Latest news with #TASARUMobilityInvestments
Arabian Business
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
EXCLUSIVE: Blacklane to launch on-demand service in Saudi next month
Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, will launch on-demand mobility services in Saudi Arabia next month alongside plans to introduce electric vehicles to its fleet in May, the company's Saudi General Manager told Arabian Business in an exclusive interview at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Speaking at the industry event on Monday, Adib Samara revealed the company's plans to expand its current scheduled booking service to include on-demand options. On-demand and electric fleet 'We still haven't launched fully our on-demand services, which we hope to launch with our electrification fleet towards the end of May,' Samara said. 'With on-demand, we imagine a large percentage of B2C customers will start utilising the service.' Currently, customers need to schedule rides at least an hour in advance, but the company recognises the need for immediacy in the Saudi market. Samara also confirmed Blacklane would introduce its first electric vehicles to the Saudi market by late May as part of its commitment to drive electrification across the Kingdom. The premium mobility provider officially entered the Saudi market in January this year, though the company's formal announcement came through a press release last week. Blacklane currently operates in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Mecca. 'Today we're operating fully in Riyadh, Dammam and Medina,' Samara explained, adding that expansion into new cities 'will really depend on availability of fleet, availability of infrastructure and demand.' Blacklane's Saudi expansion comes amid the Kingdom's regional headquarters (RHQ) programme, which requires international companies to establish their regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia to secure government contracts. When asked if Blacklane would have moved to Saudi without the mandate, Samara indicated the market's potential was already compelling. 'I think at some point, knowing the opportunity within Saudi Arabia, we had been exploring entering the market anyway,' Samara explained. 'The scale of the population, the growth of the shared mobility space, the growth of premium mobility over the last few years, and the expected potential of the market growth' all factored into their decision. Blacklane's Saudi growth plans The company is also positioning itself to serve the growing number of international executives relocating to the Kingdom as multinational corporations establish their regional bases in Saudi Arabia, as well as catering to the changing demographics of the Saudi workforce itself. The company currently has over 100 vehicles in its Saudi fleet, ranging from Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans to American SUVs like Chevrolet Tahoes, GMC Yukons, and Cadillac Escalades, which are particularly popular in the Saudi market. Blacklane aims to double its fleet size in the coming months, supported by new partnerships the company is currently developing. The expansion is backed by TASARU Mobility Investments, an investment entity wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Michael Mueller, CEO of TASARU Mobility Investments, said last week the investment 'marks a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to transform the mobility sector in Saudi Arabia.' Samara expressed personal satisfaction at returning to the Kingdom during its period of rapid transformation. 'To go back and to see Saudi completely changed, and to be now stepping in and being part of that change… it feels really nice,' he said. The general manager also revealed ambitions to introduce women chauffeurs to Blacklane's Saudi operations, following the success of similar initiatives in Dubai where women now make up over 50 per cent of the company's chauffeur workforce.
Tourism Breaking News
22-04-2025
- Automotive
- Tourism Breaking News
Blacklane unveils expansion in Saudi Arabia
Post Views: 46 Blacklane has revealed expansion plans throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of its growth strategy. This milestone marks the first phase of Blacklane's expansion across the Kingdom, supported by TASARU Mobility Investments ('TASARU'), an investment entity wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund ('PIF'). The expansion follows the momentum of Blacklane's scale-up across Dubai and marks a considerable step in its continued growth across the Middle East. Blacklane now has operations in more than 50 countries. Addressing the increasing demand for luxury and sustainable mobility services in the region, Blacklane will offer premium vehicles, with plans to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) in a future phase to set a new benchmark for sustainable mobility across the Kingdom. Plus, Blacklane's investment plans include the roll out of the Blacklane Chauffeur Academy providing professional training options to chauffeur partners in Saudi Arabia. First-class options available on the Blacklane platform will include Blacklane's trademark black and white two-tone luxury vehicles. Dr. Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder, Blacklane, said: 'Bringing our luxury chauffeur service to the Kingdom marks an exciting milestone in Blacklane's global expansion. Saudi is a key destination for sophisticated travellers and residents alike, and we're proud to introduce a new standard of reliable, high quality and seamless mobility to the region. We are dedicated to fostering local talent and supporting the continued growth of Saudi's thriving economic diversification'. Michael Mueller, CEO of TASARU Mobility Investments, said: 'TASARU's investment in Blacklane marks a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to transform the mobility sector in Saudi Arabia. By introducing premium, sustainable chauffeur services and advanced training through the Chauffeur Academy, we're actively contributing to Vision 2030's objectives, including economic diversification, and local job creation. Blacklane's presence in the Kingdom not only enriches the mobility landscape but also sets the standard for future growth and innovation.' Following the establishment of the Riyadh office, Blacklane has made several strategic appointments in the last few months as part of its expansion across the Kingdom. Led by general manager Adib Samara, this growing sales, marketing, operations and account management team is a critical component in the brand's expansion and investment across Saudi Arabia. Blacklane provides chauffeur services in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Mecca. Presence across further cities in Saudi Arabia will be announced in the coming months.
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Blacklane unveils Saudi Arabia expansion
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, has revealed expansion plans throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of its growth strategy. This milestone marks the first phase of Blacklane's expansion across the Kingdom, supported by TASARU Mobility Investments ('TASARU'), an investment entity wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund ("PIF"). The expansion follows the momentum of Blacklane's scale-up across Dubai and marks a considerable step in its continued growth across the Middle East. Blacklane now has operations in more than 50 countries. Addressing the increasing demand for luxury and sustainable mobility services in the region, Blacklane will offer premium vehicles, with plans to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) in a future phase to set a new benchmark for sustainable mobility across the Kingdom. Plus, Blacklane's investment plans include the roll out of the Blacklane Chauffeur Academy providing professional training options to chauffeur partners in Saudi Arabia. First-class options available on the Blacklane platform will include Blacklane's trademark black and white two-tone luxury vehicles. Dr. Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder, Blacklane, said: 'Bringing our luxury chauffeur service to the Kingdom marks an exciting milestone in Blacklane's global expansion. Saudi is a key destination for sophisticated travellers and residents alike, and we're proud to introduce a new standard of reliable, high quality and seamless mobility to the region. We are dedicated to fostering local talent and supporting the continued growth of Saudi's thriving economic diversification'. Michael Mueller, CEO of TASARU Mobility Investments, said: 'TASARU's investment in Blacklane marks a key milestone in our ongoing efforts to transform the mobility sector in Saudi Arabia. By introducing premium, sustainable chauffeur services and advanced training through the Chauffeur Academy, we're actively contributing to Vision 2030's objectives, including economic diversification, and local job creation. Blacklane's presence in the Kingdom not only enriches the mobility landscape but also sets the standard for future growth and innovation.' Following the establishment of the Riyadh office, Blacklane has made several strategic appointments in the last few months as part of its expansion across the Kingdom. Led by general manager Adib Samara, this growing sales, marketing, operations and account management team is a critical component in the brand's expansion and investment across Saudi Arabia. Blacklane provides chauffeur services in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Mecca. Presence across further cities in Saudi Arabia will be announced in the coming months. For more information, visit ABOUT BLACKLANE We are Blacklane, providers of premium global chauffeur services. Our mission is to create outstanding experiences for discerning guests by delivering perfect experiences around the world to inspire for a better future. Blacklane offers Airport Transfers, City-to-City commutes, In-City mobility options and chauffeur By-the-Hour services in over 50 countries globally, either pre-booked or on demand. Whether it's for business or pleasure, Blacklane and its 400 employees and thousands of chauffeur partners have the right premium transportation service for you. By changing how people move, we opened up new opportunities for our chauffeur providers and set industry standards for climate protection in the travel industry. Book on or download our app. For further information, please contact press@ or enquiries@
Arabian Business
13-02-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia launches 2 million square meter automotive hub in King Abdullah Economic City
Masarat Mobility Park, a strategic partnership between TASARU Mobility Investments, Zamil Group Real Estate, Abdullah Ibrahim Alkhorayef Sons, and Dar Al Himmah Projects, announced its automotive and mobility hub in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The project, covering an area of up to 2 million square meters, aims to enhance the Kingdom's status as a prime destination for automotive and mobility solutions, while promoting economic diversification and industrial growth. The company said it commenced on-site works for the first phase of development, and has already secured initial commitments and attracted several global automotive suppliers to set up their businesses in the park. Capitalising on the strategic location of the Red Sea and KAEC's Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the Park said it will provide multimodal connectivity to sea, air, road transport services, and future rail infrastructure, making it ideally suited for automotive and mobility brands aiming to increase regional operations and penetrate the Middle East, Africa, and European markets. The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs, particularly in the fields of automotive technology, logistics management and distribution, and parts manufacturing. Muhammad Alshiha, Chairman of Masarat, said the establishment of Masarat Mobility Park reflects PIF's commitment to partner with the private sector in attracting global automotive companies and in building a world-class automotive hub. The Park has received eligibility certification from the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA) to launch operations within KAEC SEZ and attract investment under ECZA's supportive framework, enabling investors to set up and manage their business efficiently.
Arabian Business
13-02-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia launches automotive logistics powerhouse through 3-way partnership
TASARU Mobility Investments (TASARU), a Saudi PIF-owned investment entity, announced the launch of a joint venture with Bahri, the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia, and MOSOLF Group, a leading European provider of automotive logistics and technology solutions. This joint venture aims to deliver comprehensive and innovative logistics solutions tailored to meet the needs of the automotive and mobility sectors in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia automotive logistics solutions It aims to promote the concept of sustainable logistics innovation by leveraging advanced technologies and developing infrastructure that supports the transformation of the automotive and mobility landscape. The JV will leverage the strength of all three partners to deliver integrated, world-class logistics solutions for the automotive and mobility sectors in Saudi Arabia. TASARU's primary role in this strategic investment involves providing essential capital, facilitating access to the local market, and strengthening the ability of automotive companies to efficiently manage their operations within the Kingdom while effectively meeting market demand. Michael Mueller, Chief Executive Officer of TASARU, said the partnership represents a strategic investment to address increasing demand in the automotive and mobility sectors. 'This joint venture is one of many initiatives that signify a critical step toward enhancing the Kingdom's global competitiveness and driving sustainable logistics innovation in the automotive and mobility sectors,' he said. نفخر بشراكتنا مع @BahriLogistics و Mosolf لإطلاق مشروع استراتيجي مبتكر في قطاع الخدمات اللوجستية للسيارات في المملكة. يجمع هذا المشروع بين نقاط القوة لكل شريك لتقديم حلول لوجستية متكاملة تلبي احتياجات السوق في قطاع السيارات، بما يتماشى مع رؤية المملكة 2030. — TASARU Mobility Investments (@tasaruksa) February 12, 2025 Leveraging its extensive expertise in maritime transportation and logistics, Bahri Logistics will play a pivotal role in overseeing the shipping and operational aspects of the joint venture. As a global leader in maritime operations, Bahri operates across five key business units – oil, chemicals, logistics, dry bulk, and ship management. Soror Basalom, President of Bahri Integrated Logistics, said the collaboration with Mosolf Group's technical expertise and TASARU's investment prowess brings together to the company a robust automotive logistics infrastructure and solutions. 'This joint venture not only boosts our operational capabilities but also enhances the efficiency of vehicle import and export operations and supports the growth of the local manufacturing infrastructure,' he said. Building on its position as a leading Germany-based automotive logistics provider, Mosolf Group will leverage its extensive experience managing large-scale operations across Europe. By drawing on this vast expertise, Mosolf will bring advanced technical knowledge, logistical support, and industry best practices to the joint venture. Dr. Jörg Mosolf, Chief Executive Officer of Mosolf Group, said the company's experience in managing the transport of three million vehicles annually across more than 41 technical and logistics centers in Europe positions it uniquely to bring best practices and advanced logistics solutions to the JV.
