Towell Auto Group introduces rugged, heritage-driven 212 SUV range targeting Oman’s extreme terrain and off-road driving culture.
Towell Auto Group has officially launched the 212 SUV brand in Oman, marking the entry of a purpose-built off-road vehicle line designed for desert, mountain and wadi terrain across the Sultanate.
The launch brings two models to the market — the 212 Adventurer and the 212 Navigator — both positioned as body-on-frame 4×4 SUVs engineered for extreme driving conditions rather than urban lifestyle use.
Built for Oman’s varied geography, the vehicles are designed to handle steep mountain routes, rocky trails and desert environments, reflecting a growing demand in the region for durable, performance-led off-road mobility.
The 212 brand traces its origins to Beijing Automobile Works, founded in 1958, with the original 212 model first introduced in 1961. The vehicle gained early recognition for its use in military and government applications due to its durability and mechanical simplicity in harsh environments.
At the Oman launch, Abeer Riyadh Sultan highlighted the vehicle’s positioning for the local market.
“The 212 represents authentic off-road engineering at its core. With its military-inspired heritage, advanced 4×4 technologies and exceptional capability, the 212 is purpose-built for Oman’s adventurous driving culture,” she said.
She added that the brand is targeting drivers seeking “true off-road performance without compromise,” particularly in a market where SUV demand is increasingly split between urban lifestyle models and dedicated terrain-capable vehicles.
Bruce said Oman’s landscape and outdoor culture make it a natural fit for the brand’s positioning.
“Oman is a very important market for us. Its diverse landscapes, outdoor culture, and passion for exploration make it the perfect environment for the 212,” he said. “Together with Towell Auto Group, we are excited to bring this iconic brand to the country and begin a strong long-term journey in the market.”
A key element of the launch is the 212’s certification by the Oman Automobile Association, following testing under local conditions. The recognition reinforces the vehicle’s positioning as a model designed for real-world off-road performance in the Sultanate’s terrain conditions.
The vehicles are built on a body-on-frame ladder chassis using high-strength steel and feature a suite of off-road systems including front, centre and rear differential locks, rigid axle suspension and multiple terrain drive modes.
The focus on mechanical durability places the 212 in contrast to many modern SUVs that prioritise urban comfort and design-led features over extreme terrain capability.
Two-model lineup targets different levels of off-road demand
The 212 Adventurer is positioned as the entry model in the range, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 170 kW and 390 Nm of torque. It features an 8-speed automatic transmission, 10 terrain drive modes and specifications including a 235 mm ground clearance and a wading depth of 659 mm.
The 212 Navigator serves as the flagship model, with increased capability including 252 mm ground clearance and a wading depth of 910 mm. It also includes additional factory-fitted off-road equipment such as a snorkel and recovery accessories designed for more extreme expedition use.
The launch places the 212 range within Oman’s expanding off-road vehicle segment, where demand continues to grow for SUVs capable of navigating remote terrain while maintaining reliability in harsh environmental conditions.
The vehicles are now available through Towell Auto Group, with showroom access in Al Hail and test drive availability for customers interested in off-road performance-focused vehicles.
