Global & MENA Automotive Industry Monthly Update – May 2025
Introduction
May 2025 was a pivotal month for the global automotive industry, marked by the acceleration of electrification, leadership changes, and deeper integration of artificial intelligence across vehicle development, manufacturing, and customer experience. In North America and Europe, automakers advanced EV infrastructure and AI adoption, while in the MENA region, governments and private players launched groundbreaking initiatives—from autonomous taxis in Saudi Arabia to EV innovation hubs in Dubai. This report captures the most strategic developments shaping the future of mobility, region by region.
Global News
Antonio Filosa Named New Stellantis CEO
Stellantis has appointed Antonio Filosa as Chief Executive Officer, effective 23 June 2025. With 25 years at the company, Filosa brings operational and strategic experience as the group navigates electrification and global trade pressures. His appointment signals a focus on continuity and deep internal expertise amid a shifting auto landscape. Filosa is expected to steer Stellantis through regulatory complexity and EV transformation.
Hybrid Sales Climb as Consumers Seek Balanced Electrification
Hybrid vehicles continue to gain traction in the U.S. amid fluctuating EV momentum, now accounting for 22% of all light-duty vehicle sales. Consumers are gravitating toward hybrids as a cost-effective alternative. Hybrids are emerging as the sweet spot for buyers caught between rising fuel prices and charging limitations. Their growing share signals shifting consumer priorities in the transition to full electrification.
Rolls-Royce Unveils Bespoke Phantom ‘Goldfinger’ for 100-Year Anniversary
Rolls-Royce has revealed a one-off Phantom ‘Goldfinger’ edition at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Inspired by the 1964 James Bond film, the car celebrates a century of the Phantom nameplate with timeless design and craftsmanship. The bespoke model fuses cinematic glamour with the marque’s hallmark luxury. It serves as a rolling tribute to Rolls-Royce’s enduring legacy of automotive excellence.
XPeng Launches MONA M03 Max: Affordable EV with Advanced AI Capabilities
XPeng has launched the MONA M03 Max, an electric hatchback priced around $20,000, featuring autonomous driving functions typically reserved for premium models. With over 120,000 units of the MONA series delivered, XPeng continues its push to democratise smart mobility. The model marks a breakthrough in bringing AI-powered autonomy to the mass market. XPeng’s rapid delivery volumes reflect strong consumer appetite for tech-savvy, affordable EVs.
Audi Expands Use of AI in Production and Logistics
Audi is advancing over 100 artificial intelligence projects aimed at increasing production quality and operational efficiency. From generative AI to real-time quality monitoring, the initiative reflects Audi’s commitment to manufacturing innovation. The brand is redefining precision through AI, reducing waste and elevating consistency. Digital transformation is now central to Audi’s future factory ecosystem.
GM Appoints Sterling Anderson as Chief Product Officer
Sterling Anderson joins GM to lead product development across EV and ICE vehicles. A veteran of Tesla and Aurora, he will help drive GM’s autonomous mobility ambitions. His expertise bridges legacy engineering and future-focused innovation. Anderson’s arrival signals GM’s intent to aggressively pursue intelligent product leadership.
WeRide Launches 24/7 Robotaxi Service in Guangzhou
WeRide has launched eight robotaxi routes in central Guangzhou, operating around the clock. This marks China’s first 24-hour autonomous ride-hailing service in a major urban centre. It’s a milestone in the commercial deployment of self-driving mobility at scale. WeRide is setting the pace for a fully autonomous, urban mobility ecosystem.
Ferrari Previews 2025 Line-Up Including First Full EV
Ferrari will debut its first all-electric vehicle in October, part of a six-model 2025 line-up including hybrid hypercars. The new range balances cutting-edge tech with Ferrari’s racing legacy. The launch marks a turning point for Ferrari as it electrifies without compromising soul. Anticipation is high for how the prancing horse will translate emotion into electrons.
Stellantis Leverages Virtual Reality to Transform Manufacturing
Stellantis is using VR simulation tools to optimise plant ergonomics, safety, and efficiency—signalling a shift toward immersive factory planning. Virtual reality is accelerating smarter plant design and hands-on operator training. This tech-led evolution aligns production with Stellantis’ future-fit mindset.
Bugatti Inaugurates Berlin Design Studio as Global Creative Centre
Bugatti’s new 1,100-square-metre Berlin studio brings together designers from 22 countries, using VR and digital modelling to shape future hypercars. The studio underscores Bugatti’s drive to blend art, technology, and extreme performance. It cements Berlin as a cradle for next-generation automotive icons.
MENA News
Lamborghini Names Alessio Soligo as MEA Head
Alessio Soligo assumes leadership of Lamborghini MEA, reinforcing the brand’s growth focus across high-opportunity Middle Eastern and African markets. His appointment reflects Lamborghini’s strategy to deliver more bespoke experiences and expand its dealer footprint across the region. The move is also expected to accelerate the brand’s hybrid and EV portfolio in the MEA zone.
Al Habtoor Motors Introduces Pagani Huayra Tempesta in UAE
The exclusive Tempesta Package upgrades performance and comfort for Pagani buyers in the UAE, accompanied by a one-year extended warranty. The unveiling underscores the UAE’s growing appetite for bespoke hypercars and elite craftsmanship. It reflects Al Habtoor’s commitment to expanding its luxury portfolio with ultra-exclusive offerings.
Uber to Launch Autonomous Vehicles in Saudi Arabia by Late 2025
Uber, in collaboration with the TGA, plans to roll out self-driving vehicles with safety operators in KSA, as part of Vision 2030 smart mobility goals. This initiative is expected to boost public confidence in driverless transport in the region. It also marks a critical step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to lead smart mobility adoption.
OMODA & JAECOO Select Dubai as Global Innovation Hub
The EV brands have named Dubai as their global innovation base and opened a regional parts centre to support market growth in the Gulf. The move enables closer collaboration with local R&D partners and smart city ecosystems. It reinforces the brands’ vision to position Dubai as a launchpad for global EV growth.
Abu Dhabi Expands Robotaxi Trials with Apollo Go
Apollo Go’s sixth-gen AVs are being trialled in Abu Dhabi, with city-wide deployment expected by 2026 under the emirate’s smart mobility strategy. The pilot will gather insights on infrastructure demands, passenger experience, and safety compliance. It reflects Abu Dhabi’s ambition to integrate autonomous services into its urban transport network.
SOUEAST Launches Saudi Subsidiary and Largest Parts Centre
With a new 10,000 sqm centre in Jeddah, SOUEAST delivers 24-hour spare parts service, underscoring its commitment to localisation and customer care. The investment will significantly reduce delivery times and enhance aftersales satisfaction. It reflects SOUEAST’s long-term strategy to build operational depth in the Gulf market.
Riyadh to Deploy Self-Driving Taxis Under Vision 2030
The Transport General Authority will introduce autonomous taxis, drones, and AV trucks in five cities, backed by smart infrastructure initiatives. These services will be integrated with digital booking platforms and AI-based fleet coordination. The initiative aims to elevate urban mobility efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Uber and Pony.ai Collaborate on Robotaxi Pilot in MENA
The pilot programme will introduce Pony.ai’s seventh-gen autonomous vehicles on Uber’s platform in the Middle East, starting with safety drivers. The pilot will serve as a regulatory test case for wider AV adoption in the region. Uber aims to streamline future rollouts through real-time learning and system calibration.
Oman Guarantees Equal Insurance Rights for EVs
Oman’s FSA mandates that insurers offer equal coverage to EV owners, supporting broader electrification goals and fair market treatment. The mandate eliminates pricing disparities between ICE and EV coverage. It marks a regulatory milestone in aligning financial services with sustainability goals.
Conclusion
May 2025 showcased an industry in full transformation. From leadership transitions at global OEMs to bold regulatory moves and innovation milestones in MENA, the automotive landscape is evolving rapidly—driven by electrification, AI integration, and the rise of smart mobility ecosystems. Automakers are doubling down on hybrid strategies, exploring immersive technologies like VR, and pushing the boundaries of what intelligent vehicles can deliver.
In the MENA region, forward-thinking policies and public-private partnerships are fast-tracking autonomous transport, expanding EV infrastructure, and deepening localisation efforts. Whether it’s Saudi Arabia’s autonomous taxi rollout, Dubai’s emergence as an innovation epicentre, or Oman’s insurance parity reforms for EVs, the region is not just adapting—it’s leading.
As we look to the months ahead, the global and MENA automotive sectors must continue to balance technological advancement with customer-centricity, cost control, and regulatory agility. With electrification maturing and digital transformation accelerating, the future of mobility is no longer on the horizon—it’s unfolding now.
At AMENA, we partner with leading OEMs and Dealer/Importer networks across the MENA region to drive measurable performance across Sales, Aftersales, Parts, CSI, and NPS. Leveraging deep industry expertise, we deliver tailored strategies that elevate customer experience, optimise operational KPIs, and enhance brand loyalty.
As the region embraces electric mobility, AI-driven innovation, and premium customer expectations, AMENA ensures automotive businesses stay ahead—through actionable insights, bespoke training, and operational excellence programmes that deliver real-world impact.
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