Chao Feng, the General Manager of Changan’s operations in the Middle East and Africa, stated that Dubai is continuing to strengthen its leading position in smart mobility and innovation. In an interview, he mentioned that the development of infrastructure to support electric vehicles, intelligent transport systems, and connected services is leading to a rapid shift in customer expectations towards advanced vehicles that offer added value.
Regarding the Dubai automotive market, which has been prioritized for development by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, he noted that this represents a significant transformation for the automotive sector in the Emirates. It contributes to a more efficient market organization by improving transaction standards, consumer protections, and after-sales services.
This well-structured approach also aids in building long-term consumer trust in the sector, raising the standards of car brands operating in the country. For Changan and DiPal, this initiative underscores the validity of their strategy focused on investing in local infrastructure, enhancing service transparency, and speeding up product and service delivery cycles.
With Dubai acting as the logistics hub for their regional operations, the development of this market enhances their ability to provide licensed vehicles and spare parts more effectively, thereby improving the overall car ownership experience.
He highlighted that the automotive sector in the UAE continues to show strong and resilient performance, particularly in areas experiencing increased demand, such as safety features, design, and smart technology.
He emphasized that despite potential significant impacts on spending patterns due to economic conditions worldwide, the UAE remains one of the most flexible business environments globally, thanks to its diverse economy, robust policy frameworks, and sustainable infrastructure investments.
He pointed out that the UAE is a highly competitive market, and the entry of new brands reflects its attractiveness and promising growth potential. Consequently, they do not perceive competition as a challenge but rather as a valuable opportunity to showcase the strengths of the Changan and DiPal brands. Being listed among the top 100 global brands highlights their progress and credibility on the international stage, and they plan to build upon this foundation for further growth and expansion in the UAE.
Regarding the anticipated rise of electric and autonomous vehicles, he stated that the UAE is one of the most receptive countries globally to electric vehicle adoption and future mobility trends. Government investments in charging infrastructure and sustainability initiatives have accelerated awareness and demand for these technologies.
They have launched several electric and hybrid models in global markets and are preparing to unveil more of these models in the UAE in the coming years. They are confident that the upcoming years will witness significant growth in the interest in electric vehicles and smart technology-equipped cars in Dubai and the Emirates as a whole.
On the issue of the semiconductor crisis, he remarked that the situation has improved significantly compared to previous years; however, it still requires careful management within the sector. They are working to address this challenge on a brand level by diversifying component sources and enhancing local assembly capabilities.