August 2026 was a month where the automotive world moved on every front at once. Waymo revealed its first custom-built robotaxi chip, Koenigsegg unlocked 1,600 horsepower on biofuel, and Lamborghini, Audi and McLaren rolled out some of the year’s most anticipated hypercars. At the same time, Qatar broke ground on its first EV plant, Dubai welcomed fully driverless Apollo Go taxis on Uber, and Chinese brands like Chery and BYD kept rewriting the rules of global expansion.

This month’s roundup captures the biggest global and regional automotive stories shaping mobility today — from AI-powered chips and electric hypercars to Middle East manufacturing milestones and dealership network growth across the GCC.

Rolls-Royce Extension Project Reaches £300m Milestone

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has opened The Link, an internal road at its Goodwood site. It marks a milestone in the £300 million ($399 million) extension project. The road will halve heavy goods vehicle movements through the ancient hamlet of Maudlin and Westhampnett village. It was formally opened by Jess Brown-Fuller, MP for Chichester. The extension began in 2024. It is the largest single investment at the Goodwood site since it opened in 2003. It is designed to create additional capacity for Bespoke and Coachbuild projects. The new building is scheduled to be fully operational by 2029. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars contributes over £500 million to the UK economy annually.

Lamborghini Revuelto SV to Make UK Debut at Salon Privé

Salon Privé 2026 will open at Blenheim Palace with the highest number of super and hypercar unveils in its 21-year history, including UK debuts from Lamborghini, Brabus and Giamaro Automobili. Lamborghini will show the Revuelto SV, limited to 1,963 units (a nod to the marque’s founding year), producing 1,065 CV from its V12 hybrid powertrain, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 2.4 seconds and topping 345 km/h. Brabus debuts the Bodo, a coachbuilt V12 supercar limited to 77 units and capable of 223 mph, alongside the Brabus 800 Cabrio, an AMG G 63-based conversion limited to 50 units. Giamaro Automobili will debut its Krafla hypercar. The Automotive Gallery features 12 coachbuilders, restorers and manufacturers in total.

Waymo Reveals Custom Chip Powering Its Robotaxi Fleet

Waymo has built its own custom computer chip for its robotaxis for the first time. The application-specific integrated chip uses TSMC’s 5nm process technology. It delivers more than 1,000 TOPS. It processes raw sensor data at the front end of the system. The chip is already in Waymo’s sixth-generation robotaxi, Ojai. The system processes high-fidelity data from 13 high-resolution cameras simultaneously. Waymo runs more than 500,000 paid rides a week across 4,000 vehicles in a dozen US cities. Ojai launched to all riders this week in Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego are next in 2026. Outside estimates put sixth-generation hardware at US$20,000–25,000 per vehicle.

Cinemo In-Car Gaming Uses Dolby Atmos and Haptic Feedback

Cinemo, Dolby Laboratories and SmashLabs have partnered to bring music-led gaming into the vehicle cabin. The experience combines SmashLabs’ games with Cinemo’s In-Car Game APIs and Dolby Atmos spatial audio. In-game events are synchronised with vehicle sound, lighting, haptics and climate control in real time. Dolby Atmos moves sound around the cabin in three dimensions. The system supports on-the-move, parked and charging scenarios. The experience is now ready for OEM evaluation. It will be demonstrated live at Gamescom 2026 in Cologne.

Solera Adds ADAS Calibration Estimating to Qapter Platform

Solera has launched a new ADAS calibration estimating capability within its Qapter collision repair platform. It was developed in partnership with Azimuth Claims Solutions. The tool, ADAS Operations, gives insurers, independent appraisers and multi-shop operators a dedicated breakdown of calibration procedures and labour times. It creates a separate line item decoupling ADAS calibration from vehicle diagnostics. Azimuth’s calibration identification engine and labour time database are integrated directly into Qapter. ADAS sensors, cameras and software modules require precise calibration after collision repairs. The industry has lacked a consistent method for determining what is required. Qapter is used by insurers, appraisers and collision repairers globally.

Bentley Debuts Sensory Curation Engine on New Torcal

Bentley has introduced the Curation Engine on its new Torcal model, a system that adjusts lighting, sound, climate, air quality and digital information to create four cabin environments based on occupants’ moods. The system draws on sensory neuroscience to calibrate the atmosphere of the entire cabin rather than individual features. Four Experience Modes are offered: Bentley Mode blends comfort and driver focus, Comfort Mode softens lighting with an optional digital detox, Sport Mode sharpens sound and visual cues, and Refresh Mode, exclusive to the Torcal, boosts fresh-air circulation and brightens lighting to combat fatigue on longer journeys.

Chery to Open UK Research Centre as Its Sales Surge

Chery will open a dedicated R&D centre in the UK later in 2026. It will establish a Centre of Excellence at the UTAC Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire. Initial work will focus on tuning chassis dynamics, steering feel and driver-assistance systems for UK conditions. It will later expand into autonomous driving and advanced research. Chinese brands accounted for roughly 15% of new UK car registrations during H1 2026. Chery’s Omoda, Jaecoo and core Chery brands commanded around 7–8% of the UK market by July. The Jaecoo 7 SUV is the country’s best-selling car outright. Chery has surpassed 100,000 cumulative UK sales since its August 2024 launch. It is exploring UK manufacturing at Nissan’s Sunderland plant. A non-binding MoU was signed in June to examine contract assembly.

Pirelli Develops Six Tailored Tyres for Porsche Cayenne Electric

Pirelli has developed six tailor-made tyre fitments for the first all-electric Porsche Cayenne, engineered through a fully virtual design process. The range includes the fifth generation P Zero, a dedicated P Zero R for the Cayenne Electric Turbo, two winter options and one All Season tyre. Elect technology combines low rolling resistance with dedicated compounds for grip under instant torque and greater vehicle weight, plus improved wear resistance and lower noise. The Cayenne Electric Turbo, which accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 2.5 seconds, required specific compounds to translate motor torque into traction without compromising stability.

Xpeng Robotics Valued at US$6.3bn After Record US$900m Raise

Xpeng’s robotics business has raised over US$900m at a post-money valuation of more than US$6.3bn, the largest single-round private capital raise in China’s embodied AI industry to date. The round was led by IDG Capital with participation from Gaorong Ventures, Tencent and Alibaba, with Xpeng retaining controlling ownership and continuing to consolidate the unit into group financials. Funding will support software and hardware R&D, physical AI model training and mass production facility development. The Iron humanoid robot is targeted for mass production by end-2026, with initial deployment at Xpeng’s stores and campuses ahead of a full commercial launch to external customers in 2027. Iron features 76 degrees of freedom across the body and 21 in each hand, powered by three Turing AI chips delivering up to 2,250 TOPS.

Audi Reveals Nuvolari Supercar Developed in Just 405 Days

Audi has revealed the Nuvolari, a supercar developed in 405 days from first sketch to drivable prototype. An autonomous project team spanning design, aerodynamics and powertrains worked across multiple European sites, including cold-weather testing in Lapland and high-speed testing at Nardò. F1 drivers Gabriel Bortoleto and Nico Hülkenberg tested the car during development, with Hülkenberg citing a full system output above 1,000PS. The Nuvolari made its world premiere in Antibes before its road debut at the Monaco Grand Prix on 4 June 2026. It is the first series-production vehicle to embody Audi’s new design language.

Qorix Joins NASSCOM to Deepen India SDV Footprint

Qorix, a provider of automotive middleware for software-defined vehicles, has joined NASSCOM, India’s technology industry association. The move connects the company with more than 3,500 member firms including OEMs, Global Capability Centres and technology leaders working on India’s software-defined vehicle ecosystem. NASSCOM organises its work around market access, innovation, talent development and policy advocacy. The membership reinforces India’s growing role as an automotive software hub as global OEMs and suppliers expand engineering teams and Global Capability Centres in the country.

McLaren 6GT Previews New Exclusive Supercar Line

McLaren Automotive revealed the McL 6GT concept at the 2026 Monterey Car Week, previewing a new, more exclusive supercar line that sits above its core portfolio. The concept is inspired by the M6GT, Bruce McLaren’s original, unfulfilled supercar project from the 1960s, and features McLaren’s first manual transmission since the McLaren F1 in 1992. The car is built around a full carbon-fibre monocoque and bodywork, paired with a V8 engine driving the rear wheels through a manual gearbox. Design cues include a low, wide stance, a Kammback tail and a ‘Racing Loop’ taillight motif drawn from the original M6GT. McLaren has confirmed that a production McL 6GT will follow in 2028.

Acura NEXERA Vision Debuts New Design Direction at Monterey Car Week

Acura unveiled the NEXERA Vision, a concept coupe introducing a new design language the brand says will influence future production models, beginning with the fourth-generation RDX Hybrid. The concept made its global debut on 14 August at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, marking 40 years since Acura’s founding. Designed at Acura’s California studio, the coupe features dual-hinge butterfly doors, active aerodynamics and a new lighting signature built into ultra-thin headlights and taillights inspired by the Acura ‘A’ mark. Carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes sit behind 22-inch centrelock wheels, a first for Acura, whilst forged carbon appears across the fascia, diffuser and rocker panels. Debuting a concept rather than a fixed model shows Acura testing the design language before committing to production.

Mercedes-Benz UK Names Pod Sole Home EV Charging Partner

Mercedes-Benz UK has appointed Pod as its exclusive home EV charging partner, offering customers the Pod Point Solo 3S at £749 including standard installation — a £250 saving on the standard rate. Instalment terms are set at £27 per month with no upfront fee, saving over £300 across a three-year term, and installations carry a five-year warranty. The arrangement extends an existing collaboration to a sole-supplier model covering consultation, payment, installation and ongoing support. Customers can also access reduced overnight rates through the Pod Power by EDF tariff. The move coincides with the biggest product launch programme in Mercedes-Benz’s 140-year history, covering the new CLA, GLA, GLB, GLC, C-Class and AMG GT 4-Door Coupé.

Koenigsegg CCGT1 Debuts as Limited 70-Unit Megacar

Koenigsegg unveiled the CCGT1, a modern tribute to its CCGT GT1 endurance racer whose competitive debut was cancelled after the FIA rewrote GT1 regulations in the 2000s. Built on the CC850 platform, the CCGT1 is a fully road-legal, homologated Megacar limited to 70 examples, all allocated before the public debut. The twin-turbo V8 produces 1,280hp on standard pump fuel and 1,600hp on E85 biofuel, paired with a new nine-speed Light Speed Transmission controlled through Koenigsegg’s Sequential Shift interface. Redesigned aerodynamics generate up to 800kg of downforce at 250km/h, and Koenigsegg’s first factory-designed track package adds a carbon roll cage, racing seats, air jacks and track-tuned suspension. The car also introduces Ghost Fibre, a white carbon-fibre finish succeeding the Trevita project.

MINI Launches Fully Electric Range in Pakistan and Returns to Jordan

MINI has entered the Pakistani market for the first time with a fully electric range in partnership with Dewan Motors, and is relaunching in Jordan alongside long-standing BMW Group importer Abu Khader Automotive. The Pakistan line-up includes the MINI Cooper, MINI Aceman and MINI Countryman Electric, with the launch accompanied by a new BMW and MINI showroom in Karachi built to the BMW Group’s Retail.Next concept. In Jordan, MINI returns through Abu Khader Automotive more than a decade after opening its first Amman showroom in 2012, with the relaunch effective from 12 August 2026. Both moves bring MINI’s latest generation of fully electric models to new and returning customers. The launches signal that MINI now sees a fully electric line-up as capable of leading brand expansion into new markets rather than following it.

REGIONAL: MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

Dubizzle Cars and Al-Futtaim Auto Centers Partner to Enhance Used-Car Ownership Across the UAE

Dubizzle Cars, the UAE’s largest automotive marketplace, and Al-Futtaim Auto Centers, one of the country’s largest aftersales networks, have announced a strategic partnership to introduce scheduled maintenance packages for eligible vehicles purchased through Dubizzle Cars. The Service Contract, unveiled at a signing ceremony at Dubizzle Group’s Dubai CommerCity headquarters, allows customers to add a pre-paid maintenance package at the time of purchase. Buyers gain access to certified technicians, quality parts, mobile servicing, and pick-up and delivery solutions through Al-Futtaim Auto Centers’ nationwide network operating seven days a week. The partnership reflects growing consumer expectations that used-car purchases now come bundled with trusted aftersales support, transparency and convenience. It also extends Dubizzle Group’s broader push to build an end-to-end automotive ecosystem covering discovery, valuation, inspections, financing, insurance and scheduled maintenance.

Alex Renner Motors (ARMOTORS) Launches Luxury Car Storage Service in Dubai

Alex Renner Motors has launched a new Luxury Car Storage Service in Dubai, providing secure, climate-controlled indoor storage for luxury, supercar, hypercar, classic and collector vehicles. The service addresses the specific challenges faced by owners in the UAE, where extreme temperatures, humidity, dust and extended periods of vehicle inactivity can affect both appearance and mechanical condition. Customers can choose flexible storage periods, including monthly and longer-term arrangements, making the offering suitable for owners travelling overseas, seasonal residents, collectors and those temporarily relocating. The facility incorporates 24/7 CCTV monitoring, controlled access, alarm systems and fire detection and suppression measures, with detailed check-in and check-out inspections documenting condition and mileage throughout the storage period. Flat-bed pick-up and drop-off can also be arranged, with all relevant checks completed to safely prepare each vehicle for return to the road.

Tarek Mosaad Elected President of the African Association of Automotive Manufacturers

The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) elected Tarek Mosaad, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Middle East and Africa, as its new President. An Egyptian national, Mosaad became the first Arab executive to lead Hyundai’s Middle East and Africa Regional Headquarters in January 2026. He takes the AAAM role at a moment when the African Continental Free Trade Area, alongside national automotive policies across key markets, is beginning to link individual assembly hubs into a single continental market. Mosaad set out three priorities for his presidency: long-term, predictable automotive policy frameworks; development of the African supplier base to retain more value on the continent; and regional integration to remove barriers to the movement of vehicles, parts, skills and investment. He builds on momentum in Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and South Africa.

Qatar’s First Electric Car Plant Eyes 2028 Production

Qatar is set for its first electric vehicle manufacturing plant under a long-term partnership between Doha-based JTA International Investment Holding and Britain’s Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC), with production expected to begin in early 2028. The factory will initially build a passenger car and a medium-sized delivery van, running at about 5,000 units a year before expanding, with output serving the domestic market first and then exports across the GCC and selected international markets. The vehicles will be designed and engineered in the UK but manufactured entirely in Qatar under a ‘Made in Qatar’ banner, with both initial models built on WEVC’s PACES aluminium skateboard chassis. The venture aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, the country’s blueprint for reducing dependence on hydrocarbons, with JTA stressing technology transfer, skilled employment and stronger local supply chains as core objectives. The wider GCC electric car market is valued by Mordor Intelligence at US$11.64bn and projected to reach US$31.66bn by 2031, driven largely by Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Net Zero 2050.

Wallan Trading Launches New Hyundai Venue in Saudi Arabia

Wallan Trading Company, official Hyundai distributor for Saudi Arabia’s Central and Northern regions, launched the all-new Hyundai Venue in the Kingdom at an event at the InterContinental Durrat Al Riyadh Resort. The compact crossover is powered by a 1.0-litre T-GDI engine producing 120 horsepower, and comes in multiple trims and configurations combining distinctive design with a range of comfort, connectivity and convenience features. Chairman Fahad Al Wallan described the launch as an important milestone in the Hyundai partnership, reflecting an ongoing commitment to introducing models that keep pace with rapid developments in the Kingdom’s automotive sector. The Venue expands Hyundai’s Saudi lineup and targets buyers seeking a versatile compact crossover suited to varied lifestyles and driving needs.

TGS, RACJ and Markazia Toyota Partner on Jordan Road Safety and Fleet Training

Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS), the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan (RACJ) and Markazia Toyota signed a partnership on 23 August in Amman to advance road safety, driver and specialist personnel skills, and local training and fleet management capacity in Jordan. Under a train-the-trainer approach, the TGS Fleet Services team will support RACJ instructors, transferring expertise so local professionals can conduct training programmes independently. RACJ will apply the skills through its own training programmes, drawing on its specialised facilities, while Markazia Toyota supports local implementation. Programmes cover drivers, trainers, supervisors, technicians and fleet managers, focused on road safety, vehicle care and fleet operations. TGS Road Safety Program Manager Daniel Hardy, RACJ President Walid Saleh Zaki and Markazia Group CEO Nadim Haddad all framed the deal as a model of international-local expertise convergence.

Parkin Partners with Amakin to Explore Bahrain Smart Parking

Dubai-based Parkin Company signed an MoU with Bahrain Car Parks Company (Amakin) to establish a framework for collaboration across parking technologies, digital mobility services and regional business development. The two companies will evaluate platform integration to streamline operations, digital payments enabling customers to access and pay for parking across both networks through their respective mobile apps, and joint mobility data analysis. Parkin CEO Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali said the deal was a significant milestone in expanding smart parking capabilities beyond Dubai. Amakin CEO Tariq Ali Aljowder said working with Parkin allows exploration of practical solutions combining digital innovation with local market knowledge. The MoU also provides a framework for joint business opportunities across the GCC and selected international markets.

Budget Saudi Launches Auto World as Third Short-Term Rental Brand

Auto World, part of United International Transportation Company (Budget Saudi), announced the launch of a new business line offering short-term rental services for individuals in Saudi Arabia. The expansion follows Budget Saudi’s 2024 acquisition of Auto World and reflects its strategy to direct investment toward sectors aligned with Vision 2030’s mobility and tourism agenda. The move is grounded in expected demand growth around major global events including the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Expo 2030 Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup 2034, alongside the Kingdom’s broader tourism push and expanded tourist visa issuance. Group CEO Fawaz Abdullah Danish said Auto World would be an integral part of the mobility ecosystem keeping pace with this momentum. Budget Saudi brings together Budget Saudi, Payless Saudi and Auto World under one umbrella in the short-term rental sector, plus GES in logistics.

Baidu Apollo Go RT6 Goes Fully Driverless on Uber in Dubai

Baidu’s fully driverless Apollo Go robotaxi service is now available to Uber riders in Dubai. New Horizon Luxury Transport is acting as fleet operator. It is the first active deployment of Uber’s multi-partner autonomous vehicle network on public roads. Riders requesting UberX or Uber Comfort may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle. They can also select the Autonomous option in the app. The service covers Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. It uses Apollo Go’s sixth-generation RT6, a purpose-built electric robotaxi carrying up to three passengers. Apollo Go has deployed in 28 cities globally. It has accumulated more than 350 million autonomous kilometres, including 240 million fully driverless kilometres. Uber operates more than 30 autonomous vehicle partners. The Dubai launch is the first step in scaling thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network.

Car City Project in Salalah Targets May 2027 Completion

An automotive hub is taking shape in Salalah, Oman. The first phase of the RO6 million Car City project is now 45% complete. The development spreads across 53,000 square metres. It brings car showrooms, workshops, spare parts, insurance and financing under one roof. It is being developed by Al Amal Al Daem International Company in partnership with Dhofar Municipality. The first phase is expected to be completed in May 2027. Car City will accommodate maintenance centres, tyre and battery outlets and spare parts businesses. Banks, finance and insurance companies will also form part of the mix. The project uses a long-term leasing model. Initial bookings have opened to local and international companies.

Saudi Electronic Car Rental Contracts Jump 4% in Q2 2026

More than 1.6 million unified electronic car rental contracts were issued to individuals across Saudi Arabia during Q2 2026. Data comes from the Transport General Authority. The figure represents a 4% increase compared to Q2 2025. It reflects continued demand for car rental services and the expanding use of digital solutions. The unified electronic contract protects the rights of both lessors and lessees. It increases the reliability of transactions and improves service quality. Riyadh region accounted for 33% of electronic contracts, followed by Makkah at 23%. The Eastern Province reached 14%, Asir 7%, Madinah 6% and Qassim 5%. Jazan reached 4% and Tabuk 3%. The remaining 5% was distributed among other regions of the Kingdom.

Chery UAE Launches 360° Virtual Showroom Experience

Chery UAE, part of AWR Automotive, has unveiled its new 360° Virtual Showroom. It offers customers a comprehensive digital experience to explore the brand’s latest vehicle lineup from anywhere. Users can access high-definition 360° views from mobile, laptop or tablet. Customers can review key features and specifications and compare exterior colour options. The platform currently features the TIGGO 9 CSH, TIGGO 9, TIGGO 8, TIGGO 7 CSH, TIGGO 7 Champion, TIGGO 7, TIGGO 4 and Arrizo 5. Additional models will be introduced in the coming months. The launch reflects Chery UAE’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the customer experience through digital innovation. It creates a seamless transition between online research and in-person vehicle discovery.

Al-Futtaim Opens New BYD Showrooms in Riyadh and Al-Qassim

Al-Futtaim has opened two new BYD KSA showrooms in Riyadh and Al-Qassim. It marks another milestone in its expansion across Saudi Arabia. The additions bring the BYD KSA retail network to 10 active showrooms across the Kingdom. The Al-Qassim opening marks BYD KSA’s first showroom in the region. Both locations feature integrated 3S facilities. Sales, service and spare parts are combined under one roof. The expansion strengthens access to BYD KSA’s portfolio of Full Electric and Super Hybrid vehicles. It extends Al-Futtaim’s integrated sales and aftersales capabilities to more customers. The openings form part of Al-Futtaim’s continued investment in Saudi Arabia. It is building a comprehensive retail and customer support network across key cities and regions.

Chery Brings 23 Chinese Suppliers to South Africa’s Rosslyn

Chery Group and Wuhu Chery Technology held a Supplier Investment Conference at the Automotive Industry Development Centre in Rosslyn, South Africa, connecting 23 Chinese component suppliers with local industry partners. The event explored supply chain localisation and future investment opportunities under Phase 1 of Chery’s global “3+1” market expansion strategy in South Africa, covering intelligent electronics, body and chassis systems, interior and exterior trim, and integration modules. Discussions focused on increasing local production of NEV components to reduce import dependence, and on the development of a local battery value chain leveraging South Africa’s mineral wealth. Representatives from the AIDC, Tshwane Automotive SEZ, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Industrial Development Corporation presented investment incentives. Chery South Africa CEO Tony Liu said the goal was to build an integrated supply chain ecosystem supporting sustainable localisation.

Egypt Targets Full Local Manufacturing of Vehicle Bodies

Egypt’s Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem has outlined executive steps to increase local content in the automotive sector and manufacture vehicle bodies entirely within the country. The plan follows a Presidential Advisory Council study aimed at doubling vehicle production over the next five years while deepening the localisation of components, particularly metal parts and bodies. A joint committee has been formed with the ministry, the advisory council and manufacturers to develop the executive framework. Alongside this, Egypt is coordinating with the Finance Ministry to launch a national vehicle scrappage and replacement programme to boost demand for locally built vehicles.

Saudi Local Content Authority Signs Two Agreements With CEER

Saudi Arabia’s Local Content and Government Procurement Authority has signed two agreements with CEER to localise electric vehicle manufacturing and transfer knowledge, in exchange for inclusion on the mandatory list of national products. The two agreements cover sedan and SUV electric vehicles under CEER’s plan to produce the first Saudi EV designed, engineered and manufactured entirely within the Kingdom. LCGPA said the agreements are expected to generate approximately SAR 9.213 billion of GDP impact over ten years and create more than 2,600 jobs. CEER is a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund and Foxconn, in partnership with BMW.

Qatar Advances Driverless Robotaxi Trials After 94% Success Rate

Qatar has advanced its autonomous mobility programme to a fully driverless phase after completing 2,500 supervised trial trips at a 94% success rate. Mohammed Jassim Al Shaibani, Head of Traffic Engineering and Road Safety at the Ministry of Transport, said the electric robotaxis now operate on pre-approved routes without a safety driver on board and are monitored remotely. Each vehicle is fitted with six cameras, four radars and four LiDAR sensors. The Ministry of Transport and Mowasalat (Karwa) launched phased Level 4 autonomous taxi trials in June 2025 as part of Qatar’s smart mobility strategy.

Khorfakkan Port Receives Record BYD Shipment of 6,068 Vehicles from China

Khorfakkan Port is set to receive a record-breaking shipment of 6,068 BYD vehicles from China, marking one of the largest single consignments of Chinese electric and hybrid cars ever handled at the terminal. The delivery underscores the port’s growing role as a key regional hub for automotive logistics in the Middle East. It also reflects BYD’s rapid expansion across the GCC, as demand for new-energy vehicles continues to accelerate. Khorfakkan’s deep-water capacity and strategic location on the UAE’s east coast make it particularly well suited to handling large-scale roll-on/roll-off shipments. The arrival is expected to strengthen supply to dealerships across the UAE and neighbouring markets. Overall, the shipment signals a significant milestone for both the port and the region’s shift towards electric mobility.

Conclusion

If August 2026 proved anything, it’s that the lines between car maker, tech company and mobility provider are disappearing fast. Custom silicon, humanoid robotics, sensory cabins and driverless fleets are no longer future concepts — they’re rolling out on public roads and production lines right now.

For the Middle East and Africa, the momentum is arguably even more significant. National visions, local manufacturing agreements and cross-border partnerships are quickly turning the region from an import market into a serious production and mobility hub. As Q4 2026 approaches, expect more debuts, more deals and more disruption. Stay with AmenaAuto for the automotive stories that matter — globally and regionally.