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GM Middle East starts the year strong with first quarter growth in full-size SUVs and pickups

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General Motors (GM) Middle East announced one of its strongest performances in recent years, driven by regional high demand across Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac in full-size SUVs and pickups. Sales increased by 26% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, highlighting the popularity and love for GM’s vehicles.

With a 99-year track record in the Middle East, Chevrolet and GMC continue to resonate with customers across the region, offering capability, space, and performance, while Cadillac remains a popular choice among luxury vehicle buyers. GM had a powerful start to the year as it had recently launched the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade in the last six months, some of the region’s most loved vehicles.

Putting customers at the forefront, the performance results of the manufacturer reflect the holistic approach to customer experience and the unequivocal services offered by GM and its dealer partner network.

GM Middle East continues to lead in the region’s full-size pickups, and is among the top brands for full-size sports utility vehicles (SUV) with total sales up 55% for GM’s full-size SUVs year-on-year. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban witnessed a 22% rise, while the GMC Acadia and Chevrolet Traverse went up 47% and Cadillac Escalade at 16%, year-on-year.

Moreover, from a connectivity standpoint, GM’s pioneering in-vehicle technology that enhances convenience, safety, security and infotainment – OnStar – saw a 45% rise in activations in the first quarter of 2025 year-on-year. Coupled with OnStar’s recent rollout of the new suite of app enhancements this year such as intuitive navigation, more powerful remote commands and real-time insights, OnStar is raising the bar for what’s possible in connected vehicles.

Through committing to customers and keeping them at the center, GM Middle East’s after-sales performance achieved an all-time record in customer satisfaction scores, reflecting the company’s commitment to delivering world-class service across the region. At GM Middle East, six out of every ten customers within our service network return for service. Innovative initiatives in digital customer experience and consistent investment in service training have empowered speedier responses and better service across the service dealer network. In addition, GM’s parts availability has reached exceptional levels, ensuring quicker turnaround and greater confidence for every visit.

Jack Uppal, President & Managing Director, General Motors Africa & Middle East, said, “From full-size SUVs to capable trucks, our brands are aligned with what customers in the region value most — power, innovation, and presence on the road. Catering to our loyal customers and enticing future GM vehicle owners, our Q1 performance encapsulates the innovation and unwavering commitment to customers that GM upholds. With this fantastic start, we are greatly looking forward to driving more success through the rest of 2025.”

This year will see GM accelerate its regional strategy with a diverse portfolio from attainable compact SUVs and EUVs to the rugged and powerful pickups and luxury at its best. The company remains committed to its customers and vision of zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion underpinned by its state-of-the-art designs and engineering, pioneering advanced in-vehicle technology and top-quality products.

Automotive

Metadome.ai launches AI Virtual Sales Assistant with Jameel Motors Egypt

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A rear-angle shot of an AI assistant visualized by AI

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.

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INEOS AUTOMOTIVE ACCELERATES IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH 1,000TH VEHICLE DELIVERED AND MAJOR REGIONAL EXPANSION

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A front three-quarter shot of an INEOS Grenadier parked outdoors.

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

Executive Headshot of Dan Balmer - Head of Region - INEOS Automotive
Dan Balmer, Head of Region, INEOS Automotive

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.

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From the Garage to the Global Stage: MEA Service Advisors and Technicians Head to Bangkok for Skills Showdown

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a side-angle shot of automotive professionals attending a training session

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.

a side-angle shot of an automotive professional inside a car with a product manual

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.

a side-angle shot of an automotive professional inside a car with a product manual

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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