Glasgow Research & Consulting: A guide through GCC’s changing automotive landscape
The market for commercial vehicles in the GCC is rapidly changing, introducing new pressures as well as opportunities for automotive companies and dealers. Operating across the MENA region, Glasgow Research & Consulting helps automotive players navigate these changes with intelligence, advisory, and solutions.
Automotive industry trends
The economies of the GCC rely heavily on imported goods. That has led to logistics and transportation services playing a major role in local economies, which has been a traditional driver of demand for commercial vehicles.
With governments investing heavily in export and domestic infrastructure, “there is a trend towards larger commercial vehicles, such as trucks and buses, to meet those growing logistics requirements,” says Vishal Pandey, managing partner at Glasgow Research & Consulting.
One such example is Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program. This program aims to position the country as a global industrial and logistics hub, which includes the expansion of vehicle manufacturing and logistics capabilities. “Such initiatives are providing an impetus to the growth of the commercial vehicles sector.”
Another major trend in the automotive industry in the GCC is the growth of electrical vehicles, with sustainability an increasingly major concern for local governments. That includes the commercial fleets that keep transportation and logistics afloat.
“The increasing awareness of environmental issues and the need to reduce carbon emissions are driving this trend. However, the high initial costs of electrical vehicles compared to traditional internal combustion vehicles remain a barrier to widespread adoption,” notes Pandey.
While national markets drive ahead, Pandey points at the increasing integration that is being sought between the different GCC countries. “Urbanization and government collaboration is pushing increased connectivity of many parts of the GCC. This may eventually lead to standardization and integration of commercial vehicle regulations in the future.”
Market insights
For automotive brands, their OEMs and dealers, keeping track of such developments are crucial to remaining competitive in a changing landscape. Doing so requires a regular pulse on market developments and consumer preferences. “By analyzing market data, companies can stay ahead of competitors by tailoring their product offerings, marketing strategies, and R&D efforts to meet evolving customer demands,” says Pandey.
领英推荐
“These insights can inform strategic decisions, enhance customer engagement, and ultimately drive growth and ensure long-term success,” he adds.
Developing such insights should also take place at the client level. Pandey gives the example of automotive companies that serve Saudi Aramco, one of the largest buyers of B2B automotive services in Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Aramco, which is the world’s largest integrated oil and gas company, has implemented a transformative approach to optimizing its supply chain and operations,” he says. “Their strategy is setting a benchmark in the GCC by using advanced data analytics and AI integration, IoT, and other automation applications.”
This major digital transformation in its supply chain has so far achieved considerable cost savings and boosted agility, by optimizing inventory, reducing downtime, improving forecasting and more.
“For companies operating in the ecosystem of Saudi Aramco, being aware of such changes and anticipating on its impacts can be an important lever in gaining a fast-tracked competitive advantage.”
A guide and advisor
Glasgow Research & Consulting specializes in the provision of automotive market insights. The company provides market intelligence, thought leadership and insights. And when support is required to turn insights into action, the boutique consulting firm can support with advisory services.
“At Glasgow Research & Consulting, we guide our clients through the GCC’s changing vehicles landscape. Our team is comprised of experienced experts with extensive knowledge in automotive and transportation domain, including market research, strategic planning, marketing, and operations,” notes Pandey.
“We understand that every business is unique, which is why we offer tailored solutions that are specific to the needs of each client. We are dedicated to providing our clients with customized and data-driven insights that help them make informed decisions and achieve their goals.”