July 2026 was one of the most consequential months of the year for the automotive industry, globally and across MENA. Billion-dollar semiconductor deals, sovereign AI programmes, breakthrough autonomous driving frameworks, and a fresh wave of electrified launches all pointed to an industry being rewritten by software, AI, and electrification at record speed.
Globally, onsemi, Toyota, BMW, Honda, Renault, BYD, Nissan, and Audi advanced bold moves across Physical AI, eVTOL manufacturing, next-generation EVs, and generative-AI cabins, while Chinese innovators like Xpeng and Yanfeng pushed further into world-model autonomy and intelligent cabin design. Across MENA, WeRide earned global recognition for its UAE robotaxi operations, Stellantis sharpened its FaSTLAne 2030 execution, Egypt edged closer to becoming an export hub, and Saudi Arabia’s CEER marked a milestone in homegrown EV talent — with Chery, GWM, DENZA, Jetour, Ford, Suzuki, BMW, and Hyundai adding new models, showrooms, and partnerships that reinforced the region’s rising strategic weight.
onsemi Acquires Synaptics in US$7bn AI Chip Deal
onsemi has agreed to acquire edge AI chip firm Synaptics in an all-stock deal worth approximately US$7bn, adding connected compute and human-machine interface capabilities central to the next generation of automotive intelligent systems. The transaction implies a fixed exchange ratio of 1.350 onsemi shares per Synaptics share, roughly a 19% premium on 10-day volume-weighted average prices. The combined portfolio is intended to position onsemi across four pillars of Physical AI: power, sense, connected compute and control, with autonomous driving cited as a primary target application. Synaptics’ Astra platform adds purpose-built AI processors and neural processing units alongside wireless connectivity. The deal is expected to close in mid-2027. The transaction is one of the largest automotive semiconductor deals of the year and signals ongoing consolidation across the Physical AI chip market. It strengthens onsemi’s ability to compete with Nvidia, Qualcomm and NXP for high-value ADAS and cabin AI content.
Noetra Launches Japan Sovereign AI Model Programme
Noetra Corp. has launched full-scale R&D for a multimodal AI foundation model aimed at physical AI and robotics. Founding members include Sony, SoftBank, NEC, and Honda Motor. The sovereign AI programme has drawn investment from 44 companies, led by Japan’s manufacturing sector. The development roadmap runs across three phases, targeting Real-world Native AI for physical environments by fiscal 2030. Computing infrastructure will be built with Nvidia, comprising approximately 27,500 Rubin GPUs, with construction starting April 2027. Honda’s founding membership gives the programme a direct automotive stake in applying manufacturing expertise to physical AI for mobility and robotics.
Toyota and Joby Aviation Form eVTOL Manufacturing JV
Joby Aviation and Toyota Motor Corporation have formalised their manufacturing partnership through a joint venture, combining Joby’s electric vertical take-off and landing expertise with Toyota’s production systems to advance commercial production. Toyota has supported Joby for nearly a decade, and the JV formalises that relationship as a shared manufacturing structure. The alliance will focus initially on productivity, quality and cost improvements across Joby’s eVTOL production process. The deal marks Toyota’s most direct operational commitment to the eVTOL sector, moving from investor to manufacturing partner as Joby prepares for aircraft certification and anticipated demand growth. The partnership signals Toyota’s intent to embed itself in the advanced air mobility supply chain as it takes shape commercially. It also strengthens Joby’s credibility with regulators and launch customers as it scales toward high-volume aircraft production.
Xpeng Releases X-Mind World Model for Autonomous Driving
Xpeng has released X-Mind, a framework embedding predictive world model capabilities into autonomous driving systems that lets vehicles simulate near-term environmental changes before committing to an action. Presented at the computer vision and pattern recognition conference in Denver, it completes Xpeng’s three-pillar Physical AI research programme alongside X-World and X-Foresight. Rather than the conventional reactive perception-to-action loop, X-Mind introduces a visual chain of thought that runs a spatial-temporal simulation before any action is generated. In comparative testing, X-Mind reduced lateral and longitudinal displacement error against conventional models, with gains concentrated in complex long-tail scenarios. The release underscores Xpeng’s ambition to compete with global leaders in end-to-end autonomous driving stacks. It also positions the company to accelerate deployment of higher-level autonomy across its consumer vehicles and forthcoming robotaxi programme.
BMW Builds Long-Wheelbase X5 and iX5 Just for China
BMW will sell long-wheelbase versions of the X5 and the new iX5 exclusively in China, with a wheelbase of 3,165mm—130mm longer than the X5 sold elsewhere. Launch is set for 2027, and the electric iX5, which uses sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, claims more than 1,000km of range on the China light-duty vehicle test cycle. The driver assistance system is the more significant departure. BMW has developed it with the Chinese firm Momenta, using end-to-end AI trained locally, and pairs it with the Heart of Joy central computer for address-to-address assistance. Both cars carry adaptive two-axle air suspension as standard. For the first time, BMW will sell a combustion X5 in China alongside a fully electric sibling. The cabin runs BMW Panoramic iDrive on Operating System X, with an updated BMW Theatre Screen adding 8K streaming, gaming and video calling in the rear.
Mitsubishi Motors Teases All-New Pajero for Autumn Debut
Mitsubishi Motors has announced an all-new Pajero cross-country SUV for a global debut this autumn, engineered for off-road performance across diverse terrain and weather conditions. The model features a Multi Meter digital display inherited from earlier Pajero generations, offering live readouts of altitude, compass heading, pitch and roll angles, and left-right torque distribution. The system is designed for use across steep inclines, forest trails, rocky surfaces and muddy ground. In a segment where lifestyle crossover styling has grown prominent, Mitsubishi’s decision to lead with terrain-focused functional capability signals a clear strategic intent. The vehicle will carry the Montero name in some markets. The revived nameplate anchors Mitsubishi’s global brand positioning around 4WD authenticity as it looks to differentiate against increasingly car-like rivals. Its return also comes as demand for capable body-on-frame SUVs strengthens across the Middle East, Latin America and Australia.
Faraday Future Takes Its EAI Robots to Silicon Valley
Faraday Future Intelligent Electric demonstrated its embodied AI (EAI) robots at three Silicon Valley summits between 12 and 19 July. Appearances covered the Humanity & AGI Summit at Stanford, AUTONOMOUS 2026 in San Francisco, and AGI Summit SF 2026. The company showcased its All-New Futurist humanoid robot and Navi quadruped, spanning motion control, autonomous navigation, and open developer tooling. The push supports Faraday’s shift from a Three-in-One to a Four-Core Full-Stack AI structure, adding Industry Productivity Solutions and a Developer Platform. Cooperation talks are underway with developers from Stanford and UC Berkeley backgrounds.
Yanfeng’s XiM27 Targets Level 3 Cabin with AI Seating
Yanfeng has unveiled XiM27, a production-ready drivable smart cabin concept designed for level 3 and above autonomous driving scenarios. Built around a centralised domain controller that links seating, climate, infotainment and lighting in real time, the multi-purpose van format switches between workspace, lounge and rest modes within seconds. Ultra-long floor rails allow independent seat and console movement, with seating options including a first-to-market vis-à-vis lounge layout and a second row that converts to a flat bed. An AI system adjusts seat position, firmness and temperature based on learned preferences. A 35.4-inch panoramic head-up display is integrated into the instrument panel, with the steering wheel folding into the dashboard. XiM27 won the Red Dot Design Concept Award 2026. The concept signals how Chinese Tier 1 suppliers are moving beyond component sales into architecting the full autonomous cabin experience. Its readiness for production positions Yanfeng to capture new revenue as OEMs commercialise higher levels of autonomy.
Honda Deploys Google Gemini Across Its Key Line-up
Honda has integrated Google Gemini into vehicles equipped with Google built-in, replacing Google Assistant. The upgrade allows drivers of select Civic, Accord, Prelude, CR-V, Passport, and Pilot models to interact naturally with the cabin assistant without relying on precise commands. Unlike its predecessor, Gemini maintains context across multiple exchanges, allowing drivers to layer instructions and ask follow-up questions. The integration also introduces Gemini Live, a free-flowing conversational mode activated by “Hey Google, let’s talk”. Beyond navigation and vehicle controls, the feature can assist with trip planning, news summaries, and meeting preparation. Gemini covers eight model and grade combinations, spanning model years 2023 to 2026 across Accord, Civic, Pilot, Passport, CR-V, and Prelude.
Google Gemini Rolls Out Across Renault’s Vehicle Fleet
Renault has begun rolling out Google’s Gemini AI assistant to vehicles fitted with its openR link multimedia system, in a gradual over-the-air deployment that began on 15 June. The opt-in upgrade replaces Google Assistant at no extra cost across Renault’s European range and select international markets. Gemini offers contextual conversation handling, direct vehicle control covering climate, navigation, radio and settings, and access to live EV range data for route planning. The rollout reaches vehicles already on the road and supports 13 languages at launch. A forthcoming Gemini Live mode will add free-flowing conversation and mid-sentence language switching. The upgrade positions Renault among the first mainstream OEMs to embed a next-generation generative AI assistant natively into its fleet. It also demonstrates the strategic value of software-defined vehicle architectures capable of receiving major AI feature updates over their lifecycle.
BYD Passes 100,000 UK Sales Milestone in Three Years
BYD has passed its 100,000 UK sales milestone, just over three years after its March 2023 launch with the Atto 3. The New Energy Vehicle manufacturer’s range has grown from one model to 10, spanning fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. More than a third of those registrations—37,995 vehicles—came in the first half of 2026 alone, as BYD’s UK retail network expanded from five sites to 143. Recent additions include the Dolphin Surf compact hatchback, the Sealion 7 SUV-coupe and a growing line of DM-i plug-in hybrids led by the Seal U. BYD plans to expand further with the Dolphin G, Shark and Ti 7 models, alongside Denza-branded vehicles. The milestone underscores how quickly BYD has scaled in a market where established brands historically took decades to reach similar registration numbers.
Tata.ev Launches Sierra.ev from INR1.88m in India
Tata.ev has launched the Sierra.ev electric SUV in India from INR1.88m (US$20,669), with five variants extending to INR2.48m (US$27,269) and first deliveries from 15 July. The model claims 510-530 km of real-world range, a 504 Nm dual-motor powertrain and a 0-100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds. Both 63 kWh rear-wheel drive and 75 kWh all-wheel drive configurations carry a lifetime high-voltage battery warranty. Express charging recovers approximately 263 km of range in 15 minutes, and Vehicle-to-Load capability allows the Sierra.ev to power external devices and other vehicles. Level 2+ ADAS with 22 features is standard, alongside DrivePay in-car unified payments and a triple-screen Theater Pro cabin setup. The Sierra.ev revives an iconic Indian nameplate and marks Tata’s most technology-rich EV to date.
Nissan Passes 1.25 Million Electrified Sales in Europe
Nissan has sold 1.25 million electrified vehicles in Europe since the launch of the Leaf in 2010, with close to 350,000 classified as full electric vehicles. The milestone was announced at a media event in Barcelona on 22 July, alongside an expanded line-up including the Micra EV, the third-generation Leaf, an updated Ariya, and a refreshed X-Trail with e-POWER. The Leaf’s range has grown from 175km in its first generation to 623km in the latest. An electric Juke arrives in early 2027 and an A-segment EV with Renault later in 2026. According to ACEA, electrified cars accounted for 61.3% of EU new car registrations in 2025, up from 51.7% in 2024.
Audi Q9 Arrives as Brand’s Biggest-Ever Production Car
The Audi Q9 is the largest vehicle the company has built, a full-size SUV developed specifically for customers in the United States and sitting above the Q7 at the top of the range. Order books open at the end of July 2026, with the entry-level 220kW TDI priced at €108,400 ($123,600) and deliveries from November. Germany gets a 220kW V6 diesel with a mild hybrid system, while the US receives a three-litre turbocharged petrol V6, with a 4.0-litre V8 in the SQ9 for selected markets. Production runs at the Volkswagen Group plant in Bratislava. The Q9 measures 5.31m long, seats seven as standard and offers hands-free driving at up to 130km/h on approved routes in the US, Canada and Germany.
Volkswagen Launches Golf and T-Roc Full Hybrid in Germany
Volkswagen has opened pre-sales in Germany for a new 125 kW full hybrid drive for the Golf and T-Roc, enabling electric driving without external charging infrastructure. The system pairs a 1.5 TSI evo2 petrol engine with two electric motors and a 1.6 kWh battery, producing 309 Nm and a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time. The battery charges entirely on board through recuperation and the petrol engine working with a generator. Pricing starts at €41,400 for the Golf Hybrid in R-Line specification, and €44,470 for the T-Roc Style. Against a comparable eTSI Golf with 110 kW, CO₂ emissions fall by 10-15% on the combined cycle, with urban efficiency gains of up to 35%. The full hybrid slots between VW’s eTSI mild hybrids and its plug-in hybrids.
BorgWarner Wins Transfer Case Deal with Chinese OEM
BorgWarner has won a contract to supply its Mlock torque-on-demand transfer case for a newly developed full-size SUV from an unnamed Chinese automaker. Production is set to start in the fourth quarter of 2026. The unit pairs torque-on-demand four-wheel drive with mechanical lock modes, so torque is split automatically rather than by the driver picking a mode. That matters in China’s full-size SUV segment, where off-road ability has become a marketing must for buyers who rarely leave tarmac. A transfer case also implies a combustion or hybrid driveline, and large body-on-frame SUVs in China are still built that way. The supplier has served this customer for 20 years and points to local engineering and manufacturing in China as part of its pitch.
Pirelli and Partners Launch European Tyre-to-Tyre Loop
Pirelli, Pyrum, Synthos and BASF have launched a tyre-to-tyre circular economy initiative in Europe to convert end-of-life and scrap tyres into certified secondary raw materials for new tyre production. Coordinated by Pirelli, the project draws tyres from German retail outlets, motorsport activities, and Pirelli’s Breuberg plant. Pyrum processes them through pyrolysis to produce recovered carbon black and tyre pyrolysis oil, which BASF converts into chemical products including butadiene and styrene. Synthos then uses these materials to manufacture synthetic rubber, which Pirelli reintroduces into tyre production. Certified under the ISCC Plus scheme, the model demonstrates how circular material chains depend on multi-company coordination rather than any single firm’s capability.
Stellantis Targets 35% Green Materials Using Vine Fibres
Stellantis has incorporated bio-sourced vine branch fibres from France’s Burgundy wine region into the Citroën C5 Aircross interior, with each component displaying unique variations produced during mechanical grinding. The project supports Stellantis’ target of 35% green materials in new vehicles by 2030, and involved collaboration between design, engineering, R&D teams, and an external vineyard fibre startup. Vine branches are mechanically ground into micronised fibres and integrated into a bio-sourced composite, with visible surface variations retained as a deliberate design feature. The project originated in 2017 when Citroën’s design team asked whether a more natural and sustainable material could be integrated into the automotive experience.
MENA (Regional Highlights)
WeRide Named in China’s Top AI List for UAE Robotaxi Work
WeRide has been named among China’s Top 10 AI case studies for its Robotaxi deployment in the United Arab Emirates, released by China’s National Development and Reform Commission at the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. WeRide is the only autonomous driving company on the list. It operates commercial Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, accessible via Uber, and holds the world’s first city-level Level 4 autonomous driving commercial permit issued outside the United States. WeRide’s Robotaxi network covers approximately 70% of Abu Dhabi’s core urban areas, with services spanning Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. The company operates a global Level 4 fleet of more than 3,000 vehicles across more than 40 cities in 12 countries.
JLR-Chery JV Freelander Sets UAE as First Global Market
Electric vehicle brand Freelander has confirmed the UAE as its first international market, with a formal brand launch scheduled for September in Abu Dhabi. The announcement was made at an industry event hosted by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office at Goodwood Festival of Speed on 14 July. The brand cited the UAE’s strategic location, innovation-friendly business environment, and commitment to new energy development. Freelander is a joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, with JLR leading design and brand identity and Chery contributing technology and supply chain capabilities. The brand employs more than 5,000 people across five strategic hubs. A Super Intelligent Valet Parking system is making its global debut this year, with the UAE’s high-temperature operating environment cited as a relevant test case. Freelander joins WeRide and CaoCao in choosing Abu Dhabi as an initial international foothold.
Stellantis MEA Accelerates FaSTLAne 2030 Regional Execution
Stellantis Middle East & Africa has detailed the regional execution of its FaSTLAne 2030 strategy, targeting a 40% revenue increase while maintaining a double-digit operating margin. The plan centres on a major shift in vehicle sourcing, with 90% of sales to come from 22 competitive carlines either localised in the region or imported from Asia. Stellantis currently ranks number two in the region, with more than 500,000 vehicles sold annually. In the Mediterranean, Stellantis will fully leverage its plants in Morocco and Turkey (combined 800,000-unit capacity) and expand localisation in Algeria. In the Middle East and South Africa, focus turns to improving performance through competitively sourced vehicles. The transformation is expected to reach around 75% execution by 2028, supported by roughly €300m in annual investment. The strategy reinforces MEA as one of the highest-growth regions in the Stellantis global portfolio.
Egypt’s Carmakers Gear Up for Export Expansion
Egypt is moving closer to establishing itself as a regional automotive export hub. Nissan Egypt, General Motors Egypt, and a third unnamed manufacturer have submitted applications to the Ministry of Industry to commence exports during the fourth quarter of 2026. Projected exports range between 10,000 and 30,000 vehicles during the first year, focused initially on Arab and African markets. Egypt’s automotive and component exports increased approximately 15% during 2025 to reach US$1.272 billion, with growth continuing at 13.1% year-on-year in the first four months of 2026. Nissan’s Sixth of October City facility has raised annual production to around 30,000 vehicles. Egypt’s National Industrial Strategy 2026–2030 targets US$100 billion in non-oil exports and identifies automotive as a priority sector. The country’s strategic geography and participation in AfCFTA, COMESA, GAFTA, and the Agadir Agreement provide preferential market access. The target is around 100,000 vehicle exports annually by 2030.
General Motors Egypt Welcomes Acceptance of US Auto Standards
General Motors Egypt has welcomed the Egyptian government’s announcement that the country will accept US Federal Motor Vehicle Standards (FMVSS). Egyptian officials confirmed the move during a visit to GM Egypt’s manufacturing plant at 6th of October City, hosted by incoming Chairman and Managing Director Rohan Fernandes alongside US Assistant Secretary of Commerce Steven Haines. The introduction of FMVSS paves the way to expand US vehicle and parts exports to Egypt and follows Cadillac’s return to the Egyptian market in May, with an electric-led luxury portfolio including the OPTIQ, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, ESCALADE IQ, ESCALADE IQL and ESCALADE. The move is expected to enhance market competitiveness and lower costs for Egyptian consumers.
CEER Celebrates WAA’ID Program Graduates for Saudi Automotive Talent
CEER, Saudi Arabia’s first automotive company and Saudi-born EV brand, has celebrated the graduation of its Saudi engineers from the WAA’ID Program under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, attended by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud and Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan. The ceremony celebrated all 69 graduates, with the majority (40) representing CEER. A cooperation agreement was signed between CEER and JVIS to strengthen efforts in attracting Saudi talent. The 40 graduates spent six months at Kettering University in Michigan and six months on-the-job with tier-one automotive suppliers. All graduates have now moved directly into full-time engineering and technical roles at CEER as part of building the Kingdom’s first homegrown EV brand.
Al-Futtaim Launches DENZA in Saudi Arabia with B5 and B8
Al-Futtaim has officially launched DENZA, the premium new energy vehicle brand under BYD, in Saudi Arabia, opening dedicated showrooms at I-Mall in Riyadh and Al Shati District in Jeddah. The DENZA B5 and B8 are now available in the Kingdom, with the DENZA Z and DENZA Z9GT expected to join the line-up later in 2026, and expansion into the Eastern Province planned. Both B5 and B8 are premium SUVs equipped with DENZA’s Super Hybrid Dual Mode Off-Road technology, combining performance and off-road capability with new energy vehicle efficiency. The launch supports Saudi Vision 2030’s transition toward smarter and more sustainable mobility and reinforces Al-Futtaim’s long-term commitment to introducing advanced automotive brands into the Kingdom.
Full-Size SUVs and Pickups Powered 44% of GM Middle East Sales
Full-size SUVs and pickups accounted for 44% of General Motors Middle East’s sales between 2000 and 2025, reflecting an enduring regional preference for capability, space, presence and safety, as GM marks 100 years in the region. Over the last 25 years, GM Middle East has sold approximately 1 million full-size SUVs and pickups alone, spanning the Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and Silverado, GMC Yukon and Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade. A 2024 GM Africa & Middle East YouGov survey across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt found safety features were the top vehicle purchase factor for 89% of respondents. OnStar connected services now count more than 42,000 members across the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
GWM Opens Largest Overseas Showroom in the Middle East
Great Wall Motor Middle East has opened a new flagship facility in the UAE, the largest GWM showroom outside China. The milestone comes amid strong regional momentum, with GWM recording 42% year-on-year growth across the Middle East driven by rising demand for its SUV, pickup and new-energy vehicle portfolio. Over recent years, GWM has scaled its GCC presence to 95 showrooms and 93 service workshops in partnership with regional distributors. The flagship houses the TANK SUV range, the HAVAL urban SUV lineup, and the POER pickup series under one roof, showcasing more than 10 models. Further GCC investments are planned.
Chery’s Jetour Launches G700 Top Fire in MENA, Q3 2026
Chery brand Jetour will introduce the G700 Top Fire, a factory-customised variant of the G700, to the Middle East in the third quarter of 2026. The model adds 33 new chassis components and K-MAN race-grade nitrogen shock absorbers with eight levels of adjustable damping. The G700 Top Fire features a 35° approach angle, 29° departure angle, 24° breakover angle, and a maximum fording depth of 950mm. A ventilated front hood is designed to manage heat buildup during intensive off-road use in the region’s extreme summer temperatures. Custom Atlas Paraller A/T tyres and aerospace-grade forged rims are specified for sand traction and heat tolerance. A roof rack rated to 300kg static load supports modular equipment installation. Jetour positions the model as a compliance-ready alternative to third-party customisation.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Arrives at MYNM Showrooms in Saudi Arabia
Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the official Ford distributor for the Western and Southern regions of Saudi Arabia, has announced the arrival of the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E at its showrooms across the Kingdom. The launch marks a significant milestone in Ford’s electrification strategy for the region. Designed as a five-passenger SUV, the Mustang Mach-E carries the distinctive design language of the Mustang lineage. The GT variant delivers 480hp and 950Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-100km/h in 3.3 seconds, with a driving range of up to 419km on a single charge. The interior is centred around a 15.5-inch touchscreen display integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, complemented by a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies.
Al Rostamani Launches Suzuki Across SUV in UAE Market
Al Rostamani Trading Company (ARTC), the exclusive Suzuki distributor in the UAE, has introduced the new Suzuki Across compact SUV to the local market. The model is positioned as a hybrid-powered compact crossover for both city and long-distance driving. The Across has achieved 5-star ratings in both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP crash assessments. It features Suzuki Safety Support with Level 2 ADAS including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor and traffic jam assist. The cabin includes a large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, HD 360-degree camera and an Infinity sound system. The hybrid system delivers around 28 km per litre. The launch strengthens Suzuki’s presence in the UAE’s fuel-efficient SUV segment, where hybrid options remain limited. It also underscores Suzuki’s global collaboration with Toyota, from which the Across draws technical foundations.
Abu Dhabi Motors Showcases the Future of BMW Through Neue Klasse Experience
Abu Dhabi Motors, the official importer for BMW in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, welcomed media representatives, content creators and invited guests to an exclusive brunch and immersive Neue Klasse experience at its reimagined BMW Group Umm Al Nar facility, ahead of the grand opening later this year. The event offered attendees an opportunity to experience the all-new BMW iX3 through exclusive on-road test drives. The iX3 represents the beginning of BMW’s Neue Klasse and a significant milestone for the brand, combining a new design language with next-generation technology and electric mobility. Abu Dhabi Motors is the exclusive importer of BMW, MINI, BMW ALPINA, BMW Motorrad and the sole dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and is now celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Al Masaood Automobiles Achieves Highest-Ever Nissan Dealership Assessment Score
Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised distributor for Nissan in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Al Dhafra Region, has achieved its highest-ever result in Nissan’s Fiscal Year 2025 Dealership Standards & Processes assessment, recording an overall score of 96.8% across its Sales and Service network. The score is up from 89.8% in the 2023 assessment, and every assessed showroom and service centre achieved recognition. The Khalidiya Showroom and Al Ain Service Centre both earned Diamond Certification with perfect scores of 100%. The result reflects continued investment in facility upgrades, including transforming the Nissan Service Centre in Abu Dhabi into the largest Nissan service centre in the world, and the launch earlier this year of a next-generation Parts Distribution Centre in KEZAD.
Chery UAE Expands with New Showroom in Ras Al Khaimah
Chery UAE, part of AWR Automotive, has opened a new showroom in Ras Al Khaimah, marking a significant step in its expansion across the UAE. Located on Al Bahar Street in Dahan, the facility complements Chery’s existing presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The showroom will host the unveiling of HIMAVA, Chery’s first pick-up model, with prices starting from AED 59,900 (4WD, exclusive of VAT). A further branch is expected in Fujairah soon. Chery also plans to introduce its Super Intelligent Parking technology to the UAE, offering autonomous parking, intelligent parking-space searches and one-touch vehicle summoning. The expansion reflects Chery’s rapid rise across the GCC as one of the fastest-growing Chinese brands. It also positions the brand to capture rising demand in secondary emirates as UAE population growth spreads beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Hyundai Naghi Opens New Showroom in Obhur, Jeddah
Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Motors – Hyundai has opened its new showroom in North Obhur, Jeddah, marking a further step in its strategic expansion across Saudi Arabia. The showroom is built to Hyundai’s latest global identity and design standards, GDSI 2.0, which represent the next generation of Hyundai showroom design and customer experience worldwide. The facility aims to offer customers in Jeddah and the Western Region a fully integrated experience within a modern environment, with more interactive spaces and a streamlined sales layout. The showroom features the latest lineup of Hyundai sedans and SUVs. The opening reinforces Hyundai’s competitive position in one of the Middle East’s largest automotive markets. It also aligns with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 push to elevate consumer retail standards across the country.
Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles Reinforces Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Programme
Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, continues to offer customers access to Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned cars, providing manufacturer-backed quality and a premium ownership experience. Every certified vehicle undergoes a comprehensive multi-point inspection carried out by factory-trained Mercedes-Benz technicians using genuine parts and specialised diagnostic equipment. Buyers can also benefit from an optional package that includes an extended warranty, a minimum one-year complimentary service package, 24/7 roadside assistance and access to the professional aftersales expertise of Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles. The programme covers a curated selection of Mercedes-Benz models, from luxury saloons and SUVs to high-performance Mercedes-AMG vehicles. Customers can visit the Certified Pre-Owned showroom at the NBK ONE building in Msheireb.
Service My Car Targets Female UAE Drivers with Digital Servicing
Service My Car, the UAE’s leading digital automotive service platform, is streamlining vehicle maintenance for female drivers through a digital-first approach. The platform offers online booking, complimentary pickup and delivery, transparent pricing and real-time service updates. To further support female customers, Service My Car gives priority to bookings made by female drivers, ensuring faster appointment availability. Powered by Bahwan International Group, the platform is positioned around the shift in UAE consumer expectations toward faster, more transparent and hassle-free automotive services. The initiative reflects the rising share of female drivers in the UAE and the wider Gulf region. It also underscores growing demand for aftersales models that eliminate traditional friction points around workshop visits.
AutoTrader Drives Digital Innovation in South Africa
AutoTrader has strengthened its position as South Africa’s leading automotive marketplace, following OLX Group’s strong FY2026 results. Now three times larger than its nearest competitor, AutoTrader has invested in product innovation, data-led tools and customer-focused digital experiences. Recent launches include AutoTrader Intelligence, unveiled at Dealer Connect 2025, which introduced AI-powered tools including the Vehicle Highlights Recommendation Engine, Comments Generator, Image Management and Dealer Insights. AutoTrader has also become the first automotive marketplace in South Africa to integrate its vehicle listings with ChatGPT, letting consumers search for vehicles using natural conversational language. Consumer tools include Vehicle Evaluation for free real-time car valuations and Sell My Car for end-to-end selling. The AI-forward strategy positions AutoTrader as an early mover in generative-AI-driven automotive retail. It also creates new monetisation pathways as dealers seek more sophisticated tools for stock management and pricing.
Saudi Automotive Sector Award Extends 14th Edition Nominations
The Organising Committee for the Saudi Automotive Sector Award has extended the nomination period for its 14th edition (2026), with support from the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation and under the strategic sponsorship of GP Finance. The extension aims to give dealers a wider opportunity to enter, particularly following recent launches of new models in the Saudi market. The 14th edition features 8 categories, including conventional vehicles, EVs and motorsport achievements, totalling 24 awards. The full shortlist will be announced in mid-July on the official website, when public voting opens. Winners will be revealed at a closing ceremony in mid-November. The award has grown into one of the Kingdom’s most recognised automotive industry recognitions. It also reflects the accelerating pace of new-model activity as Saudi Arabia continues to attract fresh entrants across ICE, EV and premium segments.
Icons of Porsche in Dubai Returns on 21-22 November 2026
The Icons of Porsche festival in Dubai has confirmed its 2026 dates: the sixth edition of the region’s largest automotive festival will be held on 21-22 November 2026. Ticket sales will commence later this year, when more event information will also be announced. Dr. Manfred Bräunl, CEO of Porsche Middle East and Africa, described the event as a celebration of cars and community and said the final quarter of 2026 is shaping up to be a vibrant and exciting time in Dubai and the wider region. Registration to receive ticket updates is open via IconsOfPorsche.com.
Dubai Holding and PlusX Electric Expand Flexible EV Charging
Dubai Holding Community Management has entered a strategic partnership with PlusX Electric to enhance electric vehicle charging accessibility across its managed residential communities. Under the agreement, PlusX Electric has deployed its portable EV charging pods within the communities, enabling residents to access charging services directly at their locations when needed. The self-contained pods operate without permanent electrical infrastructure or civil works, allowing flexible deployment with minimal disruption. Dubai Holding CEO Francis Giani said the partnership responds to residents’ evolving mobility needs while advancing Dubai’s broader sustainability ambitions.
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