Aramco Inks Pact with Renault, Geely for Engine Venture

Saudi Aramco logo is pictured at the oil facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia October 12, 2019. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Saudi Aramco logo is pictured at the oil facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia October 12, 2019. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
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Aramco Inks Pact with Renault, Geely for Engine Venture

Saudi Aramco logo is pictured at the oil facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia October 12, 2019. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Saudi Aramco logo is pictured at the oil facility in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia October 12, 2019. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

Saudi Aramco has agreed to take a minority stake in a new powertrain engine company that French car maker Renault SA and China's Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd plan to set up jointly, they said on Thursday.

The new joint venture is aimed at developing more-efficient gasoline engines and hybrid systems.

With a global network of 17 powertrain plants and five R&D centers across three continents, the planned company is intended to be a standalone global supplier with a combined capacity of over five million internal combustion, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines and transmissions per year, supplying over 130 countries and regions.

Aramco Executive Vice President of Downstream Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani described the move as a “new milestone in our ongoing commitment to transportation technologies," saying it "presents a platform to support Aramco’s research and development in engine innovation.”

“Our planned collaboration with Geely and Renault would support the development of powertrains across the automotive industry, and aligns with our broader efforts across our global operations.”

"This partnership with Aramco will... give it a head start in the race towards ultra-low-emissions ICE powertrain technology," Renault CEO Luca de Meo said in the statement.

"Aramco’s entry brings to the table unique know-how that will help develop breakthrough innovations in the fields of synthetic fuels and hydrogen," De Meo said.

“The proposed investment by Aramco represents recognition from global industry leaders in the PWT’s future business prospects and vision for pioneering low and carbon-free fuels such as methanol and hydrogen,” said Daniel Li, CEO of Geely Holding Group.



Saudi ROSHN Group Reveals Rebranding

A ROSHN project in Saudi Arabia (ROSHN website)
A ROSHN project in Saudi Arabia (ROSHN website)
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Saudi ROSHN Group Reveals Rebranding

A ROSHN project in Saudi Arabia (ROSHN website)
A ROSHN project in Saudi Arabia (ROSHN website)

ROSHN Group, a pioneering real estate developer backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has introduced on Sunday a new identity and strategic focus that expands its remit to include asset classes beyond its core residential offering.
This transformation into a multi-asset developer cements ROSHN's status as a trailblazer in the real estate sector and sets the stage for an innovative approach to developing mixed-use projects and multi-asset destinations, the Group said in a statement.
It said the launch of ROSHN Group’s fresh visual identity signifies a milestone in its commitment to broadening its real estate portfolio and establishing integrated destinations that cater to society’s diverse needs.
The new portfolio will encompass ROSHN’s core asset classes of 200 million square meters of residential property, alongside over four million square meters of gross leasable area across retail, commercial, and hospitality sectors.
Its enabling assets will include education, mosques, and healthcare, while opportunity assets span transport and logistics, including warehouses, industrial parks, and knowledge hubs, as well as leisure and entertainment, ranging from entertainment centers to fitness hubs.
These projects will showcase an exceptional diversity of assets, creating investment opportunities, elevating living standards, and driving economic growth, the Group said.
“Our growing portfolio now seamlessly integrates forward-thinking amenities and elevated connectivity, fostering opportunities for commercial partnerships, job creation, investment, and economic growth in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030,” said Chief Marketing and Communication Officer Ghada Al Rumayan of ROSHN Group.
She added, “With our own evolution, this vision becomes even more tangible as we introduce our expanded approach and dedication to improving quality of life through iconic new destinations across the Kingdom.”
Al Rumayan said that ROSHN takes pride in its role as a leading real estate developer in the Kingdom with a vision to transform urban living.