On The Fast Lane
Petromin, a leading Saudi multinational and the world’s largest company-owned company-operated after-sales network, has been pioneering automotive solutions since 1968. It is redefining vehicle maintenance and EV infrastructure in Southeast Asia through partnerships in India and Malaysia.
Petromin, a leading Saudi multinational company and the world’s largest company-owned and operated after-sales network, has been at the forefront of automotive solutions since its inception in 1968. Originally a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Exxon Mobil, it has grown into a key player in lubricants, fuel stations, car dealerships, after-sales services, EV charging, and OEM vehicle distributorship of Nissan, Stellantis (9 international brands: Jeep, Dodge, RAM, Chrysler, Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Fiat Professional, and Mopar), and Foton. Expanding beyond the Middle East, Petromin has a strong Southeast Asian presence, notably in India and Malaysia, through partnerships with HPCL and DRB-HICOM Berhad.
PETROMIN INDIA–REDEFINING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
In 2023, Petromin Corporation entered the Indian market by collaborating with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to build the Petromin Express India vehicle service network. This business was designed to create 1,000 co-branded vehicle service centres at HPCL retail shops to provide quality maintenance services at reasonable prices. Today, Petromin Express provides vehicle owners with a hassle-free experience through expert service, original spare parts, and clear pricing.
The initiative kicked off in 2024 with 20 pilot stations in Bangalore and Chennai. This move aligns with the company’s vision of providing accessible, high-quality vehicle maintenance solutions. It is making notable progress in India’s EV charging infrastructure through its arm, Electromin, one of the top three Charge Point Operators in the country. In 2023, Electromin partnered exclusively with HPCL on the deployment and management of up to 5,000 charging stations, located primarily at HPCL retail outlets. This aims to accelerate the transition to electric mobility with widespread, convenient charging access.
Petromin acquired a leading Indian auto tech platform, SpareIt® – an innovative mobile application disrupting the auto service sector in India. SpareIt provides a seamless garage tech platform that connects garages with suppliers and vehicle owners. Petromin’s investment in SpareIt’s integrated e-commerce platform delivers efficiencies, increased footfall, competitive prices, and services, currently functioning in India with over 7,000 active garages.
PETROMIN MALAYSIA–ELEVATING AFTER-SALES SERVICES
Petromin expanded into Malaysia in 2022 through a joint venture with DRB HICOM Berhad, one of the country’s largest automotive conglomerates. This collaboration was formalised under a joint venture company with DRB-HICOM’s wholly owned subsidiary, Edaran Otomobil Nasional Berhad (EON). The alliance gives DRB-HICOM direct access to Petromin’s award-winning after-sales service model, which has been successful in Saudi Arabia, where Petromin Express has more than 650 outlets. This joint venture combines Petromin’s technology and service efficiency with DRB-HICOM’s distribution network to provide customers with convenience, quality, and affordability in Malaysia’s after-sales service industry.
VISION FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA
Petromin’s ventures in India and Malaysia highlight its commitment to service excellence, innovation, and sustainable mobility. Through partnerships with HPCL and DRB-HICOM, Petromin aims to establish itself as a leader in EV infrastructure and car maintenance in Southeast Asia. The company is focused on creating an integrated, customer-centric automotive ecosystem, ensuring top-tier service, technology, and convenience while shaping the future of mobility in the region.
