New AI Leaps & Electric Partnerships

Another exciting month to be at the forefront of automotive, as we continue to lead the transformations from electrification of urban transportation to artificial intelligence initiatives.

We are also proud to spotlight two major business expansion and success stories from Oman and Qatar, reasserting our regional dominance. While in the UAE, we unlocked a new chapter of all-terrain conquests for Toyota fans, with the launch of the all-new Land Cruiser Prado.

Let's get going with the monthly round-up!

TOP STORY

AI Hackathon Puts Automotive Evolution Into Top Gear

Spearheaded by the Chief AI Officer of Al-Futtaim Group, Moza Al Futtaim, our recent nine-day AI Hackathon was an unparalleled success, setting a powerful precedent on the progress that can be achieved when we unite technology and talent.

Bringing together 527 of the brightest minds from automotive alongside our esteemed AI partners - Microsoft, IBM, SAP, and Fractal - we achieved the extraordinary: six innovative use cases developed in just four days, out of which three use-cases were adjudged the top winners.

Here's the full list:

- 1st Prize: AI Marketing Content Creation - Fractal

- 2nd Prize: AI Powered Hyper Personalisation for Customers - SAP

- 3rd Prize: AI Speech and Sentiment Analysis - Microsoft

- Shortlisted: AI Powered Chatbot - Microsoft

- Shortlisted: Demand Management - IBM

- Shortlisted: Revolutionizing Expenditure Authorization - Fractal

BUSINESS SNAPSHOTS

?Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Signs Regional Partnership To Accelerate Electrification On Uber

When the world's largest ride-hailing platform teams up with the region's leading mobility player, it's clear that electrification of urban transportation is on-track to grow massively across the region.

The landmark partnership was officially signed in the presence of our Vice-Chairman & CEO, Omar Al Futtaim, as well as the Global CEO of Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi.

The strategic partnership will give customers a wide selection of electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) BYD vehicles to book on Uber's platform. Additionally, we will support with charging infrastructure, covering access to dedicated 'fast-charging fleet hubs - through Charge2Moov by Al-Futtaim.

A Bold New Chapter Begins As Al-Futtaim Toyota Launches The All-New Land Cruiser Prado

Building on an enviable heritage as one of the world's toughest and most capable 4x4s, the all-new Land Cruiser Prado was unveiled amidst a packed audience of eminent government and corporate guests, media, and influencers.

The bigger, better, and bolder edition combines a timeless yet modern design with state-of-the-art safety technologies, a new GA-F body-on-frame chassis shared with the Land Cruiser 300 Series, and remarkable all-terrain support systems.

One of the nation's most beloved SUVs, reimagined for a new era.

OMASCO Unveils Flagship Volvo Showroom In Muscat

In a major win for our international business expansion, Volvo Cars marked its much-anticipated return to Oman with the inauguration of a new showroom located at OMASCO HQ in Wattaya, Muscat.

Volvo enthusiasts in the Sultanate can once again experience the renowned luxury, innovation, and Scandinavian design that define Volvo vehicles as well as the newly launched electric compact SUV, the Volvo EX30 which becomes the centerpiece of the distinctive line-up in Oman.

The award-winning electric model has the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo car to date, aligning perfectly with the country's decarbonization goals.

FAMCO Qatar Finalizes Major Fleet Deal To Supply 25 Volvo Heavy-Duty Trucks

Continuing our growth in fleet and logistics market regionally, FAMCO announced the successful sale of a fleet of VOLVO FMX460 4x2 Heavy-Duty Tractor Head trucks to Al Nasr Holding (Venture Gulf Engineering), a leading business conglomerate in Qatar.

The new deal expands Al Nasr Holding's fleet to 360 Volvo Trucks, significantly strengthening their logistics capabilities. The FMX460 model is renowned for its robust design and advanced safety features, and equipped with Volvo Connect for improved fuel efficiency, productivity, and environmental impact.

Volvo EX30 Sweeps Major Global Awards Across Design, Sustainability and Performance

We have launched the Volvo EX30 across the UAE, Oman and Qatar, and we are proud to share that this compact yet mighty green model has scooped major awards around the world.

The model has won the prestigious. Best of the Best Product Design 2024 from Red Dot Design Awards, the World Urban Car of the Year 2024 at the New York International Motor Show, the Eco Warrior of the Year award from Top Gear magazine, the Small SUV/Crossover of the Year award from the Sunday Times and the Car Design award, from Auto & Design magazine.

FAMILY-FIRST: TEAM UPDATES

New Induction Program unveiled in our quest to become a benchmark talent organisation

The new Automotive Induction Program is a robust onboarding experience, crafted to integrate new team members seamlessly into the Al-Futtaim Automotive.

Launched in June 2024, the program featured key insights from our leadership team, President of Automotive, Paul Willis, as well as the Vice-President, Antoine Barthes.

Key Program Enhancements:

- Five New Experiences: Five tailored experiences including Group Embark, Auto Embark, Automotive 101, Al Seef, and Operational Inductions for Sales and Service. These deepen understanding of our culture, operations, and the industry.

- Training Completion Requirement: Completion of induction training is now mandatory during probation, equipping associates with essential skills from day one.

- Customer Interaction Standards: Associates trained to engage with customers, maintaining our high service standards.

- Blue Envelope Initiative: For UAE Nationals and beginner expat frontliners, the initiative includes an "Associate in Training" badge, a leadership welcome letter, and a QR code for a structured 60-Day Checklist.

Emirati Champion Of The Month

Our Emirati team members continue to shine across all our divisions, and to put their achievements and talent into the spotlight this month we are starting a new series called: Emirati Champion of the Month.

To kick off this series we are proud to feature an inspiring and trailblazing team member, Khadijah Salim Surror Juma, part of the Hino team. A hardworking professional, Khadijah is also a self-taught guitar and piano player as well as a passionate drifter.