At Keyloop Fusion Live Dubai, Srijith KN, spoke with Nour Abu-Safe, Head of Insights & Analytics at AutoData Middle East, about the changing competitive landscape, the impact of regional logistics challenges, and the opportunities emerging for automotive retailers.

Drawing on market intelligence, vehicle valuation data and industry research, she explains why technology alone may not guarantee long-term customer loyalty, why hybrids currently offer stronger residual value, and why the next major opportunity for dealerships could lie in pre-owned Chinese SUVs.

How are disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz affecting established automotive brands, and could the market changes become permanent?

Initially, many believed the disruption would be temporary. However, the data is beginning to show that market conditions are solidifying and businesses are adapting.

Traditional manufacturers, particularly Japanese brands such as Toyota, Nissan and Lexus, are experiencing challenges getting inventory into the region.

Chinese manufacturers have been more agile because several operate their own vehicle carrier fleets and logistics networks. This has allowed them to establish alternative routes into the GCC.

We have seen a 90% reduction in Japanese vehicle imports into the region, linked to the disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.

Alternative routes through ports outside the Gulf and via the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia are increasingly being used. However, these arrangements are creating delays, with vehicles now taking approximately six to eight weeks to reach showrooms.

The important development is that the market is adapting. Some of the alternative logistics routes established during this period could remain in use for years to come.

Are Chinese automotive brands attracting an entirely new generation of buyers, or are they winning customers away from established manufacturers?

It is a combination of both.

Younger consumers, particularly those between 19 and 30, are increasingly attracted to Chinese vehicles because of their styling, advanced technology, competitive pricing and safety features.

For younger families, especially those entering parenthood, these features can be important purchasing considerations.

Chinese vehicles also tend to offer attractive warranty and servicing packages, making them appealing to consumers who want to reduce their overall ownership costs.

Older buyers, particularly those in their 40s and 50s, generally demonstrate stronger loyalty towards established manufacturers and premium brands.

However, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly entering the premium segment as well, and we are beginning to see them capture some of that market share.

These demographic observations are also supported by consumer research, including studies published by YouGov, which we reference in our market analysis.

Chinese vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated. But can manufacturers sustain customer loyalty when technology evolves so quickly?

This is one of the most interesting challenges facing Chinese manufacturers.

Advanced technology is a powerful selling point. It looks attractive in marketing materials and helps manufacturers differentiate their vehicles.

However, rapid technological advancement also accelerates depreciation.

When a manufacturer introduces a significantly improved model within a short period, previous model-year vehicles can quickly appear outdated. That creates challenges for residual values and the used-car market.

For dealerships, the opportunity is to identify vehicles that offer a balance between modern technology and proven, practical features.

Hybrid vehicles are an interesting example because they combine improved efficiency with familiar internal combustion technology.

A vehicle that balances innovation with long-term usability may be better positioned to retain customers over five to ten years than one that depends primarily on the latest technology.

Chinese manufacturers are doing many things well, but the next few years will reveal how effectively they manage this challenge.

With affordability becoming increasingly important, how are vehicle financing and leasing models evolving across the GCC?

Vehicle demand remains present, and manufacturers have found ways to maintain supply despite the disruptions.

However, we could see greater pressure on consumer finances over the coming year.

That creates opportunities for financing and leasing providers.

Financing offers with zero down payment are becoming particularly relevant for buyers who may not have sufficient funds available for a substantial upfront payment.

On the leasing side, some operators are reporting demand increases of approximately 30% to 35%.

Consumers still need vehicles for everyday mobility, but some are becoming more reluctant to take on the financial commitment and risk associated with outright ownership.

Leasing offers an alternative that can address those concerns.

What is the biggest opportunity dealerships may be overlooking today that could become particularly important in 2027?

Used Chinese SUVs.

SUVs represent the largest vehicle body-type segment in the region, and the growing population of Chinese SUVs creates a significant opportunity for dealerships.

The first owner typically absorbs much of the vehicle’s depreciation during the initial two to three years. In some cases, that depreciation could be around 50%.

For dealerships, this creates an opportunity to develop certified pre-owned programmes around relatively young Chinese SUVs.

A three-year-old vehicle may still be in excellent condition and covered by its original warranty or service package.

If dealerships can price these vehicles correctly, they can attract buyers who cannot afford a brand-new SUV but still want a modern, well-equipped vehicle.

This could become an important growth segment for the automotive retail industry.

For consumers considering a vehicle purchase today, which offers the strongest proposition: petrol, hybrid, electric or a competitively priced Chinese vehicle?

There is no single answer because the decision depends on individual priorities.

However, when we compare petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles, our current data indicates that hybrids retain their value best.

They offer fuel efficiency while maintaining the familiarity and convenience of an internal combustion engine.

For buyers concerned about long-term value, that makes hybrids particularly attractive.

Chinese manufacturers, meanwhile, are becoming increasingly competitive on design, pricing and technology.

Vehicles such as the ROX 01 and Jetour G700 demonstrate how Chinese brands are entering segments traditionally dominated by established SUVs such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol.

The competitive landscape is changing considerably.

One particularly interesting insight from our latest data is that 48% of the new 2027-model vehicles arriving in the UAE are Chinese brands.

That tells us how aggressively these manufacturers are planning their product introductions, expanding supply and positioning themselves to attract both new and existing automotive customers.

The next few years will be particularly interesting as these changes reshape the balance between established manufacturers and emerging competitors.