The delivery and management of advanced in-car features will help to meet evolving needs of the customers.

Saudi Arabia. Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) has recently partnered with Cubic Telecom, an Irish vehicle software firm to develop in-car software solutions for improving the overall driving experience for Saudi drivers. Like every market, Saudi Arabia had a strict range of regulations for managing connectivity in vehicles but the collaboration between STC and Irish vehicle software company would help the automobile manufacturers and third-party developers for advance in-car facilities. The software would also allow STC to include an emergency call system, which automatically alerts nearby health facilities in case of accidents. 

The growth of autonomous technologies has begun to increase user interactivity for redefining the driving experience. With the convergence of customer demands, electrification, and connectivity, today modern automobiles offer much more than driving from one point to another, revolutionizing the way passenger interacts with their vehicles. The COVID-19 had a harsh impact on the automotive sector, declining car sales significantly due to imposed lockdown restrictions, massive layoffs, and the major global economic hit. As the world is slowly getting back on track, the automobile industry is planning to exacerbate the demand for vehicles by introducing hi-tech features for enhanced safety and a user-friendly experience for the driver and passengers. 

Soon, the cars are expected to have a whole range of features such as smart devices enabled with touchscreen interactions and voice regulation, which could allow people to interact with their cars remotely using smartphone applications. Although some software solutions are already available to support this capability, they need important regulations to be introduced with semi-driving. 

On the collaboration, the Chief commercial officer at Cubic, commented, “Basically we partnered with STC as a premier car integrity partner in Saudi Arabia. We are enabling the customer to benefit from a range of safety, entertainment, and navigation features when they purchase the car. He further added, “I can’t give a precise date, but in a not-too-distant future you actually don’t need a driving license, the car will actually drive autonomously for the citizens. That is a big difference. You can request the car on your smartphone, and it will drive to you to get in and the car will drive to your destination. You can listen to music, do some work, and have a conversation while the car drives. This is not science fiction.”

Dublin-based Cubic Telecom is one of the leading technology providers to automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers in at least 100 countries. The firm has partnered with some of the Gulf’s largest mobile operators for providing connected software solutions and devices to enhance customer experience.

TechSci research said, “By 2025, millennials will represent more than 45% of the potential car-buying cohort, making it paramount for OEMs to understand and anticipate the needs of the generation. With millennials fuelling the adoption of in-vehicle technologies, the automobile manufacturers are facing an immense pressure to create change in their models for enhancing overall customer experiences with the latest technologies. Reimagining organizational structures and operations, automotive leaders may gain an advantage, which could positively impact the passenger car market.”

According to TechSci research report on “Saudi Arabia Passenger Car Market By Vehicle Type (Hatchback, Sedan, MPV, Pickup and SUV), By Fuel Type (Petrol, Diesel and Others), By Transmission Type (MT and AT), Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2026”, Saudi Arabia passenger car market is projected to grow at a CAGR of approx.16% by 2026, owing to factors such as rising per capita income and developing road infrastructure in the country. Upliftment of ban from women driving and stringent government measures to develop domestic automotive industries are further likely to drive Saudi Arabia Passenger Car Market in coming years.

According to a TechSci research report on “Saudi Arabia Commercial Vehicles Market By Vehicle Type (Light Commercial Vehicle, Medium Commercial Vehicle, Heavy Commercial Vehicle and Bus), Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2016 – 2026”, Saudi Arabia commercial vehicles market valued at USD3.3 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% by FY2026. High demand for commercial vehicle due to rapid urbanization and industrialization activities and growing focus of UAE government to develop construction and tourism sector in the country to further fuel Saudi Arabia Commercial Vehicles Market growth.