In a significant milestone for the global premium new energy vehicle industry, FREELANDER 8 made its first public appearance at the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum, held at The Peninsula Shanghai on June 11, 2026. The showcase comes as FREELANDER prepares for its official Middle East brand launch in Abu Dhabi, marking a key step in its global expansion strategy. The forum represents one of the first international high-level investment platforms to feature the vehicle, reinforcing the Middle East as FREELANDER’s initial strategic launch market.
Lucia Mao, CEO of FREELANDER International, delivered a keynote address in a closed session with senior officials, outlining the brand’s positioning as a British premium intelligent all-terrain marque co-created by Jaguar Land Rover and Chery. Building on the legacy of the FREELANDER nameplate first introduced in 1997, Jaguar Land Rover leads design and brand heritage, while Chery contributes advanced new energy technologies and global supply chain capabilities. The collaboration aims to combine British design language, intelligent innovation, and authentic off-road performance in a single offering.
During the forum, FREELANDER’s leadership team engaged with senior stakeholders on the brand’s international growth roadmap and opportunities across key global markets. The Shanghai showcase further underscored its ambition to enter 90 countries and establish 1,100 touchpoints worldwide over the next five years.
Lucia Mao highlighted that the Middle East was chosen as the brand’s first international market due to strong demand for premium SUVs, robust economic growth, and its strategic geographic position. She confirmed that preparations are underway for the Abu Dhabi launch, which will serve as a cornerstone of FREELANDER’s global rollout and a gateway to the wider GCC region.
FREELANDER 8 drew strong interest from investors and industry leaders at the forum, reflecting growing demand for premium intelligent new energy vehicles that combine technology, luxury, and all-terrain capability. The showcase positions FREELANDER to capitalize on rising EV adoption across the Middle East as it advances its vision of redefining British automotive heritage through intelligent innovation.
