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.”

The long-awaited 2024 Audi Q8 and Audi SQ8 are now available at Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles, showcasing a harmonious blend of power and sophistication. The new 2024 Audi Q8 features a revised exterior aesthetic, updated lighting elements, and a bold new take on the Singleframe grille, solidifying its position as the peak of the Q models. The Q8’s revised exterior design, with new front and rear aprons, serves as a testament to the SUV coupé’s robust character. Additionally, the optional S-line exterior package caters to customers seeking an infusion of sportiness, enhancing the overall dynamism of this luxurious vehicle.

A standout feature of the Audi Q8 is its remarkable performance. The Audi Q8 55 TFSI is powered by a six-cylinder engine delivering 340 HP and 500 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds and achieve an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Breaking new ground, Audi also introduces HD Matrix LED headlights with a laser as an additional high beam for the first time in the Q8. These headlights feature digital daytime running lights with selectable light signatures, providing a distinctive touch. The rear is equally impressive, showcasing Digital OLED rear lights with four selectable designs, completing the expanded light offering.

Introducing a novel feature across all Audi Q8 models, a premium-quality exhaust system now graces each unit, boasting visually captivating tailpipes. Borrowing elements from the luxurious SQ8 TFSI1, the S-line exterior package takes centre stage, characterized by prominently accentuated side air intakes integrated into the front bumper. The interior features luxurious Valcona leather sports seats engraved with S embossing.

The Audi Q8’s performance is elevated by its sophisticated suspension system, reflecting Audi’s signature balanced, solid, controlled, precise, and effortless handling. The electronically controlled air suspension with continuously adaptive damping guarantees superior comfort and stability, providing enhanced safety and comfort for drivers. Embracing 40 years of excellence, Audi also introduces an optional all-wheel steering system that elevates low-speed manoeuvrability by subtly turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front. Additionally, this feature enhances stability at higher speeds, with the rear wheels steering together with the front for an improved driving experience.

Adding to the Q8’s appeal is its wide selection of decor, colours, and wheels. Customers have the option to select from nine decorative inlays and three new metallic finishes: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. The Audi Q8 also offers a variety of wheel designs, ranging from 21 to 23 inches, to achieve the ideal balance of style and performance. The SQ8, equipped with a V8 engine, highlights the model’s sporty nature. It features a 4.0 TFSI engine producing 507 HP and 770 Nm of torque, paired with a quick-shifting eight-speed tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. This powertrain enables the SQ8 TFSI to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Complementing its dynamic performance, the SQ8 comes equipped with standard features such as adaptive air suspension sport and all-wheel steering, providing optimal ride comfort and sporty handling. Paired with a fast-shifting eight-speed Tiptronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the 2024 SQ8 combines comfort with a dynamic driving experience. Included in the Audi Q8 Prestige model, the comfortable adaptive air suspension delivers a personalized driving experience through Audi Drive Select. This system not only allows for a tailored ride but also facilitates effortless cargo unloading by lowering the rear with a simple button press. Furthermore, the standard quattro all-wheel drive on the Q8 optimizes acceleration and handling to adapt seamlessly to varying road conditions.

Now available in the Al Nabooda Automobiles showroom, the new Audi Q8 will start at AED 399,900 and the new Audi SQ8 will start at AED 559,900.