Clarios is the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced low-voltage battery technologies for mobility, with around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries. The company own premium brands like VARTA, OPTIMA and Delkor.
This battery brand powers 1 out of 3 vehicles on the road globally, selling around 150 million batteries annually. VARTA is the leading brand in EMEA, leveraging over 135 years of battery expertise. The company operates the industry’s largest closed-loop recycling network, processing 8,000 batteries hourly.
LogisticsGulf.com recently interviewed Mahmoud Hindy, Senior Commercial Manager, Clarios Dubai, for the lowdown on the company on the sidelines of the recently concluded Automechanika Dubai 2025. The following are transcripts of that interview.
LogisticsGulf.com (LG): Provide us with the brief spiel on Clarios?
Mahmoud Hindy (MH): Our comprehensive portfolio covers every major powertrain type – from internal combustion engines to hybrids and full electric vehicles. We offer SLI (Starting, Lighting, Ignition) batteries for conventional vehicles, EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery) technology for cars with a basic start-stop systems, AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries for cars with an advanced start-stop system as well as high-demand applications, and low-voltage lithium-ion solutions.
We are also investing in advanced technologies like sodium-ion and supercapacitors. Beyond batteries, we provide intelligent power management systems for sophisticated functions like start-stop, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and autonomous driving. Our solutions ensure 99% market coverage, powering vital safety, operational, and comfort systems regardless of how vehicles are powered.
LG: How important is the Middle East as a market for Clarios and its brand VARTA?
MH: The Middle East is one of the world’s most demanding automotive environments and an important growth market for Clarios. We’re seeing a growing demand for advanced battery technologies driven by the region’s unique climate conditions, expanding vehicle fleets, and accelerating electrification.
The GCC’s extreme temperatures combined with the shift towards new energy vehicles create unique requirements that position us strongly. In the Middle East we operate from Dubai serving Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the wider Gulf region with dedicated teams and growing partnerships.
LG: Why is Automechanika Dubai 2025 significant for Clarios VARTA and what are your highlight announcements and launches at this event?
MH: Automechanika Dubai is an important exhibition for us to demonstrate our commitment to the region, both for our distributors and other players in the industry. We want to use it to increase the awareness of Clarios and its brands in this region and strengthen our relationship with current distributors and connect with new ones.
At our booth we highlight our global leadership in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies and explain our high-performance VARTA battery brand, new additions to its portfolio and some other supporting services which are serving the region’s requirements.
LG: Expand on the next-generation VARTA Technologies built for the Gulf.
MH: Our expanded portfolio features innovative high-heat technology specifically optimized for temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. The new AGM H3 and EFB H9 deliver enhanced heat resistance and extended service life for passenger vehicles. For commercial vehicles, the EFB A-type and AGM B-Type utilize PowerFrame grid technology with reinforced construction.
These advances are critical because the Gulf’s harsh environment means batteries typically carry 12-month warranties versus 24-36 months in Europe. Our AGM Promotive Batteries for trucks deliver 73% idle time reduction while lowering costs, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions, validated by TÜV Nord.
LG: What sets Clarios apart from your peers and the competition?
MH: There are three differentiators. First, technology engineered specifically for regional conditions, not standard specifications adapted afterward.
Second, comprehensive support infrastructure: on-ground technical experts visiting garages directly, hands-on training across the GCC, and bilingual digital tools.
Third, proven quality. While competitors focus on cost, we emphasize total cost of ownership – longer life under demanding conditions means fewer warranty claims and stronger customer trust.
LG: What potential and opportunities do you foresee for your brand in the region and correspondingly what challenges do you anticipate?
MH: Major opportunities include the growing EV manufacturer presence bringing modern vehicles requiring advanced battery technologies, and the region’s accelerating electrification creating demand for AGM and lithium-ion solutions. Fleet electrification in logistics and transportation sectors represents substantial growth potential.
Challenges include the complexity of modern vehicle installations where batteries are deeply integrated into vehicle architecture requiring specific tools and software resets. Climate amplifies every mistake, making proper specifications critical.
LG: What can you tell us about the digitalization of the regional Aftermarket?
MH: Digitalization transforms battery replacement from straightforward service into professional technical expertise. Our bilingual platform addresses the installer’s fundamental challenge: with multiple technologies and specifications, selecting the wrong battery causes premature failures and warranty claims.
The Battery Finder provides instant, precise vehicle-specific recommendations. Our Training Academy offers on-demand tutorials. This digital infrastructure complements our physical presence – combining technology with human expertise rather than replacing it. The result: garages confidently navigate complexity while building customer loyalty.
LG: With regard to ‘Future Mobility’ in the GCC, how is Clarios strengthening its regional presence and footprint?
MH: We are expanding on multiple fronts: broadening distributor networks with key partners. We’re also increasing direct garage engagement through merchandisers and technical experts conducting hands-on training. Our Dubai office serves as the strategic hub coordinating across the GCC.
We are investing in training infrastructure and support systems to prepare partners for increasing electrification. As the vehicle landscape evolves with hybrid and EV adoption, we’re ensuring our partners have the knowledge, tools, and products to lead this transition.
LG: What role are Research & Development and new technologies playing to ensure your leadership in this domain?
MH: Clarios invests heavily in R&D to maintain leadership in battery technology. We are not only investing in today’s technologies like SLI, EFB and AGM as well as lithium-ion low-voltage batteries.
We are also investing in emerging technologies like sodium-ion or supercapacitors.
While these steps are strengthening our technology, we are also investing in circularity. Today, Clarios is already operating the largest closed-loop battery recycling network globally with nearly 200,000 batteries recycled each day.
Now, we are expanding our recycling network with three new facilities in Europe which will increase our recycling capabilities, add new capabilities with polypropylene compounding and create a more resilient supply chain for our essential battery solutions.
LG: What is your vision for Clarios and the brand VARTA in the region for the short and / or long-term future?
MH: Short-term, we are establishing VARTA as the trusted brand through our expanded product portfolio, digital platform launch, and intensified training programs. We are positioning garages to handle increasing vehicle complexity confidently.
Long-term, we envision Clarios as integral to the Gulf’s sustainable mobility transformation. As the region accelerates electrification, we’ll continue expanding local infrastructure and partnerships while leveraging our global closed-loop recycling network to support circular economic principles.
Our vision combines advanced battery technology with comprehensive support systems that help the entire value chain – from distributors to fleet operators – navigate the evolving automotive landscape successfully.
