And yet, even pre-pandemic our reliance on motor car was waning. \u00a0The looming climate crisis coupled with chronic traffic congestion (roads now host more than a billion<\/em> motor vehicles globally[2]<\/a>) meant private cars, in their traditional sense, had begun to occupy a diminishing spot within an increasingly intricate global transport network and interconnected ecosystem.<\/p>\n This pace of change looks set to accelerate even further in the coming years as our society looks for ever faster, cleaner and more efficient ways to move large numbers of people and goods around the planet.\u00a0<\/p>\n Will these changes herald the death of the private motor vehicle?\u00a0 Only the bold would claim that. \u00a0But undoubtedly there will be fewer cars and a sometimes futuristic-looking new range of transport options for getting from A to B.<\/p>\n As global consultancy Deloitte states in its \u2018Governments and the future of mobility\u2019 <\/em>report[3]<\/a>, \u201cCreating and maintaining a new mobility ecosystem will require rethinking traditional ways of doing business\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n Joined-up journeys are the destination of choice \u2013 and that\u2019s where Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) will flourish.<\/p>\n If MaaS is new to you, imagine an ecosystem of mobility options<\/a> condensed into a single handy interface \u2013 an app on your smartphone, for example. \u00a0It\u2019s one of the ultimate manifestations of the so-called \u2018Internet of Things\u2019 (IoT).<\/p>\n The app could allow you to plot a journey spanning multiple vehicle modes, such as buses, trains, shared cars, electric scooters, even air taxis<\/a>.\u00a0 All these permutations, calculated in one simple step, paid for in advance in a solitary transaction. \u00a0Just press a couple of buttons on your phone, and wait to be whisked from A to B.<\/p>\n MaaS will succeed because it promises advantages for everyone<\/em>: users, providers, the authorities and, crucially, the environment. \u00a0These include:<\/p>\n Small wonder that the global MaaS market could be worth almost US$ 350 billion by 2024.[4]<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cMaaS systems hold out the promise of a true win-win for all parties. \u00a0They provide a fast, convenient transport solution for individuals. \u00a0They reduce congestion, enabling greener, more livable urban communities and contributing to more efficient economies. \u00a0And by reducing the overall number of vehicles on our roads \u2013 and the resulting pollution \u2013 they can play an important role in our journey towards <\/em>net zero<\/em><\/a>,\u201d says Fady Jameel<\/a>, Deputy President and Vice Chairman, Abdul Latif Jameel.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n It certainly looks that way for personal vehicle transport:\u00a0 more than 100 million new electric vehicles (EVs) are tipped to join the world\u2019s roads<\/a> over the next decade.<\/p>\n The shift is two-pronged, driven not just by manufacturers eyeing the next big opportunity but by policymakers, too.\u00a0 Today\u2019s planners are more likely to be banning<\/em> conventional cars from cities than encouraging them \u2013 the mayors of Paris, Madrid, Mexico City and Athens, for example, have vowed to outlaw the most polluting diesel vehicles from their city centers by 2025.[5]<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n If those EV projections still sound fanciful, consider the economic case. 2022 is deemed the \u2018tipping point\u2019 year when the price of owning and running EVs will fall to match internal combustion models.[6]<\/a>\u00a0 And the shift is already happening.\u00a0 More than one million battery-powered and plug-in hybrids left forecourts in the first half of 2019 alone.[7]<\/a><\/p>\n China, perhaps inevitably, is leading the electric revolution, with hundreds of EV makers active and prices for mini-EVs starting as low as US$ 6,250.[8]<\/a><\/p>\n The tumbling cost of EVs is spurred by a steep decline in the cost of battery power.\u00a0 The relative expense of batteries was long seen as one of the key major stumbling block for EVs going mainstream. \u00a0Yet even this hurdle is fast receding. \u00a0<\/p>\n By 2025, the battery component of an EV should represent no more than 20% of its total cost, down from 57% as recently as 2015.\u00a0<\/p>\n Together with more efficient motors and inverters, this should translate to a 25%-30% fall in overall EV prices by 2030.[9]<\/a> \u00a0Too tempting to refuse for many families with an eye on green credentials.<\/p>\n So much for battery cost, but what about battery technology<\/a>?\u00a0 A new generation of batteries promises to store dramatically more energy in a compact space.<\/p>\n Research is ongoing into a further battery evolution which could dispense with heavy metals like nickel and cobalt entirely, instead sourcing all materials from ordinary seawater, reducing their environmental impact.\u00a0 Others believe \u2018solid state\u2019 batteries, utilizing nonflammable electrolytes, are the future.<\/p>\n With miles-per-charge still variable, charging facilities are going to be a critical piece of infrastructure.\u00a0 Promisingly, governments everywhere are investing heavily in expanding the network of plug-in points: US$ 1 billion in California, US$ 50 million in the UK.[10]<\/a><\/p>\n Recharge times are also set for electrifying improvements.\u00a0 Using a standard home charging point, a typical EV can take eight hours to replenish its charge.[11]<\/a>\u00a0 But innovations are coming thick and fast.\u00a0 Recharges of the future might take a matter of minutes, according to one tech start-up[12]<\/a>.<\/p>\n EVs are anticipated to comprise 10% of all vehicle sales by 2024, with sales exploding from 4 million in 2020 to 21 million annually by the start of the next decade.[13]<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n EVs are not the only game in town.\u00a0 There have also been huge advances in hydrogen-powered vehicles<\/a>.\u00a0 Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency<\/a> (IEA) and chair of the World Economic Forum\u2019s<\/a> Energy Advisory Panel, says hydrogen is \u201cgaining new<\/em> momentum and attracting fresh interest from governments and businesses well beyond the auto-industry.\u201d[14]<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Korean giant Hyundai, US hydrogen-vehicle pioneer Nikola and long-standing Abdul Latif Jameel<\/a> partner Toyota Motor Corporation<\/a> are all developing hydrogen-powered vehicles. \u00a0Toyota has long maintained that hydrogen fuel cell technology can offer a sustainable zero emission solution across a broad spectrum of vehicle types and sees global sales of fuel cell electric vehicles increasing significantly after 2020. \u00a0In line with these expectations, it plans to produce over 30,000 fuel cell electric cars annually after 2020 \u2013 notably its ground-breaking Mirai hydrogen car[15]<\/a>.<\/p>\n To imagine a smart transport future, picture a city where road sensors and public transport network speak to central data hubs, which in turn convey live information to people\u2019s phones and cars. \u00a0<\/p>\n Digital signage and mobile apps can be used to transmit information about everything from delays to breakdowns, from optimum routes to free parking places.\u00a0 This streaming torrent of knowledge will help increasingly determine which journeys people undertake, when, and via what means.<\/p>\n For instance, research suggests that smart transport grids can cut commuting times by 15%-20% \u2013 equivalent to 30 minutes or more in developing cities.[16]<\/a> \u00a0<\/p>\n Increasingly, it won\u2019t be you<\/em> making these data-driven decisions; that\u2019ll be the job of the vehicle in which you\u2019re reclining. \u00a0Within a decade of regulatory approval, it is estimated that firms operating driverless vehicles<\/a> will account for more than half of the US vehicle stock, slashing the number of passenger vehicles on American roads from 247 million currently to 44 million by 2030[17]<\/a>.<\/p>\n As pioneers in the mobility sector<\/a>, at Abdul Latif Jameel we always have one eye on the road ahead.<\/p>\n It was three-quarters of a century ago that our founder Abdul Lateef Jameel opened his first motor outlet in Jeddah.<\/p>\n A portfolio of international partnerships later, we\u2019re not just observing<\/em> the journey towards a clean, green and driverless future \u2013 we\u2019re helping steer the industry.<\/p>\n Back in 1955, we established our inaugural Toyota distributorship in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n Our relationship with Toyota now extends across North Africa, Asia and Europe and we\u2019ve helped to make the Toyota Prius the world\u2019s best-selling hybrid vehicle.<\/p>\n We were also responsible for launching the Lexus brand in Saudi Arabia in 1989, and one year later consolidated our industry footing by founding an automotive accessories<\/a> and conversion business.<\/p>\n As our success grew, more partnerships prospered for both passenger and commercial vehicles which over the years has included Daihatsu, Subaru, Foton, Hino, also with US auto-giant Ford in Egypt.<\/p>\n We now encompass the whole experience of ownership, from pre-owned vehicles and body repairs to personalizations and telematics. \u00a0Aftermarket care comes via DJ Auto and DJ Parts, which began as joint ventures with Japanese component manufacturing giant DENSO, today, housed as part of FBK Manufacturing<\/a> in Malaysia. \u00a0Thanks to these collaborations we now supply specialist spare parts through a chain of international distribution networks.<\/p>\n With our acquisition of UAE-based NSV<\/a>\u00a0 in 2016, with locations in India and West Coast USA, we positioned ourselves as key players in the development of integrated high-tech accessories, and modifications serving the auto-OEM, from compressors and in-car entertainment systems to laser shades and body kits.<\/p>\n As for the future? \u00a0We\u2019re positively banking on it.<\/p>\n We were an early-stage investor in US automaker RIVIAN<\/a> whose trailblazing designers, engineers and techies, are currently building semi-autonomous electric SUVs and pick-up trucks. \u00a0The company recently sealed a deal with Amazon to deliver 100,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2030, as part of the retailer\u2019s plan to go 100% renewable by that date.[18]<\/a><\/p>\n Looking to the skies, we have also invested<\/a> in California-based Joby Aviation\u2019s revolutionary electric air taxis, which can travel at 320kph and cover 240km on a single charge. \u00a0<\/p>\n As the world rapidly journeys toward interconnected, on-demand, shared, subscriptional and, sustainable mobility, Abdul Latif Jameel continues our 75 year commitment to be a key global player in this transformational change \u2013offering both distribution and retail solutions to automotive manufacturers and as a trusted investment partner to innovative mobility enterprises who are redefining the very meaning mobility in the new digital economy.<\/p>\n We\u2019re aiming high, making high-stakes investments in the future of mobility.\u00a0 And what a future it will be.\u00a0 A mobility future that\u2019s unrecognizable from today.\u00a0 A mobility future that\u2019s cleaner, faster and smarter in every conceivable way – let\u2019s get going.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [1]<\/a> https:\/\/www.usinflationcalculator.com\/gasoline-prices-adjusted-for-inflation\/<\/a><\/p>\n [2]<\/a> https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/agenda\/2016\/04\/the-number-of-cars-worldwide-is-set-to-double-by-2040<\/a><\/p>\n [3]<\/a> https:\/\/www2.deloitte.com\/insights\/us\/en\/focus\/future-of-mobility\/government-and-the-future-of-mobility.html<\/a><\/p>\n [4]<\/a> https:\/\/www.psmarketresearch.com\/market-analysis\/maas-market<\/a><\/p>\n [5]<\/a> Gearing up for change: transport sector feels the heat over emissions<\/a><\/p>\n [6]<\/a> https:\/\/www2.deloitte.com\/content\/dam\/Deloitte\/uk\/Documents\/manufacturing\/deloitte-uk-battery-electric-vehicles.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n [7]<\/a> http:\/\/www.ev-volumes.com\/news\/81958\/<\/a><\/p>\n [8]<\/a> https:\/\/www.jpmorgan.com\/global\/research\/electric-vehicles<\/a><\/p>\n [9]<\/a> https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/opinion\/articles\/2019-04-12\/electric-vehicle-battery-shrinks-and-so-does-the-total-cost<\/a><\/p>\n [10]<\/a> https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/business-48913028<\/a><\/p>\n [11]<\/a> https:\/\/pod-point.com\/guides\/driver\/how-long-to-charge-an-electric-car<\/a><\/p>\n [12]<\/a> https:\/\/echiontech.com\/news.php<\/a><\/p>\n [13]<\/a> https:\/\/www2.deloitte.com\/content\/dam\/Deloitte\/uk\/Documents\/manufacturing\/deloitte-uk-battery-electric-vehicles.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n [14]<\/a> How hydrogen can offer a clean energy future<\/a>, World Economic Forum, 5 June 2019<\/p>\n [15]<\/a> https:\/\/www.toyota.co.uk\/world-of-toyota\/environment\/fuel-cell-vehicle<\/a><\/p>\n [16]<\/a> https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/industries\/capital-projects-and-infrastructure\/our-insights\/smart-cities-digital-solutions-for-a-more-livable-future<\/a><\/p>\n [17]<\/a> https:\/\/www.rethinkx.com\/press-release\/2017\/5\/3\/new-report-due-to-major-transportation-disruption-95-of-us-car-miles-will-be-traveled-in-self-driving-electric-shared-vehicles-by-2030<\/a><\/p>\n [18]<\/a> https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2019\/09\/19\/amazon-is-purchasing-100000-rivian-electric-vans.html<\/sup><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":84151,"template":"","tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow MaaS will change the way you move<\/h2>\n
![\"Mobility](\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MAAS-1-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
The future is electrifying!<\/h2>\n
![\"Electric](\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Powering-Up-3.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"Charging](\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Charging-down.png\")
<\/p>\nSmart and hands-free<\/h2>\n
We\u2019re along for the journey too<\/h2>\n
![\"Abdul](\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/06\/1955-Abdul-Latif-Jameel-appointed-exclusive-Toyota-distributor-for-Saudia-Arabia-5-2-300x237.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Rivian\"](\"https:\/\/www.alj.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Rivian-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n