Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorised distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia since 1955, has successfully concluded a hydrogen mobility pilot project in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and the Engineering College at Princess Nourah University (PNU).
The initiative forms part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Energy and PNU to deploy pilot projects exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) in real-world conditions.
Over five days, four Toyota Mirai FCEVs were operated at the university. Three vehicles served as shuttle buses for students along a designated campus route, while a fourth Mirai was available for on-demand test drives by faculty members—offering the academic community hands-on experience with next-generation zero-emission mobility.
“This pilot reflects our commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s journey toward cleaner, safer, and more inclusive mobility in line with Saudi Vision 2030,” said Mazin Ghazi Jameel, Managing Director of Toyota Marketing Operations at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. “The project demonstrates the potential and operational readiness of FCEV technology in delivering long-term societal value.”
The programme also featured an interactive educational exhibit showcasing a cutaway model of the Toyota Mirai. Accompanied by detailed information panels, the display helped students and visitors explore how hydrogen fuel cells work and their advantages in energy efficiency, range, and refuelling time.
“Toyota is proud to bring to Riyadh its first practical demonstration of hydrogen mobility with valued partners in industry, government, and academia,” said Nobuyuki Takemura, Chief Representative of the Middle East Regional Office, Toyota Motor Corporation. “By engaging directly with students at Princess Nourah University, we are testing the feasibility of wider FCEV deployment while inspiring the next generation to help shape Saudi Arabia’s sustainable future.”
Saud Alsultan, Deputy General Manager of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Saudi Arabia, added: “We are delighted to announce the success of this hydrogen mobility trial. For the past few years, Toyota Tsusho has been working to advance hydrogen mobility in Saudi Arabia, and this achievement marks an important milestone toward a hydrogen-powered future in the Kingdom.”
The pilot generated valuable insights into usage patterns, refuelling logistics, and user feedback, helping partners assess the practical viability of hydrogen vehicles within Saudi Arabia’s emerging clean-energy landscape.
Toyota’s approach aligns with its multi-pathway strategy to achieve carbon neutrality—recognising that each market requires tailored solutions that balance infrastructure readiness, energy resources, and consumer needs.
In Saudi Arabia, this strategy continues to advance through multiple initiatives, including the Jeddah hydrogen taxi project, the Makkah Caetano H2.City Gold bus trial, and ongoing research collaborations with KAUST to develop region-specific fuel cell technologies.
