The future didn’t wait for permission…
By the close of 2025, the numbers had already stopped being projections and started being facts — 74 million electric vehicles on the road, 21 million new registrations in a single year. May 2026 picked up exactly where that momentum left off. AI is now reading road signs in real time. The UK has licensed commercial robotaxis. A homegrown UAE automotive brand has rolled out its first vehicle. This isn’t a trend — it’s a takeover.
This month’s roundup cuts through the noise: Volvo and Google fuse vision AI into the cabin, McLaren returns to top-class endurance racing, Toyota bets $2 billion on Texas, and Chinese brands inch toward 30% market share in Qatar. Automechanika Dubai is moving to a bigger stage, and the MENA region is no longer just watching the global shift — it’s driving it.
May’s edition is packed. Let’s get into it.
World EV Fleet Passes 74 Million, ZSW Data Shows
Global electric vehicle registrations reached 21.4 million in 2025, a 23% year-on-year increase, lifting the worldwide EV fleet to 74.3 million by year-end, according to the Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW). China accounted for around two-thirds of new sales with 14 million registrations and holds roughly 60% of the global fleet, ahead of the United States on 7.1 million and Germany on 3.2 million. BYD topped the 2025 manufacturer ranking on 4.5 million sales, with Geely displacing Tesla for the first time; Norway led on penetration with EVs taking 97% of new sales. ZSW noted that countries with high EV shares are more resilient to fossil fuel price shocks, calling for binding CO₂ fleet limits in Germany and the EU to accelerate adoption.
Volvo and Google Bring Gemini to EX60’s Cameras
Volvo Cars and Google have demonstrated a world-first integration of the Gemini AI model with the EX60’s exterior cameras at the Google I/O developer conference, enabling the assistant to interpret a vehicle’s surroundings in real time and answer driver questions about road signs, landmarks and local businesses. In the demonstration, Gemini successfully read parking signs and explained restrictions and permit rules to the driver. Volvo will also be among the first OEMs to ship Google Maps’ Immersive Navigation, offering a 3D rendering of buildings and tunnels with landmark-referenced voice guidance, rolling out first on the EX60, EX90 and ES90. The integration marks a shift from voice-only AI assistants toward contextually aware, vision-enabled in-vehicle intelligence.
Dallara Taps IBM AI to Accelerate Aerodynamic Design
IBM and Italian high-performance manufacturer Dallara have announced a collaboration applying physics-based AI foundation models to motorsport aerodynamic design, with early results showing AI-driven simulations can reduce analysis time from several hours to approximately 10 seconds while matching the accuracy of traditional computational fluid dynamics. The work builds on IBM’s new GIST model trained on Dallara’s aerodynamic dataset, identifying optimal designs at a fraction of the computational cost. The two companies are also exploring quantum computing to further extend simulation fidelity. Dallara’s CIO Fabrizio Arbucci noted that a one-to-two per cent reduction in drag across passenger vehicles could deliver meaningful fuel efficiency gains at scale.
McLaren Reveals MCL-HY Hypercar for 2027 WEC Entry
McLaren has revealed the MCL-HY, a Hypercar built to ACO/IMSA LMDh regulations that will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2027, marking the brand’s return to top-class endurance racing. The car is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 race engine paired with a hybrid MGU system delivering up to 520 kW to the rear axle, at a minimum weight of 1,030 kg, with on-track testing beginning this month ahead of winter 2026 homologation. McLaren is also offering selected clients the MCL-HY GTR, a track-only variant producing around 730 PS from a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6, delivered through the Project: Endurance programme combining six track events over two years with access to the WEC operation, with deliveries commencing late 2027. The WEC programme completes McLaren Racing’s simultaneous presence in Formula 1, IndyCar and endurance racing, giving the brand the opportunity to pursue the Triple Crown across Monaco, Indianapolis and Le Mans.
Wayve, Uber, Waymo Line Up for UK Self-Driving Pilot
The UK government has opened applications for operators to run self-driving taxi, bus, and private hire services in Great Britain, with passenger bookings expected to begin later in 2026. The scheme, announced by the Department for Transport on 22 May 2026, marks the first time British legislation has allowed commercial passenger-carrying by autonomous vehicles. Wayve, backed by Uber and operating under its AV2.0 embodied AI platform, and Waymo — Alphabet’s robotaxi arm — are both positioned to participate, turning London into a high-profile test of two distinct autonomous driving strategies. Roads Minister Simon Lightwood said the pilot would bring the future of self-driving closer while ensuring safety remained paramount. Industry body SMMT estimates automated passenger services in Britain could be worth around £3.7 billion annually by 2040.
BMW Group Hits Two Million All-Electric Vehicles
BMW Group has produced its two-millionth all-electric vehicle, a Tanzanite Blue BMW i5 M60 xDrive sedan assembled at Dingolfing in Germany and bound for a customer in Spain. Dingolfing began series production of all-electric vehicles with the BMW iX in 2021 and now builds the widest BEV range in the group — covering the iX, i5 sedan, i5 Touring and i7 — accounting for nearly one in six of the total two million units, with BEVs making up more than a quarter of the plant’s 2025 output. BMW Group targets more than 10 million cumulative all-electric deliveries globally by 2030, with EVs comprising at least 50% of annual group sales by that date.
Toyota Bets US$2bn on Texas as US Hybrid Demand Surges
Toyota has filed for approval to build a new vehicle assembly line at its San Antonio, Texas complex under the name Project Orca, with a total planned investment of US$2 billion and construction targeted to begin before end-2026. The facility, expected to be operational by 2030, will create around 2,000 jobs and is widely anticipated to focus on hybrid production, as Toyota holds approximately 50% of the US hybrid market. The Texas investment is part of Toyota’s broader US$10 billion, five-year manufacturing commitment and complements a US$912 million multi-state hybrid investment covering facilities in West Virginia, Mississippi, and other states.
Volvo Trucks Launches New Electric and Diesel Range
Volvo Trucks has unveiled a multi-billion SEK investment in new powertrains, combining a new long-range battery-electric truck with up to 700km of range with an all-new 13-litre combustion engine platform designed from the outset for renewable diesel, biogas, and future hydrogen applications. The flagship long-haul electric model recharges from 20% to 80% in 50 minutes and joins seven existing electric trucks in a range that has topped 6,000 units across more than 50 countries. Battery-electric production runs at Gothenburg and Ghent with a phased rollout from 2026, while the new combustion engines will be built at Skövde with sales beginning in the third quarter of 2026. Volvo Trucks President Roger Alm described the launch as hugely important in the context of decarbonising transport.
Stellantis Seals CN¥8bn Dongfeng Deal for China and Exports
Stellantis and Dongfeng Group have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to expand their 34-year partnership, committing a combined investment of over 8 billion Chinese yuan — approximately one billion euros — to produce Peugeot and Jeep-branded new energy vehicles at the DPCA Wuhan plant from 2027. The deal targets both the Chinese domestic market and global exports, with two all-new Peugeot NEVs based on concepts debuted at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show and two Jeep-branded off-road NEVs slated for production. Stellantis is expected to contribute around 130 million euros, with the project supported by Hubei province’s industrial policies.
Xpeng Takes 90.1% of Erajaya’s EV Manufacturing Arm
China’s Xpeng has acquired a 90.1% stake in PT Era Industri Otomotif (EIDO), the electric vehicle manufacturing and assembly arm of Indonesia’s PT Sinar Eka Selaras Tbk, with the ownership change becoming legally effective on 13 May 2026. Xpeng International Holding (Hong Kong) Limited is now the controlling shareholder, while SES retains a 9.9% minority position. The acquisition deepens Xpeng’s localised production strategy in Southeast Asia’s largest automotive market, where it had already delivered its first locally assembled X9 MPV in 2025. Sales, distribution, and after-sales activities in Indonesia will continue to be managed by Erajaya entities, with EIDO focused exclusively on manufacturing and assembly. The move reflects Xpeng’s broader ambition to double overseas deliveries to 90,000 units in 2026 and reach one million annual overseas sales by 2030.
Mazda Finds 69% of Gen Z Choose Car Over Home
A survey commissioned by Mazda North American Operations has found that 69% of Gen Z respondents would choose to buy a new vehicle over a home, making them 13% more likely to prioritise a car purchase over real estate. The study, conducted in February 2026 among 1,000 US vehicle owners, found that safety features (94%), in-vehicle technology (93%), and premium sound systems (82%) rank as the most important factors for younger buyers when evaluating a vehicle. Notably, 64% said they judge a vehicle by its sound system quality, while 85% agreed that a high-quality audio setup signals overall vehicle quality. Mazda framed the findings as evidence that Gen Z’s definition of vehicle value is shifting toward safety, technology, and in-cabin experience rather than traditional performance benchmarks.
Bridgestone Chosen as Exclusive Tyre Partner for Maserati MCPura
Bridgestone has been named the sole tyre partner for Maserati’s new MCPura super sportscar, supplying custom-engineered Potenza Sport tyres developed through Bridgestone’s advanced Virtual Tyre Development tools and validated through joint on-track testing. The MCPura is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 630 CV, capable of 0-100 km/h in under 2.9 seconds. The partnership builds on Bridgestone’s long-standing relationship with Maserati, having previously developed custom fitments for the MC20, Grecale, and Grecale Folgore.
MINI Aceman SE Joins Electric Line-Up in Australia
MINI’s all-electric Aceman SE has reached Australian roads, sitting between the MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman in the brand’s local line-up. The compact crossover delivers 160 kW, 330 Nm of torque from standstill, and a range of up to 405 km from its 49.2 kWh usable battery, with pricing starting at AU$60,990 before on-road costs. Measuring just under 4.10 metres in length, the front-wheel-drive model is designed for urban driving, with light and direct steering and a low centre of gravity suited to city use. Standard equipment includes a 24 cm circular central display, head-up display, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Australia’s Aceman SE is positioned as a mid-size electric option for buyers who find the Cooper too small but the Countryman too large.
Toyota Plans 100,000-Unit India Plant in Maharashtra
Toyota has announced plans to build a new vehicle assembly plant in the Bidkin Industrial Area in Maharashtra, India, with production due to begin in the first half of 2029 and an annual capacity of 100,000 vehicles. The facility will be operated by Toyota Kirloskar Motor and is expected to employ around 2,800 people. Toyota described the plant as designed to supply vehicles to customers in India and surrounding regions, positioning it as both a domestic sales facility and an export hub, particularly for markets in the Middle East and Africa. The announcement is part of a broader plan to build three plants in Maharashtra totalling around 300 billion yen in investment, as Toyota aims to increase its India production capacity toward one million units by the 2030s.
InstaVolt Invests £2.5m in Charger Battery Storage
UK ultra-rapid charging operator InstaVolt has opened five new battery energy storage system sites under a £2.5m programme, with at least 20 further sites confirmed for the remainder of 2026. Each location represents around £500,000 of investment, taking InstaVolt’s battery-equipped network to eight sites in total, with the model allowing sites to open on smaller initial grid connections and cutting deployment timelines significantly. Sites store energy overnight at lower cost before discharging during peak daytime charging periods, reducing exposure to peak tariffs whilst maintaining higher charging speeds; at Corley South and Corley North, energy delivered per session increased by 33% and 22% respectively following the battery installations. CEO Delvin Lane described battery storage as one of the most powerful tools available for accelerating the transition to electric, enabling faster deployment, better cost management and genuine savings passed directly to drivers.
VinFast Targets 1,100 Service Workshops Worldwide in 2026
VinFast has signed memoranda of understanding with 29 aftersales partners at its 2026 Global Business Conference, held from 4 to 10 May and attended by more than 200 investors and partners from North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kazakhstan. The Vietnamese EV maker is targeting over 1,100 service workshops globally in 2026, up from a network of approximately 800 facilities. Partners will establish EV service workshops to VinFast’s global standards, supported by a standardised technician training programme and a spare-parts delivery target of 24 hours for common parts in key markets. VinFast is also targeting more than 1.5 million charging ports globally through partners including V-Green.
Mitsubishi Motors Signs Software MoU with FPT Japan
Mitsubishi Motors has signed a memorandum of understanding with FPT Japan Holdings, the Japanese subsidiary of Vietnamese IT services firm FPT Corporation, to explore collaboration in automotive software and digital technologies. The two parties said the discussions could lead to a joint venture, as Mitsubishi works to strengthen its software-defined vehicle capabilities in the context of the rapidly evolving CASE environment. FPT Corporation operates in more than 30 countries, reported revenue of US$2.66 billion in 2025, and has an established automotive technology subsidiary following over two decades of experience in the sector. CEO Takao Kato described the potential partnership as combining Mitsubishi’s mobility expertise with FPT’s technology capabilities and human resource base in IT and software.
Regional Highlights
Automechanika Dubai Relocates to Dubai Exhibition Centre in Strategic Move Aligned with D33 Growth Agenda
Automechanika Dubai, the largest international trade show for the automotive aftermarket industry in the Middle East and Africa, has announced that its 2026 edition will relocate to the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City, running from 10-12 November and marking a new chapter after 22 editions at Dubai World Trade Centre. The move aligns with the UAE’s D33 economic agenda and offers significantly expanded exhibition space of 110,000sqm for 2026, with a long-term target of 180,000sqm by 2031, enabling a growing roster of exhibitors — 2,400 expected in 2026 — and expanded international pavilions. The relocation follows the record success of the 2025 edition, which welcomed 50,308 visitors from 162 countries, representing a 15% year-on-year increase in international visitors. According to Glasgow Research and Consulting, the MEA automotive aftermarket industry is forecast to reach US$87 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of up to 7%.
Jeep Rubicon Hits Worldwide Sales Milestone, Fuelling its Enduring Legacy in the Middle East
The Jeep brand has celebrated a major milestone with the Rubicon nameplate — fitted to both the Wrangler and Gladiator — reaching one million units sold worldwide, underscoring the enduring global appeal of the brand’s most capable and heavily equipped trim level. Introduced in 2003 with the TJ Wrangler, the Rubicon has become the benchmark for factory-engineered off-road performance, featuring standard Tru-Lok locking differentials, Rock-Trac transfer cases, and robust underbody protection across successive generations. The milestone, announced from Jeep’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan, reflects particularly strong demand in off-road-enthusiast markets including the Middle East, where Jeep has maintained a loyal following built around the Wrangler’s trail-rated credentials. Jeep has declared 2026 the Year of the Wrangler and is marking the occasion with a yearlong series of limited-run special edition models through its Twelve 4 Twelve and Convoy product-drop programmes.
Qatar’s Auto Market Rebounds as Mobility Shifts Accelerate
Qatar’s automotive market is experiencing a structural rebound, with a new analysis by Oxford Business Group produced in partnership with the Jaidah Group highlighting the twin drivers of Chinese brand expansion and evolving mobility consumption models. Chinese manufacturers are now approaching 30% market share, having entered from a negligible base, driven by competitive pricing and increasingly credible technology and design credentials that have gradually shifted consumer confidence away from traditional Japanese and South Korean dominance. Mohamed Jaidah noted that Qatar’s decade of infrastructure investment has positioned the country well for its next phase of sustained economic transformation, with mobility increasingly integral to that vision. Marc-André De Blois, Director of Video Content at OBG, observed that what is being seen in Qatar is not simply a market recovery but a redefinition of mobility itself, creating new opportunities for operators while requiring a more adaptive regulatory framework.
AGMC Marks 50 Years with New Brand Identity and Evolved Operating Model
AGMC, the Dubai-based automotive group that has represented global brands in the UAE since 1976, has unveiled a new brand identity and restructured operating model on the occasion of its fiftieth anniversary, repositioning itself as a full-spectrum mobility company under the unifying platform of Always Moving. The transformation consolidates AGMC’s automotive partnerships — including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, BMW Motorrad, Geely, Riddara, and INEOS — alongside its own mobility services including Budget, Pitstop360, and Prime, under a single master brand identity. The new architecture, more than a year in the making, is designed to allow customers to buy, lease, rent, and service vehicles under one trusted name, with a new digital platform launched through a redesigned website. AGMC currently serves more than 1,000 customers daily across over 50 locations in the UAE, with continued investment in showrooms, service centres, and digital infrastructure planned through 2026 and beyond.
Syarah and Amwal Enhance Flexibility in Car Purchasing Across Saudi Arabia
Syarah, Saudi Arabia’s leading online car e-commerce platform, has partnered with Amwal, a Saudi fintech company specialising in aggregated credit card instalment services, to enable flexible credit card instalment purchasing for new and used cars across the Kingdom. The partnership gives Syarah customers access to Amwal’s high-limit instalment solutions with fast approvals, regulated by Saudi Payments and backed by the Saudi Central Bank, integrated directly into the existing purchase flow. For Syarah, the tie-up extends its existing value proposition — which includes a comprehensive one-year guarantee, a ten-day return policy and a 200-point vehicle inspection — by broadening the financing options available to buyers. The collaboration comes as Saudi Arabia’s digital automotive retail sector continues to expand and reflects Amwal’s broader mission to make payments more accessible across the Kingdom.
K2 Launches THEEB at Make It in the Emirates 2026
UAE-based mobility and technology company K2 unveiled THEEB and its first vehicle, the X01, at the Make It in the Emirates 2026 forum in Abu Dhabi, presenting a homegrown automotive brand built around Gulf terrain, climate and lifestyles rather than adapted from vehicles developed for other markets. THEEB — Arabic for ‘wolf’, a symbol of endurance, resilience and loyalty in desert culture — is conceived as a rugged lifestyle SUV with a 2.0-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain targeting 550 hp and 760 Nm of torque, a body-on-frame chassis with solid axles and 13 drive modes including Sand, Rock, Wade and Tank Turn. The brand’s logo is a geometric rendering of the Arabic word with diacritical dots intentionally removed in reference to rasm, the earliest undotted form of Arabic script, positioning THEEB as a distinctly regional identity in a global market of internationally neutral automotive designs. K2 intends to assemble the X01 at a semi-knocked-down facility in Abu Dhabi, with the project aligned to the UAE’s Make It in the Emirates industrial strategy for domestic manufacturing capability.
Oman Vehicle Assembly Centre Established at Khazaen Economic City
Khazaen Economic City has signed an agreement with Chinese firm Spruce Group to establish an advanced vehicle assembly and production centre in Oman, with an initial investment of OMR5m (US$12.9m) rising to OMR20m at full development on a 6,000 square metre site. The project aligns with Oman Vision 2040 objectives for economic diversification, incorporating artificial intelligence and robotics in the production process and focusing on electric and hybrid vehicles in line with the Sultanate’s clean energy goals. Targeted annual production capacity is between 2,899 and 3,218 vehicles under the ‘Made in Oman’ theme, with the Middle East and Africa as the primary export markets, and the broader ambition to develop an integrated supply chain for automotive parts and accessories. In its initial phase the project will provide training for 20 Omani nationals, with Khazaen Economic City’s strategic location positioning it as a logistics platform for regional and international vehicle exports.
Rafid Automotive Solutions Signs Partnership with Autorola Gulf
Rafid Automotive Solutions, a subsidiary of Sharjah Asset Management — the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah — has signed a technical and operational partnership agreement with Autorola Gulf, a company specialising in vehicle remarketing solutions and business data analytics. The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in vehicle-related logistics services and support the transportation and management operations of Autorola’s vehicles, contributing to improved operational efficiency in the UAE automotive sector. The deal was signed by Ahmed Al Musharrekh, Managing Director of Rafid Automotive Solutions, and Ernst Rascher, General Manager of Autorola Gulf, in the presence of officials and representatives from both organisations. Autorola Gulf is part of the global Autorola Group and works in partnership with Al-Futtaim Group to develop used vehicle B2B operations across the Middle East and North Africa region. The partnership aims to support Autorola’s operational expansion in the UAE market and enhance cooperation in digital and technological solutions.
Saudi’s SEEC to Introduce Updated Fuel Economy Label for 2027 Model Vehicles
The Saudi Energy Efficiency Centre has launched a two-week awareness campaign titled ‘A label you know,’ aimed at introducing consumers to the updated fuel economy label that will apply to vehicles from 2027 model year onwards. The campaign provides practical guidance on reading the new label and understanding the information it contains, serving as a visual guide to help buyers identify the most fuel-efficient vehicles available in the Kingdom. The initiative is part of SEEC’s broader commitment to improving energy efficiency in Saudi Arabia’s transportation sector, which accounts for approximately 20% of the Kingdom’s total primary energy consumption, in support of the country’s sustainability objectives. The updated label aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, which set progressively higher fuel efficiency targets for the incoming vehicle fleet, with 2027 targets ranging from 17.7 to 23.7 km per litre depending on vehicle type.
GM Africa and Middle East Announces Senior Leadership Changes
General Motors Africa and Middle East has announced senior leadership changes in its Commercial Operations, effective 1 June 2026. Rohan Fernandes, currently Managing Director of Commercial Operations for Africa and Middle East (AMEO), has been appointed to succeed Sharon Nishi as Chair and Managing Director of GM Egypt and Africa, who will retire on 31 August 2026. Mohammed Al-Fayyad, formerly Customer Care and Aftersales Director for GM Europe, has been appointed Managing Director of AMEO Commercial Operations, succeeding Fernandes in the role. Al-Fayyad joined GM Middle East in 2007 and has held a range of sales, marketing and aftersales roles across the region, including as director of Customer Care and Aftersales. Jorge Plata, President and Managing Director of General Motors Africa and Middle East, said Al-Fayyad brings strong regional knowledge and deep commercial experience to the position.
Ford Customer Care and Integrated After-Sales Experience in Saudi Arabia Strengthening Trust and Customer Loyalty
Ford’s customer ownership experience in Saudi Arabia centres on a ‘Fix It Right The First Time’ service commitment, backed by a Parts Distribution Centre in Dubai ensuring optimised parts availability and reduced vehicle downtime across the region. Routine maintenance is available in 90 minutes or less through Express Service, with flexible Pick Up and Drop-off options, whilst the Ford Guest Experience programme standardises the quality and professionalism of every dealership location across the Kingdom. Staffed by highly trained technicians and advisors coached in transparent communication and proactive follow-up, Ford dealerships in Saudi Arabia recorded a double-digit boost in Net Promoter Scores in 2024, a trend that has continued to rise. The commitment extends equally across all vehicle origins and powertrains, with Ford describing its Saudi approach as an ongoing journey of continuous evolution aimed at simplifying ownership and building lasting customer relationships.
Toyota Egypt Group Launches Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ Electric in Egypt
Toyota Egypt Group has officially entered Egypt’s electric vehicle market for the first time in its 45-year history of operations in the country, with the launch of two fully electric models — the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. Both models are built on Toyota’s global e-TNGA platform, with battery systems manufactured entirely in Japan through a collaboration between Toyota and Panasonic. The bZ4X is offered in Sport FWD and Premier AWD variants, delivering a driving range of up to 567 km under WLTP standards, while the Lexus RZ is available in Executive e350 (FWD, 224 hp, 508 km range) and F Sport e550 (AWD, 408 hp, 450 km range) variants. The launch was announced at a ceremony held at the Grand Egyptian Museum and aligns with Egypt’s national targets to reduce emissions and promote electric mobility. Toyota Egypt Group said the move reflects its commitment to supporting the country’s green transformation while introducing dedicated EV charging and after-sales services.
Porsche Unveils Limited Edition 911 Turbo S Sadu Edition for Kuwait
Porsche has unveiled the 911 Turbo S Sadu Edition, a limited-edition model marking 70 years of the brand in the Middle East, with just 20 units produced exclusively for the Kuwaiti market. The model is based on the latest 992.II-generation 911 Turbo S and features exterior and interior design elements inspired by traditional Sadu weaving — a UNESCO-recognised intangible cultural heritage of Kuwait — rendered in Bordeaux Red, Guards Red, GT Silver and black on a Cremewhite body. The first Porsche sports car imported to the Middle East was a 356 Cabriolet brought to Kuwait by Morad Behbehani in 1956, and Behbehani Motors Company remains the official Porsche importer in Kuwait seven decades on. Mechanically, the Sadu Edition retains the T-Hybrid powertrain — a 3.6-litre flat-six producing 711 hp and 800 Nm of torque — with 0 to 97 km/h in 2.4 seconds and a 322 km/h top speed. The 20 vehicles will have their special finishing touches applied by the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur department in Zuffenhausen.
Deepal, Changan’s New Energy Vehicle Brand, Launched in Oman
Arabian Gulf Automobiles and Equipment (AGAE) has launched Deepal, Changan Automobile’s dedicated new energy vehicle brand, in Oman, introducing a line-up of Range Extended Electric Vehicles designed for both urban commuting and long-distance travel. The Deepal launch in Oman comprises three models: the S05 urban SUV (1.5-litre naturally aspirated range extender, 214 hp, 160 km pure electric range, over 1,000 km combined REEV range), the larger S07 (1.5-litre naturally aspirated range extender, 235 hp, 950 km combined range), and the rugged all-wheel-drive G318 (1.5-litre turbocharged range extender with dual electric motors and terrain modes for mud, sand and water wading). All three models are covered by a six-year or 250,000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 250,000 km battery warranty. AGAE described the launch as an important new chapter for Changan Group in Oman, positioning REEV technology as a practical and future-ready mobility solution suited to the country’s roads and long-distance driving needs.
May didn’t just deliver headlines — it delivered proof.
Proof that manufacturers are backing ambition with billions. Proof that regulators are finally moving at the pace of innovation. Proof that the MENA region has outgrown the role of passenger in this transition and is now firmly in the driver’s seat.
The deals are signed. The plants are being built. The brands are launching. What happens next won’t be decided in boardrooms alone — it’ll be shaped by every market, every regulator, and every consumer choosing what mobility looks like for them.
But proof on paper only matters if the people running dealerships, aftersales operations, and OEM networks know what to do with it. The shift is real — the question is whether your business is positioned to benefit from it or disrupted by it. Chinese brands gaining 30% market share in Qatar didn’t happen by accident. Toyota’s $2 billion Texas bet wasn’t made on instinct alone. Every move in this industry right now is strategic, deliberate, and fast.
The operators who will win the next decade aren’t the ones simply watching the transformation — they’re the ones actively reshaping how they sell, how they retain, and how they serve. In a market moving this quickly, standing still is a decision in itself.
The industry isn’t waiting. Neither are we — and neither should you.
About AMENA Auto
AMENA Auto is the independent Automotive body for the MENA region, supporting OEMs and Dealers/Importers across sales, aftersales, parts, CSI, NPS, and customer experience. Through strategic Consultancy, expert-led Training, in-depth Mystery Shopping programmes, and rigorous executive Assessment, we help organisations across the region move from intention to measurable impact. Whether the priority is strengthening aftersales retention, improving showroom conversion, or building a culture where every customer interaction strengthens loyalty, we work alongside leadership teams to transform performance and protect long-term profitability.
To find out how AMENA Auto can help your business find more, win more, and keep more clients, visit www.amenaauto.com or speak to our team.
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