RIYADH — The Kingdom's attention these days is directed towards the electric and hybrid vehicles sector, which is expected to become a natural part of the environmental transportation system, due to the advanced technical capabilities and the promising opportunities they have particularly with the Vision 2030 encouraging such industries to build a competitive economy, sustainable development and infrastructure that promotes the realization of the strategic short as well as long terms objectives.

From this standpoint, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the first of its kind e-MotorShow Middle East for electric and hybrid vehicles, in the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Center, from Feb. 25 to 28, 2021, in which the participants are the major cars manufacturers and agents. Among the objectives is the enhancement of public awareness about electric and hybrid vehicles which reflects the future of transportation in the Kingdom. In addition to that, the investment in such types of vehicles is an important trend, both in terms of manufacturing, various applications, import, and export.

Commenting on the event, Faisal Abu Shusha, chairman of the Cars Agent National Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers, said: "It is a matter of pride that such an important event is being organized inside the Kingdom, which is a stepping-stone towards a prosperous future for modern transportation, Allah willing.

“It is important to prepare relevant policies, regulations, and directions appertaining to the electric vehicles (EVs) industry in both a distinct and proactive manner, in addition to activating the role of the private sector to provide new job opportunities and enhance utilizing this technology.

Investing in the field of manufacturing electric vehicles in the Kingdom is something worth studying, especially as it falls under the umbrella of Vision 2030 and the national industry development program.”

For his part, Gilbert Tegho, CEO of "e-EcoSolutions", the company that owns the e-MotorShow Middle East that is organized in partnership with the Saudi Event Management & Marketing Company (Semark) in Saudi Arabia, said: "In light of the rapid changes in the global auto market, and due to the increasing investment in the electric vehicles sector, which is growing broadly, the organization of the e-MotorShow Middle East, which is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia and Arabian Gulf Region, comes in line with the Kingdom's National Transport Plan and Vision 2030, aiming to develop the transport sector and benefit from its absorptive potentials.”

He added: "The e-MotorShow Middle East will provide an excellent opportunity for car lovers who can see and test the latest electric and hybrid vehicles exhibited by the most prominent global vehicles manufacturers on the e-circuit that will be designed to testing these vehicles, in addition to getting attendees acquainted with this new technology through daily interactive Tech-Talks. Those interested can follow all the preparations for the exhibition through the official website: www.e-MotorShow.com

It should be noted that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) had signed an investment agreement of more than one billion dollars with Lucid Electric Motors to produce electric vehicles, to finance the commercial launch of the company's first electric vehicle in 2020, further to implementing an effective strategy that helps the company offer its electric vehicles on the market which stands as an added value to the fund portfolio, which aims to achieve growing returns in the long term, to help accelerate economic diversification in the Kingdom. — SG