Connect with us

Business

New Quadrifoglio Super Sport: the special limited series, a tribute to the first victory in the Mille Miglia

Published

on

New Quadrifoglio

Alfa Romeo presents the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport limited special series, a new chapter in the memorable history of the symbol of noble Italian sportiness that since its inception in 1923

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, May 28, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Alfa Romeo (www.AlfaRomeo.com) presents the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport, a special edition limited to 275 units for the Giulia and 175 for the Stelvio, to be marketed globally; The limited special series pays tribute to the brand’s sporting history by celebrating Alfa Romeo’s first victory at the 1928 Mille Miglia. That legendary feat was accomplished by the 6C 1500 Super Sport; For this special series, the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile has worked on a bold celebratory reinterpretation of the Quadrifoglio logo, now in black for the first time in over 100 years of its history; The interior is devoted to sportiness and the new 3D carbon fiber with a red finish is making its debut. On the front headrests, the red logo stitching and black numbering certify the exclusive limited series; The epitome of technical sophistication and technology: a 2.9-liter V6 engine with 520 hp and mechanical limited-slip differential, for a unique driving experience; Unique and always focused on the driver, the driving dynamics are confirmed as the benchmark in the respective categories, for their perfect weight balance, best-in-class agility and lightness, and extremely direct steering.

Alfa Romeo presents the new Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport limited special series, a new chapter in the memorable history of the symbol of noble Italian sportiness that since its inception in 1923 has represented a constant quest for technical excellence applied to competitions and production cars.

Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport are a limited edition, in only 275 units for the Giulia and 175 for the Stelvio, to be produced and marketed globally. A total of 450 cars, ambassadors of the iconic sportiness, technical purity, and technology that have always positioned these two cars at the top of their respective segments in terms of handling and power-to-weight ratio, for a unique, direct, and engaging driving experience like a true Alfa Romeo.

A tribute to the 6C 1500 Super Sport and its legendary victory at the 1928 Mille Miglia.

After the RL’s decent placing in the first edition of the “most beautiful race in the world,” in 1928 the 6C 1500 Super Sport (Mille Miglia Speciale) driven by Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi dominated the Mille Miglia, run between 31 March and 1 April. After a marathon 1621 km, only 40 of the 82 starters reached the finish line, preceded by the streamlined Zagato spider that finished the race in 19 hours, 14 minutes, and 5 seconds at an average speed of 84.128 km/h. For Alfa Romeo, it was the first in a string of 11 victories in the Mille Miglia, a record that will remain unbroken. But it was also the first major win for the new 6C 1500, the forerunner of a new generation of Alfa Romeos designed by Vittorio Jano.

Alfa Romeo Centro Stile reinterprets the Quadrifoglio.

To make this special limited series completely unique, and to celebrates the unbreakable bond with the world of racing, the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile has worked on a reinterpretation of the Quadrifoglio, a symbol that has long identified the most extreme performance in the range. For the first time in over 100 years of the Quadrifoglio’s history, the white background of the triangle that has traditionally framed the green four-leaf clover with a sharp contrast gives way to black, a color that gives further boldness and solidity to the iconic coat of arms. Last year, for its centenary, the Quadrifoglio logo was embellished with a golden frame and the dates (1923 -2023) that define a century of passion for sports, performance, and racing.

Features of the Quadrifoglio “Super Sport” special limited series

The Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport are the result of a century-old quest for technical excellence applied to competitions and production cars. The 2.9-liter V6 engine delivers 520 hp and is combined with the mechanical limited-slip differential. As a result of specific tuning derived from the Giulia GTA design experience, this important technical solution contributes to the improvement of the car’s behavior and traction, by optimizing torque transfer and increasing stability, agility and cornering speed.

Powerful personality in the strongly sporty exteriors featuring the new Quadrifoglio logo with a black background and widespread use of carbon fiber, visible on the roof (Giulia opt. only), in the “V” on the shield and on the rearview mirrors. Burnished 5-hole sports alloy wheels, 19” for the Giulia and 21” for the Stelvio, with new, super sporty black brake calipers. They are available in the following liveries: three-layer Rosso Etna, metallic Nero Vulcano, and Bianco Alfa (Giulia only). The look features “3+3” headlights, with new adaptive Full-LED matrix lights with anti-glare and adaptable driving beam for optimal lighting in all conditions. All this ensures energy savings, extensive improvement in safety, and reduced eye strain.

The same sporty features can be found in the interior, where the 3D finish in red carbon fiber makes its debut in the dashboard, central tunnel, and door panels. The front headrests are embellished with stitching of the “Super Sport” logo in red and the car’s number in black to distinguish them as part of the exclusive limited series. The steering wheel is upholstered in leather and Alcantara with black stitching and carbon fiber accents.

Best-in-class driving dynamics, the result of surprising lightness, given the use of ultra-light materials such as aluminum for the engine and carbon fiber for the transmission shaft, bonnet, spoiler and side skirts. In the Giulia, the aerodynamics remain active with the carbon-fiber front splitter: when activated, it controls the quality of air flow under the vehicle, to increase stability and performance. Last but not least, the Akrapovič exhaust system for its unmistakable sound.

From exclusive aesthetics to technology and on-board connectivity that, by definition, are there to ensure the typical Alfa Romeo driving experience. Instrument panel featuring the historical “telescopic” design, including the fully digital 12.3” TFT screen, to access all the car’s data and the settings for the autonomous driving technologies. In the Quadrifoglio, on top of the three layouts available across the Alfa Romeo line-up – Evolved Relax and Heritage, the exclusive “Race” configuration is also offered.

The “Race” layout brings together on the central screen all the essential information every driver wants to keep under control: tachometer, speedometer and shiftlight for manual driving. The layout can be customized by placing additional information in the sidebars, including snapshots of performance. 

Both the Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Super Sport are equipped with a smooth and intuitive Human-Machine Interface (HMI), to put all the car’s features at your fingertips. The infotainment system also provides content, functionality and the “Alfa Connect Services” platform, consisting of a wide range of practical services for safety and comfort.

6C 1500 Super Sport

The day after winning the World Championship in the Tipo P2, Vittorio Jano responded to the need for a new road car with a medium displacement and brilliant performance with the 6C 1500, the chassis of which was previewed at the 1925 Paris Motor Show under the initials NR (“Nicola Romeo”). However, the new car – equipped with a 1487-cc inline 6-cylinder engine that delivered 44 hp – would have to wait until 1927 to go into production.

It was an immediate success, on the market and in races; versions with continuous evolutions and increases in power came thick and fast, including the top-of-the-range Super Sport with a supercharger and “fixed head” that ran at 84 hp for a top speed of 155 km/h.

In 1928, Alfa Romeo entered six cars in the second run of the Mille Miglia. The drivers were Bruno Presenti, Attilio Marinoni, Giovan Battista Guidotti and, most of all, Giuseppe Campari, who shared with Giulio Ramponi the cockpit of a 6C 1500 bearing the initials MMS (“Mille Miglia Speciale”), souped up by Jano with work on its weight balance. In the first part of the race, it left the threat of the three official Bugattis driven by Gastone Brilli-Peri, Pietro Bordino and Tazio Nuvolari in its wake. At the Rome checkpoint, the Campari/Ramponi duo had taken the lead, a position they maintained at the finish line in Brescia, ending the race in first place overall with an average speed of 84.128 km/h. Between 1927 and 1929, on top of its successes in racing, the various versions of the 6C 1500 also gave Alfa Romeo outstanding commercial results: as many as 1064 units were sold, a perfectly respectable figure for the time. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alfa Romeo.

Business

HELI Aims for #1 Position in Middle East and Africa with New Forklift Models and Strategic Investments

Published

on

HELI

Company Expands Regional Footprint, Hosts 40 Regional Partners at Exclusive Distributors’ Conference in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, November 22, 2024/APO Group/ — 

HELI (www.HELIChina.net), China’s leading forklift manufacturer and a global player in the material handling industry, has unveiled three new forklift models at the opening of its UAE distributor Hala’s state-of-the-art showroom and workshop in Dubai Industrial City.

This launch marks another significant step in HELI’s ongoing expansion in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, as the company continues its drive to become the leading forklift brand across the region.

HELI’s mission, Lifting the Future, is driven by a vision to become a global leader, and a singular aim to be ranked among the world’s Top 5 forklift manufacturers. Founded in 1958, HELI has consistently delivered innovative, intelligent logistics solutions, establishing itself as a global first-class integrator of industrial vehicles and intelligent logistics systems. With a people-oriented approach and a commitment to repaying society through high-quality products, HELI’s brand proposition—Empower the World—reflects the company’s dedication to empowering industries worldwide.

Ranked among the top ten forklift manufacturers globally since 2006, HELI’s streamlined strategies in capital, industrial, and innovation chains have fueled rapid growth. Today, HELI’s products are sold in over 150 countries, and in the MEA region, the company has already secured the leading position in 15 African countries, with an expanding presence in the Middle East. With continued investment in new product launches and strategic partnerships, HELI is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming the leading forklift brand across the region.

The new HELI G Series 2.0-ton lithium battery forklift, specifically engineered for the beverage industry, was also introduced at the event. Building on the proven reliability and advanced technology of HELI’s G Series, this model incorporates several innovative features tailored to the unique demands of beverage logistics. These include a flexible adjustable cab height for enhanced operator visibility and safety, an intelligent steering system that prevents sharp turns for smoother operations, and an active safety protection system that decelerates or brakes when personnel approach danger zones, reducing workplace risks. Designed with beverage industry needs in mind, it includes features like single/double pallet forks and a 360-degree vision optimization system for better maneuverability.

The G3 Series forklifts, available in 2-3.5 Ton and 5-10 Ton models, offer key shared advantages that enhance efficiency, safety, and performance. Both models are energy-efficient, with the 2-3.5 Ton version reducing consumption by 15% and the 5-10 Ton featuring a low-noise system. They incorporate advanced safety features, such as pedestrian detection, AI-powered collision warnings, and an optional reversing camera, ensuring a safer work environment. Designed for high performance and reliability, both models require minimal maintenance and are built to handle demanding industrial tasks. The 2-3.5 Ton version offers an enhanced load capacity up to 4.5 meters, while the 5-10 Ton excels in climbing performance. Additionally, ergonomic features like reduced steering effort and low-noise operation improve operator comfort and productivity.

With the increasing focus on electrification, we are providing customers with clean energy alternatives that align with global sustainability goals

Together, the G3 Series forklifts deliver a reliable, cost-effective solution for businesses seeking safety, efficiency, and durability in their material handling equipment.

“These new models reflect HELI’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for sustainable and efficient material handling solutions in the region. With the increasing focus on electrification, we are providing customers with clean energy alternatives that align with global sustainability goals and empowering our partners to achieve #1 status in their respective markets,” said Guan Lei, General Manager of HELI Middle East FZCO.

During the showroom opening, Mathew Abraham, Managing Director of Hala, HELI’s UAE distributor, emphasized the potential of the partnership, noting, “With HELI’s world-class technology and our deep understanding of the regional market, we are well-positioned to offer comprehensive solutions, ensuring the highest standards of after-sales support and sustainability.”

HELI’s growth in the region is underscored by its ongoing investment in infrastructure. The company is currently leasing between 6,000 and 8,000 square meters of space in the Middle East to expand its service capabilities and provide quicker, localized support. These efforts are aligned with HELI’s strategic goals and reinforce its position as a key player in the material handling and logistics sectors.

At a closed-door distributors conference held this week, 40 partners from across the region gathered to discuss HELI’s product innovations and regional growth strategies. The conference highlighted the company’s vision for the future and its strong partnerships with regional distributors. The theme of the conference, “Together We Thrive, Limits We Defy,” reflected the shared ambition to work harder with determination, pushing past boundaries and striving for excellence.

Recent industry data from the World Industrial Truck Statistics (WITS) shows HELI’s growing presence in the UAE, where it is now the second-largest forklift brand. This growth, coupled with a rising shift toward electrification, further positions HELI as a leader in the MEA region. The company’s success in Africa, where it holds the #1 position in 15 countries, demonstrates the strength of its offering and its ability to meet local market needs.

Chen Xianyou, Vice General Manager of Anhui HELI Co., Ltd, emphasized, “Our continued investment in the MEA region is a testament to our long-term vision. We are focused on achieving sustainable growth, backed by our strong after-sales service network, and building lasting relationships with our regional partners.”

With its leadership position in China for 33 consecutive years and a growing footprint in the Middle East and Africa, HELI is poised to become a globally recognized brand in the material handling industry.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of HELI.

Continue Reading

Business

West Africa Deal Summit 2024 calls for regional collaboration to unlock catalytic capital, rewards outstanding organisations

Published

on

West Africa Deal Summit

The summit closed with an invitation to the Africa Impact Summit 2025 scheduled for June 11-12, 2025, in Accra, Ghana

LAGOS, Nigeria, November 22, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The 2024 West Africa Deal Summit (WADS) (www.WestAfricaDealSummit.org) concluded on Wednesday, with a call for more regional collaboration to mobilise catalytic capital to address West Africa’s unique socioeconomic challenges. The two-day event attended by over 400 investors, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and thought leaders, focused on building innovative financing mechanisms. 

The summit themed “Actions to Deepen Catalytic Capital in West Africa” organised by the Impact Investors Foundation, Impact Investing Ghana alongside impact investing taskforces in Burkina Faso, Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire highlighted several other priority actions in a joint statement issued at the event’s close. 

One of the highlights of the summit was the launch of two transformative reports – Catalytic Capital in Nigeria (https://apo-opa.co/3ZiaMGL) and Context Mapping and Market Landscape for Catalytic Capital in Nigeria (https://apo-opa.co/3CCKEO7),  that identified organisations deploying catalytic capital in Nigeria; spotlighted the types of investments they make and their impact; and mapped the spectrum of capital used in Nigeria. 

Catalytic capital, strong governance, regional collaboration, and innovative financing mechanisms are essential for leveraging West Africa’s potential

At the end of the two-day summit, the Impact Investors Foundation in partnership with LEAP Africa also celebrated trailblazing organisations for their meaningful contributions to environmental and social causes. Alitheia Capital Management bagged the Impact Investor of the Year 2024, FAMASI Limited was conferred with the Social Enterprise of the Year 2024 while Centre for Legal Support and Inmates Rehabilitation (CELSIR) bagged the Innocent Chukwuma Award for Social Impact, 2024.  In the Social Innovators Programme Award categories by LEAP Africa, FarmSpeak Technology and Power Wheels Electricals received the Outstanding Fellow Award; the Seyi Bickersteth Award for Financial Accountability 2024 recipient was Read To Learn Foundation while Natal Cares bagged the Innocent Chukwuma Award for Youth and Gender Empowerment 2024. 

The IIF and Nigeria Office for Philanthropy and Impact Investing (NPO) also jointly awarded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu with the Policy Champion for Philanthropy and Impact Investing award for his role in championing Nigeria’s first-ever legislation on impact investing and philanthropy. 

Etemore Glover, CEO of the Impact Investors Foundation, highlighted the collective commitment of summit participants to accelerating efforts in building national and regional ecosystems that drive resilience and sustainable growth. 

“We, the impact investing community, commit to building national and regional ecosystems that foster sustainable growth and resilience. Catalytic capital, strong governance, regional collaboration, and innovative financing mechanisms are essential for leveraging West Africa’s potential,” she said. 

The joint statement was issued by Mirabelle Moreaux, Board Vice Chair, Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh); Etemore Glover, CEO, Impact Investors Foundation; Amma Lartey, CEO, Impact Investing Ghana; Yacouba Ouedraogo (PhD), Member, Burkina Faso Impact Investing Taskforce and Co-founder, Africa Impact Investing Partnerships Centre and Bowel Diop, Member, Senegal Impact Investing Taskforce. 

Key initiatives outlined in the joint statement include strengthening regional collaboration and Knowledge Exchange; Mobilising Local Capital; Encouraging Innovation and Collaboration for Systemic Change; Strengthening Good Governance and Capacity-Building for MSMEs; and promoting Data-Driven Design and Execution. The summit closed with an invitation to the Africa Impact Summit 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3OleFV3) scheduled for June 11-12, 2025, in Accra, Ghana. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of West Africa Deal Summit.

Continue Reading

Business

How 5G Transforms Life: A Foreigner’s Journey Through East China’s Digital Revolution

Published

on

World Internet Conference Summit

HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 November 2024 – As the 2024 World Internet Conference Summit opened in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province on November 20, showcasing China’s latest achievements in artificial intelligence and digital technology, a foreigner who has called China home for 15 years witnessed firsthand how one particular technology – 5G – is revolutionizing everyday life in this eastern province.

Yegor Shyshov, who has lived through China’s digital transformation, found himself amazed by the practical applications of 5G technology beyond mere phone services. From smart manufacturing to autonomous vehicles and remote healthcare, his journey through Zhejiang province revealed how the technology showcased at Wuzhen is already improving lives in neighboring cities.

“These applications are not just exhibition pieces – they’re already changing how people work and live,” said Shyshov, as he toured various 5G-enabled facilities across the province.

In Zhejiang’s Yiwu city, blankets are being weaved in bulk by Truelove, one of China’s leading blanket makers, under the custody of 5G-empowered AI system.

“The inspection for broken threads used to be the toughest job,” Zhang Xiaomao, a chief engineer at Truelove’s smart manufacturing sector, told Shyshov. “In cooperation with China Mobile, we rolled out the 5G+AI visual quality monitoring system, after 18 months of testing.”

The system is able to monitor the threads while they are being weaved, Zhang said, adding that it could stop a warp knitting machine when a broken thread is detected, ensuring accurate quality control.

“There are 24 cameras installed on a warp knitting machine, in short, we have installed ‘electronic eyes’ on our machine, which can realize real-time monitoring of 8,000 threads,” he said.

Upon detection of broken threads, the system automatically halts production, reducing defects by 90% while processing 40 million images daily. The efficiency gains are remarkable: one worker can now manage 12 machines, triple the previous capacity of four.

While the 5G buildout brought revolution in industries, it can be better felt in people’s daily life, as phone service has long become a modern necessity. However, 5G is ready to make big changes in areas beyond that little plate of screen.

Some self-driving mini shuttle buses are currently on its trial operation around the Jinyi Lake in Jinyi New District, Jinhua city.

Shyshov went to take one of the buses — the 5.8-meter-long vehicle has eight passenger seats and can travel at a speed of 20 km/h. It is installed with five LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) and five cameras, which enable it to give way to pedestrians if detected, and bring itself to halt upon reaching designated stops.

While the vehicle drives itself, a safety staff sits at the driver’s cab to ensure safe operations. These vehicles are currently on trial service for now, providing transport between seven stops along a 6.5-kilometer-long loop within a limited area

Continue Reading

Trending