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Introducing the All-new, All-electric 2024 Jeep® Wagoneer S –Jeep Brand’s First Global Battery-electric SUV

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The 2024 Jeep® Wagoneer S (www.Jeep.com), the brand’s first global battery-electric vehicle (BEV), which will launch initially in the U.S. and Canada, delivers 4xe capability, impressive performance credentials, a sleek aerodynamic design and state-of-the-art technology; Jeep Wagoneer S delivers exhilarating performance with 600 horsepower, more than 800 Nm of immediate torque for lightning-quick 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds and range of more than 300 miles (these data refer to US spec and US cycle only); Jeep brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system features five distinct drive modes: Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, for all weather and road conditions; Debuting first, the Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition features elegant black cues, reimagined seven-slot illuminated grille, 20-inch wheels and standard dual-pane panoramic sunroof (Launch Edition to be US only); Tech-integrated interior with 45 inches of usable screen space – best-in-class among EVs – with segment-exclusive interactive front passenger screen, premium heated and ventilated front and rear seats and segment-exclusive 19-speaker, 1,160-watt McIntosh audio system; Available in Jeep brand dealerships in US starting in the second half of 2024, the Wagoneer S will  later be available in markets around the world. 

 The Jeep® brand is charging into the electrified SUV segment with the reveal of its first global battery-electric vehicle (BEV) – the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition (US only). The all-new, all-electric 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S will launch first in the U.S. and Canada in the second half of 2024 and later be available in markets around the world. 

The Jeep Wagoneer S is offered exclusively as a BEV with a range of more than 300 miles on a single charge, delivering 600 horsepower, lightning-quick 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds and more than 800 Nm of instant torque. Impressive performance credentials paired with the Jeep brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system, Jeep Wagoneer S instills driving confidence and traction for all weather and road conditions (these data refer to US spec and US cycle only).

“The launch of the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S marks a new chapter in the storied history of the Jeep brand,” said Antonio Filosa, Jeep brand CEO. “Building upon nearly a century of innovation and design, this first global EV will introduce a whole new generation of owners to an experience that is distinctly Jeep and 100% electric in every way. With new energy in the Jeep vehicle lineup, ranging from EV to V-8, customers have never had more freedom to choose their own adventure.”

Charge your way: Effortless charging solutions
To make charging of this first global Jeep brand BEV quick and easy for customers, the Jeep Wagoneer S carries an efficient 400-volt, 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack that allows owners to charge the vehicle from 20% to 80% in 23 minutes (with DC fast charger).

Every Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition includes a 48-amp Level 2 home charger or public charging credits of equal value through Free2move Charge, Stellantis’ 360-degree charging ecosystem, making it easy for customers to always be charged by delivering seamless charging and energy management. Wagoneer S customers can access the Free2move Charge app to conveniently search for charging stations, activate the charging session and keep track of charging history (US only).

Electrified architecture delivers outstanding performance, 4xe capability, and comfort
The foundation for the segment-leading characteristics of the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S is the highly flexible, BEV-native STLA Large platform. Jeep brand designers and engineers flexed the STLA Large platform to adjust the length, width, suspension and powertrain configurations to tailor it specifically for the Jeep Wagoneer S to deliver instant torque and lightning-quick acceleration. 

Standard, all-electric, four-wheel drive delivers composed driving dynamics both on-road and in a variety of road conditions. Stellantis-designed electric drive modules (EDMs) independently power the front and rear wheels for instant torque response, while the Jeep brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system features five distinct driving modes: Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand.

The Jeep Wagoneer S’s 3-in-1 EDMs combine the electric motor, gearing and power electronics into a single, compact unit that is both powerful and efficient. The front EDM is equipped with wheel disconnects to reduce energy draw when cruising and to help optimize range.

The use of new technologies and techniques played a crucial role in the overall development of the Jeep Wagoneer S. To improve the driving experience and reduce the overall noise and vibration levels to create a quiet interior cabin and a smooth ride, the Jeep engineering team improved body torsion stiffness by 35% over previous midsize-segment Jeep brand SUVs for superior ride, handling and effective response to driver input.

Premium exterior design sets new standard for all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S
A vehicle forged from premium heritage, innovation and refinement, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S is set to blaze its own path with its elevated style, sleek sophistication and unwavering confidence. The SUV’s exterior design is an intelligent combination of harmonious proportions, modern 4xe capability and aerodynamic efficiency that reimagines the Jeep brand’s functional side for today’s electrification era.  

The front fascia is artfully punctuated by a reimagined, seven-slot grille, transforming the functionality of breathing to seeing. No longer needed to allow airflow and cooling, the enclosed grille now illuminates the line-of-sight when approaching the vehicle. New striking ambient cast-lighting is inspired by modern architecture and delivers a distinguishable appearance even miles down the road.  

Aerodynamic surfacing is pronounced through the precise slope and curvature of the hood and windshield, both angled for optimal performance and efficiency at high speeds. A sloping roofline cascades beneath a cantilevered rear spoiler, bridging function and aesthetics with its signature Wagoneer silhouette.

Debuting first for the 2024 model year, the Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition will be exclusively outfitted with elegant dark accent cues. Delivering style and customization straight from the factory, the Launch Edition features 20-inch Gloss Black wheels, as well as Gloss Black and dark neutral gray exterior elements throughout. Noticeably absent is the use of chrome, as the design team looked to incorporate more environmentally friendly processes and materials. Satin-painted accent trim and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof for an open-air experience round out the exterior appearance details (US only).

Holistically efficient design approach
When it comes to an all-electric vehicle, aerodynamics is a crucial component to the overall design equation. Jeep brand designers and engineers set aggressive goals to reach optimal aerodynamic performance for maximum efficiency, range and performance while maintaining its sleek, premium appearance. By utilizing state-of-the-art tools and a rigorous testing and development process, including state-of-the-art wind tunnels, the team achieved a coefficient of drag (CD) of 0.29, which is the lowest CD ever for a Jeep vehicle and approximately 15% better than the average SUV.  

Structurally, the roof and rear liftgate spoiler are angled to minimize wake size. The vehicle’s flush pocket door handles, rear wing and integrated fins help guide air flow around the vehicle and control the separation point at the rear. Additionally, an integrated system of underbody shields, three-dimensional shaped front tire spats and unique side-sill design all direct airflow smoothly around the tires and to the rear of the vehicle for minimum drag. All of which contribute to the Wagoneer S being the most aerodynamic Jeep brand SUV ever. 

The art of interior design: A seamless integration between luxury and technology 
As the pioneers and creators of the industry’s first modern luxury SUV, the iconic 1963 Jeep Wagoneer was a cut above the competition, breaking new ground and ushering in the widespread adoption of utility vehicles. Six decades later, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S continues to push boundaries and evolve the iconic Jeep brand with a new embrace of technology, luxury and innovation. 

The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S builds upon the Jeep brand’s legacy of world-class interiors that exemplify the art of travel. It’s tech-integrated interior is equally impressive as its performance numbers, with a best-in-class usable screen space of more than 45 inches, segment-exclusive interactive front passenger screen, artisan details and elegant appointments.

Building upon current-generation Jeep Grand Wagoneer design cues, the sleek, linear cockpit is fully digital with modern controls and interfaces. The focal point of the front cabin is a cross-car wing sculpture with a visually continuous display that spans the entire width of the front instrument panel with wine red accent stitching and chiseled metal decorative trim. The architecturally impactful, integrated 12.3-inch center display is framed by a rich mix of materials, including a refined cross-metal deco trim applique with a glazed laced pattern.

There are several new details throughout the interior, including a performance-inspired, wine red-stitched steering wheel with a flat-bottom design and twin spoke. The steering wheel introduces a new Cabo vinyl anti-microbial surface coating, making it easier to keep the vehicle clean.

The electronic door releases, which are new for the Jeep brand, can be activated with ease by the light touch of a thumb. A newly relocated start button is surrounded by a die-cast zinc metal marked with a fine, navigational haptic textured pattern.

The Launch Edition comes standard with a full suite of customizable LED lighting with daytime/nighttime settings, plus active, direct ambient lighting with up to 64 selectable colors. The spacious, five-passenger Jeep Wagoneer S is the only BEV in its segment to have standard heated and exclusive standard ventilated rear seats (US only).

Segment-exclusive McIntosh sound system
Audiophiles looking for a premium, immersive sound system need look no further than the new Jeep Wagoneer S. Thanks to a segment-exclusive partnership with McIntosh, signature audio performance is delivered through a custom-tuned, 19-speaker system. Powered by a 1,160-watt amplifier and 12-inch subwoofer for outstanding bass quality, the high-performance system delivers an immersive experience, making all vehicle occupants feel like they’re in the recording studio with their favorite artists.  

Purposeful design equation
The front cockpit of the Jeep Wagoneer S is adorned with several new details, including a new black ceramic-coated aluminum with haptic applique that appears on many of the vehicle’s touch points. Featured prominently on the driver control center, the exclusive navigational tactile pattern is cool to the touch and has a porcelain-like feel. Soft-wrapped doors are accentuated with decorative trim, including chiseled cross-metal accents to match the front instrument panel. 

The use of recycled resources and materials were consciously integrated into the Jeep Wagoneer S. The seating, console, doors and instrument panel surfaces feature a non-leather synthetic material. Additional appointments include a premium microfiber suede headliner and premium carpets comprised of recycled pre- and post-consumer materials.

Safer, smarter technology delivers immersive driving experience
Leading the way in its class among all EVs, the all-new 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S features more than 45 inches of high-definition sculpted screen space, including a segment-exclusive 10.25-inch front interactive passenger display that talks directly to the Uconnect 5 system, allowing the front passenger to provide the driver with directions with a quick touch of the screen.

The Jeep Wagoneer S driver will experience elevated driving and seamless connectivity through an all-new standard 12.3-inch driver cluster designed to be intuitive and visually impactful based on customer feedback. Working with the standard integrated navigation system, new dynamic road views better assist the driver and augment the vehicle’s standard autonomous driving system. It also features a refined set of menus, including BEV-specific elements, such as charge level, battery health and available power. When parked and plugged in, the Jeep Wagoneer S cluster will display the current charging status, which is activated when the remote key is sensed.

The standard 12.3-inch center display houses the award-winning Uconnect 5 system, offering new levels of clarity. The screen is more responsive and provides better visibility than previous generations, specifically related to readability of maps, cameras and widgets. An expansive range of saturated color and backlighting also allow better projection of system apps.

The Jeep Wagoneer S also includes Jeep Connect services as part of the Jeep app, which helps owners understand and access details, such as the vehicle’s available remaining charge. For instance, with the Dynamic Range Mapping feature, once a destination is entered into the navigation, software algorithms calculate and visually display the range that can be traveled based on the vehicle’s state of charge.

Safety, security, and premium owner benefits = driving confidence
The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S delivers a combination of more than 170 standard safety and security features that help make instrumentation easier to see and aid in collision avoidance with advanced driver-assist technology. Features on the Launch Edition include Active Driving Assist, Intersection Collision Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and Surround View camera.

With a flexible architecture and open software-defined platform, the Jeep Wagoneer S can receive innovative features and services, including additional automated driving, performance and other technologies via over-the-air (OTA) updates. With OTA updates, the vehicle will continue to evolve.

Jeep Wagoner S customers are automatically enrolled in Jeep Wave, a premium loyalty program filled with benefits and perks, including dedicated 24/7 support.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Jeep.

inDrive.Freight Expands in South Africa to Combat Youth Unemployment

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inDrive.Freight (www.inDrive.com) is set to expand its operations to additional cities across South Africa. This strategic move will provide new employment avenues, particularly for the country’s youth, amidst ongoing protests fueled by job shortages.

Launched in 2024, inDrive.Freight has quickly garnered a positive reception, reflecting the adaptability and eagerness of South Africa’s youth to embrace technological solutions for employment. Since its launch, the platform has seen promising engagement, with over 40% of its drivers falling within the youth demographic (individuals aged 18 to 35 years old). This participation underscores the platform’s impact in involving this vital segment of the population in economic activities.

Further emphasizing the youth’s technological adaptability, data reveals that almost 60% of the deals facilitated through inDrive.Freight have been executed by young drivers. This statistic highlights a generation that is not only ready but also capable of leveraging innovative solutions to build sustainable employment pathways.

The expansion of inDrive.Freight to more cities across South Africa is a testament to the company’s commitment to addressing unemployment through technology-driven opportunities. By engaging more youth in the freight industry, inDrive.Freight aims to contribute significantly to economic growth and stability, offering a robust solution in these challenging times.

“We are excited to expand inDrive.Freight to new cities across South Africa, providing innovative employment opportunities for the nation’s youth. Our mission is to empower young drivers with the tools and technology they need to succeed in the freight industry. This expansion not only addresses the urgent need for jobs but also fosters economic growth and stability by leveraging the talent and adaptability of South Africa’s next generation” said Vincent Lilane, Business Development Representative in Southern Africa.

The expansion of inDrive.Freight to additional cities in South Africa marks a significant step forward in combating unemployment and promoting economic development. By focusing on technology-driven solutions and engaging the youth, inDrive.Freight is paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient economy. As the platform continues to grow, it remains dedicated to providing sustainable employment opportunities and driving positive change in the communities it serves.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of inDrive.

Press Contact:
Public Relations Manager – inDrive Africa
Lineo Thakhisi
Phone: +2781 3636 872
Email: lineo.thakhisi@indriver.com

About inDrive:
inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 200 million times and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2022 and 2023. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation, freight delivery, task assistance and courier delivery. In 2023, inDrive launched New Ventures, a venture and M&A arm.

inDrive operates in 749 cities in 46 countries. Driven by its mission of challenging social injustice, the company is committed to having a positive impact on the lives of one billion people by 2030. It pursues this goal both through its core business, which supports local communities via a fair pricing model; and through the work of inVision, its non-profit arm. inVision’s community empowerment programs help to advance education, sports, arts and sciences, gender equality and other vital initiatives.

For more information visit www.inDrive.com

Ark-x: Revolutionizing Tech Talent at GITEX AFRICA

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Ark-x is committed to accelerating the Moroccan and African tech ecosystems by ensuring the availability and competitiveness of tech talent through agile, scalable, upskilling, and reskilling solutions. This effort is part of the broader JOBINTECH project, a government-sponsored program.

Download document: https://apo-opa.co/3RnXcNI

Founded in 2019, Ark-x has been pivotal in addressing the disparity in access to skilled jobs in Morocco. The “Talent Factory” offers comprehensive training programs designed to transform potential candidates into job-ready professionals, ready to meet industry demands.

“Our mission is to unlock the potential of individuals and organizations through competency-based talent solutions,” said Hamza DEBBARH, Founder and CEO of Ark-x. “With advancements in AI, robotics, and IoT, it’s crucial to equip our workforce with the necessary skills to lead in this new era.”

Key Challenges Addressed:

Skill Gap: Rapid technological advancements have created a mismatch between available skills and industry needs.
Talent Shortage: Companies struggle to find qualified entry-level developers.
Economic Impact: Underutilization of local talent hampers economic growth and innovation.

Solutions Provided:

Skills-based Training: Comprehensive bootcamps focusing on in-demand tech skills.
Career Coaching: Workshops to enhance soft skills and job readiness.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with leading tech companies for real-world project experience.

Outcomes:

1000 Careers Accelerated: With a goal to accelerate 10,000 careers by marrying scalability with adaptability.
90% Placement Rate: High success rate of graduates securing positions in top tech firms.
95% Recruiter Satisfaction: Achieved through a recruiter-centric approach engaging recruiters early in the program engineering phase and throughout the talent journey.
89% Trainee Satisfaction: Through experiential learning, real-world problem solving, and expert coaching, delivering a transformative, individualized experience.

Our commitment to excellence has been recognized by leading tech firms and industry experts. We are dedicated to creating a pipeline of skilled professionals who will drive the digital transformation of Morocco and Africa.

Our successful participation at GITEX AFRICA highlighted our innovative approaches and our significant impact on the tech ecosystem.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

For more information about Ark-x and our initiatives, please visit (https://www.Arkx.ma/).

Contact: Ark-x mail : keltoum.benesrighe@arkx.group – majdouline.khorris@arkx.group
 Phone: +212 6 48 30 74 30

Afreximbank’s Annual Meetings 2024 Calls for Africans Across the Globe to Unite

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Heads of State, Ministers, government officials, and renowned captains of industry were among the over two thousand delegates attending day one of the 31st African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Annual Meetings (AAM) (www.Afreximbank.com) being held in Nassau, The Bahamas from June 12-15. Themed “Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa,” the first day of the Meetings called to strengthen the linkages between Africa and the Caribbean, the sixth region of the African Union. These meetings are considered crucial for economic decision-makers in Africa and the Caribbean, and are covered by the African, Caribbean, and international media.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. John Rolle, Governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas, encouraged the attendees to capitalise on the opportunities to learn, share, and network. He mentioned that the Caribbean could benefit from learning more about the Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) from Africa. He believes that with support from Afreximbank, the Central Banks across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) can work towards replicating that system.

Mr Rolle, said: “A successful project in the Caribbean could keep us on pace to deliver on targets that are already being set for an international payment system that, even at the retail level, is more integrated, faster, and significantly cheaper for the average consumer. If we perfect the multilateral cross-border payments and settlements arrangement, it could also help us to conserve the use of precious international reserves, especially if we expand intra-regional trade.”

In recognition of the increasingly closer linkages between Africa and the Caribbean and the movement towards a Global Africa uniting Africans, their diaspora, and descendants worldwide, the three-day event is taking place in The Bahamas jointly with the 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF).

In his remarks, Mr. Denys Denya, Senior Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, said the AAM and ACTIF2024 were a reunion of all Africans in the context of Global Africa and would help shape the shared vision and aspirations of the Caribbean region and Africa.

Mr Denya, said: “For a continent that is endowed with such an abundance of natural resources, the quest for sustainable development has been a perennial struggle. The state of development across the Caribbean region, while not identical, is not quite different from this narrative. It is in this context of sustained deprivation and marginalization, that we seek to unify our forces in the context of Global Africa for a better future. In our unity, we have the numbers, we have the voice to sit at the table when decisions are made. We are a viable force to influence global decisions.”

Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, emphasised the significant trade potential between Africa and the Caribbean, projecting trade to reach US$1.8 million annually by 2028. She suggested it is time to explore establishing a free trade area between Africa and the Caribbean. “Trade agreements are one way to help bring down barriers and open new opportunities,” said Ms Coke-Hamilton.

After the Opening Ceremony, delegates attended a session on “Building Resilience in an Era of Globalization,” featuring a keynote address from Dr Roger W. Ferguson, Former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve. Dr Ferguson, the first African American to hold that post, emphasized the importance of developing diverse and flexible systems to respond to challenges, highlighting the risks of rigidity in the face of shocks.

During the first plenary session, which looked at navigating economic transformation in a poly-crisis world, Chairman and Managing Partner of SouthBridge Group and Former President of African Development Bank Group, Dr. Donald P. Kaberuka, emphasised the importance of countries learning to manage crises rather than treating them as unique situations. Meanwhile, Prof. Jeffery Sachs, Senior Lecturer in Economics at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, said that in the face of stiff competition internationally, Africa must unite. He said: “You cannot operate in this world as a small country. Even the small countries that are successful are part of somebody’s world. And Africa is too big to be part of somebody’s world. It’s got to be Africa as a fundamental pillar of the world scene.”

During the second plenary session before lunch, the Hon. Ken Ofori Attah, Economic Advisor to the President of Ghana, Hon. Hassan Abdalla, Governor, Central Bank of Egypt, and the Hon. Chad Blackman, Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs&Investment, Barbados, discussed best practices in dealing with macroeconomic crises, highlighting the importance of credibility, and having access to better financing options.

Day One also saw Actress and JVL Media Co-Founder Viola Davis sign a memorandum of intent with Afreximbank and Fund for Export Development to create an African Film Development Value Chain. Following the ceremony, she emphasised the power of storytelling in reshaping the African narrative. She said the prevailing perception of poverty and suffering is intentionally perpetuated to justify mistreatment by oppressors, and so it is important for Africans to take ownership of their narrative.

After lunch, delegates attended three plenary sessions on the following topics: “Driving Economic Transformation in Global Africa: The Role of Emerging Afri-Caribbean Giants,” “Making the African Continental Free Trade Agreement Work for Global Africa,” and “Using Industrial Transformation to Build Bridges: The Global Africa Vision and Experience of the Dangote Group.”

The day closed with remarks from H.E. Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, who urged Africans to embrace the global African agenda, see themselves as they can and should be, and march into the future with the determination to write their own stories of success such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.

AAM and ACTIF are focused on addressing challenges that affect African and Caribbean economies, promoting growth, and accelerating trade and investment flows within Africa and with the diaspora. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

Media Contact: 
Vincent Musumba
Manager, Communications and Events (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com

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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance, facilitate and promote intra and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative instruments to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the AfCFTA, Afreximbank has in partnership with the African Union Commission and AFCFTA Secretariat launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement. The AFCFTA Secretariat and the Bank have created a USD 10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. 
At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank’s total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com