Makkah, Saudi Arabia, May 5, 2025 — In a significant step towards sustainable transportation, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, has joined forces with Toyota Motor Corporation and several key partners to participate in the second hydrogen fuel cell bus trial in Makkah. Spearheaded by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, the initiative reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to lead in environmentally conscious mobility solutions.
The trial showcases the Caetano H2.City Gold bus, a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle provided by Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. In addition to supplying the bus, the company facilitated specialized safety training for Makkah’s fire department, equipping emergency responders with the knowledge and tools needed to handle hydrogen technology safely.
Manufactured by Portugal’s CaetanoBus SA, part of the Salvador Caetano Group and a long-standing Toyota partner, the H2.City Gold is powered by Toyota’s zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell stack. The bus boasts a driving range of 400 kilometers under regional weather conditions and can be fully refueled in under 10 minutes. This is a significant advantage for high-frequency public transportation.
This latest trial is a testament to Toyota’s global multi-pathway strategy for achieving carbon neutrality. The company continues to diversify its offerings through a range of clean technologies, including fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) like the Toyota Mirai, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), allowing tailored solutions for varied regional needs.
Mazin Ghazi Jameel, Managing Director of Toyota Marketing Operations at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the project:
"Supporting this landmark trial in Makkah, a city of immense significance for millions of Muslims worldwide, fills us with great pride. This initiative reflects our commitment to promoting fuel cell technology and establishing Saudi Arabia as a key contributor to sustainable mobility. By providing environmentally friendly vehicles, we continue to align with Saudi Vision 2030 and Toyota’s Multi-Pathway approach to achieving carbon neutrality."
The trial not only reflects technological innovation but also underscores the Kingdom’s growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship, aligned with the broader objectives of Vision 2030. As hydrogen mobility continues to gain momentum globally, projects like this are setting the foundation for a cleaner, smarter transportation future in the region.
