sound sporty—it is quick off the draw too. With 325 Nm on tap available via a 7-speed DCT, it will enthusiastically pull itself from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and quickly pick up the pace for highway overtaking manoeuvres. With grippy 20-inch 245-section tyres and all-wheel drive traction, it also negotiates corners efficiently. But of course, this pertains to everyday driving, not racetrack antics. Additionally, even without any suspension gimmickry, it delivers a quiet and compliant ride suited for long hauls. The 54-litre tank is unexpectedly small, but it indicated a commendable range of 650 km—that's averaging 12 km/l. The only real concern I had is the shift mechanism. One needs to step on the brake hard to shift between drive modes, which is annoying. Also, with no low-ratio gearing or diff lock, this one isn't intended for beyond the tarmac. Features and functionality You can throw in those sports kits into the generously sized 650-litre boot or expand it to 1,610 litres by dropping down the rear seats to accommodate travel luggage. As for technology, the Starray has lots to offer, but with a few drawbacks. It has a 9-speaker Infinity by Harman audio system, but it doesn't quite hit all the notes. Some equalisation of frequencies is needed. The infotainment screen menus are legible, but the response lacks promptness. Connectivity is serviced through Bluetooth or via the under-console space with two USB-C ports. Even the rear cabin also has A/C vents, and USB-C and USB-A ports. Having a 15W wireless charging pad is also a plus! In terms of safety, the ADAS is among the best we've sampled. The adaptive cruise control works so well with the lane-keeping assist to keep the car centred and at a safe distance. Besides that, it also comes with a rather clear 360-degree camera perspective, hill start assist, TPMS, and traffic sign identification. It comes fully stacked. Verdict The 2025 Geely Starray is one of China's many answers to established rivals that are wearing those inflated price tags. Yes, it's yet another crossover, but it distinguishes itself with astronomical-themed design cues while satisfying the essential demands by being fairly spacious, well-appointed, and quick and frugal on the road. There's little to fault beyond the finicky transmission shifter, sluggish screen response, and the muddled audio quality. And of course, questions about reliability and residual value still loom, which Geely counters with a 7-year/250,000 km warranty. Also, there's something cool about being associated with the stars, don't you think? GOOD - Unique astronomical theme; luxury-feel interiors; peppy powertrain; road dynamics; exhaustive feature list; price BAD - Finicky shifts; audio lacks balance; unproven reliability and questionable residual value EDITOR'S RATING - 7.5/10 stars SPECIFICATIONS Body type - 5-seater; 5-door compact crossover SUV Engine - Front-engine; turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder; all-wheel drive Transmission - 7-speed DCT (automated manual) 0 to 100km/h - 7.2 seconds (estimated)
Gulf Business
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Green taxis: ‘Hala EV' sees 4 new models enter fleet
Image: Supplied The move aligns with Dubai's broader ambition to convert all taxis to hybrid or hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2027. As part of the initiative, Hala is integrating four new electric vehicle (EV) models — BYD, Skywell, GAC Emkoo, and Tesla — into its fleet, bringing the total number of EV taxis close to 500. The rollout will initially cover high-demand areas, including Dubai Marina, JLT, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, and Al Barsha. 'The launch of the Hala EV initiative reinforces our role as a key player in Dubai's sustainability vision while continuing to provide a seamless and reliable transport solution for our customers,' said Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala. 'Every ride in a Hala EV is a step towards a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable city.' Hala customers can opt for an EV taxi via the Careem app at no additional cost. With 90 per cent of Hala's 13,000-strong fleet already comprising hybrid vehicles, the company is now looking to scale its EV fleet further as part of its long-term commitment to sustainability. Hala has seen rapid growth since its launch Since its 2019 launch as a joint venture between Careem and Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Hala has expanded rapidly, managing over 24,000 captains across its fleet. The company's technological advancements, including high-density Location (HDL) tracking, are designed to improve fuel efficiency and optimise Dubai's transportation sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with the government prioritising green mobility solutions. Hala's latest expansion underscores its role in shaping the future of urban transport while contributing to the city's environmental goals.
Trade Arabia
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Trade Arabia
Hala EV adds four new electric vehicle models to fleet
Hala, a leading e-hailing taxi solution in Dubai, has announced the launch of Hala EV, a sustainability initiative that aims to transform urban mobility and support Dubai's vision for a greener future. As part of this initiative, Hala is introducing four new electric vehicle (EV) models -- BYD, Skywell, GAC Emkoo and Tesla -- into its fleet across key areas in the city, bringing the total number of EVs in the fleet to almost 500 taxis. The launch of Hala EV marks the beginning of a larger effort to scale sustainable transportation solutions. This aligns with Dubai's ambition for all taxis to be hybrid or hydrogen-powered by 2027. Hala, already a leader in eco-friendly mobility, is expanding its commitment to reducing emissions and driving positive environmental change within the e-hailing sector. Currently, 90% of Hala's fleet of 13,000 taxis already comprises hybrid vehicles, and with the addition of these new EV models, Hala is taking another significant step towards achieving a fully eco-friendly taxi fleet. This initiative complements ongoing technological advancements, such as identifying High-Density Locations (HDL), which optimise taxi availability in high-demand areas, improving fuel efficiency and sustainability. Khaled Nuseibeh, Chief Executive Officer at Hala, said: 'The launch of the Hala EV initiative reinforces our role as a key player in Dubai's sustainability vision while continuing to provide a seamless and reliable transport solution for our customers. Every ride in a Hala EV is a step towards a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable city.' 'Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond simply adding electric vehicles to our fleet—we see Hala EV as a catalyst for a more environmentally conscious e-hail industry, and we intend to scale this initiative as part of our long-term commitment to sustainability.' Starting this month, Hala EVs will be available in select high-demand locations, including Dubai Marina, JLT, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Media City, Al Barsha (1, 2, and 3), Barsha Heights, Knowledge Village, Al Sufouh, and Blue Waters Dubai. This expanded rollout of electric vehicles will offer residents and visitors a sustainable and convenient way to travel across some of Dubai's most vibrant and bustling districts. Customers can book a Hala EV through the Careem app by selecting the Hala EV option when requesting a ride at no additional cost. With growing demand, Hala plans to expand its electric fleet to more areas across the city.
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Hala launches HALA EV, with introduction of four new electric vehicle models to its fleet
Customers can opt for an EV taxi through the Hala feature on the Careem app at no additional cost Over 90% of Hala's 13,000 fleet already comprises hybrid vehicles Dubai, UAE – Hala, Dubai's most convenient e-hailing taxi solution, has announced the launch of Hala EV, a pioneering sustainability initiative that aims to transform urban mobility and support Dubai's vision for a greener future. As part of this initiative, Hala is introducing four new electric vehicle (EV) models—BYD, Skywell, GAC Emkoo and Tesla—into its fleet across key areas in the city, bringing the total number of EVs in the fleet to almost 500 taxis. The launch of Hala EV marks the beginning of a larger effort to scale sustainable transportation solutions. This aligns with Dubai's ambition for all taxis to be hybrid or hydrogen-powered by 2027. Hala, already a leader in eco-friendly mobility, is expanding its commitment to reducing emissions and driving positive environmental change within the e-hailing sector. Currently, 90% of Hala's fleet of 13,000 taxis already comprises hybrid vehicles, and with the addition of these new EV models, Hala is taking another significant step towards achieving a fully eco-friendly taxi fleet. This initiative complements ongoing technological advancements, such as identifying High-Density Locations (HDL), which optimise taxi availability in high-demand areas, improving fuel efficiency and sustainability. Khaled Nuseibeh, Chief Executive Officer at Hala, said: 'The launch of the Hala EV initiative reinforces our role as a key player in Dubai's sustainability vision while continuing to provide a seamless and reliable transport solution for our customers. Every ride in a Hala EV is a step towards a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable city.' 'Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond simply adding electric vehicles to our fleet—we see Hala EV as a catalyst for a more environmentally conscious e-hail industry, and we intend to scale this initiative as part of our long-term commitment to sustainability.' Starting this month, Hala EVs will be available in select high-demand locations, including Dubai Marina, JLT, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Media City, Al Barsha (1, 2, and 3), Barsha Heights, Knowledge Village, Al Sufouh, and Blue Waters Dubai. This expanded rollout of electric vehicles will offer residents and visitors a sustainable and convenient way to travel across some of Dubai's most vibrant and bustling districts. Customers can book a Hala EV through the Careem app by selecting the Hala EV option when requesting a ride at no additional cost. With growing demand, Hala plans to expand its electric fleet to more areas across the city. Hala's introduction of electric taxis is a key pillar in its broader sustainability agenda, reinforcing its position as a trusted transportation partner in Dubai's evolving mobility landscape. Since its launch in 2019 as a joint venture between Careem and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Hala has been at the forefront of innovation, reshaping how residents and tourists move across the city. With Dubai's ambitious goal of a 100% eco-friendly taxi fleet by 2027, Hala EV is a significant step forward in driving sustainable mobility at pace. As the city transitions towards a greener future, Hala remains dedicated to offering reliable, high-quality transportation while reducing environmental impact. Hala currently manages over 24,000 captains on its platform with a fleet of 13,000 cars provided by its franchise partners for Dubai residents and visitors. About Hala Hala is Dubai's most convenient e-hailing taxi solution, easily booked through the Careem app. A joint venture between Careem and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Hala leverages Careem's ride-hailing technology and the local knowledge of the RTA to provide the most reliable and convenient rides across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. With a motivation to continuously elevate customer experience in public transportation, Hala has unlocked this incredible region by keeping Dubai connected and moving. Media Contact: Natasha Tourish at Q Communications Natasha.t@
