Saleh Fareed
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Manahil International Transportation and Services Company (a member of Jeddah-based Mohamed Yousuf Naghi & Brothers Group) announced on Tuesday its new partnership with Alexander Dennis, the United Kingdom’s largest manufacturer of medium, heavy-duty and double-deck transit buses and coaches, as part of its strategy to pursue growth and diversification.
The two companies will collaborate to introduce a medium-duty low-floor bus (or “midi bus”) specifically developed and tested to a 10-year operational life. This strategic partnership will build upon Manahil International leading position in transportation and services in Saudi Arabia, with Alexander Dennis bringing demonstrated design expertise of quality midi buses spread out all over the world.
British Consul General in Jeddah Mohammed Shokat congratulated the new Saudi-British partnership and hoped that this new joint venture will benefit both parties.
Addressing the press conference held at the British Consulate here, he said, “It is always nice to present a new partnership between the two Kingdoms. The negotiation had been going for a year because we always make sure to give the right advice to our companies and to achieve that strong relationship; you need to have presence here in Saudi Arabia.”
Gustavo Marqueta-Siibert, Business Development Director said, “We are very excited about this long term partnership and we also feel proud to be part of the new projects to be implemented in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and other areas in Saudi Arabia.”
He added, “As one of the fastest growing bus manufacturers in the world- we have set our sights on establishing a major market presence in the Middle East and our starting point will be Saudi Arabia and other GCC will follow.”
He said, “More and more transport authorities and governments around the world are determined to improve their transport systems with low-floor, easy access buses that not only enhance the passenger experience and improve the environment-but also sit comfortably with broader-based, integrated transport systems.”
“The decision to develop a strategic relationship with Alexander Dennis took a long time but we finally reached the decision," said Khalil Ahmed Alhebshi, Vice President at Manahil International. “We all extensively researched the market and came to the same conclusion. We look forward to working with Alexander Dennis to merge all the benefits with their well-known commitment to lifetime customer care.” “We also believe that private shuttle operators in Saudi Arabia are looking for a high quality product and Alexander Dennis has a world-class midi bus that is modern, quiet, fuel efficient and provides the best value for our customers,” Alhebshi said. He pointed that Manahil International is looking forward to have a big market share in the transport sector with Alexander Dennis.
