Stellantis Expands Product Range in Saudi Arabia with Smart Cars and EVs: COO Cherfan on Diversification, Local Talent, and Strategic Partnerships
Stellantis, a Dutch automobile manufacturing company, intends to broaden its product offerings in Saudi Arabia by introducing smart cars and light commercial vehicles.
This expansion aligns with the company's Dare Forward 2030 plan, which aims to transform Stellantis into a mobility tech company.
The company plans to increase market share by introducing new models under Fiat, Citroen, and Peugeot brands, including smart cars and light commercial vehicles.
Jeep aims to reach new market segments, while Ram will fortify its position in the full-size pickup segment.
Stellantis, led by COO Cherfan, is aligning its strategy in Saudi Arabia with the country's Vision 2030 objectives.
The company aims to support economic diversification and technological progress by expanding its product range, improving efficiency, and adopting new sustainable technologies.
In response to the rising demand for electric vehicles in the Saudi market, particularly among younger buyers, Stellantis is reintroducing the Citroen brand in 2022.
Citroen offers a diverse range of vehicles, including those that cater to urban centers and women drivers.
The text discusses how the automotive market in Saudi Arabia is changing due to several factors.
Younger demographics are preferring sustainable, smaller, and smarter models, which aligns with the country's Vision 2030 objectives to improve quality of life and reduce carbon footprint.
The economic diversification efforts aimed at reducing Saudi Arabia's dependency on oil is also contributing to this shift.
Additionally, the country's sovereign wealth fund's strategic investments in various sectors are helping companies like Stellantis invest in the Kingdom.
With Saudi Arabia's focus on its post-oil economy and international competitiveness, the automotive market is being affected by these changes.
The Public Investment Fund's investments in different sectors are opening opportunities for companies like Stellantis to grow their business in the Kingdom.
The COO of Stellantis, Cherfan, expressed the company's goal to increase sales in Saudi Arabia and supply 90% of cars and parts in the Middle East and Africa from within the region.
Stellantis plans to introduce new EV models in Saudi Arabia and aims for a 30% EV market share by 2030.
Cherfan also emphasized the growth potential of the automotive industry in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to expand at a double-digit rate till 2030, and Stellantis' commitment to encouraging local talents in the industry as part of their strategy for clean and autonomous mobility.
Stellantis, an automobile company, currently employs 12,000 people in the Middle East and Africa region, with only 20 being expats.
The company plans to grow its workforce in the Kingdom and aims to become the most localized player in the region.
Stellantis is partnering with universities and creating training programs to upskill local talent.
The company aims to increase regional production autonomy from the current 25% to 70% by 2030.
Stellantis, led by COO, Cherfan, aims to sell one million vehicles in the Middle East and Africa by 2030, with 35% being electric.
Stellantis plans to collaborate closely with local businesses and government entities to understand the market, navigate regulations, tailor products, transfer technology, develop skills, and create jobs.
Cherfan emphasized the importance of collaborating with Saudi Arabian government agencies to align business activities with the country's economic diversification, sustainability, and innovation goals.
These partnerships will provide access to infrastructure and support programs, helping the company grow and expand in the Kingdom.
Cherfan also highlighted the value of working with academic institutions, research centers, and industry associations to leverage cutting-edge research, innovation, and talent pools.
By fostering partnerships with these entities, the company can drive technological advancements, develop new products and solutions, and enhance its competitive edge in the Saudi market.