Automotive
Bridgestone expands partnership with Tegeta Holding to strengthen footprint in Caucasus region

Bridgestone expanded its partnership Tegeta Holding further strengthening its presence in the Caucasus region. Under this agreement, Tegeta will serve as the official distributor of Bridgestone tyres in Armenia and Azerbaijan, effective January 1, 2025.
Bridgestone Middle East & Africa FZE and Tegeta Holding officially signed the agreement in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in both companies’ regional growth strategies. Under the agreement, Tegeta will supply Bridgestone’s premium-quality tyres for a wide range of vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and buses, across Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Jacques Fourie, President of Bridgestone Middle East & Africa, said: “We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Tegeta, who was been our trusted partner since 26 years. Tegeta’s strong foothold in the Caucasus region enables us to introduce Bridgestone’s premium products to new markets such as Armenia and Azerbaijan, ensuring that customers benefit from our commitment to quality, safety and innovation.”
This partnership is based on a long-standing 26-year partnership that began in 1998, when Tegeta became Bridgestone’s distributor in Georgia. Over the years, Tegeta has grown into a leading distributor of automotive products in the region, while Bridgestone has maintained its leading position in the global tyre industry. Together, the companies have driven growth and innovation in the automotive sector across the Caucasus and beyond. The expanded collaboration underscores Georgia’s pivotal role as a logistics hub for the region, connecting the Caucasus, Central Asia, and global markets.
Ekaterine Kavtaradze, Executive Officer of Tegeta Holding, said: “We are delighted to further reinforce our partnership with Bridgestone, a globally renowned brand for its quality and innovation. By introducing their premium products to Armenia and Azerbaijan, we are proud to support the constant advancement of the region’s automotive industry in the region. We are proud that Tegeta secured an important place in the portfolio of this famous brand and is the largest partner in the region.”
Davit Chkhaidze, Director of Tegeta Prime Products, said: “This partnership marks a new chapter in our relationship with Bridgestone. It reflects our position as a strategic partner of Bridgestone in the Caucasus region and highlights Georgia’s growing importance in the regional economy.”
Bridgestone’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality align seamlessly with Tegeta’s aim to deliver premium automotive products and services. With over 93 years of experience and a presence in more than 70 countries, Bridgestone is prominent for setting high industry benchmarks in innovative technologies, high-performance tyres and a commitment to driving the future of sustainable mobility. This expanded partnership opens up new opportunities for growth, enhancing customer access to world-class products and services across Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
Tegeta Holding’s ongoing expansion into new markets and partnerships with global leaders like Bridgestone underline its dedication to growth, quality, and customer satisfaction. Being the largest automotive distributor in the region, Tegeta remains steadfast in its commitment to innovate and expand its offerings, further ensuring access to world-class products and services for customers across Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.
Automotive
Metadome.ai launches AI Virtual Sales Assistant with Jameel Motors Egypt

Metadome.ai, in collaboration with Jameel Motors Egypt, one of the country’s most prominent automotive distributors, has launched an AI-assisted virtual sales assistant designed to support the entire customer journey — both pre-sales and post-sales.
Jameel Motors, a key player in Egypt’s automotive market, brings decades of expertise in the mobility sector and a reputation for representing some of the world’s most recognized commercial and passenger vehicle brands. Its expansive sales and after-sales network position the company as a trusted name in delivering customer-centric innovation.
As a collaboration between two leading technology innovators, Jameel Motors Egypt is stepping into the future of customer engagement by bringing the power of AI to the showroom floor and beyond. Developed by Metadome.ai, the newly launched virtual assistant provides customers with round-the-clock, real-time support across all digital touchpoints. Whether learning about car models, comparing features, booking test drives, or tracking vehicle delivery, the assistant acts as a knowledgeable and responsive digital partner throughout the pre-sales experience.
More than just a sales tool, the assistant also supports post-sales services. Customers can authenticate themselves, book maintenance appointments, access previous service records, receive live maintenance updates, activate warranties, locate service centers, and request spare parts and accessories. It also delivers automated maintenance reminders and other services that’s helping streamline after-sales support while keeping customers fully informed and connected.
“At Metadome.ai, we’re driven by one simple idea—technology should feel intuitive, human, and helpful. That’s exactly what we aimed for with this product. By combining Jameel Motors deep automotive expertise with our conversational AI capabilities and tech backbone, we’ve created an experience that feels less like a bot—and more like a knowledgeable, always-available assistant,” said Shorya Mahajan, Co-founder and COO of Metadome.ai
The assistant is already live at select Jameel Motors digital touchpoints, with early feedback indicating stronger online engagement, faster response cycles, and increased customer satisfaction.
Tarek Abdullatif, Regional Director Jameel Motors Egypt, stated: “We’ve seen firsthand how digital tools can transform industries. This assistant is more than a chatbot it’s a smart, responsive designed to meet the needs of today’s connected customer.”
He added, “In the coming months, the virtual assistant solution will roll out across Jameel Motors entire network, in Egypt as part of the company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric service.
Automotive
INEOS AUTOMOTIVE ACCELERATES IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH 1,000TH VEHICLE DELIVERED AND MAJOR REGIONAL EXPANSION

INEOS Automotive has hit a major milestone in the Middle East, delivering its 1,000th Grenadier 4X4 – just over two years after launching in the region. The rugged British-designed off-roader has quickly gained traction with adventurers, professionals, and off-road enthusiasts alike.
REGIONAL INVESTMENT AND EXPANSION

Building on its fast-growing global footprint, INEOS Automotive is making a bold move and expanding operations across the Middle East and Africa. Leading this next chapter is the newly appointed Head of Region, Dan Balmer – a highly accomplished executive with a CV that spans top roles at BMW, Aston Martin, Lotus, and Rolls-Royce.
Balmer will be based in INEOS Automotive’s brand-new regional headquarters in the Arenco Tower in Dubai’s Media City, where a growing team – including relocated staff from the UK – will drive sales, marketing, aftersales, and the dealer network.
With a strong existing footprint across six countries and seven dealer sites, the company is now gearing up to expand further across the GCC and break into new Middle Eastern and African markets. “The 1,000th Grenadier delivery signifies that drivers across the region are embracing what we’ve built,” said Lynn Calder, CEO of INEOS Automotive. “We’re backing that enthusiasm with serious investment: a new regional HQ, a growing team, and an exciting leader in Dan Balmer, who’s ready to take things to the next level.”

INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHT AT THE HELM
Newly appointed regional chief, Dan Balmer, brings deep global expertise and local insight to the role. Having previously led teams in major markets for some of the world’s most prestigious automotive brands, he’s now focused on growing INEOS Automotive’s presence and partnerships throughout the region.
“Hitting this milestone delivery is just the beginning,” said Balmer. “The Middle East and Africa offer huge potential, and I’m thrilled to lead our efforts here – from expanding into new markets to delivering exceptional customer experiences.”
Balmer started his automotive career as an apprentice design technician, and progressed through the ranks at BMW and Rolls-Royce. His first regional leadership appointment was as General Manager Asia Pacific for Rolls-Royce from 2012. Joining Aston Martin in 2014, Balmer led several regional offices, latterly as President of UK, Middle East & Africa. And at Lotus from 2021, he saw success as President and CEO of Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and most recently held the position of President and CEO of Lotus Cars Europe.
Automotive
From the Garage to the Global Stage: MEA Service Advisors and Technicians Head to Bangkok for Skills Showdown

For most people, car servicing is about speed, efficiency, and trust. But for a select group of the Middle East and Africa’s most skilled automotive professionals, it’s also about something else – the chance to put their expertise to the test on the world stage.
This month, eleven technicians and service advisors from seven MEA countries will travel to Bangkok, Thailand, to compete in the first-ever Changan Global Service Skills Competition. The five-day event, running from August 25–29, will pit them against elite peers from around the world in disciplines including service reception processes, engine maintenance, and vehicle fault diagnosis.
A Career Milestone
For these finalists, representing KSA, Oman, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Morocco, the competition is more than just a technical test. It’s a career highlight, an opportunity to benchmark themselves against the best globally, and a chance to bring fresh knowledge home to their dealerships and customers.

Their journeys began at the 2024 Changan MEA Regional Skills Competition in Dammam, KSA, where the region’s top service professionals underwent rigorous challenges and intensive training. Those who excelled earned the right to carry their country’s flag to Bangkok.
“Our finalists are not only representing their dealerships and countries, but also the skill, dedication, and customer-first values of the Middle East and Africa region,” said Mr. Xiao, General Manager of Changan Automobile’s MEA Business Unit. “Competing at this level puts MEA talent in the global spotlight and helps raise service standards across the industry.”
The People Behind the Progress
Among the Service Advisors is Eslam Mohammed Nasem of Almajdouie Motors, KSA, who says the competition is “a chance to prove that our region’s skills are world-class.” For Anandu Dileep Kumar, a technician from Alqurain Auto Motive Trading Company in Kuwait, it’s about “learning from the best, then sharing that knowledge with colleagues and customers back home.”
These stories are mirrored across the team, individuals driven by pride in their craft and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Why It Matters
Aftersales service is becoming a key differentiator in the automotive industry, particularly in MEA, where customer expectations are rising alongside vehicle technology. The skills honed in Bangkok – from diagnostic precision to customer engagement – will directly influence the ownership experience across the region.
By investing in competitions like this, Changan aims to create a ripple effect: highly trained professionals inspiring peers, raising standards, and reinforcing trust in the brand.
Looking Ahead
The Bangkok event will also feature technical salons and a factory tour, giving participants access to global best practices and cutting-edge developments. When they return, the MEA team will bring more than memories, they’ll bring insights that will shape the future of aftersales service in the region.
This is the first time MEA has sent a full delegation to the global finals. For the eleven men and women boarding their flights later this month, it’s the culmination of years of dedication. For the region’s customers, it’s a sign that world-class service is closer than ever.
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