With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and clean mobility, the exhibition drew global and regional automotive leaders who praised the show for helping accelerate the Kingdom’s transition toward an eco-friendly future.

The three-day event, which began on Monday, showcased an impressive lineup of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of mobility.

Global leaders such as BYD, Lucid Motors, Tesla, Sixt, Chery, iCaur, and Jaecoo were among the exhibitors presenting their latest technologies, designs, and advancements in electric mobility.

The event was described by many as a vibrant hub where technology meets ambition, echoing the nation’s goals under Vision 2030 to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable living.

One of the most talked-about attractions was the Saudi debut of the Rox Adamas luxury all-terrain SUV, following its global unveiling in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.

The new model attracted crowds eager to witness cutting-edge design paired with high-performance features tailored for diverse driving conditions.

Representatives from Rox Motors highlighted how the EV Auto Show provided a valuable opportunity to connect with potential customers, industry peers, and investors while expanding the company’s presence in the Saudi market.

For exhibitors, the event went beyond product displays — it became a space for meaningful dialogue and future collaborations. Many participants noted that the show served as a bridge linking manufacturers, suppliers, policymakers, and consumers.

Fast-charging station manufacturer Alpitronic Middle East, taking part for the second consecutive year, expressed great satisfaction with the growing level of interest and engagement from visitors.

The company’s general manager noted that the exhibition was not only well-organized but also served as a strong platform for expanding discussions on e-mobility infrastructure and partnerships in the region.

The enthusiasm among local and international exhibitors reflected a shared confidence in Saudi Arabia’s commitment to electric vehicle adoption.

Jaecoo’s marketing head shared that the event provided a unique opportunity for brands and consumers to interact closely. He emphasized that the show created an excellent environment for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer engagement, allowing visitors to explore new vehicle options and even make bookings directly at the venue.

The high turnout and interest demonstrated a growing appetite for electric vehicles across the Kingdom, driven by increased awareness of their environmental and economic benefits.

Saudi startups also took center stage at the event, showcasing how local innovation is contributing to the nation’s clean-energy goals.

Turning Point Energy and its joint venture, Smart Mobility, have been active participants since the show’s inception in 2022.

Over the years, they have grown from a small startup to an industry leader and platinum sponsor of the event.

This year, they unveiled their self-developed Charging Point Management System, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s ability to build homegrown technology for the EV ecosystem.

Company representatives highlighted the importance of the exhibition in building industry connections and strengthening collaboration among key stakeholders.

The EV Auto Show has become more than just a trade exhibition — it has evolved into a collaborative platform where the future of Saudi mobility is being shaped.

By bringing together car manufacturers, energy providers, government bodies, and financial institutions, the event promotes dialogue and innovation across the electric vehicle value chain.

Participants agreed that Riyadh’s growing role as a host for such international gatherings sends a clear message about the Kingdom’s readiness to lead the region in clean transportation.

As the curtain falls on another successful edition, the excitement generated by the show reinforces the momentum behind Saudi Arabia’s electric mobility revolution.

Exhibitors left the event optimistic, acknowledging that the EV Auto Show continues to play a vital role in inspiring progress, forming partnerships, and supporting the Kingdom’s vision of a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future.

The move underscores Holcim’s growing commitment to sustainable, high-performance building solutions and represents a key milestone in its transformation beyond traditional cement production.

The acquisition of Xella highlights Holcim’s ambition to expand its footprint in the €12 billion European walling market. Xella is widely recognized for its energy-efficient and environmentally friendly construction materials.

Its well-known brands—Ytong, Silka, Hebel, and Multipor—are already established across 21 European markets, serving both residential and commercial sectors. The company employs over 4,000 professionals and is projected to generate around €1 billion in sales in 2025.

Holcim stated that the acquisition would be earnings-accretive in its first year and values Xella at 8.9 times its projected 2026 EBITDA. The transaction is expected to be finalized in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.

CEO Miljan Gutovic emphasized that this acquisition is part of Holcim’s long-term sustainability vision. “Xella will enhance our customer offering in the growing walling market, enabling greater cross-selling and systems-selling opportunities,” he said. “This deal strengthens our commitment to sustainable construction and innovation.”

The move reflects a strategic pivot for Holcim, which has steadily reduced its reliance on cement—a business often criticized for high carbon emissions—and diversified into building materials, roofing, insulation, and green solutions.

The acquisition of Xella aligns with Holcim’s sustainability roadmap and supports its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Industry analysts view the deal as a positive step in Holcim’s transition toward a more balanced and profitable portfolio. By acquiring a company known for advanced walling systems, Holcim positions itself to meet Europe’s increasing demand for energy-efficient and low-carbon construction materials.

Xella’s technologies are designed to improve insulation, durability, and thermal efficiency—all key factors in sustainable architecture. The combination of Holcim’s global scale and Xella’s product innovation is expected to create synergies across Europe’s construction sector.

Financial experts note that this acquisition not only strengthens Holcim’s market presence but also enhances its competitive edge in sustainable building materials.

It complements recent strategic investments in insulation and roofing, creating a diversified platform to support Europe’s green transition and urbanization trends.

Holcim has been on a clear mission to reduce debt, boost earnings, and invest in high-value, sustainable sectors. Under Gutovic’s leadership, the company has pursued a disciplined approach to acquisitions, focusing on scalable businesses with strong sustainability credentials. The Xella purchase fits perfectly into this framework.

The deal is also expected to accelerate innovation and digital integration across both companies. Holcim aims to leverage Xella’s expertise in prefabrication and modular construction, reducing on-site waste and improving efficiency—a major advantage in meeting the EU’s strict energy and carbon regulations.

In recent years, Holcim has taken major steps toward its transformation, divesting non-core cement assets and investing heavily in circular construction, smart design, and carbon-efficient materials.

The Xella acquisition, therefore, represents not only growth but also a strategic evolution toward a more sustainable and future-ready construction model.

If successfully completed, the acquisition could make Holcim one of Europe’s largest providers of integrated building systems, expanding its product offerings from foundations to finishing layers.

Gutovic concluded, “With Xella joining the Holcim family, we are reinforcing our leadership in sustainable building solutions and expanding our ability to create value for customers, shareholders, and communities.”

The €1.85 billion deal reaffirms Holcim’s role as an innovation-driven global leader committed to sustainability, resilience, and forward-thinking construction practices.