Connect with us

Automotive

Dongfeng Outlines Its Strategy for Growth in the UAE Automotive Market

Published

on

A front-three-quarter shot of a DongFeng Shine driven on the road.

Exclusive Interview with Saj Jabbar, General Manager, M.A.H.Y. Khoory Automotive Dubai, UAE

What are some specific consumer trends in the UAE that you believe will shape the future of Dongfeng’s presence in the region?

Saj Jabbar, General Manager, M.A.H.Y. Khoory Automotive Dubai, UAE

The UAE automotive market is highly dynamic, with several key trends shaping its future. A major trend is the growing demand for affordable, feature-packed vehicles that offer a balance of quality and performance. Consumers expect vehicles to integrate advanced technologies such as driver-assistance systems, smart connectivity, and infotainment, all while maintaining competitive pricing. Additionally, sustainability is taking centre stage as the UAE government ramps up initiatives such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, heightening consumer interest in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). This shift provides Dongfeng and other brands in the MKA portfolio opportunities to lead the way in the transition toward greener mobility. Another significant trend is the preference for SUVs and crossovers, which dominate the market due to their practicality and versatility. We see this as a critical area for growth in the coming years.

A front-three-quarter shot of a DongFeng AX7

How involved is Dongfeng in localising its offerings for the UAE market, and what role does M.A.H.Y. Khoory play in this process?

Localisation is essential for success in the UAE automotive market, and Dongfeng has demonstrated a strong commitment to this process. As the sole distributor of Dongfeng vehicles in the UAE, MKA plays a pivotal role in tailoring Dongfeng’s offerings to meet the unique needs of UAE consumers. This involves ensuring that Dongfeng vehicles are optimised for the region’s harsh climate. We also collaborate closely with Dongfeng to provide market-specific configurations and features tailored for local buyers. Our partnership extends beyond product localisation; we recently inaugurated a state-of-the-art service centre in Dubai, with plans to expand our service network across the emirates. This ensures comprehensive aftersales support, which is a cornerstone of our approach to building long-term customer trust and loyalty.

Given the UAE’s competitive automotive market, what strategies are you employing to build consumer trust in a relatively new brand?

Establishing consumer trust is critical for us at MKA, especially as we expand our presence in a competitive market. Our strategy is built around three key pillars: product excellence, aftersales support, and strategic partnerships. We ensure that Dongfeng vehicles meet the highest international standards, offering advanced technology and competitive pricing. We have strengthened aftersales service, starting with the inauguration of our new Dubai service centre. We’re committed to providing seamless maintenance, transparent pricing, extended warranties, and access to genuine spare parts. Our partnership with One by One Car Rental to deliver 1,000 Dongfeng vehicles underscores our ability to meet the needs of both individual buyers and corporate customers. These collaborations enhance Dongfeng’s reputation in the UAE. Finally, we leverage targeted marketing campaigns and digital platforms to raise awareness about Dongfeng’s legacy as one of China’s leading automotive brands.

A front-three-quarter shot of a DongFeng Mage.

How do you see the UAE automotive market evolving over the next five years, particularly with the growing prominence of Chinese automakers?

The UAE automotive market is entering a transformative phase, driven by three key factors. First, the increasing prominence of Chinese automakers is reshaping the competitive landscape. Brands like Dongfeng are setting new benchmarks by offering high-quality vehicles at competitive prices. Second, the shift toward sustainability and EV adoption will accelerate, driven by government initiatives. Chinese automakers, with their advanced EV technologies, are well-positioned to lead this transition. At MKA, we see this as a significant growth opportunity and are actively preparing to introduce a broader range of EVs into our portfolio. Lastly, digitalisation will redefine how consumers interact with automotive brands. The UAE market will demand more innovative and tech-driven solutions.

How does Dongfeng Motor plan to position itself in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market in the UAE and the Middle East?

Dongfeng is at the forefront of EV innovation, and its entry into the UAE’s growing EV market is a significant milestone. As one of China’s leaders in EV development, Dongfeng is bringing advanced electric and hybrid models to the region. Our strategy revolves around product excellence, infrastructure support, and partnerships. We are introducing EVs that combine exceptional range, innovative design, and affordability. On the infrastructure front, MKA is actively engaging with stakeholders to support the development of a robust charging network.

Automotive

ZEEKR SETS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ TITLE WITH THE ZEEKR 7X AT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT, CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF INNOVATION

Published

on

The Zeekr 7X has earned a Guinness World Records™ title for the tightest gap passed through whilst drifting an electric car, successfully passing through a gap with an astonishing clearance of just 25 centimetres.

The record was officially achieved at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the exceptional precision, stability, and dynamic control of the Zeekr 7X. The achievement demonstrates the advanced capabilities of Zeekr’s intelligent electric vehicle platform and reinforces the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovation.

The Zeekr 7X’s record-setting performance is underpinned by a combination of advanced chassis engineering and intelligent vehicle control systems. Its front double wishbone suspension delivers exceptional steering precision and responsiveness, faithfully translating driver inputs into accurate vehicle movement. The high-output rear electric motor provides instant, precisely controllable torque, enabling smooth, sustained drifts while allowing fine adjustments to the vehicle’s direction through throttle modulation. Complementing these systems, the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) provides exceptional body rigidity and a low centre of gravity, enhancing stability, balance, and driver confidence under extreme driving conditions.

The record attempt formed the centrepiece of Zeekr’s global celebrations marking its fifth anniversary. Since its launch in 2021, Zeekr has rapidly established itself as a premium intelligent electric mobility brand, continually pushing the boundaries of design, technology, safety, and performance. This latest Guinness World Records™ achievement reflects the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation and serves as a powerful demonstration of the engineering excellence behind the Zeekr 7X.

“Achieving a Guinness World Records title is a proud milestone for Zeekr and a fitting way to celebrate our fifth anniversary,” said Mr. Mars Chen, Vice President of Zeekr. “The Zeekr 7X embodies our commitment to intelligent engineering, precision, and performance. This achievement demonstrates the strength of our technology and reinforces our ambition to continue redefining premium electric mobility through innovation.”

“This Guinness World Records™ achievement reflects the innovation, precision, and performance that define Zeekr,” said Roberto Colucci, Director of Electric Vehicles at AWR Automotive. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and to bring the intelligent technology and advanced engineering of the Zeekr 7X to customers across the UAE.”

The celebration continued on 13 June 2026, when more than 200 Zeekr owners, customers, partners, and members of the UAE media gathered at Yas Marina Circuit to commemorate both the world record achievement and Zeekr’s five-year journey. The event brought together the Zeekr community to experience the brand’s latest innovations and celebrate this landmark moment.

As Zeekr enters its next chapter, the company remains committed to accelerating the future of intelligent electric mobility through cutting-edge technology, exceptional craftsmanship, and customer-centric innovation.

Continue Reading

Automotive

UDRIVE CUSTOMERS CROSS 45 MILLION KILOMETRES AS UAE DEMAND FOR CAR SHARING ACCELERATES 

Published

on

Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has strengthened its mobility network across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, as app-based car access becomes a bigger part of how people move across the country. In 2025 alone, Udrive customers have driven more than 45 million kilometres, reflecting rising demand for smarter urban mobility that aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s focus on flexible means of transportation.

The growth reflects Udrive’s expanding role as a practical alternative to traditional car rental and private car ownership. The platform now operates a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles and has completed more than three million rentals to date. In 2025, Udrive recorded over half a million trips, while registrations grew by 14% compared with 2024, indicating stronger adoption among customers seeking on-demand access to vehicles.

Residents make up 90% of Udrive’s customer base, showing how car sharing has become part of daily commuting, errands, weekend plans and short-term transport needs. Retention has strengthened, with active customers for 12 months or more rising from 21% to 32%. Growth across shorter-term segments has also supported higher trip volumes and revenue, pointing to sustained adoption among both new and returning users.

Fleet choice has also expanded; Udrive now offers vehicles from Kia, Ford, BYD and MINI, with Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan and Mitsubishi also available on the platform. With the company’s ongoing partnership with AGMC, recent additions include MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, the launch of MINI Convertibles. Udrive has also added hybrid BYD Song and BYD QIN vehicles to its fleet, offering customers premium, lower-emission mobility options.

“At Udrive, our growth is being shaped by customers who want access without the cost and commitment of ownership. Expanding across four emirates and growing our fleet gives residents and visitors the freedom to choose the right car for every journey. Stronger retention shows that flexible mobility is becoming part of daily life in the UAE, while supporting a more practical alternative to private vehicle dependency,” said Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive.

As part of its wider network growth, Udrive has added new Business Zones in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, extending coverage across almost every area within its operating network. This gives customers more flexibility to pick up and end trips across key residential, commercial and lifestyle districts, supporting everyday journeys across the UAE’s major urban centres.

Through the Udrive app, customers can locate, book and unlock a vehicle in minutes, with flexible rental options by the minute, hour, day, week or month. The service is designed around convenience and transparency, with zero deposit, no paperwork, office visits or delivery fees, and inclusive benefits such as free fuel and parking.

As the UAE’s mobility needs continue to evolve, Udrive will focus on deeper coverage, stronger fleet variety, and partnerships that improve access to flexible transport across the country. The company’s growth strategy is centred on making shared mobility easier to use, more widely available, and more relevant to how residents move across cities every day.

The expanded Udrive network is now live on the app. Customers can open the map, find a nearby car, choose the rental option that fits their journey and start driving in minutes.

Continue Reading

Automotive

Udrive customers cross 45 million kilometres as UAE demand for car sharing accelerates 

Published

on

Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has strengthened its mobility network across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, as app-based car access becomes a bigger part of how people move across the country. In 2025 alone, Udrive customers have driven more than 45 million kilometres, reflecting rising demand for smarter urban mobility that aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s focus on flexible means of transportation.

The growth reflects Udrive’s expanding role as a practical alternative to traditional car rental and private car ownership. The platform now operates a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles and has completed more than three million rentals to date. In 2025, Udrive recorded over half a million trips, while registrations grew by 14% compared with 2024, indicating stronger adoption among customers seeking on-demand access to vehicles.

Residents make up 90% of Udrive’s customer base, showing how car sharing has become part of daily commuting, errands, weekend plans and short-term transport needs. Retention has strengthened, with active customers for 12 months or more rising from 21% to 32%. Growth across shorter-term segments has also supported higher trip volumes and revenue, pointing to sustained adoption among both new and returning users.

Fleet choice has also expanded; Udrive now offers vehicles from Kia, Ford, BYD and MINI, with Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan and Mitsubishi also available on the platform. With the company’s ongoing partnership with AGMC, recent additions include MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, the launch of MINI Convertibles. Udrive has also added hybrid BYD Song and BYD QIN vehicles to its fleet, offering customers premium, lower-emission mobility options.

“At Udrive, our growth is being shaped by customers who want access without the cost and commitment of ownership. Expanding across four emirates and growing our fleet gives residents and visitors the freedom to choose the right car for every journey. Stronger retention shows that flexible mobility is becoming part of daily life in the UAE, while supporting a more practical alternative to private vehicle dependency,” said Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive.

As part of its wider network growth, Udrive has added new Business Zones in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, extending coverage across almost every area within its operating network. This gives customers more flexibility to pick up and end trips across key residential, commercial and lifestyle districts, supporting everyday journeys across the UAE’s major urban centres.

Through the Udrive app, customers can locate, book and unlock a vehicle in minutes, with flexible rental options by the minute, hour, day, week or month. The service is designed around convenience and transparency, with zero deposit, no paperwork, office visits or delivery fees, and inclusive benefits such as free fuel and parking.

As the UAE’s mobility needs continue to evolve, Udrive will focus on deeper coverage, stronger fleet variety, and partnerships that improve access to flexible transport across the country. The company’s growth strategy is centred on making shared mobility easier to use, more widely available, and more relevant to how residents move across cities every day.

The expanded Udrive network is now live on the app. Customers can open the map, find a nearby car, choose the rental option that fits their journey and start driving in minutes.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator