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    Eco-luxury drives the future: Blacklane ME’s bold move ahead of COP28

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    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    In an ambitious stride towards sustainable luxury travel, Blacklane Middle East has announced a tenfold expansion of its all-electric fleet.
    The providers of premium global chauffeur services have unveiled first-class Mercedes EQS-SUVs in response to the region’s burgeoning demand for eco-friendly transportation.
    The move, strategically timed ahead of COP28, solidifies Blacklane ME’s commitment to green initiatives in the UAE.

    The regional expansion doesn’t stop at vehicles; it extends to the workforce with a noteworthy surge in female chauffeurs. Over 50% of the 120 chauffeurs completing the rigorous training at Blacklane’s Chauffeur Training Academy are women, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.

    Dubai residents can now effortlessly book the new Mercedes-Benz EQS-SUVs through the app, offering both on-demand and scheduled rides.
    Nicolas Soucaille, General Manager of Blacklane ME, emphasized the company’s dedication to impeccable service standards, reflecting the high calibre of their offerings. “We are witnessing an exhilarating phase of expansion in our business with remarkable tenfold growth of our dedicated all-electric fleet since March 2023. The introduction of our newest fleet member, the Mercedes EQS-SUVs, directly reflects the high calibre of services that Blacklane ME is committed to delivering,” said Nicolas Soucaille, General Manager of Blacklane ME. “Our focus on maintaining the highest standards for our chauffeurs has been exceptionally well-received by the local residents, driving unprecedented progress in a market that values sustainability as much as we do,” Nicholas expressed.

    The UAE expansion, covering Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah, caters to both B2B and B2C customers, ensuring reliable and convenient transportation options. Notably, all Blacklane rides globally are now 100% carbon neutral, a pioneering move in the industry to offset emissions from every journey.
    Internationally, Blacklane operates in over 50 countries and recently expanded its City-to-City service to nearly 200 routes, with the Dubai – Abu Dhabi route becoming a local favorite. The company’s global revenues soared to a record €200 million in 2022, marking a year of strategic advancements.
    As Blacklane paves the way for the future of premium chauffeur services, its commitment to inspiring a better future and setting industry standards for climate protection stands as a testament to its mission and vision for discerning travelers worldwide.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied by Blacklane  More

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      End of an era: Torsten Müller-Ötvös retires as Rolls-Royce CEO

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      Emirates Man

      by Ruman Baig
      2 hours ago

      After nearly 14 years at the helm, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, has announced his retirement.
      Müller-Ötvös, the marque’s longest-serving CEO since its inception, leaves behind a legacy of transformation and growth.
      Under his leadership, Rolls-Royce transitioned from being a pinnacle automotive manufacturer to a true luxury house. The company’s annual sales increased sixfold, bringing substantial economic benefits to the United Kingdom.
      Notably, Müller-Ötvös introduced the first all-electric Rolls-Royce in the marque’s 120-year history, paving the way for a fully electric Rolls-Royce product portfolio by the end of 2030.
      Müller-Ötvös’s tenure also saw the introduction of several new models, including the Rolls-Royce Wraith, Dawn, and Cullinan, the marque’s first-ever SUV. This year, Rolls-Royce is set to launch the Spectre, an ultra-luxury electric super coupé, further advancing its journey toward electric mobility.

      One of Müller-Ötvös’s significant achievements was redefining Bespoke craftsmanship at Rolls-Royce, ensuring that every vehicle leaving the company’s Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in Goodwood, West Sussex, is tailor-made to the specific wishes of its owner.
      Furthermore, Müller-Ötvös’s strategic vision expanded the brand’s appeal, attracting a younger clientele, with the average age of a Rolls-Royce client now at just 43.
      His legacy extends beyond sales figures. Rolls-Royce under his leadership contributed significantly to the UK economy, employing over 2,500 individuals from more than 50 nationalities in West Sussex.
      Chris Brownridge, currently CEO of BMW UK, will succeed Müller-Ötvös on December 1, 2023. Brownridge brings nearly three decades of experience with the BMW Group and is poised to lead Rolls-Royce into its all-electric future.

      Chris Brownridge
      – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram
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      Elevate Your Ride with Blacklane’s premium Chauffeur service in Dubai

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      31 mins ago

      IN PARTNERSHIP: Introducing a seamless, stress-free, and eco-conscious chauffeur service in Dubai.
      Blacklane is a combined concept of stress-free and sustainable travel that allows fast-paced travellers to move through the city seamlessly – and save the planet one ride at a time. Currently operating in more than 50 countries globally, Blacklane is the leading chauffeur-hailing service offering a premium experience with sustainability in mind. Providing a comfortable ride experience, passengers can enjoy the journey with its ventilated seats, in-chair massage, and ambient cabin lighting, creating an oasis of calm – which is all a tap away.
      This month sees Blacklane’s first-of its-kind launch in the region of an all-electric fleet of customised, top-of-the-range Mercedes EQs, captained by impeccably dressed male and female chauffeurs that provide the highest standards of service, safety, etiquette, and discretion.
      “As part of our commitment to the environment, we are proud to offer an all-electric fleet, which will dramatically reduce carbon emissions […] a step forward towards a more sustainable future,” says Nicolas Soucailler, General Manager.

      The electric vehicle rollout bolsters Blacklane’s already impressive eco-credentials that align with the United Arab Emirates Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and supports the UAE’s announcement to declare 2023 as the year of sustainability. One of out of the many service highlights of Blacklane includes transparent fixed pricing at the time of booking for short trips and inter-emirate journeys, with a 15-minute complimentary wait time. Guests have the option of booking rides on-demand or using the pre-booked option with a minimum wait time of 60-minutes. These updates are just the beginning and there is more to come.
      “We are strategically investing in the important Middle East market as a test bed to introduce new offerings which will diversify our business model and allow us to expand and open new markets,” says Dr Jens Wholtorf, Co-Founder and CEO of Blacklane.
      April’s – The Elevate Issue – Download Now 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      The story behind Dubai’s vintage car hub

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      51 mins ago

      Mazin Al Kahatib, Founder & CEO of Nostalgia Classic Cars, discusses how he turned a passion for collecting and restoring vintage cars into a thriving business.
      What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
      I begin my day by reading the newspaper headlines to have an understanding of what’s happening around the world. Next, I read through the sales report and workshop reports of the previous day to make a list of what needs to be done for the same day. I then have a quick meeting with the admin, sales and workshop supervisor for 10 minutes.
      What inspired you to launch Nostalgia Classic Cars?
      It has been a dream of mine since I was a banker. I knew that after completing what I wanted to achieve in my banking career, I could convert my passion into a business.

      Every car should tell a story. Does this impact your decision when buying a car?
      When this was a hobby of mine, that was the case. Now, when I look at it from a business perspective, I buy according to the demand and market needs. Of course, when it comes to collecting classic cars, the story plays a big role in the purchase.
      The concept is located in one of Dubai’s key artistic hubs. Was this the plan from the start?
      I consider my collection as pieces of art and when I was thinking and deciding on a place, of course Alserkal Avenue came to mind, as it’s one of the first “art hubs” of Dubai. Hence, the decision was made to be located in Alserkal Avenue.
      What was the first car you restored?
      The first car I restored was the 1948 Packard.

      You’re the first of its kind in the UAE. How did you see a gap in the market?
      I learned my lesson the hard way as they say. When I was a hobbyist, I would struggle to find the best denter or the best mechanic or the best painter and my car would move from one place to another. This made me always think of having a one-stop shop that covers everything when it comes to restoration. Nostalgia Classic Cars Workshop does exactly that. Any project we do, the car never leaves the premises until the job is done. If we require additional support, we subcontract it to other shops. Everything from A to Z is done under one roof, this is what differentiates Nostalgia Classic Cars from all the other players in the market.
      What advice would you recommend to those who wish to invest in collecting vintage cars?
      When it comes to investing and collecting vintage cars, it’s important to choose the right brand and the right model. Try to have a detailed history of the car as much as possible. It’s imperative to prove the originality of the car and its parts, including the interiors, mechanical and the body.
      November’s – The Collectors Issue – Download Now
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      Images: Supplied More