Samir Hmicho, Chairman and Chief Execu ve Officer of Innova on Automo ve, Founder & Managing Director of 77 Auto, and Founder of Electro Taxi Syria





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Samir Hmicho, Chairman and Chief Execu ve Officer of Innova on Automo ve, Founder & Managing Director of 77 Auto, and Founder of Electro Taxi Syria





-Alaya
Theautomotivesectorstandsatacrucialintersectionof
technology,sustainability,andconsumerexpectations.What wasonceadomaindrivenpurelybyengineeringprecisionhas nowbecomeanecosystempoweredbyinnovation,cleanenergy,and connectedsystems.Theshiftfromtraditionalenginestoelectricand hybridsolutionsisnotmerelyaboutreplacingcomponents;it'sabout rethinkingmobilityitself.Companiesandentrepreneursdrivingthis changearereshapinghowsocietiesmove,consumeenergy,andview transportationaspartofabroaderenvironmentalandeconomic responsibility
Inthisedition, Leading the Next Wave of Automotive Transformation,wecelebratethepioneerswhoaresteeringthis revolutionwithforesightandcourage.Theseinnovatorsarenotjust respondingtochange;theyaredesigningthefutureoftravel.Through cutting-edgedesign,smarttechnology,andsustainablepractices,they arepavingthewaytowardacleaner,smarter,andmoreefficient automotivefuture.Theirworkstandsasatestamenttothepowerof innovationandtheresponsibilitythatcomeswithleadingchange.
Amongtheseforward-thinkingleaders,oneindividualhas distinguishedhimselfthrougharareblendoftechnicalexpertise, strategicvision,andcommitmenttosustainability.SamirHmicho,the drivingforcebehindInnovationAutomotive,hasbeeninstrumentalin bringingcutting-edgeelectricandhybridvehiclestotheUK, establishingarobustfoundationforafter-salesserviceinanemerging market.Hiseffortsensuredthatelectricmobilitywasnotjust introducedbutsupported,maintained,andunderstoodbyconsumers andserviceprovidersalike.
Samir'sentrepreneurialspirittranscendsborders.Through77Auto,he introducedSyria'sfirstfull-serviceelectricvehicledealership, demonstratinghisbeliefinaccessibilityandtechnologicalinclusivity. HislaunchofElectroTaxiSyria,theregion'sfirstapp-basedelectric taxiservice,furthersolidifiedhisreputationasavisionaryshapingthe fullmobilityspectrum.Bycombininginnovationwithsustainability andeconomicefficiency,hecontinuestoinspireagenerationof automotiveleaderswhoseeopportunityineverychallengeand purposeineveryjourneytowardacleanertomorrow.
Let the pages fill you with not just insights, but ideas in motion!

T Y H R E O S T I S G E N R A T U
AI on Wheels
Smart Vehicle Technology and the New Era of Mobility
Steering Success
How Leaders are Driving the Future of Mobility Forward

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Themovementshappeninginthemobilitylandscape arecompellingittoundergoanabrupt,violent redefinition.Itisnolongeraworldofpistonsand gasoline,butofsiliconandsoftware.Aroundtheworld,the legacyautomotivesector—slow,cautious,andinherently andonlyfocusedonincrementalimprovements—hasbeen fallingapartundertheweightofanewgenerationof creativeentrepreneurs.Theseentrepreneursembodythe high-risk,high-gaincultureofthetechstartupworldand havebeenincreasinglyconvertingtheconventionalcar fromaproduct-as-a-physical-machineintoaproduct-assoftware-definedphenomenon.Theyexpeditedthe timelinesforElectricVehicles(EVs),pushinglegacy automotivemanufacturers,whohaveoftenreliedontheir brandnamesandhavebeeninbusinessforoveracentury, toinvesttocatchupwithemergingEVmanufacturerswith newsoftware-basedbusinessmodels.Theirdisruptionwas all-encompassing,frombatteryrecyclingtoultra-efficient electricmotordesignstothesoftwaresideofAutonomous Driving(AVs)andAdvancedDriver-AssistanceSystems (ADAS).Theshiftinmovementhasbeensoextremethatit createdaneweconomicmodel: Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) stoodindirectoppositiontotheclassicalcar ownershipmodel.
Leadingthischarge—fromnotSiliconValleybutfrom ratherauniquecross-sectionofglobalmarkets—hasbeen SamirHmicho.Heisaninventiveentrepreneurand trailblazerintheelectricvehiclespacethatemergedasone oftheearlykeyarchitectsofthisnewautomotive revolution,knowingfromthestartthatrevolutionwould

“Today, Innova on Automo ve stands as the forward-looking extension of a group of companies with deep roots and proven exper se in the automo ve industry.”




demandmorethanjustnewvehicles,itrequireda fundamentalchangeintheprocess.Since2018,as ChairmanandChiefExecutiveOfficer(CEO)of InnovationAutomotive,Samirhasdriventheoperationto importcutting-edgeelectricandhybridvehiclesintheUK, andimportantly,meetthepressingrequirementforanaftersalesserviceprograminanewmarket.
Samir’sambitionstretchedfarbeyondasinglemarket.His visionexpandedintotheSyrianmarket,wherehefounded 77Auto,thecountry'sfirstfull-serviceelectricvehicle dealership.HesimultaneouslypioneeredElectroTaxiSyria, establishingtheregion'sfirstapp-basedelectrictaxiservice. Thisdualapproachdemonstratedhisgraspoftheentire mobilityecosystem.Importantly,thecompanyusesthe latestglobaltechnologiesforfaultdiagnosisand maintenance.Thiswasascalpel-likemovethatdidenhance theentirevehiclelifecycleandsavemoneyonoperating costs,thusdemonstratingthatsustainabilitycancoexist withbettereconomics.
The Uncompromising Mandate
Samirwasnotjustsellingcars;hewasbringingastartup, speed,agility,andcustomerorientationintoanindustrythat ismiredinslowness.Hewasnotjustcreatingnew categoriesofproducts;hewascreatingacriticallyneeded cultureofopeninnovationandcollaborationthatwas necessaryinthe21stcentury.Hisgovernancephilosophyis that innovation could only happen in tandem with

“At Innova on Automo ve, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. From inves ng in electric vehicle technology to adop ng eco-friendly manufacturing prac ces, we are commi ed to reducing our environmental footprint.”
sustainability and transparency.Hisvisionremainsthe unwaveringdrivetocreateanintegratedsmart-mobility ecosystemthatappliesadvancedtechnology,putspeakpursuitintocustomerservice,andexemplifiesconsistency insustainability.Heisindeedleadingthechargeofa culturalshift,processingenergytransitions–advancinga paceofchangeinmanyareas.
Rightfromthebeginningofhiscareer,Samirwas fascinatedbytheautomobileindustryandthedevelopments happening.Hewasverypassionateaboutlearningand identifyingvariousautomobiles.Hesays,“Astheworld embracescleanenergy,ithasbecomeclearthatthefuture belongstoelectriccars,andthisvisioniswhatdrivesmeto bepartofthemovement.”
Samirisawell-researchedprofessional,havingagood knowledgeoftheglobaldevelopmentsinsustainable technologies.Hehasbeenaforward-thinkingleader, encouragingresearchandinnovations.Electrification,smart technologies,andautonomousvehiclesarereshapingthe futureofmobility.Heidentifies,“AtInnovation Automotive,weembracetheseshiftstoleadtheindustry anddriveasmarter,moresustainabletransportationfuture.”
Withtheworldpoisedforthenewageofsustainable technologies,Samirisalreadyaheadinhisplansand implementationoftheinnovativesolutionsforsustainable mobility.Heisforwardinhisthinking,planning,and implementation.SamirelaboratesonInnovation Automotive’sperspective,“AtInnovationAutomotive,we strengthenouroperationsinSyriathroughstrategic partnershipswiththeworld’sleadingelectricvehicle companies.Lookingahead,weareexpandingourfootprint withplanstoestablishfactoriesinmultiplecountries, beginningwithTurkey,ensuringthatwestayaheadofthe curveininnovation,technology,andsustainablemobility.”
Committedtoasustainablefuturethroughsustainable technologypractices,Samirensuresthattheorganization focusesoncompleteend-to-endsustainabilitysolutions throughoutitsmanufacturingprocessanditsproduct offeringsthatextendthesametothecustomers.Hebelieves





inmakinganimpactthroughcollectiveparticipation.He states,“AtInnovationAutomotive,sustainabilityisatthe coreofeverythingwedo.Frominvestinginelectricvehicle technologytoadoptingeco-friendlymanufacturing practices,wearecommittedtoreducingourenvironmental footprint.Bypioneeringcleanenergysolutionsand promotingresponsiblemobility,weaimtobuildagreener, smarterfutureforbothourindustryandthecommunities weserve.”
Withanobjectiveofprovidingthebestqualitysolutionsto thecustomers,savingtime,andInnovation,Automotivehas beenattheforefrontofimplementingthelatest technologies.FromEVstosmartconnectivity,technology isreshapingconsumerexpectations.

“By pioneering clean energy solu ons and promo ng responsible mobility, we aim to build a greener, smarter future for both our industry and the communi es we serve.”


Samiradds,“AtInnovationAutomotive,weharnessthe latesttechnologiestoexceedevolvingconsumer expectations.Fromcutting-edgeelectricvehiclestosmart, connectedsystems,weintegrateinnovationintoevery aspectofourproducts.Bystayingaheadoftrendsand continuouslyre-imaginingmobilitysolutions,weensure ourcustomersexperiencethefutureoftransportation today.”
Thesuccessfulcompaniesarethosethathavetackledthe challengeseffectivelyandhavecreatedopportunitiesfrom thesetestingsituations.ThesuccessstoryofInnovation Automotiveisalsothatofresilienceandcommitment. Samircreditshisteamandtheirdedicationforthesuccess oftheorganization.Hereflectsthroughhiswords,“Leading


inafast-changingindustryhasitschallenges,butmy reputationinChinaandwithmajorSyrianandglobal companieshasallowedmetoturnobstaclesinto opportunities,drivinginnovation,growth,andtrustacross theautomotivesector.”
Thesecretoforganizationalsuccessliesintheculturethat nurturestheworkingmethodologyandteamperformance. Samirelaborates,“AtInnovationAutomotive,weempower ourteamstothinkcreatively,embracechange,and challengethestatusquo.Byvaluingideasandencouraging collaboration,westayagileandleadinnovationinafastevolvingindustry.”

Anavidresearcherandapassionatetechnology professional,Samiriswell-connectedwithnumerous professionalsworldwide.Heisactiveinmappingand estimatingthenewdevelopmentsandlatesttechnological developments.Heisagileandalertabouttheroleandthe impactofthetechnologicalchangesthatwillorcanimpact thecurrentindustrialecosystem.Samirmentionssaying, “Inthenextfiveyears,electricvehicles,autonomous driving,andconnectedtechnologieswillredefinetheglobal automotivelandscape.AtInnovationAutomotive,we leverageourexpertiseandpartnershipstostayahead, shapingthefutureofmobility.”
Customerfeedbackisalsoimportantinitsorganizational policiesasitgivesafactualinsightintocustomerneeds, expectations,andpointsofpain,allowinganorganization toturnitselfcustomer-centric.Throughthisfeedback, companiescandevelopandfine-tunepoliciesthatdirectly

“By working closely with partners, suppliers, and governments, we accelerate innova on, ensure quality, and create meaningful impact across the automo ve ecosystem.”
enhancethecustomerexperience,increasesatisfaction,and maintainlong-termrelevanceandgrowth.Hepointsout, “AtInnovationAutomotive,weembracecustomerfeedback withopenarms.Theirinsightsguideourproduct developmentandbusinessstrategies,ensuringour innovationstrulymeettheirneeds.”
Withastrongbelief,Collaborationiskeytoprogressin today’sautomotiveworld, believes Samir,identifyingthat thekeytonewopportunitiesforgrowthanddevelopmentis throughastrong,regular,andwell-managednetworking process.Hefeelsthattoday’smarketplaceisfilledwith deep-rootedprofessionalswhohavehighpotentialin offeringmultiplesolutionstoourneedsandviceversa.He states,“AtInnovationAutomotive,weseecollaborationas essentialtodrivingprogress.Byworkingcloselywith partners,suppliers,andgovernments,weaccelerate innovation,ensurequality,andcreatemeaningfulimpact acrosstheautomotiveecosystem.”
Samirisapassionateprofessionalwhoisalwaysprudentin offeringtherightguidancetoprofessionals.Heundertakes numerouslearninginitiativeswithengagingtrainingand developmentsessionstoimbibethespiritofsustainability inthemindsofyoungprofessionals.Inhisadvicetoyoung professionals,Samirsays,“Myadvicetoyoung professionalsistostaycurious,embracelearning,andbe adaptableinarapidlyevolvingindustry.Buildstrong networks,leadwithintegrity,andneverfearinnovationor

takingsmartrisks.Listentoyourcustomers,thinkglobally, andalwaysaimtoturnchallengesintoopportunities.”
InnovationAutomotive’slong-termvisionistoleadthe globalautomotivetransformationwithsustainableand innovativemobilitysolutions.Highlightingtheirlong-term expansionobjectives,Samirreveals,“FromSyriatotheUK andnowTurkey,ourstronginternationalpartnerships, includinginChina,enableustodrivetechnology,setnew standards,andshapethefutureofmobilityworldwide.”
Asanambitiousandenthusiasticentrepreneur,Samir alwayslookeddeepintotheautomobilebusiness. Identifyingtheneedfordevelopmentsinfuelefficiency, safety,comfort,andsustainablesolutions,hedreamedof startingabusinessorganizationthataddressedtheseneeds. Heconcludes,“Whetherthroughimportsorlocal
manufacturing,ourvisionkeptevolvingandgaining strength,especiallyafterlaunchingcarassemblyoperations inSyriaduring2019,2020,and2021.Today,Innovation Automotivestandsastheforward-lookingextensionofa groupofcompanieswithdeeprootsandprovenexpertisein theautomotiveindustry.”







Theroaroftheenginesisbeingreplacedwiththe gentlewhiroftheelectricmotorsyetthetrue revolutioniswithinthecircuits.SmartVehicle Technologyistransformingcars,trucksandscootersinto intelligentcompanionsthatareablethink,learnand respondquickerthananyhumanoperator Whetherinthe shapeofaself-drivingsedanordeliveryrobotswalkingthe streets,AIismakingmobilitysafer,cleaner,andmore connectedthanever
Thecoreofthistransformationisautonomousdriving. FirmssuchasTesla,Waymo,andCruiseareputtingout vehicles,whichhavecameras,radar,andlidartorenderthe worldin360.TheFullSelf-Driving(FSD)systembyTesla operatesonitsownSupercomputernamedDojo,which trainsneuralnetworksusingdataofbillionsofmilesof real-worlddata.In2024aloneTesladriversrecordedmore than1.3billionmilesinFSDmode,whichtrainstheAIto dealwithrainyhighways,aswellascrazycity intersections.Google-backedWaymoisnowfully driverlessrobotaxisthatcanbefoundinPhoenix,San Francisco,andLosAngeles.Itcompletedover50,000paid rideseachweekwithnohumaninvolvedwhatsoever
Self-drivingisnottheendofSmartVehicleTechnology.It isallaboutpredictionandprevention.AIisusedbymodern carstomonitorthedriver'sbehaviour Wheneveryouare driftinglanesorblinkingslowly,driveraidsystemssuchas theBlueCruisebyFord,ortheMercedesDrivePilot,will

justnudgethewheelordeceleratethevehicle.VolvoPilot Assistcaninterpretroadsignsandregulatespeedandeven braketoavoidanimals,reducingreactiontimefromseveral secondstomilliseconds.
TheAIwillmakevehiclesmobileassistants.Dashboard voicesystemssuchastheiDrive9intheBMWorthe AlexainRivianallowyoutoplaymusic,adjusttheclimate, andnavigatewithouttouchingafinger.InIndia,theiSMARTplatformofMGMotorenablesdriverstopreheata car,monitorthetyrepressureorlocateparkingallthrougha smartphoneapplicationinHindi,TamilorEnglish.
Smarttechisbestprojectedonelectricvehicles(EVs).No enginesound:AIwouldsavebatteryconsumptionby learningyourbehaviour.Nissan'sLeafwillknowyourdaily schedule,andpre-coolthecabinthroughgridpower,not batterypower.InIndia,theNexonEVdevelopedbyTata involvesAI-poweredfeaturestorecommendcharging pointsonthebasisofthetrafficandelevation,andeventhe weather.Thisisnotmerelyconvenience--itincreasesrange by15%.
SmartVehicleTechnologyischangingdeliveryonthe logisticalfront.ZooxrobotaxibyAmazonandR2podby Nuroaredriverlessvehiclesthattransportgroceries,which reducesexpensesby40-50%.ZyppElectric,adelivery servicebasedinMumbai,alsoutilisesAItoplantheescooterroutestominimiseidletimeandemissions.The cloud-basedAIenablesfleetmanagerstotrackvehiclesin realtime,predictmaintenance,andreroutearoundtraffic.
Safetyisthebiggestwin.AccordingtotheWorldHealth Organisation,1.3millionindividualslosetheirlivesevery yearinroadaccidents.AIcouldcutthatby90%.TheEyeQ chipbyMobileye,whichisinstalledinmorethan100 millionautomobiles,identifiespedestriansandbicyclesand potholeswithalmost100%accuracy.InIndia,whereroads arecrowdedwithcows,rickshawsandtrucks,Maruti SuzukihasalreadybeentestingAIdashcamsthatnotify driversaboutsuddenbrakingorcuttinglanes.
Itisallconnectedwiththehelpof5Gconnectivity,which providesVehicle-to-Everything(V2X)communication. Carscommunicatewithtrafficlights,otherautomobilesand
eventhephonesofpedestrians.AnothersystembyVolvo V2Xisusedtowarndriversaboutambulancesthree crossroadsawayinSingapore.TheBaiduApolloplatform inChinaallowsthebusestoplatoon,i.e.driveinchesapart athighwayspeedstoconservefuel..
Themoneyflowsinthesoftwarelayer.Software subscriptionshavebecomethesolesourceofTesla'sprofits comparedtosalesincertaincarmakers.Thecameracanbe enabledtocaptureAcceleratedPedestrianDetectionor SmartSummon,whichareunlockedthroughover-the-air (OTA)updateswithoutvisitingthedealership.In2024, Teslahaddriven12largeOTAupdates,whichincluded games,improvedroutingandevenanupdatetodogmode.
However,adoptionisgrowingfaster Theglobalautomobile marketwillhave15%ofnewvehiclesalesthathaveLevel 3+autonomyby2030.OlaElectrichasintentionsof introducingAI-poweredscootersinIndiathathavecrash alertsandthefttracking.TheBornElectriclineofMahindra willbereleasedwithLevel2+ADAS.
Yetadoptionisaccelerating.By2030,15%ofnewvehicles soldgloballywillhaveLevel3+autonomy.InIndia,Ola ElectricplansAI-poweredscooterswithcrashalertsand thefttracking.Mahindra'sBornElectriclineupwilllaunch withLevel2+ADASstandard.
Itisnotonlydriverlessbutalsointelligent.Supposeyour carperformsself-service,bargainswithtrafficlightsto grantitagreenwave,anddropsyouoffatthejobasthecar parksin,orthecarmakesmoneytakingpassengers,or performsrides.SmartVehicleTechnologyisnotscience fiction,butitisbeingimplementedwhetheryoulikeitor not,onaroll-by-rollbasis.
Bycuttingemissionstosavelives,AIonwheelsistaking usintoanewmobilityera,smarter,safer,andfuture-ready






Theworldisbecomingfasterthanever,notonlyon highways.Cityrush,climaticandtechnological advancesareforcingthereconsiderationofthe modesoftransportation.Themobilityindustryleadersare movingthewheel,andtheyincludeelectricvehicles(EVs), artificialintelligence(AI),andsharedservicesinsmarter andgreenertransportation.Bytheyear2030,theglobal mobilityasaservice(MaaS)industrycanbe$40billion, andthesharedmobilitycanbe$675billion.These visionariesareturningdownfallsintoupsides,andradical choicesarepayingoff.
Elon Musk ofTeslaremainsthepioneer.Thedriverless technologyhehasbeenpushinghastakenTeslaintothe leadinAI-controlledautonomy Teslahasanadvantagein real-worlddatatotrainmodelsthatcouldmake unsupervisedrobotaxispossible,whichJensenHuang,the CEOofNvidia,perceivesassuperhuman.Muskhasa visionofOptimusrobotsandenergystoragetomakean ecosystemwherecarswillearnmoneybyprovidingridehailing.ThedebutofarevampedModelYandCybercab modelsbyTeslaindicatesthatmass-marketautonomyisat hand.


MaryBarra:ReinventingGeneralMotorsforan ElectricFuture
Mary Barra atGeneralMotorsischanginganoldgiantinto anEVgiant.GMhas30moreEVsby2025and autonomousdrivingeye-offby2028,withGoogleasitsAI collaborator.Unlikethecamera-onlyapproachbyMusk, thestrategyofBarraisbasedoncheapermodelsandlidar technology.HermanagementhasGMlookingtozeroemissionsalesby2035asshebalancesprofitabilitywith sustainability
RJScaringe:ChargingAdventurewithRivian'sElectric Edge
RJScaringeisbringingadventuretotheEVsthrough Rivian.RJfocusesonoutdoorenthusiastswiththeR1T truckandfutureR2SUVasAmazondeliveryfleetsgrow. Nonetheless,theemphasisofverticalintegrationbyRivian, whichisthein-houseconstructionofbatteries,putsRJon scale.AlliancessuchastheonethatVolkswagenmakes contributetogrowth.
BhavishAggarwal:PoweringIndia'sTwo-WheelerEV Revolution
InIndia,despiteheadwinds, Bhavish Aggarwal's Ola Electricdominatestwo-wheelers,sellingover425,000units in2024.Aggarwalpricesaggressivelyandhasahuge network,whichmakesEVsaffordabletomillions. CompetitorssuchastheTarunMehtaofAtherEnergyfocus onhigh-quality,securescootersthathaverapidchargers, whereasTVSandBajajworkwiththeadvantagesofthe past.Hindalco,acompanybyKumarMangalamBirla, spendsRs45,000croretosupplyEVmaterialssuchas copperfoil.
Cars:RedefiningUrbanMobilitywith AutonomyandAI
Beyondcars,Uber'sSachinKansalintegratesAVsand sustainability.PartnershipswithWaymobringdriverless ridestoapps,easinglast-milewoes.Nuro'sDaveFerguson provesautonomyindelivery,cuttingcostsby45%.
Theseleadersaredealingwithsharedhurdles:charging infrastructure,regulations,andaffordability.AIoptimises traffic,predictsmaintenance,andenablesMaaSapps blendingbikes,buses,andAVs.Micromobilitye-scooters byLimereduceurbanemissions,whereasurbanair mobility(eVTOLs)willeliminategridlock.
Thisisacceleratedbygovernmentsupport.India'sFAME schemeandUSincentivesboostadoption,withpilotsin EuropetestingAVshuttles.Thesustainabilityand semiconductorsfundingreached$54billionin2024.
Difficultiescontinuetoexist:cybersecurity,imbalance,and jobchanges,yetleaderschange.ThedatamoatsofMusk, alliancesofBarra,andthescaleofAggarwalrepresent differentwaystogo.
TheDestination:Smarter,Greener,andMore ConnectedMobility
Thefuture?AIpredictstheneeds,EVsarethefuture,and citiesarenotaboutparkingcars;theseareall interconnected,alllinkedtogetherinanecosystem. Accidentsandemissionswerereducedby90%and autonomousfleetscouldreduceemissionsdramaticallyby 2030.Suchleadersarenotmerelyoperatingcars,butthey areleadinghumanitytoefficient,inclusivemobility
AsHuangsays,they're"workingonexactlytheright things."Theirsuccessprovesvisionplusexecutionwins. Thefuturehighwayiselectric,self-drivingandshared courtesyofthepeopleatthewheel.






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