Changan Automobile is expanding on its more than 30 years of automotive excellence in the Middle East with its three major brands. To underscore how it is “Leading the Future”, today Changan is officially launching the CHANGAN UNI-S, which brings users high quality, fashion, and practicality. It is also showcasing its high-end emotional intelligent brand AVATR for the first time in the region, along with its young and innovative digital new energy brand, DEEPAL. With this, Changan Automobile is taking an important step forward to accelerate its localised operations in the Middle East, a key focus of its global brand strategy, where it now serves 400,000 users.

Wang Jun, President of Changan Automobile, stated, “We are committed to meeting the diverse needs of global customers by establishing a differentiated brand portfolio – CHANGAN, AVATR and DEEPAL. We will further expand our product lineup in the Middle East, broaden our coverage of segmented markets, and continue to prioritize customer service to meet the needs of more consumers.”

CHANGAN
Changan Automobile demonstrated its vision for future mobility with the CHANGAN E07 and the launch of the CHANGAN UNI-S in the Middle East. The CHANGAN E07 is the first car built on the SDA platform; it brings users a new world of experiences. As versatile as a pick-up truck, as elegant as a coupe, and as roomy as an MPV – it also features the latest digital technologies to meet user demands. Its iconic design has already been recognized with the 2024 iF Design Award.

With the launch of the CHANGAN UNI-S in the Middle East, Changan Automobile further demonstrates its commitment to meeting the demands of young users in the region for distinctive design, exceptional performance, and advanced technologies. “The design of the CHANGAN UNI-S centers around simplicity and technology,” said Mr. Klaus Zyciora, Vice President Design at Changan.

The CHANGAN UNI-S models are now available for pre-order through Changan’s extensive sales and service network across the Middle East, as well as via online channels. Echoing Changan Automobile’s deep history in the region, today the company presented the very first CHANGAN UNI-S model to a customer in Riyadh – he was among the first batch of users when Changan Automobile officially entered the Saudi market in 2015. This new milestone demonstrates Changan Automobile’s three decades of passion, sentiment, quality, and innovation.

AVATR
Changan Automobile’s premium brand AVATR is an emotionally intelligent companion, featuring cutting-edge technologies co-developed with CATL and Huawei and visionary aesthetics created by the Changan Automobile design team in Munich, Germany. The brand’s flagship models, AVATR 11 and AVATR 12 offer industry-leading capabilities in smart driving and digital experiences.

DEEPAL
The DEEPAL EV brand showcases the joy of electric driving. Its stylish design and advanced digital technologies have made it a favourite among young tech lovers around the world. The stylish DEEPAL L07 sedan won the 2023 Red Dot Award for Product Design, and together with the DEEPAL S07 set a new sales record among EV brands in China, where they surpassed the 100,000-unit milestone within 14 months of launching.

Demonstrating its customer-centric focus, Changan Automobile is accelerating its localisation efforts in the Middle East by preparing to establish regional subsidiaries and exploring a “dual-engine” strategy with integrated operations and regional dealerships. As part of this, the company is building a regional market operation system and advancing its vehicle and parts business in the region. This includes opening its Middle East Parts Warehouse Center in Dubai, which will significantly upgrade Changan Auto’s service network in the region.

Changan’s commitment to deepening localization and enhancing customer care also includes setting up a professional maintenance team and bringing its withU customer care program to the region. Furthermore, this year it is working with Huawei Cloud to offer smarter user experience solutions in the Middle East. Changan has also opened its largest store outside of China in Riyadh, underscoring the strategic importance of the region to the company. 

Kia Middle East and Africa has announced the official regional launch of the Kia EV5, held in Rabat, Morocco. The event marked a significant milestone in Kia’s journey towards advancing sustainable mobility solutions in the region, witnessing the presence of over 100 media representatives and fleet companies from 9 markets across the region.

The launch event in Morocco underscored the country’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and its potential as a thriving market for electric vehicles (EVs). Attendees were given an exclusive test drive experience with the Kia EV5, a mid-size SUV that combines cutting-edge technology with an eco-friendly design, signalling a new era for Kia’s electric vehicle line-up.

Developed around three core pillars – robust SUV design, zero emissions coupled with superior performance, and spacious interiors. Its sturdy, boxy design stands out as the only true SUV EV model in its class, offering a unique blend of practicality and style. SooHang Chang, President, Regional HQ, Middle East & Africa, Kia, commented, “The successful launch of the Kia EV5 in Morocco is a testament to our dedication to becoming a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider. This launch signifies a major step towards a greener future, not just for Morocco but for all nine markets represented here today, and the many more where the EV5 will be available soon.”

The Kia EV5 boasts key features, including zero emissions and high performance. With a powerful 310 hp engine, up to 550km on a single charge, and a fast-charging capability that reaches 80 per cent in just 27 minutes, the Kia EV5 showcases its potential to transform the driving experience for EV enthusiasts. The vehicle also features a spacious interior with numerous comfort and convenience features, including relaxation seats with massage functions, a bench-type front seat, a cooled and warmed trunk box, and a versatile rear table, marking a spacious and comfortable interior.

Chang added, “Kia is committed to developing a comprehensive EV lineup that caters to diverse lifestyles. The EV5 embodies this commitment, seamlessly blending practicality and eco-conscious design to offer an impressive combination of performance, sustainability, and style. It’s the ideal entry point for many EV customers, providing an accessible yet advanced option for those transitioning to electric vehicles.”

Built on Kia’s advanced platform, the Kia EV5 offers both 2WD and AWD configurations. It features two LFP battery options, 64.2 kWh and 88.1 kWh, delivering an estimated range of up to 550 km. The EV5’s impressive acceleration allows it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. Additionally, the vehicle supports ultra-fast charging, allowing for a 30 per cent to 80 per cent charge in just 27 minutes, making it one of the most efficient and user-friendly electric SUVs on the market.

The newly launched vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive ADAS package, featuring advanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) 2.0, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2(RSPA2), 360° parking sensors and a double 12.3 panoramic display. It also offers the latest in safety and durability with its LFP battery and various interior and exterior colour options.

Jae Yeoun Park, Senior Exterior Designer at Kia, said, “The Kia EV5 is a pioneering design outcome of our dedication to innovation and development. Embodying a robust and boxy design, the Kia EV5 prides itself on being a unique SUV EV model in the MEA region today. The EV5 stands out with its distinctive, rugged shape, complemented by a spacious interior that elevates compact SUV standards. Our design approach emphasizes strength and reliability, making it an ideal choice for those seeking both style and performance in an electric vehicle.”

Al-Futtaim Toyota has introduced the ninth-generation Toyota Camry to the UAE market. This latest iteration of the popular sedan boasts a refined design, enhanced performance, and advanced technology.

The 2025 Camry features a sportier exterior with a distinctive front fascia and LED lighting. Inside, the cabin offers a modern and upscale atmosphere with high-quality materials. A range of interior configurations is available, including different seating options and ambient lighting.

The new Camry is available with two powertrain options:

1. Hybrid Electric: Equipped with Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, this option delivers a powerful yet fuel-efficient performance. The system combines a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 227 horsepower.
2. Gasoline: A 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission offers a balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2025 Camry comes equipped with a range of advanced technologies, including:

• Voice assistant: For hands-free control of audio, navigation, and vehicle systems.
• Cloud-based navigation: Provides real-time traffic and map updates.
• Digital gauge cluster: Offers customizable display options.
• Large touchscreen display: For infotainment and vehicle settings.
• Wireless smartphone connectivity: Compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0: Includes features like pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.

The Camry’s suspension has been tuned for improved handling, while the available Drive Mode Select allows drivers to choose between Normal, Sport, and Eco modes to suit their driving preferences. The 2025 Toyota Camry is now available at Al-Futtaim Toyota dealerships across the UAE. Pricing and trim levels vary.