General Motors continues to be a dominant player in the full-size SUV landscape in the Middle East, powered by its world-class vehicles from Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac, as well as a growing base of youth, recording a rise of 28% year-over-year (YoY) in third quarter sales compared to 2024.

Reinforcing GM’s influence in the region’s evolving mobility market, this growth is bolstered by GM’s full-size SUV lineup comprising the bold Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban, the capable GMC Yukon, and iconic Cadillac Escalade. Emphasizing the region’s dynamic appetite for powerful, premium and tech-forward vehicles, in September 2025, GM Middle East’s top growth markets were Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait.

Furthermore, the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction goes beyond the showroom. GM Middle East continues to witness consistent growth in repeat aftersales customers with a 33% rise over the last 5 years, indicating trust and loyalty among our customers. In fact, GM Middle East stocks hundreds of thousands of spare parts, sourcing for the entire Africa and Middle East region through its global network of suppliers. Surpassing industry benchmarks, GM supports regional dealerships with a fill-rate above 95% for fast-moving parts, year after year. This operational excellence ensures GM customers across the Middle East experience minimal downtime and maximum confidence.

GM has also rolled out over-the-air (OTA) vehicle software updates—powered by its in-vehicle pioneering connected technology OnStar—across connected markets in the GCC*. This marks a major step in GM’s digital evolution, enabling seamless software enhancements and connected services for customers.

Beyond product and tech, GM’s deep understanding of the regional market is driving success across multiple consumer segments, where evolving demographics are reshaping ownership trends. Traditional dominance by GCC nationals continues to grow with rising interest from Asian expatriates choosing GM’s full-size SUVs as symbols of success and lifestyle elevation. In addition, female ownership is growing, especially in the UAE and Qatar. Plus, a generational shift is happening with customers aged 20 to 29 emerging as a powerful force in the market, especially for models like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade.

Commenting on these major milestones Jack Uppal, President and Managing Director for GM Africa and Middle East said: ” Driven by a new generation of customers and a bold shift in mobility expectations, our full-sized SUVs from Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac reflect the progressive identity of the Middle East and tech-focused vision. Meanwhile, the growing influence of expatriate customers on our iconic brands signals a shift in regional dynamics, and a demand for powerful, premium, and connected vehicles. Moreover, with innovations like Super Cruise coming soon to the region, GM remains focused on bringing meaningful, customer-driven technology to market and leading the way in advanced driver assistance and personal autonomous capabilities.”

Model Highlights: Tailored Appeal Across Segments

• Chevrolet Tahoe is gaining momentum among younger Saudis and remains a favorite among Emiratis, reflecting its deep-rooted brand loyalty and multi-generational appeal.
• GMC Yukon continues to resonate with middle-aged South Asian buyers in Saudi Arabia while maintaining strong appeal among GCC nationals, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and versatile choice.
• Cadillac Escalade is expanding its reach with a diverse ownership base that includes Indians, Pakistanis, British, and wider Middle Eastern buyers. Its premium positioning is striking a chord with younger Saudis and Qataris, who are embracing luxury with confidence and pride.

The evolving ownership landscape in the Middle East marks a pivotal moment for the brand. Strong repeat ownership, rising appeal among expatriate communities, and growing female engagement all point to a deepening connection with Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac.

Looking ahead, GM Middle East is on track to launch a diverse range vehicles across all propulsions. For Chevrolet, this includes the new Captiva, and the upcoming Captiva EV/PHEV family, as well as performance icons like the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X. Cadillac will expand its luxury EV offering with the highly anticipated VISTIQ, the ESCALADE IQ, and the ultra-luxury CELESTIQ—each a testament to GM’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

Qualification for the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) has concluded with a thrilling pole position for reigning champions, TUM. The German team is one of six that have made it through a demanding, multi-stage qualification process to the Grand Final on November 15.

A2RL is a demonstration of cutting-edge autonomous technology, accelerating AI development through competition in extreme conditions. Eleven international teams travelled to Abu Dhabi to qualify for the second season of the world’s most advanced autonomous racing championship.

The competition is designed to push artificial intelligence to its physical limits as the best minds from academic institutions, private companies, and privateer race teams compete on the world stage for a US$2.25 million prize pool.

Record lap times

Further pushing the frontier of driverless technology, history was also made during the week of intensive qualification as teams began to consistently set sub-1-minute lap times on the North Circuit configuration of the Yas Marina track. Italy’s Unimore team, a returning finalist, set an autonomous lap record of 58.87 seconds – seven hundredths of a second faster than the benchmark lap set by a professional human racing driver during data collection laps (59.20 seconds).

The record-setting lap was achieved during Pace Qualification, where all teams completed three separate 15-minute sessions to set their fastest possible times. This was followed by Multi-Car Qualification, four heats of twelve laps, where performance highlights included a spectacular overtake on Unimore from TUM, securing pole position in their pursuit of back-to-back wins.

World First: Six-Car Grand Final

Six teams – TUM, Unimore, Kinetiz, TII Racing, PoliMOVE and Constructor – qualified for the Grand Final on 15th of November 2025 at Yas Marina Circuit. Representing four countries, they will compete in a 24-lap multi-car race, the largest race of its kind and a spectacle like no other. The event will also feature a Silver Race time trial for the remaining five A2RL teams.

This year, former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat returns for the second instalment of the Human vs AI showcase – a demonstration of machine precision versus human instinct and the rapid evolution of AI performance.

Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, commented: “This season, we’re pushing the boundaries of autonomous racing even further and redefining what is possible. From week to week, we are seeing ‘machine’ capabilities rapidly approaching human performance – even surpassing some human benchmark times set during data collection. This week, Unimore has thrown down the gauntlet with a record-breaking lap time.

“Next month, we will witness six formidably competitive teams race for victory. Last year’s A2RL Champion TUM is in pole position, but given the intense competition during qualification, the Grand Final in November is set to be an exhilarating conclusion!”

Ayoub Raji, Co-Lead of Unimore Racing said: “We are proud to have demonstrated that an autonomous race car can deliver close to human capabilities. The competition was fierce, with many teams bringing extensive experience and strong technical resources. Our autonomous stack proved not only to be the fastest but also the safest, skillfully exploiting the kerbs to avoid a collision during TUM’s overtake. We can’t wait to be back on track for the Grand Final on November 15, pushing our software to the absolute limit in pursuit of first place. “

Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week

The 2025 A2RL race will be the climax of the first-ever Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW). This new six-day event brings together researchers and industry experts across a series of high-profile summits, exhibitions, and events. ADAW includes the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Summit, DRIFTx Exhibition, and RoboCup Asia-Pacific.

A2RL was conceptualized under the vision and direction of H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President and Secretary General of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). It is organized and driven by ASPIRE, part of the ATRC that is responsible for technological “Grand Challenges”. ASPIRE leads the UAE’s efforts to advance breakthrough research, foster global collaborations, and translate high-impact technologies into real-world applications.

Amalsha VS

Founded in 1997 as a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto has evolved from a small Chinese startup into a global automotive powerhouse that now owns Volvo, Lotus, and Polestar. Introduced to the UAE market through AGMC as the official distributor, Geely brings decades of automotive expertise and international partnerships to create vehicles that blend practical design with modern technology. The Okavango represents their vision of what a family-focused SUV should deliver in today’s market.

CONFIDENT DESIGN & PRACTICAL PROPORTIONS

The Okavango is a vehicle designed from the ground up to maximize interior space rather than make a style statement.

The Okavango presents a thoughtful approach to SUV design that prioritizes function over fashion. Its bold front grille creates a commanding road presence, while the clean lines and well-proportioned silhouette give it a confident stance without appearing dull. The LED lighting signatures add a contemporary touch that keeps the design current, though the overall aesthetic plays it safe within established SUV conventions.

What immediately strikes you about the Okavango is its substantial size – this is a vehicle designed from the ground up to maximize interior space rather than make a style statement. The result is a design that may not win beauty contests but clearly communicates its practical intentions to potential buyers seeking maximum utility.

CAPABLE POWERTRAIN & PUNCHY PERFORMANCE

Slight body roll is inevitable in corners, but the Okavango is appreciably stable and manages to keep the passengers comfortable around curves.

Under the Okavango’s hood resides a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor pushing out 218 horsepower and 325 NM, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Acceleration is more than adequate: taking around 8 seconds to achieve a speed of 100 km/h, quick enough for confident overtakes on the UAE highways.

In Comfort mode, power delivery is smooth, while Sport mode noticeably sharpens engine response. Steering is tuned for lightness, good in city driving, but at higher speeds it could use a little more weight. Slight body roll is inevitable in corners, in a tall, three-row SUV, but the Okavango is appreciably stable and manages to keep the passengers comfortable around curves. Ride comfort is the focus: the suspension soaks up speed bumps and road imperfections with composure.

CONCEIVED AS A COMFY PEOPLE HAULER

The second row featuring a triple captain’s chairs layout delivers superior comfort and easier access to the third row.

Interior materials strike a balance between cost-consciousness and perceived quality, with the 12.3-inch infotainment screen providing clear graphics and intuitive operation. However, Android Auto isn’t offered, which we consider an essential feature for a modern car of this time. Apple CarPlay is included but only a wired connection is supported.

The overall cabin design ranks functionality above luxury, which suits the vehicle’s practical mission perfectly. This is where the Okavango distinguishes itself. Its flexible seating configuration allows you to accommodate passengers or cargo as needed, with the second row featuring a triple captain’s chairs layout providing superior comfort and easier access to the third row. The second row sliding & reclining gives flexibility to balance passenger comfort between the second and third rows.

The highlight factor of the Okavango is that its third-row is genuinely usable. Unlike many other mid-size crossovers, the Okavango doesn’t simply provide a third-row for namesake which is too cramped for grown-ups. Two adults can be seated there with a reasonable amount of legroom and headroom for shorter journeys. The seats fold and recline; and although ingress/egress is still a bit less convenient than second row, is not too much of a hassle.

Air conditioning is adjustable in the rear rows well, which matters under UAE heat and strong sun. Even with all seven seats occupied, passengers wouldn’t feel cramped or compromised inside the Okavango; a rare achievement in this segment.

FINAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS

For families expecting space, functionality, and value for money, the Okavango is a desirable offering that’s difficult to ignore.

The Geely Okavango succeeds brilliantly in its primary mission – delivering genuine seven-seater capability at a competitive price point. It’s a vehicle that understands its target audience and delivers exactly what they need without trying to be something it’s not. The exceptional third-row space alone makes it worth considering for families who need to transport seven people regularly.

It may not excite enthusiasts or turn heads on the UAE roads laden with all kinds of fancy automobiles. But the Okavango represents exactly the kind of practical, well-executed family transport that many buyers are seeking. For families expecting space, functionality, and value for money, the Okavango is a desirable offering that’s difficult to ignore. It’s a vehicle that does the important things well, which is often more valuable than flashy shock-value-features that rarely get used.

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