One of GMC’s most popular cars, the Yukon, has been confirmed to be heading to the Middle Eastern market in a variety of 2019 model specifications. This includes the Yukon, as well as the Yukon XL, Denali, and the Denali XL.
Dubai buyers looking for a large, comfortable SUV that boasts power folding seats in both the second and third rows will find a lot to love about the new Yukon.
The front of the 2019 Yukon provides quite the bold statement, with projector-beam headlights offering much improved visibility – along with safer driving both at night and in bad weather. The option of a hands-free tailgate is also available, to make loading the Yukon with heavy shopping that much easier.
More of the 2019 Yukon’s features
Smokey Quartz, Dark Sky, and Pepperdust are the three colours that will be available for the 2019 Yukon, all of which are metallic for added visual appeal.
The Yukon is considered one of GMC’s flagship SUVs, and so it benefits from a luxurious interior. Comfortable leather combines with an 8-inch full colour touchscreen, complete with Apple CarPlay and a premium BOSE sound system.
It also features other touches to make living with the large SUV that little bit easier, such as a crisp reversing camera and remote-start functionality.
Enhanced Driver Alert and Lane Keep Assist packages are available as extra options. Side blind-zone, forward collision and rear cross alerts, automatic front braking, and adaptive cruise-control are all standard.
Under the Yukon’s hood
The Yukon is a heavy vehicle, large in size and loaded with luxury and safety features, so it needs a powerful and capable engine.
That comes in the form of the 5.2 litre EcoTec3 V8 for the Yukon SLE and SLT models. The Yukon Denali and Denali XL will feature the tried and true 6.2 litre V8 – offering a very healthy 420 horsepower and 624 Nm torque. This makes the Yukon an excellent choice for those who need to regularly tow trailers.
Price-wise, the Yukon is expected to start in the region of AED 179,999, with the cost increasing for higher-specification models in the range.
Autonomous Cars to Hit Abu Dhabi’s Streets
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comDo you feel bored of driving everyday commuting from home to work and so on? Do you consume most of your time driving in peak traffic jam and much of your work remains undone? Do you suffer from committing accidents from time to time? Then autonomous cars are here for you to get rid of all these problems. These driverless vehicles or in other words self-driving cars already starting to hit the roads of cities across UAE.
First of all, since many people have to do the daily routine of commuting from home to work, taking children to school every day…etc; they can live headache-free by assigning these routines to self-driving vehicles. The time, effort and concentration which are spent on roads can be saved and used efficiently instead on something beneficial, for instance, reading a book, completing backlogs, preparing tasks, etc. Not only this, but in term of safety on roads these modern vehicles are safer, since they are supported by a lot of sensors and cameras which both calculate the speed and the distance in a very accurate manner.
Secondly, you do not need to press the clutch, change the gear, press the accelerator meanwhile leaving the clutch gradually and doing the same in every gear change; this is a waste of physical effort and concentration. The well-designed system of these cars will do all these actions smoothly and harmoniously. What all you need is just to adjust the map to the place where you want to reach.
Finally, before starting the journey, the car often filters all roads to choose the ones that are not occupied. It is true that even in the case of manual driving the same can be done, but there is a risk of committing an accident, since the driver has to look at the map from time to time.
In conclusion, driverless vehicles can improve our life in many potential ways; being more environmentally friendly, time saving and safer to drivers and pedestrians alike. After all these, I do not think that you will be hesitant to try an autonomous vehicle.
Autos and the Crisis of Global Warming
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comGlobal warming endangers many aspects of our life: habitat health, basic human needs, high temperature, rising seas, severe flooding and droughts…etc. Our personal vehicles are mainly responsible of this, as well as factories and all machines that are gasoline-powered. Cars and trucks account for approximately one-fifth of all US emission, which is roughly estimated as 24 pounds of carbon dioxide, in addition to other global-warming gases.Only about five pounds of this emission comes from delivery of the fuel, extraction and production. Surprisingly, more than nineteen pounds per gallon is produced by cars’ exhaust-pipes.
However, in the majority of countries around the world transportation sector which includes: autos, trucks, trains, planes, freight (movement of goods), etc. accounts for higher percentages of carbon dioxide emission than almost any other sector. What is worse is that the extraction and refining of unconventional oils, such as tar sands and tight oil will probably increase in the upcoming years, which means viciously global warming in turn riches very high levels.
What is the ideal solution then? To ban the use of cars and other machines that are petrol-powered! Definitely, this is a fallacious idea. An ideal solution for climate change could be: firstly, providing universal access to electricity to all people on the world. Secondly, obtaining renewable energy and thirdly, doubling energy efficiency rate. These are the ultimate solutions that UAE is trying to achieve by 2030 according to The National. All countries around the globe have to team up, put hand on hand and exert a lot of effort to put actions on the ground.
To put it in a nut shell, achieving all of the previous solutions as quick as possible is the key for swiftly solving this escalating dilemma, but above all, electric cars should be put into consideration.
High Petrol Price Sounds Positive
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comThe stability of oil price is essential because of the fact that it affects the economy of the world, as well as the U.S. In some countries, the price of commodities varies with accordance to the price of petrol and this is due to transportation costs. A recent estimate of petrol price around the world is approximately 1.10 U. S Dollar per liter according Global Petrol Prices. However, there are mainly two factors that affect oil price negatively or positively: oil production and taxes.
Firstly, countries which are ranked as top oil-producers are characterized by cheaper prices definitely, such as: The United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Canada, China, Iran, Iraq, United Arab Emirates. The more the country’s domestic gasoline production booms, the lower the price gets. What is surprising is that although Venezuela is not ranked as one of the top oil productive countries as previously stated, petrol is cheaper than water.
Secondly, in most countries, taxes are highly imposed on fuels which is not only used in transportation as mentioned so far, but it is used most importantly to power agricultural vehicles and machines. This in turn affects the commodities viciously. On the other hand, some environmentalists have a second thought, they believe that petrol should be taxed even higher, and this means there will be more efficient use of oil in order to minimize the danger of pollution that our environment and health is facing. Another vital and interesting point is that this high imposed taxation on fuel encourages carmakers to develop and sell low-carbon technologies. Moreover, it stimulates the share of public transport, walking, cycling and encouraging the use of electric-cars.
All in all, in order to avoid this futuristic dilemma, it sounds reasonable to design state-of-the-art electric autos, even if it is so costive. These will probably be the targeted kind of cars in U.A.E and around the world.
Electric Cars Sound Futuristic in Abu Dhabi
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comElectric cars are not new fashion to the world, they exist since the nineteenth century, and they are ultimately futuristic. The idea of manufacturing E-cars crept upon minds of many scientists, who handled this valuable view to car manufactures to launch it and save the world from many environmental crises, including global warming. As a result, many sophisticated people have turned their backs on petrol-powered cars.
The substitution of gasoline-powered cars by electric vehicles (EVs) is very crucial. In terms of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, electric cars are often cleaner than even state-of-the-art environmentally friendly cars. EVs are plug-in automobiles that are propelled by an electric motor and they are powered by rechargeable batteries. In order to recharge the batteries, you have to plug the car into a charging station. The majority of people install a charging station at their homes when they buy an EV. However, it’s expected that charging stations will be available almost everywhere: shopping centers, cinemas, stations…etc. In London, for instance, charging sockets are set up in some street-lamps.
How long is the Volt’s battery designed to last, on average?
Bill Wallace stated that: “In extreme hot climates such as Phoenix, the Chevy Volt will last at least 10 years, 150,000 miles, and 6,000 cycles. This requirement has held quite steadily for both generations of the Chevy Volt. We use OnStar to track the performance of our vehicles and this benchmark of durability has remained consistent for all General Motors vehicles that will use the Volt powertrain.” Shedding the light on distance, EVs can run for 100-150 before the battery runs out, but some engineers believe that in the future these batteries will probably be able to last for 400 miles. All in all, electric cars are futuristic, and its’ revolution is launching soon. What is fortunate is that UAE is going to obtain the largest portion of these environmentally friendly cars soon.
Masar Project Dubai Red Metro Line 2020
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comDo not be surprised if you find yourself able to move in a top gear drive in the southern part of Dubai as the project that has been launched in 2013 is about to be accomplished. It is the most essential project ever present in the history of the region. It is a 438-hectare area dedicated to 2020 events. Most importantly, this Metro Line will connect participants, innovators, policymakers, tourists, etc. around the world. It is a five-stage project which will extend the established Dubai Metro Red Line to the Expo 2020 site. Furthermore, the project will serve various existing mixed-use high-density corridors in southern Dubai.
Most national and international engineers were mesmerised taking part in the Route 2020 project establishment. People form different parts of the world flood to Dubai for different purposes and this is why it is well known by being a cosmopolitan city. For this reason, the peak traffic jam is not a novice idea to any one visiting this attractive place. As a result, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) exerted as much effort as possible to overcome this problem. The main essential components of the project will serve several existing mixed-use high-density corridors in Dubai South, in addition to newly planned transit-oriented developments along the line. It includes the following components:
First: A 15-km-long alignment consisting of 11.8 km of elevated guideways and 3.2 km of tunnel
Second: Seven LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold stations consisting of one interchange station, three elevated stations, two underground stations, and the special-event Expo Iconic Station
Third: Fifty additional trainsets (15 for the Route 2020 project and 35 to further improve service and expand capacity on the existing Red Line)
Fourth: Expansion of the Jebel Ali Depot accommodating the new rolling stock
Fifth: Construction of three new main power supply (MPS) stations and one additional traction power supply station (TPS)
When you arrive at Dubai International Airport the new line will provide you a single-seat journey to Expo 2020 site. What is promising is that the new Rout will probably extends to the Al Maktoum International Airport and provide direct connectivity by your vehicle between both international aviation hubs of Dubai.
Lincoln to sell flagship Aviator SUV in Middle East market
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comLincoln have announced plans to sell their seven-seater flagship Aviator SUV through their dealer networks in the Middle East, include the UAE, in 2019. Replacing the outgoing MKX and MKT models, the Aviator features sleeker and more modern-looking styling as well as new mechanical underpinnings from sister company Ford.
Inside, you’re greeted by an array of touchscreens and a digital gauge cluster with head-up display, as well as a machined-aluminium centre console clearly inspired by aeronautical designs (that Aviator name is not just a name). Creature comforts abound – climate control, massage seats and a high-level sound system with a staggering 28 speakers. Lincoln originally became famous for their ultra-comfortable, sumptuous sedans in the 1970s and these new models have carried on this fine tradition into the present day.
But luxury can’t exist without efficiency in 2019, and fuel economy is important even for sizeable deluxe vehicles like the Aviator, especially with the burgeoning success of Tesla’s hugely rapid Model S and Model X electric luxury cars. The 2020 Aviator is no exception, and Lincoln offers buyers two different trims – the standard 400hp turbo V6 petrol and a plug-in hybrid variant. Both come with a Ford-derived 10 speed automatic gearbox, and the Aviator can be optioned with rear or all-wheel drive. After all, off-roading is not the primary function of the Lincoln, but it no doubt still has the torque for dune climbing. There are no exact figures for the MPG and CO2 stats of the Aviator yet but expect them to be highly competitive for the sector.
The global popularity of luxury sports utility vehicles shows no signs of abating as we enter into 2019, and it makes sense for Lincoln (Ford’s prestige sub-brand) to shift their efforts away from the underselling Continental towards the Aviator and Nautilus sport utility vehicles. After all, the saloon might have been the luxury car of choice in the 1970s but today is the age of the SUV.
There is no word yet on exact pricing on the Aviator, but early estimates put a start price in the region of $55,000-65,000 USD – about 180,000 to 200,000AED.
2019 GMC Yukon coming to the Middle East
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comOne of GMC’s most popular cars, the Yukon, has been confirmed to be heading to the Middle Eastern market in a variety of 2019 model specifications. This includes the Yukon, as well as the Yukon XL, Denali, and the Denali XL.
Dubai buyers looking for a large, comfortable SUV that boasts power folding seats in both the second and third rows will find a lot to love about the new Yukon.
The front of the 2019 Yukon provides quite the bold statement, with projector-beam headlights offering much improved visibility – along with safer driving both at night and in bad weather. The option of a hands-free tailgate is also available, to make loading the Yukon with heavy shopping that much easier.
More of the 2019 Yukon’s features
Smokey Quartz, Dark Sky, and Pepperdust are the three colours that will be available for the 2019 Yukon, all of which are metallic for added visual appeal.
The Yukon is considered one of GMC’s flagship SUVs, and so it benefits from a luxurious interior. Comfortable leather combines with an 8-inch full colour touchscreen, complete with Apple CarPlay and a premium BOSE sound system.
It also features other touches to make living with the large SUV that little bit easier, such as a crisp reversing camera and remote-start functionality.
Enhanced Driver Alert and Lane Keep Assist packages are available as extra options. Side blind-zone, forward collision and rear cross alerts, automatic front braking, and adaptive cruise-control are all standard.
Under the Yukon’s hood
The Yukon is a heavy vehicle, large in size and loaded with luxury and safety features, so it needs a powerful and capable engine.
That comes in the form of the 5.2 litre EcoTec3 V8 for the Yukon SLE and SLT models. The Yukon Denali and Denali XL will feature the tried and true 6.2 litre V8 – offering a very healthy 420 horsepower and 624 Nm torque. This makes the Yukon an excellent choice for those who need to regularly tow trailers.
Price-wise, the Yukon is expected to start in the region of AED 179,999, with the cost increasing for higher-specification models in the range.
2020 Toyota Supra finally revealed, set to be sold in the Middle East
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comAfter a long and protracted publicity trail of teaser videos, camouflage shots and breadcrumbs of leaked information, the 2020 sixth-generation Toyota Supra has been fully unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show.
A co-development with BMW and built by Magna-Steyr, the new GT car from the Japanese marque boasts a turbocharged straight-six engine boasting 335 horsepower which is mated to an 8-speed automatic – the only transmission available for the Supra. The shape of the headlights appears to pay homage to the previous generation Supra, a car that became a pop culture icon thanks to its starring role in the ‘Fast and Furious’ action film series.
Interestingly, this new generation of Supra only improves upon the previous 1995 car by around 10 horsepower, a very modest gain considering the two decades between them. However, Toyota have claimed acceleration figures of 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds and a top speed approaching 290km/h as well as highly engaging driving feel and handling dynamics. The chassis is part of the collaboration with BMW, as is the engine. Inside, the Supra is very clearly a grand tourer – with heated leather seats, infotainment system and a whole host of all the modern creature comforts you’d expect from a flagship car.
Toyota’s stake in the Middle Eastern market has been primarily in the SUV sector, but the Japanese marque will be looking to target other sports/GT manufacturers like Porsche, Audi, and BMW with this car. Akio Toyoda, CEO of the brand, has announced his intention to introduce more enthusiastic-oriented cars into the range with help from Toyota’s motorsports partners Gazoo Racing. Perhaps a revival of the punchy, lightweight MR2 sports-car may even be on the cards.
There has been no official word on how much the Supra will cost from one of the company’s Dubai showrooms, but current pricing on a basic-specification straight-six car in the US is around $51,000 (around 185,000AED).
The new Supra faces some challenges – how will it face up against the BMW Z4 that it shares an engine, chassis and other components with? Is 335 horsepower enough for a sports car in 2020? Is it as good as the fan-favourite previous generation Supra? Only time will tell, but Toyota are definitely hoping that their new offering can live up to the name.
Major tyre plant under construction in Abu Dhabi
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comConstruction work started on a major tyre plant in Abu Dhabi in the week commencing 21 January 2019. The Roadbot Tyre Project Kizad is a collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and China and will be the first manufacturing plant to be set up in the UAE.
Roadbot is based in China and is a popular tyre manufacturer. The company is investing around $614.4mn (Dh2.2 billion) into the new factory. The new factory is being built in the China-UAE industrial zone in Kizad. It will comply with all international requirements and will be equipped with the latest technologies. It is planned that the factory will start operating by October 2020.
About the tyre factory
This new factory will be built with a total area of 275,000 sqm and offers production capacity for up to three million car tyres and one million bus and truck tyres initially. The car tyres will be passenger car radial (PCR) types and it is anticipated that production levels will increase to up to 10mn PCR type tyres by 2022.
This will give Abu Dhabi strategic influence within the supply of replacement tyres to a range of markets.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, who is the UAE Minister of State and also the chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports, along with the chairwoman of Roadbot, Zhang Yingzi.
Dr Al Jaber commented: “The Roadbot tyre factory will make an important contribution to the UAE’s manufacturing base as part of our leadership’s longstanding strategy to diversify our economy. Today’s groundbreaking also demonstrates the increasingly close ties between the UAE and China, and reinforces the UAE’s role as a key partner in China’s Belt and Road initiative.”
He added that the construction also marked a major step in Abu Dhabi’s move to become a hub for international trading and connectivity.
Zhang Yingzi noted that the new factory will help connect Abu Dhabi to global and local demand within automotive manufacturing and that Roadboat has joined 17 different “Chinese companies that have signed agreements to invest over $1 billion in the Demonstration Zone established within Kizad. These companies have identified the value proposition that helped put Abu Dhabi Ports and Kizad on the global trade map, especially in the context of China’s Belt and Road Initiative”.
There are a number of automotive projects based at Kizad, which acts as a mega hub in the region for CBU (Completely Built Up) logistics for the Ghassan Aboud and Al Futtaim cars. Other global brands operating out of the hub include Toyota, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat and Honda.
SimplyCarBuyers is a reliable source for all the latest transport news in the UAE and a great option if you’re looking to buy or sell a car.
How to pick up a supercar for next to nothing in Dubai
/in General /by SimplyCarBuyers.comIn other countries it may be considered unusual to see any kind of luxury car, but in the UAE we know it is not unusual to see a variety of supercars burning up the roads. Dubai is well known throughout the world as a place of great wealth and opulence, and one of the ways in which that is manifested is in the scores of high-class cars purchased here every year.
Nevertheless, every year in Dubai some two to three thousand cars are abandoned by their owners, and Dubai’s airports and car parks are full of abandoned supercars. Many of the cars were owned by foreign expats who owned them on a lease-to-buy basis, and who have to leave them behind after they fall on hard times. Sometimes these owners even choose to flee Dubai if they lose their jobs and default on their repayments.
Once abandoned, cars are often sold by the local authorities. In 2018 the Dubai Police announced that they would be auctioning off more than 300 luxury cars. Dubai police give owners of their vehicles a month to claim them and pay any necessary fines, and if not, the cars go to auction. As well as abandoned cars, these auctions include cars impounded after being involved in crimes such as street racing, or non-payment of traffic violation fines.
There is one bright side, however. At auction, the confiscated vehicles are often sold for a fraction of their original price. This system makes it possible for car lovers to pick up a bargain if they don’t mind buying second-hand. Indeed, the original owner’s loss can be the savvy buyer’s gain, as all the luxury brands are likely to be represented in these auctions, from Jaguars to BMWs and even the occasional Ferrari or Maserati.
Just be aware – these auctions are by invitation only. When an auction is announced, potential buyers need to register with the police, and prove that they have enough money to meet the deposit price before receiving an invitation.
Though this may be a slightly unorthodox way to acquire a car, it is worth considering Dubai’s police auction as a way of getting the car you’ve always dreamed of at the sort of price you can afford.