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Breaking Down the Metrics: What the Numbers Tell Us About Chinese EV Growth

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Exclusive Interview with Paige Lingwood, Insights Consultant, CARMA – Author of the “CARMA: Driving Change” report.

As Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers rapidly expand their global footprint, their media strategies are fundamentally reshaping how automotive innovation is communicated to consumers worldwide. In this exclusive interview, Paige Lingwood, Insights Consultant at CARMA and author of the “Driving Change” report, reveals how brands like BYD are capturing an unprecedented 41% of positive media coverage, while established automakers scramble to adapt their communication strategies.


How do Chinese EV brands’ media strategies differ from how traditional automakers typically approach innovation marketing?

Established brands have the ability to tether to their rich heritage, which can allude to brand loyalty and trust, while Chinese brands are currently needing to build this rapport.

Your report suggests that BYD alone generated 41% of all positive coverage. Could such media concentration around a single brand lead to distorted market expectations for other Chinese players trying to enter the EV space?

I wouldn’t necessarily say it distorts market expectations, but it does demonstrate just how much BYD is dominating coverage on behalf of Chinese brands. It also shows a level of white space that other CN OEMs have to play in with their Communications strategies, giving them the ability to understand what media are talking about in similar manners for BYD to emulate this for themselves.

How did Chinese automakers’ media resilience compare to established players during industry disruptions like chip shortages?

The Semi-Conductor shortages became a significant issue in the industry after the main wave of the COVID pandemic, therefore, this is slightly premature to the main insurgence of Chinese OEMs truly disrupting the industry. However, the incredible upcoming of Chinese automotive brands adds to the turbulence that the industry has faced over the past five or so years, having experienced COVID-19, into semi-conductor shortages, into Chinese brands shaking up the industry exponentially. It will be interesting to see what comes next!

A front three-quarter shot of a BYD Yangwang U8L parked outdoors under blue skies on a platform
BYD Yangwang U8L

What drives the UAE’s 75% innovative positioning of Chinese brands, while many other established markets remain skeptical of Chinese EVs?

UAE also supplied a large share of innovative positioning of established brands, demonstrating that media within the market are not necessarily aligning with one or the other, especially given its long-term affiliation and loyalty with some Asian legacy manufacturers. From our sampled coverage, a similar volume of media outlets highlighted both BYD and Tesla as being technologically innovative.

What do you believe Chinese automakers still underestimate in terms of building long-term brand loyalty beyond price and tech?

Long term loyalty comes with just that – longevity in the industry, something that is difficult to win over, just look at how dominant the likes of Nissan are in the UAE. We conducted a study at the end of 2024 that focused on car owners in the UAE where multiple nationals stated that they would continue purchasing the Patrol simply because it’s the Patrol – this is a very difficult mindset for other OEMs to overcome.

How are legacy OEMs interpreting this surge in media confidence for Chinese EV brands? Do you see a reactive shift in their PR and communication strategies, especially in this region?

On global scale, we have observed a substantial global shift in recent years, indicating a desire to innovate beyond conventional frameworks. For example, OEMs are shifting out of being labelled a volume brand to premium, then premium to luxury etc.

In a similar vein, more OEMs are wanting to shift to the title of “technology brand”, showcasing their innovative technological advancements. It will be interesting to see how legacy brands continue to future proof and look ahead from a technological point of view, especially when it has been proven that Chinese brands have the agility and speed to launch faster than their established counterparts.

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EV LAB invests in Pure Electric, kicks off partnership with new lineup of e-scooters

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EV LAB invests in Pure Electric, kicks off partnership with new lineup of e-scooters

EV LAB, the region’s first omni-channel multi-brand EV store, has invested in Pure Electric, a global specialist in electric micromobility founded by British entrepreneur Adam Norris, and will serve as the brand’s exclusive partner across the Middle East. The partnership kicked off with the launch of Pure Electric’s three new e-scooters in the UAE – Air⁴, Pure x McLaren, and Pure Flex. The collaboration marks a pivotal move towards advancing sustainable transport solutions and supporting the UAE’s goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050.

Under this new venture, EV LAB will feature Pure Electric products across its five stores in the region. This will include the new lineup, primarily designed for urban commuters, lifestyle riders, tech-forward consumers, and micromobility enthusiasts, offering a potent blend of performance, innovation, and purposeful design tailored for the region’s fast-paced city environment. The latest models include the Air⁴, a remastered fourth-generation classic e-ride with a smoother, more powerful ride featuring a 710W motor and 30km range; the Pure x Mclaren finished in McLaren’s iconic orange livery, built with active steering stabilisation, a 900W motor, and a 50km range; and the Pure flex, the world’s most compact scooter featuring a unique forward-facing stance, ultra-compact design, and a 45km range, built for maximum control and stability.

Kevin Chalhoub, CEO and founder of EV LAB, stated, “Collaborating with Pure Electric to launch these unique, state-of-the-art e-scooters in the UAE is an incredible opportunity to drive innovation and sustainability by reducing carbon emissions that will help prevent wider climate problems across the Middle East. Over the past few years, consumers in the region have grown more environmentally conscious and are looking for smarter and greener approaches to travel. These new models will help us advance our mission of creating a dynamic ecosystem in which brands, consumers, and experts can connect through accessible, sustainable, and meaningful electric mobility experiences.”

Micromobility is becoming increasingly popular in the United Arab Emirates due to factors such as the rise in eco-conscious consumers, urbanisation, and traffic congestion within cities.  With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2 per cent, the UAE micromobility market is projected to reach USD 2,014.8 million by 2030.  Aligning with this growth, EV LAB, as the first multi-brand electric mobility platform in the region, is building a thriving network of EV businesses, experts, and enthusiasts, while offering advanced electric mobility solutions for land, air, and sea, including boats and surfboards, cars, scooters, and air taxis. Through the latest partnership, the company continues to push forward the transition to electric mobility within the UAE and across the Middle East through knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.

Adam Norris, CEO and Founder of Pure Electric, said: “Pure Electric was formed with the goal of revolutionising personal transport and preparing cities for future generations. Our latest collaboration with EV LAB is a step towards this vision and reinforces our commitment to advancing smarter, greener travel solutions. At Pure Electric, we believe people must begin making thoughtful mobility decisions, not only for practical reasons but also for the wellbeing of our cities and the environment.”

“This new partnership is also of great importance to me, as it comes at the same time my son, Lando, has secured his first Formula 1 World Championship title in Abu Dhabi. I am incredibly proud of these milestones, both as a father and business owner, and look forward to what lies ahead,” Norris added.

Pure Electric, since its founding in 2018, has quickly grown into eight nations owing to its clear vision, precision engineering, and a relentless commitment to delivering quality riding experiences. The company’s global momentum, paired with EV LAB’s regional leadership, opens the door to a new era of micromobility in the country.

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SONAX ACCELERATES DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH ACROSS GCC AND MIDDLE EAST WITH UAE DISTRIBUTOR RAMY AUTOMOTIVE

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A light blue car displayed under a white canopy at the modern, brightly lit SONAX exhibition booth inside a trade show.

SONAX GmbH, the global leader in car care solutions, has recorded consistent double-digit growth across the GCC and wider Middle East region, averaging between 10% and 20% over the past five years. This sustained expansion underscores the company’s strong foothold in the region and its position as the number-one premium car care brand, reinforced by a 35-year partnership with its UAE distributor, RAMY Automotive.

Building on this success, SONAX will showcase its next-generation innovations at Automechanika Dubai 2025, where it will unveil two new additions to its Ceramic Coating line, CC Glass and CC Rim. These latest formulations highlight SONAX’s continuous investment in innovation, performance, and product excellence.

“Our continued double-digit growth underscores the strong trust and loyalty that SONAX has built among car enthusiasts and professionals across the UAE,” said Edwin Berberi, Senior Business Development Manager SONAX, GmbH. “At RAMY Automotive, we take pride in representing SONAX in the UAE and strengthening its legacy of excellence in car care. We are committed to further expanding our footprint while upholding the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction across the region.”

Founded in 1950 in Neuburg, Germany, SONAX has built its reputation on premium quality, continuous research, and technical advancement. Its comprehensive portfolio spans car, motorcycle, bicycle, and industrial care, from manual detailing to automated washing, offering both private and professional users products that meet the highest global standards.

The GCC is one of the fastest-growing markets for high-end vehicle maintenance, driven by discerning customers who own luxury cars and demand superior quality care. As such, SONAX has continued to attract both individual car enthusiasts and commercial clients seeking long-lasting protection and professional-grade efficiency.

“Automechanika Dubai provides the perfect platform to strengthen our connections with customers and partners while introducing our latest innovations tailored for regional needs,” added Berberi. “Our mission remains clear: to deliver premium, sustainable, and high-performance solutions that make every vehicle shine.”

SONAX’s advanced Ceramic Coating products have set industry benchmarks since the launch of Nano Paint Protect in 2006. Today, the brand leads with a complete portfolio that includes CC Vinyl+PPF and CC Plastic+Rubber, and now expands further with the 2026 innovations CC Glass and CC Rim.

As part of its environmental commitment, SONAX integrates sustainability across its operations and product development. The company is ISO 14001 certified for its environmental management system and participates in the Responsible Care initiative, ensuring continuous improvement in environmental, health, and safety standards. Most of its products are made with 99.75% natural ingredients, reflecting its dedication to creating environmentally conscious products without compromising performance.

With a strong partner network across the GCC and Middle East, SONAX is uniquely positioned to serve regional and international customers. Its cooperation with RAMY Automotive in the UAE has been a cornerstone of its regional strategy, ensuring that customers across all markets receive the same quality, service, and reliability synonymous with the SONAX brand.

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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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