Škoda Middle East has announced the arrival of the new Škoda Scala and Kamiq in the region. These upgraded models combine sleek design, advanced technology and enhanced safety features, reinforcing Škoda’s commitment to delivering high-quality, versatile cars that cater to the unique preferences of the region‘s drivers.

The new Kamiq and Scala, designed for both urban and long-distance driving, bring cutting-edge innovations and are set to make a strong impact in the Middle Eastern market. They offer modern styling, efficient performance, and a range of advanced features.

The Škoda Kamiq, a versatile crossover, now sports a more confident look, rugged SUV character, and upgraded tech. With its compact size, excellent fuel efficiency, and advanced connectivity, it’s ideal for both city streets and highways.

The Škoda Scala, a sporty hatchback inspired by the Vision RS concept, features a revised grille and bumper with dynamic elements. Despite its compact platform, it offers ample space for passengers and luggage, with a modern interior similar to Škoda’s higher-end models.

A Strategic Focus on Customer Needs

Commenting on the launch, Lukas Honzak, Managing Director of ŠKODA Middle East, stated:

“The introduction of the new Scala and Kamiq reflects our commitment to offering vehicles that perfectly balance performance, practicality, and modern features. These models are designed with the region’s drivers needs in mind, combining cutting-edge technology with refined design to deliver a seamless driving experience, whether navigating city streets or covering longer distances.”

Enhanced Features and Technology for Middle Eastern Drivers

Both the Škoda Scala and Kamiq come with standard LED headlights and tail lights, with the option to upgrade to TOP LED Matrix headlights. These advanced lights allow full beam use at night, with smart technology to prevent glare for other drivers. Both models have separate LED fog lights, as standard, in the bumper for better visibility in tough conditions. Additionally, for the first time, both models offer an optional electric boot with a virtual pedal, allowing hands-free boot access by waving a foot under the rear bumper—ideal when your hands are full.

The Kamiq offers an optional panoramic sunroof for a more spacious driving experience. It comes with an 8.25-inch Škoda Infotainment System and an 8-inch Digital Display, with optional upgrades to a 9.2-inch Škoda Navigation System and 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit for a more high-tech feel. Phone pockets have been added to the back of the front seats for convenient mobile storage. Both models also feature up to five USB-C ports, ensuring easy connectivity and charging on the go.

Performance and Power

Both models are powered by a 1.0 TSI engine delivering 114 HP (85kW), fine-tuned for efficiency and performance in the diverse driving conditions of the Middle East. Fuel efficiency is 5.5 l/100km (combined for both highway and city driving), ensuring an optimal balance between performance and economy.

New Alloy Wheels and Nine Paint Finishes

Both the Scala and Kamiq offer a selection of alloy wheels ranging in size from 16 to 18 inches with 2 brand new alloy wheel designs for 18-inchesThe updated models are available in a choice of nine paint finishes, allowing customers to further personalise their vehicles.

Enhanced Safety Features

Škoda places safety at the forefront, equipping both the Scala and Kamiq with cutting-edge assistance systems typically reserved for higher-end vehicles. These include optional features such as Predictive Cruise Control, Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitor and Lane Assist.

Both models come with Easy Light Assist, which automatically adjusts the low beam for optimal visibility in changing conditions. Standard features such as Cruise Control with Speed Limiter and Tyre Pressure Monitoring further ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience in both the Scala and Kamiq.

A Proven Track Record

Having already gained popularity in the Middle East, the ŠKODA Scala and ŠKODA Kamiq return with refreshed designs, upgraded technology, and improved performance. These updates further solidify their position as standout options for drivers looking for compact vehicles with premium features and everyday versatility.

The world’s oldest Bentley T-Series, a standard saloon in Shell Grey, has returned to Crewe after 59 years. Sensitively recommissioned and retaining much of its original componentry and running gear, it takes its place in the Bentley Heritage Collection of road- and race-cars that together describe all 105 years of Bentley’s history.

T-Series chassis number SBH1001 was used as a company trials car and featured in the original press coverage following the model launch at the 1965 Paris Salon de l’Auto. When found under a cover in storage, the car had not run for decades and was missing several key areas – including its entire interior. The car’s significance as the first T-Series – or equivalent Rolls Royce Silver Shadow – off the production line prompted the decision to recommission it, preserving as much of the original car as possible.

Mike Sayer, Head of the Bentley Heritage Collection, explains: “The T-Series is one of the final two pieces of the puzzle to complete our rejuvenated Heritage Collection. Our Chief Communications Officer, Wayne Bruce and I quite literally found it under a tarpaulin in the back of a warehouse, and given it was the first-of-line chassis we knew we had to save it. Together with our T-Series Mulliner Coupe, this revitalised sedan completes the Bentley heritage story of the 1960s and 1970s, and is now an outstanding example of the model, which was the first Bentley to use a unitary monocoque construction.”

After a group of Bentley apprentices started the process of dismantling and assessing the car, the recommissioning of the T-Series was entrusted to the expert team at P&A Wood, specialists in the preservation and restoration of classic Bentleys and the company’s partner for Heritage Collection projects. Louise Wood, daughter of co-founder Andrew Wood, led the project, supported by Coachwork manager Dave Lowe – a P&A Wood veteran of 23 years.

Restored to Prime Condition

Taking stock of the T-Series Bentley, key elements of the drivetrain proved to be in surprisingly good condition. The engine burst into life after a 15-year silence, needing only a thorough service, and the gearbox simply required minor adjustment. The rear axle too was in a good state and only needed new seals.

Major challenges for the team included a missing dashboard, no interior trim, a wiring loom in pieces without a detailed diagram, corrosion around the rear subframe and previous poor-quality crash repairs. With few replacement parts available off-the shelf, the team sourced a donor vehicle that was at the end of its life. As the specification of the T-Series evolved over the years, it was important that the donor should also be an early model. Every detail was discussed and pored over, right down to the correct (Rolls-Royce) logo on the seat belt buckles and the lack of wing mirrors.

The T Series featured innovative vibration-deadening Vibrashock mounts and a two-circuit hydro-pneumatic ride height control, all of which were thoroughly overhauled. All hydraulic hoses were replaced, and unique components like the brake distribution valves were restored to full working condition. Rewiring and fitting the dashboard proved a major undertaking, requiring huge amounts of time and perseverance. 

Meanwhile the paintwork was stripped, revealing poorly executed accident repair work and inconsistent panel gaps. One rear wing was corroded and had to be replaced, after which the entire vehicle was given multiple coats of 2k high build primer, each coat being carefully sanded down once dry. ‘We spent a lot of time softening the panel edges, so they don’t look carved out of filler,’ Dave Lowe explains. ‘And though we’re using modern two-pack finishes, we tried to do everything in the old Crewe way.’ That included a final sand down with 8000 grit abrasive followed by machine polishing. Brightwork and bumpers were cleaned and polished, but not re-chromed – preserving the original patina.

That story now begins a new chapter, as the T-Series is reunited with its former press office registration number of 1900 TU as the latest addition to the Heritage Collection. Along with the 45 other cars in the Collection, the T-Series will live on Bentley’s campus in Crewe, England, on permanent display and kept in running, road legal condition to enable driving when needed.

The Bentley T-Series

In 1958, work began on designing the first monocoque Bentley and Rolls-Royce, destined to replace coachbuilt bodies underpinned by a separate chassis. The result was the car sold by Bentley as the T-Series and by Rolls-Royce as the Silver Shadow. By 1962, John Blatchley – famous for styling the R-Type Continental – had completed a new exterior design for a steel and aluminium monocoque body. The design improved on the passenger space of the preceding S3, but with the overall car now seven inches shorter, five inches lower and three and a half inches narrower.

Using the freshly developed 225 bhp, 6.23-litre V8 engine, seven prototypes undertook significant testing including endurance runs of over 100,000 miles. At the time the engine achieved the highest specific output by weight of any production car in the world of 2.7 lb/hp (1.2 kg/hp).  Design innovations included separate sub frames to carry the engine and transmission, suspension, steering and rear axle assemblies, with ‘Vibrashock’ rubber sub frame mounts developed to isolate road noise and vibration.   

The Bentley T-Series was hailed as a clear example of revolutionary engineering given it was the first Bentley to move away from a separate chassis build, and its relatively lightweight construction gave impressive performance for a four-sedan in 1965, with a maximum speed of 115 mph and 0-62 mph achieved in 10.9 seconds. 1,868 examples of the first-generation T-Series were produced, with a pre-tax list price of £5,425 and the majority being standard four-door saloons.

• By Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director Amadeus Gulf

In the ever-evolving travel industry, airlines and travel agencies are increasingly turning to cutting-edge solutions to stay competitive and deliver enhanced customer experiences. One such airline retailing solution is New Distribution Capability (NDC), a transformative approach that is reshaping how airlines and travel sellers interact with consumers, unlocking new opportunities for personalization, differentiation, and growth.

For Amadeus, NDC represents a significant shift in the way airlines distribute their products, and how travel sellers consume them. By embracing NDC, airlines gain the ability to deliver richer, more personalized content to travelers, allowing for more dynamic and flexible pricing models. In real-time, travel sellers can access tailored offers that meet the specific needs and preferences of their clients, ultimately driving better customer experiences and higher revenue potential.

Enhancing Product Differentiation and Customer Experiences

At its core, NDC enables airlines to innovate in ways that supports modern retailing, giving them greater control over their content, and allowing them to present their products in a way that is more relevant and engaging for consumers. With this technology, airlines can offer unique bundles, special services, and customized fare options, differentiating their offerings from competitors – and distribute them in a way that enrich and enhance the shopping experience on the buyer’s side. As a result, travelers can enjoy a more tailored experience—one that aligns with their individual or company preferences, whether they prioritize cost savings, convenience, or premium services.

From the perspective of travel sellers, NDC can provide them with more dynamic content and tailored offers, allowing agents to access the latest fares and offers and craft more personalized travel packages. This not only enhances the value provided to travelers but also strengthens the relationship between the travel sellers and their clients. By delivering offers that are more relevant and attractive, travel sellers are better equipped to capture new revenue streams and improve customer loyalty in a highly competitive market.

NDC’s Impact on Revenue Potential

NDC also brings significant revenue opportunities to both airlines and travel agents. The dynamic pricing capabilities enabled by NDC allow airlines to adjust their fares in real-time based on market demand, traveller preferences, and competitive factors. This level of pricing flexibility opens the door to more strategic revenue management and improved yield. At the same time, travel sellers are able to access exclusive deals and tailored offers that resonate more with their clients, driving additional sales and elevating the overall travel experience.

For airlines, the ability to provide detailed service descriptions, images and personalized offers through the NDC technology allows for upselling and cross-selling opportunities that were previously untapped. Travel agents, by accessing this richer content, can better recommend and cross-sell ancillary services such as seat upgrades, baggage options, and inflight services to best suit their clients’ needs, ultimately increasing revenue per passenger.

NDC: A Future-Proof Solution for Travel Sellers

In today’s rapidly changing travel landscape, the adoption of NDC is becoming essential for travel sellers to remain competitive. As travelers increasingly expect a personalized, seamless, and efficient booking experience, travel sellers must evolve to meet these demands. NDC provides the tools needed to deliver on these expectations, helping travel sellers future-proof their business by staying ahead of industry trends.

At Amadeus, we recognize the importance of NDC in driving the next phase of industry growth. We are committed to supporting travel agencies through this transition by offering the tools, content, and expertise necessary to thrive in the new world of modern retailing. We exploit all the advances that this new technology brings, but we also make sure that it makes sense for those using it, not compromising operational efficiency.  

That is why our solutions provide deep end-to-end integrations of content via NDC into the travel seller’s technical ecosystem, so that existing tools and processes can be used also with NDC-sourced content. By embracing NDC, travel sellers can unlock new potential and deliver superior value to their clients, securing their place in the future of travel.