A significant virtual gathering brought together over 100 American and Saudi business leaders and stakeholders to delve into the burgeoning automotive manufacturing sector of Saudi Arabia. The event, held on April 18, served as a crucial platform for influential figures from both the public and private spheres to exchange insights and explore the wealth of opportunities presented by this dynamic field.
The U.S.-Saudi Business Council, along with the National Industrial Development Center (NIDC), orchestrated the Auto Connect Forum, where participants discussed an array of topics pertinent to the Saudi automotive industry. This included governmental initiatives, the landscape for investment, and the experiences of corporations who have already established operations within the Kingdom.
Among the speakers were high-ranking executives such as James DeLuca of Ceer; Faisal Sultan from Lucid Motors; Aftab Ahmed, NIDC’s Chief Advisor on Automotive; Bader Al-Huthail and Ahmed Al-Malki, both directors at NIDC; Joseph Kirikian of TASARU Mobility Investments; Jason Murar of JVIS; and Dr. Shah Firoozi from the PAC Group.
Susanne Lendman, the Interim President and CEO of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, citing the Council’s long-standing commitment to fostering connections and growth within sectors such as the Saudi automotive industry. She highlighted the Council’s dedication to introducing market prospects and facilitating valuable networking opportunities that drive innovation and progress in the industry.
Aftab Ahmed, in his role as Chief Advisor for Automotives at the National Industries Development Center, commented on the swift pace at which Saudi Arabia’s automotive sector is advancing towards the localization of passenger vehicles and components. He mentioned the ambitious goals set forth by the National Industrial Strategy as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of various governmental stakeholders to realize these objectives.
The forum emphasized critical elements of the Saudi automotive manufacturing industry, with discussions shedding light on the Saudi government’s dedication to nurturing the sector. This includes the implementation of programs and incentives aimed at drawing in original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Conversations also centered on the investment requirements and directives established by prominent government agencies and entities within the Public Investment Fund (PIF) portfolio. Moreover, the event provided a unique chance for direct engagement with established U.S. and Saudi OEMs and suppliers, allowing for the exchange of invaluable insights and information.
