A non-traditional strategic move was executed by Saudi Aramco, expanding beyond its conventional oil production scope to enter the realm of advanced mobility technologies through its hybrid engine known as (DHE), which received an official U.S. patent, paving the way for its global commercialization.

These innovations garnered widespread attention during the Society of Automotive Engineers events, where the engine is viewed as one of the promising solutions in the future of mobility. Aramco’s entry into the field of powertrain systems represents a strategic shift towards influencing the core of the automotive industry.

Aramco did not rely solely on its own efforts but entered into strategic partnerships with major global companies, contributing a 10% stake in the Horse Powertrain project, an industrial alliance combining Renault and Geely in collaboration with Volvo, aimed at developing flexible powertrain systems.

The Aramco hybrid engine (DHE) features a range of engineering innovations that place it among high-efficiency systems in terms of performance and fuel consumption, as it relies on modern combustion management technologies, leading to lower emissions. The design also opens the door for the future use of hydrogen fuel.

One of the key strengths of this engine is its modular design, which allows for the development of a complete family of engines using the same engineering base, granting manufacturers significant flexibility across various vehicle categories.

Innovation was not limited to performance alone but also included reducing manufacturing costs. The engine offers an ideal balance between performance and cost, making it a competitive option in the hybrid engine market.

Thanks to a modular design serving different vehicle classes, economic efficiency, and low production costs, this project aims to redefine the role of internal combustion engines in the era of transition towards clean energy.

Despite the global momentum towards electric cars, there are still vast markets that rely on traditional fuel. This is where hybrid engines come into play as a middle-ground solution combining efficiency and sustainability.

Aramco does not seek to manufacture cars directly, but its goal is to provide advanced powertrain systems that other companies can use to convert their vehicles into hybrids without the need for a complete redesign of their platforms.

Society of Automotive Engineers

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) is a global professional organization founded in 1905 to advance mobility engineering and technology. Originally established by Henry Ford and other industry pioneers, it has played a key role in developing technical standards for the automotive, aerospace, and commercial vehicle industries. Today, SAE is known for its rigorous engineering standards, technical publications, and educational programs.

Horse Powertrain project

The Horse Powertrain project is a major joint venture established in 2024 by automotive giants Renault Group and Geely, aimed at designing, developing, and manufacturing advanced hybrid and internal combustion powertrains. This initiative combines the expertise and industrial assets of both companies to create a global leader in low-emission propulsion technologies. The project reflects a strategic response to the automotive industry’s transition toward electrification, while still addressing the ongoing demand for efficient combustion engines.

Renault

Renault is a French multinational automobile manufacturer founded in 1899 by Louis Renault and his brothers. The company played a major role in the early automotive industry and became a state-owned enterprise after World War II before being privatized again in the 1990s. Today, Renault is known for its popular car models and its global alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi.

Geely

Geely is a major Chinese automotive manufacturer headquartered in Hangzhou, founded in 1986 by Li Shufu, initially as a refrigerator parts producer before transitioning to motorcycles and then automobiles in 1997. It became the first private Chinese car company to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and has since grown into a global automotive group, famously acquiring Volvo Cars from Ford in 2010. Today, Geely is known for its innovative electric vehicles and ownership of brands like Polestar, Lotus, and a stake in Daimler.

Volvo

Volvo is a Swedish automotive manufacturer founded in 1927 in Gothenburg. It was originally created as a subsidiary of the ball bearing company SKF, with a strong focus on safety and reliability from its inception. Over the decades, Volvo became renowned for pioneering safety innovations, such as the three-point seatbelt, before being acquired by the Chinese company Geely in 2010.