Jaguar Land Rover and Chery have presented global specifications for their joint-venture 2027 Freelander 8 SUV at a media reveal in Wuhu, China. The Chinese-built luxury off-roader is scheduled to make its initial international commercial debut in the UAE in the first quarter of 2027.
Dubai Chambers formalized four cooperation agreements with commerce chambers in Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Chongqing during the Dubai Business Forum in Shenzhen. Dubai's non-oil trade with China reached AED 363.5 billion in 2025 as Chinese firms expand presence across the Gulf.
Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers are increasingly focusing on the Gulf Cooperation Council as tariffs and regulatory barriers restrict Western market access, according to Asia Times. Industry estimates indicate the UAE represented approximately 42% of the GCC electric vehicle market in 2025, supported by roughly 2,800 charging points. Automakers including BYD, Geely, and Chery are expanding distribution networks, after-sales operations, and charging partnerships across the region.
Chinese vehicle manufacturers including BYD, Geely, and Li Auto are expanding dealership networks and distribution partnerships in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In 2025, electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles represented approximately 9% of new-vehicle sales in the UAE, which accounted for an estimated 42% of the GCC electric vehicle market.
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