Ford distributor Shimal Al Jazeera Auto-Trading and Commercial Agencies will begin representing the automaker in Iraq from October 1, 2026. Ford Middle East and North Africa announced the appointment as part of its long-term strategy for the Iraqi market.
SAT will manage Ford vehicle sales, genuine spare parts, and aftersales services throughout Iraq. The company brings together March Holding and Alayyan Group through a strategic partnership focused on strengthening automotive operations.
March Holding operates a diversified portfolio covering several important sectors within Iraq’s economy. Its activities include technology, financial services, digital solutions, and electronic commerce across the Iraqi market.
Meanwhile, Alayyan Group brings more than five decades of experience within the automotive distribution industry. The group represents several international automotive brands across the region and maintains extensive knowledge of vehicle sales and customer services.
Together, the partners aim to combine local market knowledge with established automotive distribution expertise. As a result, SAT plans to develop a broader network supporting customers across different stages of vehicle ownership.
Ford described Iraq as an important market and reaffirmed its commitment to serving customers across the country. The company also highlighted SAT’s customer-focused approach and understanding of local market requirements.
Accordingly, the partnership will cover the customer journey from purchasing a vehicle through maintenance and aftersales support. Ford also expects the new arrangement to improve access to genuine parts and authorized services.
Mohamad Alayyan, CEO of SAT, said the company recognizes Ford’s longstanding presence among Iraqi customers. He emphasized that SAT intends to protect that relationship through infrastructure, expertise, and sustained investment.
Yasin Al-Saati, General Manager of SAT, also pointed to opportunities for Ford to expand its presence within Iraq. He said the company intends to combine local capabilities with Ford’s international resources.
The new distributor will also establish a nationwide network of showrooms and certified service centers. These facilities will aim to provide consistent standards for customers seeking vehicles, maintenance, technical assistance, and genuine replacement parts.
Furthermore, SAT plans to focus on customer experience throughout the ownership lifecycle. The company intends to combine operational standards with new approaches to automotive services and customer support.
The transition will follow nine years of Ford representation by Al Kasid in Iraq. Ford expressed appreciation for Al Kasid’s contribution during that period and outlined plans for an orderly changeover.
Ford and Al Kasid will continue working together until September 30, 2026, to maintain operational continuity. During this period, customers can continue purchasing Ford vehicles and receiving services through existing Al Kasid facilities.
Customers will also retain access to genuine parts and vehicle maintenance services during the transition period. After October 1, Ford plans to continue warranty coverage, service support, and parts availability under the new arrangement.
The companies will provide additional information about SAT locations, service centers, and customer contact points before operations officially begin. Therefore, customers can expect further details as the transition date approaches.
The appointment represents a significant development for Ford’s commercial and service operations in Iraq. It also creates an opportunity to expand the brand’s reach through a dedicated local distribution network.
For SAT, the agreement brings responsibility for supporting one of the automotive industry’s established global brands. The company will therefore need to combine local market understanding with Ford’s international service and operational expectations.
The Ford distributor arrangement is expected to strengthen access to vehicles and authorized services for customers nationwide. In addition, the partnership could support greater availability of genuine parts and professional technical assistance.
As the October launch approaches, both companies will focus on maintaining a smooth customer transition. Their immediate priority remains uninterrupted sales, servicing, warranty assistance, and parts support throughout the changeover.
The Ford distributor appointment ultimately reflects Ford’s continued interest in developing its presence within Iraq. SAT’s planned nationwide infrastructure will provide the foundation for the next phase of the brand’s operations.
