TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) has secured top podium position at 8 Hours of Bahrain, the final race of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley, and Ryo Hirakawa raced to victory in the No.8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar thanks to their incredible team effort and a dominant driving performance. TGR’s relentless determination has also helped Toyota achieve its sixth successive manufacturers’ World Championship title. 

Nobuyuki Takemura, Chief Representative of Middle East & Central Asia Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, commented: “Buemi, Hartley, and Hirakawa, thank you for ending this season on such an incredible high note with your first-place victory in the Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar! Your dedication, masterful performance, and team spirit is what made this year such a success for TGR as well as for Toyota by achieving the manufacturers’ World Championship title. We look forward to returning to racetracks around the world next season to showcase our ongoing advancements in electrified vehicle technology and continue our pursuit of ‘ever-better cars’, as well as strengthening our commitment to providing sustainable mobility for all, with no one left behind. Thank you to every member of TGR for making this year yet another success, and to our fans and supporters worldwide for cheering us on every step of the way.”

The chequered flag in Bahrain concluded a 2024 season which featured 72 hours of racing, at eight rounds on four continents over almost 10 months. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s season record stands at five podiums, including three wins, and two pole positions, earning 190 World Championship points.

The race kicked off with Buemi leading confidently from pole, setting a strong pace for the team. He showed impressive resolve after sustaining an early rear collision, quickly recovering several positions before Hartley took over late in the second hour. Hartley and Hirakawa then demonstrated determination in managing tyre wear, working diligently to keep the No.8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar within reach of the front runners.

Two safety car periods in the second half of the race closed the gaps throughout the Hypercar field and set up a thrilling final stage. When racing resumed, Buemi was in 10th, just 15 seconds behind the leader. He mounted an extraordinary charge, overtaking multiple competitors to claim second place following his final pit stop.

With only half an hour left in the season, Buemi completed an astonishing comeback to seize the lead. He extended his advantage, crossing the finish line comfortably to win by 27.539 seconds, marking the No.8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar’s second win of the season and the team’s 10th in Bahrain.

Over the years, Toyota has been participating in many different forms of motorsports, including Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the Nürburgring 24 ‎Hours endurance race. Toyota’s participation in these events was overseen by separate entities within the company until April 2015, when Toyota established TGR, ‎to consolidate all of its motorsport’s activities under one in-house brand. Representing ‎Toyota’s belief that ‘the roads build the people, and the people build the cars,’ TGR highlights the role of motorsports as a fundamental pillar of Toyota’s commitment to ‎making ‘ever-better’ cars. Harnessing years of experience gained under the extreme conditions of various motorsports events, TGR aims to forge new technologies and solutions that bring the freedom, adventure, and joy of driving to everyone.

Race Notes:

• No. 8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid Electric Hypercar (Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa)
• Position: 1st
• No. of Laps: 235
• Best lap: 1:50.492
• Elapsed time: 8:01:25.839

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has become a hub for innovation in wellness and healthy living, with national initiatives like the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 aiming to create a healthier, more vibrant society. Against this backdrop, Chery has taken an unprecedented step as the first automotive brand in the UAE to launch a fitness-focused partnership with Fitze, a local digital platform encouraging physical activity. Through a unique steps challenge, Chery UAE and Fitze are promoting wellness as a community-driven endeavor for residents across the country.

Chery’s collaboration with Fitze reflects a broader movement in Dubai and the other emirates toward integrating physical activity into daily life. Aligned with the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30 and UAE Vision 2031, the Chery Steps Challenge encourages regular activity by walking 300,000 steps over 30 days. Participants who complete the challenge not only improve their personal health but also stand a chance to own a Chery TIGGO 4 PRO, making the journey toward better health both rewarding and fun.

By launching this initiative, Chery UAE positions itself as more than a car dealer, championing Dubai’s wellness goals and enhancing lives beyond the driver’s seat. This partnership with Fitze reflects Chery’s mission to uphold quality, trust, and customer satisfaction while encouraging a healthier, more active lifestyle. The campaign is designed to inspire participants of all ages and backgrounds, building a community where wellness, engagement, and excitement come together under a shared goal of fitness and well-being.

For Chery’s UAE chapter, this partnership demonstrates a deep understanding of local values and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. As wellness gains prominence, Chery’s efforts are both timely and culturally relevant, aiming to build a lasting connection with the community through shared goals. In a society embracing healthier lifestyles, the opportunity to own a top-of-the-line SUV provides a tangible reward and added motivation for participants.

This month-long challenge encourages residents to take their first steps toward a healthier lifestyle, with Chery supporting every stride. To join the Chery Steps Challenge, participants can download the Fitze app from the Apple Store, Google Play, or HUAWEI AppGallery, where they’ll find all the information needed to sign up and track their progress over 30 days. Through this initiative, Chery is helping to advance the UAE’s wellness goals, setting a new standard for promoting active, healthy lifestyles. Step up and embrace better health with Chery UAE.

As the UAE marks its 53rd National Day, the nation celebrates not only its unity but also its emergence as a global leader in innovation and economic resilience. Central to this story is the automotive industry, a key player in shaping the nation’s economic landscape and mobility solutions. From luxury vehicles adorning its bustling streets to cutting-edge advancements in electric and autonomous technology, the UAE has positioned itself as a hub for automotive innovation in the region.

By Srijith K N

The country’s focus on sustainability and smart mobility has catalyzed investments in infrastructure, including EV charging networks and green mobility corridors, further underscoring its status as a pioneer in future-ready transportation. These advancements also reflect the nation’s commitment to sustainability, a cornerstone of its vision for the future.

Within this thriving ecosystem, the car rental industry has emerged as a dynamic sector, mirroring the UAE’s strategic focus on mobility and economic diversification. Rahul Singh, Managing Director of AA AL Moosa Enterprises – Car Rental Division, highlights how this sector has become a key driver of growth. “The UAE’s economy thrives on its strategic focus on travel and tourism, which contributed 11.7% of GDP in 2023. This success is mirrored in the expanding demand for car rental services, with the market growing 10% year-on-year in 2023 to USD 1.77 billion and projected to reach USD 214.70 million annually by 2029.”

Singh attributes this growth to the UAE’s ability to attract millions of international visitors—17.15 million in Dubai alone in 2023—many of whom rely on rental vehicles to explore the nation’s iconic destinations. “This surge reflects a shift towards flexible and cost-effective mobility solutions, driving direct and indirect economic benefits for the country,” he adds.

The role of car rentals becomes even more significant during National Day, as they facilitate seamless mobility for residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the celebrations. Beyond offering convenience, rental services cater to diverse needs—from premium sports cars that embody luxury to family-friendly SUVs and eco-conscious electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are particularly transformative, aligning with the UAE’s ambitious green mobility goals. The car rental industry’s increasing integration of EVs reflects a growing consumer preference for sustainable travel solutions. This trend not only supports the nation’s net-zero aspirations but also positions the UAE as a leader in environmentally responsible tourism and transportation.

As the UAE celebrates its 53rd National Day, the car rental and broader automotive sectors stand as pillars of the country’s vision for growth, sustainability, and global leadership. Together, they drive the narrative of a nation that remains steadfast in its pursuit of innovation, inclusivity, and a brighter, greener future.