Abu Dhabi taxi fleet reaches 99% hybrid or electric
About 99% of Abu Dhabi's taxi fleet of more than 6,147 vehicles is now hybrid or electric, according to figures reported by Gulf News. The Integrated Transport Centre operates the emirate's two taxi services, which recorded more than 60 million passenger journeys in 2025, with smart bookings at 18% of the total.
Our thoughts A Gulf fleet that is almost fully electrified shows taxi operators will buy these drivetrains at scale, which makes fleet tenders a practical early route for hybrid suppliers in the region.
China's top five carmakers lift overseas sales 83% in October
BYD, SAIC, Geely, Chery and Changan sold a combined 1.76 million vehicles in October, almost level with a year earlier. Overseas sales rose 83% to 743,000 while domestic sales fell 25% to 1.018 million; Chery Group sold 200,600 of its 296,000 vehicles abroad. China's export VAT rebate for new-energy vehicles drops from 13% to 9% on 1 April 2027.
Our thoughts The rebate cut gives Chinese exporters of plug-in models a reason to ship more before April, so GCC distributors could see heavier stock and sharper offers in early 2027.
Jeddah International Motor Show opens its 20th edition
The 20th Jeddah International Motor Show runs from 4 to 7 November at the Jeddah Center for Exhibitions and Events, with free public entry from 5 November, under the patronage of the chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. Petrol, hybrid, battery-electric and range-extender models are on show, with Chinese brands such as JAC, Forthing and ICAR among the announced exhibitors.
Our thoughts The weight of Chinese and range-extender brands in Jeddah is a useful early signal of Saudi buyer interest for distributors in neighbouring markets, including Oman, planning their 2027 line-ups.
Preliminary China Passenger Car Association data show October passenger-car retail sales down 25% year on year to 1.693 million, while new-energy vehicles fell 10% to 1.148 million, a record 67.8% share. Wholesale volumes, which count factory shipments, fell only 10% to 2.635 million.
Our thoughts With retail sales at home falling far faster than factory shipments, Chinese makers have every reason to push more cars abroad; expect sharper pricing and more brands competing for GCC distributors.
Volvo Cars' three-month sales fall 16% on China and US weakness
Volvo Cars sold 141,656 cars in the three months to October, down 16% on a year earlier, citing weak demand and local competition in China and the end of EV incentives in the US. Fully electric models rose to 34% of sales, and European orders for the new EX60 have passed 50,000.
Our thoughts With early EX60 output aimed at strong European demand, smaller markets such as the GCC may see limited first allocations.
Hyundai and Kia post record October sales in the US
Hyundai Motor America sold 73,452 vehicles in October, up 5% and its best October yet, with hybrids up 20% to 29% of volume. Kia America's sales rose 16% to 80,008, helped by a 63% rise for the Telluride.
Our thoughts Strong US demand for the hybrids and large SUVs Hyundai and Kia also sell in the Gulf could tighten allocations for GCC distributors in 2027.
UAE cuts November pump prices after October's rise
The UAE Fuel Price Committee has lowered prices for November: Super 98 falls to AED4.16 a litre from AED4.40, Special 95 to AED4.04 from AED4.28 and diesel to AED4.75 from AED4.80. October prices had risen by about 16% with Brent crude above USD100 a barrel.
Our thoughts Monthly swings in UAE pump prices keep running costs in the sales conversation, which favours hybrids and plug-in models over conventional petrol cars.
Briefs summarise reporting by the outlets linked under each item; follow the links for the original. Our thoughts are our own view, for general information only and not advice. See our disclaimer.
