Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Ford Middle East and Africa has officially appointed Shamal Al-Jazeera for Automotive and Commercial Agencies (SAT) as its new authorized distributor in the Republic of Iraq, with operations formally commencing on October 1, 2026, the automaker announced on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Under the partnership agreement, SAT will assume responsibility for the nationwide importation and retail distribution of Ford passenger and commercial vehicles, genuine motor parts supply, and comprehensive aftersales and maintenance operations across the Iraqi market.
Shamal Al-Jazeera (SAT) is formed through a joint venture combining corporate capital and automotive retail expertise:
- March Holding: A regional investment conglomerate managing over ten operational subsidiaries in Iraq spanning financial technology, digital payment processing, software solutions, and e-commerce logistics.
- Olayan Group (Automotive Division): A regional distributor with over 50 years of automotive representation across the Middle East, managing franchised distribution networks for brands such as Hyundai, Kia, BYD, Isuzu, Geely, and GAC.
- Executive Leadership: The venture is led by Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Olayan alongside General Manager Yassin Al-Saati.
Ford outlined a structured handover framework with outgoing distributor Al-Kasid Group, which has represented the American brand in Iraq for the past nine years:
- Transition Window (Through September 30, 2026): Customers will continue to purchase vehicles, source OEM components, and access certified routine maintenance at existing Al-Kasid service centers and showrooms without disruption.
- Transfer Date (October 1, 2026): SAT assumes sole commercial responsibility for new vehicle orders, dealership networks, and technical service points.
- Warranty and Service Continuity: Factory vehicle warranties, extended coverage programs, and existing service contracts will remain valid and fully honored following the operational handover to SAT.
Strategic Partnership Overview
Feature / DimensionCurrent Setup (Through Sept 30, 2026)New Operating Framework (From Oct 1, 2026)Official DistributorAl-Kasid Group (9-year tenure)Shamal Al-Jazeera (SAT)Strategic ShareholdersAutomotive trading groupMarch Holding (Fintech/E-commerce) + Olayan Group (Automotive)Operational ScopeNationwide sales, parts, and serviceShowroom expansion, digital retail, logistics, and certified workshopsWarranty & Parts CoverageActive under official termsFull continuity; honors all active warranties and OEM supplyRegional LeadershipRavi Ravichandran, President of Ford Middle East & North Africa
Ravi Ravichandran, President of Ford Middle East and North Africa, stated that Iraq remains a central growth market for the company’s regional strategy, noting that SAT’s combination of local commercial expertise and dealership infrastructure will support customer engagement through the purchase and ownership cycle.
Mohammed Olayan, CEO of SAT, affirmed that the company is establishing upgraded retail showrooms and modern diagnostic service facilities across Iraqi governorates to support Ford’s lineup, which includes internal combustion, hybrid, and electric models across the Ford Blue, Ford Pro, and Ford Model e divisions.
