Latest news with #FédérationInternationaledel'Automobile
Mid East Info
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Shared vision for mobility, motorsport boosting UAE's trading partnership with Japan – Ben Sulayem - Middle East Business News and Information
FIA President says meeting with Japanese Prime Minister revealed approach which is a model for nations across the world Dubai, UAE, 26th June, 2025: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), says a shared vision for the future of mobility and motor sport is helping to reinforce the UAE's strong trading partnership with Japan. Ben Sulayem recently returned from an official visit to Japan where he met Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and other leading officials, and was given deep insights the country's influence on global transportation and its status as a rising motorsport powerhouse. 'Throughout our discussions it became clear that Japan's approach is a model for nations across the world,' said the FIA President. 'From sustainable fuels to smart infrastructure, Japan continues to push boundaries in ways that align with the FIA's global mission.' Japan and the UAE continue to strengthen their trade partnership, with the UAE maintaining its position as Japan's top Gulf trade partner – accounting for 43.6% of Japan's total trade with Middle Eastern countries. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $49.6 billion, marking a steady 1.2% increase compared to 2023. Last year, Japanese exports to the UAE totalled $12.73 billion, vehicles and the automotive industry leading the way at $4.7 billion, a marked 10.9% year-on-year growth fuelled by strong demand for SUVs, sedans, and hybrid vehicles[1]. 'This collaboration is not just about trade, it is about a shared vision for our global future,' said Ben Sulayem. 'Prime Minister Ishiba's leadership in promoting sustainable and innovative mobility solutions is setting a powerful precedent, ensuring that Japan remains at the forefront of advancements in transportation, investing annually over $38 billion in mobility infrastructure[2]. 'His dedication to fostering innovation is equally clear in Japan's motorsport industry. A surge in fan engagement and a growing pipeline of talented drivers, Japan is rapidly solidifying its status as a global motorsport hub.' Japan produces around 8.23 million vehicles annually[3], but is not just a country that builds cars – it is a nation that defines how the world moves. 'With groundbreaking developments in sustainable mobility, artificial intelligence, and a community-first approach, Japan is shaping the future of transportation,' said Ben Sulayem. 'The nation's innovation verges at times on what could feel like science fiction – magnetic levitation cars developed by researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology eliminate the need for traditional engines and batteries, promising higher energy efficiency and a broad sustainable impact[4]. ' The FIA President says Japan's passion for motorsport is contributing to a growing sporting scene and a stronger impact globally, as the country continues to set a high standard, from grassroots to its F1 Japanese Grand Prix which draws record crowds year on year. Says Ben Sulayem: 'Japan is more than just a hub for mobility and motorsport. It is a symbol of what is possible when passion meets progress. The FIA will continue to champion innovation, sustainability, and accessibility, working alongside Japan to shape the next chapter in global mobility and motorsport.' -ENDS- Notes to Editors: The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all. [1] All statistics provided by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) [2] [3] [4]
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
FIA, SEMA Join Forces to Shape US Auto Safety Regulations
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A new partnership between two major auto industry organizations is poised to change the way Americans buy, rent, operate, accessorize and repair their vehicles. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), a non-profit global governing body for motorsports, has accepted the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as a full member to represent the U.S. The working agreement is designed to give an amplified voice to the auto industry, which has a $337 billion annual impact, in the country. "This alliance unites two powerful forces. SEMA's deep connection to American car culture and the FIA's global leadership in mobility and safety. Together, we are shaping US transportation policy to better serve everyday consumers. As decisions are made at both national and international levels about the future of mobility, we're at the table to ensure the voice of real car owners is heard, championing innovation, safety, personal freedom, and sustainable growth through thought leadership and global best practice," Willem Groenewald, FIA secretary general for mobility, told Newsweek. There are five areas the partnership has eyed to impact: safer vehicles, a unified voice, aftermarket freedom of choice, economic opportunity and protecting motoring heritage. A driver uses the Super Cruise hands-free advanced driver assistance system in an Escalade IQ SUV. A driver uses the Super Cruise hands-free advanced driver assistance system in an Escalade IQ SUV. General Motors In its crosshairs are real world applications for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). "As cars are increasingly equipped with ADAS, and globally we are seeing a clear advancement in autonomous vehicles, having both SEMA and the FIA at the table ensures that safety standards reflect real-world driving needs, not just abstract regulations. Safer, more reliable systems that are driver focused, with both organizations working as independent consumer champions," Groenewald said. When it comes to rulemaking, the partnership is expected to be particularly fruitful. "The combined credibility of SEMA and FIA will help ensure we have a seat at the table for these discussions, particularly as discussions kick off to reauthorize the Federal Highway Bill. That bill will have major implications to transportation policy, with particular focus on mandated technology in new vehicles," Karen Bailey-Chapman, SEMA's senior vice president for public and government affairs, said. Bailey-Chapman used the example of the recent passage of a law in California to show the might of the partnership. "We're also already seeing the impact of this relationship in California, where FIA submitted a letter of support for Leno's Law (SB 712), which seeks to preserve California's rich automotive history by exempting vehicles 35 years or older from the state's stringent smog check requirements, ensuring that these iconic cars remain on the road and remain a part of California's cultural identity when entered into private vehicle collections." "With less than one percent of vehicles in the state eligible under this law, the environmental impact would be negligible, yet this is a key step in protecting historic vehicles and aligning with legislation cross-globally," Groenewald added. The partnership intends to make the drivers of today and tomorrow in focus, to be their voice and advocates. "Drivers need someone in their corner who can speak to their needs as vehicle owners, and that's a role that SEMA and FIA have played for years. It can be seen in how closely aligned our organizations are on issues like preserving automotive culture, of finding ways to embrace and foster new automotive technologies and innovation in a practical way, and in preserving the rights of families and businesses to choose the vehicles that are best for them," Bailey-Chapman said.
IOL News
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Kyalami's bold upgrade to FIA Grade 1 paves the way for Formula 1's return to SA
The Kyalami Grand Prix circuit is about to undergo a metamorphosis as it gears up to become FIA Grade 1 compliant. The Kyalami Grand Prix circuit is about to undergo a metamorphosis as it gears up to become Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Grade 1 compliant. The facility's multi-use functionality includes conferences, shows, exhibitions, activations and lifestyle events that remain central to its commercial model. The current 4.522km layout, upgraded in 2016, already holds FIA Grade 2 certification and the Kyalami precinct has proven itself as a successful and self-sustaining venue with year-round commercial activity. At a press conference held at Kyalami, circuit owner Toby Venter said that between $5-10 million will be spent over the next three years to ensure that the circuit is the only Formula 1 compliant track on the continent. Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit has received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status. Government South Africa has been crying out to be included on the F1 calendar and this could be the silver bullet. However, since Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie's high profile visits and photo opportunities with FIA and F1 owners and Liberty Media executives, things have gone quiet. McKenzie is quoted as saying that the success of his position rests on him being able to bring an F1 race to South Africa. His department has taken bids from interested parties, with the most successful bid presented to the FIA. However, according to Double Apex, none of the bids were adequate, and as a result no promoter has yet been appointed to pitch to the governing body. Own agenda Asked whether the upgrades to Kyalami wasn't putting the cart before the horse, considering the seemingly stalled progress from government, Venter said: 'Kyalami has its own agenda and we want it to live up to its legacy, we also call ourselves a Grand Prix Circuit and we wanted to take out that one point where everyone said 'Kyalami is not ready'. 'Ultimately we don't know what the government's plan or agenda is but we can manage our situation here, and irrespective of Formula 1, we're looking to improve Kyalami that will enhance events for people that host events here. That's our plan, irrespective of what else is going on.' The circuit has received confirmation that the FIA has accepted final design proposals to upgrade the circuit to Grade 1 status. Clive Bowen, founder and director of UK-based Apex Circuit Design, detailed a plan which has been ongoing for five years, culminating in FIA approval of the venue's upgrade design. Apex, an internationally recognised circuit design house also steered the design of, among others, the Miami Formula 1 street circuit.
Irish Independent
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
F1 – The Movie: Brad Pitt's latest follows usual sports movie formula to get over the line
A vibrant, extravagant crowd-pleaser, the kind that Tom Cruise likes to make in between Mission: Impossible outings, F1: The Movie was purposely designed to make audiences sweat, to get the blood pumping, to somehow convince us Formula One racing is the only sport worth caring about. It isn't, not by a long shot, but Pitt's film, directed by Top Gun: Maverick chief Joseph Kosinski, comes with a rumoured $300m budget. It was also produced with the full cooperation of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), governing body of the Formula One World Championship. In other words, this pricey, confident picture looks and, indeed, sounds the part. Everything is dialled up to 11. If Pitt's swanky motor misses a corner, we feel it in our gut. If one of his opponents spins and crashes, you start to worry for their safety. Throw in a muscular dad-rock soundtrack – a bit of Led Zeppelin here, some Queen there – and this thing will rattle your bones and loosen the screws in your seat. Mind you, all the money in the world won't fix an iffy screenplay, and F1: The Movie (that title stinks, by the way) is about as derivative a sports drama as they come. Swap the cars out for fighter jets, and you have a Top Gun picture. Give Pitt's protagonist a fedora and a leather coat, and he might pass for Rocky. With various real-life professionals lending a hand (Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton is a producer), Kosinski's film comes dangerously close to resembling a glorified commercial for the FIA. What next, you wonder? FIFA World Cup: The Motion Picture? Tour de France: The Mini-Series? You wouldn't bet against it, and Pitt and his co-stars, Javier Bardem (devouring the scenery) and Kerry Condon (explaining the technical bits), are forced to dance around one too many hilarious product placements. Listen, if it helps pay the bills. Our story begins, as these things usually do, with a heady blast of rock and roll. Say hello to Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a driver-for-hire who used to have the world at his feet. ADVERTISEMENT Back in the 1990s, Sonny was the next big thing in Formula One. A gnarly accident changed everything – so, too, did a rotten gambling addiction – and our ageless hero now lives out of his van. There is no silver lining, no five-year plan. Today, he might help one squad win the 24 Hours of Daytona; tomorrow, who knows? Enter Ruben Cervantes (Bardem), owner of the Apex Grand Prix team. The Apex crew have had a rough season – they need a win, maybe even a miracle, and Ruben, an old pal of Sonny's, needs someone special to help him from going broke. He needs Sonny to drive again, basically. Before you can say 'nice wheels', Sonny is back on the track, where he belongs, much to the annoyance of Apex hotshot Joshua 'JP' Pearce (Damson Idris) and technical director Kate McKenna (Condon, holding on tight to the Tipperary accent). You'll hardly need to be told what happens next. Yes, the veteran driver clashes with the rookie superstar. Yes, the brainy car people invent new ways to drive faster. Meanwhile, poor Kate inevitably falls for beautiful Brad, and at least one of our contenders ends up in the hospital. F1: The Movie won't win any points for originality, but I guess we're not here to watch Pitt rewrite the sports feature rulebook. Some patterns are there to be followed, and this noisy, exuberant enterprise is happy to oblige. Kosinski's joint isn't quite as gripping as, say, Ron Howard's Rush, nor is it as charming as James Mangold's Ford v Ferrari. Those films had a decent story under their hoods; not this one, and the flashy, cinematic sports ad stops being fun whenever Sonny and his pals exit their vehicles. Enthusiastic performances help. Condon (delightful, as ever) and Bardem (collecting a well-deserved pay cheque here) make the most of a hackneyed set-up, and our central warrior is his usual unflappable self. Pitt has now entered his Paul Newman phase: he makes everything sound good, even when it isn't. But I do wonder if another old-school movie star might have been better for the role. We mentioned a more suitable candidate's name at the top. Worth a trip to the pictures, all the same. Three stars
ILoveQatar.net
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- ILoveQatar.net
World Endurance Championship Prologue & Season Opener 2026
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) announced the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) calendar in Le Mans on 13 June, confirming Qatar's continued role in launching the new season with both the Prologue testing sessions and the opening championship round 22 - 28 March 2025 making it one of the 8 circuits around to world to host WEC in 2026. For the third time, Lusail International Circuit (LIC) will welcome the premier endurance racing series. The Prologue sessions, scheduled from 22 - 23 March 2026, will allow teams and drivers to fine-tune their Hypercars and LMGT3 machines ahead of the competitive season. The official championship action will commence shortly afterwards with the Qatar 1812 KM race being held from 26-28 March 2026. Named in honour of Qatar's National Day, this endurance contest will once again test competitors as they race from daylight into darkness, a maximum of ten hours across the 5.38km, 16-turn circuit. More details to be announced. Source: Lusail International Circuit Note: The details mentioned in this event listing are sourced from the organizers' official announcements and are subject to change. Please check with the organizer directly before making plans.
