April 2026 belongs to Beijing. Auto China 2026 sets the tone for a global industry in the midst of deep transformation, with artificial intelligence emerging as the defining battleground – not just inside vehicles, but across the entire business of making and selling them. Xpeng arrives rebranded as a Physical AI company, Mercedes-Benz embeds on-device intelligence into its cabins, and Stellantis signs a five-year AI deal with Microsoft, while record-range EVs, bidirectional charging and 800V platforms shift rapidly from innovation to expectation.
Beyond Beijing, the race for global reach intensifies. Chinese brands push further into Europe, Africa and the Gulf, legacy OEMs deepen their China commitments, and the MENA region accelerates – with Saudi Arabia advancing domestic EV manufacturing, the UAE expanding its charging network emirate by emirate, and new brand entries signalling that the Gulf is now a strategic priority, not an afterthought.
Xpeng Pushes Physical AI Pitch at Beijing Auto Show
Xpeng will use the Beijing Auto Show, opening 24 April 2026, to reposition itself from a smart EV manufacturer to a “Physical AI” company, bringing intelligent driving, humanoid robotics and aerial mobility under a shared AI technology stack. The framing positions Xpeng alongside Chinese competitors increasingly pitching themselves as AI companies rather than pure automakers, reflecting the growing convergence of vehicle intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems in China’s technology sector. At the show, Xpeng will showcase its VLA 2.0 intelligent driving system alongside its IRON humanoid robot and flying car programme. The company now operates in more than 60 countries and delivered 45,000 vehicles outside China in 2025, up 95.6% year-on-year, with the Beijing event also serving as a milestone in its international expansion narrative.
Jaguar TCS Racing Reveals Jaguar Gen4 Prototype in Unique Livery
Jaguar TCS Racing has unveiled its Gen4 Formula E prototype in a distinctive new livery ahead of its first public dynamic test debut, marking a significant visual and technical step forward as the team prepares to compete under the championship’s next regulatory cycle. The Gen4 car features substantially increased performance compared to the outgoing Gen3 specification, with higher power output and revised aerodynamic regulations intended to elevate on-track spectacle. The livery reveal forms part of Jaguar’s broader effort to position Formula E as a central pillar of its motorsport and brand identity strategy, reinforcing the marque’s all-electric performance credentials as it continues its transformation into a pure electric luxury brand.
Hyundai Mobis Cuts SDV Testing Time with Simulators
Hyundai Mobis has developed a data-driven validation system that links real-world road data with parallel simulator environments connected directly to electronic control units, compressing thousands of hours of ADAS and autonomous driving testing into far shorter cycles. The platform is planned to scale to 60 connected simulators, enabling 10,000 hours of evaluation work to be completed in a single week. Ko Bongchul, Chief of Automotive Electronics R&D, said the system would simultaneously expand the speed and scope of validation and boost competitiveness in securing SDV component orders globally.
Audi, SAIC Plan Four New AUDI Models for China
Audi and SAIC Motor have signed a strategic cooperation agreement to deepen their China joint venture, centred on a dedicated AUDI Innovation & Technology Centre in Shanghai and four new models built on the next generation of the Advanced Digitised Platform. The four planned ADP-based models extend the AUDI portfolio beyond the AUDI E5 Sportback, launched in 2025, and the AUDI E7X SUV debuting at Beijing Auto China 2026, with a third model scheduled for 2027. The Shanghai centre, led by Audi AG, will focus on China-specific intelligent electrification technologies, AI-powered smart cabins and advanced driver assistance systems tailored to local consumers.
BMW Launches Contract-Free Plug & Charge in Germany
The BMW Group has launched a credit card-linked Plug & Charge function for all-electric BMW and MINI models, letting drivers authenticate and pay at public DC fast-charging points without a separate charging contract, app or RFID card. The service went live in Germany on 16 March 2026 across more than 1,400 charging points in Germany and Austria, operated through Hubject’s Plug & Charge ecosystem in partnership with Mer Germany, with further markets and operators to follow through 2026. The approach extends Plug & Charge access to customer groups without an existing charging contract, including tourists and fleet drivers who log into a vehicle only temporarily.
Volkswagen Readies Bidirectional Charging for Germany
Volkswagen and Group energy subsidiary Elli will launch a fully integrated Vehicle-to-Grid offer for private customers in Germany in the fourth quarter of 2026, with pre-registration opening in June. The package bundles a bidirectional DC charger, smart meter, dynamic electricity tariff and digital app control, allowing Volkswagen ID. family owners — who have been bidi-ready since 2023 — to actively feed energy back into the grid and earn estimated savings of between €700 and €900 annually. The V2G offer is planned to roll out to further European countries after the German launch.
Mercedes-Benz Details Electric C-Class Interior
Mercedes-Benz has detailed the cabin of its first all-electric C-Class ahead of the model’s world premiere on 20 April 2026 in South Korea. The interior features a pillar-to-pillar 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen as the headline fitment, with the MBUX Superscreen offered as standard on lower configurations. New high-end front seats include four-way electro-pneumatic lumbar support, full-surface massage, ventilation and Burmester 4D surround sound integration. The cabin is the second in Mercedes-Benz’s range to receive vegan interior certification from The Vegan Society, following the electric GLC, and a standard multi-source heat pump heats the interior roughly twice as fast as combustion models whilst using around half the energy.
Horse Powertrain Deploys AI Engine Inspection at Skövde
Horse Powertrain has deployed the Siemens Inspekto Visual Inspection system at its Skövde engine plant in Sweden through its Aurobay Technologies division, automating defect checks that were previously carried out by hand. Engines arrive at the station via automated guided vehicles, with an AI-driven vision camera mounted on a collaborative robot analysing components in seconds and storing images to support traceable records across the production line. The system integrates with the plant’s existing automation setup through Siemens TIA Portal and can be set up by operators without specialist machine vision training, with a go or no-go decision reachable within two hours of installation.
WeRide Deploys End-to-End ADAS in GAC Aion N60 SUV
GAC Aion has opened pre-sales for the Aion N60, a smart urban SUV and the first mass-produced vehicle jointly developed with autonomous driving firm WeRide. The N60 is powered by WeRide’s WRD 3.0, a one-stage end-to-end ADAS covering urban roads, highways, parking and active and passive safety, and marks WeRide’s first mass-production deployment of the technology on the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform — making it the only autonomous driving provider to have brought end-to-end technology into mass production on both the NVIDIA Drive and Qualcomm Snapdragon computing platforms. The N60’s ADAS capabilities were developed and validated using WeRide Genesis, a proprietary simulation platform combining physical AI and generative AI.
Stellantis and Microsoft Sign Five-Year AI Deal
Stellantis and Microsoft have announced a five-year strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating Stellantis’ digital transformation through the co-development of advanced AI, cybersecurity and engineering capabilities. Joint teams will work across more than 100 AI initiatives spanning sales, customer care, product development and operations, with key workstreams including AI-assisted product validation, predictive maintenance and accelerated rollout of digital features. Stellantis also aims to strengthen its global cyber defence centre with AI-driven analytics and targets a 60% reduction in its datacentre footprint by 2029.
BMW i7 Adopts Gen6 Battery with Lower Carbon Impact
BMW has detailed the sustainability profile of the updated i7, which adopts sixth-generation cylindrical battery cells carrying a supply chain CO₂ equivalent footprint approximately 33% lower than the outgoing Gen5 cells. The reduction is achieved through the exclusive use of renewable energy in cell production and the partial use of secondary raw materials for lithium, cobalt and nickel. From 2026, selected wheel designs for the i7 will be available with 70% secondary aluminium, and the Gen6 battery pack has been developed in partnership with Rimac, which assembles the pack at its facility near Zagreb for shipment to BMW’s Dingolfing plant.
Mercedes-Benz Opens Orders for Electric VLE in Germany
Mercedes-Benz has opened orders in Germany for the all-electric VLE, which the automaker describes as the beginning of a new era of grand limousines and the first model built on the new VAN.EA electric architecture. The VLE 300 electric launches in two preconfigured variants starting at €82,260 for the five-seat version, with a 115 kWh battery, 800-volt architecture and up to 713 km of WLTP range; DC charging at up to 300 kW allows up to 355 km of range to be added in 15 minutes. Additional variants including a 4Matic all-wheel drive version and a long-wheelbase model will follow, with a lower-specification VLE 300 starting around €70,000 also planned for later in 2026.
Toyota Motor Europe Opens Software Hub in Wroclaw
Toyota Motor Europe has opened a Toyota Digital Hub in Wroclaw, Poland, establishing a centre of approximately 200 technical specialists to develop connected vehicle applications, cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity solutions for Toyota and Lexus models across Europe. The hub will work on the MyToyota and LexusLink+ applications used by more than two million European customers, and will contribute to the cloud infrastructure underpinning connected services across the region. Poland was selected for its strong engineering talent pool and proximity to leading technical universities, and the investment builds on Toyota’s existing Shared Services Centre in Wroclaw, which has been operational since 2015.
Geely Launches AI-Driven i-HEV Hybrid with Record Efficiency
Geely Auto has launched its i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid system, a new generation hybrid combining AI-driven energy management with a dedicated hybrid engine achieving a Guinness World Records-verified thermal efficiency of 48.41% — claimed to be the highest for any mass-production engine. The system uses a motor-led configuration allowing the vehicle to run on electricity approximately 80% of the time without requiring a plug, with a 230 kW electric motor and fuel consumption certified at 2.22 L/100 km. The i-HEV enters mass production immediately and will be fitted across the Preface, Monjaro, Starray and Emgrand model lines during 2026.
Nissan Sets Long-Term Vision on AI and Electrification
Nissan has outlined a long-term strategic vision under the banner “Mobility Intelligence for Everyday Life,” anchoring its future on AI-defined vehicles, a streamlined model portfolio and three lead markets — Japan, the United States and China. The plan targets Nissan AI Drive technology adoption across 90% of its lineup, with a focused portfolio optimised for performance and profitability. Electrification will expand through e-POWER series hybrid technology and, via partnerships, plug-in hybrid and range-extender solutions, whilst a new hybrid electric vehicle system will serve future frame-based vehicles.
Kia to Drive Exponential Growth at CEO Investor Day
Kia outlined plans at its 2026 CEO Investor Day to accelerate growth and manufacturing innovation, with the automaker committing to expand its electric vehicle portfolio and strengthen its position in key global markets. The company signalled a focus on scaling production efficiency alongside new model introductions, as it competes in an increasingly competitive global EV landscape.
Hyundai Unveils China-Only Ioniq V in 20-Model Five-Year Push
Hyundai Motor unveiled the Ioniq V at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, the first dedicated Ioniq production model developed exclusively for Chinese consumers, as the opening move of a strategy built around 20 new models over five years through joint venture Beijing Hyundai. The partners have committed CN¥8bn (US$1.17bn) and are targeting 500,000 annual sales by 2030. The Ioniq V rides on an 800V platform with CATL batteries, offers over 600 km of CLTC-rated range, features a 27-inch panoramic display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295-powered AI assistant, with ADAS supplied by Momenta. Chief Executive José Muñoz said Hyundai is tripling down on its China commitment and intends to use the country as both a domestic sales market and an export base, under an “In China, For China, To Global” framework.
Stellantis Focuses Investments on Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, Fiat
Stellantis is planning to direct the majority of its investment towards four core brands — Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat — under Chief Executive Antonio Filosa’s industrial plan due to be presented in Detroit on 21 May, with sources citing a planned material increase in funding driven by those brands’ stronger sales volumes and profitability. The strategy will expand the use of shared multi-energy platforms supporting electric, hybrid and combustion powertrains, and includes evaluation of rebadging strategies and joint development with Chinese partner Leapmotor.
BMW Unveils iX3, i3 and 7 Series with Neue Klasse Tech
The BMW Group staged three world premieres at Auto China 2026 — the iX3 Long Wheelbase, the i3 Long Wheelbase and the new 7 Series — with Chairman Oliver Zipse describing the launches as a milestone in the Neue Klasse programme and a demonstration of how next-generation technology will scale across the portfolio. The China-specific iX3 offers over 900 km of CLTC-rated range and the i3 exceeds 1,000 km, both using 800V architecture enabling up to 400 kW peak charging capable of adding around 400 km in ten minutes. BMW has co-developed a new Address-to-Address navigation-guided driver assistance system with Momenta, launching with the iX3 and rolling out to 12 BMW models in China by end-2027, with approximately 70% of the Chinese version of BMW Operating System X developed locally. The 7 Series premiere marked the first application of Neue Klasse technology to BMW’s flagship saloon, shown simultaneously in Beijing and New York, while the iX5 Hydrogen pilot vehicle was also displayed ahead of planned series production from 2028.
Chery Launches ‘For Family’ at Auto China 2026 in Beijing
Chery unveiled a new brand proposition, ‘For Family’, at Auto China 2026 in Beijing alongside a strategic target of serving ten million global families by 2030, repositioning itself from global brand to what it describes as a responsible global citizen. The proposition rests on three pillars — uncompromising safety, space equality and technology equality — with the Tiggo V unveiled at the show as the first product to embody the strategy. Chief Executive Jeff Zhang said the declaration is a promise to safeguard peace of mind and joy on every journey, noting that Chery’s footprint now spans more than 120 countries through eight R&D centres, 36 production bases and over 2,000 dealers. The launch coincided with the global debut of Chery’s AiMOGA humanoid robot programme, positioned as an extension of its intelligent mobility ecosystem with applications ranging from showroom reception to public safety roles.
Mercedes-Benz Stages Four Debuts at Auto China 2026
Mercedes-Benz staged four product debuts at Auto China 2026, led by the world premiere of the all-new electric GLC L — a China-exclusive long-wheelbase SUV in five- and six-seat configurations — riding on a 3,027 mm wheelbase with AIRMATIC air suspension, rear-axle steering and an 89 kWh battery delivering over 700 km of CLTC-rated range via 800V architecture. The automaker also launched the electric CLA 260 L in China and staged market debuts for the updated S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, both featuring the in-house MB.OS architecture with more than 50% of components newly developed. The BBAC plant in Beijing recently produced its six-millionth vehicle and the local portfolio is set to expand from 14 to 20 models by 2027, including seven China-exclusives.
Leapmotor Reveals China-Only B05 Ultra at Beijing Show
Leapmotor unveiled the B05 Ultra at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, a China-specific performance variant of its global B05 hatchback featuring aerodynamic bodywork, a 180 kW rear-drive motor delivering 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, and a dual-chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon setup with urban navigation-assisted driving aimed at younger buyers. The Ultra is offered from CN¥123,800 (US$18,135) with a 500 km CLTC battery and CN¥129,800 for a 600 km variant, while the standard B05 simultaneously opened for orders in European markets from €26,900. Leapmotor reported first-quarter 2026 deliveries exceeding 110,000 units globally with a record 40,000 units exported, having delivered around 600,000 vehicles in 2025 and turned a full-year profit for the first time. The Stellantis-backed brand has set a full-year 2026 delivery target of one million vehicles as it accelerates both its Chinese product ladder and its overseas expansion.
Xpeng Eyes 2027 Flying Car Deliveries and Q4 Robot Launch
Xpeng expects to begin full-scale production of its Land Aircraft Carrier flying car — a modular vehicle pairing a six-wheeled ground unit with a detachable two-seat eVTOL craft — in 2027, with early deliveries commencing later in 2026, according to President Brian Gu ahead of the Beijing Auto Show. Orders for the flying car have topped 7,000, and Gu said 2027 will be a critical year for worldwide tests with partners, with production volumes in the next 12–18 months expected to range from hundreds to a few thousand units. Mass production of the Iron humanoid robot is targeted to begin in Q4 2026, with external commercialisation following in 2027, with initial deployments focused on customer-facing roles such as reception desks and showrooms. Gu also said Xpeng is planning robotaxi trials in Guangzhou later in 2026 and projected that within 10–20 years its robotics business could exceed its automotive division in scale.
Mercedes-Benz Taps Liquid AI for On-Device In-Car AI
Mercedes-Benz has signed a multi-year partnership with US-based start-up Liquid AI to embed on-device generative AI models in vehicles fitted with third- and fourth-generation MBUX systems in North America, with an initial production deployment targeting the second half of 2026. Liquid Foundation Models will run directly on the vehicle to handle speech recognition, language understanding and reasoning locally without cloud dependence, building on the in-house MB.OS architecture and evolving the MBUX Virtual Assistant. Chief Technology Officer Jörg Burzer said the collaboration lays the foundation for intuitive and multimodal in-car experiences, while Liquid AI Chief Executive Ramin Hasani described the software-defined vehicle as one of the most consequential deployments of AI in the physical world. The partnership applies to models ranging from the MY24+ E-Class and CLE through to the MY27 S-Class and EQS Sedan, complementing rather than replacing existing cloud-based large language model capabilities.
Toyota Unveils AI Vision Engine for Woven City
Toyota Motor Corporation and Woven by Toyota have unveiled the Woven City AI Vision Engine at their experimental smart city facility in Shizuoka, Japan, a large-scale AI foundation model that processes visual, behavioural and environmental data in real time to identify patterns, detect risks and enable coordinated action across connected systems. The AI Vision Engine ranks among the world’s leading Vision Language Models on the MVBench benchmark and is being tested in a live proof-of-concept with UCC Japan, with broader deployment planned beyond the Woven City site. The Integrated ANZEN System pairs the model with Woven City Behaviour AI and Woven City Drive Sync Assist to let vehicles, pedestrians and infrastructure operate as a single coordinated safety system. The Woven City Inventor Garage has also opened in a repurposed former stamping facility, adding co-creation and testing spaces for innovation partners, as four new tenants including Joby Aviation joined the programme, bringing the total to 24.
Dolby Atmos Debuts in BMW 7 Series at Auto China
Dolby Laboratories and BMW debuted Dolby Atmos in the new BMW 7 Series at Auto China 2026, delivered through the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with up to 36 speakers and 1,965 watts of amplification, including Diamond Dome tweeters, headrest speakers and roof-mounted 3D channels. The collaboration marks the start of a wider rollout across BMW’s portfolio, extending to the new iX3 Long Wheelbase, with cinematic video services featuring Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos also launching in select markets including China. A 2025 Counterpoint Research study found Chinese consumers now rate in-car entertainment above price and exterior design as purchase drivers, with immersive sound emerging as the most sought-after premium feature. Dolby experiences now span more than 40 global car brands and over 150 models, with Lexus also debuting its first Dolby Atmos-enabled ES sedan at the same Beijing show.
Changan Aims to Crack Top Ten Global OEMs by 2030
Changan has set a target of more than five million annual vehicle sales by 2030, almost double the 2.9 million sold in 2025, which it believes would place it among the world’s ten largest automakers by volume, up from its current 13th-place ranking. Battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models are expected to account for 60% of the total, with overseas sales targeted at between 1.4 million and 1.8 million units, up from 638,000 in 2025, built around its Changan, Deepal and Avatr sub-brands targeting different price tiers. Changan is also planning to launch two fully electric sedans in 2027 powered by sodium-ion batteries from CATL, positioning the models for the price-sensitive mass market as the technology matures.
Bentley Confirms First Electric Model Reveal in 2026
Bentley Motors has confirmed its first fully electric vehicle remains on track to be revealed later in 2026, reaffirming the milestone alongside its fourth annual Sustainability Report, which recorded the brand’s lowest fleet carbon dioxide emissions to date in 2025 and maintained carbon-neutral manufacturing operations at Crewe. The forthcoming model, described as the world’s first luxury urban SUV, will be produced at Crewe and is expected to start at approximately US$150,000, beginning a commitment to launch a new battery-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle every year for the following decade. Bentley’s updated Beyond100+ strategy commits to continuing PHEV and combustion powertrains alongside battery-electric vehicles while retaining the global 2050 net zero ambition and advancing work on direct air capture, sustainable aviation fuel and eFuels. In 2025 Bentley posted operating profit of €216 million on revenue of €2.6bn, driven by strong demand for higher-margin derivatives and Mulliner bespoke models.
REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Al Masaood Automobiles and Etihad Rail Complete First Rail Shipment for Automotive Dealership in UAE
Al Masaood Automobiles and Etihad Rail Freight have completed the first-ever rail transport of finished passenger vehicles for an automotive dealership in the UAE, shipping Nissan vehicles from ports in Fujairah to the dry port at the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, making Al Masaood the first automotive dealer in the country to use the national rail network for finished vehicle logistics. The milestone signals the expansion of Etihad Rail Freight beyond bulk commodities into high-value cargo, with the movement improving efficiency, predictability and delivery timelines compared to road freight. Etihad Rail Freight Chief Executive Omar Alsebeyi said the partnership demonstrates rail’s role as a scalable solution integrating seamlessly into existing supply chains, while Al Masaood Chief Executive Irfan Tansel said it reflects steps taken to strengthen the customer experience by ensuring vehicles reach their destination without unnecessary delay. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, as rail produces significantly lower emissions per tonne-kilometre than road freight, and is expected to expand to other dealers as the network continues to diversify its commercial cargo base.
Automechanika Riyadh Confirms New Venue and January Dates for 2027 Edition
Automechanika Riyadh will return from 11–13 January 2027 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre, after its original May 2026 dates. The 2027 edition is expected to attract more than 19,000 visitors and over 500 exhibitors, with the move to January positioning the show as the Kingdom’s first major automotive aftermarket event of the year and creating earlier dealmaking opportunities. Show Director Martyn Cox said the new venue and timing strengthens the event’s role as an enabler of industry transformation, with the 2027 programme including the return of Automechanika Academy covering EV readiness, digitalisation, localisation and smart workshop trends. Saudi Arabia’s automotive aftermarket is projected to reach US$9.6bn by 2032, underscoring the strategic importance of the show as the Kingdom accelerates its mobility ambitions under Vision 2030.
Al Majdouie Changan Named Best Global Dealer for the Sixth Consecutive Year
Al Majdouie Motors has been named best global dealer by Changan for the sixth consecutive year, receiving the Golden Panda Award — the highest honour granted to a Changan distributor globally — at the Changan Global Distributors Conference, alongside a Key Product Contribution Award and a Parts Operation Excellence Award. The Saudi-based group serves as Changan’s exclusive authorised distributor in the Kingdom, operating 32 branches nationwide and building Changan into the best-selling Chinese automotive brand in Saudi Arabia, with over 155,000 vehicles on Saudi roads since the dealership began in 2016. Al Majdouie Motors said the recognition motivates continued innovation in delivering integrated solutions and reinforces its long-term partnership with Changan. The award coincides with Changan’s own announcement of its global ambition to reach five million annual vehicle sales by 2030 and enter the world’s top ten automakers, reinforcing the strategic importance of the Saudi market in that expansion plan.
Abdul Latif Jameel Motors and Toyota Launch Public Hydrogen Bus Trial in Yanbu
Abdul Latif Jameel Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation, in collaboration with the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, launched a five-day public hydrogen fuel cell bus trial in Yanbu Industrial City during the Yanbu Flower Festival, deploying a Toyota fuel cell bus for public transportation and giving residents and visitors the opportunity to experience zero-emission mobility first-hand. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Saudi Ministry of Energy and the Royal Commission aimed at accelerating hydrogen adoption in the Kingdom’s mobility sector, and extends a series of pilot programmes previously conducted in Makkah, Riyadh and Jeddah. Mazin Ghazi Jameel, Head of Distributor Businesses at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said the trial is designed to gather operational data, enhance performance and support Saudi Arabia’s transition toward a sustainable transport ecosystem. The Yanbu deployment adds to a growing portfolio of hydrogen mobility and research projects in the Kingdom, including collaborations with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, representing a practical contribution to Vision 2030 sustainability goals.
Sharjah Roads and ION Strengthen Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Sharjah’s Roads and Transport Authority has signed a strategic partnership with ION — a joint venture between BEEAH and Crescent Enterprises — to establish more than 100 fast EV chargers across the emirate, covering Sharjah city, the central region and the eastern coast, in a move that makes ION the first formally authorised operator of public EV charging infrastructure in Sharjah. ION will develop, operate and maintain the network in coordination with Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, and will provide an integrated mobile application for locating chargers, monitoring sessions and making payments. The partnership follows the Sharjah Executive Council’s issuance of Resolution No. 15 of 2026, which establishes unified tariffs of Dh0.70 per kWh for AC charging and Dh1.20 per kWh for fast DC charging, alongside fines of up to Dh10,000 for unlicensed operators. SRTA Chairman Yousif Khamis Al Othmani said the project reinforces the authority’s commitment to advancing electric mobility in line with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy and its national target of 50% EV penetration by mid-century.
BYD Takes on Premium SUV Market in South Africa with Atto 8
BYD has entered South Africa’s premium SUV segment with the launch of the Atto 8, priced at ZAR 61,019, positioning the model directly against established European and Japanese rivals in one of Africa’s most competitive automotive markets. The Atto 8 represents a deliberate move upmarket for BYD in the region, building on its existing presence in the entry and mid-range segments where Chinese brands have made considerable inroads over recent years. The launch forms part of a broader Chinese EV push into Sub-Saharan Africa, as brands seek to diversify beyond their core Asian and European footprints and capitalise on growing consumer appetite for electric mobility on the continent.
EXEED Accelerates Growth in the UAE with Strategic Expansion and New Model Launches
EXEED has announced a strategic expansion in the UAE, combining dealership network growth with new model introductions as the Chery-owned premium brand works to consolidate its foothold in the competitive Gulf market. The brand has outlined plans to broaden its retail presence and strengthen aftersales infrastructure, addressing key customer experience pillars that international brands have traditionally used to differentiate in the region. The push reflects the accelerating ambitions of Chinese OEMs to move upmarket in the Middle East, a region that has emerged as a strategically important proving ground for brands seeking credibility ahead of wider European and global rollouts.
Gallega Global Logistics Launches 1 Million Square Foot Finished Vehicles Hub in JAFZA
Gallega Global Logistics has launched a one million square foot finished vehicles hub within the Jebel Ali Free Zone, significantly expanding storage, processing and logistics capacity for vehicle imports and exports across the Middle East and Africa. The facility is equipped to handle large-scale vehicle throughput, offering pre-delivery inspection, customisation and onward distribution services to support both established and emerging automotive brands serving the region. The launch reinforces Dubai’s position as the pre-eminent automotive distribution hub connecting global manufacturers with Gulf, African and broader emerging market destinations, at a time when vehicle trade volumes through the UAE continue to grow substantially year-on-year.
Volkswagen Group Africa Reaches 500,000 Export Polo Milestone
Volkswagen Group Africa has reached the milestone of 500,000 exported Polo vehicles from its Uitenhage manufacturing plant in the Eastern Cape, marking a significant achievement for one of the continent’s most established automotive production operations. The milestone reflects decades of sustained investment in local manufacturing and a consistent export strategy that has seen South African-built Polos reach markets across Europe and beyond. The achievement also carries broader significance for South Africa’s automotive sector, which relies heavily on vehicle exports as a key driver of industrial output, foreign exchange earnings and skilled employment.
Stellantis Appoints Ghassan Aboud Automotive as Distributor for Jeep, Ram and Peugeot in Syria
Stellantis has appointed Ghassan Aboud Automotive as its official distributor for the Jeep, Ram and Peugeot brands in Syria, extending its Middle East and Levant distribution network into a market showing tangible signs of renewed commercial activity. Ghassan Aboud Automotive brings established regional retail infrastructure and market knowledge to the partnership. The appointment reflects growing confidence among international automotive brands in Syria’s commercial recovery trajectory and the longer-term potential of a market that had been largely inaccessible to global OEMs for an extended period.
OMODA and JAECOO Approach One Million Global Sales Milestone, Scaling Operations in UAE
OMODA and JAECOO, the international-facing brands under Chery Automobile, are approaching one million cumulative global sales as their expansion across key international markets accelerates. The UAE is among the priority markets being actively scaled, with both brands investing in retail network development, localised aftersales capabilities and new model introductions designed to meet the demands of Gulf consumers. The milestone underscores the rapid international ascent of Chery’s dual-brand strategy, which has positioned OMODA and JAECOO as distinct propositions targeting different buyer profiles, and signals the group’s broader ambition to establish durable market share across the Middle East ahead of further global rollouts.
XPeng Launches in Qatar; Chery’s iCAUR Debuts in UAE as Chinese Brands Deepen MENA Footprint
XPeng Motors held a formal brand launch event in Doha, Qatar, marking its official entry into the Qatari market and continuing the wave of Chinese OEM expansion across the GCC. Chery’s eco-friendly SUV, the iCAUR, has also made its UAE debut, adding to a growing roster of Chinese product in the region. UAE EV registrations in Dubai exceeded 40,600 units in the first half of the year, with charging activity in Abu Dhabi rising 60% year-on-year. Dubai’s public charging network has surpassed 1,270 stations, with Abu Dhabi adding approximately 1,000 charging points and Sharjah commissioning 100 ultra-fast units. EV adoption across the UAE is forecast to grow 20–30% annually through 2030, underpinned by the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy and continued government incentive frameworks.
Lucid Group to Transition to Full-Scale EV Manufacturing in Saudi Arabia by End of 2026
Lucid Group is preparing to transition its Saudi Arabian facility from vehicle assembly to full-scale electric vehicle manufacturing by the end of 2026, with the factory set to handle all production stages locally, including body fabrication, final assembly, and testing. The move represents a deepening of Lucid’s commitment to the Kingdom and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s ambition to establish domestic automotive manufacturing capability. Separately, the Hyundai and Saudi Public Investment Fund joint-venture plant, carrying a $500 million investment and a 50,000-unit annual assembly capacity, is progressing toward its planned 2026 production start. Ceer Motors, the PIF–Foxconn joint venture and Saudi Arabia’s first domestic automotive brand, also continues to advance towards series EV production.
South Africa Auto Market Gears Up for Jetour T Series Mass Production From 2027
Chinese SUV brand Jetour has announced it will begin producing its T1 and T2 adventure models locally in South Africa from 2027, using the Rosslyn plant acquired by its parent company Chery from Nissan, with production targets set at 50,000 units annually and an expected creation of over 3,000 jobs across manufacturing and supply chains. The announcement reflects the accelerating ambition of Chinese automakers in the South African market: Jetour entered the country in September 2024 and by March 2026 had risen to tenth place among best-selling car brands, outperforming Kia, BMW, and Nissan. The T1 and T2 models have sold over 4,500 units since their October 2024 launch, described by the brand as better-than-expected results; Chery International executive vice president Charlie Zhang previously indicated the Rosslyn plant would be recommissioned and retrofitted over 12 to 18 months, with the capability to manufacture multiple models and powertrains. South Africa is emerging as a key production hub in Chery’s global expansion strategy, with the plant positioned to serve both the domestic market and potential regional export demand across sub-Saharan Africa.
Al Masaood Automobiles Elevates the SUV Experience with the Nissan Patrol SE Platinum City
Al Masaood Automobiles, the authorised Nissan distributor in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Al Dhafra Region for over 41 years, has put the Nissan Patrol SE Platinum City forward as its flagship full-size SUV for the UAE capital. The Patrol SE Platinum City seats up to eight passengers with a practical third row, has one of the longest wheelbases and highest ground clearances in its class, and comes with a premium Klipsch audio system as standard. It is available across Al Masaood’s ten regional showrooms, supported by five service centres, and is positioned as the benchmark for combining off-road capability, passenger space and long-term value in the UAE market.
Al Tayer Motors Brings Iconic Shelby Vehicles to the UAE
Al Tayer Motors has signed an exclusive distributorship agreement with Al Najdiyah General Trading — operating as Shelby Middle East — to sell and service the full range of Shelby-modified Ford vehicles across the UAE. The deal covers Shelby Mustang variants and Shelby trucks, with the first vehicles arriving in showrooms from September and the Shelby Mustang Super Snake leading the initial offer. Customers will have access to certified Shelby performance upgrade programmes and genuine parts, with the agreement marking the first move in a broader plan to build the Shelby brand across the Middle East.
Conclusion:
April 2026 captures an industry firing on all fronts. Artificial intelligence is reshaping every layer of the automotive value chain — from how vehicles think and communicate to how they are designed, validated and sold. Electric power is delivering on its promise, with landmark ranges, faster charging and smarter energy management now arriving in showrooms rather than concept halls.
The global map of automotive ambition is expanding alongside the technology. Chinese brands are writing new chapters in markets from Sub-Saharan Africa to the Gulf, legacy OEMs are deepening their commitments in China with locally tailored products and partnerships, and the MENA region is stepping confidently into its role as a hub for manufacturing, distribution and sustainable mobility. Across every market covered in this edition, the momentum is real, the investment is substantial, and the industry’s most exciting chapter is very much underway.
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