Freelander is in the final stages of talks to appoint an official distributor in Kuwait as it prepares to expand beyond China into several Arab markets. The brand hopes to complete the Kuwait arrangements by the end of 2026, paving the way for the Freelander 8 to go on sale there in the first quarter of 2027, subject to the local partnership being finalized. The UAE is set to lead the initial regional rollout, with Al Tayer Motors and Premier Motors named as its distribution partners. Bahrain and Oman are also in the plan, following partnership agreements signed with the Kanoo Group and Saud Bahwan Group at a Chery international users’ summit in Wuhu on October 19.
Freelander’s first expansion phase is aimed at the Middle East and other left-hand-drive markets. Australia and New Zealand are slated for a second phase, followed by continental Europe, the UK and Ireland. The company has also identified Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Jordan and Egypt among its intended Arab markets.
The international Freelander 8 is a plug-in hybrid SUV offered with either five seats in two rows or six seats across three. Its powertrain combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors and all-wheel drive, producing a stated 617 hp and 662 Nm. A 34.12-kWh battery is claimed to provide 110 km of electric range; the stated combined range is 886 km. Freelander quotes a 0–100 km/h time of 5.8 seconds. Regional prices have not yet been announced.