The Business Network Coverage of smart automobile Increased to 34 Countries and Regions. smart Partners with T. Gargour & Fils Group to Expand into Lebanon and Jordan Markets
Cars Motors and accessories By Editor_wr On Mar 4, 2025
Today, the new-premium intelligent auto brand, smart announced further expansion of its Middle Eastern business by partnering with T. Gargour & Fils Group to introduce the new generation of smart product portfolios to markets including Lebanon and Jordan. Recently, the smart #1 and #3 have been launched in Lebanon and are set to debut in Jordan. Currently, smart's global business network has now extended to 34 countries and regions.
smart announces a partnership with TGF Group to deepen its presence in the Middle East, entering new markets including Lebanon and Jordan
Ms. Mandy Zhang, Global CMO of smart, said, 'In 2025, the renewed smart brand embarks on its second 5-year journey. As a global brand, we're accelerating operations. Our collaboration with TGF Group underscores our dedication to expanding in emerging Middle Eastern markets. TGF Group, with its rich experience in operating premium automotive brands and a highly reputed, seasoned team, is a strategic partner. We are confident that this partnership will further enhance smart's global brand image and deliver exceptional brand, product, and service experiences to more customers.'
Driven by rising environmental awareness, supportive policies, and continuous technological advancements, the new energy vehicle market in the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon and Jordan, is witnessing rapid growth. This trend speeds up the region's transition to green mobility and presents new opportunities for smart.
As a nearly century-old trading and automotive distribution group in the region, TGF Group has been appointed the exclusive distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Lebanon and Jordan since 1954.
The smart #1 and #3 have already arrived in the Lebanese market
Mr. Cesar Aoun, Managing Director of T. Gargour & Fils Lebanon, said, 'Amid the current wave of new energy vehicles, we are thrilled to experience the renewal of smart that embodies forward-thinking design and sustainability and introduce this brand to customers in our region. We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with smart and exploring more possibilities for green mobility in the Middle East.'
Following a 'China-Europe, dual-home' global development strategy, smart continues to grow its business footprint worldwide, and now spans 34 markets in China, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. In 2025, the brand is expanding its partnerships to over 10 new markets. Stay tuned for more details on the rollout of smart vehicles in the Middle East and beyond.
Comments are closed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
25 minutes ago
- Arabian Post
Hang Seng Surges Amid US-China Trade Optimism While Bitcoin Faces Pressure
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index climbed past the 24,000 mark, reaching heights unseen since March, fuelled by renewed optimism surrounding US-China trade discussions. Investor sentiment improved as market participants weighed the possibility of easing tensions between the two largest economies, sparking a notable rally in Hong Kong's benchmark index. However, this upbeat mood contrasted sharply with the performance of Bitcoin, which struggled amid uncertainties over inflation dynamics and broader market volatility. The Hang Seng's advance reflected a growing belief that US and Chinese officials are making progress toward resolving key trade disputes. Early talks aimed at addressing tariffs, technology restrictions, and investment barriers have led investors to anticipate a thawing in one of the most consequential economic standoffs globally. The improving trade dialogue appears to be encouraging capital inflows into Hong Kong-listed shares, particularly in sectors sensitive to cross-border trade such as technology, manufacturing, and finance. Market experts highlight that investor focus remains fixed on the trajectory of these negotiations, with any breakthroughs potentially unlocking significant value in the region's equities. The rally also aligns with a more cautious but hopeful stance among traders that a prolonged trade conflict could ease, bolstering global economic growth prospects. Notably, blue-chip stocks led the gains, signalling confidence among institutional investors betting on recovery and expansion in the Asia-Pacific markets. Conversely, Bitcoin's performance diverged, as the leading cryptocurrency grappled with pressure from both macroeconomic and regulatory fronts. The digital asset has faced downward momentum partly due to investor apprehensions over persistent inflationary pressures in the United States. Inflation data remains a key focal point, as higher consumer prices could prompt the Federal Reserve to sustain or accelerate interest rate hikes, tightening liquidity conditions and dampening risk appetite in speculative assets. ADVERTISEMENT Bitcoin's volatility has also been compounded by shifting regulatory attitudes worldwide. Authorities in various jurisdictions are intensifying scrutiny of digital currencies, citing concerns over money laundering, market manipulation, and financial stability risks. Such regulatory tightening has contributed to a cautious investor approach, limiting Bitcoin's ability to capitalize on broader risk-on sentiment seen in equities. Analysts note that while Bitcoin has often been viewed as a potential inflation hedge, its correlation with traditional risk assets has increased, causing it to react sensitively to shifts in monetary policy and global economic uncertainty. This evolving dynamic challenges the narrative of cryptocurrencies as safe havens, complicating portfolio strategies for institutional and retail investors alike. The Hang Seng's rally has benefited from strong performances in technology companies listed in Hong Kong. Giants in the semiconductor and telecommunications sectors saw their share prices rise amid speculation that easing trade tensions could reduce supply chain disruptions and promote cross-border business activities. Additionally, financial stocks gained momentum as optimism grew about improving economic fundamentals and potential credit growth in the region. Meanwhile, traders are closely monitoring upcoming US inflation reports, which could significantly influence market direction. Persistent inflation could lead the Federal Reserve to maintain a hawkish stance, thereby exerting downward pressure on risk assets including equities and cryptocurrencies. Conversely, signs of easing inflation could provide further impetus for market rallies and reduce volatility. Hong Kong's role as a financial gateway between China and the global economy continues to underpin investor confidence. The city's markets are seen as a barometer for broader regional economic health, and the Hang Seng's rise signals expectations that cross-border trade and investment flows will stabilise or improve amid diplomatic progress. This optimism is tempered by awareness of ongoing geopolitical risks, including Taiwan tensions and global supply chain uncertainties. Bitcoin's challenges underscore the growing complexity of the global investment landscape, where traditional and emerging asset classes are influenced by an intertwined set of economic, regulatory, and geopolitical factors. While the cryptocurrency market remains dynamic, its path forward appears increasingly contingent on external economic conditions rather than solely on technological or adoption milestones.
The National
an hour ago
- The National
US and Chinese trade negotiators to meet in London
The US and China will hold talks in London on Monday in an attempt to preserve a fragile truce on trade. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are to lead the delegation from Washington. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who led his country's negotiating team in Geneva in May, is also at the head of Beijing's team in London. "The meeting should go very well," US President Donald Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News on Sunday that "we want China and the United States to continue moving forward with the agreement that was struck in Geneva". While the government of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has repeated it is not involved in the content of the discussions, a representative said: "We are a nation that champions free trade." UK authorities "have always been clear that a trade war is in nobody's interests, so we welcome these talks", the representative added. The talks in London come a matter of days after Mr Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first publicly announced phone call since the Republican returned to the White House. Mr Trump said the call, which took place on Thursday, reached a "very positive conclusion". Mr Xi was quoted by state-run news agency Xinhua as saying that "correcting the course of the big ship of Sino-US relations requires us to steer well and set the direction". The call came after tensions between the countries had soared, with Mr Trump accusing Beijing of breaching a tariff de-escalation deal reached in Geneva in May. "We need China to comply with their side of the deal. And so that's what the trade team will be discussing" in London, Ms Leavitt said. In April, Mr Trump introduced sweeping worldwide tariffs that hit China hardest. At one point, the US imposed levies on China of 145 per cent, as both sides engaged in tit-for-tat escalation. China's countermeasures on US goods reached 125 per cent. After two days of talks in Switzerland, the two sides agreed to reduce their tariffs for 90 days. But differences over certain issues have persisted, including China's restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals used in tech products. The impact of the tariffs was reflected in the latest official export data released on Monday in Beijing. Exports to the US fell by 12.7 per cent in May, with China shipping $28.8 billion worth in goods. This was down from $33 billion in April, China's General Administration of Customs has said. Throughout talks with the US, China has opened discussions with other trading partners, including Japan and South Korea, in an effort to build a united front to counter Mr Trump's tariffs. On Thursday, Beijing turned to Canada, with the two sides agreeing to regularise channels of communication after a period of strained ties. China is expected to host a summit with the EU in July, marking 50 years since Beijing and Brussels established diplomatic ties.
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
George Ansell and his relentless journey of growing security trade products
Security professionals operate in a high-stakes industry where reliability is non-negotiable. Hence, they need a trusted partner, whether for technical assistance during a critical install, sourcing high-performance access control equipment, or identifying innovative solutions for complex environments. Acknowledging this, George Ansell established Security Trade Products Ltd. (STP), a brand committed to delivering expertise-driven support and dependable, high-quality security products for the modern installer. Security Trade Products has become a go-to supplier in the United Kingdom's access control space, offering a comprehensive range of door entry and electronic locking solutions. From electromagnetic locks, shearlocks, and solenoid bolts to power supplies, proximity readers, and exit devices, STP boasts a catalogue as varied as the security needs it serves. Besides supplying products, STP is known as a brand built on expertise and trust. As an independent player in the UK security distribution market, it takes pride in offering personalised, accessible support, where customers can speak directly with someone who understands the products and the problems they're designed to solve. Honesty, reliability, and deep technical knowledge also form the backbone of STP's brand philosophy. Clients trust the company to deliver, guide, troubleshoot, and recommend based on real-world experience. 'This is where we stand out. STP has a personable, hands-on identity, supported by staff who actually know our catalogue inside and out. This allows us to remain nimble and trustworthy in a marketplace dominated by giants who may be impersonal in their approach,' says Ansell. Still, it's worth noting that STP's story didn't begin with glossy branding or well-stocked warehouses. When Ansell started the business, he was operating on borrowed stock. He had to rely on consignment stock from suppliers who are now competitors, only invoicing once a sale was made. 'It was a calculated risk, and it's one that paid off slowly with persistence,' the founder shares. It took persistence indeed, as the early years were defined by logistical challenges, tight margins, and a constant hustle to prove the value of his products and service model. However, Ansell had a plan, and it was to build a brand by importing quality access control products, distributing them through trusted channels, and letting performance do the talking. The business grew, and so did Ansell's vision. In 2023, recognising a growing demand for premium, aesthetically refined security solutions, he launched Stealth Locking. This sub-brand took the principles of STP and elevated them into a design-led, fire-rated product range. With its distinctive black finish, Stealth Locking was engineered to meet functional and aesthetic standards for premium projects, from luxury offices to high-end retail and airport installations. The brand even introduced Stealth Custom, a bespoke service allowing clients to match access control hardware to any RAL colour. Ansell, ever innovative, didn't stop there. In 2024, he expanded the business ecosystem with SWL Security Wholesale (Epping) Limited. It's a multi-brand trader counter designed to complement STP's single-brand approach. 'If STP was the specialist, SWL was the generalist,' Ansell states. Offering CCTV, fire alarms, access control, intruder, and more, SWL provides walk-in solutions for trade professionals who need convenience without sacrificing quality. STP, Stealth Locking, and SWL form a cohesive network. Each entity serves a distinct purpose while reinforcing the larger brand mission of delivering trusted, innovative, and accessible security solutions. This growth was intentional. Each business filled a gap identified by Ansell through his extensive industry experience. STP answers the call for dependable access control hardware with a strong technical backbone. Stealth Locking captures the attention of design-conscious, high-end clients demanding both form and function. Meanwhile, SWL addresses the need for multi-brand convenience and rapid availability, especially for local installers and contractors. 'In every case, the common denominator was our customer-centric thinking. We develop solutions for real people solving real problems,' Ansell remarks. Today, the brand aims to continue its upward trajectory. The next chapter includes targeted expansion into the Middle East, where the Stealth Locking range is already gaining traction. With its visually sophisticated and fire-rated offerings, the company is well-suited to the architectural trends of the region, where black hardware complements high-end finishes and style is as essential as performance. The company is also investing in custom manufacturing capabilities, allowing greater flexibility for bespoke solutions like transom housings and other specialised door security components. Meanwhile, back in the UK, new SWL locations are planned, ensuring even more proximity to customers and allowing for better delivery times. George Ansell has always built with the end user in mind. Even now, as his brands mature and multiply, that focus hasn't shifted. STP and its affiliated companies continue to stand out for accessibility, honesty, and in-depth expertise. He states: 'We solve problems, build trust, and make sure our customers know we've got their back. This commitment is what will keep us moving forward.'
