Latest news with #IrfanTansel
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Al Masaood Automobiles
Irfan Tansel, CEO of Al Masaood Automobiles, talks about the changing nature of the automobile sector in the region
The National
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Al Masaood Automobiles chief on the future of mobility
Podcasts Business Extra Irfan Tansel on the enduring legacy of family favourite, the Nissan Patrol This episode is sponsored by Al Masaood Automobiles The global automotive industry is undergoing dramatic transformation as owners seek more from their vehicles – and technology delivers. This is evident in the UAE where major distributors such as Al Masaood Automobiles are anticipating and catering to shifting customer demands. In this episode of The National's Business Extra podcast, the company's chief executive, Irfan Tansel, discusses the UAE's current motoring landscape, as well as the future of mobility, as it experiences disruption across the industry, including the growth of electric vehicles, emergence of autonomous cars, and rising owner appetite for digitisation and connectivity. Drawing on more than 40 years in the automotive business, Mr Tansel tells host David Dunn about the evolving role of physical dealerships in a digital-first world, Al Masaood Automobiles' significant sector successes and the enduring legacy of family favourite, the Nissan Patrol.
Arabian Business
31-01-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
AB Majlis podcast: From mechanic to CEO – Al Masaood's Irfan Tansel steers auto dealer through digital age
For over four decades, Irfan Tansel has been a part of the automotive industry, from his early days as a mechanic in Germany to his current role as CEO of Al Masaood, Tansel has witnessed the evolution of a sector – particularly in the UAE, where the industry has rapidly evolved to embrace digitalisation, customer-centric experiences, and the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). Tansel's passion for automobiles started at just 15 years old in Germany. 'I started as an apprentice to become a mechanic, the benefit of that is I had the privilege to work in every aspect of our business – from bolts and nuts to selling vehicles to creating strategies and marketing activities. That helped me understand how decisions impact the people you work with and lead,' he said in the latest episode of AB Majlis. As part of Al Masaood's current strategy, Tansel highlighted two major transformation initiatives – Project Falcon and Falcon 2.0. 'Project Falcon was about looking inside at our people, processes, and policies shaping ourselves to be the best version of our organisation,' he explained. 'Falcon 2.0, on the other hand, is about looking outward at market share diversification, customer centricity, and, most importantly, innovation,' he added. The name 'Falcon' was chosen for a reason. 'Operating in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, the falcon is an icon. It symbolises speed, agility, and foresight, attributes that we needed to embrace as an organisation,' he said. Over the years, Tansel has observed a significant shift in consumer preferences, particularly with the rise of digitalisation. 'People start their car-buying journey on their phones—researching prices, comparing models—before visiting a showroom. The role of showrooms has changed; it's now about brand experience, about feeling and touching the car rather than just gathering information,' he explained. EV adoption in the UAE With the global push toward sustainability, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining momentum, but Tansel believes mass adoption in the UAE will take time. 'EVs are here, and they are dominating discussions in the industry but adoption in the UAE is slower because it requires infrastructure such as charging stations, ease of access, and legislative support. Many residents live in high-rise buildings that are not equipped for mass EV charging, so it will take time,' he explained. Despite challenges, he remains optimistic. 'The UAE is a champion of commitment. When the leadership sets a vision, it gets done. The government is providing incentives like registration discounts and charging subsidies, and over time, infrastructure will follow.' Yet, he acknowledges a major cultural hurdle: car enthusiasts' love for traditional combustion engines. 'You're looking at one!' he laughed. 'Petrolheads love the sound, the feel, the power of an engine. EVs don't provide that sensory experience. That's why traditional engines aren't going anywhere. They'll always have a place.' An innovation-led future Looking ahead, Al Masaood is preparing for the next wave of automotive evolution. 'Falcon 2.0 addresses key industry shifts, including electrification and the rise of autonomous vehicles. Autonomous driving won't be mainstream in the next five years, it requires significant legislation. Who takes responsibility if something goes wrong?' he questioned. Another major challenge? The shift to EVs will impact after-sales revenue. 'Electric vehicles have 60 per cent fewer moving parts than traditional cars, meaning lower maintenance costs. That's why dealerships must diversify their revenue streams,' Tansel explained. Ultimately, the CEO sees Al Masaood's role not just in selling cars but in offering unparalleled service. 'Our product isn't just vehicles – it's convenience, affordability, and customer experience. That's what we are innovating for,' he concluded. Tune in to AB Majlis every Monday To listen to the full episode and gain a comprehensive understanding of doing business in the Gulf region, visit our RSS feed or check out AB Majlis on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms. Episodes are also available on: Tune in every Monday for weekly episodes that will help you stay ahead of the curve and enrich your understanding of the Gulf region.
