Business & Money | Sunday 28 October, 2018 1:08 pm |

Wallan Trading Company, the official distributor of Hyundai in Saudi Arabia’s central region, has signed a deal with Skop Holding Group to use its IDrive car-sharing platform.

 

Wallan will use the opportunity to expand its rental services in and around Riyadh using the state-of-the-art application, promoted as the attractive and affordable alternative to vehicle ownership or rental.

 

“Hyundai is delighted to make its cars available on IDrive via its partner Wallan Trading,” said Mike Song, Head of Middle East and Africa Region at Hyundai Motor Company.

 

“Skop’s innovative platform will enable many more people to experience the performance, comfort, and safety of Hyundai motors and hopefully forge a lasting affinity with the marque.”

 

IDrive is aimed at people who wish to lease a vehicle for as little as a few hours. Customers are only billed for the duration of use and distance traveled, and car sharing is also offered, making the service completely different from those of traditional vehicle rental providers.

 

Rental cars are parked available in designated parking areas, conveniently sited in locations such as conference centers, markets, and malls. All IDrive vehicles are supplied in immaculate condition, with a full fuel tank and comprehensive insurance. 

 

Skop offers a diverse range of models, with a choice of numerous subtypes. The application also features an authorization service directly linked to Saudi Arabia’s Tamm system, a government initiative that provides verified data about vehicles’ histories to their owners.

 

Skop Holding Group organized a launch event for IDrive which was attended by public- and private-sector officials as well as partners. At the gathering, the company presented Mr. Song as a mark of appreciation for Hyundai’s support in preparing the platform for its release onto the Saudi market.

 

A pilot version of IDrive was launched in the Kingdom last May, and it will be officially rolled out in large cities later this year before being extended to smaller conurbations and governorates.

 

Wallan Trading Company’s Chairman, Fahad bin Saad Al-Wallan, said: “We are constantly trying to develop our services. This agreement confirms that we are in line with our long-term strategic plans to develop our business, especially at the digital service level.”

 

The agreement was signed in the presence of bin Saad Al-Wallan and Skop Holding Group’s Chairman, Tarek bin Fahad Al-Dahmash. Other senior executives who witnessed the occasion included Ali bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Fulaij, Wallan Director General of Car Rentals; and Skop’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed bin Abdo Saeed Al-Moghalis. 

 

Skop Holding Group is a specialist in advanced technology and applications. Speaking after the signing, bin Saad Al-Wallan said Wallan Trading Company’s partnership with the company represented a significant step towards expanding its rental services and would enable it to maximize its market share and keep pace with digital services.

 

Dr. Bin Abdo Saeed Al-Moghalis detailed the IDrive application’s functions and features, emphasizing its ability to spare customers the time and expense of visiting car rental offices.