Automotive
For the first time ever, the GMC Canyon marks its territory in the Middle East

GMC has announced that the much anticipated GMC Canyon midsize truck in the AT4X trim, has joined its Middle East premium line-up for the first time adding more diversity to it than ever before. Smaller and more compact than the beloved Sierra, but undeniably a GMC, the Canyon AT4X is built from the ground up to conquer any terrain.
The GMC Canyon is the most advanced, off-road midsize truck in the GMC lineup and the first midsize truck on the market to offer a suite of segment-first key features including: Baja Mode, for high-speed off-road driving, enhanced Front and Rear Electronic Locking Differentials Multimatic DSSV shocks.
Jack Uppal, President and General Manager, General Motors Africa and Middle East: “The arrival of the first-ever GMC Canyon to the region marks a return to the midsize pick-up truck segment in the Middle East. Our engineers and designers did not take any short cuts. The all-new Canyon AT4X is the most advanced off road midsize truck – and it signals our commitment to the continued growth of GMC in the region, with laser-focus on our core GMC customer base and to continue to deliver off-road capable vehicles. Canyon AT4X brings offroad performance elements we first introduced on our flagship Sierra AT4X into a more compact package, catering to a wider audience. The Canyon stands as the “official vehicle of nowhere” and we can’t wait to see it everywhere.”
Now available in showrooms across the Middle East, for additional information around pricing and availability of the Canyon AT4X, please reach out to your local GMC Dealership or visit the nearest GMC showroom.
About the Canyon AT4X
The GMC Canyon AT4X is purposefully engineered to be a premium, no-compromises, off-road midsize truck. It offers serious off-road equipment and advanced technology for optimum capability and convenience – no matter the destination.
The Canyon AT4X boasts a factory lifted, ultra-wide track to elevate the off-road performance and capability. Canyon AT4X comes standard with 33-inch MT tires, Multimatic DSSV shocks, front and rear e-lockers, underbody skid plates and the AT4X-exclusive Baja drive mode.
Within the interior, the Canyon AT4X’s Ceramic White and Obsidian Rush, customizable 11.3-inch diagonal touchscreen infotainment system and a 11-inch fully digital instrument cluster match its dynamic expressive exterior. In addition, it offers GMC-exclusive Head-Up display and Bose seven-speaker audio entertainment system.
Serious Off-Road Equipment
The Canyon AT4X is engineered to offer customers a premium off-road experience. The Canyon offers key features that provide customers with optimized performance and rugged off-road capability to take you anywhere, on or off the map. This includes:
- Factory Lift and Ultra-Wide Track: Canyon comes standard with an off-road suspension package featuring an ultra-wide track and factory lift standard for improved approach departure and breakover angles.
- Multimatic DSSV Shocks: The latest Multimatic DSSV shocks offer control and comfort on-road, and robust performance for extended off-road adventures.
- Off-Road Optimized 2.7L Turbo Engine: The high-torque, off-road optimized 2.7L turbo engine provides amongst the best-in-class gas engine (583 nm of torque. GM estimate).
- Enhanced Front and Rear Electronic Locking Differentials: The GMC Canyon’s available front and rear e-lockers allow drivers to engage the front or rear axles to lock both wheels at the same speed.
- Off-Road Performance Display: Accessible through the center screen instrument cluster, Canyon drivers can access and monitor real time metrics of their off-road trek including g-force, altimeter, and pitch and roll stats.
- All-New Drive Modes: Canyon AT4X features the introduction of all-new drive modes, crafted to provide customers with a robust drive experience:
- Baja Mode (exclusive to Canyon AT4X): for high-speed off-road driving
- Terrain Mode: for low-speed precision off-roading and rock crawling
- Off-road Mode: for general off-road dynamics
- Normal Mode: for balanced every day on-road driving
- Tow/Haul Mode: for optimized hauling heavy loads and towing
- Standard 32-inch large off-road tires (33-inch MT tires)
- Front axle moved forward for improved proportions and more planted, level stance
Most Advanced Canyon Ever
The GMC Canyon marries its off-road prowess with a premium technology suite to offer customers an advanced off-road experience. Canyon’s technology-focused cockpit features a more dynamic, high-resolution infotainment screen and driver information center.
The All-New Canyon gives the driver ample control with its advanced technology cockpit, powered by a new electrical architecture. Through this updated system, drivers can experience Canyon’s available 10 camera view system — more camera views than any other competitor in its class — including HD Surround Vision and a waterproof underbody camera with camera washing system. The Canyon’s advanced cockpit also includes the off-road performance display, which allows drivers to track real-time, off-road performance data on the center screen.
In addition to these features, the Canyon also includes a variety of other enhancements including:
- Underbody cameras, including front- and rear-facing views underneath the vehicle.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless phone projection capability
- Google Built-in
The Canyon also introduces a host of safety and driver assistance technology features including:
- Standard Canyon Pro Safety Package
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian Braking with Bicyclist Detection
- IntelliBeam Headlights auto high beams
- Following Distance Indicator
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Safety Alert Seat
- Technology Package
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- HD Surround Vision
Elevated Exterior and Interior Design
The GMC Canyon features a bold stance, aggressive exterior styling and elevated interior. The All-New Canyon is equipped with a standard short bed, crew cab configuration.
The Canyon’s exterior is pronounced by its high clearance, trimmed corners and the all-new integration of sheet metal for a completely unique look. The front fascia features full LED exterior lighting.
Under the vehicle, the Canyon AT4X includes a large front heavy-duty AT4X skid plate, a transfer case shield rocker protector to tackle the most rugged terrains. The GMC Canyon also introduces a water-tight tailgate storage system for enhanced bed functionality and superior cargo volume.
The Canyon AT4X offers a world of connectivity, with OnStar, the key enabler of safety, entertainment, and connectivity across GM vehicles. By downloading the myGMC app the driver gets full control over the vehicle through remote commands, vehicle locate, and so much more. In parallel, drivers and passengers can stay entertained as up to seven devices can seamlessly connect to Wi-Fi when on the road. a. OnStar also provides vehicle diagnostics health reports and maintenance alerts, keeping you informed about your vehicle’s status and needs.
Automotive
Metadome.ai launches AI Virtual Sales Assistant with Jameel Motors Egypt

Metadome.ai, in collaboration with Jameel Motors Egypt, one of the country’s most prominent automotive distributors, has launched an AI-assisted virtual sales assistant designed to support the entire customer journey — both pre-sales and post-sales.
Jameel Motors, a key player in Egypt’s automotive market, brings decades of expertise in the mobility sector and a reputation for representing some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands. Its expansive sales and after-sales network position the company as a trusted name in delivering customer-centric innovation.
As a collaboration between two leading technology innovators, Jameel Motors Egypt is stepping into the future of customer engagement by bringing the power of AI to the showroom floor and beyond. Developed by Metadome.ai, the newly launched virtual assistant provides customers with round-the-clock, real-time support across all digital touchpoints. Whether learning about car models, comparing features, booking test drives, or tracking vehicle delivery, the assistant acts as a knowledgeable and responsive digital partner throughout the pre-sales experience.
More than just a sales tool, the assistant also supports post-sales services. Customers can authenticate themselves, book maintenance appointments, access previous service records, receive live maintenance updates, activate warranties, locate service centers, and request spare parts and accessories. It also delivers automated maintenance reminders and other services that’s helping streamline after-sales support while keeping customers fully informed and connected.
“At Metadome.ai, we’re driven by one simple idea—technology should feel intuitive, human, and helpful. That’s exactly what we aimed for with this product. By combining Jameel Motors deep automotive expertise with our conversational AI capabilities and tech backbone, we’ve created an experience that feels less like a bot—and more like a knowledgeable, always-available assistant,” said Shorya Mahajan, Co-founder and COO of Metadome.ai
The assistant is already live at select Jameel Motors digital touchpoints, with early feedback indicating stronger online engagement, faster response cycles, and increased customer satisfaction.
Tarek Abdullatif, Regional Director Jameel Motors Egypt, stated: “We’ve seen firsthand how digital tools can transform industries. This assistant is more than a chatbot it’s a smart, responsive designed to meet the needs of today’s connected customer.”
He added, “In the coming months, the virtual assistant solution will roll out across Jameel Motors entire network, in Egypt as part of the company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric service.
Automotive
INEOS AUTOMOTIVE ACCELERATES IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH 1,000TH VEHICLE DELIVERED AND MAJOR REGIONAL EXPANSION

INEOS Automotive has hit a major milestone in the Middle East, delivering its 1,000th Grenadier 4X4 – just over two years after launching in the region. The rugged British-designed off-roader has quickly gained traction with adventurers, professionals, and off-road enthusiasts alike.
REGIONAL INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION

Building on its fast-growing global footprint, INEOS Automotive is making a bold move and expanding operations across the Middle East and Africa. Leading this next chapter is the newly appointed Head of Region, Dan Balmer – a highly accomplished executive with a CV that spans top roles at BMW, Aston Martin, Lotus, and Rolls-Royce.
Balmer will be based in INEOS Automotive’s brand-new regional headquarters in the Arenco Tower in Dubai’s Media City, where a growing team – including relocated staff from the UK – will drive sales, marketing, aftersales, and the dealer network.
With a strong existing footprint across six countries and seven dealer sites, the company is now gearing up to expand further across the GCC and break into new Middle Eastern and African markets. “The 1,000th Grenadier delivery signifies that drivers across the region are embracing what we’ve built,” said Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive. “We’re backing that enthusiasm with serious investment: a new regional HQ, a growing team, and an exciting leader in Dan Balmer, who’s ready to take things to the next level.”

INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHT AT THE HELM
Newly appointed regional chief, Dan Balmer, brings deep global expertise and local insight to the role. Having previously led teams in major markets for some of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands, he’s now focused on growing INEOS Automotive’s presence and partnerships throughout the region.
“Hitting this milestone delivery is just the beginning,” said Balmer. “The Middle East and Africa offer huge potential, and I’m thrilled to lead our efforts here – from expanding into new markets to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”
Balmer started his automotive career as an apprentice design technician, and progressed through the ranks at BMW and Rolls-Royce. His first regional leadership appointment was as General Manager Asia Pacific for Rolls-Royce from 2012. Joining Aston Martin in 2014, Balmer led several regional offices, latterly as President of UK, Middle East & Africa. And at Lotus from 2021, he saw success as President and CEO of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and most recently held the position of President and CEO of Lotus Cars Europe.
Automotive
From the Garage to the Global Stage: MEA Service Advisors and Technicians Head to Bangkok for Skills Showdown

For most people, car servicing is about speed, efficiency, and trust. But for a select group of the Middle East and Africa’s most skilled automotive professionals, it’s also about something else – the chance to put their expertise to the test on the world stage.
This month, eleven technicians and service advisors from seven MEA countries will travel to Bangkok, Thailand, to compete in the first-ever Changan Global Service Skills Competition. The five-day event, running from August 25–29, will pit them against elite peers from around the world in disciplines including service reception processes, engine maintenance, and vehicle fault diagnosis.
A Career Milestone
For these finalists, representing KSA, Oman, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Morocco, the competition is more than just a technical test. It’s a career highlight, an opportunity to benchmark themselves against the best globally, and a chance to bring fresh knowledge home to their dealerships and customers.

Their journeys began at the 2024 Changan MEA Regional Skills Competition in Dammam, KSA, where the region’s top service professionals underwent rigorous challenges and intensive training. Those who excelled earned the right to carry their country’s flag to Bangkok.
“Our finalists are not only representing their dealerships and countries, but also the skill, dedication, and customer-first values of the Middle East and Africa region,” said Mr. Xiao, General Manager of Changan Automobile’s MEA Business Unit. “Competing at this level puts MEA talent in the global spotlight and helps raise service standards across the industry.”
The People Behind the Progress
Among the Service Advisors is Eslam Mohammed Nasem of Almajdouie Motors, KSA, who says the competition is “a chance to prove that our region’s skills are world-class.” For Anandu Dileep Kumar, a technician from Alqurain Auto Motive Trading Company in Kuwait, it’s about “learning from the best, then sharing that knowledge with colleagues and customers back home.”
These stories are mirrored across the team, individuals driven by pride in their craft and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Why It Matters
Aftersales service is becoming a key differentiator in the automotive industry, particularly in MEA, where customer expectations are rising alongside vehicle technology. The skills honed in Bangkok – from diagnostic precision to customer engagement – will directly influence the ownership experience across the region.
By investing in competitions like this, Changan aims to create a ripple effect: highly trained professionals inspiring peers, raising standards, and reinforcing trust in the brand.
Looking Ahead
The Bangkok event will also feature technical salons and a factory tour, giving participants access to global best practices and cutting-edge developments. When they return, the MEA team will bring more than memories, they’ll bring insights that will shape the future of aftersales service in the region.
This is the first time MEA has sent a full delegation to the global finals. For the eleven men and women boarding their flights later this month, it’s the culmination of years of dedication. For the region’s customers, it’s a sign that world-class service is closer than ever.
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