Autofocus Podcast

The first automotive industry podcast in the MENA region featuring high level players from within and outside the industry. You can look forward to stunningly practical advice mixed with exponential thinking and best practices from around the world. Our first three podcasts cover gender diversity, the science of innovation, and the future of mobility.

From Sketch to Hype: Horacio Pagani's Secrets to Hypercar Success 03/15/2024

From Sketch to Hype: Horacio Pagani's Secrets to Hypercar Success A Milestone Celebration in Dubai In a grand event at the Bulgari Resort in Dubai, Pagani Automobili celebrated its 25th anniversary in the Middle East, an occasion that honoured the brand's remarkable journey and introduced the Pagani Utopia to the region. This celebration brought together the Pagani community, including esteemed clients and members of the press, to celebrate a legacy of automotive innovation and artistry. Horacio Pagani: The Dreamer and Innovator Horacio Pagani's story is one of passion, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days in Argentina to his significant contributions at Lamborghini and the founding of Pagani Automobili, Horacio's journey has been driven by the belief that art and science must coexist harmoniously in automotive design. His creations, including the iconic Zonda and Huayra, stand as a testament to this philosophy, blending breathtaking aesthetics with groundbreaking engineering. The Utopia (The Shape of AIR): Embarking on a New Chapter The unveiling of the Utopia at the 25th-anniversary event marked the beginning of a new era for Pagani. Symbolising the brand's ongoing evolution, the Utopia embodies Horacio Pagani's vision for the future, merging timeless design with state-of-the-art technology. This hypercar, limited to just 99 specimens, represents the pinnacle of Pagani's craftsmanship and innovation, setting a new standard for the industry. A Conversation with Horacio Pagani: Reflections and Visions In an enlightening podcast conversation, Horacio Pagani shared his reflections on the past 25 years and his visions for the future of Pagani Automobili. This discussion provided invaluable insights into the challenges and achievements that have shaped the brand, offering a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and automotive enthusiasts alike. Pagani's Journey: From Zonda to Utopia Pagani's journey from the launch of the Zonda to the introduction of the Utopia has been marked by continuous innovation and a commitment to excellence. Each model in Pagani's lineup represents a chapter in the brand's story, showcasing advancements in design, performance, and technology. The Zonda and Huayra, with their unique designs and impressive capabilities, have cemented Pagani's reputation as a leader in the hypercar segment. Pagani in the Middle East: A Growing Legacy The Middle East has played a significant role in Pagani's story, with a passionate community of enthusiasts and collectors. The 25th-anniversary event in Dubai highlighted the brand's strong presence in the region and its commitment to engaging with its loyal clientele. As Pagani continues to grow, the Middle East remains a key market, with its appreciation for luxury and performance aligning perfectly with Pagani's values. Conclusion: A Journey of Artistic and Technical Mastery As Pagani Automobili celebrates 25 years in the Middle East, the brand stands as a testament to the power of combining artistry with engineering excellence. The anniversary event in Dubai, and the introduction of the Utopia, underscore Pagani's ongoing journey of innovation and its dedication to creating hypercars that are not just vehicles, but works of art. With Horacio Pagani's visionary leadership, the brand is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, inspiring the automotive world for years to come. /episode/index/show/autofocus/id/30385413

Powering Up For An All Electric Future - Mark Carson, Customer Service & Quality Director, Renault Middle East 03/17/2020

Seamless, Shared and Smarter Mobility - Ben Pullen, Co-Founder & CEO, Generation.e 02/19/2020

BMW on Designing The Future - Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, Managing Director, BMW Middle East 01/14/2020

BMW on Designing The Future - Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, Managing Director, BMW Middle East In this episode of the Autofocus Podcast, we are with Dr. Hamid Haqparwar who is the Managing Director of BMW Group, Middle East. Dr Hamid's colourful career is a true testament to his 'blue-blood' claim. Having started as an intern, in Germany, at BMW Headquarters, Dr. Hamid spent a year with BMW, pre-graduation, before taking on his first role as a Market Development Manager in 2006. In 2008 Dr. Hamid spent just under 4 years in the Middle East, in Sales, as the Area Manager and the Head of Product Management in the region. His career continued to lead him around the globe as he became Director Sales and Director Sales Channel Development for BMW India, prior to returning to the region and taking on in his current role as MD. In this episode, we get straight into Dr. Hamid's sage advice for those who wish to enter and those who are currently in the automotive industry. He shares his formula for sucsess and taking risks for career progression. We move on to the evolution of BMW; having climbed up the brand's hierarchy for almost over a decade and a half, Dr. Hamid is suitably placed to discuss what the next decade for BMW will look like in comparison. From creating the first full-electric premium car to their adaptive approach to the workforce, he speaks on how the extensive achievements of the brand in the past 10 years are an indication of what BMW has planned next. Later in the episode, we go on to touch on what the future may look like for the dealer/importer network and consumers in the region. Dr. Hamid goes on to share with us the rigorous process of designing cars that are years ahead of their time; from design to 3D rendering & clay modelling, faced with the challenge of future-proofing designs, he explains the process of designing a BMW that is of the standard consumers have come to expect. Of course, we speak on autonomous driving as a part of our winder conversation on CASE/ACES. Dr. Hamid shares with us BWM's answer to these 'mega-trends' and how the two dominant mobility trends are being, and have been, addressed. Moving on, we discuss BMW's partnerships with other OEMs. Dr. Hamid explains how BMW's joint R&D with OEMs such as Daimler and JLR are essential in the disruptive & fast-paced world we are currently in. Finally, Dr. Hamid shares his excitement around the overhaul of the upper-end of BMW's portfolio, his admiration for the tech-savviness of consumers in the region and which car from the line-up he's looking forward to driving next. We end on some closing words of advice from Dr. Hamid for those looking to join brands like BMW. - More Episodes amenaauto.org/autofocus /episode/index/show/autofocus/id/12730847