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Automotive
DRIVE NOW, BUY LATER: Cariva’s Market-Changing Philosophy
Exclusive Interview with Harshvardhan Singh, Business Head, CARIVA
CARIVA is positioned as a tech-enabled, transparent platform for used car sales. What gap in the UAE automotive ecosystem did you see that inspired you to launch CARIVA?
The UAE is a very competitive market for used cars, yet there is still a wide gap between customer expectations and the actual services available. When people buy a pre-owned car today, the first thought that often crosses their mind is, “Am I taking a risk?” This question reflects a deep concern about trust. Buyers want to know if the car is in good condition, whether it has been in an accident, if it was serviced at authorized centers, whether the odometer has been tampered with, and how many people have driven it before.
We realized that answering these questions honestly and transparently could transform the customer experience. That is how Cariva came into existence. We are not just selling cars, we are giving customers peace of mind. At Cariva, we share everything about the car openly, from its service history to accident records. Each vehicle undergoes a full inspection at a government-authorized center before a buyer makes any decision. By doing this, we flip the customer’s question from “Am I taking a risk?” to “Am I protected?” We’re not just filling a gap – we’re disrupting an entire ecosystem that has operated on opacity for too long.
CARIVA has been described as “built from the ground up” — from ideation to execution. What was the most challenging stage of bringing this venture to life?
When you are working on an idea, everything looks straightforward on paper. The reality of execution is very different. Challenges appear at every stage, and the most difficult part for us was identifying exactly what the customer wanted and where the gap existed between expectations and reality. We realized we weren’t just building another used car platform – we were disrupting decades of industry practices that prioritized profit over customer protection.
We found that many businesses in this space focus on what they want to sell rather than what customers are looking for. Our challenge was to design solutions that addressed customer needs directly. This required listening carefully to buyers, understanding their pain points, and rethinking how used cars are presented and sold. The result is a model that fills the trust gap and delivers what customers truly expect, not just what the industry is accustomed to offering.
The UAE already has established players in the used car space. How does CARIVA differentiate itself in terms of customer experience, trust, and transparency?
Used cars are now outpacing new car sales worldwide, and the UAE is no exception. Buyers are drawn to affordability, but what they value just as much is transparency and trust. This is where Cariva stands apart.
We are not in the business of simply selling a car. We provide a mobility solution that is backed by confidence and honesty. Every customer receives a detailed inspection report that includes even the smallest imperfections a car may have due to age. We also provide a complete service history, which is something customers often struggle to access elsewhere.
Most importantly, every car is backed by an original manufacturer warranty, not just a generic third-party plan. For buyers, this approach translates into confidence, flexibility, and control. They are not just making a purchase, they are making an informed decision that they can feel good about for years to come. Beyond transparency, we offer choice. With over 100+ models available from various makes, ranging from budget-friendly options to premium vehicles, Cariva ensures every customer finds exactly what they’re looking for, regardless of their budget or lifestyle preferences.
You’ve previously mentioned blending data and emotion in brand building. How does this philosophy reflect in CARIVA’s business model and customer journey?
I strongly believe in data-driven decision-making, but I also recognize that data alone cannot create meaningful connections. When combined with emotional intelligence, data becomes a powerful tool for shaping customer experiences.
Before we built Cariva, we carried out extensive market research to understand the size of the opportunity, customer needs, and pain points from past purchase experiences. The insights we uncovered were eye-opening and helped us shape the concept of Cariva in a way that directly responds to customer realities.
We also understand that every customer is unique. A car is not just a vehicle; it often reflects a buyer’s lifestyle and personality. At Cariva, we support customers at every step of their journey, from selecting the right car to arranging financing, insurance, and registration. By combining data with empathy, we are able to deliver a holistic mobility solution that respects both rational needs and emotional aspirations, making car ownership seamless from day one.
Consumer trust has always been a sticking point in the used car market. How does CARIVA ensure quality assurance in inspections, certifications, and after-sales support?
Trust is the foundation of Cariva. For too long, the lack of transparency in the UAE’s used car industry has left buyers second-guessing their purchase. We are addressing this by building trust into every stage of the process.
Each vehicle goes through a comprehensive multi-point inspection that covers the engine, chassis, transmission, gearbox, and safety systems. Cars are certified at authorized centers, and this provides customers with verified quality. We also offer manufacturer-backed warranties that remove uncertainty about hidden issues. These aren’t generic third-party warranties – they’re OEM warranties backed by authorized agencies, the same coverage you’d get with a new car purchase.
On top of this, we introduced a global-first initiative called “Drive Now, Buy Later.” This gives customers up to four weeks to take the car home, use it in their daily life, and only make the purchase once they are completely confident. Finally, our after-sales support includes service partnerships and a dedicated customer care line, ensuring peace of mind long after the car has been purchased.
By addressing every concern head-on, Cariva has created a new benchmark for trust in the pre-owned market.
With more millennials and Gen Z buyers entering the car market, do you notice a shift in how they approach buying used cars compared to traditional buyers?
Yes, there has been a significant shift. Millennials and Gen Z buyers think very differently about mobility. They are digital-first, which means they do most of their research online before they ever step into a showroom. They want transparency, easy access to information, and digital tools that help them make better decisions.
They also value experience over ownership. Many of them prefer to try before buying, which is why our Drive Now, Buy Later program has resonated so strongly. At the same time, they are far more conscious of sustainability and value. For them, pre-owned cars are not only cost-effective but also a more environmentally responsible choice compared to buying new.
Cariva is designed with these shifts in mind. Our platform is digital, transparent, and flexible, which makes it perfectly aligned with the expectations of this new generation of buyers. Whether they’re looking for their first budget-friendly car or upgrading to a premium model, our diverse inventory caters to every financial bracket without compromising on quality or trust.
The UAE used car market is experiencing strong growth, driven by rising demand for affordable mobility and certified pre-owned cars. How do you see this market evolving in the next 3–5 years?
The UAE used car market is undergoing a major transformation. It is moving away from fragmented, informal sales toward a structured and customer-focused ecosystem.
Over the next three to five years, certified pre-owned cars will become the standard rather than the exception. We will also see the digitization of the entire buying journey, from virtual car tours to online financing and even doorstep delivery. In addition, value-added services such as extended warranties, flexible return policies, and bundled insurance will become key factors in customer decision-making.
Cariva is already ahead of this curve. By offering certification, flexible ownership models, warranties, and digital convenience all under one roof, we are not just keeping pace with the market but shaping its future direction.
With the UAE accelerating its shift towards electric mobility, what opportunities do you see emerging in the pre-owned EV market, and how is CARIVA preparing to tap into this space?
Electric vehicles are central to the UAE’s sustainability vision, and with that comes a huge opportunity in the pre-owned EV market. Today, many customers are hesitant because of concerns about battery life, resale value, and the lack of proper certification standards.
Cariva is preparing to address these gaps head-on. We are partnering with specialized diagnostic providers to certify battery health and performance. We are developing EV-specific warranties and buyback programs that give customers confidence in their purchase. At the same time, we are creating awareness campaigns to educate buyers about the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits of EV ownership.
By building these solutions early, Cariva is positioning itself as a trusted pioneer in pre-owned electric mobility, fully aligned with the UAE’s national sustainability agenda.
Automotive
Stage Set for World’s Largest Autonomous Race as A2RL Reaches Full Fan Capacity at Yas Marina Circuit
The world’s largest autonomous car race will take place in Abu Dhabi on the 15th of November, as 11 teams from across the globe compete at the frontier of robotics, autonomy and AI for a US$2.25 million prize pool. A2RL Season 2 has been 18 months in the making, with the six fastest teams making it through the tough qualification process to the Grand Final. Ticket allocation for the Yas Marina Circuit event has once again reached full capacity of the main grandstand, as motorsport and technology enthusiasts excitedly prepare to witness an AI competition unlike any other.
Grand Final: Front row seat to AI history
The A2RL Grand Final will mark the first time that six fully autonomous racecars will compete wheel-to-wheel on track. The six teams – TUM, Unimore, Kinetiz, TII Racing, PoliMOVE and Constructor – were determined by a rigorous qualification process in October. Representing Germany, Italy, and the UAE, they will compete in a 20-lap, multi-car race to crown the A2RL Season 2 Champion. Reigning Champions, TUM, have qualified in pole position after a fierce ‘Multi-Car Qualification’ sprint race against rival Unimore, setting the stage for a historic showdown.
For the remaining five teams, A2RL will host a Silver Race, offering them the opportunity to push their algorithms to the limit and cement their overall position in the standings. The Silver Race teams are RAPSON, Code 19, Fly Eagle, FR4IAV and TGM Grand Prix.
Human vs AI: Performance gap closing
Pre-season build-up for the race has seen record-setting performance as the gap between human and AI performance narrows. During qualification, Italian team Unimore was the first to beat a benchmark lap time set by a human racing driver while testing.
This demonstration of machine precision versus human instinct, and the rapid evolution of AI performance, will be showcased on race day. Reigning champion TUM will have the privilege of racing against former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat in A2RL’s second Human vs AI showcase. A close battle is expected in this exhibition, following record-breaking pace from teams during qualifying.
Supercars, Fan Zone, and more
Kicking off the evening’s main events, Group 63 will take to the track for a spectacular Supercar Parade Laps display, setting the stage for the autonomous race. This will be followed by awards for the A2RL STEM Competition, which involved 140 students from across all seven Emirates racing AWS DeepRacer 1/18th-scale autonomous cars, a mirror of the A2RL competition.
This year’s world-class Fan Zone will offer an immersive experience for all ages. It will feature humanoid robot showcases, interactive games, hands-on tech activations, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions that will bring the excitement of autonomous innovation beyond the track.
The race will be broadcast globally this Sunday, 16th November at 3pm GST, on the Abu Dhabi Media Network, StarzPlay, Motorsport TV and the official A2RL YouTube Channel. Once again, fans can step right into the action with A2RL’s live VR platform, experiencing the track, live car data, and high-speed action unfolding all around them, in real time.
A2RL is supported by SteerAI, alongside leading partner du; official partners AWS and Abu Dhabi Mobility; official supporters Wio and Castore; technical partners PACETEQ, Live in Five, Meccanica 42, and Vislink; as well as event partners Abu Dhabi Gaming, Miral and the UAE Cybersecurity Council.
The UAE is driving one of the most ambitious sustainability agendas in the world. Through the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the nation has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century – and sustainable mobility is at the heart of that mission. Across cities, industries, and lifestyles, the conversation has shifted from aspiration to action. Within this landscape, VOYAH UAE, distributed exclusively by Performance Plus Motors (PPM), has emerged as a key force redefining what responsible luxury and intelligent driving mean for the Emirates.
VOYAH’s arrival in the UAE is both timely and transformative. As electric mobility gains global momentum, the brand represents a bridge between sustainability and everyday practicality. Its mission is clear: to make innovation accessible, responsible, and aligned with the UAE’s environmental vision. This philosophy goes beyond technology – it reflects a belief that sustainability should enhance life, not complicate it. For VOYAH, progress is about creating a driving experience that is seamless, intelligent, and inspiring.
At the core of this vision is the VOYAH Free, an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) designed around the realities of the UAE’s evolving infrastructure. It operates primarily as a fully electric vehicle, powered by a large-capacity battery for quiet, smooth journeys. When needed, a compact petrol engine activates purely as a generator to recharge the battery – eliminating range anxiety while preserving the serenity and performance of electric mobility. It’s a bridge between today’s roads and tomorrow’s possibilities, tailored for a nation where innovation and adaptability drive progress.
That sense of balance extends throughout the brand experience. The Free’s interior embodies intelligent design and sustainable craftsmanship — a harmonious blend of refined materials, advanced digital systems, and spacious comfort. Ownership has been reimagined to make electric mobility effortless: every vehicle includes complimentary insurance, registration, tinting, and a home wall box charger with installation, alongside a service contract of 3 years or 60,000 km (whichever comes first). It’s a complete ecosystem built around confidence and convenience.
Beyond the product, Performance Plus Motors is actively shaping the ecosystem that enables clean mobility to thrive. Through partnerships with financial institutions, the company has introduced green financing solutions with preferential rates for electric vehicles – supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability and innovation goals. “Sustainability cannot exist in isolation,” says Mohamed Elzawawy, General Manager of Performance Plus Motors and VOYAH UAE. “It requires collaboration across industries – from energy and finance to technology and logistics. We see ourselves as part of that ecosystem, enabling a cleaner, smarter way forward.”
The UAE’s progress toward electric mobility underscores this shared vision. EV sales across the Gulf nearly doubled in 2024, while Dubai alone plans to operate over 1,000 charging stations by 2025. Consumer attitudes are also shifting: inquiries for Chinese automotive brands rose by more than 70 percent last year, reflecting growing demand for innovation, quality, and environmental consciousness. Backed by Dongfeng, one of China’s most established automotive groups, VOYAH stands at the forefront of this evolution – merging precision engineering, design, and sustainability into one cohesive driving experience.
As mobility continues to evolve, so too does the meaning of luxury. Today, luxury is not only about power or performance – it’s about purpose. Drivers want vehicles that contribute to the planet, enhance their lifestyles, and inspire confidence in the future. VOYAH’s strength lies in merging these expectations – transforming sustainability into sophistication, and innovation into daily comfort.
Looking ahead, VOYAH’s plans for the UAE reflect the nation’s forward-thinking spirit – focused on innovation, sustainability, and real-world progress. With new models on the horizon and rapid advances in battery technology and connected systems, the brand is poised to remain a central player in the UAE’s transition toward net zero. Every VOYAH that takes to the road embodies a shared vision – of progress, of possibility, and of a cleaner, smarter tomorrow.
Amalsha VS
An All-You-Need Package:
QUICK TAKE
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail is a competent midsize SUV that offers an impressively balanced blend of space, comfort, features, performance, and efficiency.
Shiny Bits
- Exceptionally feature-packed
- Excellent all-round performance
- Appreciably capable off-road
- Smooth connectivity features
Rough edges
- Cramped third row
- Limited boot space behind the third row
MODERN, AESTHETIC & CHARACTERFUL
The current-gen Nissan X-Trail takes a sharper exterior approach compared to the previous generation’s smoother, more curvaceous design language. Although not as boxy as the earlier generations, I personally think the latest X-Trail has a bit more character than its immediate predecessor. It blends in well while standing out just enough not to be an NPC-looking generic modern SUV. And the model we drove, garbed in Boulder Gray Pearl, perfectly adhered to this design philosophy.
FAST & FUN ENOUGH FOR ON-ROADING AND SOFT-ROADING
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail offers a striking combination of everything you would expect from a midsize SUV.
Looking at the X-Trail’s evolution since its inception, it has evidently transitioned into a softer version after each generation. But this time, we felt that it has travelled back to its “Tough Gear” roots, reviving a bit more of its original prowess in tackling minor sessions off the paved path. Hence, we found the new X-Trail performing admirably at whatever we threw at it, ranging from the hectic Sharjah-Dubai commute to speed bursts on some trails, although nothing like proper dune bashing in the desert.
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder motor, mated to a CVT transmission, pushing out a respectable 181 horsepower and 244 NM of torque. These figures are competent enough, and the transmission is tuned well-enough to deliver satisfying kicks without ever getting stuck in the stagnancy of the “rubber band effect” often associated with CVT transmissions. The all-wheel-drivetrain does a respectable job in delivering confident and dynamic handling on and off the tarmac. However, if you’re seeking something that can deliver decently hardcore off-roading abilities, you should consider the bigger, bolder, Nissan X-Terra.
Highway-cruising at 160 kph is effortless as a breeze, with no stability issues or crosswind scares whatsoever.
There are five drive modes to choose from, namely Auto (the equivalent of Normal/Comfort for Nissan), along with ECO, Sport, Snow and Off-Road. Auto mode redeems its identity by delivering an evidently noticeable shift in the way the X-Trail behaves under different driving conditions and styles. Efficiency is impressive in ECO mode, and still respectable in Sport mode, which unlocks the full potential of the X-Trail. 0-100 kph took just above the 8-second mark in our testing, and highway-cruising at 160 was effortless as a breeze, with no stability issues or crosswind scares whatsoever.
WELL-BUILT WITH ALL THE COMFORT AND TECH YOU’LL EVER NEED
The interior of this midsize Nissan turned out to be more plush and comfy than we expected. Although there are both five-seater and seven-seater variants available, we would call it a 5+2-seater in real world conditions and recommend the third-row to be reserved for kids. The seats are well cushioned with plenty enough electrical adjustments provided, especially if you’re obsessed with finding that perfect driving posture like some of us. The second row too is decently spacious, with enough space for three adults without sacrificing headroom or legroom.
It is more than practical enough for families & luxurious enough to deliver a wow factor each time you step into it.
Another point to note is the presence of enough physical, tactile buttons. I personally consider this a blessing in today’s world where automakers tend to cram everything into a single, lifeless touchscreen screen or even worse, assign them to touch-sensitive buttons.
PLENTY OF TECH FEATURES
A pair of 12.3-inch screens are provided, one as the central infotainment touchscreen and the other as the instrument console. A head-up display which lets you glue your eyes onto the road and wireless charging are also features offered as standard in the top-end trims.
Among the abundantly provided tech features, we were the most impressed by the effortless wireless smartphone connectivity offered via both Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. Specifically this part which some might not consider as a pivotal aspect because we have faced issues with wireless connectivity, particularly with Android Auto in much more luxurious vehicles, some that even cost more than double the X-Trail.
Effortless wireless smartphone connectivity is offered via both Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
Some other praiseworthy bits in the X-Trail include all the driver-assistance features you would expect in a modern car, including a rearview mirror that doubles up as a camera screen that doesn’t obstruct the view of the driver.
FINAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail offers a striking combination of everything you would expect from a midsize SUV. It is more than practical enough for a family and luxurious enough to deliver a wow factor every time you step into it. From the driver’s seat it is playful and confidence-inspiring, enough to put a smile on your face whether it be on the road or on a mild trail. Overall, it is one of the most ideal machines for the region, in terms of size, segment, and performance, offering a versatile and all-inclusive personal mobility solution.
FAQ
Yes, the 2025 Nissan X-Trail is available in the UAE through authorized Nissan dealerships across the region.
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail is available in both five-seater and seven-seater configurations. The seven-seater variant functions as a 5+2-seater.
The 2025 X-Trail is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 244 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT transmission.
The 2025 Nissan X-Trail accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 8 seconds.
Yes, the 2025 X-Trail features wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing seamless smartphone integration.
Yes, the 2025 X-Trail is capable of soft-roading and minor off-road adventures with its all-wheel-drive system and dedicated Off-Road drive mode, though it’s not designed for hardcore dune bashing.
The X-Trail offers five drive modes: Auto, ECO, Sport, Snow, and Off-Road, allowing drivers to optimize performance for different conditions.
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