Saudi-based Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery has announced a strategic partnership deal with Higher Bus, the leading Chinese bus and coach manufacturer, to support the development of public transportation in Saudi Arabia.

A leading provider of commercial vehicles, and industrial and heavy equipment in Saudi Arabia, Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery said under the deal, it will now offer various types of Higher Bus vehicles to customers in Saudi Arabia, including coaches, city buses, school buses, electric, hybrid and clean energy buses and high capacity articulated buses designed to operate in Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT).

The partnership aims to expand and deepen Higher’s presence in Saudi Arabia and meet rising public demand for safe, accessible transport – a key objective of Saudi Vision 2030, said senior company officials at the signing cermony held in Jeddah in the precence of senior officials from the Ministry of Hajj, Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery, Higher Bus, and executives from bus operators in Makkah.

Dr Bassam Ghulman, Deputy Minister for Transportation Affairs, Ministry of Hajj & Umrrah; Osama Samkari, General Director Assistant for Transport, Naqaba; and Dr Hamza Ghulman, Dean of College of Engineering & Islamic Architecture, Umm Al-Qura University; and Marwan Sulaimani, Director, Ministry of Hajj & Umrrah also attended.  

In addition, Saudi Vision 2030 aims to increase the number of Haj and Umrah pilgrims from 6.5 to 30 million per year by 2030, while offering the visitors reliable transport solutions. This strategic partnership will see Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery and the Chinese group to contribute towards this objective and supply buses for pilgrims within Saudi Arabia.

Hassan Jameel, the deputy president and vice chairman of Abdul Latif Jameel said: "We are pleased to announce this partnership with Higher Bus, the world’s third largest bus manufacturer. This is another demonstration of our position as an investment partner of choice for international businesses operating in Saudi Arabia and the region."

"Although this is the first time we have partnered with a bus company, we have achieved a high-quality level of after-sale services in automotive parts and machinery trade over the last seventy years. Combined with our best-in-class support, we will continue our commitment to improving and enhancing our services," noted Jameel.

"The new partnership creates a strong and reliable contribution for Saudi Arabia as it looks to improve its public transportation, while supporting the increase of pilgrims visiting the country," he added.

Gary Jiang, the general manager overseas of Higher Bus Company said: "Established in 1998, the company has manufactured more than 250,000 vehicles over the last 20 years and exports vehicles to 130 countries."

"Higher’s partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery will further strengthen the brand and also provide customers peace of mind," he added.-TradeArabia News Service