Automotive
Geely Auto reinforces global expansion with record-breaking international sales in the first half of 2024

Geely Auto Group has announced its latest sales data. In the first half of 2024, the company reported a total of 955,730 vehicles sold, marking a 41% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, the overseas market demonstrated exceptional performance, with Geely International sales reaching 197,428 vehicles, representing a substantial year-on-year growth of over 67%. This growth rate represents a new historical high for the company.
Commenting on the impressive global sales figures for Geely, Yikang Ding (Lucas), Regional Sales Manager, GEELY Auto Middle East, said: “We are thrilled to witness this unprecedented growth of the Geely brand worldwide. These impressive figures make it clear that Geely Auto’s high-value proposition is rapidly gaining global recognition. Our growth in the Middle East has been driven by our partnerships with well-established and trusted dealerships such as AGMC, who support our vision to deliver mobility experiences that exceed global expectations. We are grateful to our partners in supporting our global expansion, and look forward to working with AGMC to achieve more exceptional results in the United Arab Emirates in the future.”
Commenting on the success of the Geely brand in the UAE, Dr. Andreas Schaaf, CEO – Geely Group Brands at AGMC, added: “We are proud to have played our own part in this incredible success story since recommencing sales of Geely vehicles in the United Arab Emirates, having enjoyed sales of 3392 vehicles in H1 of 2024 alone. Combining exceptional quality with impressive performance and advanced technologies, all for a highly compelling price point, Geely vehicles offer incredible value to our customers in the UAE. We look forwarding to bringing even more exciting models to the UAE, offering an exceptional ownership experience underpinned by AGMC’s exceptional reputation for aftersales service and customer care.”
Overseas Growth a Key Pillar
The significant expansion in Geely’s overseas business underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to its globalisation strategy. Geely continues to emphasise a “high-value global expansion” approach, systematically enhancing its global presence through advancements in product development, service quality, channel expansion, and supply chain optimisation.
With the acceleration of Geely’s global expansion and the enhancement of its international influence, the company has achieved high-quality market share in multiple countries. As of 31 May 2024, Geely has ranked among the top three in terms of Chinese brand vehicle sales in 14 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the Philippines.
The Coolray SUV, known for its exceptional performance and dynamic design, has not only set new standards for “hot hatch” models domestically, but has also become the top choice for B-segment SUVs internationally. In the first half of 2024, Coolray ranked among the top three Chinese brands in terms of sales in its segments in seven countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Qatar and Panama.
Geely’s flagship model, the Monjaro, has set a new record for the brand’s overseas sales in the first half of 2024. In terms of sales, the Monjaro is the top three Chinese automotivebrands in five countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
2024 is a pivotal year for Geely’s development in global markets, with the annual export target increasing from 330,000 to 380,000 units. Looking ahead, Geely Auto International will further focus on market segmentation, product innovation, brand rejuvenation, and global supply chains enhancement, to ensure sustainable high-quality growth in the global market. Geely Global will also continue to deepen its globalisation strategy, providing more diversified products and high-quality services to all consumers.
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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