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As the UAE accelerates toward its net zero 2050 goals, Al-Futtaim Toyota and Lexus are steering the automotive landscape into a new era of electrified mobility.
With hybrids taking centre stage as the most practical bridge between traditional and electric vehicles, MD Jacques Brent shares how the brands are aligning with the nation’s sustainability vision, investing in next-generation technologies, and redefining customer experiences in one of the region’s most dynamic markets.
How are you seeing customer preferences in the UAE shift between traditional, hybrid, and fully electric vehicles, and what role do you expect Toyota and Lexus to play in this transition?
We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in customer preferences and expectations. UAE buyers are increasingly looking for vehicles that combine sustainability, technology and value, and electrified mobility is at the heart of that change. Hybrid electric vehicles remain the strongest entry point today, as they deliver immediate fuel savings and reduced emissions without the need for charging infrastructure.
EV adoption is also accelerating as infrastructure grows and government support expands, driven by initiatives such as the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy as well as Al-Futtaim Automotive’s own commitment to deliver 50 per cent new energy vehicles and 10 per cent of the country’s charging stations by 2030.
At Al-Futtaim Toyota and Lexus, we see our role not just as participants, but as architects of this transformation. Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy ensures we offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and even hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to meet customers where they are, while Lexus has carved a leadership position in sustainable luxury with models like the LX700h, the brand’s flagship luxury hybrid electric SUV.
Together, we’re defining what the next chapter of mobility looks like in the UAE.
Sustainability is increasingly driving policy and consumer behaviour in the region. How is Al-Futtaim Toyota and Lexus aligning its strategy with the UAE’s broader green mobility agenda?
Sustainability is embedded in our DNA and is exemplified in Toyota’s global Environmental Challenge 2050. Locally, that means aligning with the UAE’s net zero ambitions through a portfolio of practical, scalable solutions.
We’ve introduced hybrid electric vehicles across multiple segments, expanded our EV roadmap.
We’re also collaborating closely with government entities and energy providers on infrastructure, research, and pilot projects in hydrogen and advanced mobility. Our focus is pragmatic: provide customers with technologies that reduce emissions today, while laying the groundwork for a carbon-neutral future.
The UAE is becoming a testbed for advanced mobility solutions, from EV infrastructure to autonomous driving pilots. How do you see Toyota and Lexus positioning themselves in this evolving landscape?
The UAE’s role as a hub for innovation aligns perfectly with Toyota’s multi-pathway strategy. Toyota is investing globally in autonomous technologies, hydrogen, and next-generation electrification, and through Al-Futtaim we are actively supporting the UAE as a proving ground for these solutions.
Whether it’s expanding EV infrastructure, piloting hydrogen mobility, or preparing the market for autonomous-ready vehicles, we see the UAE as a place where global innovation and local adoption meet. Toyota builds trust and scale at the mass-market level, while Lexus redefines sustainable performance and luxury. Together, we are committed to helping shape the UAE into a showcase for the future of mobility.
Beyond new car sales, how important is the certified pre-owned (CPO) market in the UAE, and how are you adapting your offerings to meet the needs of value-conscious yet brand-loyal customers?
The CPO market is critical, especially in a region where customers value both quality and value retention. Many customers want the reassurance of Toyota or Lexus engineering but at a more accessible price point. Our CPO program guarantees that vehicles undergo rigorous checks, come with full service history, and benefit from manufacturer-backed warranties.
This approach not only supports value-conscious customers but also extends the life cycle of vehicles in a sustainable way, ensuring quality mobility solutions are available across customer segments.
However, the value offered by our CPO programme also extends to customers purchasing new vehicles from Toyota and Lexus as well. They can rest assured that their new vehicles will retain their resale value at exceptional levels, due to their reputation for durability and reliability, and high demand in the pre-owned market.
With EV and hybrid adoption gaining momentum, what challenges and opportunities do you see in the aftersales and servicing side of the business in the UAE?
Electrified vehicles present both opportunities and a new set of requirements. On one hand, EVs have fewer moving parts, meaning lower long-term maintenance costs. On the other hand, customers need reassurance around battery health and servicing expertise.
We’ve invested heavily in training our dealer network, upgrading workshops, and equipping technicians with the skills to handle advanced powertrains.
For hybrids, routine maintenance remains straightforward, while for EVs, we’re building an ecosystem that covers everything from battery diagnostics to energy management. Our goal is to make ownership intuitive, reliable, and stress-free.
From your perspective, what other key automotive trends are shaping the UAE market today — whether that’s digital retail, financing models, connected car technology, or shifting customer expectations?
Several trends are converging. First, digital retail and omni-channel experiences are now expected, with customers researching, configuring, and even purchasing vehicles online.
Second, flexible financing models are growing, with younger customers looking for subscription-style access or shorter-term commitments.
Third, connected car technologies are moving from novelty to necessity, with features that integrate seamlessly into digital lifestyles.
All of these trends point toward one reality: customers want mobility that is smarter, greener, and more personalised. At Al-Futtaim Toyota and Lexus, we’re responding by expanding digital touchpoints, building flexible ownership models, and continuing to innovate around electrification.
