Smart Mobility International (SMI) has announced a strategic partnership with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer IM Motors, marking the brand’s official entry into the GCC market. Backed by industry giants SAIC Motor, Alibaba Group, and Zhangjiang Hi-Tech, IM Motors will debut in the UAE, with expansion into Saudi Arabia planned later this year.
The signing ceremony took place at IM Motors’ new showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai and was attended by Sheikh Saif Bin Mohammed Bin Butti Al Hamed. The event also featured the unveiling of the IM LS7, a fully electric luxury SUV with a panoramic AI-enabled cockpit, advanced safety systems, and premium interior features – most notably a zero-gravity rear seat inspired by aerospace design.
SMI CEO Moutaz Louis described the partnership as a major step in redefining electric mobility in the region. “We’re not just launching a new brand—we’re shaping a future defined by intelligent mobility, premium performance, and a deep commitment to sustainability,” he said.
The IM LS7 will be released first in a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) configuration, with a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) version to follow. Additional models, including the IM L7 sedan and LS6 SUV, are expected to launch later this year.
This collaboration supports the UAE’s national EV goals, which aim for half of all vehicles on the road to be electric by 2050. Through this partnership, SMI and IM Motors aim to deliver a new standard of premium, intelligent, and sustainable transportation across the region.
Read more about this on Arabian Business News