Chinese Carmakers BYD, Exeed, and Geely Enter UAE Market

Chinese car manufacturers are set to make their mark in the UAE market this year, with three leading brands having recently confirmed their dealerships in the country. BYD, Exeed, and Geely are looking to tap into the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and sports utility vehicles (SUVs) in the region. BYD has teamed up with Al-Futtaim, Exeed has aligned with Al Ghurair Investment, and Geely has partnered with AGMC, the dealership for BMW, Rolls-Royce, and MINI in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

According to market sources, Chinese-made new car sales accounted for around 4-5% of the overall sales in the UAE in 2022, but this figure is expected to increase as Chinese car brands continue to aggressively compete on pricing and offer features that meet the demands of car buyers in the UAE. Industry experts predict that it's only a matter of time before Chinese brands' market share doubles in the UAE.

Geely, in particular, is looking to launch three popular models in the initial phase of its UAE entry, including the Coolray SUV, the sedan Emgrand, and the electric vehicle Geometry C. Albatha Holding, the parent entity of AGMC, is confident that the Geely Auto brand will be a perfect addition to its stable of high-quality automotive products.

Chinese car brands are also making an obvious push into the EV and SUV markets, which are still nascent in the UAE. Exeed is planning to open its first showroom in June, with prime positioning on Etihad Road, while BYD is working on creating more affordable EV options for car buyers.

Jan Felton, the Managing Director of Albatha Holding, which is the parent company of AGMC, believes that Geely Auto is the perfect addition to AGMC's stable of high-quality automotive products. Felton added that Geely Auto is one of China's fastest-growing privately-owned automotive groups, with an impressive range of brands and strong technological expertise founded on decades of investment in R&D all over the world.

With the right pricing and model mix, Chinese car manufacturers are poised to take advantage of the big opportunity presented by the UAE and Gulf markets. And as car buyers in the region continue to turn to more affordable EVs and hybrids, Chinese car brands could very well end up dominating the market.

Despite the challenges posed by established car brands and the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese automakers are confident that they can make significant inroads in the UAE market with the right pricing, model mix, and a broad range of EVs.