The rise of peer-to-peer (P2P) car sharing and subscription-based rentals is altering traditional mobility norms
A discussion panel at the recently concluded Automechanika Academy at the 7th edition of Automechanika Riyadh examined the implications of peer-to-peer (P2P) and subscription-based car rental models for Saudi Arabia’s automotive aftermarket
Saudi Arabia’s vehicle ownership preferences are changing, leading to increased demand for maintenance cycles and parts due to short-term vehicle usage models
As Saudi Arabia progresses toward its Vision 2030 goals, access to and usage of vehicles is experiencing a significant transformation. The country’s automotive aftermarket must adapt to this change.
P2P car sharing
The rise of peer-to-peer (P2P) car sharing and subscription-based rentals is altering traditional mobility norms. This shift necessitates a rethinking of how, when, and where vehicles are serviced, maintained, and repaired.
Titled ‘Disruptive Dialogue: Shifting the Paradigm–The Impact of P2P and Subscription Car Rentals on Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Aftermarket’, the panel brought together leading voices from mobility platforms, commercial parts distributors, and aftermarket service innovators to explore how businesses must respond to this transformation.
According to Statista, the car-sharing segment in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow from US$ 53mn in 2023 to over US$ 77mn by 2027. This reflects a rapidly expanding user base and increasing digital engagement with flexible vehicle access models.
Subscription model
“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,” stated Eslam Hussein, Co-Founder & CEO, Invygo.
“The automotive aftermarket industry must improve their services and technology to ensure they are ready to adapt to this new model,” observed Rafat Al-Sarkaji, Commercial Director, Al-Kadi Commerce & Industry.
“The shift towards on-demand and shared mobility is changing how vehicles are used and how the aftermarket must respond. Through the Automechanika Academy, we are providing businesses with the insights they need to innovate, adapt, and lead in a rapidly evolving market,” noted Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia, the licensee of Automechanika Riyadh directed by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH.
“This year’s edition features a record number of international exhibitors and forward-thinking individuals, reinforcing the event’s position as Saudi Arabia’s leading platform for the automotive aftermarket,” concluded Aly Hefny, Show Manager, Automechanika Riyadh, Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
