You are here: Home » Archives for Automotive-Cars

FREELANDER Confirms September Abu Dhabi Brand Launch at Goodwood Festival of Speed, Marking the Next Step in Global Expansion

GOODWOOD, United Kingdom, July 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — During the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, British premium brand FREELANDER announced the UAE (United Arab Emirates) as its first international market at an industry exchange event hosted by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) at The Orangery. FREELANDER also confirmed that its International Brand Launch is scheduled for September in Abu Dhabi. This marks another significant milestone in the brand’s global expansion strategy. 

As one of the world's most influential celebrations of automotive culture, the Goodwood Festival of Speed gathers global automotive brands, industry leaders, and innovative enterprises each year. During the event, ADIO hosted a series of industry exchange sessions at The Orangery, focusing on topics including automotive industry globalization, international market development, and cross-regional collaboration. FREELANDER was invited to participate in the dialogue and share its vision for global expansion.

Being at Goodwood also brought FREELANDER back to its British roots. With nearly three decades of heritage, FREELANDER has evolved from a classic nameplate into a fully independent global brand. Reshaped through four core transformations in design, technology, organization, and intelligent manufacturing, FREELANDER is opening a new chapter of global growth powered by a renewed brand identity, its global operating capabilities, and advanced intelligent technologies.

The UAE was selected as FREELANDER's first international market based on its strategic location, innovation-friendly business environment, strong appetite for intelligent mobility solutions and long-term commitment to new energy development, which provides a solid foundation for the brand's regional growth.

As a key practice of its globalization strategy, FREELANDER continues to drive product innovation tailored to regional market needs. In particular, the SIVP (Super Intelligent Valet Parking) system, making its global debut this year, is a prime example of how FREELANDER continuously optimizes the intelligent mobility experience for real-world user scenarios, such as high-temperature environments in the UAE.

During the event, Lucia Mao, CEO of FREELANDER International, shared the brand’s philosophy on global development in a fireside chat titled “From Entry to Commitment.” She stated: “International expansion goes beyond entering a new market. It is about making a long-term commitment.” She emphasized: “The UAE marks the starting point of FREELANDER's global expansion and is a strategically important market where we will put down roots and invest for the long term, together with our partners.”

The exchange at Goodwood not only marks a new phase in FREELANDER's global strategy but also demonstrates its long-term commitment and deep engagement in international markets. Moving forward, FREELANDER will continue to leverage its British premium brand heritage, global operational system, and intelligent technology innovation capabilities to advance its local presence across international markets, strengthen partnerships worldwide, and advance its long-term global expansion ambitions.

About FREELANDER

FREELANDER is a British Premium Intelligent All-Terrain brand co-developed by Chery and Jaguar Land Rover. JLR leads the design and premium DNA, while Chery brings advanced technology and global top-tier supply chain capabilities. The brand is supported by a strong global foundation, including over 5,000 employees, five strategic hubs, and fully integrated capabilities spanning design, R&D, manufacturing, and global operations.

Vincent CHEN

[email protected]

https://www.cheryinternational.com/

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d5c1251-24ac-4775-a5fc-f8f5546015c8

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5af7a580-822d-4ce5-8eb6-f538ff7e4859

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c715041a-868f-40a4-802d-5f2f59f6122e


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9761672)

Changan Automobile Rolls Out Second-Generation UNI-S in Saudi Arabia, Accelerating Expansion Across the Middle East and Africa

AD DAMMĀN, Saudi Arabia, July 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Changan Automobile has officially launched the second-generation CHANGAN UNI-S in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Following its debut in South Africa, this marks the model’s second market introduction as part of a strategic rollout across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, with further GCC market entries planned in the coming months.

Positioned as the best value choice for refined life, the new UNI-S delivers significant upgrades across four key areas: New Design, Upgrade of Intelligence, Upgrade of Comfort, and New Powertrain.

The design is based on “stability and harmony.” The headlight light strips and the grille form a shield shape, which works with the trapezoidal lower grille to create a harmonious and stable look. The same theme appears on the taillights and wheel rims. Inside, the cabin has been completely redesigned with large areas of premium soft-touch materials, elevating perceived quality and refinement.

Technologically, the UNI-S takes a major leap forward with an advanced intelligent cockpit featuring a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster and an expansive 14.6-inch HD central touchscreen powered by the MediaTek 8675 chip. The new SDA interactive system provides extensive customization options, while an enhanced suite of intelligent safety and driver assistance features (IACC, LCA, RCTA/B, remote parking, etc.) for safer, easier driving. Seamless connectivity is supported through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with robust online entertainment apps (such as Spotify and YouTube) and intelligent voice commands in English and Arabic.

Comfort reaches new heights with the segment’s only “Queen’s Seat,” offering zero-gravity positioning, an 8-point massage function, and a 60° leg rest, plus upgraded front-seat ventilation (cushions and backrests) across all models. Additional premium touches include 256-color ambient lighting and an 8-speaker audio system. On the performance side, the All-new 4WD Terrain System with six driving modes—including dedicated Snow, Mud, and Sand settings—delivers confident all-terrain capability by automatically optimizing key systems (ECU, TCU, AWD, ESP, EPS, mADC, etc.)

Mr. Xiao, General Manager of Changan Automobile Middle East and Africa Business Unit, said: “The launch of the UNI-S in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal moment in Changan’s global expansion journey. With over three decades of presence in the Middle East, we deeply understand the high expectations of customers in this region. The new UNI-S was specifically engineered to exceed these standards by combining cutting-edge intelligent technology, exhilarating performance, and a genuine premium feel. We are confident it will strongly resonate with modern Saudi drivers, and we remain committed to delivering innovative, world-class vehicles while fostering lasting relationships across the region.”

With cumulative sales exceeding 500,000 vehicles across MEA, Changan continues to strengthen its footprint in the GCC through robust distribution networks and a rapidly growing customer base in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait. The company continues to strengthen its product lineup with SUVs and sedans including the CS75 Plus, CS35 Plus, UNI-T, UNI-K, and Eado Plus, offering customers options that balance technology, design, and value.

Contact information:

Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd.

E-mail: [email protected]

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a992f2c2-4781-4a50-9168-79214e429136
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cc34d5e5-bd2c-4b27-adec-6b73140fe5f8


GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9759830)