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H1 2025: Škoda Auto Posts Solid Financial Results and Expands Regional Presence in the Gulf

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A front-angle shot of a Skoda Octavia RS and Skoda Kodiaq parked outdoors

Škoda Auto has reported strong financial and sales performance for the first half of 2025, delivering 509,400 vehicles globally – a year-on-year increase of 13.6%. The strong sales are also reflected in the company’s financial results: revenue rose to €15.07 bn (+10.4%), operating profit reached €1.285 bn (+11.8%) and net cash flow stood at €1.453 bn (+3.2%). In the Middle East, Škoda has made strategic strides in the first half of 2025 with its official entry into Oman in February, restarting operations in Qatar in April, as well as signing an agreement to expand the brand’s footprint to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the region’s largest automotive market. In the UAE, Škoda opened two new state-of-the-art showrooms in June, reinforcing its focus on accessibility and next-level retail customer experience. The most successful models in the regional Škoda line-up continue to be the 7-seater Kodiaq and value-packed Kushaq, joined by the newly launched Octavia RS, delivering the perfect blend of performance and functionality.

Skoda H1 Sales Illustration 2025

Klaus Zellmer, CEO of Škoda Auto, comments: “Škoda Auto is thriving, delivering solid financial results for the first half of 2025 despite significant challenges across our industry. Once again, we have achieved growth across our core KPIs and demonstrated that we are one of the most profitable automotive brands in the volume segment. These fantastic results are a testament to a resilient business model. It is notable that our success in the first six months has been spread across powertrains, confirming we are on the right course by offering freedom of choice in this era of transition. We go into the second half of the year in peak form while always remaining focused and vigilant.”

“We’re proud to see Škoda Auto’s global performance reflected in our momentum across the GCC,” said Lukas Honzak, Managing Director at Škoda Middle East. “From entering high-potential markets to expanding our retail footprint in the region, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term growth. Customers in the region continue to respond strongly to our versatile line-up, which offers quality, inventiveness and great value for money. We aim to bring Škoda’s advanced European automotive technology and exceptional customer service even closer customers in the Middle East.”

The latest regionally launched models of 2025, the all-new 7-seater Kodiaq and the new and even more powerful Octavia RS models have been well received this year. The Kodiaq posted strong H1 sales of 905 units in 2025, compared to 669 in the same period in 2024, underscoring its status as a favourite among families seeking comfort, space, and top safety, being the ideal partner for all family explorations. Europe’s most loved Škoda model – the iconic new Octavia, introduced in May, was received strongly for its ideal combination of performance and functionality.

Škoda’s second best-selling model in the region, the Kushaq, continues to appeal to cost-conscious drivers looking for a safe, efficient and stylish drive – a segment that is rapidly gaining traction in the region.

As Škoda Auto celebrates its 130th anniversary, the brand continues to blend its long-standing heritage with modern innovation – building a strong foundation for success both in Europe and across the Middle East.

Automotive

GWM Marks Ramadan in the Middle East with a Brand Film Celebrating Togetherness and the Joy of Coming Together

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This Ramadan, GWM Middle East unveils a new brand-led campaign that celebrates one of the most meaningful moments of the Holy Month: coming together for iftar. Anchored by a regional social film, the campaign reflects the shared values of family, connection and presence, while subtly showcasing GWM’s growing vehicle range, including the newly launched TANK 700 and HAVAL V7.

The film follows different members of the same family as they make their way through the city toward a shared destination, a restaurant where they will break their fast together. Each journey unfolds independently, yet with a shared sense of purpose, capturing the anticipation, comedy, warmth and quiet reflection that define the moments leading up to iftar.

Many Journeys. One Table.

Set against familiar Middle Eastern urban backdrops, the film portrays everyday Ramadan realities, last-minute arrivals, and the unspoken understanding of being exactly where you need to be. Each family member arrives in a different GWM vehicle, collectively representing the brand’s diverse portfolio and how it fits seamlessly into different lifestyles.

The TANK 700 appears as a confident, commanding presence, reflecting strength and assurance on the road, while the HAVAL V7 is positioned as a refined and versatile companion for daily city driving. Meanwhile, the HAVAL H9 is born for families, delivering space, comfort, and reliability for every journey together.

Together with other models from the GWM range, the vehicles act not as the focus, but as enablers, quietly supporting moments that truly matter.

Rooted in Regional Values

Rather than focusing on performance alone, the Ramadan film emphasizes GWM’s belief that mobility plays a role in human connection. The story mirrors the rhythm of Ramadan in the Middle East, where schedules slow, priorities shift, and togetherness takes center stage.

Through natural, relatable storytelling, the campaign reinforces GWM’s commitment to the region, offering vehicles designed for comfort, safety and reliability, built to support everyday life during the most meaningful times of the year.

A Message of Togetherness

Speaking of the campaign, Sunny Bhat, Sales & Marketing Director, GWM Middle East said, “Ramadan is a reminder that no matter how different our journeys may be, what matters most is where we end up, together. This film reflects our belief that vehicles are not just about getting from one place to another, but about enabling moments of connection. We are proud to see our growing range, including the TANK 700 and HAVAL V7, be part of these everyday Ramadan stories.”

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Arabian Automobiles Introduces Choice-Led Nissan Ramadan Offers Reflecting the Spirit of the Holy Month

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A front-facing lineup of three Nissan SUVs. The X-Trail on the left, the Pathfinder in the center, and the Magnite on the right.

Arabian Automobiles Company (AAC), the flagship automotive company of AW Rostamani Group and the exclusive dealer for Nissan in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates, has launched its Nissan Ramadan offers across selected models. Aligned with the spirit of generosity associated with the Holy Month, the campaign is structured around flexibility and choice.

Customers can select one of three ownership options based on their priorities, whether that is added reassurance through complimentary insurance and service, greater ease in monthly planning with 0% interest rate over three to five years, or a savings option across selected models. Businesses, fleet owners and logistics operators can also benefit from these Ramadan offers, with value-led advantages such as 5-year warranty, 5-year service, and 5-year roadside assistance extending the same spirit of flexibility to commercial needs.

A hero shot of the Nissan Patrol in a premium white and black dual-tone finish.

This approach reflects AAC’s considered interpretation of value, recognising that customer needs and circumstances differ, and that choice plays a central role in how value is defined during Ramadan.

The offers span a broad lineup, including Altima, Kicks, Magnite, Pathfinder, Patrol, X-TERRA, and X-TRAIL, with savings ranging from AED 6,000 up to AED 25,000. For those seeking a more performance-led experience, the Nissan Z is also included, also with savings of up to AED 50,000.

A wide shot of three white Nissan vehicles - the Urvan van, the X-Trail SUV, and the Magnite compact SUV - parked in a minimalist, sand-colored hall.

That same spirit of care continues beyond the showroom, with seasonal after-sales advantages. Customers coming in for an interval service or a free inspection will be eligible for a one-year, 24/7 roadside assistance membership covering Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates.

Keeping convenience in mind, Arabian Automobiles is offering a buy-four-get-one promotion on maintenance contracts to make long-term upkeep more manageable, alongside up to 65% off parts for additional repairs. Flexible payment options are available through Tabby and selected credit card plans, and a gift is included with any Nissan accessory purchase. Customers are invited to explore the Ramadan campaign at their nearest Nissan of Arabian Automobiles showroom.

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UDRIVE PARTNERS WITH AGMC TO INTRODUCE MINI VEHICLES TO ITS CAR-SHARING FLEET IN THE UAE 

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Udrive and AGMC MINI executives sign a strategic partnership agreement during an MoU ceremony, seated at a table with branded backdrop.

Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has signed a strategic partnership with AGMC, the official importer of MINI in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, to introduce MINI vehicles to Udrive’s shared mobility fleet in the UAE. The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Udrive and AGMC and brings the MINI brand — the iconic British-heritage premium automotive brand within the BMW Group, renowned for its distinctive design and engaging driving experience — into the car-sharing space, supporting a shared ambition to expand access to premium urban mobility solutions across the country. 

The partnership will see a total of 100 MINI vehicles progressively introduced to the Udrive platform, with an initial fleet already available to customers across the UAE. The lineup will include MINI Convertibles, bringing the experience of open-top driving into the car-sharing space, alongside other MINI models well-suited to urban mobility and everyday city use. Through the Udrive platform, customers benefit from an all-inclusive car-sharing experience, with fuel and parking covered as part of the service. 

By expanding flexible access to premium mobility, the partnership supports the UAE’s broader ambitions for smarter, more connected cities, in line with the vision outlined in the Dubai Master Urban Plan 2040. The collaboration reflects a growing shift toward agile, shared and experience-led mobility solutions, complementing evolving urban lifestyles and mobility needs. 

Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive, said: “At Udrive, innovation is about giving customers real choice and flexibility. Our platform is designed to adapt to how people live, whether that means enjoying a convertible over the weekend or choosing a practical vehicle during the week. Partnering with AGMC MINI allows us to bring distinctive premium vehicles to more customers and support the UAE’s vision for flexible and efficient urban mobility. 

Ziad Boghdady, Head of AGMC MINI, said: “Our collaboration with Udrive introduces a new way for customers to experience the MINI brand. Integrating MINI models into a car-sharing platform reflects changing preferences in the UAE, where access and flexibility are increasingly valued alongside design and performance, complementing MINI’s distinctive design and engaging driving experience. The partnership demonstrates AGMC MINI’s commitment to supporting modern mobility solutions that fit the needs of today’s urban lifestyles.” 

Through the MoU, users will gain access to a range of MINI models via the Udrive platform, including Cooper S and John Cooper Works variants, as well as MINI Convertibles. Introducing convertibles into the car-sharing space expands the scope of shared mobility experiences, offering customers the opportunity to enjoy open-top driving on a flexible, on-demand basis. 

Udrive enables customers to locate, book, and unlock vehicles through its mobile app, with flexible by-the-minute or by-the-day rentals. The service includes free fuel, free parking, and no deposit, removing common barriers associated with traditional car rentals. Udrive now operates a fleet of 2,000+ cars and has completed over three million rentals to date. In 2025 alone, the platform recorded over 554,000 trips and more than 45 million kilometres driven, reflecting growing demand for flexible mobility across the UAE. 

Udrive continues to differentiate itself through exclusive partnerships, first-to-market initiatives, and value-led offerings that expand customer choice. Promoting car sharing as an alternative to private car ownership helps optimise vehicle usage, reduce congestion, and lower the overall environmental footprint by encouraging shared access over individual ownership.

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