Qatar-based JTA International Investment Holding has signed a long-term strategic partnership with UK-based Watt Electric Vehicle Company for the establishment of the first EV manufacturing plant where the duo will design, engineer, and manufacture a new generation of EVs specifically developed for the Gulf region.
These vehicles will be engineered in the UK on the same patented Watt EV Paces (Passenger And Commercial EV Skateboard) platform behind the Autocar/Avant Lotus concept (see Futurride’s coverage of that here) and manufactured in a new state-of-the-art production facility in Qatar, creating an advanced industrial capability under the “Made in Qatar” brand and supporting the country’s long-term ambition to become a regional center for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and sustainable mobility.
The collaboration covers every stage of vehicle development, including proprietary platform technology, complete vehicle engineering, product development, production planning, and the establishment of advanced manufacturing capabilities in Qatar.
The partnership was formally announced during a ceremony in Doha by Amir Ali Salemi Zadeh, Founder and CEO of JTA, and Neil Yates, Founder and CEO of Watt EV, following extensive discussions and joint planning between the two organizations in London and Doha.
Headquartered in Doha, JTA is a global investment group with strategic partnerships and operations spanning more than 50 countries.
Established in 2010, the company identifies, develops and invests in landmark projects across energy, transportation, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, technology, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, sports, and sustainable development.
A pioneer in the design, engineering, and manufacture of low- to medium-volume EVs, Watt operates under its own brand and for third-party clients. Based in Cornwall and Worcestershire, its patented platform technology and engineering capabilities span commercial and passenger vehicle categories.
On the strategic deal, Salemi Zadeh said: "This partnership reflects JTA International Investment Holding’s commitment to investing in advanced technologies that create lasting economic and industrial value for Qatar."
"Together with Watt EV and its award-winning engineering expertise, we will develop electric vehicles specifically designed for the Gulf region - vehicles engineered around local operating conditions, the region’s demanding climate, and the expectations of customers across Qatar and the GCC," he stated.
He pointed out that the project goes far beyond manufacturing vehicles. "It represents the creation of a new industrial capability for Qatar that will accelerate technology transfer, strengthen local manufacturing, create highly skilled employment opportunities, and contribute directly to the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030," he stated.
"Our vision is to establish a globally competitive electric vehicle manufacturing platform that positions Qatar as a regional leader in advanced manufacturing, clean mobility, and automotive innovation while creating sustainable long-term value for future generations," he added.
Yates said the partnership with JTA Investment Holding marks a defining milestone in Watt EV’s international growth.
"Our proprietary electric vehicle platform, developed and validated in the United Kingdom, enables the rapid and commercially efficient development of highly customized electric vehicles while significantly reducing development time and manufacturing costs," he noted.
"Our engineering teams are superbly positioned to design vehicles specifically for the Gulf’s demanding environmental conditions, from advanced thermal management and battery performance in extreme temperatures to the usage patterns and preferences of customers throughout the region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
