Baghdad: Ford Middle East and Africa announced its entry into the Iraqi market starting from October 1st, after appointing Shimal Al Jazeera Auto-Trading and Commercial Agencies (SAT) as its official distributor in Iraq.
According to Iraqi News Agency, Shimal Al Jazeera Auto-Trading and Commercial Agencies (SAT) represents a strong strategic alliance between March Holding Group and the Olayan Group. Ford said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Under this appointment, Shimal Al Jazeera Auto-Trading and Commercial Agencies (SAT) will be responsible for distributing Ford vehicles, providing original spare parts, and offering after-sales services throughout Iraq.”
March Holding manages a leading regional investment portfolio comprising more than ten companies in a number of vital sectors in the Iraqi market, most notably technology, financial services, digital solutions, and e-commerce. In contrast, the Olayan Group stands out as one of the oldest car distribution companies in the region, with deep experience spanning more than fifty years.
This unique combination of integrated market expertise and well-established local capabilities gives Shimal Al Jazeera Auto-Trading and Commercial Agencies (SAT) a solid foundation to support Ford’s continued growth and elevate the customer experience in Iraq to new heights. Ford confirmed that “this embodies the depth of our long-term strategic commitment to the Republic of Iraq, and our keenness to facilitate access for our customers to modern Ford models, original spare parts and advanced maintenance services,” noting that “we will work to strengthen our sales and service network, consolidating the strong bridges of trust that customers in Iraq have built with the brand over the past decades.”
According to the statement, Ravi Ravichandran, the President of Ford Motor Company for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, said, “Iraq is a key focus of Ford’s growth plans in the region, and we are committed to providing the best possible service to our customers there in the long term. North Island Company (SAT) shares this same vision of putting the customer first, based on quality standards and sustainable growth. The company’s experience and deep understanding of the local market will contribute to enhancing the Ford customer experience, from the initial purchase decision to after-sales service.”
For his part, Mohammed Alayyan, CEO of North Island Company for Automotive Trading and Commercial Agencies (SAT), affirmed that “Ford has a long and distinguished history in the Iraqi market, having been a symbol of reliability and quality for generations.” He explained, “Our role today is not limited to distributing vehicles; it also includes preserving this legacy and strengthening the trust that the brand has built over the decades.”
He emphasized, “We established North Island Company (SAT) on a sophisticated infrastructure, qualified human resources, and a full commitment to delivering the integrated Ford experience that customers in Iraq look forward to and deserve.”