Automobile Sales boosts in Saudi Arabia as the Driving Ban is lifted
- “Following the lifting of driving ban in Saudi, automobile sales is expected to increases by 6 % to 10 % in 2018” – Chairman of the National Committee for Cars
- Saudi Arabia is the region’s largest market for car sales, accounting for 40 % of total GCC sales.
- The kingdom had persistently suffered decline for over 2 years by an average of 20%, hence worsening economic situation.
- Uber and Careem who offered initial support to women who could not drive, can suffer lower revenues.
- The economic condition further led to the deportation of a million expatriate workers as the Saudi families who hired them can now do without them.
- Faisal Abu Shusha is the Chairman of the National Committee for Cars.
- Abu Shusha told Al Eqtisadiya newspaper that the entry of women to the market will revive sluggish sales, increase competition and change market preferences on the level of models, colours and other features.
- In past few months, various automobile agencies in Saudi have dedicated branches and showrooms for women customers to order and pick their new cars.
- Uber and Careem have started receiving requests from women drivers in order to take part in the ride-hailing service.
