Latest news with #JordanFreeZonesInvestorsCommission
Arab News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Arab News
Jordan's hybrid vehicle imports rise 31% YoY in H1
RIYADH: The number of hybrid vehicles imported into Jordan during the first half of 2025 rose by 31 percent year on year, reaching 6,834 units, new figures showed. Released by the Jordan Free Zones Investors Commission, the numbers indicated that despite the increase, total vehicle clearance from the Zarqa Free Zone to the local market dropped by 9 percent annually during the same period, the Jordan News Agency, also known as Petra, reported. The rise in imports of these vehicles aligns with a broader regional trend. An analysis published by market research firm Claight in December projects the hybrid vehicle industry across the Middle East and Africa to see a compound annual growth rate of 17.7 percent between 2025 and 2034. The newly released Petra statement said: 'The commission's representative for the automotive sector, Jihad Abu Nasser, attributed the drop to shifts in consumer demand and the impact of recent regulatory and tax measures, particularly those affecting electric vehicles. He noted that several vehicle categories saw a downturn, including electric and diesel models.' Gasoline car imports stayed fairly steady, with a slight 3 percent jump year on year during the first half of the year. The number of cleared gasoline cars increased from 2,683 to 2,753, representing a 70 vehicle increase. Re-export activity from the free zones saw significant growth, with vehicle exports rising by 67 percent annually to reach 39,641 re-exported vehicles in the first half of the year. The Petra statement added that Abu Nasser said the robust re-export growth underscores the responsiveness of Jordan's free zones to regional market demands, particularly from Syria and Iraq. 'He emphasized that the decline in local market clearances, combined with changes in consumer preferences and new policies, highlights the need for regulatory clarity and a stable investment environment. He added that the commission continues to monitor these developments closely due to their significant impact on the vehicle sector and investment activity in the free zones.' Across the Middle East, interest in environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional combustion engine vehicles is gradually rising, as automakers accelerate the rollout of new EV models each year. Saudi Arabia aims to have at least 30 percent of its cars be electric-powered by 2030, following its pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. Meanwhile, the UAE is pushing for 42,000 EVs to be on its streets within the next decade. To meet the rising demand for green mobility, the UAE opened its first EV manufacturing facility in Dubai Industrial City in 2022, at a total cost of $408 million. The Gulf Cooperation Council's EV market is highly competitive, with Tesla at the forefront and brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz close behind.
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
EVs technology accelerates in Jordan amid focus on safety, growing demand
AMMAN — Jordan's transportation sector is witnessing a 'rapid' shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by technological advancements, increased environmental awareness and a national effort to reduce dependence on traditional fuels. Alongside environmental benefits, the development of smart sensing technologies in autonomous driving systems is enhancing vehicle safety by reducing human error and offering "greater" precision, particularly in complex urban environments, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Despite 'rising' interest, experts in the local market identify charging infrastructure as a key challenge to broader EV adoption. While home charging is becoming more common, public charging stations remain "crucial" for longer journeys. To address this, partnerships with the private sector are expanding the EV charging network, particularly in areas beyond city centres. President of the Jordan Free Zones Investors Commission (JFZIC) Mohammad Bustanji on Monday told Petra that the 'simplicity and environmental effectiveness' of EV technology have been "major" incentives for their import. He noted that 72 per cent of vehicles cleared through customs last year were electric, compared with 17 per cent hybrid vehicles and 11 per cent gasoline-powered, reflecting a "strong" market shift towards EVs. Bustanji stressed that EVs have gained public trust as "economical" and "reliable" options that meet diverse needs. He added that spare parts are available at "affordable" prices, supporting broader ownership by enabling citizens to replace older vehicles with modern electric models. He pointed out that the government has established a comprehensive system for inspecting used vehicles, requiring checks at certified centres covering 115 inspection points. Bustanji called for environmental standards aligned with local market needs and reiterated that public safety must remain the "primary" criterion for vehicle import and sector support. He also confirmed that spare parts for modern electric vehicles are readily available, given the simplicity of EV components. Bustanji noted that all importing companies guarantee the safety and maintenance of their vehicles. Jordan currently hosts approximately 150,000 electric vehicles and about 200 charging stations nationwide. He highlighted that the adoption of electric vehicles significantly contributes to reducing harmful emissions, positioning Jordan among the leading countries in the region in promoting environmental sustainability through EV ownership. Despite some challenges persist, EV owner Abdul Karim Ghoul noted that high spare part prices, stemming from limited availability and market monopolies, remain a concern. He pointed out "significant" price differences compared with international markets. Likewise, EV owner Ali Ouratani said that the high cost of spare parts does not align with the financial capacity of "many" citizens, discouraging some from replacing older vehicles with electric models. President of the Irbid Chamber of Commerce Mohammad Shouha said that national specifications ensure the availability of spare parts and "proper" vehicle maintenance. He said chambers of commerce are addressing complaints regarding pricing and availability to meet citizens' needs and financial capabilities. Shouha added that "rigid" standards prevent the entry of vehicles that do not comply with Jordanian requirements for spare parts availability and serviceability. He assured that technical inspections and maintenance of electric vehicles are "efficiently" managed at centres supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Basem Daradkeh, a dealer specialising in electric and hybrid vehicles, said that efforts are underway to ensure the "continuous" availability of "essential" technologies, spare parts, and maintenance services. He said that growing demand for electric vehicles is supported by their low maintenance costs, enhanced safety, and the expansion of the charging station network across Jordan, Petra added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Jordan Times
EVs technology accelerates in Kingdom amid focus on safety, growing demand
President of the Jordan Free Zones Investors Commission says that 72 per cent of vehicles cleared through customs last year were electric, reflecting a 'strong' market shift towards EVs (Petra photo) AMMAN — Jordan's transportation sector is witnessing a 'rapid' shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by technological advancements, increased environmental awareness and a national effort to reduce dependence on traditional fuels. Alongside environmental benefits, the development of smart sensing technologies in autonomous driving systems is enhancing vehicle safety by reducing human error and offering "greater" precision, particularly in complex urban environments, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Despite 'rising' interest, experts in the local market identify charging infrastructure as a key challenge to broader EV adoption. While home charging is becoming more common, public charging stations remain "crucial" for longer journeys. To address this, partnerships with the private sector are expanding the EV charging network, particularly in areas beyond city centres. President of the Jordan Free Zones Investors Commission (JFZIC) Mohammad Bustanji on Monday told Petra that the 'simplicity and environmental effectiveness' of EV technology have been "major" incentives for their import. He noted that 72 per cent of vehicles cleared through customs last year were electric, compared with 17 per cent hybrid vehicles and 11 per cent gasoline-powered, reflecting a "strong" market shift towards EVs. Bustanji stressed that EVs have gained public trust as "economical" and "reliable" options that meet diverse needs. He added that spare parts are available at "affordable" prices, supporting broader ownership by enabling citizens to replace older vehicles with modern electric models. He pointed out that the government has established a comprehensive system for inspecting used vehicles, requiring checks at certified centres covering 115 inspection points. Bustanji called for environmental standards aligned with local market needs and reiterated that public safety must remain the "primary" criterion for vehicle import and sector support. He also confirmed that spare parts for modern electric vehicles are readily available, given the simplicity of EV components. Bustanji noted that all importing companies guarantee the safety and maintenance of their vehicles. Jordan currently hosts approximately 150,000 electric vehicles and about 200 charging stations nationwide. He highlighted that the adoption of electric vehicles significantly contributes to reducing harmful emissions, positioning Jordan among the leading countries in the region in promoting environmental sustainability through EV ownership. Despite some challenges persist, EV owner Abdul Karim Ghoul noted that high spare part prices, stemming from limited availability and market monopolies, remain a concern. He pointed out "significant" price differences compared with international markets. Likewise, EV owner Ali Ouratani said that the high cost of spare parts does not align with the financial capacity of "many" citizens, discouraging some from replacing older vehicles with electric models. President of the Irbid Chamber of Commerce Mohammad Shouha said that national specifications ensure the availability of spare parts and "proper" vehicle maintenance. He said chambers of commerce are addressing complaints regarding pricing and availability to meet citizens' needs and financial capabilities. Shouha added that "rigid" standards prevent the entry of vehicles that do not comply with Jordanian requirements for spare parts availability and serviceability. He assured that technical inspections and maintenance of electric vehicles are "efficiently" managed at centres supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Basem Daradkeh, a dealer specialising in electric and hybrid vehicles, said that efforts are underway to ensure the "continuous" availability of "essential" technologies, spare parts, and maintenance services. He said that growing demand for electric vehicles is supported by their low maintenance costs, enhanced safety, and the expansion of the charging station network across Jordan, Petra added.
Zawya
03-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
88 investment, operational contracts signed in Jordan-Syria free zone
AMMAN: A total of 88 investment and operational contracts have been signed in the Syrian-Jordanian Joint Free Zone since its reopening earlier this year, according to the Jordan Free Zones Investors Commission (JFZIC). JFZIC Vice Chairman Sharaf Al Din Rifai told Al Mamlaka TV that the contracts were distributed among 78 contracts for the old part of the zone and 10 contracts for the new expansion. More than 800 investors are awaiting approvals to start their businesses to invest and operate in the JFZIC. Rifai stressed that the zone is witnessing a "very active" commercial movement for all commercial and economic activities, and that the authority is working in coordination with concerned authorities in the two countries to facilitate procedures in the region and stimulate commercial movement. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
