Business Chief ME+AFRICA January 2024 | Page 96

NWTN
For emerging nations such as the UAE , the development of an automotive industry represents an opportunity for economic growth , technological advancement , and a significant step towards broader industrialisation and modernisation .
Developing a domestic automotive industry can drive technological innovation and skill development , and often leads to advancements in related areas like robotics , autonomous technologies , electronics , and materials science .
“ The UAE has the opportunity to leapfrog traditional automotive technologies and invest in cleaner , more sustainable vehicle technologies , such as electric vehicles , which can have long-term environmental benefits ,” adds Alan .
“ Overall , the establishment of an automotive industry in emerging countries like the UAE is not just about producing cars ; it ’ s also about fostering broader economic development , technological advancement , and strategic independence .”
Alan believes that the time and the place is right for NWTN to deliver success and help the UAE achieve its clean energy goals .
He says governments in the GCC are very supportive of a transition from petrol cars to EVs and have implemented supportive policies and incentives throughout the entire value chain , supporting the growth of the industry and the market .
However , Alan admits that the charging infrastructure in the UAE and wider region is still in its infancy , and this is hampering the sales of EVs as consumers suffer from range anxiety heightened by lack of rapid chargers . Alan believes this highlights a gap in the market that can be filled by NWTN . “ This is where the range extender technology fits in . It provides the best of both worlds .
96 January 2024