Tag: travel

Your Next Uber Could Be One Of The World’s Most Luxurious Electric Cars

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This October, Uber riders in London will have the chance to experience high-end luxury and sustainability in one ride, as a fleet of ultra-luxurious Lotus Eletre Hyper-SUVs joins the Uber Green fleet for a limited time. Riders can book these cutting-edge electric vehicles via the Uber app’s Uber Green option and experience the future of zero-emission transport.

With nearly 30% of Uber’s miles in London now fully electric, the initiative supports the city’s journey toward a cleaner, greener future. To encourage more riders to go electric, Uber has launched a special competition: the rider who saves the most emissions by the end of November by taking Uber Green trips will win free Uber Green rides for a decade.

Riders will have until November 30 to rack up their electric miles. All Uber riders can track the emissions they’ve saved by taking Uber Green using the in-app Emissions Savings tool, which launched earlier this year.

Andrew Brem, General Manager for Uber UK, said: “We’re thrilled to team up with Lotus to combine cutting-edge luxury with sustainable travel. Uber drivers are already leading the way, going electric far quicker than regular motorists – making London Uber’s global capital for electrification. Now we’re excited to allow our riders to experience one of the world’s most exciting electric cars.”

Conor Horne, Commercial Director of UK and Ireland at Lotus said: ”We are incredibly excited to partner with Uber to have a fleet of our all-electric Lotus Eletre available in London via the app for passengers to experience and enjoy. We hope this initiative will not only enhance the riding experience for Uber customers but also contribute to a greener city, something we at Lotus are very passionate about.”

Uber Green, which first launched in central London in 2021, allows riders to book a zero-emissions ride for the same price as an UberX, since its launch Uber has saved 55,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in London. Drivers taking Uber Green trips also earn 10% more on those trips compared to an UberX. Uber drivers are making the switch five times quicker than regular motorists.

The Eletre, Lotus’ first all-electric Hyper-SUV, redefines the passenger experience by combining luxurious comfort with cutting-edge technology. Passengers can enjoy a spacious interior designed for relaxation, featuring premium materials and a world-class infotainment system.

Through the combination of exceptional aerodynamics, outstanding comfort, and true Lotus performance, the Eletre is the perfect option for those seeking an exceptional drive with a new luxury experience.

The cars will be licensed and managed via Otto Cars, London’s largest private hire provider. Gurinder Dhillon, Otto Cars CEO, said: “We are delighted to power-up this concept for Uber and Lotus. Let’s prove that a sustainable ride can be a thrilling experience, without the smoke.”

Gozo Cabs And Prime Time Shuttle Announce Strategic Partnership To Streamline Global Ground Transportation Experience

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Gozo Cabs, India’s leader in long distance intercity travel and airport transfers, and Prime Time Shuttle, a trailblazer in ground transportation in the USA, announced a strategic alliance. Under this alliance, the two companies are bridging their transportation solutions across continents. Going forward, clients of either company shall be able to access the reach and expanse of both organizations and avail affordable & reliable ground transportation all across the United States & India.

Through this alliance, Gozo clients can avail Prime Times exceptional reach across the USA and Prime Times customers can travel anywhere in India safely, comfortably & economically. Travelers enjoy a seamless travel experience irrespective of whether they are traveling in India or USA. This is a significant move enabling Indo-US travelers to pre-book ground transportation well ahead of their travel.

Prime Time Shuttle has been a pillar in the transportation industry for over 40 years. With over 50 million satisfied customers, it has built a reputation for safety, security, and reliability. As a long-standing leader in the ground transportation space, Prime Time Shuttle offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of various travelers, from solo adventurers to large groups.

Founded by Rattan Joea, Prime Time Shuttle is known for its customer-centric approach and competitive pricing. Joea’s vision was to create a transportation service that prioritizes the customer experience, offering high-quality service at prices that are accessible to all. This focus has allowed Prime Time Shuttle to remain a top choice for travelers seeking dependable, affordable transportation solutions.

Rattan Joea expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to join forces with Gozo, a company that shares our commitment to exceptional service and customer satisfaction. We will bring unparalleled transportation solutions to the U.S. market, offering all a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.”

“Today, more Indians travel internationally than ever before and so many people of Indian origin are settled abroad. By partnering with Prime Time Shuttle, Gozo has once again delivered on our promise of an easy, reliable, affordable, safe, pre-booked ride for our travelers even if their trip originates in the USA” said Deepesh Arora, Co-Founder & CEO of Gozo Cabs.

Deepesh Arora also added “Services are available for chauffeur driven hourly-as-directed rentals, Airport transfers, Long distance inter-city one-way, round trips, and multi-city trips providing travelers with comprehensive transportation solutions whether traveling in India or the United States. The joint vision is to make ground travel easy for global travelers. The companies hope to expand their alliance to offer even more convenient and streamlined travel options within India, US and soon in even more places across the globe. Through this alliance, we hope to soon deliver seamless multi-modal transportation choices that include ground transportation from their door in the US to the final leg of their journey, smoothly & safely to any place in India.”

Mastering The Mud: Isuzu’s Guide To Mud Driving

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Isuzu has released an interesting list of do’s and don’t to guide you through the thrilling yet challenging world of mud driving with the Isuzu D-Max pick-up. With its rugged build and high-performance features, the D-Max is designed to power through the stickiest of terrains.

Equipped with a versatile 4-wheel-drive system, the Isuzu D-Max’s 2H, 4H, and 4L modes ensure you’re ready for any off-road adventure. The rear differential lock proves invaluable when traversing deep, slick mud, providing extra traction where it’s needed most. Its lightweight design (around 2 tonnes), electronically assisted steering, and excellent ground clearance make the D-Max a master of navigating rough, muddy paths.

Here’s the 10-step guide to mud driving with your Isuzu D-Max:

Pack for the Mud: Before heading out, pack a recovery kit with essentials like a tow strap, shovel, traction aids (recovery boards), gloves, and an air compressor in case of tyre pressure adjustments.
Check Your Tyres: Opt for all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres to improve grip. Mud tyres with larger, self-cleaning treads are ideal for dispersing the mud and maintaining traction.
Engage 4WD Mode: Switch to 4H or 4L depending on the depth of the mud. 4H is suited for general muddy conditions, while 4L offers more torque for deeper or thicker mud.
Maintain Steady Momentum: Keep a consistent speed without sudden acceleration or braking. A smooth, steady pace helps avoid wheel spin and sinking.
Keep Your Wheels Straight: Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead as much as possible. Turning in thick mud increases resistance and the risk of getting stuck.
Use the Rear Differential Lock: Activate the rear differential lock when facing deep mud or inclines. This ensures both rear wheels move together, improving traction and helping you power through.
Avoid Over-Revving: Spinning the wheels too fast in mud will dig them deeper. If you feel a loss of traction, ease off the accelerator to let the tyres regain grip.
Recovery from Stuck: If you get bogged down, don’t panic. Gently rock the vehicle back and forth by alternating between forward and reverse gears. Using traction boards or shovelling mud away from the tyres can also help.
Post-Mud Cleanup: After the adventure, clean your D-Max thoroughly, focusing on the undercarriage, wheel wells, and brakes to remove all traces of mud and prevent potential long-term damage.
Inspect for Damage: Check for any damage to your tyres, suspension, and undercarriage to ensure everything remains in top condition. Pay particular attention to steering and braking systems to ensure there’s no issues.

To showcase D-Max’s exceptional off-road capabilities, Isuzu has recently built a one-off special project, the Mudmaster. Building on the V-Cross trim, it comes fully accessorised to enhance your muddy adventures. It features a snorkel for water wading, a winch for self-recovery, lifted suspension for increased ground clearance, and powerful lamps for superior visibility. These enhancements ensure you’re well-equipped to tackle the toughest muddy terrains.

George Wallis, Isuzu UK Head of Marketing, shared, “When it comes to mud driving, the 4×4 Isuzu D-Max pick-up is built to tackle the toughest terrain, so you can get down and dirty with confidence. Also, being responsible off-road doesn’t mean being a stick in the mud, the 4×4 D-Max will help you really enjoy the mudness.”

Aston Martin Celebrates 60th Anniversary Of Goldfinger

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The House of Q, a new pop-up experience by Aston Martin inside London’s prestigious Burlington Arcade, has been created to celebrate 60 years of Aston Martin’s long-running association with the 007 film franchise. The relationship began with the 1964 release of Goldfinger, the film which introduced James Bond to the now iconic DB5.

Launched alongside V57, a special James Bond anniversary edition of Aston Martin’s luxury lifestyle magazine, the House of Q by Aston Martin is accessed through a secret door within what appears to be a magazine newsstand inside House 12-13 Burlington Arcade, off Piccadilly in London’s Mayfair. V57 features a specially designed illustration on the cover as well as editorial detailing the relationship between Aston Martin and 007.

Covert messages will lead guests through a secret door. Visiting agents will then discover a speakeasy bar serving Champagne Bollinger. The bar is adorned with technical drawings and parts from the original DB5 with sketches, diagrams and schematics from the archives of both Aston Martin and EON Productions. On display is a top-secret Q flight case, along with hints at a future Aston Martin model, for those able to uncover it.

Often described as “the most famous car in the world”, the DB5 is the car that established Aston Martin as one of Britain’s most desirable luxury brands, quickly becoming the ultimate status symbol of the Swinging Sixties. First launched in September 1963, DB5 had a potent 4.0-litre engine and a top speed exceeding 150mph. Its styling, courtesy of Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, created a sophisticated design, which when matched with its performance produced a car that people dreamed of owning. When DB5 was chosen to be in Goldfinger, laden with gadgets to help Bond fight his arch-enemy Auric Goldfinger, its iconic status was sealed forever.

Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin, said: “Aston Martin and James Bond are two British icons, forever linked. We are delighted to be celebrating this important 60th anniversary throughout 2024, marking the continuation of what is cinema’s longest running and most successful product placement.

“The House of Q by Aston Martin provides something very special for our community of Aston Martin customers, enthusiasts, and fans of 007 to enjoy. We encourage everyone to join us on an immersive entry into the world of Bond and Aston Martin, celebrating our unique history with the films, spanning back to Goldfinger.”

The Bond theme is carried into every detail at the House of Q by Aston Martin where guests will see the original Goldfinger script, film posters and set photography. Sound is delivered by the stunning audio of Bowers & Wilkins, a brand with an enduring relationship with the music of Bond.

Guests may also head upstairs where they will discover the Configurator Lab. This will provide the opportunity for customers to work with Aston Martin design experts to configure their perfect Aston Martin.

The House of Q will host daily events, including design workshops hosted by the Aston Martin design and engineering teams.

From Burlington Arcade’s inception in 1819, it has positioned itself as an exclusive shopping destination for luxury brands. The prime location of the Arcade is parallel to Bond Street and has an entry via Piccadilly. Today the arcade is home to 47 brands specialising in accessories focused on watches, jewellery. leather goods, shoes and cashmere.

Trupti Shah, Commercial Director Burlington Arcade commented: ‘’Burlington Arcade is thrilled to be jointly celebrating this milestone year for James Bond and Aston Martin. The continued partnership between our brands is extremely exciting and we are honoured to be the landmark destination capturing this iconic moment in cinema history.’’

The House of Q by Aston Martin opens to the public on Thursday 18 July and can be found at House 12-13, Burlington Arcade, 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ. It will remain in Burlington Arcade until Sunday 4 August.