At the closing day of Automechanika Riyadh 2025, a dynamic panel at the Automechanika Academy explored the disruptive impact of emerging car rental trends on the Saudi automotive aftermarket. The session, titled “Disruptive Dialogue: Shifting the Paradigm – The Impact of P2P and Subscription Car Rentals,” brought together leaders from mobility platforms, parts distributors, and aftermarket service providers.
Eslam Hussein, Co-Founder and CEO of Invygo, emphasized that subscription-based vehicle access is revolutionizing the auto industry: Speaking during the panel, Eslam Hussein said: “Today we live in a subscription economy because subscription makes the things we need or want more accessible, convenient and flexible for users. The subscription model has disrupted many industries, and we are trying to disrupt the automotive industry. The idea is that you can get a car, whether it is for a day, month, week or to subscribe to own.”
Statista forecasts that Saudi Arabia’s car-sharing segment will grow from US$53 million in 2023 to over US$77 million by 2027, reflecting rising consumer preference for flexible mobility solutions. Rafat Al-Sarkaji, Commercial Director at Al-Kadi Commerce & Industry, added, “The subscription model creates more demand. The car is being used more often and, therefore, needs more repair. It is an opportunity for the body shops, for spare parts retailers and many other players. The automotive aftermarket industry must improve their services and technology to ensure they are ready to adapt to this new model.”
Under the theme “Innovate Locally. Impact Globally,” the seventh edition of Automechanika Riyadh welcomed over 450 exhibitors from 30+ countries. The show spotlighted cutting-edge developments across vehicle components, diagnostics, bodywork, and e-mobility, reinforcing its role as the Kingdom’s premier platform for the automotive aftermarket.
