Aramco to acquire 10% equity interest in HORSE Powertrain Limited

Aramco, through a wholly owned subsidiary, has signed definitive agreements to acquire a 10% equity interest in HORSE Powertrain Limited, the new global powertrain solutions company, alongside Renault Group, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, and Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (“Geely”). 

HORSE Powertrain Limited was formed on May 31 by Renault Group and Geely, and is incorporated and headquartered in London.

Aramco will acquire a 10% equity interest in HORSE Powertrain Limited in equal parts from Renault Group and Geely, which will each retain 45% equity stakes. The price to be paid by Aramco at closing, which is subject to customary closing conditions including the receipt of regulatory approvals, will be based on a €7.4 billion enterprise valuation.  

Global energy transition and mobility solutions

This investment aims to enhance Aramco’s contribution to the global energy transition through the development and commercialization of more efficient mobility solutions. The agreements also include collaboration arrangements for Aramco and Valvoline on technologies, fuels, and lubricants to collectively improve the performance of HORSE Powertrain Limited internal combustion engines (ICE).

Aramco, Renault Group, and Geely share the view that the automotive industry will require a combination of various technologies — including highly efficient ICE, transmissions and hybrid powertrains, alternative fuels such as lower-carbon synthetic fuels and lower-carbon hydrogen, as well as vehicle electrification — to support an orderly energy and mobility transition around the world.

HORSE Powertrain Limited’s mission is to lead the race towards lower emission next generation technologies, and Aramco’s unique capabilities, including a global network of R&D centers where research on synthetic fuels, hydrogen, and ICE optimization is conducted, can help facilitate the development of more sustainable and accessible lower-carbon solutions.

Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Aramco executive vice president of Technology and Innovation, said Aramco’s investment is expected to directly contribute to the development and deployment of affordable, efficient, and lower-carbon emission internal combustion engines globally. 

With Geely and Renault, we plan to leverage our collective expertise and resources to support ground-breaking advances in both engine and fuel technologies. With a strong emphasis on innovation, our goal is to provide solutions that can help reduce transport greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the needs of both vehicle manufacturers and motorists. In securing long-term partnership between Valvoline Global and HORSE Powertrain Limited, Renault Group, and Geely in connection with this investment, we are also demonstrating Aramco’s ability to both create and capture value at the global level.
— Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter

Luca de Meo, Renault Group CEO, said that mitigating carbon in the automotive industry won’t be a solo play. 

“It requires the best players to join forces to open new paths and come up with innovative solutions,” said de Meo. “That is what’s happening today as we welcome Aramco as a strategic partner in HORSE Powertrain Limited. A dream team is born to reinvent the future of ICE and hybrid technologies.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Li, Geely Holding CEO, said that mitigating greenhouse gas emissions will require global synergies, multi-faceted technological solutions, and the sharing of expertise. 

“With Aramco’s support and expertise in fuel technologies, HORSE Powertrain Limited further cements its role as a leader in pioneering low-carbon and carbon-free fuel technology solutions such as methanol and hydrogen,” said Li.

I am delighted that Aramco has joined HORSE Powertrain Limited. Their expertise in fuels and hydrogen makes them a great partner for us to deliver cutting-edge, lower-emission powertrain solutions, driving our industry’s carbon mitigation efforts forward. Together, we will set new benchmarks for innovation in the automotive sector.
— Matias Giannini, HORSE Powertrain Limited CEO

About HORSE Powertrain Limited 

17 global plants

Nine industrial customers in 130 countries, including vehicle manufacturers

Five research and development centers

Approximately 19,000 employees

Strategic footprint focused on China, Europe, and Latin America

Expected approximate 5 million powertrain units per year

All types of powertrain solutions covered – full hybrids and long-range plug-in hybrids as well as internal combustion engines that use alternative fuels such as ethanol, methanol, LPG, CNG, hydrogen, etc.

Caption for the top photo: At the signing ceremony, front row, from left, was Francois Provost, Renault Group senior vice president of International Development and Partnerships; Ali A. Al Meshari, Aramco senior vice president of Technology Oversight and Coordination; and Fiona Fei, Geely Head of Strategy and Partnership (Chairman’s Office). Back row, from left, are Jamal Muashsher, Valvoline Global Operations CEO; Matias Giannini, HORSE Powertrain Limited CEO; Yasser M. Mufti, Aramco executive vice president of Products and Customers; Tihua Huang, Geely general counsel; and Andrew Katz, Aramco vice president of Downstream Growth and Development.