Nabil Mostafa: The Gulf region is widely regarded as one of the toughest environments for automotive batteries. How has Clarios adapted VARTA AGM, EFB, and lithium ion technologies to perform reliably under extreme heat in GCC countries?

Therese Gosztonyi: Heat is undoubtedly the biggest enemy of battery lifespan and performance. That is why our technologies are built around the reinforced PowerFrame grid design, which is specifically engineered to withstand prolonged exposure to temperatures that frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius in this region. These improvements are not limited to flagship products only. We applied them across our entire portfolio to ensure resilience against thermal stress while maintaining stable energy cycles.

For example, the latest AGM H3 and EFB H9 batteries designed for passenger vehicles feature advanced internal engineering that resists high temperatures, significantly extending service life compared to standard benchmarks. This is precisely why our batteries outperform conventional options in environments where traditional batteries often struggle.

Nabil Mostafa: With the rapid evolution of workshops, fleets, and distributors across the Middle East, how is Clarios aligning its low voltage battery portfolio to meet changing technical and operational demands?

Therese Gosztonyi: Vehicle systems are becoming more complex at an incredible pace, especially with the spread of start stop systems, the growth of hybrid and electric vehicles, and the increasing use of advanced driver assistance technologies. To simplify battery selection, we streamlined our portfolio using a clear color based system: blue for conventional batteries, silver for EFB, and gold for AGM.

While it sounds simple, this approach solves a major challenge. Selecting the wrong battery often leads to early failure and warranty issues. For fleet operators, AGM technology has demonstrated measurable value by reducing vehicle downtime by up to 73 percent, as certified by TÜV Nord. This reduction directly lowers fuel consumption and carbon emissions, creating tangible economic benefits for commercial customers.

Nabil Mostafa: The regional aftermarket is experiencing rapid digital transformation. Where do you see the biggest opportunities to create added value for distributors and workshops, and how is Clarios supporting this shift?

Therese Gosztonyi: One of the biggest challenges our partners face is the complexity of choosing the correct battery. That is why we introduced our bilingual digital platform featuring the Battery Finder tool, which delivers precise recommendations based on vehicle model and specification.

However, digital tools alone are not enough. We combine them with on site technical support through field experts who visit workshops directly, as well as our training academy that offers on demand educational content. The real value lies in combining digital efficiency with human expertise, especially in a market where trust and personal relationships remain fundamental.

Nabil Mostafa: Looking ahead, what are Clarios’ strategic priorities in the Gulf, and how do sustainability and innovation fit into your long term mobility vision for the Middle East?

Therese Gosztonyi: Our priorities focus on three key areas: expanding local technical support, strengthening distributor partnerships, and preparing the market for emerging battery chemistries. We are actively investing in sodium ion technology and supercapacitors, which are sustainable solutions aligned with the region’s electrification goals.

For us, sustainability goes beyond environmental responsibility. It also includes supply chain resilience. We operate the world’s largest circular recycling network, with the ambition of recovering 100 percent of materials. As the Middle East accelerates toward connected and electric mobility, low voltage batteries will become even more critical for powering advanced electronics and safety systems. We are fully prepared to lead this transition.

As the conversation with Therese Gosztonyi comes to a close, it becomes clear that Clarios is doing far more than supplying energy solutions. The company is setting new standards for innovation and sustainability that align closely with the Gulf region’s ambitious mobility goals.

By combining engineering excellence with a deep understanding of local market needs, Clarios positions brands like VARTA as trusted partners rather than simple component suppliers. As Automechanika continues to spotlight the future of the automotive industry, Clarios remains firmly at the forefront, proving that leadership in this market comes from confronting climate challenges with breakthrough technology and placing sustainability at the core of every energy cell produced.