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General Motors Africa and Middle East appoints Furrukh Jawaid as new Chief Marketing Officer

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General Motors Middle East continues its path to transform mobility in the region, while also providing world class cars, trucks and SUVs. Effective July 1st, 2024, Furrukh Jawaid will join GM to lead its Marketing effort across its vehicle brands Chevrolet & GMC, consolidating GM’s growth plans and spearheading the next phase in GM’s quest to transform the customer experience in the region through his track record focused on innovation.  

Most recently Head of Performance Marketing & Data Enablement at General Motors Canada, Furrukh will oversee the teams across brand marketing, product marketing, CRM, and retail marketing, digital marketing, as well as retail and customer experiences for Chevrolet and GMC across the region.  He takes on the role from Suzie Guzzo who was earlier appointed in 2022 and has now been promoted and relocated to the US.

“We are excited to welcome Furrukh to our Middle East team to drive forward our mission of transforming the customer experience. His track record across markets speaks for itself, his innovative approach has unlocked many opportunities everywhere he’s been involved, and we are confident that his contributions to our leadership position in premium trucks and SUVs across the GMC and Chevrolet brands will come to bear.” said Jack Uppal, President and Managing Director, General Motors Africa and Middle East.

Furrukh first joined General Motors in 2008 as a coop student, he’s since taken on significant cross-functional responsibilities through Finance, Customer Care and Aftersales (CCA), Vehicle Sales and Marketing. He holds extensive expertise in digital and performance marketing, with an eye for innovation, having championed several initiatives to facilitate smoother processes within the organization.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining General Motors Africa & Middle East at such a pivotal time. The Middle East is a dynamic and fast-growing market, and I’m eager to collaborate with our talented team here and our dealer partners to continue to build upon GM’s strong foundation in the region and achieve even greater success for our Chevrolet and GMC brands,” added Furrukh Jawaid, Chief Marketing Officer, General Motors Africa and Middle East.

Automotive

New Ford Taurus Arrives to Middle East, Bringing Best-in-Class Technology and Driving Experience to Sedan Customers

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A three-quarter front view of a slate blue Ford Taurus sedan parked on a grey tiled courtyard.

Ford Middle East and North Africa has marked the official arrival of the new Taurus in the Middle East. Building on its storied legacy, this latest iteration introduces sophisticated design, cutting-edge features, and a blend of premium comfort and dynamic performance tailored for the diverse needs of the region.

Commanding attention with a completely refreshed aesthetic, with its exterior boasting a bold new front and rear fascia, updated headlamp architecture, and distinctive new wheel designs, while new vibrant colors like Hot Pepper Red and Vapor Blue ensured Taurus makes an undeniable visual statement. The interior, too, receives significant enhancements with new color and material choices, refined seat trims, and a modified console designed for heightened comfort and contemporary style.

Ravi Ravichandran, President of Ford Middle East and North Africa, said: “The new Ford Taurus represents a pivotal evolution for one of Ford’s most successful nameplates, designed specifically with our loyal Middle East and North African customers in mind. This sedan combines a rich heritage with forward-thinking innovation, making it perfectly timed for customers seeking a vehicle that blends prestige, practicality, and advanced technology.”

The newest Taurus is engineered to lead, offering a choice of powerful and efficient powertrains. Under the hood, the robust 2.0L EcoBoost engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, continues to deliver commendable performance, producing an impressive 239 horsepower and 382 Nm of torque. For those prioritizing even greater fuel efficiency, the 1.5L Hybrid engine offers an enhanced drive without compromising on power. The result is a pair of powertrains that meet diverse driving preferences while delivering a smooth and responsive experience across city streets and open highways.

The interior cabin of a Ford Taurus viewed from the back seat.

At the heart of the new Taurus’ comprehensive technology upgrades is Ford’s latest-generation SYNC 4A infotainment system, presented on an impressive 13.2-inch full HD center touchscreen—one of the biggest in its class. This intuitive system offers seamless connectivity with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

New features that further redefine Ford’s flagship sedan’s convenience and luxury include a 360-degree camera, now available from the base Ambiente model, and a premium 10-speaker B&O Sound System integrated into the top-tier Titanium series for an immersive audio experience.

Building on its reputation for spaciousness, the new Taurus also caters effectively to families, providing ample cargo space and roomy interiors for both daily commutes and long journeys. Additionally, ventilated seats, available from the Trend trim, guarantees optimal comfort in any climate, while the available dual-panel panoramic sunroof enhances the cabin’s sense of openness and luxury.

Equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies designed to enhance safety and ease of driving—where features such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control; Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking; and the Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Monitoring and Cross-Traffic Alert, Taurus is peace of mind in motion. The 360-degree camera supplements it further by providing a comprehensive view for easier maneuvering and parking, backed up by Intersection Pre-collision Assist, and Emergency Steering Assist for extra support to help avoid incidents.

Taurus is also ushering in a new era of connected vehicle experiences, with the Ford Pass app available in select Middle East markets, offering added convenience, control, and peace of mind. New Ford Taurus owners can now remotely start their vehicle, pre-condition the cabin to their preferred temperature, and even activate the horn and lights to easily locate their car in a crowded parking lot. The all-new app also provides essential vehicle status updates, allowing users to monitor vital information such as fuel levels, odometer readings, tire pressure, and oil, placing a host of functionalities directly into the customer’s hands.

The arrival of the New Ford Taurus is a strategic move that reinforces Ford’s commitment to providing a diverse portfolio of vehicles that resonate with regional customers, from tried and trusted EcoBoost-powered engines to New Energy hybrids complementing the Middle East region’s ambitious sustainability goals.

With its blend of everyday usability, value for money, and strong dealer support, the new Ford Taurus—in showrooms now—is crafted to strengthen its leadership in the segment and continue its legacy across the Middle East and North Africa.

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BMW Motorrad Middle East and AGMC showcase next-generation frontline motorcycles at Intersec 2026.

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A professional exhibition booth for BMW Motorrad and AGMC at a large indoor trade show. The modern, well-lit stall features a large illuminated pillar with the slogan "MAKE LIFE A RIDE" and a photo of a motorcycle. In the center, a BMW police motorcycle is displayed on a platform designed to look like a road. Staff members in business attire stand behind a branded AGMC counter talking to visitors, while the background shows a high-ceilinged convention hall with other exhibits.

BMW Motorrad Middle East along with AGMC, the authorised importer of BMW Group vehicles for Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, showcases BMW Motorrad’s latest Authority and Protection motorcycles at Intersec 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for security, safety and fire protection, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Intersec brings together global leaders, government entities and industry experts to explore the technologies shaping the future of public safety and emergency response. As part of this year’s exhibition, there is a lineup of BMW Motorrad motorcycles specifically engineered to support frontline and authority operations across diverse and demanding environments in the emirate.

Purpose-built authority motorcycles on display

On display at the BMW Motorrad and AGMC stand are the four BMW Motorrad Authority models, each designed to deliver reliability, performance and adaptability in real-world operational conditions:

BMW R 1300 RT-P

The BMW R 1300 RT-P is a touring-focused authority motorcycle designed for high-performance patrol duties and everyday operational versatility. It combines excellent ergonomics and long-distance comfort with outstanding maneuverability in urban traffic. Powered by BMW’s 1,300 cc ShiftCam boxer engine delivering 145 hp and 149 Nm of torque, the RT-P provides strong, efficient performance and high stability for demanding authority use.

BMW R 1300 GS-P

The BMW R 1300 GS-P is a highly capable all-terrain authority motorcycle built for operation across mixed and challenging environments. Its air/liquid-cooled 1,300 cc boxer engine produces 145 hp and 149 Nm of torque, ensuring confident performance on and off road. Advanced rider assistance systems support stability, safety and control, making the GS-P a reliable platform for complex operational requirements.

BMW F 900 GS-P

The BMW F 900 GS-P is a versatile enduro motorcycle designed for authority operations on asphalt and unpaved surfaces. Its parallel-twin engine delivers strong, controllable performance, while the lightweight design and 14.5-litre plastic fuel tank contribute to improved handling and operational efficiency. The F 900 GS-P offers a balanced combination of agility, rider comfort and safety-focused technology.

BMW F 800 GS-P

The BMW F 800 GS-P is a proven midsize adventure motorcycle offering efficient performance and confident handling. With an output of 87 hp and a balanced chassis, it delivers dependable capability without excessive fuel consumption. Its manageable weight and rider-focused ergonomics support safe, controlled operation in demanding situations.

Steve Noon, Head of BMW Motorrad Middle East, said: “At BMW Motorrad we take pride in delivering purpose-built motorcycles that support law enforcement agencies in carrying out their duties with confidence and precision. Our ongoing commitment to innovation and rider-focused engineering has established BMW Motorrad as a trusted and leading choice for authority fleets in the region.”

Muhamet Latifi, General Manager for BMW Motorrad at AGMC, commented: “The participation of AGMC with BMW Motorrad Middle East at intersec 2026 reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering specialised mobility solutions for authority and government partners. By combining advanced engineering, rider-focused technology and adaptable performance, BMW Motorrad’s Authority motorcycles continue to set benchmarks in reliability and operational readiness.”

Intersec is currently underway at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with visitors invited to experience BMW Motorrad’s Authority and Protection range firsthand throughout the exhibition.

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NIO Inc. Provides December, Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Delivery Update: Achieving a New Record-High Monthly and Quarterly Deliveries

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Side view of a dark gray NIO electric SUV parked on a paved driveway in front of a modern house with large glass doors and warm interior lighting.

In December 2025, NIO Inc. delivered 48,135 vehicles globally, marking a new monthly record and representing a year-on-year increase of 54.6%. The NIO brand delivered 31,897 vehicles, achieving a historic high with 54.8% year-on-year growth, and recording five consecutive months of growth. The ONVO brand delivered 9,154 vehicles in December. The firefly brand delivered 7,084 vehicles, reaching a new monthly record, with a month-on-month increase of 16.4%, and attaining five consecutive months of growth.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, NIO Inc. achieved record-high quarterly deliveries of 124,807 vehicles, representing a 71.7% year-over-year increase. Deliveries of the NIO brand reached 67,433 vehicles, marking an all-time high and a 27.8% year-over-year growth. The ONVO brand delivered 38,290 vehicles in the fourth quarter, posting a 92.1% year-over-year increase. Deliveries of the firefly brand totaled 19,084 in the fourth quarter, achieving a record high and representing a 52.8% quarter-over-quarter increase.

In 2025, NIO Inc. delivered a total of 326,028 vehicles, representing a new annual record and a year-on-year increase of 46.9%. Total deliveries of the NIO brand reached 178,806. The ONVO brand delivered 107,808 in 2025, hitting a record high. The firefly brand delivered 39,414 vehicles for the year.

As of today, NIO Inc. has cumulatively delivered 997,592 vehicles. Cumulative deliveries of the NIO, ONVO, and firefly brands reached 829,609, 128,569, and 39,414 vehicles respectively.

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