Peugeot 3008 GT Line… Spa on the go

Peugeot 3008 GT Line provides the ultimate indulgence with an optional massage selection to enhance your comfort experience and optimise your driving pleasure along with the option to personalise your car’s scent. The spa-like features offer you escapism from those interminable working hours, long road trips, and daily peak hour traffic. Treat yourself to your very own spa in a car!

Peugeot 3008 GT Line is tailored to your needs and wellbeing: the front seats are personalized with five programmable massage modes to suit all moods and tastes. You will also enjoy different fragrances to awaken your senses and give you the ultimate spa-like experience. Fragrances include:

* Cosmic Cuir: a vibrant, sensory fragrance

* Aerodrive: a vivacious, stimulating essence

* Harmony Wood: a soothing, relaxing scent

The above features are also available in 5008 GT Line.

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SLOVENIAN TOURIST BOARD UNVEILS WORLD OF GLAMPING PROJECT

Glamping experts and the Slovenian Tourist Board unveil ambitious plans for a global quality certification scheme in glamping. The new project “WORLD OF GLAMPING” introduces rules and criteria, which will enable glamping properties worldwide to position themselves on the market, while improving orderliness and transparency for users.

Glamping is the fastest growing trend in tourism, which brought a number of properties to the market and consequently also caused confusion and disruption among providers and users. Experience and knowledge of the trend has prompted the World of Glamping experts to tackle this problem. They have divided glamping into three main segments: Lodging, Glamping and Scouting, based on quality, luxury, level of services and type of accommodation. In each segment, a maximum of seven stars can be obtained, based on an in-depth site visit and criteria including uniqueness, landscape, architecture, sustainability, luxury and more.

The ratings system is just one of the aspects covered by the World of Glamping. In addition, it will also provide developmental ideas, awards to combining the best glamping properties from individual countries into chains and much more; www.worldofglamping.com.

The project has already been endorsed by recognized experts from glamping business who all believe that the rating system will raise glamping to a higher level and lay the foundations for a better future.

The partnership of the Slovenian Tourist Board in the WORLD OF GLAMPING project is a logical step forward in the story of green Slovenia. In the last few years, Slovenia has developed into the world’s first green destination (by globally recognised Green Destinations Standard), and one of the best in sustainable tourism. The Green Scheme of Slovenian Tourism has become an essential part of the I feel Slovenia brand and it significantly contributes to the vision of green boutique Slovenia.

In Slovenia there are few glampings that need to get a special mention:

1. Garden Village Bled

A special charming ambience standing out for its extraordinary architecture with a restaurant looking like greenhouse, grass growing out of the tables and stream flowing by. Glamping, placed among top 5 glampings in the world, with tree houses, glamping and pier tents, fishing ponds, natural pool and much more.

2. Glamping Olimia Adria Village, Podčetrtek

First glamping located above the thermal springs with waterpark and one of the best wellness & spa center in Europe. An architecturally and perfectly designed resort, which impresses with magical atmosphere full of paths and thermal water streams flowing between glamping tents.

3. Vineyard glamping Chateau Ramšak, Maribor

Glamping tents nestled within rolling green hillsides and exquisite vineyards. The estate boasts its own wine cellar with the largest wine press in Europe situated next to a romantic and revitalising pond.

4. Herbal glamping – Charming Slovenia, Ljubno

Hidden to uninvited eyes, the exceptional and unique architecture unites luxury and nature into a well-rounded whole. Exceptional for their herbal gardens where the concept of herbs intervene with their offer.

Selection made by Maja Dimnik, Founder and CEO of World of Glamping

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PR From German Embassy about Eichbaum Incident

The German Embassy in Riyadh regrets the unfortunate incident in which the German company Eichbaum used the Saudi flag in a PR campaign linked to the FIFA World Championship 2018 in Russia and welcomes the swift and unequivocal action taken by the company. Eichbaum did not act in bad faith when using the Saudi flag in an inappropriate and unacceptable manner. After the company was made aware of the implications of using the Saudi flag it took immediate action, withdrawing the product from the market and apologizing to the Muslims in Germany and worldwide. On 11 May, the company issued an apology stating “For many years, Eichbaum has been printing the flags of the participating 32 football nations on its bottle caps on the occasion of the football World Cup.” and “In case we have inadvertently offended you, we most formally apologize for this.” Stressing its apology for this unfortunate string of events, the company immediately stopped production and withdrew the affected products. The

Embassy would like to underline that about 5 million Muslims live in Germany, enjoying all civil liberties like all other citizens irrespective of their creed or nationality. The German government is closely working with representatives of Muslim associations in a continuous and structured dialogue designed to strengthen positive participation of all religious communities in German society. 

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German-Saudi businesspeople breaking fast together

A culinary get-together in an excellent atmosphere – the German-Saudi Arabian Liaison Office for Economic Affairs (GESALO) with its 40 years of presence in the Kingdom held an exclusive GESALO-Sixt business Iftar event at the Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski Riyadh on Monday, June 4. Welcomed by GESALO Delegate Oliver Oehms some 80 local and international guests were enjoying a wide choice of exquisite food. The Iftar was jointly organised with German car rental giant Sixt.

The Iftar also rounded off the first half of the year, in which GESALO looks back on a series of projects and events. Recently, the team of Delegate Oliver Oehms won the second prize for the initiative of the 1st German-Saudi Startup Competition in a worldwide competition among the German Chamber organizations. “But also our traditional Catalog Show had record attendance, and we are delighted to have hosted and connected 800 business people in four different locations in the region,” Delegate Oehms stressed out. 

Currently, preparations for activities in the second half of the year are in full swing: in addition to incoming delegations from Germany, for example from the textile and startup sectors, high-ranking representatives from business and politics will gather on the occasion of the GESALO 40 Years Anniversary in Riyadh on September 26, 2018.

In the view of the German-Saudi event highlight 2018 Oehms added: “We want to celebrate our proud and long history with our German and Saudi friends, clients, and partners. This Anniversary Celebrations will create the perfect momentum for gathering a significant number of German and Saudi business people, and Government Officials likewise.” For more information please visit the newly launched Anniversary webpage: https://www.gesalo40.org/.

 

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To Enhance STC`s Role as a Key Enabler to Digitization In Line with 2030 Vision STC Inaugurates a Modern Data Centre with Global Standards By Inaugurating the Centre, STC will Have the largest capacity for data centres in the Middle East It Contributes in Enabling ICloud, Cybersecurity, Big Data, and smart cities Ranked four out of ten data centres around the world, according to Uptime Institute

STC inaugurated the new data Centre in Riyadh, in the Presence of HRH Prince Mohammad K Al Faisal Alsaud, Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Khaled Biyari, Vice Chairman of the Board, and Haitham Alohaly, Deputy Miniser of CIT.

On this occasion, Nasser AL Nasser, STC Group CEO, confirmed that this hub is one of the most modern in terms of capabilities and technologies and will act positively in supporting STC`s role in enabling digital services for private and public sectors, according to the growth strategy and digitization in line with 2030 vision. Pointing out that modern data hubs are considered a corner stone for digital transformation in the Kingdom.

The Centre was built in (AlRaidah Digital City) in Riyadh according to high global standards. It is ranked in the fourth tier, which is the highest according to (Uptime Institute), and among the top ten in the world. By inaugurating this centre, STC will have the largest capacity for data centres in the Middle East. In addition to, hosting the biggest ICloud Service in the region, supporting key global platforms that makes the base of infrastructure to comply with the requirements of launching modern technologies such as IOT, Smart Cities, and Cybersecurity.

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Turki Square is getting EXTRA HOT as Nando’s unveils its latest Casa in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan 2018 Nando’s keeps its promise to bring PERi-PERi to the people with another Riyadh location serving up its world-famous flame-grilled chicken!

Nando’s has responded to the biggest demand for its world- famous PERi-PERi chicken in the company history by opening a third restaurant in Saudi Arabia’s capital city of Riyadh.

The casa, located in the new Turki Square plaza, opened during the first week of Ramadan and is expected to be an instant hit for businesses, local residents and students from the nearby King Saud university.

The Turki Square launch follows the opening of Nando’s first branch in Riyadh at Rubeen Plaza, which went down as the the company’s most successful launch ever and sparked PERi- PERi fever across the capital.

To celebrate the new opening, Nando’s KSA launched the Iftar and Sohoor meal which has the flavour to feed your fire. Created especially for the Holy Month of Ramadan, it is a feast fit for the Kingdom with its combination of tasty Middle Eastern and Nando’s much loved flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken to give it a little twist!

The Nando’s Iftar will start diners off with dates, water and laban to break the fast, followed by soup and Hummus with pita bread; rounded off with a delicious, flame-grilled PERi-PERi 1/2 chicken or a Chicken Butterfly, served with a choice of two regular sides. All for just SAR 79 per person.

On the menu at Turki Square as well are the classic Afro-Portugese style flame-griled favourites such as wraps, burgers, salads and the Riyadh favourite: Espetada. Available in

Lemon & Herb, Mild, Hot, and Extra-Hot for the extra daring, Nando’s unique PERi-PERi flavor, combined with the world’s best flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, has been massively popular among Saudi nationals in particular.

Foodmark COO Richard Barclay said: “Riyadh has well and truly got a taste for PERi-PERi. In fact our Rubeen Plaza opening, Nando’s first casa was the most successful market entry in the 30 years of Nando’s brand history!

“There’s a real passion for dining in Saudi Arabia and with the ever-evolving culture for eating out; it’s a natural progression for us to accelerate the momentum of our expansion. We have seen huge successes with our Tahlia Street and Rubeen Plaza Branches, so we are full steam ahead with our plans for expansion in 2018 – not just in Riyadh, but throughout the Kingdom, so watch this space.”

Staying true to its heritage, the new Casa features Nando’s signature style décor and design, transporting diners into the vibrant world of Afro-Portuguese influence, making it a Casa “Fit for the Kingdom”. Each Nando’s Casa around the world has a bespoke design, with the Turki Square Casa being no exception – offering a multi-sensory experience, designed to make guests feel comfortable and energized.

Nando’s Turki Square is now open at Prince Turki Al Awwal Road (intersection with Makkah Al Mukarramah Branch Road), Riyadh.

 

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King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Houston Methodist Hospital renew collaboration to further improve quality of healthcare services for patients and staff

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center (KFSHRC) and Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH) have renewed an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the fourth consecutive time as a result of the positive impact their cooperation has made on the Saudi Arabian healthcare industry since 2009. With the three-year MoU in place, KFSHRC and HMH will focus on implementing new frameworks to support the development of the professional healthcare community and to improve patients’ lives.

The MoU was signed by H.E. Dr. Majid Al Fayyadh, CEO, of the General Organization of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, (KFSH&RC), and Ms. Cathy Easter, CEO of Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services, and will see KFSH&RC and HMH evaluate the feasibility and opportunity for benchmarking across a number of key areas related to quality and patient safety such as clinical pathways (tools used to guide evidence-based healthcare), mortality rates, clinical indicators, and patient satisfaction.

The three-year MoU will explore the advancement of projects including providing staff with clinical and leadership training programs in Houston. It will also provide KFSHRC’s physicians with access to world-class experts at HMH who will offer second opinions for patient diagnoses as part of HMH’s Second Opinion program. 

H.E. Al Fayyadh said: “The executive administration of KFSH&RC regards the MoU HMH as an excellent opportunity to improve our services, particularly at a time when our organization is undergoing major transformations in the near future. We trust that our partner organization in this MoU aims to set a global standard of excellence in patient-centered care, education, training, and clinical collaboration, and we believe it to be fruitful for both of us to share our knowledge in order to attain our objectives.”

Noting the importance of the long-term partnership, Ms. Easter commented: “We are grateful to all those who have contributed to the long-term success between our organizations as we embark on a new chapter for the healthcare industry in the Kingdom. We look forward to our continued collaboration with KFSHRC and building on the ongoing results of our efforts in the local medical sector as we work towards improving the exchanges between our healthcare organizations, physicians, nurses, administrators, patients and more.”

Dr. Al Fayyadh and Ms. Easter discussed the future of their affiliation and several ways to further progress the local healthcare sector through this collaboration. Ideas for exchange programs for nursing staff in Houston were also mentioned, as the two parties elaborated on their vision to continue progressing patient care and health service delivery at KFSHRC.

Both KFSHRC and HMH have been recognized as leading experts in the healthcare industry for a number of years. The relationship between the two institutions began in the 1970s and was reignited in 2009 to explore new opportunities and enhance the Saudi healthcare industry. The MoU was renewed in 2009, 2012, 2015, and now, in 2018.

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New Zealand Embassy launches the ‘NZ Education Ambassador’ education initiative.

The New Zealand Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency James Munro, launched the ‘NZ Education Ambassador’ social media initiative at an event in the New Zealand Embassy in Riyadh today. The initiative builds on New Zealand’s reputation as a premium destination for Saudi scholarship students, particularly those selecting their destination country through the “Your Job Your Scholarship” program.

New Zealand has emerged as a premium study destination:

  • New Zealand’s education system was ranked 1st in the world for preparing students for the future in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2017
  • visa free entry for Saudi citizens for up to 3 months,
  • direct flights from Dubai to Auckland,
  • world-class rankings, with more than 20 subjects ranked in the top-50 universities worldwide, and
  • an international experience – students from more than 180 countries choose to study in New Zealand.

“The ‘NZ Education Ambassador’ initiative reinforces New Zealand’s commitment to providing safe, exciting and affordable education and travel experiences for young Saudi Arabian students” says Ambassador Munro.

Approximately 2,000 Saudi students are studying in New Zealand, with all of the New Zealand’s Universities being ranked in the top-3% worldwide.

John Laxon, Education New Zealand Regional Director and Education Attaché added “New Zealand is delighted to invest in the education relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we look forward to welcoming more Saudi students who select New Zealand through the 13th cohort of the Your Job Your Scholarship initiative.”

“We thank and congratulate the Minister of Education, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al-Issa, and the Ministry of Education for this world-leading scholarship Program,” added Mr Laxon.

Saudi students studying in New Zealand and Alumni can find out more about the initiative by following Education New Zealand’s Twitter https://twitter.com/studyinnzsa channel. The promotion runs through to 29 June 2018 

To find out more about studying in New Zealand people can visit www.studyinnewzealand.govt/ar.

 

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7 Moons set to change the event landscape in Riyadh this Season

  • 25,000 sqm space converted into a one of a kind pop up event, seven tents offering unique Islamic

Iftars and Suhoors.

  • The inaugural edition will run for 30 nights, transitioning in the end to capture the world cup
  • A unique journey takes guest through a culinary adventure and entertainment experience; combining

video mapping, projected animation, and shows for all ages. For Immediate Release

 In line with transforming Saudi Arabia, the most luxurious pop-up event will be hosted in the buzzing capital, Riyadh from the 16th of May – 16th of June 2018.

Aptly titled, 7 Moons, the pop-up will introduce 7 semispheres (domes) located just beside the King Abdullah Financial District. The event will span a massive 25,000 sqm, where entertainment, imagination, and gastronomic perfection comes together.

Specifically tailored for the Holy Month of Ramadan, the event will be a journey into 6 main Islamic eras, each represented in a dome. Each semi-sphere will feature projections that are

inspired from the era they represent. Moreover, each dome will serve its guests with the cuisine that relates to the period it is representing. The 7th Dome (main dome), located in the center will be the main attraction dome with high-tech 3D mapping a projections and will house a buffet of desserts and coffee shops.

  1. The Rise of Islam (1-41 AH): Saudi cuisine
  2. The Umayyad Period (41-132 AH): Mediterranean cuisine
  3. The Abbasid Period (132-899 AH): Iraqi cuisine
  4. The Andalusian Period (138-422 AH): North African & Moroccan cuisine

Guaranteed to be an event that caters to everyone, 7 Moons has prepared fun and interactive activities for all. Families and children will enjoy the pathways, karting tracks, and other creative installations.

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EFFORTLESS EVERYWHERE: THE ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN

“The super-luxury lifestyle is evolving and Rolls-Royce is in the lead. Luxury is no longer an urban concept. More and more it is about embracing and experiencing the wider world. Our customers expect to go everywhere in luxury, effortlessly and without compromise, conquering the most challenging terrain to enjoy life’s most enriching experiences, wherever they may be. For this reason, they have asked us to create a Rolls-Royce that offers uncompromised luxury wherever they dare to venture. Cullinan is that car. It is Effortless, Everywhere.

It is incomparable and dramatically evolves the parameters of super-luxury travel, translating Rolls-Royce’s ethos of ‘Effortlessness’ into physical capability, anywhere in the world. Cullinan will simply take the world in its stride.”

Trsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“The launch of a new Rolls-Royce model is always a seminal moment in the luxury industry. Today we are setting a new standard by creating a new class of motoring and motor car for customers who are well-connected, highly mobile and have a global perspective. They want a new type of motor car that gives them unbounded access in ultimate luxury. Their sense of adventure and daring demands a “go-anywhere in ultimate luxury” motor car that will both take them to and meet them at the pinnacle of life. Cullinan is that motor-car.”

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Chairman of Rolls-Royce and Member of the Board of the BMW Group.

“From the very beginning the design team treated this brand new Rolls-Royce as a unique, high bodied car. With global customer expectations in mind, our aim was two-fold – realise a presence to match the magnificent capability of Cullinan, whilst setting sector defining standards for luxury and elegance. We know that many of our luxury patrons pursue sports or leisure hobbies that require precisely this type of go anywhere vehicle – Cullinan’s design gesture had to possess an immediate sense of effortless accomplishment.”

“The label SUV is now applied to anything with a two-box silhouette and the least suggestion of going off tarmac. We envisioned an authentic, three-box high-bodied all-terrain car with a convention-challenging design and absolute capability that would satisfy the adventurous urges of our clients.”

Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“This landscape is savage, but this journey has been seamless. What’s unique is the ability to absorb the road without thought and simply let yourself get lost. You don’t so much drive as you do float and it seems to get almost smoother the faster you go. The turning and the grip are unreal, almost hugging the road and seeming to glide above it. Sometimes making pictures is as much about getting there as it is about the image itself.”

Cory Richards, National Geographic photographer and star of The Final Challenge.

Cullinan at a glance

  • The most anticipated car of 2018 and, quite possibly, the most anticipated Rolls-Royce of all time.
  • Named after the largest diamond ever discovered which now resides in the British Crown Jewels.

  • An all-terrain high-bodied car that makes the idea of authentic, luxury off-road travel a reality for the first time. Luxury travel is now Effortless, Everywhere.

  • Contemporary and functional design ensures Cullinan gains iconic status in the face of increasingly bland SUV designs.

  • The first “three-box” car in the SUV-sector. Cullinan’s partition wall creates a distinct environment for passengers, separated from the luggage compartment.
  • The most practical of Rolls-Royces. Cullinan is the most versatile, family oriented, fun-to-drive super-luxury SUV available today.  
  • The second new Rolls-Royce to sit on the all-new aluminium ‘Architecture of Luxury’, Cullinan is the most technologically advanced, and only purpose-built, luxury SUV in the world.
  • Tested to destruction all over the planet, Cullinan is an incredibly capable off-roader that sees the development of the ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ for off-road enjoyment, without sacrificing any Rolls-Royce on-road behaviour.

  • Cullinan offers a suite of Bespoke features developed specifically for the many various lifestyles of its owners including the Viewing Suite and the Recreation Module.

  • The 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce engine delivers 563bhp/420kW and 850Nm/627lb ft of torque to the all-new all-wheel drive, all-wheel steer system needed to overcome any challenge.

  • A century-long pedigree of adventurous quests and campaigns successfully carried out across all terrains thanks to the luxury offered by a stout vehicle that was swift, stealthy and dependable.  “A Rolls in the desert is above rubies” – T.E. Lawrence.

Introduction

When Rolls-Royce announced three years ago that it would launch Cullinan, it did so in the knowledge that its customers around the world had asked it to build “The Rolls-Royce of SUVs”, with luxury, performance and usability not seen before in the SUV market. Many of these customers were younger, very successful high-net-worth individuals who are heavily engaged in the experience economy, and wanted a Rolls-Royce that would take them to the ends of the Earth in ultimate luxury.

Automotive mobility has always been a fast moving and dynamic business, with new concepts – such as SUVs – appearing with great regularity. But those new concepts need to be perfected in order to be adopted by those customers who will accept no compromise – the patrons of true luxury. Hence the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

“History set our precedent, and today Rolls-Royce answers its call to action,” comments Müller-Ötvös. “Our answer to the visionaries, adventurers, explorers and those who believe in the supremacy of liberty is the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.”

What is Cullinan?

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is Rolls-Royce as it’s never seen before. When Sir Henry Royce said, “Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it”, he could have had Cullinan in mind.

“We knew we had to offer our clients what they couldn’t find in the SUV market,” continues Müller-Ötvös. “They do not accept limitations or compromises in their lives. They are the new pioneers, and for them it’s about their sense of adventure and daring in how they live their experiences. This approach to life demands a motor car that can go-anywhere in ultimate luxury and style – Rolls-Royce style. Hence Cullinan.”

It was clear that these new, younger and more adventurous customers wanted a Rolls-Royce that would take them completely off the beaten track and reward them with life’s most enriching experiences. What they didn’t want was a vehicle as ubiquitous as an SUV with compromises such as increased cabin noise due to the “two-box” formula; shared platforms that affect performance and comfort; the choice of being good either on-road or off-road; or a lower, more featureless SUV that blends in and becomes just another car.

“Cullinan is luxury in its purest form blended with perfect practicality and off-road capability,” comments Müller-Ötvös. “Effortless, Everywhere is not just the promise behind Cullinan. It’s the fact.”

Making luxury Effortless, Everywhere engendered an evolution in Rolls-Royce’s approach to creating an authentic Rolls-Royce SUV. The most obvious sign of this was the radical rear of Cullinan.

For the first time a Rolls-Royce has an opening tailgate, which it calls ‘The Clasp’. In a nod to the era when luggage was mounted on the exterior of the motor-car, so the occupants did not travel with their belongings, the rear profile of Cullinan is a two-part, ‘D-Back’ format, with the bustle denoting the place of the luggage. ‘The Clasp’ opens and closes in its two sections automatically at the touch of the key fob button.

The rear passenger compartment of Cullinan has been designed to offer the best seat in the house for the owner’s particular needs. Two rear configurations are offered – Lounge Seats or Individual Seats.

The Lounge Seat configuration is the more functional of the two options. With space for three passengers in the rear, it will likely be more attractive to families. The rear seats also fold down – a first for Rolls-Royce.

The seats fold electronically in a number of configurations by pressing the appropriate button in the boot or rear door pocket. One press sees each backrest effortlessly fold down, whist at the same time moving the headrests upwards to avoid making an imprint on the seat cushion. Both seat backs can be folded completely, creating a flat load area or in a 2/3 and 1/3 split, increasing practicality even further. Rear passengers can still travel with a long load, or use the carpeted seat back as an occasional table on which to rest their precious personal items.

For those who intend to transport large items back from their adventures, the rear of Cullinan offers a large amount of space in different arrangements.

The rear compartment or boot area offers a standard 560 litres of space, growing to 600 with the parcel shelf removed. Furthermore, the base of the rear seats sit higher than the boot floor, so even with both rear seats folded, the items in the boot cannot slip forward and are safely contained, unlike in any other SUV. But for those wishing to carry a long item back from their trip – whether it be a Mark Rothko from the Art Gallery of a newly discovered artefact from the latest archaeological dig –  a loading length of 2245mm and load capacity of 1930 litres is accessed by electronically raising the boot floor to meet the seat base, allowing the item to slide through effortlessly.

Rolls-Royce’s investment in making the rear of Cullinan effortlessly and ultimately practical has the side benefit of offering a loading length longer than a Range Rover Vogue Extended Wheelbase. A very practical Rolls-Royce indeed.

Knowing that the Rolls-Royce customer expects to bespoke his or her Cullinan, a second rear configuration is offered.

The Individual Seat configuration is for those who value the ultimate luxury an SUV can offer over practicality. The two individual rear seats are separated by a Fixed Rear Centre Console incorporating a drinks cabinet with Rolls-Royce whisky glasses and decanter, champagne flutes and refrigerator. The seats also move in a number of planes to offer ultimate comfort whilst travelling in the rear.

One final feature brings a final Rolls-Royce level of ultimate luxury to this configuration of Cullinan, creating the first truly “three-box” SUV. Inspired by the age when one never travelled with ones luggage, a glass partition isolates the passenger cabin from the luggage compartment, creating an inner ecosystem for the occupants. In addition to enhanced and class-leading silence within the cabin, a further benefit becomes clear in the hottest and coldest of environments. Thanks to the sealed cabin created by the glass partition wall, the occupants can remain in the optimum temperature even when the luggage compartment stands open.

Adventure awaits

Cullinan awakes at the touch of the unlock button on the Bespoke key, or indeed by simply reaching out to its beautifully tactile stainless steel door handle. It lowers itself by 40mm to make entry effortless as the iconic Rolls-Royce coach doors stand open to welcome driver and passengers to their adventure.

Having stepped directly into the cabin, thanks to the wide aperture of the doors and completely flat floor, driver and passengers press the door closing button to seal themselves within the sanctuary of Cullinan’s cabin. Or one touch of the sensor on the exterior door handles will see the doors automatically close themselves from outside.

A touch of the start button then elevates Cullinan 40mm to its standard, commanding ride height, placing its occupants in the perfect position from which to see the world as it drives off.

The driver instantly recognises Cullinan as a driver’s car thanks to its thicker, smaller steering wheel. It’s heated, pliant rim hints at epic voyages which Cullinan is all too eager to begin, whilst heated and ventilated seats mean passengers will be perfectly acclimatised. From their commanding position at the helm of Cullinan, all equipment and technology is clearly seen and reached by the driver.

All information is clearly communicated by the latest generation of digital instruments, with the displays themselves designed with clear and beautiful virtual needles, Rolls-Royce jewellery-like chaplets and clear lettering.

The central information screen is for the first time touch sensitive, allowing the driver to quickly select functions, map views and vehicle set-up whilst on the trail. This portal can still be controlled from the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy controller which nestles on the central console with the ‘Off-Road’ button, Hill Descent Control button and Air Suspension height adjustment controls.

A host of other cutting-edge technology makes Rolls-Royce Cullinan the most technologically advanced car of its type in the world. Further equipment includes: Night Vision and Vision Assist including daytime and night-time Wildlife & Pedestrian warning; Alertness Assistant; a 4-Camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility and helicopter view; Active Cruise Control; Collision Warning; Cross-Traffic Warning, Lane Departure and Lane Change Warning; an industry leading 7×3 High-Resolution Head-Up Display, WiFi hotspot, and of course the latest Navigation and Entertainment Systems.

For those not behind the wheel, the world’s most spectacular scenery is to be seen from a privileged position. Those in the rear sit higher than those in the front of the car on Rolls-Royce’s Pavilion Seating, enjoying grandstand views of their surroundings thanks to the large glazed area of Cullinan’s side windows and industry-leading panoramic glass roof. And if they wish to locate themselves or their latest far-flung discovery, they can zero in on their location on the rear touchscreen map.

Also, no photographic opportunity will be missed as all electronic devices can be charged via the five USB ports around the cabin, whilst phones can be wirelessly charged in the front of the cabin.

Arriving at their remote destination, the occupants can descend without dirtying their trouser legs as both front and rear coach doors wrap low under the sill of Cullinan, ensuring that all dirt remains of the outside of the door. A feature only Rolls-Royce would have considered.

Authentic Rolls-Royce engineering – everywhere

“The proposition of this car is an engineering masterpiece, its off-road capability, whilst maintaining the world-famous ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ of Rolls-Royce,” comments Müller-Ötvös.  “When we began engineering this car, these were the guiding principles.”

Key to the creation of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV was the Architecture of Luxury – Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminium architecture.

The Architecture of Luxury really comes into its own in creating Cullinan. The engineering team behind Cullinan adapted the Architecture of Luxury to the design template of a high-bodied car laid down by Giles Taylor and his design team thanks to its innate adaptability.

It was designed and engineered from the ground up in such a way as to be scalable to the size and weight requirements of different future Rolls-Royce models, including those with different propulsion, traction and control systems, thus underpinning the long-term future product roadmap.   

Cullinan uses this new architecture in a wholly different manner to deliver an iconic design and presence, uncompromised comfort, space and usability, cutting edge technology and the peerless on-road and off-road driving experience and capability.

The component parts of the base architecture were reconfigured into a spaceframe that was higher and shorter whilst also delivering a completely new feature never seen before on a series production Rolls-Royce – a tailgate.  

The all-new aluminium sub-structure delivers extraordinary car body stiffness for exceptional ‘best-in-class’ functional performance on rough terrain whilst offering better ride comfort.

The ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ taken off-road

The integration of new technologies into the architecture was also key to ensuring the fundamental quality of Cullinan as Effortless, Everywhere. The engineering team began by creating a drivetrain that would bring Rolls-Royce’s famous ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ off-road.

“The drivetrain system we engineered for Cullinan had one key job to do,” explains Caroline Krismer, Engineering Project Leader for Cullinan. “To bring the famed Rolls-Royce ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ to all other terrains possible, while ensuring class-leading on-road behaviour in the SUV sector.”

Rolls-Royce’s celebrated Magic Carpet Ride impresses off-road as well as on-road thanks to the new lighter architecture, and the latest generation of self-levelling air suspension. Through a thorough re-engineering of the existing air suspension system – including adding larger air struts with more air volume to cushion the blows of the toughest of terrains – the strengthening of drive and prop shafts, the inclusion of drive to the front wheels as well as the back for the first time in Rolls-Royce history, and the complete reworking of the new 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 Rolls-Royce engine to deliver just the right level of torque (850Nm) at the lowest possible revolutions (1,600rpm), the Rolls-Royce engineering team has ensured Cullinan will take owners to places no modern Rolls-Royce owner has travelled in luxury before.

The suspension makes millions of calculations every second as it continuously varies the electronically controlled shock absorber adjustment system – reacting to body and wheel acceleration, steering inputs and camera information. A new double-wishbone front axle and 5-link rear axle deliver astounding levels of control over lateral roll and shear forces and deliver incredible agility and stability, as does the addition of four-wheel steering, all contributing to incredible drivability and nimbleness.

In the case of driving off-road, the electronically controlled shock absorber adjustment system uses an air compression system to actively push down any wheel it detects losing traction to ensure every wheel is constantly in contact with the ground and maximum torque is being provided to all wheels.

“Put simply, what makes the car great on-road makes the car great off-road,” concludes Krismer.

The final piece of the puzzle of ensuring that the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is Effortless, Everywhere is one single button. Known within Rolls-Royce as the ‘Everywhere’ button, one single push is all it takes to harness all the aforementioned peerless Rolls-Royce engineering and unleash all of Cullinan’s off-road capability.

Once engaged, the driver can finesse the off-road setting to glide over any situation, whether it be rough track, gravel, wet grass, mud, snow or sand delivering all 850Nm of torque to all four wheels without interruption. And faced with deep snow, sand or the need to ford streams, Cullinan delivers the deepest wading depth of any super-luxury SUV at 540mm thanks to its highest ride height.

Designing a force of nature

“At this point in the history of automotive design, SUVs have become homogenous and ubiquitous,” comments Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “The label SUV is now applied to anything with a two-box silhouette and the least suggestion of going off tarmac. We envisioned an authentic, three-box all-terrain high-bodied car with a convention-challenging design and absolute capability that would satisfy the adventurous urges of our clients.”

Working with the Architecture of Luxury, Taylor and his team designed the car he knew would meet

expectations. Iconic design, proper Rolls-Royce proportions inside and out, and uncompromised levels of luxury.

“One of the first benefits of the Architecture of Luxury to the design of Cullinan was the ability to place the wheels and create a unique roofline silhouette that would give Cullinan an immediate sense of Rolls-Royce pedigree,” comments Taylor. “This gave Cullinan the commanding stance of a warrior, immediately communicating its strength and power, whilst at the very same time allows effortless entry and exit from the rear cabin.”

This strength and power are immediately apparent from the face of Cullinan. Key features such as lights and air intakes are deep set into the bodywork, whilst strong vertical and horizontal lines create a powerful visage, with the prominent brow of a Saxon warrior created by the line that runs across the top of the pantheon grille and ‘eyebrow’-like daytime running lights. This approach lends a toughness of expression to the front of Cullinan.

The grille is created from hand-polished stainless steel, but for Cullinan it is set slightly proud of the surrounding bodywork that pushes it up and forward. The Rolls-Royce badge and Spirit of Ecstasy ride significantly above the line of the wing, giving them a unique vantage point.

Away from the face of Cullinan the vertical lines that run from the A-pillars down along the raised bonnet edge, down the side of the grille and into the metal skid plate below emphasise the height of the car and its dominant character.

From the side, the purposefulness of Cullinan is clear. There is an uncompromising sheerness of the typical Rolls-Royce long bonnet profile, with the bonnet itself seen to be set higher than the wings of the car to communicate greater toughness.

The line then rises quickly on the A-pillar to resolve in an ultimate height for Cullinan of 1,836mm, a height accentuated by the glass to metal ratio as seen from the side. From just over the B-pillar, the roofline becomes quite fast and drops away to the even faster rear glass which resolves in an elegantly protruding boot lid that reminds one of the D-Back Rolls-Royces of the 1930’s, some of the last of the marque to still carry their owner’s luggage on a shelf outside the car.

Taylor’s famous rotating line then takes the eye back towards the front of Cullinan as it shoots forward through the 22-inch wheel hubs to give it a beautiful balance, whilst the depth of the side profile is optically broken up by a most authentic and honest piece of metal, like a Saxon spear, that flies down the lower door surface and gives the whole side of the car a beautiful sense of tension.

The rear view of Cullinan continues the theme of functionality, with the design reduced to a functional baseline. Any jewellery is subdued. So for instance, the Rolls-Royce badge stands on its own smaller plinth separate and above a thin metal finisher over the number plate housing. The design theme for the rear lights also remains simple as two narrow upright units house all the lights and are minimally adorned by thin narrow strips of jewellery at their centre. A final mark of functionality are the exposed metal exhaust pipes and skid plate, both reminding one of Cullinan’s power and ability.

Inside, the cabin of Cullinan combines authentic Rolls-Royce luxury with simple, symmetrical functionality to express the car’s inherent strength. Whether the fascia and centre stack of the dashboard or the arm rests on the doors, structural horizontal and vertical elements underpin the interior design.

The centre stack is framed by hand-finished metal pillars that bridge the upper fascia and middle console, giving it a sense of robustness, whilst also suspending the horizontal elements of the fascia to give a more commanding feel.

The upper fascia is clad in a newly developed contemporary ‘Box Grain’ black leather – a durable and water resistant boarded leather similar to that used in Italian high-end luggage and handbag design. It gives the fascia a sense of width as it runs across its upper segment, allowing the jewellery-like elements of clock and air vents to stand out beautifully.  

Supporting this upper section is a strong band of wood that is moulded in three-dimensions to flow out to the centre stack, whilst the entire dashboard is protected by leather pads on top and at the bottom. The top pad is fashioned in a wing like fashion, suggesting muscularity and movement, as well as the functionality of a cockpit.

Finally, the seats in Cullinan have a bold, confident character, showcasing Rolls-Royce quality and craftsmanship. Designed to suit the more casual and dynamic quality of Cullinan, they feature a simple but modern horseshoe graphic which emphasises the supportive bolsters of the seat. These new seats also showcase Rolls-Royce’s mastery of leather craft as this entire backrest panel has been crafted from a single piece of leather to pick out a highly three-dimensional surface.

All areas throughout the interior that are now heated include the front door armrests, front centre console lid, lower C-Pillar, rear side armrests and rear centre armrest.

One life, many lifestyles

Driving to your remote location is simply the first part of the adventure in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Further enjoyment awaits in the shape of a Rolls-Royce Recreation Module

Imagine the scene. Having chosen your adventure you call down to your garage. “Jason, we’re going to go drone racing today. Can you load the Drone Module into the Cullinan?” Downstairs, Jason selects the Drone Racing Module from the rack containing several other Recreation Modules that the owner has had commissioned from Rolls-Royce to satisfy his or her preferred recreational pursuits.

Fly fishing, photography, rock climbing, snowboarding, parascending, kite boarding, base jumping, volcano boarding or simply sitting and taking in the view, anything is possible thanks to the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective. Easily slotted and plugged into the boot of Cullinan, each Recreation Module contains a motorised drawer housing the equipment and paraphernalia specific to each Cullinan owner’s pursuits. When the owner is ready to play, it presents itself.

-Ends-

Background Notes to Editors: A note on Cullinan pedigree

114 years ago, two Englishmen from very different walks of life – one an aristocrat adventurer and the other an engineer par excellence – shared the conviction to “Take the best that exists and make it better”. So much so that they joined forces to create Rolls-Royce Limited two years after they met. Their motor cars would attract those Royals and wealthy aristocrats with an adventurous streak thanks to the luxury offered by a stout vehicle that was swift and dependable. Their dependability was initially proven over rough roads during the Scottish Reliability Trials of 1907, and the Alpine Trials of 1913.

1907 was also the year that British businessman Frank Norbury successfully introduced Rolls-Royce into India by driving a Silver Ghost 620 miles from Bombay to Kolhapur, through the rough terrain of the India Ghat mountain-passes, without incident or fault. An explosion of orders from Maharajahs and Maharanis all over India ensued, and they would subsequently use their Rolls-Royces in the jungles of this vast and fascinating country.

Not many years later, war clouds gathered over the continent of Europe. British commanders armoured their Rolls-Royces and relied on them to carry them and their men across the crater-marked and mud-festooned landscape of Northern Europe. When the war spread beyond Europe, Rolls-Royces were relied upon to take the campaign to China, Russia and the Middle East. And there, in the sands of the Sinai Peninsula, one particular man proved, that “A Rolls in the desert is above rubies.” That man was Lawrence of Arabia.

Nine Rolls-Royces would carry Lawrence and his men to victory – including two Silver Ghosts named ‘Blast’ and ‘Bloodhound’, and Lawrence’s personal transport ‘Blue Mist’. These three Rolls-Royces were stripped of all their finery and put to work for the Army as ‘tenders’ – wooden-bodied open bed vehicles with wooden artillery wheels but no other changes to the original, underlying Rolls-Royce engineering.  The others were armoured cars weighing up to 4 tonnes. Other vehicles used on the campaign would regularly break down or become bogged down in the sand, but the Rolls-Royces superior ability not only retrieved them time and again, but carried a victorious campaign in the treacherous deserts of the Sinai and Palestine.

Many more such stories of Rolls-Royce reliability in the worst of conditions abound, and post-war, those with an intrepid streak flocked to Rolls-Royce to build them motor cars best able to face their own personal epic adventure.

From ‘The Tank Corps Journal’, October 1922

The most outstanding incident since the war has been the trip of three Rolls-Royce armoured car tenders from Jerusalem to Baghdad last year. This journey was undertaken with the aid of aeroplanes who daily kept in touch with the cars and brought them supplies. In addition to these three tenders, fitted with Vickers machine guns, the convoy consisted of some other makes, over which the former demonstrated only too often their vast superiority. Upon one occasion a back axle complete was brought out by air and, in all, thirteen back axles were broken on twelve accompanying vehicles whereas the Rolls-Royce cars had no mechanical breakdown, either on the outward or on the return journey.

Generally, the ground travelled over was rough in the extreme. One particular stretch, a total distance of only 10 miles, took two days to cover, for a road had to be hand picked over lava beds. Altogether the journey took 28 days going and 18 days coming back. The return journey would have been much quicker but for the delay caused by some accompanying vehicles, which occasionally had to be towed by the Rolls-Royces.

These armoured cars were the ordinary Rolls-Royce chassis with no other changes in construction other than a lowered gear ratio and heavier, stronger springs substituted for the usual touring equipment.

Road tests showed that a steady squadron speed of over forty-five miles per hour could be maintained, although the cars with armour and equipment weighed close upon four tons.

Furthermore in West Africa during the same period during several months of extremely arduous work, over country which was devoid entirely of roads and consisted mainly of desert sands and rock-strewn highlands, not a single Rolls-Royce armoured car was laid up for an hour, except as a result of the enemy’s fire.

Magma Red
Dimensions  
Number of doors / seats 4 / 5  
Vehicle length 5341 mm / 210 in
Vehicle width 2164 mm / 85 in
Vehicle height (unladen) 1835 mm / 72 in
Wheelbase 3295 mm / 130 in
Turning circle 13.23 m
Boot volume 600 ltr
   
Weight  
Unladen weight (DIN) 2660 kg / 5864 lb
   
Engine  
Engine / cylinders / valves 6.75 ltr / 12 / 48
Power output @ engine speed 563 bhp / 571 PS (DIN) / 420kW @ 5000 rpm
Max torque @ engine speed 850 Nm @ 1600 rpm
Fuel type1 Petrol
   
Performance  
Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed)
   
Fuel Efficiency  
Fuel Consumption (combined)2 15 ltr/100km  /  18.8 mpg
CO2 Emissions (combined)2 341 g/km

Technical Specification

Darkest Tungsten  
   
Dimensions  
Number of doors / seats 4 / 4  
Vehicle length 5341 mm / 210 in
Vehicle width 2164 mm / 85 in
Vehicle height (unladen) 1835 mm / 72 in
Wheelbase 3295 mm / 130 in
Turning circle 13.23 m
Boot volume 526 ltr
   
Weight  
Unladen weight (DIN) 2660 kg / 5864 lb
   
Engine  
Engine / cylinders / valves 6.75 ltr / 12 / 48
Power output @ engine speed 563 bhp / 571 PS (DIN) / 420kW @ 5000 rpm
Max torque @ engine speed 850 Nm @ 1600 rpm
Fuel type1 Petrol
   
Performance  
Top speed 155 mph / 250 km/h (governed)
   
Fuel Efficiency  
Fuel Consumption (combined)2 15 ltr/100km  /  18.8 mpg
CO2 Emissions (combined)2 341 g/km


1 The engine is designed for Octane grade 95 fuel; however, it may be run on fuel with a minimum Octane grade of 91.

2 Preliminary data not yet confirmed, subject to change. The values of fuel consumptions, CO2 emissions and energy consumptions shown are determined according to the European Regulation (EC) 715/2007 in the version applicable at the time of type approval. The range shown considers optional equipment and the different size of wheels and tires available on the selected model and may vary during the configuration.
The values are already based on the new WLTP regulation and are translated back into NEDC-equivalent values in order to ensure the comparison between the vehicles. For the assessment of taxes or other duties based (at least inter alia) on CO2-emissions the CO2 values may differ to the values stated here.
Further information on official energy and fuel consumption and the official specific CO2 emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the “Guide to Fuel Consumption, CO2 Emissions and Electricity Consumption of New Passenger Cars”, which is available at all outlets free of charge and at DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH, Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern and under http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html in Germany, at http://carfueldata.direct.gov.uk/ in the United Kingdom or your local government authority.

Further information:

You can follow the progress of this story on Social Media by using #EffortlessEverywhere

You can find all our press releases and press kits, as well as a wide selection of high resolution, downloadable photographs and video footage at our media website, PressClub. You can also find the communications team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars on Twitter and Instagram.

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