We are well into the New Year. Both the CES show and the Detroit Motor Show held in January this year indicate that the automotive industry is witnessing a period of unprecedented change. Almost on a daily basis, there is news of new technologies, new materials and new designs which are set to be game changers in the industry. The days when the Big Three automotive companies in Detroit ruled the roost are long gone. Established automotive companies have to contend with tech companies like Google, Uber and Apple when it comes to development of technologies that will appeal to the end consumer.Fuel efficiency and sustainability are the main buzzwords with the advent of stricter norms like the CAFÉ standards and WLTP norms regarding toxic emissions and fuel efficiency in Europe and elsewhere. The same goes for the tire industry with tire manufacturers gearing up to produce tires which offer maximum fuel efficiency, lower rolling resistance and minimal friction. The electric car industry might be growing at a fast pace with record orders for the Tesla 3, but we have to remember that though electrified vehicles are expected to account for about 50 percent of the vehicles on the road by 2040, many of these will be hybrids. Besides, it is projected that there will be 80 percent expansion in the global car fleet to over 2000 million vehicles by 2040. Hence, those who are predicting the imminent death of the internal combustion engine are likely to be wrong. The focus will continue to be on sustainable measures to reduce the consumption of fuel and toxic emissions. In the race to cut costs and increase fuel efficiency, automotive companies will now devote more research and resources to the use of alternative materials, lightweighting and new manufacturing techniques. In our new business ideas section, we learn more about how Porsche has used an organic fiber mix which comprises materials like hemp and flax for a few components in its new 718 Cayman GT4 Clubsport. With reputed brands like Porsche leading by example, let us hope that more automakers will use similar initiatives to make vehicles that are more affordable, fuel efficient and environment friendly.Hamid MoarefPublisherPAGE 14Publishers Note :All images, designs, layout and advertisements are copyrighted. Any attempt to recreate, plagiarize or copy in part or in whole is violation of international copyright laws. While compiling this issue of Tires & Parts, the utmost care and attention has been given to ensure that all information is accurate. Morjan Media is not responsible for the accuracy of content provided by third party sources.To submit news and content please email to : [email protected] note: by submitting news and content to Morjan Media for publication in Tires & Parts you automatically agree that Morjan Media is not obliged to publish this content. Furthermore, Morjan Media reserves the right to further edit and or reduce the size of any content or news stories sent for publication.PublisherHamid MoarefEditorAli Reza Sub EditorsManju MathewSonja BaikogliSherry ChenGrace StephenDesignVivin GeorgePraful PanchalSales & MarketingAhmad AjiCirculation AssistantsThahaDilfarFisalContributorsPeter BaikogliArezou MarzaraFarsh ShafikhaniKristen KoulicDistributionDar al hikma Distribution L.L.CMorjan Media L.L.CP.O.Box 7830, Dubai, U.A.E.TIA applauds Automotive Tires & Parts’ efforts to bring the latest tire and automotive news to the Middle East.For more information on TIA,visit www.tireindustry.orgFor administrative inquiries or for a copy of our media kit please contact : +971 4 2555548 [email protected] www. morjanmedia.comA better way to get around.Download Careem and book a hassle free ride in minutes. Enter the promo code “tiresandparts” to get 20% off your first 3 rides. *Maximum discount AED 20 per ride. For new users only. Offer valid within the UAE.
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