DUBAI, UAE – 12 February 2026 — General Motors (GM) Africa and Middle East has officially kicked off its centennial celebrations, marking a century of innovation, partnership, and mobility in the region. To commemorate this 100-year journey, GM has partnered with Acumen Media to launch a special documentary airing on CBS and Alarabiya.
A Century of Impact: From Alexandria to the Gulf The documentary chronicles GM’s evolution since 1926, starting with its first assembly plant in Alexandria, Egypt. Under the legendary leadership of Alfred Sloan, GM introduced modern corporate structures and pioneering technologies—such as the electric self-starter and automatic transmissions—that made modern transportation accessible across the Middle East and Africa.
Iconic Brands, Local Icons The film highlights how Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac have become part of the region’s cultural fabric:
- The “Dababbah” & “Jumbo”: How the Chevrolet T-Series became a lifeline for commerce in Egypt.
- The “Chaffar” & “Jims”: The legendary status of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra in the Gulf.
- Cadillac: A symbol of prestige, from presidential parades to the modern-day Escalade.
- ACDelco: Powering localization and battery manufacturing in Saudi Arabia for over 25 years.
Leadership Perspectives “In 1926, our company expanded to this region, and today our brands are part of its very fabric,” said Rory Harvey, GM Executive Vice President. “As we look to the next 100 years, we remain committed to bringing cutting-edge technology and empowering local talent.”
Jack Uppal, President and Managing Director of GM Africa and Middle East, added: “Our dealer network has generated over 7,000 jobs, and for every GM employee, 50 industry professionals work together to deliver on our promise of progress. We proudly honor a journey of resilience and placing customers at the center of everything we do.”
The Next Century: Super Cruise and Beyond Looking ahead, GM is set to redefine mobility with the introduction of Super Cruise—the world’s first true hands-free driver assistance technology—arriving in the Middle East during the 2026 centennial year. This marks the beginning of GM’s path toward personal autonomy and a continued commitment to the region’s socio-economic growth.
