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Ford Celebrates Global Mustang Day

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The hype surrounding the Ford Mustang before it was launched in 1964 was unlike anything Ford had ever experienced. The concept vehicle was put on show and numerous pictures were circulated to the worldwide press, leading to thousands of letters pouring in from across the globe from people wanting to know if Ford was really going to build this dream machine.

This in turn created the opportunity for Ford’s very first International Press Introduction of an automobile on April 13, 1964. The event was broadcast to 11 European cities and covered by over 2,000 reporters.

Ford Executive Lee Iacocca, who spearheaded the development of the Mustang, introduced it as a new line for Ford, with versatility as its key attribute. The Mustang was to be an economical, compact car with the style of an expensive European model along with high performance capabilities – the muscle car as we know it today.

“We don’t claim the Mustang is a universal car, or that it can be all things to all people,” Iacocca told the press. “But we do believe the Mustang will be more things to more people than any other automobile on the road…We like to think that in the process we have achieved a new dimension in American motoring – perhaps in world motoring.”

Four days later, on April 17,1964, the Mustang went on sale and the demand and the hype for Ford’s new baby skyrocketed. Mustang sales were huge: 22,000 cars on the first day, 418,810 Mustangs in the first year, and two years later more than a million Ford Mustangs were on the road.

The all-new Mustang has received a similar reception: according to global IHS Automotive registration data, during the first six months of 2015 the Mustang was the best-selling sports car in the world. Customers globally registered 76,124 vehicles. Then the Mustang beat its rivals in Germany to become the top-selling sports car on the autobahns for March 2016.

The First One

In 1964, 22-year-old Gail Brown was touring the showroom floor at Johnson Ford in Chicago with her parents, looking for a car of her own. She was an elementary school teacher, and had been using her mother’s 1957 Ford Fairlane convertible to get to work. The salesman, took her to the storeroom where, still under a cover, was a new Skylight Blue 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible.Brown borrowed money from her parents and bought the Mustang for US$3,419, becoming the first recorded buyer of what went on to become an American icon.

The Extreme One Tuned generously and handsomely modified,a 1965 Ford Mustang notchback is the base of professional rally driver and Gymkhana legend Ken Block’s “Hoonicorn RTR”. With its4.7-litre Roush Yates V8producing 485hp, it’s a far cry from the 164hp 4.2-litre V8 engine of the Skylight Blue that caught the attention of a young schoolteacher in 1964. Block’s unique, one-of-a-kind, world’s first all-wheel drive 1965 Ford Mustang notchback features a six-speed Sadev SC90-24 with a hydraulic handbrake system, a custom ASD Motorsports-designed geometry and components suspension system, and 18-inch wheels. Since being unveiling in 2014, the Hoonicorn Mustang has become a star in its own right, alongside drifting superstar Block, in the Gymkhana series. The Young One.

For the first time in its history, the Ford Mustang is officially available in Nigeria withlimited left-handdrive Mustangs having been allotted to the country.

Today the 2016 Mustang GT with its 5.0-litre V8 engine pumping out 435 hp features the return of hood vent-integrated turn signals, something fans have been clamouring for, influencing Ford to bring back the popular feature as standard equipment on the new model.

New colour options make the Mustang more personalised than ever, while added features like SYNC®2 with conversational voice recognition, smartphone-like touch screen, and intuitive graphical interface proving that the old certainly does mesh beautifully with the new.

An American Icon

Today’s Mustang has a 52-year-old legacy and is considered one of the greatest automotive success stories of all time. Since Iacocca’s speech at the World Fair in New York, more than 8.7 million have been sold globally – a new dimension in world motoring indeed.

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Motoring

​K​ia Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung awarded Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

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​K​ia Motor Group (the Group) Executive Chair Euisun Chung has been awarded the prestigious honor of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his contribution to the arts, culture and eco-friendly electrified mobility.

Executive Chair Chung became the first Korean to be awarded the title of CBE since the accession of His Majesty King Charles III.

On behalf of His Majesty, British Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Colin Crooks, presented Executive Chair Chung with the award at the Medal of Merit ceremony held at the British Embassy, Seoul, on November 14.

Ambassador Colin Crooks commented: “Executive Chair Chung, as it has seen your forebears whom we have similarly honored, as an exemplar of this outstanding tradition of commercial and philanthropic leadership, one which has taken ​K​ia Motor Group’s partnership with our country to unprecedented levels of collaboration.”

“It is my great honor to confer to you this evening the award of Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire – the first such award to a Korean national during the reign of His Majesty King Charles III,” Crooks added.

Following in the footsteps of Founding Chairman Ju-yung Chung, on receiving his CBE Executive Chair Euisun Chung commented: “I believe this honor has been bestowed upon me not for my individual service, but in recognition of ​K​ia Motor Group’s contributions to our two nations’ cooperation and friendship,” adding “We will further contribute to our bilateral cooperation in business, art, culture, sports, and public service.”

“The spirit of ​Kia Motor Group has always been to achieve what may seem impossible now, and to excel beyond expectations. And we know that this was possible because we have friends like you,” Chung added.

 

The title Commander of the Order of the British Empire is bestowed on individuals who have made significant contributions to British society at either national or regional level, reflecting distinguished, innovative achievements in fields that include technology, science, sport, arts, culture, politics, industry and the economy.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung KV 1

Executive Chair Chung was selected as a recipient of the CBE award following the evaluation of his involvement in economic and cultural cooperation between Korea and the UK, a partnership that was forged with the creation of the original ​K​ia Group and reinforced by the first ​K​ia Motor Group vehicles exported to Britain in 1982.

​K​ia Motor Company has supported Tate Modern — the world-famous gallery for international and modern art in London — since 2014, with the 12-year partnership dedicated to the growth of the arts and culture for not only those in the UK, but people all around the world. The Group’s contributions also extend to the sporting sphere as title sponsor of the Genesis Scottish Open, one of the most well-renowned golf tournaments in Europe.

With the Group’s commitment for humanity and human-centered values, Executive Chair Chung’s continuing philosophy of creating a better future for societies across the globe is at the heart of ​K​ia’s endeavors, including the Group’s focus on future forms of eco-friendly, electrified mobility.

​K​ia Motor Group has strengthened its relationship with Britain and UK PLC on this front having signed an MOU with Rolls-Royce in 2022 to lead the way in the Advanced Air Mobility market using all-electric propulsion and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

​K​ia Motor Group’s impact on the UK has been reflected by the success of its automotive products, with ​K​ia Motor and Kia vehicles winning a number of prestigious automotive awards, including UK Car of the Year and WhatCar? Car of the Year.

Executive Chair Chung was also previously presented the highly respected Issigonis Trophy by Autocar in the UK and was named MotorTrend ‘Person of the Year’ in 2023 and ‘Visionary of the Year’ at Newsweek’s World’s Greatest Auto Disruptors 2022.

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Motoring

Kia officially launches the region’s first dedicated electric vehicles in the Middle East and Africa

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Kia Middle East & Africa announces the official launch of its groundbreaking all-electric vehicles – the Kia EV9, EV6, and concept EV5 – at the Geneva International Motor Show in Doha, Qatar, hosted at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre from October 5 to October 14, 2023. Marking a significant milestone as the region’s first dedicated EVs, the sustainable mobility solutions provider invites media attendees and VIP customers to test drive the vehicles at this prestigious event.

 

Renowned regional media will stand a chance to experience the new, all-electric EV9 and EV6 models across various scenic locations, including Doha’s most sustainable smart city, Msheireb Downtown Doha, Katara Cultural Village, and Al Bayt Stadium on October 7. Another dedicated event will also take place exclusively for Kia’s VIP customers on October 8, along with a visit to Kia’s booth at the show promising an immersive and premium experience.

 

Yaser Shabsogh, Vice President of Commercial Operations at Kia Middle East & Africa, commented: “This is a momentous occasion for us as we unveil our latest all-electric vehicles, the Kia EV9 and EV6. At Kia, we align our strategic vision with regional government objectives, tailoring solutions to meet specific requirements and evolving customer needs. Kia has experienced tremendous growth in value over the last few months since the relaunch of our brand, and we are placing high expectations on our EV range in taking Kia to new heights. Our unwavering commitment as a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider remains steadfast as we consistently deliver innovative solutions.”

 

Shabsogh added: “Our strategic path is firmly dedicated to fostering a greener future for both our brand and the communities we serve through innovation and sustainability.”

 

Ahmed Soudodi, Vice President of Product and Marketing at Kia Middle East & Africa, said: “As we embark on this exciting journey into a new era of mobility excellence, we are thrilled to officially launch the Kia EV9 and EV6. Introducing the first dedicated EVs to the region is a remarkable milestone, offering stylish and eco-conscious driving experiences. The EV9 and EV6 exemplify sustainable mobility without compromise, delivering an unmatched driving experience. We eagerly anticipate welcoming visitors and witnessing the region’s next electric revolution as we expand our EV lineup in the Middle East.”

 

Reshaping the way we move: The Kia EV9 and EV6

Kia’s primary goal is to revolutionize transportation through the development of futuristic, innovative, and sustainable EVs. The EV9 flagship SUV, soon to launch in Q4 2023, accommodates up to seven passengers and is engineered to deliver peak power performance of 7,800 rpm and up to 541 km by range. The vehicle boasts avant-garde interior and exterior features, including a dual sunroof, digital lighting grill, dynamic welcome light and more, ensuring a comprehensive and powerful driving experience. Going from 10 to 80 percent charge in just 20 minutes, the all-new Kia EV9 embraces both short and extended journeys. It also prioritizes advanced ergonomic safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, Lane Keeping assist, Lane Following Assist 2, Blind-Spot View Monitor, along with convenience-enhancing features including Remote Smart Parking Assist 2, digital center & side mirror, swivel, relaxation & massage seats.

 

Kia’s all-new EV6 is equally, if not more powerful, with a range of up to 528 km. Having been named the 2023 World Performance Car in global markets and the first vehicle to utilize the E-GMP architecture, the EV6 boasts ultra-fast charging capabilities – going from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 18 minutes.

 

This compact mid-size SUV can accommodate up to five passengers and offers sporty dynamic interiors with ventilated driver and passenger seats, ambient mood lighting, black suede seats with vegan leather bolsters, among other features. The EV6’s exterior showcases state-of-the-art design, including a Matte Black Front Grille, sound-absorbing windshield glass, and rear privacy glass. It also promises cutting-edge innovation, including Dual curved display, Smart Cruise Control, Forward collision avoidance assist, Lane Keeping assist, Lane following assist, Active sound design, and Blind spot view monitor. The all-new EV6 also features an advanced Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, allowing your Kia electric vehicle to power home appliances and electronic devices using an internal or external socket.

 

The all-new Kia EV9 and EV6 will be available in Q4 2023 across the MEA region.

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BUSINESS

Dana Motors Limited Introduces CNG-Powered Vehicles, Revolutionizing Nigerian Transportation

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Dana Motors Limited, the exclusive distributor of Kia in Nigeria, is on a mission to transform transportation in Nigeria. In response to rising fuel costs and increasing vehicle expenses, Dana Motors Limited is thrilled to announce plans to bring Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles to the Nigerian market.

This move reflects Dana Motors Limited’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in Nigeria’s automotive sector, addressing the need for more cost-effective transportation. Having previously introduced Nigeria’s first electric vehicle, the Kia Soul, Dana Motors Limited is now set to introduce a range of high-efficiency CNG-powered vehicles.

Francis Ogboro, Vice Chairman of the Group, said, “At Dana Motors Limited, our goal is to offer Nigerians innovative, eco-friendly, and budget-friendly automotive solutions. Introducing CNG-powered vehicles perfectly aligns with our vision to improve the quality of life for all Nigerians while addressing the rising cost of vehicle ownership.”

Olu Tikolo, Vice President of Dana Motors Limited, added, “Recognizing the potential of CNG vehicles to transform public transportation, we are dedicated to making transit more affordable and accessible. Through this initiative, we aim to enhance the overall quality of life for Nigerians.”

The impending launch of CNG-powered vehicles by Dana Motors Limited will significantly contribute to Nigeria’s efforts to reduce emissions, promote sustainability, and create a more affordable transportation system. Dana Motors Limited is reshaping the Nigerian automotive industry, forging a greener and more cost-effective future for all

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