The regional automotive sector is buzzing with activity, highlighted by Honda celebrating a major motorcycle milestone, Chinese EV manufacturer XPENG expanding its service infrastructure in Dubai, and Škoda opening a prominent new showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road. These developments signal continued investment and growth across different segments of the market, from luxury touring bikes to electric vehicles.
Honda Marks 50 Years of Gold Wing
Honda is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its iconic Gold Wing motorcycle in 2025, a model that has long set the standard for two-wheeled luxury travel. To commemorate the milestone, the 25YM Gold Wing and Gold Wing Tour models will feature new refinements and exclusive badging. The 50th Anniversary edition of the GL1800 Gold Wing Tour will be available in two new paint schemes: eternal gold with mahogany brown metallic, and Bordeaux red metallic with black-and-gold accents.
Both anniversary models include a refreshed digital dashboard with a unique start-up animation. Key enhancements focus on upgraded audio and improved connectivity for both rider and pillion, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This focus on advanced in-transit technology mirrors developments in other sectors, as Qatar Airways sets new benchmark with over 100 Starlink-enabled widebody aircraft. The standard 25YM GL1800 Gold Wing will be offered in a mat ballistic black finish. Both models have also been updated to meet Euro 5 compliance standards.
A Legacy of Two-Wheeled Touring
First launched in 1975 as the GL1000, the Gold Wing quickly became known for its power and reliability. It evolved through the 1980s with models like the GL1100 and the landmark six-cylinder GL1500 in 1988. The modern era began with the GL1800 in 2001, which introduced an aluminium frame and later, in 2006, the world’s first motorcycle airbag. The fully redesigned 2018 model cemented its status with a new engine, advanced suspension, and smart technology.
XPENG Launches Dubai Parts Warehouse
Chinese smart electric vehicle company XPENG has opened a state-of-the-art spare parts warehouse in Dubai, a strategic move to improve customer service across the Middle East and Africa. Developed with JD Logistics, the facility will serve as the regional hub for after-sales parts and accessories. The partnership provides advanced supply chain technology, including digital inventory management with real-time visibility and predictive analytics for faster order fulfilment.
The investment strengthens local infrastructure, supported by Jebel Ali Port and Dubai’s multi-modal transport network. The city’s focus on efficient logistics and seamless travel and smart services provides an ideal base for regional distribution.
Supporting a Growing EV Market
XPENG’s new facility aligns with the rapid expansion of the UAE’s EV market, which was valued at approximately Dh8.08 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach Dh59.8 billion by 2030. This growth is supported by national initiatives like the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 plan. The warehouse is a key part of the company’s “Middle East Smart Service Network,” complementing showrooms in the UAE and Qatar and supporting its presence in Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and Lebanon.
Škoda Opens Flagship Dubai Showroom
Czech carmaker Škoda, in partnership with Ali & Sons, has inaugurated a new flagship showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road. The 10,010-square-foot facility is designed to offer a modern, customer-focused experience and significantly increases the brand’s visibility on one of the region’s busiest highways.
The showroom can display up to 11 cars, allowing visitors to see the latest Škoda models, from family SUVs to sedans. It also features a dedicated coffee area and a sports corner that reflects the brand’s historical ties to cycling. A large digital screen with a live car configurator enables customers to personalise vehicle colours, trims, and accessories in real time. The space also showcases Škoda’s lifestyle merchandise, including apparel, travel bags, and cycling gear.
