Jetour, a Chinese automaker, has made a significant impact in the UAE automotive market, capturing 3% of the market share in 2024.
The company’s T2 model has been particularly successful, securing 1.7% of the market and taking the 8th position in vehicle sales.
This highlights the growing influence of Chinese car brands in the UAE, as they continue to reshape the landscape with competitively priced, feature-packed models.
In 2024, the UAE experienced a notable 15.7% increase in vehicle registrations, totaling 318,981. This growth follows a strong 27.2% surge in 2023, underscoring the country’s thriving automotive market.
Chinese brands like Jetour, Geely, and Changan are now key players, contributing to the rising demand for affordable and reliable vehicles in both the new and used car sectors.
Market trends
Data from AutoData Middle East reveals that consumers in the UAE are increasingly favoring GCC-spec vehicles designed for the region’s climate and conditions. 75% of car buyers are prioritizing these models, with popular choices including the Toyota Camry, Nissan Patrol, and Toyota Corolla.
Rise of Chinese brands in used car market
In the used car market, Chinese brands are gaining significant traction. From September to December 2024, inquiries for Chinese vehicles surged by 77%, with MG, Jetour, Geely, and Changan leading the consumer interest rankings.
This shift indicates growing confidence in these brands, which are offering a wide range of affordable, feature-rich alternatives to traditional market leaders.
Used car listings on platforms like DubiCars reflect a growing preference for Chinese-made vehicles. Listings for Chinese models increased by 56% in 2024, while listings for non-Chinese brands saw a 5% decline. This growing interest highlights how Chinese brands are successfully penetrating the UAE’s used car market, appealing to buyers looking for value and quality.
SUVs remain top choice
SUVs remain a dominant choice, with popular models like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, and Jetour SUVs maintaining over 80% of their value after three years, further reinforcing their appeal to UAE consumers.
As the UAE’s automotive market continues to evolve, the shift towards electrification and sustainable mobility is also gaining momentum.
The UAE government has set ambitious targets, aiming for 50% of total vehicle sales to be electric by 2050. In Dubai, efforts to expand the electric vehicle (EV) fleet are underway, with plans to increase the number of EVs on the roads to 42,000 by 2030.
The rise of electric vehicles, supported by growing charging infrastructure and government incentives, signals a transformative shift in the region’s automotive sector. Additionally, the UAE is leading the way in autonomous mobility, with initiatives like Masdar City’s self-driving vehicle trials and Dubai’s goal for 25% of trips to be driverless by 2030.
Transforming automotive market
The UAE’s automotive sector is undergoing rapid changes, driven by rising demand for Chinese vehicles, a shift toward sustainable mobility, and greater consumer transparency.
As Jetour and other Chinese brands strengthen their presence, the market is set to continue evolving, with an increasing focus on affordable, high-quality vehicles and greener alternatives for the future.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
