
Automechanika Riyadh 2025 closes with strong focus on sustainable automotive supply chains
Experts at Automechanika Riyadh 2025 discussed sustainable supply chain strategies that are shaping the future of the aftermarket at the Automechanika Riyadh Academy conference.
According to Custom Market Insights, the sustainable supply chain finance market is projected to reach around US$ 7,7 million by 2034, highlighting the growing value placed on environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.
During a panel session titled 'Sustainable Supply Chain Practices in the Automotive Industry', senior leaders from the industry discussed how technology-driven automation streamlines resource management, enhances operational efficiency, and boosts profitability. The shift to electric and hybrid vehicles is also revolutionising transport and last-mile delivery logistics in the commercial vehicle sector.
Addressing the audience of government stakeholders, aftermarket leaders, original equipment manufacturers, electric vehicle innovators, and supply chain strategists, Javed Akhtar Mohammad, General Manager, Robert Bosch Saudi Arabia, said: 'We need to be creative in finding the best solutions to electrification in the commercial vehicle sector. However, this might not come directly from purchasing new electric commercial vehicles, but from retrofitting existing vehicles, which is more feasible and economical.'
The panellists concurred that sustainable supply chain practices and partnerships are essential for achieving environmental goals and provide significant advantages through cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and opportunities for long-term business growth.
'I think partnership is key. If you do not have partnerships, you will not succeed. Partnerships are embedded within the DNA of the sustainable development goals. However, the issue is finding the right partner,' said Dr. Mohammed Al-Surf, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Tilad Sustainability Co.. 'I think platforms like Automechanika help companies find the right partners to reach the sustainability goals we need to achieve.'
The seventh edition of Saudi Arabia's leading regional trade show for the automotive aftermarket concluded today (30 April) at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC). This edition welcomed a record 450 exhibitors.
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia, licensee of Automechanika Riyadh directed by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, said: 'Automechanika Riyadh continues to drive the conversation on sustainable innovation and industrial growth. The show strengthens Saudi Arabia's role as a rising leader in the global automotive aftermarket.'
Automechanika Riyadh 2025 highlighted Saudi Arabia's growing global appeal, with exhibitors from over 30 countries, including Australia, Brazil, and South Korea. Eight international pavilions and new dedicated zones for Italy and India underscored the Kingdom's rising status as a key player in the global automotive aftermarket.
Aly Hefny, Show Manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: 'This year's edition highlights Saudi Arabia's growing role in the global automotive industry. With exhibitors from over 30 countries, Automechanika Riyadh 2025 aims to promote international collaboration and connect global innovations with regional opportunities.'
The product areas showcased at Automechanika Riyadh include Parts & Components, Electronics & Systems, Tires & Batteries, Oils & Lubricants, Accessories & Customising, Diagnostics & Repairs, Body & Paint, and Car Wash & Care
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Tribune
2 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
How India has become the world's smartphone making powerhouse
TDT | agencies India is now the United States' biggest supplier of smartphones. New data shows that New Delhi has surpassed Beijing as Washington's top supplier of smartphones. What made this possible? Apple shifting its operations to India in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic and President Donald Trump's ongoing tariff wars. But what happened and why? How did India overtake China as the US' top supplier of smartphones? Let's take a closer look: What happened? Data from research firm Canalys showed that India's smartphone shipments to the US increased by a whopping 240 per cent in the second quarter of 2025. These phones now comprise around 44 per cent of all smartphones sent to the US. Last year, that figure was at just 13 per cent, Meanwhile, China's share of smartphones sent to the US declined to 25 per cent. This is a major shift from the second quarter of 2024, when China comprised 61 per cent of smartphones sent to the US. Canalys analyst Sanyam Chaurasia said, 'India became the leading manufacturing hub for US-sold smartphones for the very first time in Q2 2025, largely driven by Apple's accelerated supply chain shift to India amid an uncertain trade landscape.' iPhone exports from the US to India hit a high in March – just before Trump announced the reciprocal tariffs on US trading partners. Trump has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India, a 30 per cent tariff on China while the two countries negotiated trade deal and a 20 per cent tariff on Vietnam. India has exported over 24 million iPhones across the world in 2025 – 78 per cent of which have gone to the United States. India sent 21.3 million smartphones to the US between January and May 2025 – more than what it sent last year. Smartphone exports from India to the US have skyrocketed 182 per cent to $9.35 billion in 2025. Tamil Nadu, which houses Apple suppliers such as Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics, is the hub of iPhone production in India. Apple is making its bas models such as the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 in India. However, it is important to note that though the tech giant has begun assembling some iPhone Pro models in India, it remains dependent on China for its iPhone Pro models to the United States. Samsung and Motorola have also increased sending handsets from India. However, they are doing so on a fast smaller scale than Apple. Chaurasia said Motorola, like Apple, had its core manufacturing base in China, while Samsung kept its in Vietnam. Incidentally Vietnam has also grown its share of the US market to 30 per cent. Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the development on Sunday. Vaihnav added that electronics manufacturing in India is now estimated at Rs 12 lakh crore. Vaishnav, inaugurating metro projects in Bengaluru, said India's electronic production has increased six-fold over the past 11 years. He said electronic exports have surged eight-fold to Rs 3 lakh crore, which reinforced India's position as the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer. 'Our electronic production has grown six times in the last 11 years. Today, electronics manufacturing has touched Rs 12 lakh crore. Electronic exports have increased by eight times… Today, it has grown to Rs 3 lakh crore. India has become the second-largest manufacturer of mobile phones in the world,' Vaishnaw said. Government data shows that India had just two mobile manufacturing units in 2014 – that number is over 300 today. A decade ago, a mere 26 per cent of mobile phones sold in India were made locally. Today, 99.2 per cent of phones sold in India are made locally. The value of mobile phone manufacturing industry rose from Rs 18,900 crore in FY14 to Rs 4,22,000 crore in FY24. The Union Minster Jitin Prasada earlier told the Lok Sabha earlier that the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme meant for mobile phone manufacturing attracted a total investment of Rs 12,390 crore. 'The PLI Scheme for LSEM has already attracted a cumulative investment of INR 12,390 crore, led to a cumulative production of Rs 8,44,752 crore with exports of Rs 4,65,809 crore and generated additional employment of 1,30,330 (direct jobs) till Jun'25,' the minister said. He said India's mobile import demand decreased by 0.02 per cent in 2024-25 from 75 per cent in 2014-15. 'PLI Scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing has significantly impacted the mobile manufacturing sector in India particularly in transforming India from a net importer to a net exporter of mobile phones. Bharat is now the second largest mobile manufacturing country in the world,' the minister said. What do experts say? That US smartphone makers are clearly in the mood to diversify. Experts say that issues over tariffs and trade rules have resulted in vendors front-loading inventory – which means buying far more inventory than usual and changing their sourcing plans. India's increasing role as a manufacturing base for global smartphone brands shows it is becoming a bigger part of the phonemakers' plans for both low-cost and high-end models. However, it must be noted that the smartphone market in US increased just 1 per cent in the second quarter of 2025. In fact, iPhone shipments decreased 11 per cent from the previous year. However, Samsung's shipments increased by a massive 38 per cent. Motorola also saw a two per cent bump. The other popular models were Google and TCL.


Syyaha
5 hours ago
- Syyaha
GFH REPORTS AN INCREASE OF 10.69% IN NET PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2025 TOTALING US$ 67.24 MILLION
GFH Financial Group B.S.C ('GFH' or 'the Group') (Bahrain Bourse: GFH) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ('the quarter') and first six months of the year ('the period') ended 30 June 2025. Net profit attributable to shareholders was US$ 37.10 million for the second quarter of the year compared to US$ 33.61 million in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 10.38%, driven by strong growth in commercial banking, treasury and proprietary investment income. Earnings per share for the second quarter were US cents 1.06 compared with US cents 0.93 in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 13.98%. Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders was US$ 51.7 million for the second quarter of 2025 versus US$ 31.41 million in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 64.62%. Total income was US$ 186.12 million for the second quarter of the year compared with US$ 169.26 million in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 9.96%. Consolidated net profit for the second quarter was US$ 39.02 million compared with US$ 37.55 million in the second quarter of 2024, an increase of 3.91%. Total expenses for the quarter were US$ 91.91 million compared with US$ 74.69 million in the prior-year period, an increase of 23.05%. The Group reported net profit attributable to shareholders of US$ 67.24 million for the first six months of the year compared with US$ 60.75 million in the same period of 2024, an increase of 10.69%, reflecting sustained growth in core banking and improved contributions from treasury and proprietary investments. Earnings per share for the six-month period was US cents 1.93 compared to US cents 1.71 for the first half of 2024, an increase of 12.87%. Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders was US$ 78.91 million for the first six months of the year compared with US$ 67.31 million in the same period in 2024, an increase of 17.23%. Total income for the period was US$ 357.07 million, an increase of 7.48% from US$ 332.23 million year-on-year. Consolidated net profit for the first six months of the year was US$ 69.72 million compared with US$ 67.90 million in the corresponding period of 2024, an increase of 2.68%. Total expenses for the six-month period were US$ 181.35 million compared with US$ 163.87 million in same period of 2024, an increase of 10.67%. Total equity attributable to shareholders was US$ 1,002.60 million at 30 June 2025 compared with US$ 980.94 million at 31 December 2024, an increase of 2.21%. Total assets of the Group were US$ 12.36 billion compared with US$ 11.03 billion at 31 December 2024, an increase of 12.06%. Currently, GFH manages more than US$ 23.75 billion of assets and funds including a global portfolio of investments in logistics, healthcare, education and technology in the MENA region, Europe and North America. The Group's financial results in full can be found at Shares of GFH are traded under the ticker 'GFH' on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Bahrain Bourse, Boursa Kuwait and Dubai Financial Market. Mr. Abdulmohsen Rashed Al Rashed Chairman, GFH Financial Group 'We are delighted to announce the Group's financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2025, which reflect the strength of our diversified business model. Broad-based growth across commercial and investment banking, alongside improving contributions from treasury and proprietary activities, delivered higher profitability and resilient earnings, underpinned by prudent risk management, healthy liquidity and a robust capital position. As we look ahead, we are scaling platforms in logistics and healthcare, deepening our footprint in the GCC and US, and consolidating strategic holdings such as Seef Properties. Continued investment in digital capabilities and governance will support disciplined growth, selective capital deployment and value-accretive exits, positioning GFH to deliver sustainable returns and remain a trusted partner for our shareholders and stakeholders.' Mr. Hisham Alrayes CEO and Board Member, GFH Financial Group 'We are honoured to announce results that demonstrate continued operational momentum across the Group. In H1 2025 we achieved higher financing income, stronger proprietary and dividend flows, and a marked improvement in treasury performance. We tightened cost discipline while investing in data, automation and a next-generation conversational assistant, which is accelerating onboarding on the GFH: Investment Banking App and broadening investor access across our platforms, supported by solid asset quality and liquidity. Looking to the second half, we will deploy capital selectively into logistics and healthcare through our US and GCC funds, advance our partnership with Al Tijaria, and pursue disciplined realisations to recycle capital. We will further strengthen funding diversity, liquidity and risk hedging, while deepening our presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Our focus remains on compounding recurring income and delivering consistent, market-leading returns, with rigorous governance and stakeholder engagement.' Business Unit Highlights The Group continued to deliver sound performance and contributions from across its core business lines during the second quarter of 2025. Investment Management:• GFH increased the Group's ownership in Seef Properties B.S.C., one of the leading real estate development and commercial centres management companies in the Kingdom of Bahrain to 27.98%. This strategic move aligns with the Group's expanding investment portfolio. This aims to create additional value for our shareholders within the real estate portfolios operating in the same sector.• GFH Capital ('GFHC'), a KSA-based Subsidiary of GFH signing strategic partnership with The Commercial Real Estate Company K.P.S.C. ('Al Tijaria'), a prominent Kuwait-based real estate company will act as a technical advisor for one of GFHC's Logistics Funds and will gain exposure to the Group's growing investments and exposures in the warehousing and logistics sector across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.• GFH Capital also acquired assets as well as development opportunities in KSA and UAE with total value US$125 million. The assets in KSA include a fully leased warehouse facility in South Riyadh.• GFH Partners, the DIFC based global asset management arm of GFH with US-based partners, acquired a healthcare asset portfolio valued at over US$195 million, majority leased to investment-grade tenants. The assets are located across Texas, Arizona, and Colorado. • GFH Partners invested US$190m in a portfolio of logistics and industrial assets in Q2 2025. The assets include fiber optic manufacturing facility and include multiple transportation logistics facilities designed for diverse uses such as truck servicing, parking, and outdoor storage. Commercial Banking:• The Group's commercial banking arm, Khaleeji Bank, delivered stronger performance over the first six months, with net profit attributable to shareholders increasing by 9.26% to US$ 14.93 million, underpinned by higher income from financing contracts and enhancing asset quality in addition to tangible progress in the digital transformation and implementing innovative digital programs and expanding the range of banking products.• Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders rose over the six-month period by 26.75%. • The balance sheet expanded in H1 2025, with total assets up 9.03%, investments in sukuk up 9.88%, and financing contracts up 13.46%. Treasury & Proprietary Investments:• Contributions from the Group's treasury and proprietary investment activities amounted to US$ 118.55 million in Q2 2025, taking H1 2025 contributions to US$ 181.17 million.• Finance and treasury portfolio income totalled US$ 81.68 million in Q2 2025 (US$ 144.11 million in H1 2025) • Income from proprietary investments amounted to US$ 59.75 million in H1 2025 ESG Highlights The Group continued to effectively execute on its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy undertaking key initiatives in the second quarter including: • Strengthened Social Impact through Education Partnerships: GFH partnered with Dubai Cares to support the 'Pack for Impact' initiative, assembling 2,000 school kits for underprivileged students in the UAE, reflecting the Group's commitment to inclusive education and volunteer engagement. • Recognition for ESG Leadership and Innovation: Ranked among the top 3 ESG performers on the LSEG Index and listed as one of Bahrain's Top 50 Companies, GFH was also the first GCC investment bank to launch a conversational AI assistant within its investment app. Note: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the operating environment and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially. Factors include, among others, market conditions, rates, regulatory developments, execution risks and other matters described in the Group's published financial statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release; the Group undertakes no obligation to update them except as required by applicable law.


Daily Tribune
21 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
US, China extend tariff truce for 90 days
AFP | Washington China and the United States delayed higher tariffs on each other's imports for 90 days, hours before a trade truce between the world's two largest economies was due to expire yesterday. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that will 'extend the Tariff Suspension on China for another 90 days,' according to a post on his Truth Social platform. The White House said its halt on steeper tariffs will be in place until November 10. China also said it would continue suspending its earlier tariff hike for 90 days, starting August 12, while retaining a 10-percent duty, according to a joint statement. While the United States and China slapped escalating tariffs on each other's products this year, bringing them to prohibitive triple-digit levels and snarling trade, both countries in May agreed to temporarily lower them. As part of their truce that month, fresh US tariffs targeting China were reduced to 30 percent and the corresponding level from China was cut to 10 percent. Those rates will now hold until November -- or whenever a deal is cut before then. In the executive order posted Monday to its website, the White House reiterated its position that there are 'large and persistent annual US goods trade deficits' and they 'constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States.' The order acknowledged Washington's ongoing discussions with Beijing 'to address the lack of trade reciprocity in our economic relationship' and noted that China has continued to 'take significant steps toward remedying' the US complaints. Beijing, meanwhile, said it would 'take or maintain necessary measures to suspend or remove non-tariff countermeasures against the United States,' as agreed in Geneva in May. Trump-Xi summit? In Shanghai, China's commercial capital, residents welcomed the extended trade truce on Tuesday. 'I feel that negotiations will definitely steer the two countries toward a better direction,' said Zhang Xuan, a 25-year-old postgraduate student. Lin Peng, a commercial property leasing agent, told AFP he felt there would be more negotiations between the two nations as Trump is a 'businessman' and an escalated trade war would 'hurt his own interests too.' 'Beijing will be happy to keep the US-China negotiation going, but it is unlikely to make concessions,' warned William Yang, an analyst at the International Crisis Group. He believes China sees its leverage over rare earth exports as strong, and that Beijing will likely use it to pressure Washington. US-China Business Council president Sean Stein said the extension was 'critical to give the two governments time to negotiate an agreement,' providing much-needed certainty for companies to make plans. Since Trump took office in January, China's tariffs have essentially boomeranged, from the initially modest 10 percent hike in February, followed by repeated surges as Beijing and Washington clashed, until it hit a high of 145 percent in April. Now the tariff has been pulled back to 30 percent, a negotiated truce rate. A trade deal would 'pave the way for a Trump-Xi summit this fall,' said Asia Society Policy Institute senior vice president Wendy Cutler. But Cutler, herself a former US trade official, said: 'This will be far from a walk in the park.' Even as both countries reached a pact to cool tensions after high level talks in Geneva in May, the de-escalation has been shaky. Key economic officials convened in London in June as disagreements emerged and US officials accused their counterparts of violating the pact. Policymakers met again in Stockholm last month. 'Reciprocal' tariffs Trump said in a social media post Sunday that he hoped China will 'quickly quadruple its soybean orders,' adding this would be a way to balance trade with the United States. China's exports reached record highs in 2024, and Beijing reported that their exports exceeded expectations in June, climbing 5.8 percent year-onyear, as the world's number-two economy works to sustain growth. Since returning to the presidency, Trump has separately slapped a 10 percent 'reciprocal' tariff on almost all trading partners, aimed at addressing trade practices Washington has deemed unfair. This surged to varying steeper levels last Thursday for dozens of economies. Major partners like the European Union, Japan and South Korea now see a 15 percent US duty on many products, while the level went as high as 41 percent for Syria.