In a significant milestone for the global premium new energy vehicle industry, FREELANDER 8 made its first public appearance at the recently concluded Abu Dhabi Investment Forum held at The Peninsula Shanghai on June 11, 2026.
The showcase comes as FREELANDER prepares for its Middle East brand launch in Abu Dhabi.
Lucia Mao, CEO, FREELANDER International, delivered a keynote address to senior officials in a closed session, highlighting FREELANDER’s unique positioning as a British Premium Intelligent All-Terrain brand co-created by Jaguar Land Rover and Chery, building on the heritage of the iconic nameplate first introduced in 1997.
Growth strategy
During the forum, the FREELANDER International leadership team engaged with senior stakeholders on the brand’s international growth strategy and opportunities for expansion across key global markets.
The successful showcase in Shanghai further reinforced FREELANDER’s global ambitions, supporting its plans to enter ninety countries and establish 1,100 touchpoints worldwide within the next five years.
Premium SUVs
Lucia Mao emphasized that the Middle East was carefully selected as FREELANDER’s first international market due to its strong affinity for premium SUVs, robust economic growth, and strategic geographical position.
She also confirmed that FREELANDER is actively preparing for the brand launch, which will take place in Abu Dhabi and serve as a key milestone in the brand’s international expansion strategy and gateway to the broader Gulf Cooperation Council markets.
FREELANDER 8 attracted significant attention from forum participants, with many business leaders and investors expressing interest in this brand-new product combined with premium, technology and all-terrain capability in one vehicle, a press statement concluded.
