GCC Auto Industry Is Shifting Gears — with Frost & Sullivan

The AutoParts Revolution – Featuring Steven Pickering of BuyParts24

Drop your topics suggestions here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2321855/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Wiki Bearings Podcast [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbqUF_sLrWs], host Hassanein Alwan dives into one of the UAE’s most inspiring stories of digital transformation — the remarkable rise of BuyParts24, the region’s largest B2B e-commerce platform for automotive spare parts. Our guest, Steven Pickering, General Manager of BuyParts24, reveals how his team reimagined a traditional automotive aftermarket business into a fully digitized, data-driven marketplace trusted by thousands of workshops, garages, and distributors across the UAE. What started as a bold vision within the Ghassan Aboud Group has become a success story that’s redefining how auto parts are sourced, priced, and delivered across the region. Steven shares the journey from concept to execution — the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned along the way. He discusses how BuyParts24 overcame major data hurdles, including VIN-based part identification, to deliver unmatched accuracy in part matching and search. Listeners will discover how a focus on trust, logistics excellence, and risk management helped the company build a scalable and secure digital commerce model that balances innovation with reliability. Beyond the technology, the episode shines a light on the human side of digital adoption. Steven explains how the BuyParts24 team helped traditional workshops embrace digital tools through education, simplicity, and user-focused onboarding. Their motto — “Simplify to amplify” — became the guiding principle for making e-commerce accessible to all levels of digital maturity. From same-day delivery and three-hour express service to a data-powered strategy that leverages AI for inventory optimization and demand prediction, BuyParts24 demonstrates how innovation can transform even the most traditional industries. Listeners will also gain insights into how the UAE’s “Do It For Me” (DIFM) culture shapes the B2B aftermarket and why catering to garages and fleet operators — rather than individual consumers — is key to success in the region. Whether you’re a business leader exploring e-commerce, a professional in the automotive industry, or simply passionate about innovation, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible when technology meets vision. Episode Highlights: 💡 The vision behind BuyParts24 and its role in digitizing the UAE auto aftermarket 💬 Solving data accuracy and VIN challenges 💳 Building trust with payment and credit systems ⚙️ Overcoming resistance through education and simplicity 🚚 Logistics innovation and same-day delivery 📊 Using data and AI to predict demand and trends 🧠 Lessons for traditional businesses going digital 💌 Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at podcast@mcb.ae 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and share the Wiki Bearings Podcast. For more info, Please visit our website:  https://mcb.ae/ [https://mcb.ae/] Follow us on social media: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco [https://ae.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco] -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/ [https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/] -Twitter: https://twitter.com/MineralCircles [https://twitter.com/MineralCircles] -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/ [https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/] #bearings #bearingmanufacturer #bearingsupplier #wikibearings

The King of Bearings with NTN Expert Andre du Preez

Drop your topics suggestions here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2321855/fan_mail/new]  In this episode of Wiki Bearings, host Mr. Hassanein Alwan sits down with Mr. Andre, Technical Support Engineer at NTN Middle East FZE, who brings over 30 years of expertise in mining, cement, and heavy industrial applications. Together, they unpack why spherical roller bearings (SRBs) are considered the true “Kings of Bearings”—and how SRB ranges like ULTAGE and EF800 shaker screen bearings are reshaping reliability in some of the toughest environments.    ✅ Why You Should Watch  Learn what makes spherical roller bearings unique—and why they can handle extreme loads & misalignment.  Discover the ULTAGE upgrade that delivers double the life compared to standard ranges.  Clear up confusion about bearing suffixes (EA, W33, D1, C3, C4) and how they affect performance.  See why EF800 shaker screen bearings are game changers for vibrating applications.  Get practical do’s & don’ts for mounting heavy bearings to avoid costly failures.  Find out the #1 cause of early bearing failure and how to prevent it.    💡 Episode Highlights—What You’ll Learn  What Makes SRBs Special  From their unique geometry to their ability to withstand radial and axial loads, SRBs stand apart in heavy-duty environments like crushers, gearboxes, and conveyors.  The ULTAGE Advantage  How NTN optimized roller size, geometry, material, and lubrication—boosting load capacity by 50%, speed by 20%, and life expectancy 2x higher than before.  Decoding Bearing Suffixes  EA, W33, D1, C3, C4… Andre explains how to read these codes correctly—and why mixing brands without checking suffix meanings is risky.  EF800 for Shaker Screens  Why standard C4 bearings fail in vibrating equipment and how precision-tuned EF800 bearings are purpose-built for durability.  Mounting Matters  Why using the wrong tools or ignoring safety can ruin even the best bearings—and Andre’s golden rule: “If you have the right tools, half the job is done.”  Lubrication & Contamination  The truth about grease: too much, too little, or contaminated grease is the #1 reason for bearing failure. Hear how NTN’s VIB grease for crushers and quarries extends life dramatically.  Real Case Studies  How a plant in the UAE significantly reduced bearing failures—thanks to correct bearing selection, mounting, and NTN grease.                          For more info, Please visit our website:  https://mcb.ae/ [https://mcb.ae/] Follow us on social media: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco [https://ae.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco] -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/ [https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/] -Twitter: https://twitter.com/MineralCircles [https://twitter.com/MineralCircles] -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/ [https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/] #bearings #bearingmanufacturer #bearingsupplier #wikibearings

The Death of Internal Combustion Engine! Featuring Tufan Baysal from Niterra

Drop your topics suggestions here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2321855/fan_mail/new] 🎧 Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Wiki Bearings! Host Hassanein Alwan sits down with Tufan Baysal, Director Aftermarket- MEA Niterra (formerly NGK Spark Plugs), to unpack the evolving future of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) in the age of electrification—and what it means for the aftermarket, sustainability, and global mobility. Why You Should Watch This Episode If you're in the automotive, aftermarket, manufacturing, or mobility tech space, this episode offers deep insights into: ✅ Whether the ICE engine is dying—or simply evolving ✅ The real pace of EV adoption across the globe ✅ What the name change from NGK to Niterra really means ✅ How the aftermarket can adapt and thrive in the next 25 years ✅ Why hybrid, hydrogen, and ceramic tech are reshaping the future 💡 Episode Highlights — What You’ll Learn 🛞 NGK becomes Niterra: What’s behind the rebrand Discover the global vision behind one of the industry’s most respected names—and how they’re preparing for a future beyond spark plugs. Will ICE engines disappear? Spoiler: Not anytime soon. Tufan shares real data and global trends, from EV slowdown in Europe to ICE dominance in Africa and Asia. Hybrid, Hydrogen, and EV: What’s viable, where, and when Explore which tech is realistic today, which is overhyped, and what truly works in regions with limited infrastructure. EV vs ICE: It’s not just about emissions Dive into the environmental, logistical, and cultural complexities of EV adoption—and how “eco-friendly” isn’t always so simple. Aftermarket Growth in Emerging Markets Why the Middle East, Africa, and Eurasia will drive the future of the ICE aftermarket—and how local garages can stay relevant. F1, Speed & Emotion: Why ICE isn’t just technology Hear Tufan's take on why car enthusiasts still love the engine roar—and what EVs still can't replicate. The Future Beyond Cars Learn how Niterra is leveraging its ceramic tech in new industries: air purification, low-energy ACs, sustainable shrimp farming, and more. Training the Mechanics of Tomorrow Why partnerships with technical schools in Africa are critical to building the EV-ready aftermarket workforce. Why EV resale value is a hidden barrier Tufan and Hassanein unpack why many consumers are hesitant to switch—and how rapidly evolving EV tech impacts resale and value. For more info, Please visit our website:  https://mcb.ae/ [https://mcb.ae/] Follow us on social media: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco [https://ae.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco] -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/ [https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/] -Twitter: https://twitter.com/MineralCircles [https://twitter.com/MineralCircles] -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/ [https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/] #bearings #bearingmanufacturer #bearingsupplier #wikibearings

GCC Auto Industry Is Shifting Gears — with Frost & Sullivan

Drop your topics suggestions here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2321855/fan_mail/new] 🎙️ Welcome to another episode of Wiki Bearings, where host Hassanein Alwan dives into the high-stakes transformation of the GCC automotive industry with Sammy Krish, Vice President of Customer Engagement at Frost & Sullivan. From ICE to EVs, from car ownership models to digital aftermarket disruption—this episode delivers insider insight on what’s really happening under the hood of the region’s mobility landscape. 🔍 Why You Need to Watch This Episode If you’re in automotive, distribution, aftermarket services, or OEM strategy, this episode will show you:  ✅ Where the GCC auto market is heading by 2028  ✅ How EVs are disrupting (and not disrupting) the aftermarket  ✅ Why hybrid vehicles are winning the short-term race  ✅ What’s driving consumer behavior in Saudi, UAE & beyond  ✅ How digitalization, e-commerce, and new models are reshaping the business 🚗 Episode Highlights — What You’ll Learn 📊 16M Vehicles & Growing Understand the current car park size in the GCC and what’s fueling growth in Saudi and UAE. 🔌 EVs vs ICE: What’s Real? Cut through the hype—learn what’s truly driving electric vehicle adoption and what challenges still remain. 📉 Aftermarket Shakeup or Stability? Sammy explains why EVs won’t kill the aftermarket (yet), and why ICEs will still dominate for years. 🛠️ Digital Disruption Hits Garages From online parts platforms to cataloging challenges—get the real story on digital aftermarket transformation. 🌍 Global Forecast to 2030 Learn how rising vehicle age, delayed scrappage, and China’s EV surge are reshaping the global aftermarket. 🧠 Consumer Behavior Insights Why are GCC drivers holding onto their cars longer—and what does that mean for parts, servicing, and new sales? 🔋 Battery, Hybrid, or ICE? Explore the technology race: who’s winning, who’s catching up, and what models will dominate the next decade. 📌 Takeaways for Your Business: * Don’t bet on a full EV takeover—hybrids and ICE still matter * The aftermarket isn’t shrinking, it’s evolving * Prepare for digital—cataloging, e-commerce, and AI are must-haves * China’s rise in EV is real—but can they win the aftermarket too? For more info, Please visit our website:  https://mcb.ae/ [https://mcb.ae/] Follow us on social media: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco [https://ae.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco] -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/ [https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/] -Twitter: https://twitter.com/MineralCircles [https://twitter.com/MineralCircles] -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/ [https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/] #bearings #bearingmanufacturer #bearingsupplier #wikibearings

Kill the Bill: Hack Your Way to Sustainability by Amer Khatib

Drop your topics suggestions here! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2321855/fan_mail/new] 🎧 Welcome to yet another episode of Wiki Bearings, where host Hassanein Alwan sits down with Amer Khatib, CEO of Leanenergy to expose the hidden cost of energy waste—and what smart businesses are doing to save money while reducing their carbon footprint. Why You Need to Watch This Episode ? If you’re in manufacturing, hospitality, education, or facilities management, this episode shows you how to: ✅ Cut energy costs without major investment ✅ Use real-time data & AI for smarter decision-making ✅ Make sustainability your next competitive advantage ✅ Reduce emissions, boost ROI, and future-proof your operations 💡 Episode Highlights — What You’ll Learn 🔋 43% of global energy is wasted Understand the hard data behind energy inefficiency and why ignoring it directly hurts your profit margins. 🏭 Every business—big or small—can save From factories to schools, Amer explains how plug-and-play energy monitoring works across industries with personalized savings. 📈 Case study: 28% savings from tracking a freezer door Discover how a cold storage facility slashed compressor usage by changing one operational behavior, no hardware overhaul needed. 💡 “Reduce Before You Produce” Why you should cut energy waste before investing in renewables, and how that unlocks faster ROI. 📊 KPI Blueprint for sustainability success Learn which metrics matter: kWh per output, CO₂ per dollar spent, and energy usage per guest or ton. ⚙️ How AI & IoT redefine energy management Explore the tech behind smarter systems, real-time alerts, and predictive maintenance. 🚪 Process optimization that costs nothing Why behavior-driven changes can save thousands—just by knowing what to look for. 💰 Fastest ROI in sustainability: 1–3 months Forget 7-year solar paybacks. Amer reveals how energy monitoring pays back in weeks—often from day one. 👨‍💼 Why leadership and policy matter Make energy saving part of your strategic agenda. 🚀 Sustainability = Profit + Resilience This isn’t a buzzword. It’s your next edge in tenders, compliance, customer trust, and long-term cost reduction. For more info, Please visit our website: https://mcb.ae/ [https://mcb.ae/] Follow us on social media: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco [https://ae.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco] -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/ [https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/] -Twitter: https://twitter.com/MineralCircles [https://twitter.com/MineralCircles] -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/ [https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/] For more info, Please visit our website:  https://mcb.ae/ [https://mcb.ae/] Follow us on social media: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco [https://ae.linkedin.com/company/mineral-circles-bearings-fzco] -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/ [https://www.instagram.com/mineralcircles/] -Twitter: https://twitter.com/MineralCircles [https://twitter.com/MineralCircles] -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/ [https://www.facebook.com/MineralCircles/] #bearings #bearingmanufacturer #bearingsupplier #wikibearings