Jeep’s Next Chapter in the Middle East: Exclusive Q&A with Stellantis’ Rakesh Nair

As the Middle East’s SUV market continues to evolve, Stellantis is positioning Jeep for one of its strongest growth phases yet. With new models, renewed investment in regional testing, and a clearer focus on electrified mobility, the brand is doubling down on the Gulf’s unique demands and lifestyle-driven automotive culture. To understand what’s next for Jeep and Stellantis in the GCC, DriveArabia sat down with Rakesh Nair, Head of Brands for the Middle East & Africa Region. Rakesh has over 20+ years of experience in the automotive industry and has held senior positions with prominent brands. In this exclusive Q&A, he discusses upcoming models, regional priorities, the importance of local testing, and how Jeep is connecting with a new generation of buyers across the Middle East.

Jeep has always been a strong name in the region. Can you share more about the upcoming Jeep models that customers in the GCC can look forward to in 2025?

The Jeep brand has recently expanded its line-up in the region with the debut of the all-new Jeep Commander, a bold entry into the competitive D-segment SUV category. As a seven-seater, it brings a new level of refinement designed for customers seeking space and comfort, alongside authentic off-road capability. With premium finishes and connected technologies, the Commander represents Jeep’s most refined and family-focused SUV offering yet, tailored to the lifestyle needs of customers in the GCC. Its arrival is a significant moment for the brand, highlighting our ability to bring fresh nameplates that strengthen the line-up and respond directly to the region’s appetite for SUVs.

Building on this momentum, we also teased the new 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which redefines the premium large SUV segment. The refreshed Grand Wagoneer proudly wears the Jeep badge and offers customers a choice of powerful powertrains, including the award-winning 3.0 Hurricane Twin Turbo engine, which will be launched in the GCC in 2026. The Grand Wagoneer blends sophistication, capability and family-focused versatility at a more accessible entry point.

Alongside Commander and Grand Wagoneer, we are continuing to update our core models, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, which remain pillars of the brand in this region. Together, these models demonstrate how Jeep is expanding into new spaces while staying true to its DNA, offering more choice for different lifestyles across the GCC, from iconic off-roaders to luxury SUVs and family-focused models.

What are Stellantis’ broader priorities for the Middle East market over the next few years, and how does the region fit into the company’s global growth roadmap?

The Middle East continues to grow in importance for Stellantis. It is a market with a strong appetite for SUVs and high-spec, high-power vehicles, particularly here in the Gulf, and that aligns directly with our strengths. In parallel with this, there’s a growing interest in both sustainability and smart mobility solutions for high-density urban areas in the region. Over the next few years, we are committed to increasing electrified model availability, introducing more accessible ownership models such as finance and subscription, and strengthening our parts and service operations through the Dubai hub. Each of these steps builds stability and trust with customers.

We are aligned with Stellantis’ global electrification and sustainability goals, and our MEA localisation strategy in terms of production will deliver vehicles developed in the region, for the region, ensuring even stronger relevance to local customers.

Our focus is on proving that we can scale electrified mobility even in a region with challenging environmental conditions, while continuing to grow sales of vehicles that customers already love.

With the GCC’s unique climate and driving conditions, how important is it to test new Jeep Stellantis vehicles locally before launch? Can you give us some insight into that process?

Local testing is non-negotiable. The long highway drives in high temperatures and in sandy conditions present challenges that are different from Europe or North America. Every Jeep destined for the region goes through validation here. We test cooling systems under sustained idle in high temperatures and run desert durability routes that expose suspension and drivetrain to repeated stress, along with evaluating filtration systems against dust.

We also run comfort and stability checks on highways at speed, since that is how many Gulf customers use their vehicles day to day. These tests allow us to make small but important adjustments, so the vehicle feels right from the moment it arrives in our showrooms.

How would you describe Stellantis’ and Jeep’s current sales performance in the region? Where do you see growth opportunities compared to more established competitors?

Jeep continues to perform strongly, especially in markets where off-road culture is deeply embedded. Wrangler remains an icon here, and Grand Cherokee has built a reputation as a family SUV that does not compromise on presence or capability. The Grand Wagoneer adds a premium layer to the line-up, appealing to customers who seek higher levels of luxury, comfort, and advanced technology. We also just launched the Jeep Commander, which further strengthens our offering for larger families in the region and complements our existing line-up.

Our growth opportunities lie in expanding in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, and in offering special editions and lifestyle packages in the UAE that connect with local tastes. Another growth area is broadening ownership options so younger customers can access Jeep through flexible finance or subscription programs. These approaches allow us to stand apart from established rivals by staying closer to what the customer wants.

Jeep has a strong heritage and fan following worldwide. How is the brand working to connect with today’s Middle Eastern consumers, especially younger buyers who value tech, design, and sustainability?

Jeep’s heritage gives us credibility, but to stay relevant, we have to engage with new expectations. Younger customers in the Middle East are asking for vehicles that feel more advanced, that offer a modern driving experience, and that reflect a commitment to sustainability. We are responding with vehicles that deliver modern performance without losing the capability people expect, and with interiors that bring richer interfaces and more connected features.

Beyond the vehicles themselves, we are engaging through initiatives that resonate locally, such as community drives and partnerships with Jeepers clubs. We also collaborate with regional creators who showcase the brand story in their own unique and creative way. This approach ensures that Jeep stays authentic, while still reflecting the lifestyle and priorities of a new generation.

Photos taken by Mohamed Naeem and Stellantis