MG Motor has launched its latest model, named “RAKAN,” during the events of the car exhibition held in Kuwait, as part of the exhibition season which continues until January 24th of this year.
The “RAKAN” is the first MG car to carry an official Arabic name, a step that reflects the company’s direction towards strengthening its presence in the Gulf markets and getting closer to the tastes and interests of consumers in the region.
The “RAKAN” belongs to the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) category and is distinguished by a strong, modern design and a striking road presence, with 20-inch wheels, making it suitable for use both within cities and on desert roads.
The word “Rakan” (or “Rakaan”) in Arabic means dignity, stability, solemnity, and calm. It is derived from the verb “rakana,” which means to lean towards, settle, and trust in, and it refers to strength and reliability.
Specifications
The car is based on a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 4 cylinders, generating power up to 250 horsepower and a torque of 410 Newton meters.
The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF, with an advanced all-wheel-drive system that includes a heavy-duty transfer case and a differential lock to improve performance on difficult terrain.
The “RAKAN” seats 7 passengers and provides a spacious and well-equipped interior with leather seats featuring electric controls, including heating, cooling, and massage functions.
The car also includes a large touchscreen supporting smartphone connectivity systems, along with an advanced audio system and a panoramic roof that enhances the sense of comfort.
The launch of this model is part of MG’s strategy to expand its reach in the Gulf countries, amid increasing competition in the medium SUV category, where the company is betting on combining the Arabic name, strong specifications, and a competitive price to attract a wide segment of customers.
MG Motor
MG Motor is a British automotive brand originally founded in 1924, known for producing sports cars and later expanding into mainstream vehicles. After various ownership changes, it is now owned by the Chinese state-owned automaker SAIC Motor and focuses on producing electric and hybrid vehicles for global markets.
Kuwait
Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated at the northern tip of the Persian Gulf, historically established as a sheikhdom in the 18th century by clans from central Arabia. Its modern history was profoundly shaped by the discovery of oil in the 1930s, which transformed it into a wealthy nation, and by the Iraqi invasion and subsequent Gulf War in 1990-1991. The country is known for its modern architecture, such as the Kuwait Towers, and its traditional *diwaniyas* (gathering spaces) that remain central to its social and political life.
Gulf markets
Gulf markets refer to the major stock exchanges in the Arabian Gulf region, such as those in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait. Historically, these markets have been heavily influenced by oil prices and regional geopolitics, evolving from informal trading into modern, regulated financial hubs. They are now significant players in global emerging market investments.
Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)
A Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is a category of motor vehicle that combines elements of road-going passenger cars with features from off-road vehicles, such as raised ground clearance and often four-wheel drive. The design originated from military and utilitarian vehicles like the Jeep in the 1940s, but evolved into a popular family and lifestyle vehicle segment in the late 20th century.
Arabic
Arabic is a Semitic language originating in the Arabian Peninsula, with its earliest known inscriptions dating to the 1st millennium BCE. It is the liturgical language of Islam and, through the spread of the religion and Arab empires, became a major world language with many modern dialects. Classical Arabic remains the standardized literary form used in religious texts, media, and formal communication across the Arab world.
ZF
ZF Friedrichshafen AG is a German manufacturing company originally founded in 1915 to produce gears and transmissions for Zeppelin airships. Today, it is a global technology group specializing in driveline and chassis technology for cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial applications.
MG
MG refers to the Morris Garages, a historic British automotive brand founded in 1924 in Oxford, England. It became famous for producing classic sports cars, most notably the open-top two-seater MG Midget and MGB models. The brand’s history is deeply tied to the British motor industry, having been part of BMC and later British Leyland, before various ownership changes under companies like BMW and SAIC.
