Iran War Threatens Middle East Automotive Market
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 18 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Market Share Decline: European luxury brands like Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are increasingly reliant on the Middle East for profits due to declining market shares in China and rising tariffs in the U.S., despite the region's annual volume being around 3 million vehicles, which is less than a fifth of the U.S. market.
- High-End Demand Growth: The UAE alone sees annual sales exceeding 300,000 vehicles, with about 20% being premium imports, indicating strong demand from wealthy buyers, although the ongoing Iran war poses potential risks to this demand.
- Porsche Sales Growth: In 2025, Porsche's profit per vehicle sold increased by 28% compared to 2020, with the 911 model now accounting for 20% of the brand's total sales in the region, reflecting robust growth in its ultra-high-end customization business.
- Uncertain Market Outlook: While both Mercedes-Benz and BMW report double-digit sales growth in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict creates uncertainty in market dynamics, potentially impacting future sales and supply chains.
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Analyst Views on RACE
Wall Street analysts forecast RACE stock price to rise
15 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 329.910
Low
349.74
Averages
448.83
High
555.00
Current: 329.910
Low
349.74
Averages
448.83
High
555.00
About RACE
Ferrari NV, known as Ferrari, is an Italy-based designer, manufacturer and retailer of sports cars that is incorporated in the Netherlands. It operates under the Ferrari brand. Its sports cars portfolio includes, among others, F12berlinetta, FF, Ferrari 488 GTB, 488 Spider, 458 Speciale, Ferrari California T, F12tdf and LaFerrari. The Company also offers financing services through Ferrari Financial Services. It also produces limited series and one-off cars. The Company divides its regional markets in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa), Americas, Greater China and Rest of APAC (Asia-Pacific region, excluding Greater China) and is active in over 60 markets worldwide through a network of authorized dealers.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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