In the UAE, the primary mainstream car brand whose name starts with the letter 'D' is Dodge. According to vehicle registration data from the RTA Dubai and market analysis reports, Dodge, particularly through its popular RAM pickup trucks and the Durango SUV, holds a noticeable presence in the Emirates' new car market. For instance, the 2024 Dodge Durango with a 5.7L V8 HEMI engine is a common sight on Sheikh Zayed Road, offering around 6.8-7.2 km/l in mixed Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway traffic when using Super 98 fuel. The ownership cost includes a strong initial depreciation; a new Durango R/T priced at approximately AED 250,000 can lose nearly 20-25% of its value in the first year, translating to an annual depreciation cost of around AED 50,000. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over 5 years/100,000 km factors in fuel (at roughly AED 0.45 per km based on current fuel prices), insurance (averaging AED 5,000-7,000 annually for comprehensive coverage in Dubai), and scheduled maintenance. The MOI UAE's traffic data often highlights the popularity of such large-capacity vehicles for family and utility use in the local climate. In contrast, other 'D' brands like DS Automobiles have a very limited dealership network in the UAE, while Daihatsu is virtually absent for passenger cars, focusing instead on GCC-spec commercial vehicles in other Gulf markets.
