Chinese Automakers: From Global Export Surge to MENA Market Transformation
The global automotive industry is undergoing one of the most significant structural shifts of the past three decades Chinese automakers have moved from being largely domestically focused manufacturers to becoming the fastest-growing vehicle exporters in the world, reshaping competitive dynamics across multiple regions. Export momentum is now translating into tangible market disruption across MENA, where demand for technology-rich SUVs and electrified portfolios is accelerating faster than many legacy networks can adapt. China’s Export Surge Rewrites the Global Competitive Landscape In 2019, China exported approximately 1.0 million vehicles. By 2023, exports had increased to 4.9 million units. In 2024, export volumes reached approximately 5.8 million vehicles, representing a compound annual growth rate of more than 40% over five years. Based on confirmed production capacity, logistics throughput and order pipelines, exports in 2025 are tracking towards 6.6 to 6.9 million units. This rate of expansion is historically unprecedented, with no major automotive exporting nation scaling international shipments at this speed within a comparable timeframe. What Is Driving the Export Acceleration Two structural forces sit behind the surge. First, China’s domestic automotive market has entered a phase of extreme competition, with well over 100 active vehicle brands competing for share. Price pressure has intensified, margins have compressed, and export growth has become a requirement to sustain scale utilisation and financial viability. Second, Chinese OEMs have reached a level of product, manufacturing and operational maturity that enables them to compete globally. Platforms are now developed with international markets in mind, allowing regulatory compliance, localisation and cost optimisation to be engineered at design stage rather than retrofitted later. Global Expansion Beyond North America Chinese brands remain largely absent from the United States. Outside North America, however, expansion has been rapid and measurable. In markets such as Mexico, Chinese manufacturers now account for more than one-fifth of new vehicle imports. In the United Kingdom, Chinese brands have reached approximately 13% of new vehicle registrations, driven primarily by SUVs and electrified models. Australia, Southeast Asia and parts of Eastern Europe show similar patterns, with Chinese brands moving from negligible presence to mid-single or low-double-digit market share within three to five years. This growth is broad-based rather than concentrated, spanning passenger cars, SUVs, pickups, light commercial vehicles and premium-positioned electric models. Speed as a Competitive Advantage One of the defining differentiators of Chinese manufacturers is development speed. Typical vehicle development cycles in China now range between 24 and 36 months, compared with 48 to 60 months for many legacy manufacturers. High levels of vertical integration — particularly in batteries, power electronics and software — enable faster iteration, lower cost volatility and tighter control over innovation timelines. As a result, vehicles entering global markets often include advanced digital interfaces, over-the-air update capability and driver assistance systems as standard equipment, raising customer expectations across multiple price segments. Electrification as a Structural Edge Electrification is central to China’s competitive position. In 2024, new energy vehicles accounted for approximately 52% of all new vehicle sales in China. Chinese manufacturers control a dominant share of global battery production capacity and much of the associated supply chain, translating into battery pack cost advantages estimated at 20–30% lower than many non-Chinese competitors. For export markets, this enables Chinese EVs to be priced competitively while preserving margin, accelerating adoption in regions where affordability has previously constrained demand. From Global Momentum to the MENA Market The Middle East and North Africa is emerging as one of the most strategically important regions within China’s export strategy. The region aligns closely with Chinese OEM strengths, including strong demand for SUVs and crossovers, high acceptance of technology-rich vehicles, importer-led market structures enabling faster brand establishment, and government-backed mobility and electrification agendas. As a result, Chinese vehicle imports into key MENA markets have grown at double-digit annual rates since 2021. From near-zero presence five years ago, Chinese brands are now estimated to account for 12–15% of new vehicle sales in parts of the GCC. The UAE and Saudi Arabia function as anchor markets, both in volume and regional influence, with expansion radiating into neighbouring markets. Electrification Gains Commercial Relevance in MENA Electric vehicle adoption in MENA is moving from pilot phase to early scaling. Between 2021 and 2024, EV and plug-in hybrid registrations in the UAE increased more than fourfold. Saudi Arabia is following a similar trajectory from a smaller base, supported by infrastructure rollout, fleet electrification initiatives and regulatory clarity. Chinese manufacturers are well positioned to benefit by offering EVs and plug-in hybrids across multiple price points, often with higher specification levels than established competitors. In a region where diesel passenger cars are largely absent and fuel pricing is no longer the primary purchase driver, electrification is becoming commercially viable earlier than many expected. Implications for Dealers and Importers For dealers and importers, the rise of Chinese OEMs presents both opportunity and pressure. Opportunities include accelerated volume growth, access to competitive electrified portfolios and flexible commercial structures. Pressures include intensified price competition, rising customer expectations around technology, and the need to upgrade aftersales capability to support software-driven and electrified vehicles. Aftersales readiness is becoming decisive: EV-capable workshops, trained technicians, parts availability and digital diagnostics are no longer optional for long-term competitiveness. The AMENA View Chinese OEM expansion is now a structural feature of the global automotive market, not a cyclical export spike. The export curve is being sustained by three durable advantages: scale economics, battery and software integration, and speed of product renewal. For MENA, this is not an abstract global story — it is already changing the rules of competition in key GCC markets. From a regional operator’s perspective, outcomes over the next five years will be determined less by brand heritage and more by execution discipline. Portfolio Architecture Dealers and importers must make deliberate choices about which segments they intend to win in and build coherent line-ups around those battlegrounds. A passive “add a Chinese brand and see” approach will erode positioning and residual values. Aftersales Capability as a Growth Constraint The ceiling for
Global and MENA Automotive Industry December 2025 Update: EV Strategy Shifts, Autonomous Mobility & Software-Defined Vehicles
Introduction As the global automotive industry pushes deeper into 2026 planning cycles, momentum is concentrating around three forces: autonomy moving from pilots to scalable services, electrification strategies becoming more selective and market-specific, and software-defined platforms reshaping how value is created across the vehicle lifecycle. OEMs and suppliers are no longer competing on hardware alone—AI cockpits, digital services, battery circularity and data-driven operations are increasingly defining brand differentiation, margin protection and long-term customer loyalty. In parallel, the Middle East & Africa are evolving from adoption markets into active testbeds for next-generation mobility. From Dubai’s robotaxi progress and premium experience-led retail expansion, to Saudi Arabia’s accelerating electrification and talent-development agenda, the region is attracting global partnerships and investment across EV infrastructure, autonomy deployment and advanced aftermarket capability. This update captures the most important global and regional signals shaping the automotive landscape—where strategic alliances, regulatory direction and execution readiness will determine who leads the next phase of mobility transformation. Momenta, Grab Team Up to Scale Autonomous Driving in Southeast Asia Momenta and Grab announced a strategic partnership to accelerate autonomous driving deployment across Southeast Asia. Grab’s strategic investment in Momenta signals deeper integration beyond pilot programmes, reflecting Chinese autonomous-driving firms’ overseas expansion as domestic competition intensifies. For Grab, the partnership strengthens its long-term roadmap toward hybrid mobility models combining human, remote and autonomous operations. Bosch Targets €2bn in AI Cockpit Sales by 2030 Bosch set an ambition to generate €2bn in annual revenue from AI-enabled cockpit systems by 2030. The strategy focuses on intelligent, software-led in-car experiences as the cockpit becomes a central value battleground in software-defined vehicles. Rising OEM demand for scalable digital platforms underpins the shift toward recurring software and services revenue. Mercedes-Benz to Premiere All-Electric VLE in 2026 Mercedes-Benz confirmed the all-electric VLE will debut in March 2026, representing a flagship step in its electric van strategy. Premium MPVs and people-movers are gaining importance as Mercedes aims to assert leadership in electric vans. The launch will set future design and technology direction for the segment. BMW Opens Battery Recycling Centre in Bavaria BMW opened a battery recycling facility in Bavaria to support material recovery and circular-economy objectives. The centre strengthens supply-chain resilience as battery lifecycle responsibility gains regulatory focus. The move aligns sustainability goals with long-term industrial strategy. China Moves to Curb EV Price Wars Through Draft Regulatory Reforms Chinese regulators have drafted new rules aimed at ending aggressive EV price competition that has compressed margins across the industry. The proposals target unfair pricing practices and excessive discounting, signalling a shift from growth-at-all-costs toward sustainable profitability in the world’s largest EV market. Rivian Unveils In-House AI and Autonomy Technology Rivian revealed proprietary AI and autonomous-driving technology developed entirely in-house, reducing reliance on third-party suppliers and strengthening vertical integration. New hardware and software platforms will underpin future ADAS and autonomy features, with subscription-based services forming part of Rivian’s long-term revenue strategy. Lotus Confirms First Plug-In Hybrid Model for 2026 Lotus announced its first plug-in hybrid vehicle for launch in 2026, marking a shift from its earlier all-electric positioning. Hybrid technology is being introduced to broaden market appeal and flexibility, with China expected to play a key role in the rollout. Changan Reaches 30 Million Vehicle Production Milestone Changan achieved cumulative production of 30 million vehicles, reflecting decades of manufacturing growth and scale. Recent momentum has been driven by new-energy vehicles and technology-focused models, supporting ambitions for wider global expansion. Stellantis Deepens Partnership with Cox Automotive Across Europe Stellantis expanded its strategic collaboration with Cox Automotive to strengthen vehicle remarketing and digital services across Europe. The partnership supports efficiency, pricing accuracy and inventory optimisation, aligning with the group’s focus on operational excellence and margin protection. Audi Expands Premium Charging Hub Network in Düsseldorf Audi opened an additional high-power charging hub in Düsseldorf, combining rapid charging with premium customer amenities. Urban charging infrastructure remains critical to accelerating EV adoption, with premium charging experiences emerging as a competitive differentiator. Stellantis and Bolt Partner on Autonomous Vehicle Development Stellantis partnered with Bolt to advance autonomous vehicle deployment, focusing on testing and validation in urban mobility use cases. Ecosystem collaboration continues to play a central role in scaling autonomous technologies. Lexus Expands RZ Line-Up with F Sport Performance Variant Lexus expanded its RZ electric SUV range with the introduction of an F Sport Performance variant. The move enhances driving engagement while retaining premium positioning and broadening choice across power and performance levels. Hyundai Breaks Ground on Battery Research Facility Hyundai commenced construction of a major battery research facility, reinforcing its commitment to next-generation energy storage and deeper control over core EV technologies. The investment supports long-term electrification leadership and supply-chain security. JLR Trials Drones to Cut Factory Inspection Time JLR’s drone-based inspection trials significantly reduce factory-check durations while improving workplace safety. The initiative reflects a broader push toward digitised, automated manufacturing environments across factories and logistics operations. trinamiX Unveils Wide Field-of-View Dot Projector trinamiX introduced a wide-field dot projector enabling advanced 3D sensing for in-cabin monitoring, facial recognition and augmented-reality applications. The technology supports growing demand for enhanced safety and human–machine interaction. Regional Highlights: Middle East & Africa Binghatti and Mercedes-Benz Unveil Branded City Project in Dubai Binghatti and Mercedes-Benz unveiled plans for a Mercedes-Benz branded city in Dubai. The project represents a major step in branded real-estate evolution. It elevates automotive branding into lifestyle and urban development. Dubai remains a launchpad for luxury innovation. The project strengthens Mercedes-Benz’s brand extension strategy. Toyota Egypt Partners on Smart Storage Solutions Toyota Egypt signed a cooperation agreement for automated storage solutions. The partnership targets improved warehouse efficiency. Automation supports cost, speed and safety improvements. The move expands Toyota Egypt’s industrial solutions portfolio. Smart logistics demand continues to rise across the region. Al Jomaih and Shell Showcase Lubricant Innovation in Riyadh Al Jomaih and Shell highlighted lubricant technologies at the Riyadh Motor Show. The showcase focused on premium and advanced lubrication solutions. Aftersales categories are being positioned as mobility technology. The event aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 themes.
Mastering Customer Relationship Management: Essential KPIs for Automotive Dealers/Importers in MENA
In our new 9-part series covering essential KPIs for Dealers/Importers in the MENA region, we now explore Customer Relationship Management metrics—a critical framework that drives sustainable growth and profitability in today’s competitive Automotive landscape. While many dealerships implement CRM technology, truly successful operations understand that effective customer relationship management requires systematic measurement and optimisation across the entire customer journey. Lead Management Metrics: The Foundation of Sales Success The journey to exceptional CRM performance begins with effective lead management. These metrics evaluate how efficiently your dealership converts enquiries into sales opportunities: Lead Response Time: In today’s digital-first environment, speed is paramount. The average time taken to make first contact with a new lead directly impacts conversion potential. While industry benchmarks suggest responding within 30 minutes for digital leads, top-performing dealerships in the MENA region achieve under 15 minutes. Research conclusively demonstrates that lead conversion rates plummet by 80% when response time exceeds one hour. For Dealers/Importers in high-competition MENA markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, implementing automated response systems with personalised follow-up protocols helps maintain the human touch while improving speed. Lead Qualification Rate: This calculates the percentage of total leads qualified as genuine sales opportunities. Strong dealerships achieve 50-60% qualification rates. Lower rates signal issues with lead sources or qualification processes; higher rates indicate effective targeting and engagement. In MENA’s relationship-driven markets, qualification frameworks must balance efficiency with cultural sensitivity while evaluating purchase intention, timeframe, and financial capability. Lead-to-Appointment Ratio: This measures the percentage of qualified leads that convert into showroom appointments. Industry benchmarks target 40-50%. Top CRM teams in the region often exceed this by 5-10% through personalised WhatsApp communication and relationship-first dialogue. Appointment Show Rate: This reflects how many scheduled appointments actually arrive at the dealership. High-performing operations achieve 75-85% show rates through confirmation protocols and pre-appointment engagement. In the MENA region, multi-touch reminders and tailored visit motivations help overcome traffic and climate barriers. Customer Engagement Metrics: Building Lasting Relationships Beyond initial conversion, these KPIs evaluate ongoing customer engagement throughout the ownership lifecycle: Customer Contact Frequency: Successful dealerships maintain engagement every 45-60 days. In MENA markets, personalised WhatsApp messaging delivers 25-30% higher engagement rates than email. Structured communication calendars aligned with cultural norms ensure consistent touchpoints. Multi-Channel Engagement Rate: This tracks customer interaction across email (20-30%), SMS (40-50%), and social media (15-25%). The MENA region’s high mobile adoption requires channel strategies tailored to mobile-first behaviour and social media influence. Digital Customer Portal Usage: Increasing portal usage from 25-30% to 50%+ improves service retention by 15-20%. UAE and GCC customers respond strongly to mobile-first designs and Arabic language support. Customer Data Quality Index: Measures accuracy and completeness of CRM data. Top performers maintain 90%+ accuracy. Every 10% improvement boosts campaign effectiveness by 3-5%. Enhanced data governance ensures cultural appropriateness and reliability. Retention and Loyalty Metrics: Securing Long-Term Value These KPIs evaluate how well your CRM strategy transforms first-time buyers into lifetime customers: Customer Lifecycle Position: Tracking where each customer is in their ownership journey—warranty, finance term, replacement cycle—improves retention by 15-20%. Premium segments in MENA show even stronger returns from lifecycle-focused engagement. Customer Defection Early Warning: Predictive analytics flag declining service visits, negative feedback, or missed payments. Early action prevents 30-40% of potential defections. AI-enhanced models tailored to MENA behaviour patterns strengthen accuracy. Loyalty Programme Engagement: Fully engaged members spend 20-25% more annually and retain 30-35% longer. In MENA, experience-driven programmes outperform discount-based ones, especially those offering exclusivity and status recognition. Referral Generation Rate: Strong programmes generate 15-20% of leads and convert at 2x the rate of marketing-generated leads. Structured referral processes outperform passive referrals 3-4x. Word-of-mouth influence in MENA amplifies impact. CRM System Effectiveness: Operational Excellence Measures how efficiently CRM technology and processes support business goals: CRM Adoption Rate: Leading dealerships achieve 90%+ adoption through training, intuitive interfaces, and accountability. Every 10% improvement increases lead conversion effectiveness by 7-9%. Multilingual systems are essential for diverse MENA teams. Task Completion Rate: High-performing teams maintain 85-90% completion of CRM tasks and follow-ups. This KPI directly impacts nurturing effectiveness and customer satisfaction. CRM Activity-to-Result Ratio: Identifies which activities drive outcomes (appointments, sales, service bookings). Top performers require 20-25% fewer activities per sale through precise targeting and quality engagement. Automated Process Utilisation: Automating 60-70% of standard processes increases lead capacity by 30-40% without extra staff. MENA markets require balancing automation with high-touch relationship expectations. Cross-Departmental CRM Integration: Breaking Down Silos These KPIs measure how well CRM connects Sales, Service, and F&I: Sales-to-Service Handover Effectiveness: Integrated CRM processes increase first-service retention from 60-65% to 80-85%. In highly competitive MENA aftersales environments, this KPI is critical for long-term retention. Service-to-Sales Opportunity Conversion: Integrated CRM identifies 15-20% more sales opportunities from service, converting at up to 3x the rate of marketing leads. Advisor training and cultural sensitivity strengthen success. Finance Renewal Anticipation: Integrated CRM + F&I improves renewal rates by 20-25%. Region-specific processes help address unique customer expectations in MENA financial ecosystems. Regional Considerations for MENA Markets: Contextual Intelligence These metrics reflect unique characteristics of the MENA retail environment: Seasonal Communication Adaptation: Adjusting outreach during travel-heavy months increases engagement by 25-30%. Mobile-friendly formats perform strongly in summer. Cultural Celebration Integration: CRM programmes aligned with Ramadan, Eid, and National Days increase engagement by 20-25%. Automated calendars ensure relevance and timing. VIP Customer Management: Dedicated relationship protocols for high-net-worth customers boost retention by 30-40% and lifetime value by 2-3x. Expatriate Customer Tracking: Tracking residency status helps anticipate replacements and trade-ins, increasing opportunities by 25-30%. Tailored processes support diverse expatriate needs. Implementing Effective CRM Performance Management Based on extensive work with leading Dealers/Importers across the region: 1. Establish clear baseline metrics across all CRM dimensions. 2. Develop regionally-calibrated benchmarks that reflect market realities. 3. Implement integrated dashboards with real-time visibility for all levels. 4. Create accountability frameworks defining ownership of each metric. 5. Foster continuous improvement through structured reviews and root cause analysis. By systematically monitoring and optimising these CRM KPIs, Dealers/Importers across the MENA region can enhance customer acquisition, increase retention, and build long-term competitive
Why Your Customer Experience Might Be Losing You Sales, Market Share, Customer Loyalty – and Profitability
Customer Experience in the MENA Automotive Sector: Time to Take Control In the MENA region’s automotive sector, customer expectations have quietly outpaced many dealerships’ ability to meet them. Even in well-managed dealerships, the customer experience can vary significantly between departments and channels. Customers today expect seamless, high-quality service from first click to final visit — and when those expectations aren’t met, they quietly disengage. The result isn’t always dramatic, but the impact is: lost sales opportunities, weakened customer loyalty, declining market share, poor public perception and ultimately, reduced profitability. It’s time to stop guessing and start managing customer experience like you would any other critical business function. Introducing the Ultimate Customer Experience Package At AMENA, we’ve developed the Ultimate Customer Experience Package — a region-specific, fully customisable programme designed to eliminate friction across your customer journey and help you: ✅ Sell more vehicles ✅ Protect and grow market share ✅ Retain more customers ✅ Improve CSI and NPS ✅ Increase profitability through loyalty and operational excellence ✅ Strengthen staff performance at every touchpoint What Makes This Programme Different? This is not a soft-skills workshop or a motivational talk. This is a strategic and operational framework delivered by seasoned automotive professionals who understand the dynamics of the MENA market. Here’s what’s included: ✅ Internal Mystery Shopping (Sales & Aftersales): See your customer journey exactly as it is — through the customer’s eyes. ✅ Competitor Mystery Shopping: Learn how your direct rivals are performing, and how you compare. ✅ Premium Retail Mystery Shop: We evaluate your dealership against non-automotive service leaders, not just other showrooms. ✅ Customer Interviews & Forums: Hear directly from your customers — especially the ones who left or almost didn’t buy. ✅ 2-Day Onsite Customer Journey Workshop: A comprehensive mapping and transformation session with your leadership team. Whether you take the full programme or focus on one module, the result is the same: greater control over the customer experience and stronger business outcomes. The Real Business Impact of Customer Experience The link between customer experience and profitability is no longer speculative. The data is clear: ✅ Dealers with consistent CX outperform their competitors in sales conversion rates. ✅ Clear customer journeys drive higher retention and more referrals. ✅ Satisfied customers spend more in aftersales, return more frequently, and promote the brand. ✅ Great experiences improve NPS, CSI, and staff morale simultaneously. And perhaps most importantly — ✅ Consistent customer experience protects and builds market share in an environment where customers have choices. Experience is now your brand. And in a competitive market, your margin and your growth depend on getting it right every time. Who Should Consider This Package? ✅ CEOs, Dealer Principals and GMs looking to protect margins and grow share. ✅ OEM Dealer Network Development Directors who want visibility and consistency across their markets. ✅ Sales Directors looking to convert more leads and strengthen conversion across the funnel. ✅ Aftersales Directors who must boost CSI and loyalty KPIs. ✅ Marketing and CX teams ready to align brand promise with real-world experience. Let’s Build the Experience That Builds Your Business AMENA has worked with leading brands across the region to transform their customer journey, lift performance KPIs, and redefine what good looks like in the dealership experience. If you’re serious about customer-centric growth, speak to our team about the Ultimate Customer Experience Package. 📞 +971 4 223 4548 📧 office@amenaauto.me 🌐 www.amenaauto.me Find More. Win More. Keep More Clients. Why Partner with AMENA At AMENA, we support OEMs and Dealers/Importers across the MENA region to achieve excellence in every corner of the business — from sales floor to service bay. Our consultancy and training solutions are built around real-world performance: increased sales, higher aftersales profitability, stronger CSI and NPS scores, and measurable customer retention. Whether you’re looking to lift your parts margin, redesign your customer journey, or transform your leadership culture, we partner with you to deliver practical, impactful results. Learn more about how we help Automotive businesses Find More, Win More, and Keep More Clients at www.amenaauto.me. Follow us @ Linkedin | Youtube| Instagram | Facebook We express our sincere gratitude to all the veterans and experienced professionals in the automotive industry for their valuable input and advice when we write our articles. We take pride in our commitment to embracing technology, including AI, to enhance the quality of our articles.
AMENA Auto Monthly Review – May 2025
Global & MENA Automotive Industry Monthly Update – May 2025 Introduction May 2025 was a pivotal month for the global automotive industry, marked by the acceleration of electrification, leadership changes, and deeper integration of artificial intelligence across vehicle development, manufacturing, and customer experience. In North America and Europe, automakers advanced EV infrastructure and AI adoption, while in the MENA region, governments and private players launched groundbreaking initiatives—from autonomous taxis in Saudi Arabia to EV innovation hubs in Dubai. This report captures the most strategic developments shaping the future of mobility, region by region. Global News Antonio Filosa Named New Stellantis CEO Stellantis has appointed Antonio Filosa as Chief Executive Officer, effective 23 June 2025. With 25 years at the company, Filosa brings operational and strategic experience as the group navigates electrification and global trade pressures. His appointment signals a focus on continuity and deep internal expertise amid a shifting auto landscape. Filosa is expected to steer Stellantis through regulatory complexity and EV transformation. Hybrid Sales Climb as Consumers Seek Balanced Electrification Hybrid vehicles continue to gain traction in the U.S. amid fluctuating EV momentum, now accounting for 22% of all light-duty vehicle sales. Consumers are gravitating toward hybrids as a cost-effective alternative. Hybrids are emerging as the sweet spot for buyers caught between rising fuel prices and charging limitations. Their growing share signals shifting consumer priorities in the transition to full electrification. Rolls-Royce Unveils Bespoke Phantom ‘Goldfinger’ for 100-Year Anniversary Rolls-Royce has revealed a one-off Phantom ‘Goldfinger’ edition at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Inspired by the 1964 James Bond film, the car celebrates a century of the Phantom nameplate with timeless design and craftsmanship. The bespoke model fuses cinematic glamour with the marque’s hallmark luxury. It serves as a rolling tribute to Rolls-Royce’s enduring legacy of automotive excellence. XPeng Launches MONA M03 Max: Affordable EV with Advanced AI Capabilities XPeng has launched the MONA M03 Max, an electric hatchback priced around $20,000, featuring autonomous driving functions typically reserved for premium models. With over 120,000 units of the MONA series delivered, XPeng continues its push to democratise smart mobility. The model marks a breakthrough in bringing AI-powered autonomy to the mass market. XPeng’s rapid delivery volumes reflect strong consumer appetite for tech-savvy, affordable EVs. Audi Expands Use of AI in Production and Logistics Audi is advancing over 100 artificial intelligence projects aimed at increasing production quality and operational efficiency. From generative AI to real-time quality monitoring, the initiative reflects Audi’s commitment to manufacturing innovation. The brand is redefining precision through AI, reducing waste and elevating consistency. Digital transformation is now central to Audi’s future factory ecosystem. GM Appoints Sterling Anderson as Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson joins GM to lead product development across EV and ICE vehicles. A veteran of Tesla and Aurora, he will help drive GM’s autonomous mobility ambitions. His expertise bridges legacy engineering and future-focused innovation. Anderson’s arrival signals GM’s intent to aggressively pursue intelligent product leadership. WeRide Launches 24/7 Robotaxi Service in Guangzhou WeRide has launched eight robotaxi routes in central Guangzhou, operating around the clock. This marks China’s first 24-hour autonomous ride-hailing service in a major urban centre. It’s a milestone in the commercial deployment of self-driving mobility at scale. WeRide is setting the pace for a fully autonomous, urban mobility ecosystem. Ferrari Previews 2025 Line-Up Including First Full EV Ferrari will debut its first all-electric vehicle in October, part of a six-model 2025 line-up including hybrid hypercars. The new range balances cutting-edge tech with Ferrari’s racing legacy. The launch marks a turning point for Ferrari as it electrifies without compromising soul. Anticipation is high for how the prancing horse will translate emotion into electrons. Stellantis Leverages Virtual Reality to Transform Manufacturing Stellantis is using VR simulation tools to optimise plant ergonomics, safety, and efficiency—signalling a shift toward immersive factory planning. Virtual reality is accelerating smarter plant design and hands-on operator training. This tech-led evolution aligns production with Stellantis’ future-fit mindset. Bugatti Inaugurates Berlin Design Studio as Global Creative Centre Bugatti’s new 1,100-square-metre Berlin studio brings together designers from 22 countries, using VR and digital modelling to shape future hypercars. The studio underscores Bugatti’s drive to blend art, technology, and extreme performance. It cements Berlin as a cradle for next-generation automotive icons. MENA News Lamborghini Names Alessio Soligo as MEA Head Alessio Soligo assumes leadership of Lamborghini MEA, reinforcing the brand’s growth focus across high-opportunity Middle Eastern and African markets. His appointment reflects Lamborghini’s strategy to deliver more bespoke experiences and expand its dealer footprint across the region. The move is also expected to accelerate the brand’s hybrid and EV portfolio in the MEA zone. Al Habtoor Motors Introduces Pagani Huayra Tempesta in UAE The exclusive Tempesta Package upgrades performance and comfort for Pagani buyers in the UAE, accompanied by a one-year extended warranty. The unveiling underscores the UAE’s growing appetite for bespoke hypercars and elite craftsmanship. It reflects Al Habtoor’s commitment to expanding its luxury portfolio with ultra-exclusive offerings. Uber to Launch Autonomous Vehicles in Saudi Arabia by Late 2025 Uber, in collaboration with the TGA, plans to roll out self-driving vehicles with safety operators in KSA, as part of Vision 2030 smart mobility goals. This initiative is expected to boost public confidence in driverless transport in the region. It also marks a critical step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to lead smart mobility adoption. OMODA & JAECOO Select Dubai as Global Innovation Hub The EV brands have named Dubai as their global innovation base and opened a regional parts centre to support market growth in the Gulf. The move enables closer collaboration with local R&D partners and smart city ecosystems. It reinforces the brands’ vision to position Dubai as a launchpad for global EV growth. Abu Dhabi Expands Robotaxi Trials with Apollo Go Apollo Go’s sixth-gen AVs are being trialled in Abu Dhabi, with city-wide deployment expected by 2026 under the emirate’s smart mobility strategy. The pilot will gather insights on infrastructure demands, passenger experience, and safety compliance. It reflects Abu Dhabi’s ambition to