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Geely’s Recipe for Growth in the UAE: Innovation, Affordability, and After-Sales Excellence

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  • Exclusive Interview with Dr. Andreas Schaaf, CEO – Geely Group Brands at AGMC

What advantages do Chinese brands like Geely offer compared to prominent Japanese or European competitors?

Geely stands out by providing a unique offering of luxury, performance, and advanced technology in its vehicles, all at competitive prices. If you look at the vehicles in our line-up, like the Monjaro and the Okavango, it’s evident that our brand places a priority on providing premium features usually seen in more expensive European and Japanese models.

Geely cars come equipped with cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and outstanding performance. For example, the Monjaro, a highly advanced SUV by Geely, is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo engine, 235 horsepower, and a sophisticated BorgWarner 4WD system, providing it with power and agility. This model directly competes with much pricier high-end brands in terms of performance and features, yet it remains affordable.

Likewise, the Okavango, our well-liked seven-seater SUV, provides ample interior room, comfort, and advanced technology features tailored for families’ requirements without compromising on quality. These models have been very well received in the UAE.

What really stands out is the after-sales support we offer at Geely UAE – which includes a comprehensive service package – and the strength of its warranties, which are vital in giving customers long-term confidence in their vehicle choice and ensuring peace of mind.

How have perceptions of Chinese car quality evolved among UAE consumers recently?

In recent years, Geely has caused a significant change in the way Chinese car brands are viewed by consumers in the UAE, mostly because of our attention to quality, technology, and dependability. Geely quickly built a solid reputation by offering vehicles that go beyond just being affordable – our vehicles also excel in performance, design, and safety.

Models such as the Geely Coolray and Emgrand sedan are consistently rated as top performers in their respective segments. The Coolray’s dynamic design and powerful yet efficient engine have made it a top choice in the B-segment SUV category, while the Emgrand has gained popularity in the sedan market for its sleek design and advanced safety features. Geely’s position as a brand that surpasses customer expectations has been strengthened by such success stories.

This change in perspective is also mirrored in Geely’s sales numbers. In just the first six months of 2024, we managed to sell 3,392 vehicles in the UAE, proving the increasing popularity of Chinese cars which provide excellent quality, top-notch features, and attractive prices.

What role does pricing play in the popularity of Chinese cars in the UAE?

The pricing of Geely vehicles is a crucial factor in the brand’s increasing popularity and success in the UAE, and it is not solely due to being budget friendly. Our cars offer great value, with features and technology that compete with pricier European and Japanese cars. The mixture of offering great value alongside premium features makes them an attractive choice for a wide variety of customers, who are seeking vehicles that maintain quality, safety, and performance without breaking the bank.

For instance, consider the Geely Okavango. It’s an SUV that provides ample space inside, cutting-edge technology, and excellent performance at an appealing price in a fierce SUV market. Similarly, the Starray, which was launched this year, provides a mix of opulence, modern technology, and stylish aesthetics at a reasonable cost, catering to those seeking top-tier experiences without the accompanying hefty price. This makes it a compelling alternative to more established brands.

How has Geely’s acquisition of Volvo influenced its reputation in the UAE market?

In 2010, Volvo was acquired by Geely, China’s largest privately owned automotive company, resulting in what is seen as one of the most successful mergers in the sector. It combines the strengths of a historic European brand with Chinese innovation and resources.

The merger demonstrated Geely’s ambitions and commitment to manufacturing vehicles of the highest quality, and shows the strategic foresight of the Geely Group and their strong understanding of the importance of leading innovation.

But Geely’s influence goes beyond Volvo. Known for its ownership of brands such as Lotus and Lynk & Co, as well as its substantial investment in Mercedes-Benz, it has developed a culture of excellence that is visible everywhere, and Geely is benefitting from this reputation.

Having a variety of brands across multiple segments has allowed Geely Auto to establish itself as a reputable carmaker that can provide both budget-friendly and luxury vehicles, attracting a diverse customer base in the UAE.

What challenges do Chinese brands face in further expanding their presence in the UAE?

The main obstacle facing Geely and all other brands is the growing competition in the UAE’s car market. The increasing number of car companies entering the market has led to more intense competition, creating a crowded landscape and a challenge for manufacturers like Geely. Nevertheless, we are fully equipped to confront these challenges directly.

We are embracing the challenge by concentrating on our impressive range of vehicles and providing outstanding aftersales support. By partnering with AGMC, Geely gains an advantage from a strong sales and service network in the UAE and a strong reputation for service excellence, guaranteeing customers receive high-quality support and parts availability. This is a crucial element in ensuring customers are satisfied in the long run.

Although the rivalry is strong, it also works in favour of customers by providing a wider selection and improved value. Geely UAE’s competitive advantage lies in our capability to provide high-quality features and top-notch service at affordable prices, helping us differentiate ourselves in a highly competitive market.

How do after-sales service and parts availability compare between Chinese brands and others?

Geely’s excellent aftersales services are a result of our collaboration with AGMC, a highly regarded automotive importer in the UAE established almost half a century ago. Geely’s extensive service network throughout the Emirates provides customers with dependable support that is quick and efficient whenever they require it.

Additionally, we excel in availability of parts, with our specialised parts distribution centre in Dubai, a cutting-edge facility, set up to guarantee prompt and effective delivery of spare parts not just in the UAE but also throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Situated in Dubai’s Jebel Ali, its location is ideal for meeting the needs of our expanding clientele. By ensuring spare parts are easily available and minimising any downtime for vehicle owners, this system positions Geely as a reliable and service-focused brand in line with other global brands.

What future growth projections do you have for Geely in the UAE?

Geely has a very promising future ahead in the UAE. Our plans include opening additional showrooms, growing our market share, and introducing new models to further expand our business. We will bolster our footprint with a massive network development plan scheduled to cover the entire country, as well set up significant investment in top automotive talents to support the brand’s rapid growth in the coming years.

Our commitment to excellence, creativity, and customer approval, along with a proactive plan to expand showrooms, will aim to maintain Geely’s significance in the UAE automotive industry for many years to come.

Automotive

Emarat Showcases Emojet’s Aviation Fuel Leadership at Dubai Airshow 2025

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Emarat Showcases Emojet’s Aviation Fuel Leadership at Dubai Airshow 2025

Emirates Petroleum Company PJSC (Emarat), a pioneer in the UAE’s oil and gas industry, will highlight the strength of its aviation fuel business at Dubai Airshow 2025 through its aviation subsidiary, Emojet, one of the leading into-plane fuel service providers at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport (Dubai World Central). Emojet will host airline, airport and industry partners at Chalet A52 from 17–21 November 2025, between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM at Al Maktoum International Airport.

A key pillar of Emarat’s portfolio, aviation fuel is delivered through Emojet, which has proudly served the UAE’s world-leading aviation industry since 1992. Today, Emojet supplies aviation fuel to many of the world’s leading international airlines at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, delivering award-winning into-plane services built on safety, reliability and service excellence.

Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emarat, said, “Dubai Airshow is a natural platform for Emarat and Emojet. For more than three decades, we have been privileged to fuel the growth of the UAE’s aviation sector and support Dubai’s rise as a global hub for passengers and cargo. Through Emojet, we combine best-in-class infrastructure, rigorous safety and operational discipline with a partnership mindset that puts our customers’ network and growth ambitions at the centre. At Dubai Airshow 2025, we look forward to reinforcing our commitment to the aviation ecosystem and exploring new collaborations that will help shape the future of air connectivity in our region.”

At Dubai Airshow 2025, Emojet will focus on deepening existing relationships and building new partnerships with airlines, cargo operators, airports, and logistics players from across the region and beyond. This follows Emojet’s July 2024 agreement with Emirates SkyCargo to supply aviation fuel for the airline’s cargo operations at Al Maktoum International Airport – a model of the strategic collaborations the brand aims to replicate and expand during the show.

Salem Bin Suloom, Vice President – Aviation Sales at Emarat, said, “Emojet’s promise is simple – safe, reliable and efficient fueling, every time. Our customers operate in highly demanding environments, and they rely on us to deliver on-time performance, technical excellence and responsive service across every flight and every turnaround. At Dubai Airshow 2025, our focus is on listening to our partners, understanding their evolving operational needs and identifying new ways we can support them – whether through long-term supply agreements, expanded into-plane services, or new collaborations with airports and operators across the wider region. We warmly invite existing and prospective partners to visit us to discuss how Emojet can fuel their future plans.”

Emojet stands apart through its modern fleet of refuelling equipment, advanced control systems and highly trained operational teams. The company utilises the latest electronic data capture and interface systems to drive efficiency, accuracy and transparency, ensuring that its operations and equipment exceed mandated IATA standards.

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Automotive

How Machine Learning Makes Super Cruise Smarter Every Day

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An over the shoulder shot of the GM SuperCruise in action in a GM-branded vehicle.

When technology works effortlessly, it’s easy to forget the incredible engineering behind it. That was the goal with GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driver assistance technology. Super Cruise is designed to execute precise lane centering, perform smooth lane changes, interact with a driver’s requests and handle steering maneuvers. These advanced capabilities are managed by a single, modular software stack called the Unified Lateral Controller, or ULC. Looking inside, GM engineers built a self-learning system made up of machine learning algorithms to update the vehicle’s dynamics and controls. The algorithm makes quick decisions to ensure efficiency.

Imagine you’re driving with Super Cruise engaged, and you initiate a left lane change with the turn signal. Super Cruise then starts to shift the vehicle into the left lane. But let’s say you then decide to stay in the current lane, so you signal to the right. Super Cruise will respond by bringing you back to the center of the original lane – a seemingly effortless transition, but one that requires complex and rapid calculations.

Super Cruise needs to maneuver as naturally as possible for drivers to remain comfortable and confident as they drive hands free. Diving deeper, the ULC must consider many data inputs: The curvature of the road from the LiDAR map data, lane geometry from the cameras, trajectory of the vehicle based on current speeds, vehicle load, current weather conditions, and the behavior of surrounding vehicles–all in a matter of seconds.

One of the unique features of Super Cruise is its ability to maintain precise hands-free lane centering while towing a trailer – a capability unmatched in the industry. One of Super Cruise’s standout features is its ability to maintain precise, hands-free lane centering even while towing a trailer—a capability unmatched in the industry and currently available on select GM vehicles. With a trailer attached, ULC automatically accounts in real time for the additional mass and its effects on vehicle dynamics, optimizing steering commands to control both the vehicle and the trailer.

The self-learning system analyzes real-time sensor data, enabling Super Cruise to make more accurate decisions and perform proactive adjustments, improving driver comfort and confidence over time. That allows Super Cruise to adapt for each vehicle and each driver in different environmental conditions.

Let’s go back to our trailering example: Tight lateral control is important for keeping both the vehicle and the trailer centered in the lane. The model learns how the presence of the trailer changes the vehicle’s steering response and works with the ULC to optimize its responses and keep the vehicle and trailer centered in the lane. This model also scales Super Cruise enabled by OnStar , and is now available across 13 vehicle models on select trims, and counting . No matter the shape, size, or weight of the vehicle, the ULC and our self-learning algorithms can adapt, reducing complexity. We’re bringing Super Cruise to consumers on more models, offering consistent, predictable, safe hands-free driving.

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Automotive

Goodyear and Peugeot Drive the Future of Intelligent Mobility with the Polygon Concept Car

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A side-angle shot of the tire of the Polygon Concept Car made in partnership by Goodyear and Peugeot.

Goodyear and Peugeot have partnered to shape the future of intelligent mobility with the unveiling of the Peugeot Polygon concept car. This next-generation vehicle features Goodyear SightLine—an advanced suite of intelligent tire technologies—integrated directly into the cockpit for the first time alongside three bespoke Goodyear tires tailored to the car’s versatile configurations.

The Peugeot Polygon is designed to adapt to a range of driving styles through three distinct configurations, Urban, Player and Explorer, and Goodyear’s tires and solutions are uniquely designed to support the vehicle’s purpose.

The collaboration marks a milestone moment and a bold move toward seamless connectivity between vehicle and tire, delivering enhanced safety, performance, and driver confidence.

Goodyear SightLine Technology: Intelligence at Every Turn

Goodyear SightLine is a proprietary suite of smart tire technologies that provides real-time insights for safety and performance improvements in vehicles, from tire properties estimation, tire health information to road conditions. These insights can be displayed directly on the driver’s heads-up display, ensuring clarity and control throughout every journey, or it can be integrated into other advanced systems of a vehicle, allowing it to mitigate situations that are driver dependent today.

Across all Polygon configurations, SightLine features are accessible from the cockpit, offering:

• Tire Maintenance: Integrated tire wear monitoring enables vehicles to automatically adjust performance settings as tires age—helps ensuring optimal handling and safety throughout their lifecycle.

• Safe Driving: SightLine predicts and detects aquaplaning risks, allowing vehicle control systems to respond instantly and maintain stability, even in challenging conditions.

Goodyear delivers insightful journeys to Polygon drivers thanks to its integration with Peugeot Drive-by-Wire technology.

Ben Glesener, senior technology director, Product Development, Consumer EMEA, commented:

“SightLine represents more than technology—it’s a vision for connected mobility. By partnering with Peugeot, we are envisioning an ecosystem where tires become active contributors to vehicle intelligence, shaping a smarter future.”

Already available in several global markets, Goodyear SightLine is not just a concept—it’s a proven smart tire service ready for real-world applications.

Goodyear Tires: Built for Today’s Roads and Tomorrow’s Possibilities

As part of this visionary collaboration, Goodyear engineered three unique tires—each custom-designed to match the aesthetic and performance needs of the Polygon’s configurations:       

  • The Urban and Player tires feature the legendary Eagle F1 tread pattern, celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2025—a symbol of high-performance heritage.
  • The Explorer tire pays tribute to the iconic Goodyear Wrangler, incorporating its rugged tread design to deliver traction to unleash unforgettable off-road experiences.

Beyond performance, the sidewall designs were crafted to visually express a new era of automotive innovation using coloring and laser technologies —where tire aesthetics and functionality converge to push the boundaries of design.

This collaboration showcases Goodyear’s long-standing expertise in combining craftmanship with premium manufacturing technologies to deliver the highest levels of customization from product performance to aesthetics.

Together, Goodyear and Peugeot are setting new trends and driving a new era—where every journey is smarter and more expressive.

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